May I first of all commend the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and in particular Presidents Kufuor and Obasanjo on their tireless efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire. I also wish to thank all of those countries that have provided contingents t…
You have before you, Mr. President, the report (S/2003/1099) in which I have described the preparations for an international conference on the Great Lakes region. This is an old idea which has been revived by developments in the situation on the ground.
Everyone knows that conflicts and instability…
Since this will be the last time I will speak in this Chamber in the presence of my friend Ambassador Aguilar Zinser from Mexico, let me also say how much we will miss him, his wit, his sense of humour, his independent spirit and his keen sense of justice and fair play. He has made a contribution an…
Corruption is an insidious plague that has a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. It undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flour…
One stark fact should be on our minds throughout this timely Dialogue: in 2002, for the sixth consecutive year, developing countries made a net transfer of resources to other countries. Moreover, last year’s was the largest such negative resource transfer ever: $200 billion. We have just heard the P…
May I commend the members of the Security Council for having reached this significant agreement on what, obviously, is a particularly important resolution to address the complex situation in Iraq. The process has been difficult. But the outcome is a clear demonstration of the will of all the members…
This Council has a very heavy responsibility to promote justice and the rule of law in its efforts to maintain international peace and security. This applies both internationally and in rebuilding shattered societies. It is the latter that I wish to speak about today.
The United Nations, through ma…
The last 12 months have been very painful for those of us who believe in collective answers to our common problems and challenges.
In many countries, terrorism has once again brought death and suffering to innocent people. In the Middle East, and in certain parts of Africa, violence has continued t…
In accordance with General Assembly resolution S-26/2/2001, a high-level interactive panel on HIV/AIDS was held this afternoon. The panel was attended by ten heads of State and Government, a large number of ministers, six heads of United Nations agencies and more than 20 representatives of civil soc…
Two years ago, the United Nations agreed that victory over HIV/AIDS would require will, resources and concrete measures. We have the will to accomplish that, and the resources are on the increase. But when it comes to action, we are still far from the goal.
Member States adopted the Declaration of …
I wish to express my strong support for the draft resolution before the Council. I can think of no issue about which I feel more strongly as Secretary-General — and I believe none should be more important to each member of the Security Council — than the safety of those brave men and women who serve…
I congratulate the Security Council on unanimously adopting the resolution and giving the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) the strong mandate it needs to fulfil its difficult mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The political and milita…
I am delighted that my Special Representative, Sergio Vieira de Mello, is with us today. I am sure I speak for all of us in expressing warm gratitude to him, his staff and all of his team for their outstanding work so far. I should also say a special word of gratitude to the United Nations staff in …
Last year, in resolution 1422 (2002), the Security Council requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) should, for a 12- month period starting 1 July 2002, not commence or proceed with investigation or prosecution of any case involving current or former officials or personnel from a contri…
We should all be gratified that the Council has come together to chart the way forward in Iraq. As members know, I have always held that the unity of the Council is the indispensable foundation for effective action to maintain international peace and security and international law.
The Council has …
It is good to see you again in New York, Mr. President.
Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, on the pacific settlement of disputes, stands at the heart of the Organization’s system of collective security. Over the past 10 years, resolutions adopted under Chapter VII have been the better known,…
Let me start by thanking you, Mr. President, and your Government for initiating this discussion of the lessons to be derived from the experience of the United Nations in previous conflict and post-conflict situations.
As members know, the United Nations has been engaged in a wide range of activitie…
First, let me warmly welcome the distinguished Foreign Ministers of countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) who are here with us today, and to thank ECOWAS, as well as France, for the important role they are playing in the search for peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire t…
It is wonderful to see you here, Mr. Minister, presiding over the Council at this meeting.
Thank you, Mr. President, for your timely initiative in arranging this important meeting. We are clearly at a crucial juncture in the development of international relations, and I am pleased to see representa…
I am very happy we have been able to adopt this resolution unanimously. I think it augurs well for future tasks ahead of us. We have many challenging questions and I hope we will be able to approach those tasks with the same spirit.
