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Statement by before the Plenary On Agenda Item 9 & 122: New York, 12 November 2007
On behalf of all members of the Security Council, I would like to express my congratulations to you on your election as President of the General Assembly, in its 62nd session. We are hopeful that under your able stewardship, we will be able to enlarge the cooperation between the Security Council and the General Assembly. In my capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of November, it is my honor to introduce the annual report of the Council to the General Assembly, document A/62/2. This report covers the period 1 August 2006 to 31 July 2007. Mr. President, The annual report demonstrates a diverse agenda for the Council. The programme is vast and encompasses all major regions of the globe as well as a wide array of cross-cutting thematic issues, including the strengthening of international law, cooperation with regional organizations in peace and security, and the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as just a few of these issues. The Council has on its programme of work all major aspects of the maintenance of international peace and security, including armed conflicts, threats to peace and security posed by terrorist acts, as well as issues dealing with peacekeeping operations by the UN and related actors, and post-conflict peace-building. It is an ambitious, but important agenda, and one which we hope will be strengthened by collaboration with our partners, including the General Assembly. During the reporting period, the Council held 224 formal meetings, 184 of which were public, as well as 22 meetings with troop-contributing countries. There were 192 consultations of the whole and the Council adopted 71 resolutions and 52 presidential statements. Developments in Africa were extensively discussed throughout the year. The issue of Darfur was highlighted. There were close consultations on that issue between the Council, the UN Secretariat, the African Union, and the Government of the Sudan. Six resolutions were passed, including resolution 1769 (2007), which authorized the establishment of a UN-AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur. The Council received two briefings by ICC Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo on the situation in Darfur. On 6 February 2007, the Secretary-General briefed
the Council about his meetings at the African Union summit in Addis
Ababa with leaders of several African countries. The Secretary-General
said it was essential to support peacekeeping in Darfur and the agreements
reached in Addis Ababa and Abuja. An agreement was reached between
the UN and AU to conduct a joint mission in Sudan with special envoys
Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim to revive the peace process. On
30 April 2007, the Council adopted resolution 1755, which extended
the mandate of the UN Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) until 31 October
2007. The Council welcomed positive developments in peace-building in Sierra Leone, while stressing the need to address the root causes of the conflict and guaranteed the conduct of free, fair, and democratic elections in the country. The Council also welcomed the progress achieved by the Special Court for Sierra Leone and reiterated its support, and by resolution 1734 (2006), the Council extended the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone. The sanctions regime concerning Liberia was also evaluated, and the mandate of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was extended twice respectively by resolution 1712 (2006) and resolution 1753 (2007). By resolution 1760 (2007) on 20 June 2007, the Council requested the Secretary-General to establish, within one month, a three member panel of experts to conduct a follow-up assessment mission to Liberia and neighboring states to investigate the implementation of the measures outlined in resolution 1521 (2003). A possible coup attempt in Burundi at the beginning of the reporting period prompted a presidential press statement on the matter. In October 2006, a UN integrated office was established there, following the expiry of the UN operation. In June 2007, the Council welcomed talks between the President of Burundi and the leader of the Forces nationals de liberation (Palipehutu-FNL) and the agreement the parties reached. The mandate of the UN Mission in Eritrea/Ethiopia (UNMEE) was extended, with some troop withdrawals. On 17 October 2006 the Council called on Eritrea to withdraw its troops from the Temporary Security Zone and lift restrictions imposed on UNMEE. The Council also called on the parties to show maximum restraint and on Ethiopia to implement fully the Boundary Commission’s decision. By resolution 1767 (2007), 30 July 2007, the Council extended the mandate of UNMEE until 31 January 2008. During this period, Somalia remained in turmoil. Among the issues on the table were the status of the peace talks, the military build-up and its regional implications, and the humanitarian situation. In February 2007, the Council authorized the African Union to establish a mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and urged the Secretary-General to send a team to determine the feasibility of a UN peace-keeping operation. The Council stressed the need for a broad and inclusive political process and appealed to the international community to assist the AU with financial and logistical support. Instability in Chad and its borders with the Central African Republic and the Sudan prompted the mandate for a possible multidimensional force in Chad. The humanitarian situation in the country was also a concern. A visit by Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator reported that there was a deteriorating situation in the humanitarian dimension and that there was a “pressing need” for political solutions. In July 2007, the idea of sending a European force to protect refugees in eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic was also considered by the Council. After going through precarious times with respect to political, security, and economic conditions in late 2006, most Council members expressed support for the on-going mandate of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). There were also concerns about on-going political and social tensions between the National Assembly and the Government and urging the parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and strict respect for the constitutional framework. In July 2007, Council members welcomed the formation of a new Government and stability pact that it hoped to set the foundation for genuine reconciliation. On 9 August 2006, the Council held an open debate on peace consolidation in West Africa urging ECOWAS and the West African states to curb illicit cross-border activities and reiterated solidarity among African leaders for peace and security in the region and addressing cross-border issues. The Council adopted several presidential statements on the Democratic Republic of Congo: in August 2006 regarding the elections, in September 2006 regarding the clash in Kinshasa, in November 2006 which looked forward to the installation of a democratically elected government, in April 2007 regarding the violence in Kinshasa, and in July 2007 through which the Council expressed their concern at the deteriorating security situation in the east of the country. By resolution 1756 (2007), the Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) until 31 December 2007. In line with the extensive considerations by the Council of issues in Africa, a mission to Africa was conducted by the Council from 14 to 21 June 2007. The mission visited several African capitals, including Addis Ababa, Accra, Khartoum, Abidjan and Kinshasa and met with officials from the African Union and the countries visited. Council members emphasized the importance of an exchange of views with the African Union Peace and Security Council and it was decided that the two bodies should meet yearly. The Council also explored how the UN, on a case-by-case basis, could assist the African Union, particularly when the AU was acting under a Security Council mandate. Mr. President, The situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question continued to be considered on a monthly basis. There were seven open debates on the situation, two of which were at the ministerial level. In November 2006, a draft resolution was introduced by Qatar, but not adopted due to the negative vote of a permanent member. In December, there was a comprehensive report of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East and the peace process over the past ten years. The question of Lebanon was also discussed. On the 11th of August 2006, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1701 (2006), which inter alia renewed and enhanced the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The implementation of 1701 (2006) was followed closely, as was the implementation of resolution 1559 (2004), the International Independent Investigation Commission (IIIC) and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. By resolution 1748 (2007), the Council extended the mandate of the IIIC, and by resolution 1757 (2007), the Council established the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. In a presidential statement of June 2007, the Council condemned the terrorist attack against UNIFIL peacekeepers. Iraq remained under the consideration by the Council. In August 2006, the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), whose goal is to assist Iraq in constitutional development, reform of the legal and judicial system, the promotion of human rights, and in responding to humanitarian challenges, was extended by resolution 1700 (2006). The resolution also underlines the importance of cooperation between Iraq and its neighbouring countries as well as the significance of the International Compact of Iraq. In November 2006, the mandate of the multinational force in Iraq was also extended by resolution 1723 (2006), and the Council echoed its hope that Iraqi forces would soon be able to assume full responsibility for the peace and security of their country. In March 2007, the Council made a statement by the President to the press expressing support for the UN and Secretary-General in promoting an inclusive and effective process of national reconciliation. In June 2007, the Council adopted a resolution 1762 (2007) terminating the mandate of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC). From 11 to 16 November 2006, the Council sent a mission to Afghanistan. After debate on the mission report which described its achievements and challenges, the Council unanimously extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until March, 2008. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan was also extended until October 2007. Council members voiced their concern about the security situation, including civilian casualties, and increased violence and terrorist activities carried out by Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups. Mr. President, Turning to Asia, the Security Council extended the mandate of UN Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) through resolution 1745 (2007) and supported the electoral process. The results of presidential elections in Timor-Leste were announced in May and August 2007 and the Council called upon the Government to confront the challenges facing the country. It is hoped that the election would have a unifying impact on the people of Timor-Leste and that it would pave the way to peace. The Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Nepal presented a report of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed on 21 November 2006 by the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party (Maoist). The report requested UN assistance in implementing the agreement. The Council expressed support for a technical assessment team from the Secretary-General. Pursuant to this, a UN Mission was established in Nepal (UNMIN) and the Council reiterated its support for the peace process, calling for timely, fair, and transparent elections. The Council had several meetings on the situation in Myanmar during the reporting period. In January 2007, a draft resolution was introduced by the United States of America but not adopted due to the negative vote of two permanent members. In Europe, Kosovo issue was also one of the high priorities on the agenda, particularly the future status process. The Council regularly considered the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), it discussed proposals for Kosovo’s future status settlement made by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and dispatched its mission. From 25-28 April 2007, the mission visited Brussels, Belgrade, Pristina, and Vienna and held a dialogue on the issue with the EU, NATO, Belgrade, Pristina representatives, and the Special Envoy. However, after much effort on a draft resolution, the Council was not able to reach an agreement and work on the draft was suspended. The Council held several consultations on Georgia in the reporting period. The mandate of UN Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) was extended and the Council called for the parties to comply with the ceasefire and non-use of violence, as well as to finalize agreements on the non-use of violence and the return of refugees and displaced persons. Mr. President, Among the thematic issues that the Council took on during the year was the issue of threats to peace and security caused by terrorist acts, non-proliferation, particularly in North Korea and Iran, civilians in armed conflict, women, peace, and security, and post-conflict peace-building. There was also attention given to the role of regional organizations, including the African Union, as well as prevention of genocide, security sector reform, climate change and security, natural resources and conflict, small arms, and international tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. On the issue of international terrorism, in September 2006, at a public meeting, the Council was briefed by the Chairman of three subsidiary bodies: the 1267 (1999) Committee concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban, the 1373 (2001) Counter-terrorism Committee and the 1540 (2004) Committee on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-state actors, particularly terrorists. A similar briefing by those committees was given in May 2007. In December 2006, the Council adopted a presidential statement on the Review of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED). The Council also adopted several presidential statements condemning the terrorist attack in Iran and the bombing of the Delhi-Lahore Friendship Express train in India in February 2007, two suicide attacks in Algiers and a bomb attack in Baghdad in April 2007, and other terrorist attacks in Yemen in July, 2007. With respect to non-proliferation, the Council adopted resolution 1737 (2006) on 23 December 2006. This imposed sanctions on Iran for non-compliance with the demands set out in resolution 1696 (2006). Resolution 1747 (2007) expanded those sanctions in response to continuing non-compliance by Iran. On 14 October 2006, the Council adopted resolution 1718 (2006) imposing sanctions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Attention was also accorded by the Council to such issues as the protection of civilians and children in armed conflict situations and women, peace, and security. In March 2007, the Council agreed on a presidential statement conveying the view that it is essential to promote full and equal participation of women in post-conflict and peace-building efforts. The cooperation of the Security Council with the Peace-building Commission moved forward. On January 31, 2007, the Council held an open debate on post-conflict peace-building, focusing on practical steps that could be used to improve peace-building across the work of the UN and the importance of partnerships between the principal organs and those contributing to peace-building. Linkages between the Peace-building Commission and the principal organs of the UN were sought. On January 8, 2007, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon participated in a formal debate of the Council on threats to international peace and security. The session emphasized that the current global challenges and threats demanded a “resolute and coherent response,” based on the collective security system of the Charter of the UN. The Council requested regular reporting on regions of potential armed conflict and more focus on peacekeeping in achieving the set objectives of missions, as well as stressing the importance of peace-building. Mr. President, The Council also examined the importance of regional organizations to international peace and security. On September 20, 2006, there was a ministerial open debate on the topic. A presidential statement called for closer cooperation between regional and sub-regional organizations and to promote conflict prevention, peace-building, and peacekeeping. In a separate session on 28 March 2007, the Council convened an open debate on similar themes focusing on Africa. As reflected by a presidential statement agreed on at the meeting, the Council recognized the important role of regional organizations in the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in accordance with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. The Security Council’s relationship with the African Union’s Peace and Security Council was taken forward during the Council’s mission to Addis Ababa in June 2007, in which a joint statement was agreed between the two Councils, committing to closer cooperation across the conflict spectrum. The Council held an open debate on security sector reform on 20 February 2007 to discuss possible UN approaches aimed at fostering the creation of “effective, accountable and sustainable security institutions” that operate within the fabric of the rule of law and respect for human rights. In its presidential statement, the Council stressed that reforming the security sector was critical in post-conflict environments to consolidating peace and stability, reducing poverty, the rule of law and good governance, extending legitimate state authority and preventing countries from relapsing into conflict. On 25 July 2007, the Council held an open debate on “Natural Resources and Conflict”. In the presidential statement that was adopted after the debate, the Council recognized the role that natural resources can play in armed conflict and post-conflict situations by contributing to the outbreak, escalation or continuation of armed conflict. Furthermore, the Council stressed the crucial role that natural resources can play in contributing to long-term economic growth and sustainable development. On 28 August 2007, the Council held an open debate on “The role of the Security Council in the maintenance of Peace and Security in Africa”. In the presidential statement that was adopted after the debate, the Council noted the need to provide coherence and enhanced coordination, both in terms of policy and operationalization, among all stakeholders involved in conflict prevention, highlighting the determination of the Security Council to strengthen its role in preventing and resolving conflicts. The Council also welcomed the intention of the Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution to hold a seminar expected to contribute to the elaboration of an effective global conflict-prevention strategy. As a final point, the Council recognized the importance of effective working methods. The Presidential Note (S/2006/507) remained a practical reference in the work of the Council during the period of coverage, especially in its efforts to enhance effectiveness and transparency. The participation of non-Council members had been accommodated in various open debates and debates throughout the year. The Council members continued to pay attention also to the issue of the Security Council mandate review within the respective Ad hoc Committee. Mr. President, On behalf of all Council members, I extend my thanks to members of the General Assembly for the opportunity to present to you the activities of the Council over the past year. I would also like to express my appreciation, on behalf of the Council, for the work of the Secretary-General and Secretariat staff for their invaluable support of the Council’s activities and for their professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities so that the Council can undertake its important work. I thank you Mr. President.
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