“Any State, if attacked, retains the inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter. But beyond that, when States decide to use force to deal with broader threats to international peace and security, there is no substitute for the unique legitimacy provided by the United Nations.
“Member States attach importance, great importance in fact, to such legitimacy and to the international rule of law. They have shown -– notably in the action to liberate Kuwait, 12 years ago –- that they are willing to take actions under the authority of the Security Council, which they would not be willing to take without it.
“Member States attach importance, great importance in fact, to such legitimacy and to the international rule of law. They have shown -– notably in the action to liberate Kuwait, 12 years ago –- that they are willing to take actions under the authority of the Security Council, which they would not be willing to take without it.
“The existence of an effective international security system depends on the Council’s authority –- and therefore on the Council having the political will to act, even in the most difficult cases, when agreement seems elusive at the outset.
"The primary criterion for putting an issue on the Council’s agenda should not be the receptiveness of the parties, but the existence of a grave threat to world peace.
“Let me now turn to four current threats to world peace, where true leadership and effective action are badly needed.”
"The primary criterion for putting an issue on the Council’s agenda should not be the receptiveness of the parties, but the existence of a grave threat to world peace.
“Let me now turn to four current threats to world peace, where true leadership and effective action are badly needed.”
Secretary-General Annan proceeded to cite four major areas of concern.
“First, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recently, many of us have been struggling to reconcile Israel’s legitimate security concerns with Palestinian humanitarian needs.” …
“Second, the leadership of Iraq continues to defy mandatory resolutions adopted by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter.”…”I urge Iraq to comply with its obligations –- for the sake of its own people, and for the sake of world order. If Iraq’s defiance continues, the Security Council must face its responsibilities.”
“First, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recently, many of us have been struggling to reconcile Israel’s legitimate security concerns with Palestinian humanitarian needs.” …
“Second, the leadership of Iraq continues to defy mandatory resolutions adopted by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter.”…”I urge Iraq to comply with its obligations –- for the sake of its own people, and for the sake of world order. If Iraq’s defiance continues, the Security Council must face its responsibilities.”