YouSaid · the spoken record

Abushahab

lines on the record: 829
first: 2021-11-09
most recent: 2023-12-30
sittings or episodes: 155
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We once again extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to those affected. During that difficult time, we have seen the spirit of international solidarity make itself felt in support of the Syrian people. Arab efforts have been at the forefront of that support, as we have seen from the many Arab countries that have reached out to Syria in the past few weeks and from the support that Arab peoples have provided to their Syrian brothers, emphasizing how important it is to bring the Syrian Arab Republic back into the Arab milieu. Against that backdrop, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates made an urgent visit to Syria and Türkiye in the aftermath of the earthquake, where he saw first-hand the extensive destruction and suffering across affected areas.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): We thank Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Griffiths for their important briefings. We also thank Ms. Muhrez for her touching briefing and express our sincere condolences to her and all who have been affected by the earthquake. Our brother people of Syria suffered devastating tragedy this month. After 12 years of war and a terrible humanitarian situation, an earthquake inflicted additional hardships, killing or injuring tens of thousands of people, turning historic cities, emblems of an ancient civilization, into piles of rubble and leaving families displaced and children orphaned. And as the peoples of Syria and Türkiye struggled to recover and heal from the first catastrophic earthquake, on 20 February a second struck their countries, causing more suffering for millions.”
2023-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9272 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates underscores its solidarity with the Libyan people and supports their endeavours to live in a safe and prosperous country that is full of opportunities and ensures a peaceful and prosperous future.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“Despite the many challenges facing Libya and the efforts made by the relevant authorities to keep pace and address those challenges, more steps must be taken to improve the programme of disclosure, transparency and governance, especially with regard to expenditure. That will ensure the equitable distribution of resources, the preservation of vital institutions and the protection of the wealth of the Libyan people to ensure that it is preserved for future generations. That is particularly important in the context of the Secretary-General’s reference in his report (S/2023/76) to the exploitation by terrorist groups, such as Da’esh, of the current situation on the ground to generate revenue through the smuggling of oil.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“We welcome the establishment of a joint coordination mechanism for collecting and exchanging data on the matter. To ensure security throughout Libya, combating terrorism and maintaining the gains made in countering extremism must remain a priority. Furthermore, the measures and tools adopted by the Council should not impede the national efforts of Libyan forces to address security threats, especially in southern Libya. We also note that restoring stability in Libya will support the security and stability of all countries in the region, especially of neighbouring countries. As such, we support regional efforts aimed at addressing irregular migration, while taking into account Libyan and African concerns. The international community must provide support to origin and transit countries alike to address the root causes of migration.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“It is encouraging that the meetings of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission are continuing with the participation of representatives from neighbouring countries, as well as local and international ceasefire monitors, under the auspices of UNSMIL. Their efforts must be accompanied by the implementation of the remaining elements of the ceasefire agreement and by taking serious steps on the ground towards unifying the military institutions in Libya. We support the efforts aimed at creating a joint military force as a base for achieving unity. The United Arab Emirates also reiterates its request for a simultaneous, phased, gradual and balanced withdrawal of foreign forces, foreign fighters and mercenaries in order to achieve peace and stability in Libya.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“In conjunction with the efforts made to reach a comprehensive political settlement that ends the transitional period, we must continue advancing along the path of comprehensive and just national reconciliation to ensure sustainable peace and stability in Libya. Accordingly, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its support for the efforts of the Libyan Presidential Council, the African Union and UNSMIL through the preparatory forum for the National Reconciliation Conference. We look forward to the next steps in the implementation of the national reconciliation strategy with the participation of all parties. Continuing to respect the ceasefire agreement is essential for maintaining stability throughout Libya.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“We also stress the need to promote the full, equal and meaningful participation of Libyan women in the political process, including in the transitional process leading to the elections and beyond. We also emphasize the need to ensure the protection of women and girls against violence, including online. We further stress the importance of involving youth in the political process, considering their pivotal role in establishing and sustaining peace. We therefore welcome the inclusiveness of the mechanism proposed by the Special Representative to strengthen the participation of women and youth.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“That has not only prolonged the process and made it repetitive, but it has also taken a turn that does not serve the national interests of the Libyan people. Therefore, we do not see a way out of that political impasse other than coming together in support of Mr. Bathily’s efforts towards enabling Libyans to reaching a Libyan-owned political settlement leading to the holding of simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections this year that are accepted by all Libyan parties and that result in the establishment of a unified Government. We commend the important role played by Libya’s neighbouring countries, particularly Egypt, in bringing diverging views closer together with the support of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“Twelve years have passed since the 17 February anniversary that was an opportunity for transformation to a new phase in Libya. Regrettably, it has been met with complex divisions and alliances as well as intense civil strife among Libyans. Therefore, the anniversary offers an important opportunity to remember the suffering and difficulties endured by that brotherly Arab country and to learn lessons from the past, turn the page on it and put national interests above all other considerations. Libya was only a few steps away from holding elections. For reasons that are known to all, the date of the elections was postponed. Since then, the parties concerned have carried out successive consultations to reach consensus on a constitutional basis.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, we thank the Special Representative, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, for his informative briefing and welcome Ambassador Elsonni to today’s meeting. We would also like to stress the support of the United Arab Emirates for the proposal of the Special Representative in relation to the High Level Steering Group for Libya. We hope that the panel will achieve the desired goals and consensus to which the Libyans aspire. In order for those steps to succeed and be reflected on the ground, they need collective support from the international community free from geopolitical effects. They also require unlimited Libyan cooperation. In that regard, we emphasize the importance of consulting and coordinating with Libyans on the proposal.”
2023-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9270 (2023) · source
“While several investigations are ongoing, we urge all the parties concerned not to resort to unilateral measures or escalatory actions. At a time of considerable regional and international uncertainty, we can ill afford any steps that could inflame tensions. We await the establishment of the facts around the incidents, the identification of those responsible and the proper steps to ensure accountability.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“When we met last September to discuss this issue (see S/PV.9144), the exact cause of the explosions was unknown. What was clear was the importance of conducting an investigation into the causes of the explosions and preventing the situation from further escalating. The imperative for thorough and credible investigations, alongside the need to reduce tensions, is as relevant today as it was last autumn. It is important that the investigations be grounded in science and facts, not politics and posturing. The gravity of the situation demands a serious and sober approach and requires holding those responsible accountable. It is vital that we send a loud and clear message that such types of acts cannot be tolerated.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing, and we listened carefully to Mr. Sachs and Mr. McGovern. Acts of sabotage against energy infrastructure, such as the explosions that damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea last September, are unacceptable. They pose a significant threat to international security, stability and prosperity. They may also disrupt markets and undermine the predictability of energy supplies, and, as we saw in this case, they can carry a significant risk of environmental damage. Last year’s explosions had devastating consequences for our planet, leading to the worst methane gas leak ever recorded. As we work together to address climate change, such events only make our collective efforts more difficult. The United Arab Emirates takes the incident extremely seriously.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9266 (2023) · source
“Regrettably, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to prioritize proliferation and escalation over the urgent humanitarian needs of its population. We urge the Democratic People’s Republic to cooperate with the United Nations and the international community to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation affecting its people and allow humanitarian assistance to resume within the country. It is time for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to abandon its threats and intimidation and return to dialogue, and it is time for the Security Council to speak with one voice on this file. The status quo is both dangerous and unsustainable.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to respect international law, abide by the Security Council’s resolutions and return to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The Security Council must protect the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture from further erosion and flagrant violations. Despite the establishment of a stringent sanctions regime by the Council, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has continued in its development of an illegal nuclear- weapons programme. The Council must address and combat the new methods by which the Democratic People’s Republic finances its illegal weapons programme and must simultaneously ensure that all Member States faithfully implement the sanctions already in place.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Japan and the people of the Republic of Korea, who continue to suffer first hand the fear and anxiety resulting from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s reckless and provocative behaviour. The Democratic People’s Republic’s behaviour is not only threatening its neighbours; its reverberations are global, as proliferation anywhere undermines stability and security everywhere. As the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to choose the path of escalation, the United Arab Emirates remains deeply concerned at the heightened nuclear rhetoric in the region and the prospects that the Democratic People’s Republic will conduct a seventh nuclear test.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing. I welcome the participation of the Republic of Korea in today’s meeting. Two nights ago, the people of Hokkaido were put in grave danger by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s most recent illegal intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, which landed off the coast of Japan. Since then, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has launched another two ballistic missiles. The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns those most recent provocations by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In less than one year, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has launched more than 70 ballistic missiles, including nine ICBMs, each in violation of Security Council resolutions.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“Today more than 17.7 million Ukrainians require assistance. But even a year ago, 3.4 million people — the vast majority of whom were women and children — needed humanitarian aid as a result of the conflict. That misery cannot continue to drag on. Over the next week we will all reflect on the developments of the past 12 months and the costs of the war and its implications for Ukraine, the region and the world. It is our sincere hope that such reflection will foster a renewed resolve for peace.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“Most of all, it will require the ongoing commitment of all the relevant actors to implement and evolve with it. The second wrong lesson is that the past is prelude. We cannot let cynicism about the possibility of a just and lasting peace prevail, as that would legitimize the pursuit of military victory at all costs. A point will come when the guns must be silenced. For us, that point is now. Today we are meeting to discuss the latest unrealized attempt at peace amid reports of an impending escalation. Let us be clear — a fresh offensive will not make peace more attainable. It will only provoke a counter-offensive, and the wretched cycle of violence will go on. We therefore call once again for a cessation of hostilities, and express our support for all earnest efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“As the prospects for peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine grow dimmer by the day, we are concerned about the possibility that the wrong lessons are being drawn from Minsk. The first of those is that the past is preordained. The deterioration in relations between the parties and stakeholders of the Minsk agreements, along with the war in Ukraine and recent public statements, may lead some to conclude that the agreements were destined to fail. That reaction is understandable. Yet the eight years that elapsed between the first signature and the final collapse suggest that there was both a desire and an effort to preserve the agreements. A successful resolution of this conflict that establishes the framework for a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine will surely depend on its design, comprehensiveness and incentives.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and Am- bassador Martin Sajdik for their informative briefings. It is profoundly unfortunate that we are meeting today to discuss the lessons learned from the Minsk agreements in the shadow of the very war that we had all hoped they would prevent. The agreements were a worthy effort, and, while they did not ultimately hold, they offered an alternative to conflict. Surely a difficult but ongoing negotiation process would have been preferable to the tragedy that has unfolded over the past year. In searching the Minsk agreements for lessons, however, we find that a successful agreement cannot be reduced to a mere talking point. It must be nurtured as a living, breathing organism in which peace grows, drawing the parties and their partners in, and in the process transforming them.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“We hope that Iraq will continue on its path towards peace and stability and that its people will achieve their aspirations for security and prosperity.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“The Iraqi people’s warm reception of Arab visitors during that event reflected their broad desire to build bridges with the Arab region, to which they belong. With regard to the missing Kuwaitis and third- country nationals, as well as lost Kuwaiti property, including national archives, we hope that progress will be made on that dossier during the upcoming period. We commend the efforts of both Kuwait and Iraq in that regard. In conclusion, we commend the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq for the efforts it is making within its mandate to assist Iraq in overcoming the difficulties the country is currently facing. That includes supporting the Government’s efforts to address emerging challenges, such as climate change, which affects the lives of Iraqis in many ways.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Considering the increase of attacks against Iraq in recent months, we stress the need for the international community to reject, in one voice, such acts that not only violate the sovereignty of Iraq, but also constitute a flagrant violation of international law and threaten the stability of the region. Our region has recently witnessed two different events that reflect positively on the engagement between Iraq and its region. The first event, in December 2022, was the joint organization, by Iraq, Jordan, and France, of the second Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. The Conference demonstrated the willingness of the countries of the region to strengthen cooperation with Iraq and support its stability. The second event was the Arabian Gulf Cup tournament hosted by Iraq.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“The Da’esh organization continues its activities across several areas of Iraq. Just recently, terrorist attacks by Da’esh have taken place, most notably near the village of Albu Bali, in Kirkuk governorate, on 18 December 2022, which claimed the lives of eight civilians and nine police officers. We reiterate our support for all measures taken by Iraq to protect its gains in the fight against terrorism and to eliminate it completely. My country condemns any interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and any actions under any pretext that may undermine its security and stability.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In terms of the appointment of three women in the new Government and the recently ongoing efforts to empower Iraqi women economically, we stress the importance of promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in various fields, especially in the public and private sectors. Women have an essential role in building prosperous, stable and sustainable societies. We also commend the United Nations activities to support Iraqi women, including through raising awareness of the psychosocial and social needs of women survivors of crimes perpetrated by Da’esh. While Iraq recently commemorated the fifth anniversary of the declaration of victory over Da’esh, we must not lose sight of the continuous threats posed by that terrorist organization to the security and stability of Iraq and the region.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In the light of Iraq’s long-awaited formation of a new Government, in October 2022, we emphasize the importance of building on that welcome step and prioritizing Iraq’s national interest and unity. That will enable the country to address its challenges and strengthen its security and stability. Going forward, it is critical for Iraq to continue to work diligently at reforming various sectors, particularly through promoting the rule of law, strengthening state institutions, accelerating development and achieving economic progress. We look forward to Iraq’s adoption of this year’s annual budget, which will support vital projects in the country.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to wish you every success. I also express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our colleagues in the delegation of Japan for their outstanding efforts and professionalism during Japan’s successful presidency of the Council in January. Additionally, I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her important briefing, as well as Mr. Ahmed for his valuable intervention. I also welcome the participation of Iraq’s representative in this meeting.”
2023-02-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9253 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we hope that the year 2023 will witness additional positive steps towards creating the conditions appropriate to putting Syria on the path of security and stability.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9248 (2023) · source
“However, we must work to find solutions that respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, including by doubling cross- line humanitarian aid, both in terms of its frequency and scale, and early-recovery projects. In that context, we commend United Nations efforts to increase cross- line aid and stress the importance of intensifying such efforts. My country expresses its deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the camps, especially during the cold and harsh winter, given the lack of basic infrastructure. That, in turn, threatens the lives of millions of people, including women and children. We emphasize the need to consider long-term solutions to address those conditions and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9248 (2023) · source
“At the same time, we reaffirm the importance of overcoming the paralysis that affected the Constitutional Committee during the previous period, as it is the only platform in which Syrians can constructively engage in a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned national dialogue without foreign intervention or dictates in order to move the constitutional process forward. Regarding the humanitarian situation, we believe that the unanimous adoption of the resolution to extend the cross-border mechanism (resolution 2672 (2023)) reflects the unity of the Council about prioritizing the needs of the Syrian people over any political considerations.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9248 (2023) · source
“We need to move from managing the Syrian crisis to resolving it, which includes turning the page on disputes by political communication, dialogue and diplomatic efforts. We also stress the importance of finding Arab solutions to Arab crises to build a better future for the peoples of the region. Turning to the political situation, the United Arab Emirates stresses the importance of supporting the efforts of the Special Envoy for Syria, as well as Arab and regional diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the crisis. We also look forward to the upcoming trilateral meeting and hope that such efforts and international talks regarding Syria will yield results in the interest of the Syrian people and in support of the security and stability in the region.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9248 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Geir Pedersen and Ms. Ghada Mudawi for their briefings. Over the past 12 years of the crisis, Syria’s territories have been used as a theatre for political and military operations, which has had an impact on the Syrian people. Those operations have also led to tragic outcomes, including at the humanitarian, economic, social and security levels. Although the Council renewed the cross-border mechanism earlier this month in order to mitigate the worsening humanitarian conditions in Syria, a bandage will not heal a deep wound. While those efforts are important, they do not address all the causes of the Syrian crisis, particularly in the long term. We reiterate the need to stop piecemeal and temporary approaches.”
2023-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9248 (2023) · source
“We also emphasize the need to intensify communication and cooperation between both parties in order to address unresolved issues and agree on confidence-building measures. It is imperative to restore a peaceful track and establish a political horizon, accompanied by practical measures to improve the situation on the ground, in the hope that negotiations can be urgently resumed on declaring an independent and sovereign Palestinian State along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel, in peace, security and mutual recognition.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Those activities are coupled with the continued rising levels of settler-related violence. We stress in that regard that the construction and expansion of settlements and their roads violate international law and the resolutions of the Council. They also contribute to isolating Palestinian areas and undermining the viability of a two-State solution. We stress that all those violations must stop and that Israel must uphold its responsibilities under international law. We call on both sides to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation and refrain from adopting extremist positions. The current situation requires that any punitive measures must cease, as they could deepen the divisions between the two sides, including those related to the General Assembly’s request for an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Today more than 1,200 Palestinians in Masafer Yatta live in a state of uncertainty and fear owing to the risk of forced removal from their homes. Several families have already witnessed the demolition of their properties across various areas in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the percentage of structures demolished or sealed off by their owners in East Jerusalem following the issuance of demolition orders reached 53 per cent as of November 2022, up from 27 per cent in the previous five years. Thirdly, settlement activities, which have reached unprecedented levels, must stop. Reports indicate that dozens of plans were approved to build thousands of new settlement units in areas such as Jerusalem, Hebron and the Jordan Valley.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Such provocations, including the recent interception of the Ambassador of Jordan on his way to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, could fuel violence and escalate the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. In that regard, we reaffirm the need to respect the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s custodianship of the holy sites and its management of the endowments in the city of Jerusalem. The United Arab Emirates also appreciates all multilateral efforts to maintain the status quo of the city of Jerusalem, including the efforts of the Al-Quds Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. Secondly, the demolition of Palestinian properties and the forced displacement of people in Area C must be halted.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Such efforts should ensure compliance with relevant Council resolutions, which have identified the real foundation for an acceptable, just and peaceful settlement to that conflict. In that context, we would like to highlight several negative trends that must cease, as they constitute flash points during the current decisive stage. First, the continuing tensions in and around the holy sites and the escalation of inflammatory rhetoric regarding them must end. We reiterate our rejection and condemnation of any violations or provocative measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo of the city of Jerusalem, including the repeated storming of and threats to storm again the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank Mr. Tor Wennesland for his valuable briefing. We meet again to discuss the critical situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, which has reached an extremely sensitive and dangerous stage owing to the illegal and unilateral measures and practices adopted against the Palestinian people. Under those circumstances, the Security Council, which has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, must make every effort to address the tensions and de-escalate the situation in order to prevent the conflict from reaching more dangerous levels that could affect the entire region.”
2023-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9246 (2023) · source
“The United Arab Emirates once again urges the parties to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. We firmly reiterate our call for a cessation of hostilities throughout Ukraine and our readiness to support all efforts at de-escalation and dialogue towards a just, lasting and peaceful resolution of the war.”
2023-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9245 (2023) · source
“It also stresses the role of Member States in protecting cultural heritage and safeguarding cultural property in the context of armed conflicts. That is of particular importance because places of worship are a centre of gravity for communities of faith and can serve as important platforms for post-war national healing. As the conflict continues, there are increasingly fewer areas of life in Ukraine that remain unaffected. Religious leaders and communities of faith can play an important role in building peace and providing comfort in times of war. We are following the terrible news from Dnipro with deep sorrow and concern. We mourn the 45 people reportedly killed in the air strike on Saturday. The horrific human cost of that single attack underscores the scale of the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine.”
2023-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9245 (2023) · source
“In our own region, we have seen the consequences of extremism or unchecked incitement to violence masquerading as religious faith. Our belief in the moral imperative to ensure that different faith communities can live together peacefully is why we find the recent events in Ukraine particularly distressing. The politicization of religion is another sign of the damage the conflict is inflicting on the country’s social fabric. In times of conflict, we must all work together to protect the sanctity of religious sites. It is imperative that such properties be treated with respect and maintained with care. Resolution 2347 (2017) deplores the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, including religious sites, while emphasizing that such destruction can exacerbate conflict and hamper post-conflict reconciliation.”
2023-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9245 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Brands Kehris for her briefing. We also listened carefully to the remarks of Metropolitan of Volokolamsk Anthony. This topic is of particular importance to the United Arab Emirates, which recognizes interreligious dialogue and understanding as essential to peaceful coexistence. Creating a culture of religious tolerance is also a core element of sustainable conflict prevention, resolution and reconstruction and is an important consideration for the Security Council. We all have a responsibility to ensure that respect for cultures and religions is a global norm. The United Arab Emirates is firmly committed to the principles of the culture of peace. We are aware of the inherent risks of allowing religion to be misused as a tool for those preaching violence and division.”
2023-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9245 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, as we begin a new year, we hope that 2023 will pave the way towards peace in Yemen and the recovery of its economy, which will enable the brotherly Yemeni people to focus their energies and capabilities on achieving sustainable development and ensuring a prosperous future for succeeding generations.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“We reiterate that any attack by that group on neighbouring countries will be met with a firm response by the Arab coalition. At the humanitarian level, we stress the importance of de-escalation and building on the progress achieved during the truce. The Houthi militia must stop its economic war, which targets the economic interests of Yemen, and lift all the restrictions imposed on humanitarian workers, in particular women. The United Arab Emirates will continue its humanitarian efforts to advance the Yemeni economy and improve the delivery of health and education services throughout Yemen.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“The repeated rejection by the Houthis of proposals to renew the truce requires the Security Council to take a stronger approach in order to discourage the Houthis from military escalation, which we strongly condemn, and to compel them to respond seriously to United Nations and regional initiatives to end the war. That stronger approach should include the adoption of measures to enforce the arms embargo imposed on the Houthi terrorist militia. We once again express our deep concern at the continued violations of the arms embargo, which threaten regional and international peace and security. We were recently informed of a number of shipments seized in transit to the Houthis, which contained weapons, ammunition and explosive materials, as well as components of missiles and drones that could be used to launch cross-border attacks.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“In that context, we commend the positive position of the Presidential Leadership Council and its efforts to achieve stability throughout Yemen. We also express our firm support for the important role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to end the crisis in Yemen. We also value the mediation efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman. Achieving security and stability in Yemen will require the Houthi militia to abandon its terrorist activities and destructive agenda. The long list of Houthi violations against the Yemeni people includes acts of oppression and terrorism, killings and forced disappearances. In addition, the Houthis continue to recruit children and indoctrinate them with extremist and violent ideologies, while treating women with abuse.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“Mr. Abushahab (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank Mr. Hans Grundberg and Mr. Martin Griffiths for their comprehensive briefings, and I welcome the participation in this meeting of the representatives of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite the end of the truce and the disruption of the political track due to the behaviour and procrastination of the Houthis, the international community and all the people of Yemen are determined to end the protracted war and the prolonged suffering of the brotherly Yemenis. Therefore, we reiterate our support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement and implementing additional economic and humanitarian confidence-building measures in order to pave the way for all parties in Yemen to engage in dialogue and reach a comprehensive political solution.”
2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we stress the importance of reviving regional and international efforts to advance the Middle East peace process in order to achieve the two-State solution and establish an independent Palestinian State, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace, security and mutual recognition.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9236 (2023) · source