YouSaid · the spoken record

Agyeman

lines on the record: 1,567
first: 2022-01-05
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 204
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

“Nor did it address the requirement for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, which are necessary building blocks to establish a credible framework for humanitarian efforts that can be considered neutral, impartial and independent. Building consensus on how to tackle the worrying consequences of the war in Ukraine has, unfortunately, eluded the Council, but, as the Secretary-General recently suggested, the United Nations is more than the work done within the Council. Accordingly, we salute the bravery of the gallant men and women of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies who continue to work in the dangerous environment in Ukraine to bring hope to the many victims of the war.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9002 (2022) · source
“Ghana continues to be deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Ukraine following the Russian Federation’s invasion of the country on 24 February. Accordingly, we remain committed to supporting all genuine efforts to address the suffering of the Ukrainian people throughout the country’s entire territory within its internationally recognized borders. We had to abstain from voting on draft resolution S/2022/231 on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, submitted by the Russian Federation, because we did not believe that it spoke to the position of the international community on the course of the humanitarian catastrophe.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9002 (2022) · source
“Therefore, by utilizing avenues for regular consultations with the League of Arab States and other regional arrangements, the Council can be more effective in discharging its mandate, especially in situations where arguments for subsidiarity are stronger and clearer. In conclusion, we are mindful of the complexities that cooperation with regional arrangements entail and, as a result, Ghana will continue its efforts to identify gaps and propose guidelines to enhance complementarity between the United Nations and regional organizations. Those efforts are a continuing endeavour and will benefit greatly from the partnership and solidarity of all Council members, the wider United Nations membership and relevant international actors, including the League of Arab States.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“We believe that a deepened partnership with the League of Arab States will help create the desired conditions for tackling some of the cross-regional peace and security issues effectively, as it is evident that sustainable peace will continue to be elusive without effective coordination and collaborative solutions to the conflicts and crises facing the Middle East and North Africa. Thirdly, never has it been more necessary than now to recall that, while the Charter confers on the Council the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, it also permits regional arrangements to deal with matters pertaining to the maintenance of international peace and security as lie within their competence.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“We therefore encourage greater diplomatic engagement by the League in the conflicts in the region, in collaboration with the Security Council, through its conflict resolution tools and strategies. Secondly, we commend the framework of trilateral cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union and the League of Arab States, and welcome efforts to enhance consultations in addressing some of the intractable conflicts with which we continue to grapple.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“In that regard, we are pleased to note the principles of the 22-member League of Arab States, in particular on conflicts, including those in the Arab League region, which are required to be settled by peaceful means, with full respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the countries concerned and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In contributing to this agenda item, we would like to make the following additional points. First, Ghana believes that, in these times of heightened global tensions, the continued engagement and leadership of the League of Arab States will be critical to containing any new conflict situations and flare-ups in the Arab region, as well as addressing the prevailing security challenges.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“In that context, Ghana will continue to actively and constructively support initiatives by the Security Council to help further cement the veritable partnership between the United Nations and all regional and subregional organizations, including with the League of Arab States, on the range of issues requiring urgent consideration, such as early warning on potential conflict situations, prevention, mediation, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, sustaining peace, addressing the root causes of conflict, counter-terrorism, vaccine equity and justice, as well as addressing the climate emergency. We also welcome the commitments made today to the women and peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda in that context.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“Consistent with its foreign policy objectives and in keeping with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, on regional arrangements, Ghana strongly supports the strengthening of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security. We believe that regional arrangements or mechanisms, with their unique and invaluable knowledge of the regions they represent, make vital contributions to securing our collective security. It is imperative, therefore, that we encourage the sustenance of such strategic cooperation and coordination.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank the United Arab Emirates for convening today’s important meeting. I also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of India. I would like to express gratitude to the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres; the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit; and Ms. Razan Farhan Alaqil for their briefings. I equally welcome the participation of the representative of Yemen in today’s meeting.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, I underscore the need for cooperation and unified action within the Council, which is critical to the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, but also to the world at large, and reiterate Ghana’s commitment of support to find a lasting solution to the Middle East problem.”
2022-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9000 (2022) · source
“We urge both parties to resolve all differences through dialogue and negotiations in a comprehensive and mutually acceptable manner and call for the implementation of the provisions and outcomes of the 1991 Madrid Conference, the 1993 Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, subsequent agreements and all United Nations resolutions regarding the question of Palestine. Despite prevailing global dynamics, we encourage the continuing engagement of the Middle East Quartet and the wider international community in helping the parties to implement their obligations for the settlement of the Middle East problem.”
2022-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9000 (2022) · source
“I also wish to appeal for the further easing of humanitarian access to allow inhabitants in the occupied Palestinian territories to have access to the basic supplies they require and to live a dignified life. Ghana reaffirms its belief that the path for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East runs through the two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side within secure and recognized borders, on the basis of the 1967 lines. We recognize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, as well as the aspiration of the countries of the region to live in peace and harmony and call on the parties to desist from unilateral actions that have the tendency to undermine mutual trust and goodwill, which are vital ingredients if progress is to be made on the peace process.”
2022-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9000 (2022) · source
“However, Ghana welcomes the initiative for the recent high-level diplomatic contacts and dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership, and we implore both sides to maintain the momentum and engage in meaningful and transparent dialogue that is reflected in significant policy changes on both sides. Despite the limited but hopeful developments, there are ongoing concerns that grate our collective sensibilities. In that regard, I would like to focus the Council’s attention on the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza and East Jerusalem, and highlight the need for urgent humanitarian relief and economic assistance to the Palestinian people.”
2022-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9000 (2022) · source
“I join others in expressing appreciation to the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process, Mr. Tor Wennesland, for his briefing to the Council, as well as his commitment to the search for lasting peace in the Middle East. The briefing, as always, gives us much to consider and requires of the Council a substantial engagement in support of the political processes that are required to find peace in the Middle East. The concerns related to the status of implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) remain, as we hear reports of forced evictions, demolitions and expansion of settlements, acts of violence against civilians, settler-related violence and provocative acts by both sides.”
2022-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9000 (2022) · source
“We welcome the focus on a human-centred approach, and, in that regard, we take note of the mutually reinforcing priorities within the economic-environment dimensions and the human- security dimensions.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations provides that the Security Council, pursuant to its mandate, can leverage the comparative advantage of regional bodies to promote homegrown and regional approaches to the maintenance of international peace and security. At the same time, we acknowledge the complexity that such cooperation entails, and for this reason Ghana is working within the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization to identify gaps and propose guidelines to enhance complementarity between the United Nations and regional organizations. Finally, we note the enhanced engagement of the United Nations and the OSCE to finding lasting peace in the prevailing conflicts and growing threats to security in Europe and beyond.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“We note with regret in this context that the Special Monitoring Mission had to suspend its reporting activities following the evacuation of its international staff members to neighbouring countries, and we remain concerned at the cascading security, humanitarian, economic and developmental impacts of the situation in Ukraine. All efforts aimed at achieving a pacific resolution of this conflict through dialogue and diplomacy must therefore be encouraged and engender the full support of the Security Council. Thirdly, we welcome the OSCE’s efforts to enhance its cooperation with the United Nations. Ghana strongly supports a strengthening of relations between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“We believe that the OSCE provides a unique platform for open and good-faith discussions among its 57 participating States, if the schisms that have opened up in contemporary European security are to be addressed. We therefore welcome the ongoing efforts by the OSCE to facilitate dialogue between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. As party to the Trilateral Contact Group responsible for the implementation of the 2015 Minsk agreements, the OSCE is indispensable in finding and implementing a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the conflict, which, regrettably, has assumed full- scale dimensions.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“Any attempts to redefine and renegotiate these bulwarks of stability will not only undermine the European security architecture but also the rules-based international order and multilateralism. The OSCE must therefore undertake the difficult but necessary task of fostering the political role and the recommitment of its Member States to the implementation of the international obligations towards the peace, security and stability of Europe and of the wider United Nations membership beyond Europe. Persistence and confidence in security-building measures among the participating States of the OSCE will therefore have to be sustained. Secondly, the OSCE’s role as an important forum for dialogue on the security architecture of Europe needs to be re-emphasized.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“First, Ghana welcomes the Polish commitment to upholding the concept of comprehensive and indivisible security based on the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, as well as other decisions of the OSCE that also embody the very principles and purposes of the United Nations. Ensuring security on the European continent today requires of the participating States of the OSCE a renewed commitment to upholding and respecting the long-established principles for relations between States. The principles of sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, non-aggression and the prohibition of the use or threat of the use of force remain the foundational principles upon which national and global aspirations for economic and social development can be built.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“Ghana takes note of the issues outlined by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, in particular the commitment to paying special attention to finding peaceful solutions to the conflicts in the OSCE area. We encourage all efforts aimed at resolving the protracted situations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the alarming situation in Ukraine following the Russian Federation’s unjustified aggression against its neighbour. We also look forward to the additional efforts that will be made to respond effectively to the complex challenges of increased fragmentation, terrorism, anti-Semitism, transboundary crimes and violations of human rights and freedoms, with which Europe is presently grappling. Against this backdrop, I would like to make the following additional points.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“I warmly welcome His Excellency Mr. Zbigniew Rau, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland and Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to the Security Council. I thank him for his briefing on the OSCE and note that Poland has assumed the leadership of this important organization at a time when the security situation and the political environment in Europe is fast deteriorating. We therefore look forward to the OSCE’s continued engagement and Foreign Minister Rau’s leadership in helping to address the prevailing security challenges in Europe. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing and welcome the participation of the representative of Ukraine at this meeting.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“In particular, we call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers in Ukraine in accordance with the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. In concluding, let me recall Ghana’s long-held view that the possession or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological weapons, ensures neither international peace nor national security. We all therefore have a responsibility to ensure that we eliminate such weapons from the present civilization that we are seeking to build.”
2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source
“We are also concerned by the transmission of the shocks of the war in Ukraine within the global economy and by the disproportionate impact that developing countries and small economies are having to bear on account of this war, many of which are already in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and are contending with the deaths of several thousand people from the socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic, beyond the scope of global attention. International solidarity is therefore important even as we maintain global cohesion and stability. We remind the warring parties of their obligation to respect and comply with their commitments under international law, international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source
“As a State party to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), we believe that the call for a verification regime for the BWC continues to be valid and that the elaboration of such an additional protocol could be done in a manner that is reasonable and sensible, especially in the light of recent global developments, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Ghana remains deeply concerned about the escalation of military bombardments in several cities of Ukraine, which have given rise to a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation described by many as the worst in Europe since the end of the Second World War.”
2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source
“It is in that regard that we urge the parties to respect the call for an unconditional and immediate ceasefire and for the Russian Federation to withdraw all its invading troops from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, bearing in mind the incalculable consequences that an accidental or deliberate release of chemical or biological agents in the conflict theatre could have not only for the populations in and around Ukraine but also for global stability and an already fragile security environment. The weaponization of chemical or biological agents in the war in Ukraine or anywhere else would be wrong and should not even be contemplated.”
2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, and the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, for their briefings to the Council this morning. I also welcome the participation in this meeting of the representative of Ukraine. Ghana has taken due and careful note of the briefings and the remarks of the delegations that have spoken before us. We believe that on account of the information before us, a determination of Ukraine’s biological programmes can be made only after further assessment by relevant institutions such as the World Health Organization to establish the situation of the biological laboratories under consideration and the state of the infectious-disease research that was being undertaken therein.”
2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to reiterate Africa’s principled position against the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone and under any circumstances, as no cause could justify their use. In that regard, let me express our support for efforts towards the early closure of the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“The A3 also acknowledges the difficulties posed by the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic to the work of the OPCW in Syria and notes the Technical Secretariat’s commitment to ensuring continuity, pending improvement in the situation. The A3 will continue to support accountability measures to hold perpetrators to account, deter the further use by State and non-State actors of chemical weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and reinforce the international norms against their use. We acknowledge, in this regard, the important work of the Fact-Finding Mission in Syria and the Investigation and Identification Team and stress the need for them to remain independent, transparent and impartial in carrying out their mandates.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“We believe that the DAT and the Syrian National Authority, working collaboratively through enhanced communications and exchange of information, can explore opportunities to overcome the present limitations to the holding of the twenty-fifth round of consultations We also look forward to further information on subsequent rounds of inspections of the Barzah and Jamrayah facilities of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre, which have been planned for this year. We take note of the continuous support of the United Nations Office for Project Services within the framework of the Tripartite Agreement reached with the OPCW and the Syrian authorities.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“The A3 takes note of the Syrian National Authority’s submission to the Executive Council of its ninety-ninth monthly report concerning activities on its territory related to the destruction of its chemical weapons, as well as its chemical weapons production facilities, as required of it by the Executive Council. With regard to the deployment of the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) to Syria, the A3 urges the Syrian National Authority to comply with its obligations to grant unfettered and unhindered access to Syria for all members of the Team.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“We believe that meaningful progress can be made towards the full implementation of the elimination programme through enhanced relations and good-faith cooperation between the OPCW, together with its implementing bodies, and the Syrian National Authority. We therefore urge the Council to concertedly support efforts in that direction. In our view, the proposed in-person meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr. Fayssal Mekdad, and the Director- General of the OPCW could be a useful opportunity for confidence-building and a recommitment by Syria to its obligations. It is therefore our expectation that the officials in charge will make meaningful progress for that meeting to be held sooner rather than later.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“In adopting resolution 2118 (2013), the Council signalled its unanimous and strong objection to the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone and under any circumstance and, recognizing the threat posed to the maintenance of international peace and security, endorsed the expeditious and verifiable destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons. It is in this context that we acknowledge the role of the OPCW in the implementation of the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme. We note with concern, however, the persisting divergence between the positions of the OPCW and the Syrian authorities with regard to the unaddressed gaps, inconsistencies and outstanding issues in Syria’s initial and subsequent submissions in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3): Gabon, Kenya and my country, Ghana. To begin with, let me express our appreciation to Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for her briefing on the activities undertaken in the past month towards the implementation of the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme, pursuant to resolution 2118 (2013) and other relevant decisions of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The A3 welcomes the report of the OPCW covering the period from 24 January to 23 February (S/2022/181, annex). We also welcome the participation of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey in this meeting.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“On the contrary, we are simply asking the Taliban to commit to upholding the fundamental freedoms and liberties of all Afghan citizens without discrimination and provide them with equal access to basic human services as well as access to a fair judicial system, employment, freedom of expression and movement and guaranteeing girls full access to education. This is the minimum standard expected of every responsible member of the international community. In conclusion, Ghana reiterates her commitment to a stable resurgent and secure Afghanistan living peacefully with its neighbours.”
2022-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8984 (2022) · source
“We note in this regard the Oslo-facilitated meetings between leaders of the de facto authorities and Afghan civil society groups in January 2022, as well as the Doha talks between European countries and the de facto authorities. In addition, the recent announcement of processes set in motion to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets and channel the funds into humanitarian activities for the benefit of the Afghan people is commendable. We further commend the growing cooperation between UNAMA and the de facto authorities. Ghana expects that the de facto authorities will continue to act in good faith and aligns itself with global efforts to bring lasting relief to Afghan citizens, many of whom require urgent humanitarian assistance. It is not the case that the de facto authorities are being called upon to do the extraordinary.”
2022-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8984 (2022) · source
“Ghana is therefore determined to engage constructively in the process and will assist in bridging differences, if any. We will also be resolute in our support for specific language in the UNAMA mandate that encourages inclusive political processes and governance structures, taking into account Afghanistan’s multi-ethnic and diverse society. We will firmly maintain our support for a human rights framework within the mandate that ensures the protection of civilians, minorities and such vulnerable persons as the aged and persons living with disability. We will also support a UNAMA mandate that will be a guardian for women and children in need. Returning Afghanistan to normalcy is an overarching objective that must remain a shared and foremost responsibility for us all.”
2022-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8984 (2022) · source
“Our unified and genuine actions can and will save the lives of millions of Afghans, many of whom face acute food shortages, are internally displaced and unable to gain access to basic services, including drinking water, health care and education. Secondly, the international community must sustain goodwill and solidarity with the Afghan people. It has never been more critical than it is today to help Afghanistan stabilize and rebuild. The Security Council in particular will have to shoulder its responsibility and ensure that a fit-for-purpose and robust UNAMA mandate is unanimously and rapidly agreed to effectively backstop reconstruction and recovery efforts in Afghanistan. Thirdly, and as put succinctly by Special Representative Lyons, we must approach the UNAMA mandate creatively and with flexibility, leaving no room for ambiguity.”
2022-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8984 (2022) · source
“Mariam Safi for her briefing. It is important that we be clear when we are speaking about the complex political, security and socioeconomic issues and the dire situation in Afghanistan. Therefore, at the outset, let me affirm that resolving the crisis situation in Afghanistan will entail precluding all geopolitical considerations and concerns in the approaches we adopt in the interest of the people of Afghanistan. I will proceed to make the following three points. First, Ghana maintains that, at all times, the interest and safety of the Afghan people must be pre-eminent and take centre stage in the actions of the United Nations, the international community and actors from the region.”
2022-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8984 (2022) · source
“I would like to begin by congratulating you, Madam President, and by extension, the United Arab Emirates, for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I offer my best wishes to you, Madam, and hope that together we can advance the important work of the Council. I would also like to commend the delegation of the Russian Federation for the manner in which it conducted the business of the Council last month. Ghana is pleased that this meeting on the situation in Afghanistan has been convened ahead of the expiration later this month of the current mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). In this regard, we warmly welcome the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMA, Ms. Deborah Lyons. We also extend our sincere thanks to Ms.”
2022-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8984 (2022) · source
“We acknowledge the FFM report of 24 January regarding incidents of alleged use of chemical weapons in Marea on 1 and 3 September 2015, as well as the report of 31 January, on incidents that allegedly occurred in Kafr Zeita on 1 October 2016 (S/2022/85, annex and S/2022/116, annex, respectively). Finally, it is our belief that the expeditious closure of investigations into the use of chemical weapons in Syria will allow the Security Council to support the Syrian people more meaningfully in their quest for a comprehensive and lasting peace.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“We would like to see progress on the subsequent rounds of inspections of the Barzah and Jamrayah facilities of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre and urge the Syrian authorities to be more cooperative on the conclusion of this issue. The A3 looks forward to substantive progress being made towards the holding of the meeting between Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad and the Director General of the OPCW, as we believe that such engagement would be useful for building trust. The A3 supports accountability mechanisms for chemical weapons use. To this end, the work of the Fact- Finding Mission in Syria (FFM) and the Investigation and Identification Team remain pivotal. We encourage the two bodies to carry out their mandate independently and with transparency.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“We also take note of the activities of the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) and call upon the Syrian Arab Republic to grant unfettered access into Syria for all members of the team. Regarding the issue of visas, we encourage the Technical Secretariat to explore alternative approaches to carrying out its verification and assessment mandate. This could include the replacement of the team member to whom access has been withheld or the remote participation of that member in the work of the team. This, we hope, would remove the obstacles to the holding of the twenty-fifth round of consultations between the DAT and the Syrian National Authority and pave the way for verification and assessments in line with the Convention and relevant Executive Council decisions.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“The A3 is concerned about the gaps and inconsistencies that remain in Syria’s initial and subsequent submissions on its weapons stockpile and urges the Syrian authorities and the OPCW to work together to resolve all outstanding issues and questions, especially those related to Syria’s initial declaration, that remain unresolved eight years after the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013), on the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme. We take note of work of the Technical Secretariat in Syria and the difficult circumstances imposed by the coronavirus disease pandemic, and encourage the constructive cooperation of the Syrian Arab Republic and all other parties playing an important role in facilitating the effective discharge of the Secretariat’s mandate.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“With nearly all of its members being State parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the African continent can be counted upon as a reliable partner in the global efforts against the use of chemical weapons in Africa or anywhere else in the world. Chemical weapons use constitutes a grave violation of international law and puts at risk the peace, security and stability that we work hard to obtain. The A3 therefore reiterates Africa’s strongly held position against the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. We further reiterate our firm condemnation of the use of chemical weapons in the name of counter-terrorism.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“The A3 acknowledges the role of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as the key implementing agency for the Chemical Weapons Convention and commends its efforts to complement and strengthen our work in the maintenance of international peace and security. We welcome the centennial monthly report of the OPCW (S/2022/76, annex), which outlines the activities undertaken during the period of 24 December 2021 to 23 January 2022 to implement Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) and the relevant decisions of the OPCW Executive Council relating to the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Gabon, Kenya and my own country, Ghana (A3). Our decision to deliver a joint statement today flows from our shared commitment to upholding the well-established and internationally accepted norms against the use of chemical weapons and to supporting efforts geared towards their complete elimination. We extend our appreciation to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her comprehensive briefing. Let me also welcome the participation of the representatives of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“We therefore urge the continued collective support of the Council in the difficult task of bridging the differences among all the parties in order to enhance confidence-building measures and facilitate dialogue towards the resumption of the political process. We remain concerned about the recent military escalations, alarming increase in civilian casualties and air strikes on civilian infrastructure. We reiterate the call for an immediate nationwide ceasefire and urge the parties to end the hostilities. Finally, let me express the hope that our differences on this matter will not steer us away from our higher ambition of working with the people of Yemen in order to find a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the crisis.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8981 (2022) · source
“Our belief that we must preserve the sanctions regime echoes the genuine concerns that have been raised over the unintended consequences that the language of consent could have on the wider implications of how we deal with terrorism, the efforts to support an inclusive political process in Yemen, as well as the challenges that may be posed to the humanitarian and economic fronts in that country. As we have said in the Council and know from the situation in the region, a military solution to the conflict cannot replace the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Only a political settlement, true and inclusive Yemeni- led and -owned political process facilitated by the United Nations in support of regional actors can deliver a comprehensive and lasting peace for the people of Yemen.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8981 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the United Kingdom for its work as the penholder on resolution 2624 (2022). Ghana voted in support of the resolution, extending for another 12 months the Yemen sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts on Yemen, because we believe it is important to maintain the sanctions regime in Yemen in the current context of the difficult and worsening security, political, economic and humanitarian situations, despite our misgivings on aspects of paragraph 1.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8981 (2022) · source