YouSaid · the spoken record

Alemu

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1,245

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2011-03-10

most recent

2018-07-30

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191

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un-security-council

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1. “My Prime Minister met with President Kiir yesterday in Nairobi and reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to supporting those efforts, both as a neighbouring country of South Sudan and as Chair of IGAD. We remain hopeful that President Kiir will continue his cooperation with IGAD. We would have liked to have received a briefing from Special Envoy Ismail Wais himself on the substantive progress that IGAD has made towards the convening of the high- level forum. Unfortunately, he had to attend the IGAD meeting in Abidjan on the same matter and could not make it to this meeting.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8115 (2017) · source

2. “We have no doubt that her visit has made a significant difference, and we thank her for her commitment. We must stress that the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan remains the only viable way to bring an end to the conflict and restore peace and stability in South Sudan. Although the Council of Ministers of South Sudan recently approved the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan amendment deal, which is a step in the right direction, a lot remains to be done in order to ensure meaningful progress in the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement. IGAD has presented the parties with an opportunity in the form of the high-level revitalization forum to restore the permanent ceasefire and fully implement the peace agreement.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8115 (2017) · source

3. “As stated in the latest report of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, "Unless hostilities cease, the economic and humanitarian situation will continue to worsen. More lives will be lost and responses will be further complicated." We welcome President Salva Kiir's decree ordering the free, unimpeded and unhindered movement of humanitarian organizations in the country, and in particular his pledge to hold accountable those who intentionally obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and services or impose taxes on humanitarian convoys. We believe that the effective implementation of the decree will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need. We really appreciate the visit by Ambassador Nikki Haley to the region, including South Sudan.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8115 (2017) · source

4. “We thank Assistant Secretary-General Bintou Keita for her briefing. By mere coincidence, as the Assistant Secretary- General said, even as we are discussing South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Council of Ministers is also meeting in Abidjan and discussing the same matter, focusing on the progress made in the implementation of the high- level revitalization forum. The overall situation in South Sudan continues to be of serious concern. The security situation remains fragile, and the conflict continues unabated. The economic and financial problems in the country are worrying. The humanitarian situation has not been mitigated and continues to cause concern. That is what makes the cessation of all hostilities an absolute priority.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8115 (2017) · source

5. “We hope that the Council will send the right message to demonstrate our collective commitment to addressing the immediate and long- term challenge through a comprehensive and holistic approach, and a in a very robust manner, as the representative of France just mentioned - through effective global and regional partnerships.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

6. “We believe that the United Nations action plan with its sequential components provides a useful framework to end the current political impasse and meet the legitimate demands of all Libyans. We welcome the continued efforts of the Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to engage all Libyans based on the United Nations action plan, including in bringing together the main political actors to mend the Libyan Political Agreement, which remains the only viable framework in which to resolve the Libyan crisis. Lastly, auctioning migrants as slaves is an affront to humankind, and we should do everything possible to combat that scourge.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

7. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation for the noble initiative taken by the Government of Rwanda to receive 30,000 of those facing the danger of modern slavery in Libya. That is a demonstration of commitment put into practice for which Rwanda should be lauded. With regard to the situation in Libya in particular, we understand the complexity and rapidly changing humanitarian challenge that the country is facing within a very difficult political environment. There is an urgent need for the political situation to be sorted out so that the rule of law might prevail throughout the country under an authority whose legitimacy is recognized by the Libyan people.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

8. “However, pending the implementation of sustainable solutions to address the root causes of migration and forced displacement, much more certainly needs to be done to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for refugees and migrants, irrespective of their status. States should also be encouraged to continue opening up their borders to refugees in accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees to further strengthen international assistance based on the principle of border-sharing and solidarity with refugee-hosting countries. The expansion of resettlement opportunities as a means of international protection for refugees and the expansion of regular channels for migration should be encouraged, as it could significantly contribute to the prevention of trafficking in persons and smuggling.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

9. “Secondly, it is absolutely imperative to tackle the root causes of forced displacement, migration and trafficking in persons in a comprehensive and holistic manner. At the root of that is poverty and hopelessness. Situations such as those should remind us to what extent there is virtually no alternative to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as we mentioned on a previous occasion, hence the need to accelerate efforts to address the multifaceted challenges that are forcing young people to flee in search of a better future. We therefore echo the call made by Mr. Smai'l Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, last week (see S/PV.8111), to move from words to action, and ensure that we meet the goal set for 2030.”

   2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

10. “Strengthening the capacity of Libyan institutions, law enforcement and judicial bodies is very important in that regard. We welcome the steps taken by the African Union to urgently launch an investigation in support of the measures announced by Libyan authorities and dispatch an envoy to Libya for consultations with the Government and other stakeholders to agree upon practical steps to address the plight of African migrants in Libya. All the relevant United Nations agencies must be actively engaged in support of those efforts, and international cooperation must also be enhanced to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and to protect the rights of victims, particularly women and children.”

    2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

11. “We believe that it is only appropriate that the Council adopt a statement along the same lines, demonstrating the seriousness with which it is following the matter. We therefore believe what the United Kingdom and France have suggested in this regard to be very proper. As we stated during the briefing on Libya last week (see S/PV.8104), we believe that there are two important approaches to handling this matter. First, there is a need for urgent action to dismantle the slavery camps and destroy the criminal networks involved in this inhumane practice. All necessary measures must also be taken to identify all those responsible for that unspeakable and barbaric crime and to bring them to justice. The Libyan Government has already expressed its commitment to undertaking the necessary investigation, and those efforts must be supported.”

    2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

12. “The recent media reports on the auctioning of African migrants and refugees as slaves have caught the attention of the entire world. The video clips circulating on social media and the harrowing stories of some of the African refugees and migrants who described their suffering and pain in the detention camps at the hands of human traffickers and smugglers have sent shockwaves across the continent and beyond. This inhumane and despicable act is not only unacceptable but has no place in the twenty-first century. It must be condemned in the strongest terms, and we reiterate our support for the statements issued by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of United Nations.”

    2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

13. “We are grateful to the Italian presidency for convening this briefing upon the request of the French delegation, and we wish to thank them both. We also wish to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, and the Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Mr. William Lacy Swing, for their briefings. The situation of African refugees and migrants in Libya has indeed been a matter of serious concern for quite some time. The Central Mediterranean route through Libya continues to be used by migrants and refugees, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, to cross to Europe. It has become a popular route for traffickers and smugglers, who continue to exploit the current situation and weak law enforcement institutions.”

    2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8114 (2017) · source

14. “In conclusion, discussions on the global compacts on migration and refugees should be informed by practical steps taken to address trafficking in persons, and we hope that the discussions we are having today will contribute to that objective.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

15. “Aside from what each of us can and must do at the national level, however, there is certainly a need to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination regarding the identification, assistance, protection, repatriation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking. In our View, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, the United Nations Global Plan ofAction to Combat Trafficking in Persons, and regional frameworks such as the Khartoum process could provide a framework for such cooperation and coordination.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

16. “Lifesaving humanitarian assistance and international protection of refugees and migrants, regardless of their status, should continue to form the cornerstone of humanitarian response, including in mixed flows. The adoption of an open-door policy for people seeking humanitarian assistance, regardless of their status - particularly in the context of search, rescue and disembarkation of people on mixed movement - should continue to be encouraged. Ethiopia, for its part, has been trying to take various measures to prevent and fight trafficking in persons, including the ratification of relevant legal framework such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

17. “That requires developing an agenda aimed at fostering fair migration that not only respects the fundamental rights of migrants, but also offers them real opportunities for decent work and integration into the society in which they find themselves. In that regard, countries of origin, transit and destination might consider creating a framework for well-regulated, regular and fair migration, while at the same time prioritizing the human rights ofmigrants. While searching for solutions and mechanisms to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, maintaining the capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies in countries affected by conflict remains central.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

18. “Recent reports clearly indicate that tighter immigration controls and border security measures, as well as limited humanitarian assistance, increase the vulnerability of migrants and refugees to becoming victims of human trafficking. As such, much more needs to be done by countries of transit and destination in expanding legal channels for migration or for the resettlement of refugees, as that would decrease the number ofpotential victims of trafficking undertaking a fatal or dangerous journey in a manner consistent with international humanitarian and human rights standards. Recognizing the positive contribution of migration to the global economy and sustainable development is absolutely imperative.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

19. “In the meantime, the role of the Security Council is becoming much more relevant and significant, and we welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2388 (2017). We hope that it will contribute to enhancing the Council's engagement in addressing human trafficking, which has emerged as a very serious challenge to international peace and security. We also appreciate Italy's important role in addressing this particular issue and its efforts in facilitating negotiations on resolution 2388 (2017). In terms of an effective international response to the scourge of trafficking in persons, attention should be paid to reducing the vulnerability of migrants and refugees, particularly women and children, including unaccompanied and separated children, as they are at the highest risk of falling victim to human trafficking.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

20. “We need to have a very serious and honest conversation about trafficking and tackling the root causes in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Accordingly, two very weighty issues would need to be considered in connection with the painful reality of humans being sold as slaves in Libya. The first issue involves the actual situations that migrants are running away from. At the root of that are poverty and hopelessness. Such situations should remind us of the extent to which there is Virtually no alternative to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Secondly, there is an urgent need to sort out the political situation in Libya so that the rule of law wll prevail throughout the country under an authority whose legitimacy is recognized by the Libyan people.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

21. “Let me say here that it is not the amount of money involved in purchasing humans that should be the centre of focus, but the very idea. It is against that backdrop that we are holding this meeting, and we strongly condemn such inhuman and despicable acts, which, as many have said, should have no place in our world today. We fully support the statement issued by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General on the matter calling, for swift action to identify the perpetrators of that crime and with a View to bringing them to justice. However, we know full well that condemning such acts and calling for an investigation of the crimes committed will not take us very far in addressing the issue of human trafficking.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

22. “In that regard, we note with concern reports of serious Violations of international humanitarian law and inhumane acts associated with trafficking in persons, particularly reports of sexual exploitation and abuse, forced marriage and the offering of women and children as rewards to fighters and associates. The gruesome stories of the victims, their trauma, torture and death at the hands of those terrorists and criminals are a stark reminder for us of the need to address that challenge individually and collectively. What we saw on the news only few days ago concerning African migrants in Libya, who were reportedly being sold as slaves, has certainly drawn international attention to the challenge of human trafficking.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

23. “Migrants continue to face unimaginable and often fatal dangers along their journey at the hands of traffickers, as opportunities for embarking upon a legal path are very limited, thereby increasing the human cost. That is particularly alarming in countries affected by armed conflict, where armed transnational organized criminal groups and terrorists have the space to engage in trafficking in persons, as clearly indicated in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/939). Many migrants from Africa, including women and children, who are fleeing persecution and/or searching for a better life in Europe and the Middle East are falling Victim to those terrorists and criminals.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

24. “We thank the Italian presidency for organizing this very timely and important debate on trafficking in persons in conflict situations. We thank the Secretary-General; the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; and the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, Ambassador Chergui, for their briefings on the theme of our debate today. I wish in particular to express my appreciation for the frankness with which Ambassador Chergui delivered his briefing and spoke on this critical matter. Armed conflicts, poverty, inequality and the impact of climate change, among other protection challenges, increase the vulnerability of migrants and forcibly displaced persons to falling victim to trafficking in persons.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

25. “We do not believe that we have come to the end of the road; we disagree with that contention by the United Kingdom. We can still proceed and achieve something meaningful to ensure that the life of the JIM is protected and assured.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8105 (2017) · source

26. “Secondly, we had some doubts about whether it was time for the JIM. to draw the conclusion it made in its seventh report (S/2017/904, annex). With regard to that issue, the United States showed sufficient flexibility, for which we were very grateful. There was therefore no reason for us not to support the American draft resolution, all the more so because that country was ready to engage with us and accept amendments, which we appreciate. However, we are again in a stalemate, a logjam. The future of the JIM. is in the balance. We only have one day to save it. We are hopeful that we will come to some consensus to ensure that the JIM. will exist beyond tomorrow, for which we need the support of everybody. We hope that a technical rollover is something that we could consider.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8105 (2017) · source

27. “Incidentally, we have always felt that the situation in Syria - not only on this issue, but on others as well - has always been politicized. In our view, it is not wise to blame this or that State for the logjam that we are in. All the problems we are facing appear to be the result ofa lack, of failure to focus on the major issue, which is a common danger and a reflection of a much more complex issue that we are currently facing. Allow me to explain why we decided to vote in favour of the draft resolution (S/2017/962). First of all, we are very keen to contribute to the renewal of the mandate of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). We believe that it is and will continue to be useful. Sweden has explained why, and I do not want to repeat what was said.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8105 (2017) · source

28. “Allow me to say, quite frankly, that we do not feel that what has happened today in this Chamber has been very dignifying for the Council - the organ of the United Nations with great responsibility, the primary responsibility for international peace and security. That is perhaps a signature of the times we are in. We know that the way by which the international community will succeed in controling chemical weapons and eliminating their use is for countries such as the United States and Russia to work together to ensure that that noble objective is achieved. There is no other way. Frankly speaking, the issue has become so politicized that it seems it is becoming extremely difficult to focus on the real problem.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8105 (2017) · source

29. “Ultimately, however, the solution to the crisis in Libya lies primarily in the hands of the Libyans themselves and the role of the international community is to provide effective support to the Libyan efforts. We therefore hope that all Libyans will constructively engage in the inclusive political process, as set out in the action plan, and demonstrate a spirit of compromise in order to achieve concrete results that could facilitate the full implementation of the plan.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8104 (2017) · source

30. “As Special Representative Salame has stressed, there should be no vacuum; hence, the need to uphold the Libyan Political Agreement. The other issue relates to the need to make the process genuinely Libyan-owned. Of course, there is no military solution to the Libyan problem. The international community, particularly the Council, should send a strong and united message to pressure all parties to stop the violence and to engage in an inclusive and sustained political dialogue. The role of the neighbouring countries of Libya in the pursuit ofpeace, security and reconciliation is, indeed, critical within the framework of a Libyan-owned process. The African Union also has an important role to play in the process.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8104 (2017) · source

31. “We particularly welcome the progress made in Tunis at the meeting of the Libyan stakeholders under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We believe that that process is absolutely critical to helping to overcome the current political impasse and to pave the way for durable peace, stabililty and reconciliation in Libya through an all-inclusive dialogue. However, we understand the challenge in addressing the points of divergence and, hence, the need for the meaningful and constructive engagement of all Libyans with the greatest sense ofurgency and national vision in order to reach a common understanding and to move the process forward. Clearly, two issues, among others, would continue to be critical.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8104 (2017) · source

32. “We reiterate our conviction that the multifaceted crisis in Libya, including illegal migration and refugees, as well as illegal armed groups, can be addressed sustainably only through a comprehensive political solution facilitated by the United Nations. In that regard, the United Nations action plan, with its sequential components, provides another opportunity to end the current political impasse and to meet the legitimate demands ofall Libyans. We welcome the continued efforts of the Special Representative to engage all Libyans on the basis of the United Nations action plan, including by bringing together the main political actors, so as to amend the Libyan Political Agreement, which remains the only viable framework to resolve the Libyan crisis.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8104 (2017) · source

33. “As the representative of France said, the time has come for this Council to speak with one voice on Libya. As we know, that applies to other situations as well. We also thank Ambassador Skoog for his briefing and his efforts as the Chair of the Libya Sanctions Committee. We know that whatever tasks Ambassador Skoog is entrusted with, he discharges them with a great sense of responsibility. Given the many human rights violations, much is expected from the Committee he chairs, and we are confident that he will make the Committee as effective as possible. The deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation in Libya, including the recent attacks targeting civilians and civilian institutions, continues to be of serious concern. We take this opportunity to express our solidarity and sympathy with the people and Government of Libya.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8104 (2017) · source

34. “We are pleased to see you, Mr. President, presiding over this meeting of the Council in a demonstration of the importance you attach to the situation in Libya. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for the very humane way your country has been handling the migrant issue, for which we are very appreciative. We also welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Libya with us this morning. We appreciate Mr. Salme, Special Representative ofthe Secretary General, for his briefing and diplomatic efforts in the ongoing search for peace and stability in Libya. The analysis and the updates we received from the Special Representative was truly of high quality. We have drawn confidence from his comprehensive and objective analysis.”

    2017-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8104 (2017) · source

35. “The continued support of UNISFA to the JBVMM. directly depends on the achievement of the benchmarks set forth in the resolution the Council has just adopted. The parties certainly bear the primary responsibility in that regard, and we are hopeful that they will live up to their commitments. Finally, it is absolutely critical that the two parties take advantage of what UNISFA has been able to accomplish in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Abyei Area and beyond to address some of the most important outstanding issues. We call on both parties to engage continuously and constructively in swiftly implementing the various agreements they have concluded, including the formation of the joint interim institutions that were supposed to be put in place pending the final resolution of the Abyei issue.”

    2017-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8101 (2017) · source

36. “What UNISFA has been able to achieve in maintaining peace and stability in the Abyei Area and in preventing confrontations along the border between the Sudan and South Sudan has much to do with the JBVMM. Of course, we understand that the Council resolved last time that the support UNISFA provides to the J BVMM would be withdrawn unless the parties took concrete steps to achieve the full operational capability of the Mechanism. Over the past six months, we have witnessed some encouraging progress with regard to the JBVMM, but we also recognize that what has been done falls far short of what the parties have agreed to carry out in the benchmarks they have set for themselves. We expect the parties to build on the positive momentum gained by the meeting of the two Presidents in late October in Khartoum.”

    2017-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8101 (2017) · source

37. “We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2386 (2017), extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for another six months. We thank the United States, as the penholder, for faciliating the negotiations on the resolution, as well as for the flexibility shown in order to achieve the necessary consensus.We also thank all members of the Security Council for their support. No doubt, we would have liked to see the UNISFA mandate renewed as a whole, maintaining the integrity of the mission, especially given the fact that the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) and UNISFA are mutually reinforcing and that the former is in fact an integral part of UNISFA.”

    2017-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8101 (2017) · source

38. “It is our hope that UNMIK will continue to promote political dialogue, strengthen community reconciliation and ensure security and stability in Kosovo and in the region. We also recognize the significant role of the European Union on matters concerning Kosovo, and we commend the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force for their valuable contributions in the areas of rule of law and security. In conclusion, I wish to state that security and stability in Kosovo and the region will ultimately be ensured when there is political will and resolve from both parties. We once again encourage both to remain committed to dialogue and negotiation with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

39. “That demands that both sides refrain from actions and statements that could cause ethnic discord and that they exert in-State efforts to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence conducive to dialogue. Ethiopia fully supports the work that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has been undertaking to discharge its mandates in line with resolution 1244 (1999). Its engagement with municipal authorities and community representatives in support of the efforts to protect the rights of communities and to promote inter-community reconciliation and trust-building is commendable, as are the efforts by Kosovo authorities to implement measures aimed at preventing violent extremism and radicalization by constructively engaging youth and women.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

40. “Nonetheless, we understand from the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/911) that, despite progress in implementing the judiciary agreement, important gaps remain, and it is our hope that they will be filled soon - particularly the lack of progress on some of the key provisions of the EU-facilitated agreement, including, inter alia, on the establishment of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, which continues to be a social concern. It is our hope that the new leadership in both Belgrade and Pristina will continue to engage in dialogue and maintain the momentum in a positive and constructive spirit with a View to addressing outstanding issues and disagreements through peaceful means.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

41. “We also welcome the ongoing efforts of the European Union in facilitating the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. We have been encouraged by the renewed commitment of the leaders of both sides in the reporting period to undertake a new phase of dialogue to normalize their relations. In that regard, we take note of the resumption of the European Union-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina at the presidential level in Brussels and in New York. We also welcome the agreement they reached on the final steps for the full implementation of the agreement on the judiciary.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

42. “I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Ambassador Tanin, for his comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in Kosovo. We also welcome the presence of the Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Dacie, and thank him for his statement. We also thank Ambassador Citaku for her statement. Our position on the issue at the hand has always been anchored in our commitment to contributing to peace between the parties. We reaffirm our support for the peaceful and amicable resolution of all outstanding issues between Belgrade and Pristina, in accordance with the Brussels Agreement.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

43. “A country that desperately wants sanctions lifted would logically have to demonstrate the maximum level of cooperation, but that does not seem to be the case. Some might be inclined to give short shrift to that, while ignoring how critical it is for regional peace and security. Once again, the Council has urged Eritrea to facilitate the visit by the Chair of the sanctions committee and the Monitoring Group. We are hopeful that that will happen, and even more hopeful that Eritrea will choose to live in peace with Djibouti and Ethiopia, which we know would not make some people happy, but would be in the best interest of the peoples of the three countries in the region, in general. That is something we look forward to with great hope.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

44. “The Visit to Djibouti has already been conducted, while a positive response regarding the Eritrean portion remains forthcoming. That is a clear indication that Eritrea does not have any desire to fulfil its obligations. Although other countries under sanctions regimes try to cooperate as much as possible, Eritrea has not shown thus far any willingness or readiness to extend the necessary level ofcooperation to the Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea, and the Monitoring Group. We have to wonder why Eritrea continues to refuse to allow the sanctions committee and the Monitoring Group to visit Asmara. That really does not make any sense unless it has something to hide.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

45. “It should be called upon to clarify the situation concerning the remaining Djiboutian prisoners of war. Eritrea has not even acknowledged the existence of those prisoners of war, but at one point stated that they had died. We note what was stated in the mid-term update in the final report indicating that those prisoners might still be alive, which contradicts Eritrea's statements. Therefore it is incumbent upon Eritrea to clarify the situation concerning the remaining prisoners of war in line with its treaty obligations and pursuant to resolution 2385 (2017), which we adopted today. Eritrea has also not given a constructive response to both the Monitoring Group's request to visit the disputed area between Djibouti and Eritrea and the African Union fact-finding mission following the withdrawal of Qatari forces.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

46. “With regard to providing conclusive evidence of Eritrea's support for Al-Shabaab, we understand that that continues to be a work-in-progress, as the Monitoring Group has not been able to make a clear determination with regard to the investigative work that it is carrying out. But it has not ruled out Eritrea's support for Al-Shabaab. It should be understood that, according to the Monitoring Group's report on Eritrea, it was unable to find conclusive evidence. The lack of conclusive evidence does not denote the absence of evidence, in the least, especially in circumstances in which the Monitoring Group has not been allowed to visit Eritrea. We should therefore allow the Monitoring Group to finalize its investigation. Eritrea has continued to obstruct the implementation of resolution 1862 (2009).”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

47. “We cannot afford to take for granted the security gains made in recent years, which, as we have seen recently, can easily be reversed in the absence of sustained international support and engagement. With regard to Eritrea, despite the increased tempo of lobbying in the run-up to the renewal of mandates, we have seen no change of behaviour whatsoever in the country's destabilizing activities in the region. It continues to Violate the arms embargo and supports armed opposition groups operating in the region. Based on corroborating evidence, the Monitoring Group has documented very well the extent to which Eritrea continues to violate the sanctions regime in complete disregard of the relevant Security Council resolutions. That cannot and should not be taken lightly.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

48. “We are therefore extremely appreciative, not because we are fond of sanctions, but because for now there is no other alternative for halting acts leading to destabilization, which is impossible to ignore in the reports of the Monitoring Group. As far as the situation in Somalia is concerned, the growing influence of Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da'esh) is a cause for serious concern that should give us more reason to continue intensifying our efforts in combating terrorism and violent extremism. That cannot be done however without providing the necessary support for the Somalia National Security Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

49. “In that regard, the Monitoring Group has certainly provided extensive information and analysis in its latest annual reports on Somalia and Eritrea (S/2017/924 and S/2017/925, respectively), and the Security Council should take this opportunity to express its appreciation to the group for its dedicated efforts in monitoring the implementation of the sanctions regime. We believe that it is fitting to thank those that voted for resolution 2385 (2017), because we understand their gesture as an expression of commitment to peace and security for the Horn of Africa - a region that is desperately in need of even a temporary respite from the overwhelming number of conflicts affecting it.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source

50. “We welcome the adoption of resolution 2385 (2017), renewing the mandate of the Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea for another year. The United Kingdom should be commended for all these efforts in facilitating the resolution and in trying to accommodate as much as possible the comments and inputs of members of the Council. This sanctions regime has critical importance to regional peace and stability, and much significance should be attached to its full and effective implementation.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8099 (2017) · source