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Alemu

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2011-03-10
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2018-07-30
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un-security-council

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  1. The negative activities of the armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been fuelled by the illegal exploitation of the mineral resources of the country, especially gold and diamonds, which suffer from a lack of traceability. In this connection, there is a need to vigorously monitor the incidence of fraudulent use of gold and diamond exports, as well as the illegal taxation of local populations. The open briefing held on 4 August on the illicit exploitation of national resources was indeed very relevant to the Committee. The work of the Group of Experts on this matter will continue to be extremely vital. The human rights and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as so many colleagues have mentioned, is no doubt also of serious concern.

    2017-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8026 (2017) · source

  2. As the latest report of the Secretary- General (S/2017/672/Rev.1) indicates, the proliferation of violence in different parts of the country continues to erode State authority, weaken institutions and hamper the socioeconomic development of the country, which, in effect, prolongs the situation of conflict. However, we realize that the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is very complex. The African Union and the countries of the region have an enormous responsibility to assist the country to regain peace and full stability. That can be done provided the other challenges are also addressed.

    2017-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8026 (2017) · source

  3. We take this opportunity to once again pay tribute to them for their courage and dedication in discharging their duties under extremely challenging circumstances that, unfortunately, cost them their lives. We express our deepest condolences to the families for their tragic loss and hope that everything possible will be done to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. In this regard, we take note of the findings and recommendations of the Board of Inquiry, and we look forward to the discussion on the matter next week. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is indeed facing enormous challenges. Political tensions persist in relation to the implementation of the December 2016 agreement although there is still hope that it can pave the way for the holding of elections and the end of the transition period.

    2017-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8026 (2017) · source

  4. My delegation wishes to express its appreciation to you, Mr. President, for your comprehensive briefing and for the excellent work that you have been doing as Chair ofthe Committee pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also wish to thank you for your comprehensive briefing on its activities as well as those of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are pleased to welcome the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also acknowledge the presence of the families of Miss Zaida Catalan and Mr. Michael Sharp, the two selfless members of the Group of Experts who were mercilessly killed while on United Nations duty.

    2017-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8026 (2017) · source

  5. We also recognize the significant role of the European Union on matters concerning Kosovo, and commend the European Union Rule of Law Mission and the Kosovo Force for their valuable contribution to Kosovo in the area of the rule of law and security. In conclusion, I would like to say that security and stability in Kosovo and the region will ultimately be assured when there is political will and resolve on the part of both sides. In that respect, we once again encourage both parties to remain committed to dialogue and negotiation with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution.

    2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source

  6. The Mission's engagement with municipal authorities and community representatives in support ofthe efforts to protect the rights ofcommunities and to promote inter-community reconciliation and trust-building is commendable. Its efforts to promote reconciliation in Kosovo through greater youth- engagement in support of inter-community cooperation is also encouraging, as is the effort being made by Kosovo authorities to implement measures aimed at preventing violent extremism and radicalization, by constructively engaging youth and women. It is our hope that UNMIK will continue to promote political dialogue, strengthen community reconciliation and ensure security and stability in Kosovo and the region.

    2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source

  7. Special Representative Tanin was right when he said that political reconciliation must be accompanied by social reconciliation and by rebuilding trust and cooperation at all levels. That is the basis for genuine cooperation. Respect for each other's heritage is of course very vital in that regard. Failure in that area would very much be fatal - that is even more the case with regard to concerns with respect to demographic issues, which the Deputy Prime Minister expressed with passion. In our view, that should draw our attention. Ethiopia fully supports the work that they United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo has been undertaking in discharging its mandate in line with resolution 1244 (1999).

    2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source

  8. It is in particular the lack of progress on some of the key provisions of the EU-facilitated agreements, including, among others, on the establishment of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, that remains a source of concern. That is why we support the call made by the Secretary-General on both parties to re-engage in dialogue and bring new vitality to the process. We hope that the new leadership in both Belgrade and Pristina will do so in a positive and consturctive spirit with a View to addressing outstanding issues and disagreements through peaceful means. That requires that both sides refrain for actions and statements that could cause ethnic discord, and instead exert efforts to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence conducive to dialogue.

    2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source

  9. Our position on the issue at hand has always been consistent and clear. We reaffirm our support for a peaceful and amicable resolution of all outstanding issues between Belgrade and Pristina in accordance with the Brussels Agreement. We also welcome the ongoing efforts made by the European Union (EU) in facilitating the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. In that regard, we take note of the informal meeting between the leadership of the two sides in Brussels under the auspices of the EU High Representative, and their commitment to work on starting a new phase of the dialogue. Nonetheless, we understand from the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/640) that there has been limited progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

    2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source

  10. I should like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Ambassador Zahir Tanin, his comprehension briefing on the latest development in Kosovo. Obviously, Ambassador Tanin, and old colleague, faces a major challenge; but I must say that it is a very worthy duty that is called upon to discharge. Let me also take this opportunity to welcome the presence at today's meeting of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Ivica Daeic'. I thank him and Ambassador Vlora Citaku for the respective statements, which obviously were laden with a lot of emotion and passion. We respect both of them. The issues are not simple, and therefore, in our View, the need for UNMIK.

    2017-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8025 (2017) · source

  11. We hope that the countries of the region, in cooperation with bilateral and multilateral partners, will redouble their efforts in implementing the Strategy. No doubt, as the representative of Sweden stated, the question of coordination is an issue that should be given very high priority.

    2017-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8024 (2017) · source

  12. That should be seen for what it is, namely, a contribution of global significance, although, on the surface, it looks local and regional. As the representative of France stated earlier, that is why the international community has a moral responsibility to contribute to the efforts being made by the G-5 Sahel countries. In fact, when one looks at the genesis of the whole crisis, one can argue that the international community also has a political responsibility. Of course, the multi-faceted challenge facing the Sahel region can be effectively addressed only through a comprehensive strategy that encompasses security, governance, development, human rights and humanitarian issues. Therefore, as called for in resolution 2359 (2017), the rapid and effective implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel is critical.

    2017-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8024 (2017) · source

  13. We hope that bilateral and multilateral partners will enhance their support to the joint force. We believe the holding of the planning conference in line with resolution 2359 (2017) could be instrumental in mobilizing the international community in support of the G-5 Sahel countries. It is indeed vital that the Council support that regional initiative. We believe that it is in line with the global regional partnership that was advocated by the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations and the Secretary-General's implementation report (S/2015/682). It is obvious that the United Nations does not have the capacity to fight terrorism. It is therefore only appropriate that it provides the necessary support to those regional organizations and arrangements that are ready and willing to carry out such operations.

    2017-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8024 (2017) · source

  14. We note the commitment made by some bilateral and multilateral partners in financing the joint force, but what has so far been pledged falls far short of what is needed to cover the preliminary budget required to sustain the force for one year The funding gap will be a major challenge hampering the full operationalization of the joint force, and there is an urgent need to exert more effort to mobilize international support for the force. In that context, we note the plan by France and Germany to organize a conference in Berlin in mid-September to secure more support for logistics and training for the G-5 Sahel joint force. Without adequate financial and logistical support, it would be extremely difficult to fully operationalize the force, let alone sustain it. That is why the issue requires serious attention.

    2017-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8024 (2017) · source

  15. This most recent attack again serves to underscore the importance of the G-5 Sahel joint force and the need for its speedy operationalization to combat the threat of terrorism and violent extremism faced by countries of the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali. In that regard, we welcome the official launching of the G-5 Sahel joint force on 2 July and take note of the efforts being made to fully operationalize it before the end of this year. The G-5 Sahel countries have demonstrated their commitment to fighting terrorism and transnational organized crime by mobilizing their forces and resources, but they need more financial and logistical support to fully operationalize the joint force.

    2017-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8024 (2017) · source

  16. I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Wane for his briefing on activities that have been undertaken over the past two months since the adoption of resolution 2359 (2017) to operationalize the joint force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). As usual, it was a very comprehensive, lucid and helpful briefing. Let me take this opportunity to condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Ouagadougou, as well as that in Mali against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. We express our sympathy to and solidarity with the families of the victims of these attacks, and we hope that the perpetrators of these heinous attacks will be held to account. We fully support the press statement issued by the Council yesterday (SC/12955).

    2017-08-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8024 (2017) · source

  17. We believe that Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) and the Panel of Experts that supports it will continue to play a critical role in this regard, and they should be encouraged to further strengthen their engagement with Member States to improve implementation of the measures. Let me conclude by reiterating, once again, Ethiopia's firm commitment to continuing to work towards the full implementation of these Security Council resolutions, including the one that we have adopted today.

    2017-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8019 (2017) · source

  18. That is why we believe that there is an urgent need for finding a lasting, comprehensive political and diplomatic solution to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issue through dialogue and negotiation. It is indeed a good thing that the just- adopted resolution takes this into account. This requires that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea return to its international commitments on denuclearization and fully comply with the relevant resolutions of Security Council. Finally, the latest ballistic-missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reminds us that the full implementation of the Council's resolutions by all Member States is much more critical now than ever before.

    2017-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8019 (2017) · source

  19. It is absolutely crucial that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea immediately cease these provocative actions in order to reduce the tension in the Korean peninsula and prevent its further escalation. That is why we believe taking the measure the Council took today was made unavoidable. It is becoming all the more apparent that this situation could get out of hand if it is not managed properly. We believe it is important to make additional efforts to try to open up possibilities for the diplomatic path towards the resolution of a problem that is indeed both complex and dangerous. One thing is undeniable - and on this all reasonable people must agree - and that is that there is a need for channels of communication to avoid the risk of miscalculation and reduce tensions in the Korean peninsula.

    2017-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8019 (2017) · source

  20. We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2371 (2017), condemning in the strongest terms the continuing ballistic-missile tests conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in violation of various Security Council resolutions. The step taken today, imposing additional sanctions measures as a consequence, is therefore proper. It is important that we continue to maintain the unity of the Council in addressing this problem. In our view, this is perhaps the most critical factor that may ensure a breakthrough eventually, if, in addition, the matter is handled with a great deal of care and wisdom. The nuclear- and ballistic-missile-related programmes of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea pose serious threats to regional and international peace and security.

    2017-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8019 (2017) · source

  21. Lastly, the important role that regional and subregional organizations play in improving the design and effective implementation of sanctions regimes cannotbe overlooked. Coordinating efforts with regional and subregional organizations and mechanisms is very important for the effectiveness of sanctions regimes. If we look at the Constitutive Act of the African Union, it has a much more progressive stance on the issue, and it is one reason why we urge the Council to further enhance its cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, including on the issue under discussion.

    2017-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8018 (2017) · source

  22. That underscores the need for realism and pragmatism in dealing with various situations. We are opposed to politicizing sanctions and allowing double standards in their design and implementation. Nonetheless, we do not think that that should lead us to reject the use of sanctions as a tool. Rather, we should avoid politicization and double standards and apply sanctions judiciously, when appropriate, and based on the merits of the case. Moreover, the Council and Member States' level of enthusiasm and determination for implementing sanctions should not differ from one sanction regime to another. That is another reason why we should continually review the way the Council uses and implements this tool, and draw valuable lessons for improving sanctions' application and implementation.

    2017-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8018 (2017) · source

  23. We do not believe that that will help to make progress in enhancing the effectiveness of sanctions. In our opinion, perhaps a better approach to achieving the desired objective would be to look at the merit of each case and its specific context. We recognize that sanctions are not meant to stay in place forever. If the situation warrants the modification or lifting of a sanction, the Council should not hesitate to take appropriate measures accordingly. However, specific situations may also require that sanctions be strengthened, and the Council should not shy away from that. Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun mentioned instances where that has happened. What really matters is the reality on the ground, and the importance of ensuring that the Council uses its tools effectively so as to induce changes in behaviour.

    2017-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8018 (2017) · source

  24. We understand that important work has been done in the past to review the efficacy of sanctions, following the Council's willingness, as shown in practice, to make use of targeted sanctions more often and apply them to a broader range of activities and more diverse kinds of threats to international peace and security. We thank the presidency for taking up this subject matter and its effort to build on this important work. We agree that sanctions should be carefully designed and implemented to include clear objectives, as well as a defined scope and to periodically review the progress made against their objectives. More often than not, discussions tend to be polarized with arguments in favour of or against the application of sanctions in general terms.

    2017-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8018 (2017) · source

  25. We recognize that sanctions have evolved significantly over time. The way that the Security Council uses sanctions has changed from its earlier practice of imposing comprehensive sanctions to its contemporary practice of applying targeted measures. That is an important development, which would make the sanctions regime more effective and, most importantly, provide a mechanism to address the unintended and adverse effects of comprehensive sanctions. If used appropriately and in a targeted manner, we believe that sanctions have the potential to exert pressure on specific individuals or entities whose behaviour the Council is seeking to influence.

    2017-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8018 (2017) · source

  26. We express appreciation to the Egyptian presidency for organizing today's briefing on enhancing the effectiveness of sanctions, building on the Arria-formula meeting held last month. We thank the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Taye-Brook Zerihoun, for his very useful briefing. As defined in the Charter of the United Nations and as colleagues have indicated, sanctions are one of the important tools at the disposal of the Security Council for the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security. As Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun stated and as is also self-evident, sanctions are not an end in themselves. They are and should be part ofa broader political strategy, aimed at preventing, managing and resolving conflicts. Without them, they cannot achieve the desired results.

    2017-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8018 (2017) · source

  27. It is therefore important for the Council to take into account the multi-faceted aspects of direct or indirect support to terrorists and adopt a broader outlook when addressing the issue of the access to weapons by terrorists as called for by resolution 2370 (2017). In that regard, I would like to underline the critical role that the various sanctions committees can and should play in ensuring the proper implementation of relevant arms embargoes and in eliminating the supply of weapons to terrorists. I would like to conclude by reiterating our firm commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and by expressing our readiness to work with all the relevant actors in the implementation of the important resolution 2370 (2017) to prevent and eliminate the supply of weapons to terrorists.

    2017-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8017 (2017) · source

  28. It is in that context that we recognize the importance of various measures incorporated in resolution 2370 (2017), which we adopted today, aimed at eliminating the supply of weapons to terrorists within the framework of resolution 1373 (2001). Resolution 1373 (2001) imposes a Chapter VII legal obligation on all Member States to refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts, which includes the elimination of the supply of weapons to terrorists. It requires Member States to take concrete measures to refrain from providing any form of support, which may include financing, training or harbouring terrorists. It also requires Member States to prevent terrorists from acquiring conventional weapons and small arms and light weapons.

    2017-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8017 (2017) · source

  29. Those growing threats, resulting mainly from the increased supply of weapons, require all Member States to adopt a comprehensive approach that would integrate and coordinate their measures at the national, regional and international levels, as appropriate, and enhance their cooperation. The cross-border and international nature of the challenge also requires all of us to adopt a multilateral response, complimenting measures taken at the national level by Member States within their jurisdictions. It is also critical for Member States to address some of the challenges in the context of broader disarmament discussions.

    2017-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8017 (2017) · source

  30. The threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in the context of asymmetrical warfare, continues to lead to enormous challenges. For instance, in Somalia, IEDs are an increasingly mortal component of the al-Shabab arsenal as they become larger and more sophisticated, inflicting loss of life on civilians and peacekeepers. They also continue to threaten the operations of humanitarian organizations, as well as the safety, security and livelihoods of internally displaced persons returning to their homes. That is mainly associated with the illicit flow of explosive elements in dual-use items that could be used for the manufacture of IEDs, and with gaps in controlling and regulating their use.

    2017-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8017 (2017) · source

  31. Access by terrorists to weapons, both conventional weapons and small arms and light weapons, poses a serious threat to the maintenance of peace and security, particularly in the context of countries affected by conflict. We endorse all that the President said when speaking in his national capacity. The proliferation of weapons that end up in the hands of terrorists has increased, mainly owing to transnational organized crime, poor border management, illicit arms-trafficking, including using the Internet, and gaps in export control and end-user verification. That, in turn, continues to pose a significant challenge to the implementation of the mandates ofpeacekeeping missions, the provision of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians.

    2017-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8017 (2017) · source

  32. I would like to join others in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency for the month of August, and I assure you of our fullest cooperation and support in the effective discharge of your responsibilities. I also wish to express appreciation to you for organizing this briefing on preventing terrorists from acquiring weapons. We are grateful to all the speakers for their informative briefings. Ethiopia commends Egypt for its leadership in facilitating the negotiation on resolution 2370 (2017) and welcomes its unanimous adoption. I would also like to express, more formally, my appreciation to Ambassador Liu Jieyi and China for their very successful presidency last month. I would also like to say how pleased we are to welcome the Russian Permanent Representative, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzya.

    2017-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8017 (2017) · source

  33. While it is the parties that should show the flexibility to engage in direct and meaningful negotiations so as to reach a final settlement on all issues, we believe that the international community, and particularly the Council, should help and encourage the two sides to do so. It is in this context that we support the initiatives that have been under way to facilitate negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting solution. The efforts of the Middle East Quartet and its road map, the Arab Peace Initiative as well as the efforts of countries within and outside the Council are very much appreciated and should be encouraged to continue.

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011 (2017) · source

  34. As far as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is concerned, Ethiopia's position has always been very clear. As much as we support the right of Israel to exist in peace and security, we also support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the right of Palestine to exist as a free and independent State. Let me reiterate that we think that the goal of two States living side by side in peace and security is the only viable option to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Any obstacle to this goal should be addressed so as to pave the way for progress in the peace talks.

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011 (2017) · source

  35. It is positive developments such as this that demonstrate that the two sides can indeed cooperate, giving us reason not to lose hope in the quest for a lasting solution to the long-standing dispute between Israelis and Palestinians. These two very hard-working and intelligent peoples, who have, as the Special Coordinator said, an inextricably linked history cannot allow peace and the possibility ofliving side by side as equals to elude them. This is our hope. We welcome the meeting of the Middle East Quartet that took place on 13 January aimed at discussing current efforts to advance Middle East peace as well as the deteriorating situation in Gaza. We believe that the continuous engagement of the Quartet with Israelis and Palestinians as well as other key regional stakeholders is absolutely essential to efforts to resolve the crisis.

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011 (2017) · source

  36. There is no other viable option. All arguments to the contrary are unrealistic and inconsistent with a firm commitment to seek a just and democratic solution to the problem. It is indeed unfortunate that the outbreak of violence in Jerusalem overshadowed some of the modest but positive steps taken recently, which have the potential to de-escalate tensions and contribute to advancing understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. Here I am referring to the agreement recently signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which the Special Coordinator mentioned earlier, to increase the electricity supply to J enin. This is in addition to another agreement signed between the two sides that deals with addressing the issue of the water supply.

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011 (2017) · source

  37. This sentiment was also echoed by the Quartet, which, in its statement of 22 July, noted the particular sensitivities surrounding the holy sites in Jerusalem and the need to ensure security, thus encouraging Israel and Jordan to work together to uphold the status quo. We are pleased that all concerned seem to have played their role in reducing the prevailing tension, and one hopes the situation will continue to be controlled. However, the danger should not be understated. All this makes it self-evident that unless the underlying problems are solved peacefully, the kinds of reactions that took place over the past week are likely to happen again and again, eventually getting to a point of no return. That is why preserving the possibility of finding a solution through the two-State formula is absolutely critical.

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011 (2017) · source

  38. I would like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing on the latest situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. We thank him as well for always being as objective as possible. We understand how difficult the job is. I believe this must be said, although it might sound trite. Let me start by expressing our deepest sorrow and sympathy in connection with the loss of lives in the recent outbreak of violence. We recall with appreciation the statement issued by the Secretary-General, who called on both sides to refrain from taking any action that would further escalate the situation. Violence must be condemned and also, as the Secretary-General said: "The sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence".

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011 (2017) · source

  39. We encourage such coordination and collaboration efforts on the part of IGAD, the AU and the United Nations and urge that such efforts continue to be further strengthened. I am reiterating again the one-voice principle. Finally, no matter what we in the region and the rest of the international community may do, the success of the reinvigoration process, as we work to address the enormous challenge that South Sudan is facing, will depend to a great degree on the willingness of all the parties. We hope that all South Sudanese parties will rise to the challenge and work towards the restoration of peace through genuine dialogue and reconciliation.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  40. In that regard, I should add that there is no viable alternative to the efforts being carried out by IGAD in coordination with the AU and the United Nations. We in the IGAD region remain as steadfast as ever in our resolve to cooperate with the African Union and the United Nations in bringing about lasting peace in South Sudan. That was reflected in the recent decision of the IGAD Summit and the Council of Ministers, which reaffirmed the region's firm resolve to work closely with the AU and the United Nations in its reinvigoration effort. The African Union, at its twenty-ninth ordinary session of the Assembly, also endorsed those regional efforts, including the convening of the high-level revitalization forum of the peace Agreement.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  41. The Council should lend its unreserved support to such regional efforts and send a strong and unified message to all the parties in South Sudan to encourage them to seriously and constructively engage in the peace process. We reiterate the importance of maintaining the unity of purpose among IGAD, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, including the Security Council, in the search for lasting peace, security and stability in South Sudan. President Mogae has been urging for some time, as he did a while ago, that the principle of one voice - all of us the speaking with one voice - should be our guide. That might in fact be the silver bullet that we need to make serious progress in South Sudan for peace: one voice, one action. Sometimes the answer might lie in the simple, in the manifestly least complicated.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  42. It is in that context that the IGAD Summit decided to urgently convene a high-level revitilization forum of the parties to the Agreement, including estranged groups, to discuss concrete measures to restore a permanent ceasefire, to fully implement the peace agreement and to develop a revised and realistic timeline and implementation schedule leading towards a democratic election at the end of the transition period. A clear guideline and implementation matrix for the high-level forum has been approved by the fifty- seventh extraordinary session of the IGAD Council of Ministers. The IGAD Council of Ministers and Chiefs of Staff will soon meet in Juba as per the approved matrix and guideline. The Council of Ministers will be travelling to Juba next Monday, and it would be proper for the Security Council to strongly support that effort.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  43. As IGAD has reiterated, the full implementation of the 2015 peace Agreement remains the only viable way forward to bring an end to the conflict and restore peace and stability in South Sudan. The lack of meaningful progress in the implementation of the Agreement has indeed been a source of great concern, necessitating the reinvigoration of the peace process so as to ensure the full implementation of the Agreement through greater inclusivity, forgiveness and reconciliation.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  44. We call upon all the parties to take urgent measures to facilitate unhindered access to the affected population. We also call upon the international community to urgently step up efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to save lives and support the suffering people of South Sudan. There have been reported incidents affecting the ceasefire and transitional security arrangements that have prevented Monitoring Mechanism teams from carrying out their duties by both parties. As much as we appreciate the effort, it is extremely difficult to talk about joint and inclusive political dialogue while there is ongoing fighting throughout the country. That is why all parties must immediately renounce violence and urgently takejoint steps to cease all hostilities.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  45. The recent escalation of the conflict in Upper Nile state and the declaration of a state of emergency in four states show the deterioration of the situation. The cessation of all hostilities and violence in the country is indeed a matter of urgent priority if we are to alleviate the suffering of the South Sudanese people, who have endured so much for far too long. That would create an environment in which it would be possible to address the dire humanitarian situation, including by facilitating humanitarian access. The high number of incidents and obstacles faced by humanitarian agencies, including the killing of humanitarian personnel and the denial of access for the delivery of humanitarian supplies, continue to pose serious challenges and should be of serious concern.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  46. We thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Wane, for his briefing, which is, as usual, very useful, balanced and insightful. We are also very grateful to President Mogae, the very wise man of our region, in whom we take great pride, for his remarks and for his dedicated efforts to carry out difficult responsibilities in challenging circumstances. We in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) remain indebted to him. The worsening security situation in South Sudan is deeply worrying for us in the region. Despite the declaration by His Excellency President Salva Kiir of a unilateral ceasefire, which we appreciate, fighting has continued unabated across several parts of the country, with devastating consequences for the civilian population.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8008 (2017) · source

  47. We believe that, if the resolution is properly implemented, it would definitely serve as a very good tool in the fight against ISIL, Al-Qaida and their affiliates. We hope that it will contribute to promoting international peace and security.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8007 (2017) · source

  48. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/467), as well as the reports of the Monitoring Team, have highlighted the impact of resolution 2253 (2015) with regard to the criminalization of terrorism, financing, measures taken to freeze the assets of those supporting terrorist organizations or individual terrorists, increased integration of financial intelligence into counter- terrorism work, raising and moving funds, as well as other matters related to the fight against terrorism. In that connection, we consider vital the inclusion in resolution 2368 (2017) of the issue of addressing foreign terrorist fighters and returnees, language against terrorism financing, updated language on the work of the Ombudsperson, all while recalling recent Council resolutions and their transitory provisions, which have strengthened the sanctions regime.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8007 (2017) · source

  49. Ethiopia recognizes that its fight against terrorism cannot be effective without forging the required regional and international cooperation. In the light of that, sanctions are indeed one of the most important tools at the disposal of the Security Council in the fight against terrorism. That is why the sanctions regime against ISIL and Al-Qaida remains very important.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8007 (2017) · source

  50. Ethiopia welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2368 (2017), on the review of the sanctions regime on Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) under resolution 2253 (2015). I would like to express my appreciation to the penholder for successfully steering the review process, and to the members of the Council for their flexibility. We are pleased to have co-sponsored the resolution. Ethiopia finds itself in one of the most volatile regions of Africa, which is facing increasing levels of terrorism and radicalization. Therefore, Ethiopia is firmly committed to combating the scourge ofterrorism in order to ensure its own peace and security in the region, where Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups affiliated with ISIL and Al-Qaida are very active.

    2017-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8007 (2017) · source