YouSaid · the spoken record

Alemu

lines on the record: 1,245
first: 2011-03-10
most recent: 2018-07-30
sittings or episodes: 191
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

“Yamamoto referred to in his briefing, Afghanistan continues to face enormous challenges, as the Secretary-General's report and the statement by the representative of Afghanistan, even more so, make clear. It is self-evident that the country needs understanding and support. It seems that the political situation, including at the highest level, also needs coherence. It is in the light ofthis situation that we see the need for sustained support and cooperation on the part of the international community if Afghanistan is to overcome those challenges.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“I would like to begin by expressing our appreciation to Mr. Yamamoto, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing on the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/189) on Afghanistan and the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). And I would like to thank the Secretary-General for the report itself, which we have found very useful, particularly for those, like us, who make no claim to deep knowledge of the Afghan situation. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan and the Chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission for their remarks. Despite the notable progress that has been made in the three areas that Mr.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Finally, the Syrian people have been going through unspeakable suffering and pain over the past six years. I should like to therefore conclude by once again expressing our support for ongoing Syria peace talks in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations, which, we believe, should be the most important focus of the Council to end the suffering ofthe Syrian people.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“We understand that it has not received the necessary support commensurate with the unprecedented responsibility given to it by the Council. We believe that, as it resumes its important work, it is absolutely important to provide all the necessary support to the JIM. and protect its professional independence. It is also vital that we use the important work of the JIM. and the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic to address the proliferation of chemical weapons in Syria, the magnitude of which experts tell us is indeed downright scary, with the potential to affect and endanger the wider region. Criminal groups are having a field day in that regard. We need to get our act together before it is too late, as happens on too many occasions.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“Virginia Gamba, a new investigative team with better skills has been formed and is ready "to examine additional information and evidence that was not obtained or prepared by the Fact-Finding Mission". It would have been only appropriate and logical to allow the JIM. to continue its work and come up with an unambiguous conclusion. That, we thought, would have contributed to ensuring the unity of the Council, which is critical with regard to very weighty issues such as the one at hand. I should say parenthetically that one of the most successful arms control agreements was concluded in September 2013 with the aim ofremoving or destroying Syria's chemical weapons. By comparison, we feel that it would have been much easier to move together this time around. Nevertheless, we remain fully confident with regard to the work of the JIM.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“That is to say that we are only stressing that making a decision on a very vital matter, such that which had been proposed attributing responsibility for the use of chemical weapons, should have been based on convincing and robust evidence. Whoever is responsible for such abhorrent acts must be explicitly identified and accordingly punished. That requires establishing clear and unambiguous evidence. Thus far, the JIM. has not come up with a specific and detailed list ofpersons or entities that fully corresponds to the annex of the draft resolution. In resolution 2319 (2016), the Council renewed the mandate ofthe JIM. for one additional year. As we heard just this past Friday from the Head of JIM, Ms.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“As the Joint Investigative Mechanism made clear in its report, what it was able to find was only "sufficient information" - and I want to underline that. Of course, we understand the JIM's real constraints. It was not under ideal circumstances that it was called upon to undertake that onerous task. Therefore, when we affirm that its current conclusions are not yet firm enough to make the kind of decision proposed, it is not intended to cast aspersions on the work done by the JIM, which, in our judgment, was carried out with objectivity and a high level of professional responsibility. We nonetheless believe that we have the obligation to point out areas that are in need of further clarification and investigation to determine the specific individuals and entities responsible for those acts.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“That is why we attach great importance to the work of the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM). Since wejoined the Security Council, we have been carefully examining the draft resolution (S/2017/172) on the use of chemical weapons in Syria with a great sense of responsibility. In that connection, we have been very frank and open in raising questions on the third and fourth reports of the Joint Investigative Mechanism (see S/2016/738/Rev.l and S/2016/888), which the draft resolution used as a basis for proposing a sanctions regime. We came to realize that, due to a number of constraints, the Joint Investigative Mechanism could not find "highly convincing evidence", "substantial evidence" or even "sufficient evidence".”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“At the outset, let me make it very clear that we have a firm and uncompromising policy against the use of chemical weapons, born of our own experience. We have no reason for laxity on that issue. We believe that the use of chemical weapons, for any reason and under any circumstances by any party, is not only abhorrent but also violates international law. That is why we condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the use of chemical weapons in Syria, as reported by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. We believe that those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, whether State or non-State actors, whether individuals or entities, should be identified based on conclusive findings and must be held accountable.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“Let us not forget that we have a Secretary-General who takes himself as a bridge-builder seriously. He needs to be empowered. This is a time when we need a moral arbiter, but one who is not too ostentatious about his or her role. For us in Africa, let me reiterate that Europe is not only a neighbouring continent, but also an important partner in addressing the many peace and security, as well as development, challenges we face. Therefore, we hope Europe will remain true to the spirit of the strategic partnership that has been forged with Africa in tackling issues of mutual concern, as well as in ensuring collective peace, security and prosperity.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“We understand there are no quick fixes to some of those challenges and, in a much more interconnected and interdependent world, Europe cannot alone find a solution to the difficult and complex challenge it is facing. There is no substitute in this regard in Europe or elsewhere for ensuring peace, security and stability through scrupulous observance of principles of international law governing inter-State relations. That is why reaffirming the multilateral approach and investing in a stronger United Nations and enhancing cooperation and partnership with other regional organizations, such as the African Union, is a sensible and logical thing to do, as the European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini stated during the just concluded Munich Security Conference.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“No doubt, building the necessary trust and confidence between and among parties is the key to making progress. The United Nations should continue to work closely with the European Union and the OSCE in the pursuit of those objectives. We realize that Europe is indeed passing through a very difficult period. Like the rest of the world, it is confronting serious challenges involving an economic slowdown; the migration and refugee crisis; heightened threats of terrorism; and the resurgence of populist tendencies, all of which threaten to undermine its stability and prosperity, as well as the refined cultural values that have made Europe an example to the rest of the world.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Europe is perhaps one of the most generous and effective partners of the African Union (AU), and the AU is critical for the future of Africa. It is against that backdrop that we look with a great deal of concern at some of the unresolved conflicts in Europe that are still on the agenda of the Council, as well as those that have emerged recently. Dialogue and negotiation remain the only way to find a durable political and diplomatic solution to some of the difficult and extremely delicate issues of peace and security in Europe. In that regard, as is true with all other conflict situations, the political will and commitment of the parties to the protracted and new conflicts in Europe is crucial, not only in order to reach a peaceful settlement but also to ensure that agreements are fully respected and implemented.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Some might go so far as to say since the end of the Second World War. When experts begin to draw parallels between the current period and the times prior to the First World War, people with common sense should put their ears to the ground. As far as we are concerned, we do not claim to be experts on European issues, but we do recognize from history that the peace and security of Europe has always had a major impact on the peace and security of our world. Conflicts in Europe have, in the past, resulted in two devastating world wars and, during the post-Second World War period, in an international order that has ensured durable peace and unprecedented prosperity on the continent. Europe also means a lot to us in Africa for our development and for our peace and security.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“But it is impossible to say where we are heading, because it is difficult to talk even about the general contours of what we are transitioning into. One can understand, therefore, why Secretary-General Guterres has defined the current global situation as chaotic. At no time has multilateral diplomacy been as vitally needed as it is now. It is also for that reason that the Ukrainian presidency should be commended for organizing this debate. Europe is not merely vital for the success of multilateral diplomacy * it is indispensable. A peaceful and harmonious Europe can serve as an important pillar for global peace at a time when, at the global level, there is more confusion than clarity. That is making the global situation potentially more dangerous than perhaps at any time since the advent of the post-Cold- War period.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“We thank the Ukrainian presidency for its wisdom in organizing this debate. We should also like to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the observer of the European Union for their briefings. Although the Security Council has been seized with a number of European issues under this agenda item, this is perhaps the first time that the Council is broadly discussing conflicts in Europe as threats to international peace and security. That we are now living in a turbulent world has become very clear. One gets the sense that we are undergoing a transition at the global level.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Let me say from the bottom of my heart that the passing of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin is a great tragedy, not just for his family and Russia but for the Organization and multilateral diplomacy, at a time when the United Nations is needed more than ever. One need not delve into this at length. These are not normal times. This is a period when we need a person like Vitaly - a patriot for his country, no doubt, but also a diplomat whom we could trust at a time when that quality is not found in abundance. He would never mislead you and was a person who allowed space for mutual accommodation. One thing is very clear - he left us a time when people like him are needed the most. On behalf of my Government, 1 want to express condolences to his family, his colleagues, the United Nations family and the Government of the Russian Federation.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“The United Nations in cooperation with regional and subregional organizations could possibly facilitate such platforms to enhance their awareness and enable the exchange of valuable experiences in connection with the protection of critical infrastructure.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“The designing of tailor-made programmes on the protection of critical infrastructure by CTITF, in line with the potential threats and risks they face, could certainly be very helpful. Reactivating the CTITF Working Group on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure Including Internet, Vulnerable Targets and Tourism Security will be instrumental in achieving this objective; no doubt, so would be the very timely initiative that the Secretary-General is contemplating to enhance the capacity of the Secretariat to better coordinate the United Nations counter-terrorism effort, which indeed has so far lacked coherence. Finally, we believe that the sharing of experiences and best practices among countries and regions could also go a long way in enhancing capacity and responsiveness to such threats.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“However, there has not been a resolution dedicated to this issue, and the resolution we adopted today will, we hope, fully contribute to promoting greater international cooperation to effectively counter terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure. As the concept note (S/2017/104, annex) rightly points out, there is a need to build national capacity to prevent and react to potential risks and threats in this regard. The roles of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, along with its Executive Directorate and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), will be critical in closely following up on this issue and helping Member States build their capacities.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Cyberterrorism carried out with the aim of causing damage to computer systems and telecommunication infrastructure has also become a real danger. All countries big and small are indeed vulnerable to these kinds of threats. As we are living in a volatile neighbourhood, which is facing threats of terrorism and violent extremism, attacks against critical infrastructure by terrorists are not remote possibilities for us. They are real threats and they have already happened in our region. We believe it is through effective international cooperation that the protection, security and resilience of critical infrastructure can be enhanced. The protection of critical infrastructure can be said to have been partly addressed by international treaties and conventions related to civil aviation, maritime security and nuclear weapons.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Of course, the airline industry has often been the primary target of terrorists and a series of measures have already been put in place to enhance aviation security. However, the airline industry still remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks; hence the need for greater international cooperation in closing any loopholes that could be exploited by terrorists. We all know that terrorists and other criminals have developed the capacity to launch coordinated and sophisticated attacks on other critical infrastructures. Public institutions, private businesses, factories and industries, roads and bridges, shopping malls and sport centres, among others, have increasingly become targets of attacks aimed at disrupting normal economic activities.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“We would like to express appreciation to the Ukrainian presidency for organizing and to you, Mr. President, for presiding over this important debate on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) and our thanks also go to all the briefers for their presentations. With the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism, the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to attacks by terrorists has been a source of great concern. The devastating economic and security impact of such attacks to some of the infrastructure that we normally take for granted in our daily lives, such as water, electricity, telecommunication and the Internet, transportation, banking and finance is too ghastly to contemplate.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“That is why Ethiopia supported the adoption of today's resolution. We commend Senegal for accommodating the concerns expressed by members during the negotiation process, with a view to facilitating the Council's unity. It is vital that we maintain that unity of purpose. We also salute all the members who showed the flexibility needed to ensure the resolution's adoption by consensus.”
2017-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7866 (2017) · source
“We have seen how quickly things there have deteriorated and, for that reason, every possible effort must be made to ensure that it does not descend into chaos. The State institutions should not be allowed to collapse. While Ethiopia attaches great importance to that matter, we also believe that the usurpation of power and an unconstitutional move to retain it should not be allowed to succeed. In that regard, we are fully behind the ECOWAS regional efforts to resolve the current political impasse through dialogue, in full conformity with the country's Constitution and with respect for the will of the Gambian people. We believe that it is important to ensure that the Security Council supports the efforts of ECOWAS and the African Union and continues to send a unified message.”
2017-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7866 (2017) · source
“We also welcome the Council's unanimous adoption today of resolution 2337 (2017), and we appreciate the work done by our Senegalese colleagues, who have discharged their responsibilities with flexibility and resolve in drawing the Council's attention to the issue as early as possible. We have indeed been following the developments in The Gambia very closely. In line with the position of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Ethiopia fully supports respect for constitutional order in The Gambia and for a peaceful transfer of power aimed at preserving peace and stability there. The political crisis in The Gambia could have serious ramifications not just for the country itself but for the entire region.”
2017-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7866 (2017) · source
“Lastly, we are concerned about the information provided by France about the seizure of arms shipments that were probably destined for Yemen or Somalia, as indicated in the Secretary-General's report. We therefore hope that the necessary investigation will be carried out in order to verify the information and that the Council will be briefed about the outcome in due course.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“In that regard, explanations such as that provided by the Joint Commission on the temporary transfer of nuclear weapons are necessary in order to clear up misunderstandings and avoid any possible obstacles to full implementation of the agreement. The close cooperation and working relationship between the Joint Commission and the Security Council with regard to the procurement channel is important. The continued cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the JCPOA-participating States will also continue to be critical to the full implementation of the nuclear-related commitments under the J CPOA and to the broader implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“However, it is absolutely critical that all participants continue to display the same spirit of cooperation in order to address this challenge and preserve the agreement so as to achieve the desired objectives. Here I would like to echo something that Ambassador Vale de Almeida said in his briefing: "The work we have undertaken so far has proven that it is possible to reach agreements even on the most contentious issues and to implement them, provided that there is a will to do so." As the Secretary-General's report indicates, there are some issues that could lead to ambiguities and different interpretations of the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015) on the JCPOA.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“Most notably, as others have indicated - and it is worth repeating-no information has been received during the past six months with regard to actions inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015), in particular as it pertains to the supply, sale, transfer or export of nuclear-related items, ballistic missile activity, or ballistic missile-related transfers, as well as asset-freeze violations. That is indeed a positive development, clearly indicating that the implementation of the agreement is firmly on course. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the participating countries deserve to be commended for demonstrating strong commitment under the JCPOA framework. Of course, we understand the challenges and difficulties that may be encountered in implementation, and that is only natural.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“The Iranian nuclear deal represents, as Under- Secretary-General Feltman said, a significant achievement of multilateralism and diplomacy in addressing one of the most pressing peace and security issues of our time. One year since implementation day, the Security Council should be encouraged by the progress made in the implementation of the landmark JCPOA agreement, which contributes much to the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime and the promotion of international peace and security. In that connection, we take note of the key findings and recommendation of the Secretary-General contained in his second biannual report (S/2016/ll36) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman, Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida and Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi for their respective briefings on the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and resolution 2231 (2015). Of course, I endorse everything that you said before the meeting, Mr. President, with regard to Ambassador Samantha Power. Whether one loves or hates her, one will never be misled by her. What you see is what you get. There is no duplicity in Samantha Power. That is a great quality that is not abundantly present in the world. I wish her and her family long life and success.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“It is therefore imperative that the two sides resume direct and meaningful negotiations to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution on the basis of mutual trust and a spirit of compromise that ensures Israeli security and Palestinian aspirations to statehood. That is what the situation calls for, and it is also in the best interests of the two parties and of the international community as a whole.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“We are meeting just two days after the Paris Middle East Peace Conference, which we welcomed and which is aimed at creating political momentum conducive to new negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians themselves. Unfortunately, peace has so far remained elusive, to the detriment of Israelis and Palestinians as well as to peace and stability in the Middle East. Actions on both sides that run counter to the possibility of achieving a negotiated peace are not only increasing frustration and mistrust but also undermine the very viability ofa two-State solution. At a time when terrorists are expanding their influence in the region and sectarian violence is on the rise, the absence of any meaningful progress will be a recipe for disaster, increasing the radicalization that creates the conditions in which extremists thrive.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“As the previous Secretary-General said in one of his last speeches to the Council, " The right of the Jewish people to have a State does not negate the right of the Palestinian people to statehood" (S/PV. 7839, p. 2). Accordingly, Ethiopia fully supports the goal of two States living side by side in peace and security as the only viable option for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. We believe that is not only in the best interests of both Israel and Palestine but that it will also significantly advance peace and security in the Middle East. We all know that many initiatives have been launched to facilitate negotiation between the Israelis and Palestinians with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“We feel that being a member of the Council carries with it an obligation to the Charter of the United Nations and to an institution that emerged from the Second World War - a historical fact that for a variety of reasons can sometimes be overlooked - "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war". But still, given the political realities, we realize that the Security Council cannot resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. Only the two parties concerned can do that. But neither can the Council be a mere spectator, which amounts to an abdication of responsibility. It can and must nudge, prod and encourage the parties to make sure that a two-State solution remains viable and that peace is secured, justice is done and the countries' security protected.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Such positive developments as the signing two days ago of an agreement renewing the activity of the joint Israeli-Palestinian water committee could give us reason to hope. Ethiopia's position on the Israeli-Palestinian dispute has always been clear. As much as we support Israel's right to exist in peace and security, we also support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self- determination and Palestine's right to exist as a free and independent State. Given the many problems we have in Africa, and specifically in the Horn of Africa, we should perhaps tread carefully lest we appear to be pontificating on how to achieve peace in the Middle East. But we take the Security Council and the United Nations seriously.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“It is not too much of an exaggeration to say that the fallout from the crisis in the Middle East is likely to have a huge impact on our region, which is partly why we support a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian dispute. As a country that is friendly to both Israel and Palestine, Ethiopia is very concerned about the lack of progress in their peace process. Not only have they not made much progress towards resolving the crisis; even more worryingly, there seems to be no real possibility for making progress in the future towards the only Viable option for a durable peace - a two-State solution. But we continue to hope that progress is still possible and not all is lost.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Here I would like to emphasize our vehement condemnation of the terrorist attack in Jerusalem a few days ago. We fully understand the challenge that Israel is dealing with in that regard. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been one of the disputes at the core of the dangerous situation that has essentially defined the Middle East for the past several decades. The situation has been compounded by recent conflicts plaguing other countries in the region. The collapse of State institutions, the growing influence of terrorists and the escalation of sectarian violence threaten to unravel the whole region.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Mladenov for his comprehensive and very useful briefing. It is self-evident thatpeace and stability in the Middle East have broader implications for the maintenance of international peace and security. For Africa, and for the Horn of Africa in particular, developments in the region have significant meaning for our own peace and security, owing to our close proximity. The growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism and the possibility of Da'esh and Al-Qaida establishing links with Al-Shabaab are no longer matters for speculation; they are real. The recent geopolitical shifts in the Middle East and the Red Sea region have also dramatically changed the security dynamics, further complicating the peace and stability of our region.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“It is therefore critical that the challenges facing the region be addressed in a comprehensive manner. In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Under-Secretary-General O'Brien for the major contribution that he continues to make in discharging the mandate ofhis Office, not only with respect to the Lake Chad basin region but also in connection with our own region - the Horn of Africa.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“Although there are competing priorities for addressing the worsening humanitarian situation around the world and the available resources are not commensurate with the challenges at hand, we believe that the situation in the Lake Chad basin region, particularly the plight of women, children, girls and minors there, is excruciatingly painful. We therefore remain hopeful that the United Nations and the rest of the international community will redouble their efforts to respond to the humanitarian challenge facing that region. Moreover, we cannot overlook the impact of climate change and the extent to which it fuels conflict. That is one of the areas in which the imperatives of development, humanitarian concerns, the dangers of conflict, the problems associated with climate change and human rights concerns converge.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“She was very convincing, as she was with regard to the other matters that she mentioned. We are trying to cooperate with some of the countries of the region bilaterally in order to exchange experiences and share intelligence, particularly on linkages among various regional terrorist groups. It is our hope that there will be more enhanced cooperation and coordination on the basis of a common strategy among the countries of the region. We understand the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Lake Chad basin region. It has resulted from a number of factors, including the security threats that it has been facing.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we take note of the work being done by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in cooperation with other United Nations bodies, and we encourage the CTITF to help the region develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy to counter terrorism and violent extremism. Furthermore, the need for the coordination of efforts among the United Nations, the African Union and their respective regional mechanisms cannot be overemphasized. In that context, we believe that the proposal for the Security Council to undertake a visit to the region together with the African Union Peace and Security Council would send the right message. We fully subscribe to that idea and share the sentiments of United States Ambassador Power on that matter.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“However, we know that that terrorist group continues to pose serious a threat to peace and stability in the region by targeting innocent civilians, particularly women and children. The attempts by Boko Haram to forge links with known regional and international terrorist networks, including Al-Qaida, Da'esh and Al-Shabaab, present a matter that needs to be taken seriously. Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun has highlighted the various dimensions of the threat posed by Boko Haram, and we share those concerns. We believe that it is critical to support the countries of the region and their various existing security mechanisms by sharing intelligence and by building their capacity to handle old and new security challenges.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“I wish to thank Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun and Under-Secretary- General O'Brien for their briefings on the security and humanitarian situation in the Lake Chad basin region. I also wish to thank Ms. Askira for her briefing via video teleconference. The security challenge faced by the region, including but not limited to the threats of terrorism and violent extremism, should indeed be a matter of huge concern. Both Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun and Under-Secretary-General O'Brien were very convincing in their description of the magnitude of the challenge that the region is facing. At the same time, we take note of the progress that the countries of the region have made in the fight against Boko Haram through the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.”
2017-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7861 (2017) · source
“This has made it absolutely necessary for us to have effective mechanisms for joint security cooperation, and that is why States members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have agreed to establish a regional security cooperation framework and a platform for regular security dialogue and coordination to address common security threats and challenges. It is only through such cooperation and coordination that our counter-terrorism efforts will have a meaningful impact, and we believe the United Nations could contribute a lot by supporting these regional mechanisms and building their capacity. Let me conclude my remarks by expressing hope that we will move from rhetoric to action in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. This is indeed what the situation demands, and we should all rise up to the challenge.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“What all this means is that we should thoroughly reflect on our counter-terrorism efforts, and I hope that the review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June will shed more light on the challenges encountered in its implementation and make appropriate recommendations on the way forward. Finally, let me reiterate Ethiopia's strong commitment to combating the scourge of terrorism and its firm determination to forge effective regional and international cooperation in this regard. Ethiopia finds itselfin one ofthe most volatile regions ofAfrica, which is facing increasing levels of terrorism and radicalization. The situation has been further compounded recently by the impact of the Yemeni conflict and some Al-Shabaab elements pledging allegiance to the Islamic State.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“It is impossible to counter the growing threat posed by these terrorists and extremists without forging practical cooperation and coordination, including in the sharing of intelligence, the enhancement of border security, the establishment of mechanisms for cooperation and the exchange of valuable experiences between and among our Member States. Nevertheless, we have to admit that the hypocrisy and double standard manifest in our approach so far has been undermining our efforts to respond to the threat posed by terrorism in an effective, coherent and coordinated manner. I am glad that the concept note (S/2016/306, annex) has rightly recognized this challenge and I cannot agree more on the need to avoid these shortcomings if we really want to achieve a tangible impact on the ground.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“What has been seriously lacking is, of course, coordinated and effective action at all levels. And yet, the nature of the threat we face has evolved and expanded over the past decade. Terrorists groups and their affiliates have established better coordination among themselves than we Member States have managed to do. They have also become much more adept in effectively utilizing the Internet and social media to spread their extremist ideology and recruit foreign fighters. The issue of foreign fighters has a long history and there were times when countries such as mine had difficulty being understood when we called for vigilance.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source