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

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“We hope that the request from the President of the Republic of the Sudan, expressing his interest in the Sudan's being declared eligible to receive funds from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, will be accepted. The AU Peace and Security Council has also supported that request, and since members of the Peace and Security Council are coming to New York next month, we hope that they will engage the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission on the matter. The other important aspect that needs a paradigm shift is the approach to the Darfur peace process. We see no reason for the Council not to have a unified position on Abdul Wahid and his group. He is totally uninterested in any peace process. We have been briefed for quite some time, and have regrettably failed to take any action in that regard.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“The weapons-collection campaign has contributed considerably to the mitigation of intercommunal violence. That is an effort worth supporting, given its immediate impact on the return of IDPs and their long-term implications for stability in Darfur. The enormous gains registered in Darfur can be ensured only through sustained financing for the development efforts of the Government. That is why we are asking for a change of approach from the international community towards the Sudan. As the report on the joint strategic review rightly observes, "We have invested too much in Darfur over the last decade and a halfto risk it backsliding into conflict due to a lack of resources" (5/2018/530, para. 70). It is only through investment in recovery and peacebuilding efforts that we can avert the possibility of conflict relapse in Darfur.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“I am sure we all appreciate the fact that the challenges with regard to IDPs, particularly that of land and providing basic services, are huge and will not be addressed by the efforts of the Government alone. It requires significant assistance from the international community, which, so far, has been very meagre, save for modest assistance from a very few countries. The Government is also trying to fill the void that could be created by the closure of some of UNAMID's team sites by putting in place law enforcement and rule of law institutions, such as courts and police stations, that address issues related to the security of the communities. Unfortunately, those efforts have been similarly constrained by the lack of capacity and resources.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“What is expected from the international community is to intensify efforts in assisting the Government's efforts and to help in relieving the suffering of the people of Darfur. The American engagement with the Sudan is a case in point, and we are seeing how it has contributed to developments not only in Darfur, but also in other issues of peace and security. But engagement is not the only solution. The Sudan needs immediate and substantial financial support, and I take this opportunity to thank Sweden for taking the lead in changing the approach in that regard. I hope that will be emulated by other partners as well. The Government is exerting efforts to find a durable solution to the high number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), without which sustainable peace in Darfur cannot be ensured.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“The strategic review clearly states that the situation in Darfur can be characterized no longer as an armed conflict between Government forces and non-State actors, but as lawlessness and criminality, aggravated by a protracted humanitarian crisis, problems related to human rights and the lack of development. In that context, the transition from peacekeeping to sustaining peace and the role of the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund, highlighted by the strategic review, is indeed very appropriate. We believe that there is certainly a need for a paradigm shift in our approach to dealing with the Darfur situation. The Sudanese Government has demonstrated its political will to sustainably address the challenges in the region. It has also exerted many efforts to address the challenges the Sudan as a whole is facing.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“Intercommunal violence has decreased significantly and there has been a continuous improvement in humanitarian access across Darfur. That has also been confirmed by the report on the joint strategic review of the African Union and the United Nations. The visit of the AU Peace and Security Council also resulted in similar observations. That is why the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Secretary-General are arguing that improvements in the overall security situation in Darfur have created the conditions for UNAMID to prepare its exit after over 10 years in the Sudan. Of course, the root causes of the conflict in Darfur remain largely unaddressed, but UNAMID no longer represents the appropriate tool to address those remaining challenges.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his useful briefing, as well as his active and personal involvement together with his African Union (AU) Commission counterpart Ismail Chergui in the review process of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). We thank both the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the AU Commission for the special report (S/2018/530), which certainly provides us with an analysis of the conflict, highlighting the current security situation and conflict-drivers in Darfur, the political and humanitarian situation, as well as the development needs critical for avoiding a relapse into conflict. We have all said time and again that the overall security situation in Darfur remains generally stable.”
2018-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8283 (2018) · source
“We believe that it would have been better to narrow the differences and enable the Council to send the right message by adopting a consensus resolution in response to the most recent developments in Gaza. There is no denying the fact that those developments have once again brought the Israeli-Palestinian dispute back to the fore, underscoring the urgency of reinvigorating the peace process without further delay. It remains absolutely imperative to work towards de-escalating this dangerous situation in order to protect civilians, break the cycle of violence and resume the much-needed peace process so as to save the two-State formula, which is a long-held position of the United Nations and the international community.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“As we said the day before yesterday (see S/PV.8272), it is crucial to get the narrative right. If we miss that, we miss everything. What matters is the narrative. In that regard, it is absolutely critical to stress that the Palestinians' quest to assert their rights and ensure their self-determination by establishing an independent State must not be overshadowed by a narrative that seeks to focus on terrorism. We trust that the Council is aware of that and will not lose sight of that very critical point, which is more important than supporting a draft resolution that ends up being vetoed. That partly explains why we abstained in the voting on both draft resolutions.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“That said, we still feel it would have been appropriate to explicitly condemn recent actions by Hamas, particularly in the light of the most recent developments. Unlike Sweden, we felt that more should have been done to balance the draft resolution in that regard. This is what has led to the situation we find ourselves in today, having to vote on two competing draft resolutions. Our proposal would have helped to avoid this situation. The draft resolution submitted by the United States was circulated yesterday, and was put in blue without giving us the opportunity to provide the necessary input with a view to maintaining the right balance. While it certainly addresses the concerns we had with regard to Hamas, it shifts the whole narrative in another direction that we do not believe is proper, fair or helpful.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“We know - and everyone knows - that these rockets did not cause much damage, either in terms of lives lost or property destroyed, but they compromise the clarity of the Palestinians' legitimate protest for justice, which we support wholeheartedly. We are second to none in this regard. These latest developments undoubtedly undermine the serious efforts by the international community to improve the situation in Gaza. We have engaged constructively in the negotiation process on the Kuwaiti draft that was vetoed earlier, and we have presented input that we thought was important to balance the text. We thank and appreciate all of Kuwait's efforts to address most, if not all, of our concerns.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“With regard to the recent developments surrounding the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory and the events that took place in Gaza, we have had the opportunity to express our position on the matter a number of times recently. We have called on Israel to show maximum restraint and expressed our deepest sorry and sympathy for the loss oflives. As we said last time (see S/PV.8272), we believe that Israel's right to self-defence is a right that carries with it the responsibility to ensure proportionality. On the other hand, we are also deeply concerned by the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants from Gaza towards southern Israel and underscored that Hamas and the leaders of the demonstrations have the responsibility to prevent all violent actions and provocations.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“In my statement today, I would like to address both failed draft resolutions (S/2018/516 and S/2018/520), as each has failed in a different ways. I would like to thank and express our appreciation to Ambassador Joanna Wronecka and her colleagues in the Polish mission for the excellent leadership they provided to the Security Council until yesterday. We look forward to a very successful Russian presidency this month. Of course, we count on your wisdom, Mr. President. Ethiopia is a friend to both the Israelis and the Palestinians, and the ties we have with both peoples have deep sociological and historical roots. Our position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been consistent and principled.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“We seek the support and understanding of members of the Council because we feel we have the responsibility as Chair of IGAD and as the country intimately involved in the mediation efforts. We are duty-bound to salvage the peace process in spite of the many challenges and difficulties. In conclusion, let me say that politics is the art of the possible. Diplomacy is not conducted to vent frustration. That is what this draft resolution is the result of. As a matter of principle, IGAD has not said that sanctions should not be imposed; they should be. As we have stated, we will abstain in the voting on the draft resolution because the text is manifestly harmful to the peace process. It undermines the efforts of the subregion, the region, IGAD and the AU. We only hope that it will not drive the parties away from the peace process.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“We have been working with the penholder and all other members on the issue, and we have been trying to convey this message in good faith over the past couple of days. At the moment, we know that the draft resolution on the table does not enjoy the support of IGAD or the African Union. It also does not enjoy consensus among Council members. We know that a Council divided on this issue will not be helpful to the peace process, and it will not send the right message to the parties. That is what we have been trying to avoid. That is also why we have been working with the penholder in good faith and in a spirit of cooperation. Unfortunately, our concerns have not been fully taken into account, and we are forced to abstain in the voting on the draft resolution. In fact, that is the least we could do.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“The IGAD Council of Ministers convened in an extraordinary meeting today, and it deliberated on those issues on the basis of the report provided by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism. What was evident in the outcome of that meeting was IGAD's resolve to take punitive measures against commanders who are directly involved and those who are found to be violating the cessation of hostilities agreement. An IGAD Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government is also expected to be held soon. It therefore would have been logical and sensible for the Council to adopt a short, technical extension of the sanctions regime and drop the annex for now in order to give IGAD a chance during this critical moment in the peace process. Waiting two months would not have caused the sky to fall.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“The Security Council taking action now without synchronizing or calibrating its position regarding the AU would not only be unhelpful, it would also seriously undermine the peace process at a time when there are encouraging signs that a political outcome involving compromise could be within reach. The possibility that the peace process might collapse totally as a consequence of this cannot be ruled out. And we mean that. Those who are closer to the problem might also be closer to the truth. What is more ironic is that the draft resolution before us for adoption comes at a time when IGAD has reaffirmed its commitment to take targeted measures against parties and individuals who are found to be spoilers, and this was also reinforced by the African Union.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“However, as much as we understand the frustration of the many who have done a great deal to help the people of South Sudan, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is at the critical moment of concluding the High-Level Revitalization Forum and presenting its bridging proposal. The adoption of the draft resolution before us (S/2018/515) would be detrimental to the process. It is a very tragic development indeed. There has been a clear understanding on the part of IGAD, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations that there is a need to coordinate efforts to push the peace process forward and achieve the desired result. That unity of purpose and complementarity of efforts is what has been dictating everything we do in IGAD.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“The situation in South Sudan worries all of us, in particular those of us in the region. We fully understand the gravity of the situation, and we share the pain and suffering of the South Sudanese people. However, we also know that the seemingly unsurmountable multifaceted problems facing the country can be addressed only through an all-inclusive political process. We have made some undeniable progress in that regard. It is understandable if the seriousness of the South Sudanese parties and the slow pace of the peace process are creating a lot of frustration. We in the region are also extremely frustrated.”
2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source
“That is why the resumption of the peace process is so critical and why there is no other option for saving the possibility of the two-State solution.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, let me say that it is very important to get the narrative right. It would not be right to lose sight of the root causes of this tragic and potentially extremely dangerous situation. The possibility of a two-State solution is shrinking by the day, to the frustration of the Palestinians, whose living conditions, particularly in Gaza, are deeply worrying indeed. As Mr. Mladenov said recently, at one point weeks ago Gaza was on the verge of total collapse, with all the attendant consequences. He reiterated that view today. That situation is conducive to the creation of groups of all stripes that would pose a threat not only to the peoples of Palestine and Israel but also to the region as the whole.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“That is also why a de-escalation of this dangerous situation remains critical, so as to protect civilians, break the cycle of violence and resume the much-needed political process. We appreciate the role played by Egypt in trying to de-escalate the situation, and we note that today the ceasefire appears to be holding. This could calm the situation for a while, but to resume the political process, the parties, as well as the international community, have their own, respective responsibilities. While the parties should show the flexibility to engage in direct and meaningful negotiations so as to reach a final settlement on all issues, the international community, in particular the Council, should discharge its responsibilities in helping and encouraging the two parties to do so.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“We in the Council have repeatedly said that any negative action that runs counter to a peaceful settlement of the conflict will only prolong the process of resolving the problem. It is therefore self-evident that unless the peace process is advanced and the underlying problems solved peacefully, the tragedy at hand will only happen again and again, eventually reaching the point of no return. That is where we seem to be headed. The situation is that grave, and much worse violence is becoming imminent, despite the current calm situation. This is part and parcel of the very logic of the situation, and that is why preserving the possibility of finding a solution through a two-State formula is critical.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“I would like to echo what the Special Coordinator said yesterday, to the effect that he was deeply concerned by the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants from Gaza towards southern Israel. He also said that such attacks were unacceptable and undermined the serious efforts made by the international community to improve the situation in Gaza. His statement, which we feel is most valid, highlights how dangerous the rocket attacks from Gaza are and the hindrance they cause to making progress in the peace process. This must stop, for they are in the interest of no one, least of all the Palestinians. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to deny Israel the right to self-defence, a right that goes along with a responsibility to ensure proportionality.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Nikolay Mladenov for his briefing. We have been following reports of escalating Violence in the occupied Palestinian territory and of events taking place in Gaza, about which we are very concerned. It has been just two weeks since the emergency Security Council meeting (see S/PV.8256) following the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, which left many Palestinians dead and injured in the Gaza protest. At that meeting we expressed our seeped sorrow and sympathy on the loss of life. While we called on Israel to show maximum restraint, we also stated that Hamas and the leaders of the demonstrations had a responsibility to prevent all violent actions and provocations.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“We believe that the holding of the Normandy quartet could facilitate important discussions on the implementation of the Minsk agreements and help tackle outstanding issues in that regard. We note the bilateral meetings held recently by the Russian Federation with France and with Germany at the highest level. We hope they will pave the way for the convening of the Normandy quartet soon. Finally, on the issue of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17, the continued cooperation of all States and actors in the region in bringing the matter to a conclusion remains extremely important, in line with resolution 2166 (2014), which the Council adopted unanimously. Let me end by saying that knowingly downing a civilian aircraft is totally incomprehensible to us and is a truly terrible crime.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“We believe the implementation of the ceasefire regime, agreed to by the parties, is vital in de-escalating the increasing tension and helping address the needs of the civilian population. We also note the discussion on the possibility of deploying a peacekeeping mission, although there are major differences on the scope and mandate of the mission. There is no doubt that the resolution of the situation in the eastern region of Ukraine can be achieved only through a peaceful settlement. That is why it is absolutely imperative that the parties remain fully committed to the implementation of the Minsk agreements and strictly adhere to resolution 2202 (2015), which endorses the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. It has been a while since the parties met in the Normandy format.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“We are very pleased to see you, Mr. Minister, presiding over this important meeting. We also wish to welcome the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and of Ukraine. We thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Assistant Secretary-General Mueller and Chief Monitor Apakan for their respective briefings on the latest situation in eastern Ukraine. We note the statement issued by the Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group seven days ago expressing concern on the recent surge in combat activity along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine. We also understand the impact of the deteriorating security situation on civilians and critical infrastructure, and hence the need to respond to the humanitarian needs on the ground.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, sustainable peace can be achieved only through a comprehensive solution on the basis of the Arusha Agreements and the Constitution of Burundi. Now that the referendum has passed, we can only hope that there will be readiness on the part of all the relevant stakeholders for frank and genuine dialogue to chart the best way forward. Burundi is a country that continues to contribute in a significant manner to the peace and security of Somalia, which has huge significance for peace in the Horn of Africa and Africa in general. It is also from that perspective that we look at the need for improved relations between Burundi and the international community. It is our hope that Ambassador Lauber will continue with the very encouraging approach he has adopted and the process he has embarked upon.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Ambassador Lauber's proposals made a while ago are worth looking at carefully and seriously. On the side of the Government of Burundi, too, we believe that it is important for there to be open- minded engagement with the international community to explain the constitutional reform process and its outcome, the plan for the election in 2020, as well as the commitments to the spirit of the Arusha Agreement. The Government might also look seriously at the situation with regard to the three human rights experts, mandated by Human Rights Council resolution 36/2, which was presented on 28 September 2017 by African countries, including Burundi, in Geneva, and gather the information so that it would be able to garner the necessary assistance to address the capacity gap critically needed in the area.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“In that regard, the Council should explore new avenues for re-engagement with Burundi in order to address the political impasse. While we welcome and encourage the work of the Chair of the Burundi configuration in serving as a bridge for dialogue between Burundi and the international community, we also recommend exploring discreet diplomacy, in close coordination with the AU and the EAC, to engage the Burundian Government. The cultivation of trust in all of that is critical. As the political impasse coupled with the continued reduction of international financial assistance has put huge socioeconomic pressure on Burundi, we believe that alleviating the socioeconomic difficulties of the population, as well as addressing the humanitarian situation, should also be an integral part of the re-engagement.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We believe, as was also stressed by Ambassador Lauber, that strong coordination and coherence among the EAC, the African Union and the United Nations is key to making progress on the peace process. We urge the Government of Burundi to recommit itself to participatinginthedialogueprocess.Allthe stakeholders in the crisis in Burundi should also cooperate fully with the facilitator of the inter-Burundian dialogue and participate in that process in good faith. The engagement between the international community and the Government of Burundi has to be based on a realistic strategy aimed at supporting strong institutions and creating a conducive climate in which political differences can be addressed without backsliding into the violence of the past.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“As we have been repeatedly stating, the political impasse in the country can be addressed only through peaceful, inclusive and consensual dialogue. The lack of progress in that regard in the mediation led by the East African Community (EAC)has been of a matter of serious concern. Hence, the rapid re-launching of genuine and inclusive dialogue, under the auspices of the EAC and with the support of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations on the basis of the spirit of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi and the Constitution of Burundi, is all the more urgent to ensure lasting peace and stability, as well as a better future for Burundi.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We note the generally calm environment during the campaign and the conduct of the referendum, despite reports about allegations of intimidation and repression against opponents of the constitutional changes, which were referred to us both by the Special Envoy and by the Chair of the Burundi configuration. We believe any grievance with regard to the process of the referendum and its outcome should be addressed through the established legal mechanisms in a more transparent manner. We are also encouraged to note that the security situation in Burundi still continues to be stable. As the country prepares to embrace the outcome of the referendum, the pressing issue now is how to avoid any erosion in the relatively calm situation that prevails now.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We thank Special Envoy Michel Kafando for his briefing on the political situation in Burundi. We have always valued the contribution of the Special Envoy. We also commend Mr. Jiirg Lauber, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), and appreciate his briefing. It once again demonstrated how useful the work of the PBC is to the Security Council, and how, when it is handled in an effective manner, as Ambassador Lauber has done, the advisory capacity of the PBC is critical to making the Council more effective and, I might add, wiser. We were able to closely follow the constitutional referendum, which took place on 17 May.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“The region certainly needs the enhanced and sustained engagement of the international community, and it will continue to be crucial to ensure greater synergy and coherence in the efforts of the African Union, the United Nations and other international partners in support of the countries of the region. It is now all the more apparent that the security and development of the Sahel has broader implications for global stability, and we hope the Council will continue to support the efforts of the countries of the region to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“That is why we agree with the Secretary-General that the G-5 Sahel Joint Force is only one part of the broader response. Implementing a comprehensive and holistic strategy on the basis of ownership and partnership with the countries of the Sahel region is the best way forward. In that connection, we note the work that is being done to recalibrate the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel and welcome the appointment of a special adviser for the Sahel. We also note the strategic consultative meeting on the Sahel recently organized by the African Union in Nouakchott with the aim of aligning the efforts of the African Union, the United Nations and other international partners in support of the security and development efforts of countries in the region.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“The development of a compliance framework, in consultation with the G-5 Sahel States and the relevant United Nations offices and departments, designed to prevent and address possible adverse effects of the Joint Force's operations on local communities, is also encouraging. We welcome the memorandum of understanding signed between the G-5 Sahel and the African Union Commission for the provision of equipment, as well as technical and financial support, towards the operationalization of the Joint Force. We also welcome the decision last month by the African Union Peace and Security Council to extend the deployment of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force for an additional 12 months. The complex and difficult challenges facing the Sahel region cannot be effectively addressed without tackling the root causes of instability.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“We welcome the signing of the technical arrangement between the G-5 Sahel countries - Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Mali and the Niger - and the United Nations and the European Commission for the provision of operational and logistical support to the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, in line with resolution 2391 (2017). We note the two options proposed by the Secretary-General in his report for more extensive and comprehensive United Nations support to the Joint Force, using assessed contributions to ensure sustainable and predictable long-term financing and support. We hope the Council will seriously consider them and make an appropriate decision in due course.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“We note the series of high-level meetings that have taken place over the past couple of months to mobilize international support for the Joint Force. We appreciate the financial pledges made by bilateral and multilateral partners, including at the high-level international conference on the Sahel held in February in Brussels. I would be remiss ifI failed to commend Rwanda in particular for its demonstration of African solidarity by contributing $1 million in support of the Joint Force's operationalization. We hope that all the recent financial pledges will be redeemed. In the light of the serious difficulties on the ground, as we heard in the briefing today and as was also underscored in the Secretary- General's report, the urgency of this matter cannot be overemphasized.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“Nevertheless, we also recognize the enormous challenges that must still be addressed to accelerate the Joint Force's full operationalization, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/432) and indicated in today's briefing. In particular, we understand the Joint Force's urgent need for air assets for intelligence gathering, transportation and communication equipment. In the absence of transport assets, communication between the sector headquarters and command posts, as well as the battalion camps, no doubt presents a serious challenge. Constructing the camp infrastructure and enhancing the Joint Force's headquarters should also be a matter of priority so as to expedite its full deployment and operationalization.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“It once again underscores how important it is that we continue fighting this menace in a coordinated manner by supporting the efforts of the countries in the region, and we want to reinforce what Ambassador Fatima said earlier in that regard. The role of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel remains essential, and we appreciate the military operations it has conducted in the tri-border area between Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger. We note the progress made towards its full operationalization, including through the creation ofa dedicated trust fund, the establishment of a coordination and liaison office for its headquarters in Sevare and the setting up of the G-5 Sahel's Permanent Secretariat in Nouakchott.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“I wish to express my appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Keita for her briefing. We are indeed very pleased to see Mr. Maman Sidikou in his new capacity and we thank him for sharing the perspective of the States members of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). We are also grateful to Ambassador Fatima Mohammed, whose statement we align ourselves with, and Mr. Vale de Almeida for their very useful remarks. The Sahel region continues to face growing threats from terrorists and other international organized criminals. Coupled with the lack of progress in the Malian peace process, this is exacerbating the situation. The scale and sophistication of the recent terrorist attacks, including yesterday's incidents, as Ms. Keita mentioned, is unprecedented.”
2018-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8266 (2018) · source
“This is not only in the interests of the Libyans, who have suffered for so long, but of the broader region as well, most particularly the Sahel, for which, as Cote d'Ivoire said a while ago, the crisis in Libya has had a major destabilizing impact.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“We believe that neighbours and regional organizations should continue to work together in a coordinated and complementary manner to achieve an inclusive and comprehensive political solution that would respond to the legitimate aspirations of all Libyans. As I noted earlier, the unity of the Council also remains important to end the protracted transition in Libya. The Council should continue to send a strong message to the effect that the only way to address the multifaceted challenges, insecurity, economic difficulties and humanitarian concerns is through a sustained and meaningful engagement on the part of the Libyan actors in the inclusive political process set out in United Nations action plan.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“We appreciate the important role of neighbouring States and regional organizations, for that will contribute to encouraging all major Libyan actors to sustain their engagement with the United Nations-led inclusive political process. In this regard, we note the series of important meetings held recently, including the fifth Meeting of the African Union High-level Committee on Libya, in Addis Ababa, and the meeting in Cairo last month of the Quartet on Libya, which underscored the full support for the United Nations action plan. Representatives of the countries neighbouring Libya are also meeting in Algiers today.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“With the continued climate of insecurity, it is not only Libyans but also migrants and refugees who continue to suffer. As the Secretary-General stated in paragraph 94 of his report dated 7 May on UNSMIL, "The plight of migrants and the abuses they suffer in Libya continue to call forjoint, concerted and urgent action." In that regard, while the efforts of the African Union, European Union and United Nations task force are commendable, we hope that the Security Council will also come together to take appropriate measures against illegal human traffickers to send a strong political message that the inhumane treatment of migrants is totally unacceptable. On this and other vital challenges, it is critical, as the Special Representative has stated, to ensure that the Council sends a unified message.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“These are positive developments, but there is obviously no room for complacency, as Libya continues to face multiple challenges. The fragile security situation remains a source of concern. It is deeply troubling that, owing to the continued tension and violence, civilian casualties and displacement continue without letup. Terrorist groups, including elements of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, continue their attacks. We condemn any violence against civilians or civilian facilities, including the 2 May terrorist attack on the headquarters of the High National Election Commission. The continued climate of insecurity is another reminder of why it is vital to unify Libya's military and security forces under civilian control and establish the rule of law.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“We also commend the ongoing local reconciliation processes, which not only support the political process but also address community grievances peacefully and strengthen national cohesion. To fully implement the United Nations plan of action and conclude the prolonged transition, it is imperative to maintain and build on the positive momentum. This requires the continued engagement of all Libyan actors with the United Nations-facilitated peace process, with a genuine and constructive spirit that is vital to ending parallel State institutions. It is also indispensable to create an environment conducive to holding credible elections by finalizing the necessary legal architecture, including the constitutional framework.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source
“Indeed, with the support of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), encouraging actions have been taken by the Libyans to end the protractedtransition. The completion of voter registration demonstrates the strong popular desire of Libyans to participate in electoral processes. The continued consultation among the major Libyan actors aimed at forming a new executive authority and reaching a common understanding on how to make limited amendments to the Libyan Political Agreement, which remains the only viable framework, is also encouraging. The ongoing local consultations are also creating opportunities to listen to the voices of all Libyans, which, as the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/429) indicates, could lead to a successful national conference.”
2018-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8263 (2018) · source