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

“However, there had not been any resolution dedicated to this issue prior to the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017), which was an important step to effectively counter terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure. Resolution 2341 (2017) remains a very important instrument as it recognizes all those threats and the need for ensuring the reliability and resilience of critical infrastructure, as well as the need to protect it from terrorist attacks for the benefit of national security, public safety, the economy of the concerned States and the welfare of their population.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source
“We all know that terrorists and other criminals have developed the capacity to launch coordinated and sophisticated attacks on critical infrastructure. Public institutions, private businesses, factories and industries, roads and bridges, shopping malls, sport centres, among others, have increasingly become targets of attack aimed at disrupting normal economic activities. Cyberterrorism to cause damage to computer systems and telecommunication infrastructures has also become a real danger. 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.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · 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 remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks and there is therefore a need for greater international cooperation in closing any loopholes that could be exploited by terrorists. All countries big or small are indeed vulnerable to these kinds of threats. As we live in a volatile neighbourhood that 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. That is why Ethiopia supported the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) and has been working to implement the provisions of the resolution.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source
“I would like to express appreciation to Ambassador Meza-Cuadra for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2341 (2017), on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, one year after its adoption. We found the briefing to be very comprehensive and informative. With the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism, the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to terrorist attacks has indeed been a source of great concern. The devastating economic and security impact of such attacks on some of the infrastructures that we normally take for granted in our daily lives, such as water, electricity, telecommunication and internet, transportation, banking and finance, is too ghastly to contemplate.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8180 (2018) · source
“We believe that a visit by the Security Council to both Bangladesh and Myanmar could be useful in order to gain a better appreciation of the situation on the ground and to support the Governments of both countries in their efforts to address the situation of the Rohingya refugees. We take note ofthe briefing by Kuwait on this issue, and we hope that future presidencies will take up the matter.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“The implementation of the recommendations made by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State will certainly contribute to tackling the long-standing obstacles to peace and development in Rakhine state. We commend the initial step taken by the Government of Myanmar but it is necessary to accelerate the implementation. That is a Herculean task, which requires the sustained commitment and engagement of the Government, as well as the support of the international community, to ultimately ensure that all communities are treated without discrimination, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and to support the voluntary, safe and dignified return of displaced individuals and refugees to their homes. Finally, we appreciate the continued engagement of the Secretary-General through his good offices.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“However, there is no doubt that much remains to be done in order not only to alleviate the suffering and frustration of the people of Rakhine state but also to embrace all communities and to ensure peace and harmony. We believe that enhanced communication and cooperation between the Governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar are vital to ensuring the implementation of the arrangement on the return of persons displaced from Rakhine state in conditions of safety and dignity. The role of the international community, including the United Nations and its various agencies operating on the ground, as well as other organizations, such as, inter alia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is also very important in support of such efforts. Ultimately, as we said earlier, what matters most is to address the root cause of the problem.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“However, clearly, the challenges are formidable, all the more so since they relate to demands that the root causes be addressed. As High Commissioner Grandi said earlier, that entails the restoration of rights. That is why our approach to addressing the issue needs to change. As some people are already saying, an international response that consists primarily of assigning blame for the humanitarian tragedy is no longer tenable. It is time for the international community to find a realistic workable solution. In that context, there is a need to end the violence in Rakhine state and to create conditions for the safe and dignified return of the refugees and displaced persons, as well as to ensure humanitarian access. In that connection, we take note of the steps taken thus far by the Myanmar Government.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We thank High Commissioner Filippo Grandi and Assistant Secretary- General Miroslav Jenea for their briefings on the most recent developments in Myanmar and the situation of the Rohingya. The situation of the Rohingya refugees continues to be a source of grave concern. The complexity of the challenge in Myanmar's Rakhine state is very clear and has deep roots. That means that the societal and the humanitarian challenges are huge. Addressing the root causes that forced the Rohingya to flee in the first place will not be easy. However, efforts have to be made with the required seriousness of purpose. We want to be hopeful with regard to the efforts being made to facilitate the voluntary return of the Rohingya refugees in line with the memorandum of understanding signed between the Governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar.”
2018-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8179 (2018) · source
“We also agree on the need for enhanced coordination between the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate as well as among all relevant Security Council- and General Assembly- mandated bodies in their efforts in support of Member States in countering the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism. But, and this is what I wish to underline before I conclude, it is our view that there is still a lack of the necessary level of cooperation and coordination, commensurate with the magnitude of the challenge we face in this area, among States that are in a position to make a huge difference in this fight, which we continue to believe should continue to be regarded as of the highest priority for us all.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“However, developing countries will continue to face huge difficulties in properly implementing those legal frameworks because of limitations in various areas related to capacity. Any shortcomings that might be observed are not, by and large, the result of a lack of commitment, but are due to a lack of the resources required and of technical and other related capacities - too many to list here. Therefore, in addition to forging the necessary bilateral, regional and international cooperation, the delivery of capacity-building and technical assistance will be critical for the effective implementation of those legal frameworks.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“That is why enhancing the capacities of the countries of the region, the Group of Five for the Sahel and Lake Chad, continue to be very important in countering ISIL and its affiliates operating in the wider region. That is also why it is so critical that we get the management of security in Somalia right as we embark on the transition from the African Union Mission in Somalia to the Somalia security forces. The enormous challenge we face in the fight against terrorism should compel us to forge meaningful cooperation at all levels. The full implementation of existing international legal frameworks against ISIL and foreign terrorist fighters by all Member States is vital to strengthening international cooperation.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“More concerning is the fact that other ISIL affiliates in Africa are reported to have sent fighters to Libya to support and gain cooperation from ISIL cells located in the country, as well as the potential movement of Boko Haram members to other States of the region across Libya's western and south-eastern borders, all of which require that greater attention be paid to the situation in Libya. In West Africa, Boko Haram and ISIL are active, and the threat posed by ISIL-related groups and Al-Qaida affiliates continues to spread into the States of the region. Restoring peace and stability in Libya, Mali and the Lake Chad basin is indeed critical to deny ISIL and other terrorist groups safe haven.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“With regard to East Africa, Al-Qaida-affiliated Al-Shabaab remains an important threat to peace and security in Somalia, in the Horn. But we are also seeing the emergence of ISIL affiliates operating in Somalia that are controlled and directed from the central command in Puntland, as indicated in the report of the Secretary-General. ISIL continues to recruit through facilitators based in Libya, Europe and Somalia. There are also interesting reports by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development that reinforce these findings and provide useful insights. Although ISIL in Libya is said to have been weakened after losing a significant portion of the territory it controlled, its threat persists in the country and the wider region.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“In that context, the response by States Members of the United Nations and other stakeholders in the areas of countering the financing of terrorism; law enforcement and judicial cooperation; the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers; prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration; managing the spread ofviolent extremism in prisons; and countering terrorist narratives are all very important. Africa remains highly affected by terrorism and violent extremism. In fact, according to the African Union, 2017 witnessed devastating terrorist attacks in different parts of Africa. We are seeing what is happening in North and West Africa, the Sahel region and East Africa, where ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates and sympathizers continue to pose serious threats to peace and security.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“All of this shows that although notable progress has been made in defeating ISIL on the battlefield, significant challenges remain to counter the threats that persist, all of which require the proper implementation of United Nations resolutions and, more importantly, collaboration and cooperation at all levels among States and non-State entities. We note from the report the ever-growing threat posed by ISIL, foreign terrorist fighters and sympathizers in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Central and South Asia and South-East Asia.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“In this regard, what should be of serious concern is the fact that ISIL and affiliated groups continue to inspire a range of attacks outside the conflict zone. Foreign terrorist fighters, ISIL members and sympathizers are still able to use social media, including encryption technology and communication tools within the Dark Web, to communicate and coordinate and facilitate attacks. Of particular concern is the willingness of some members of the ISIL and Al-Qaida networks to support each other. Returnees and fighters relocated from conflict zones to other regions now present a considerable threat to international security.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“The analysis of the threat contained in the report indicates that military pressure has resulted in strategic setbacks for ISIL in the main battleground. As a result, ISIL has lost its focus on conquering and holding territory, and its global propaganda machinery continues to deteriorate. Its revenues have fallen considerably since 2015, and new recruitment and travel of foreign terrorist fighters have now diminished. All this is very much welcomed, and the matter has been underlined by Under-Secretary-General Voronkov. We believe, nonetheless, that it is only wise not to go overboard and declare victory over terrorism. Under-Secretary- General Voronkov is right in saying that complacency should be avoided.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“I should like to express appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Voronkov for his briefing on the sixth report ofthe Secretary-General on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat (S/2018/80). We found the report very comprehensive and informative. We also thank the Secretary-General for making counter-terrorism one of his highest priorities. This is indeed very appropriate, and we wish to urge the Secretary-General never to relent and continue to prioritize counter-terrorism, more so now than ever because the temptation might be too great to lessen the focus on efforts to address the challenge.”
2018-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8178 (2018) · source
“We also recognize the significant role played by the European Union on matters concerning Kosovo, and we commend the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force for their valuable contributions in 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 ensured when there is political will and resolve on the part of both. 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.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Ethiopia fully supports the work that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo has been undertaking in discharging its mandates in line with resolution 1244 (1999). Its engagement with municipal authorities and community representatives in support of the efforts to protect the rights of communities and to promote intercommunity reconciliation and trust- building is commendable, as is the effort being made by Kosovo authorities to implement measures aimed at preventing violent extremism and radicalization by constructively engaging with young people 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.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“It is our hope that the new leadership in both Belgrade and Pristina will continue to engage in dialogue and maintain the momentum in a positive and constructive spirit with a View to addressing outstanding issues and disagreements through peaceful means. That demands that both sides refrain from actions and statements that could cause ethnic discord and undercut efforts to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence conducive for dialogue. We will also support the call by the Secretary-General to the leaders in both Belgrade and Pristina to intensify their efforts aimed at implementing the agreements reached within the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“We also appreciate his quick condemnation of the barbaric act. We note that there was little substantive interaction between Belgrade and Pristina during the reporting period, and we understand the murder of Mr. Ivanovic' has had its own impact. Some of the steps taken to implement the agreements reached within the framework of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina facilitated by the European Union (EU) are encouraging, while the lack of progress on some of the key provisions of the EU-facilitated agreements, including, inter alia, on the establishment of the association/community of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, remains a source of concern.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“As indicated in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/76), the holding of municipal elections in a peaceful manner is indeed encouraging. However, we also note from the report that the security situation in northern Kosovo is still fragile, and the murder of the Kosovo Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic' is indicative of not only the prevailing tense security situation but also of how the situation is potentially dangerous. It is good that authorities in both Belgrade and Pristina are ready to cooperate in addressing this issue in spite of their emotionally-charged reaction initially. Identifying those responsible for the crime and bringing them to justice is no doubt important to reduce tension and restore calm. Special Representative Tanin could not have been more emphatic on the need to bring the killers to justice.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Zahir Tanin, for his comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in Kosovo. We welcome His Excellency Mr. Dacie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, to today's meeting and thank him for his presence and statement. I also thank Ambassador Vlora Citaku for her statement. Over the past year, Ethiopia has been consistent and clear in this position on the issue of Kosovo. We reaffirm our support for the peaceful and amicable solution 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 in facilitating the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“In a nutshell, these are some of the issues that we would like to flag based on our experience in the Council over the past year, and we hope that the group will consider them seriously and come up with useful recommendations to further improve the working methods of the Council.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“However, we believe that there is a need for improvement in terms of agenda-setting and format in the conduct of the joint consultations to ensure that frank and meaningful exchanges of views can take place on matters relating to peace and security in Africa. The outcome of the joint consultations is usually negotiated, but it does not seem to have any relevance in terms of future reference once it has been adopted. In fact, the outcome ofthe lastjoint consultation has so far not been adopted. There is a need, therefore, to reflect on this and see if it is possible to be innovative in this regard. Of course, the other party, that is, the African side, also has a responsibility to contribute to making the annual event more effective and productive.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Sixthly, and last but not least, I turn to the issue of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council annual consultations. As Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, we have the responsibility of facilitating the joint annual meeting of the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. In this connection, the acknowledgement in the revised note 507 of the importance of the annual joint consultative meeting and informal dialogue between the Security Council and members of the African Union Peace and Security Council is very welcome.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Fifthly, consultations with troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and police-contributing countries (PCCs) before the renewal of mandates have not really been very productive or effective. Efforts have been made by members of the Council to facilitate informal interaction with TCCs, which we have found to be much more productive and effective. This needs to be encouraged. But the issue of how formal consultations can be improved should be looked at seriously if these are to be more relevant to the work of the Council and allow TCCs to make meaningful inputs into the mandate-renewal process. For example, the sharing of advance copies of the reports of TCCs and PCCS prior to informal and formal meetings could be envisaged.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“My fourth point is about outcome documents. We all know that the issue of penholdership has under discussion for quite some time. The idea of co-penholdership should be seriously explored, since it would not only enable elected members to contribute to shaping the Council's outcome documents in areas where they have intimate knowledge and expertise, but also help to improve unity and consensus among members of the Council. Of course, the importance of allowing adequate time for consultations on Council resolutions and decisions has been an issue, and penholders have a special responsibility in that regard. Mr. Martin explained that point very eloquently, and we could not agree with him more.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We think this practice should be institutionalized. In the future, perhaps, instead of listening to United Nations Special Representatives and African Union speakers on the same issues, they could be asked to speak on different issues based on their respective advantages on the ground, so as to make their contributions more relevant to the Council's work of the Council and use the time more efficiently. Another issue in this area is about communications from the Secretary-General on the appointment of Special Representatives and others. It is unfortunate that elected members often first hear about such appointments from the media. This concern has been raised before, but while some small steps may have been taken to address it, we hope it will now be dealt with more seriously and rectified more effectively.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The Secretary-General's reports are very useful, especially for elected members, who may not have other means of gathering adequate information. The challenge is how to ensure that those reports are more concise, timely, relevant and to the point, in order to help members achieve a better understanding of issues and make meaningful contributions in discussions. We believe that there is room for improvement in that regard. Briefings by Special Representatives should also be concise and to the point, highlighting the latest developments and drawing attention to issues that may require a response or action on the part of the Council. The practice of bringing in briefers from other regional organizations, such as the African Union and its regional mechanisms, is particularly important in ensuring a regional perspective.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“What is even more critical in that regard is that members would be unlikely to be more willing to raise issues that are sensitive but useful in open meetings rather than in consultations. Without totally discounting the value of open briefings and debates, the value of holding closed consultations in order to have frank exchanges of views cannot be ignored. It is therefore important to strike the right balance between enhancing transparency on the one hand and holding candid behind-the-scenes interactions on the other. That is also something that we will continue to grapple with, and I hope the Informal Working Group will reflect on it and try to come up with useful recommendations. Thirdly, I would like to turn my attention to reports and other communications with the Secretariat.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“While we certainly cannot overlook the nexus between peace, security and development, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that the Security Council operates in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and in full respect for the various mandates of other United Nations bodies, based on the principle of complementarity and subsidiarity. That has become a bone of contention among Council members and should be addressed. Secondly, with regard to Council meetings, we appreciate the efforts being made to enhance transparency by holding more and more meetings in the open Chamber. At the same time, putting a divided Council on display may not necessarily be helpful with some of the most important and sensitive issues.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“It is self-evident that the programme of work is composed of items based on the reporting cycle and the priorities of each presidency. It includes several items that we continue to discuss although there are no new developments in them to speak of. I believe that we therefore need to consider what we can do to streamline our work and prioritize issues that require the Council's urgent attention and response. We feel that is something we should look at seriously. In terms of the discussion of thematic issues proposed by Council presidencies, we see a growing tendency to bring up issues that are not necessarily within the Council's purview.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The note has introduced a number of improvements into the working methods of the Council, which we hope will enhance its inclusiveness, efficiency and transparency. The world is changing fast. There are new and emerging challenges to international peace and security that require the Council to be better organized, not only to keep pace with the changing times but also to be responsive and effective in carrying out its responsibilities. There is no question that the past year has enabled us to better understand how things work in the Council and what might be improved or further consolidated as a way to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of those issues, which Mr. Martin also raised in his briefing. I will address six items related to the programme of work.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We would like to express our appreciation to the Kuwaiti presidency for organizing today's open debate on the working methods of the Council. We thank Mr. Ian Martin for his briefing on the progress that has been made in improving those working methods, and we commend Security Council Report for the research paper it published last month, providing useful background information. I should also thank you, Mr. President, for inviting Ian to brief us for this debate, since he is the best person one could think of for the purpose. We would be remiss if we failed to recognize the excellent work done by Japan and Ambassador Koro Bessho, as the former Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, in reviewing and adopting the new note of the President (S/2017/507, annex), agreed on in August last year.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We only hope that the challenge we face in this area is not a reflection of the growing lack of trust that characterizes international relations today, making joint action in most critical areas more complicated than it should be.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“We have just heard a very encouraging statement from the High Representative. We note that the OPCW has translated and finalized its analysis of the 19 documents submitted by the Syrian Government. While we look forward to the final report, we encourage continued cooperation and meaningful communication between the Syrian Government and the OPCW that leads to tangible results to address the outstanding issues. We also note that its Fact-finding Mission has continued its investigation related to allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. We look forward to its reports. Let me conclude by again reiterating, at the risk of sounding naive, how the unity of the Council is vital to ensuring accountability and deterring and stopping the use of chemical weapons in Syria and elsewhere.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“As we continue to discuss this very important matter, our consultations should be constructive and forward-looking. Of course, we are not naive; we have no illusions about how matters are becoming more and more complicated by the day. However, we still hope that the Council will restore its unity to reach common ground and create an independent, impartial and professional mechanism that will be able to identify those responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, based on robust evidence. We welcome that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has continued to assist the Syrian Government in destroying the remaining stationary above-ground facilities. As the High Representative stated, we hope the facilities will be totally eliminated in the coming month.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“Let me say that we regret that the Council was not able to renew the mandate of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism. If we are not able to address this institutional gap by drawing lessons from last year and forge the necessary unity and compromise, we will be sending the wrong message and encouraging impunity. The fact that chemical-weapon attacks have continued as recently as yesterday worries us very much. That is why it is so critical that we seek an independent way of establishing accountability. We appreciate the initiative taken by the Russian Federation to propose a draft resolution on the establishment of a new mechanism, which has been the basis for discussion in recent days. This is a conversation that we welcome.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“It constitutes a threat to international peace and security and undermines the international non-proliferation architecture. We cannot agree more with what the Secretary-General stated in the concluding paragraph of his letter of 1 February: "The fact of these continuing allegations again highlights the shared obligation to identify and hold to account those responsible for the use of chemical weapons." That is why the unity of the Council is absolutely important. Without it, the Council's ability to respond to grave threats to international peace and security, such as the use of chemicals as weapons, will be seriously hampered. In that regard, what High Representative Nakamitsu said a while ago is most relevant: "unity, not impunity".”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“We are very pleased to see you, Mr. President, assuming responsibility for the presidency. I wish to thank High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing, which, as always, we found to be balanced, and therefore useful. We are in need of that kind of approach. Frankly speaking, we need that very desperately. During times such as this, when we seem to be so deeply divided, the role of United Nations officials like her becomes all the more critical. We thank her. We remain deeply concerned by the continued reports on the use of chemical weapons in Syria. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons by any actor, State and non-State alike, in Syria or anywhere else. As we have stated repeatedly, the use of chemical weapons is totally unjustifiable under any circumstances.”
2018-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8174 (2018) · source
“Of course, we will have another opportunity to discuss that and other developments with regard to the Regional Centre next week. We believe that it is critically important to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of the work of the United Nations in Afghanistan and Central Asia, including through enhanced coordination across the United Nations system. We hope that the Centre will enhance its cooperation and coordination with relevant United Nations bodies such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and other regional organizations, in order to strengthen the capacity of the countries of the region to overcome their challenges and foster greater cooperation among themselves for the sake of shared peace, stability and development.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Ethiopia attaches great importance to a regional approach to addressing threats to peace and security and promoting development cooperation to enhance the partnership between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, in line with Chapter VIII ofthe Charter ofthe United Nations. In that regard, we recognize the important role that the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia continues to play in helping countries of the region to address their shared challenges to peace, stability and development. We note the declaration adopted at the meeting of Central Asian foreign ministers held on 11 December 2016 in Ashgabat on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Regional Centre, at which the countries of the region agreed to enhance regional cooperation with the support of the Centre.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“What is different today is that we are considering the situation, perhaps for the first time, from the regional perspective. Indeed, the situation in Afghanistan cannot be seen in isolation from the peace, security and development of the Central Asian region. There is no doubt that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is vital for regional peace, security and stability in Central Asia, but that is not all. Afghanistan is also vital, as are the rest of the countries of Central Asia, to mutually advantageous development cooperation in this very important region. In that context, we welcome today's adoption of a presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/2) that very much underscores that point, and we commend Kazakhstan for its facilitating role as penholder.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Ensuring peace and stability, fighting terrorism and violent extremism, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, fostering good governance and the role of law, conducting parliamentary and district elections, and promoting inclusive growth and development are some of the most topical issues that we discussed with the Afghan leadership as well as a number of other important stakeholders. It was very clear to us that Afghanistan continues to require comprehensive, sustained and coordinated support from the international community in all these areas. The fact that the country needs and deserves such support was lost on none of the Council members in the mission. The discussions we have had on the situation in Afghanistan here in the Council cannot be said to have paid adequate attention to the regional dimension.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“The situation in Afghanistan was discussed last month during the quarterly debate on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), but what is different this time around is that this discussion is taking place after our very recent visit to Afghanistan, which we found very useful and productive. We were indeed able to express solidarity with the people and the Government of Afghanistan and better appreciate the many complex peace and security challenges that the country continues to face, as well as the real potential it has for renewal and for contributing not only to regional security but also to development.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“We once again express appreciation to the Kazakh presidency for having convened this important debate on building regional partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a model to link security and development. Coming as it does on the heels of the recent Security Council mission to Afghanistan, this debate also affords us an opportunity to reflect on our visit. We are pleased to see you again, Mr. Minister, presiding over this meeting, which demonstrates the importance that the Kazakh presidency attaches to the situation in Afghanistan and Central Asia and to the nexus between security and development. We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing on the overall situation in the region.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“The Security Council plays a critical role in addressing the serious threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by using all the available tools at its disposal, including sanctions. As we have seen over the past year, the unity of the Council is absolutely critical to addressing non-proliferation issues, and everything must be done to preserve it. It is also important to ensure that the various decisions and measures taken by the Council are adhered to by all Member States. With regard to advocacy and follow-up, the role of the relevant subsidiary bodies of the Council remains Vital. I would like to conclude by reaffirming Ethiopia's commitment to upholding the international non-proliferation regime and fulfilling its obligations in implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions without fail.”
2018-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8160 (2018) · source