YouSaid · the spoken record

Allen

lines on the record: 1,072
first: 2017-08-15
most recent: 2020-12-07
sittings or episodes: 159
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

“The United Kingdom greatly appreciates the efforts of Mr. Horst Kohler, the former Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, to advance the political process. We welcome the engagement of delegations from Morocco, the Frente Popular para la Liberacion de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de Oro, Algeria and Mauritania in two round- table meetings during Mr. Kohler's period of office. We hope that a successor to Mr. Kohler can be appointed to build on his efforts as soon as possible.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8651 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom was pleased to vote in favour of this resolution. I would like to take this opportunity to set out our position on the Western Sahara. We reaffirm our support for the efforts by the Secretary-General to advance the political process and aimed at reaching ajust, realistic, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the issue of Western Sahara, based on compromise and in accordance with Security Council resolutions. We strongly support the continuing work of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and Mr. Colin Stewart, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as well as the renewal of MINURSO's mandate for a further 12 months, which will provide much-needed certainty and support the Mission's valuable work.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8651 (2019) · source
“Our recent annual consultations in Addis Ababa were a reminder of how valuable it is for us to discuss these issues and seek ways to leverage our comparative advantage. I can only agree with the Ambassador of Germany that it would be great to see even greater frankness, perhaps most importantly where we do not agree, and a greater focus on actions that we can take together. Let me just say that I hope we can keep the channels of dialogue between our two Councils open through the coming year, ensure that our consultations foster the development of even deeper and more meaningful coordination, and do more together to make a reality of peace on the continent of Africa.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“We particularly recommend greater collaboration with regard to Cameroon, where inclusive discussion and follow-up on the recommendations of the national dialogue are urgently needed to maintain momentum towards peace. Close coordination among subregional actors, the African Union and the United Nations is also vital to resolving the political crisis in Burundi and making progress towards credible and inclusive elections in 2020. We and each of our colleagues on the African Union Peace and Security Council have, of course, our own role to play in strengthening the United Nations-African Union partnership on peace and security under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“It is extremely important, as our German colleague has pointed out, that the African Union be fully represented as a key part of the Berlin process. But I would also just like to highlight the key role that other regional organizations, including the League of Arab States, play, which I have no doubt the Kuwaiti Ambassador and the observer of the European Union will mention. Closer coordination among the United Nations, African Union and subregional organizations should also support earlier and more effective action to prevent slow-burning political crises from developing into conflicts, with each leveraging their comparative advantage. I think that this is entirely consistent with the African Union's initiative to silence the guns by 2020 and the focus that the Secretary-General and, indeed, the Council has put on conflict prevention.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“We left Juba with a clear agreement that we needed to stick to the 12 November timeline and that all parties needed to compromise for the good of the people of South Sudan. The Security Council and the African Union expressed their commitment to being part of and monitoring the implementation of any outstanding tasks after the transitional Government was formed and expressed also a determination to take action against spoilers. Let me also say how important that partnership was in the Sudan's transition to civilian governance; the African Union was strongly supported by the Council through the events of this summer, and, of course, for a sustainable political settlement in Somalia. On Libya, I would very much welcome an increased African Union role, as we discussed when we were in Addis Ababa.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“We encourage the Secretariat and the African Union Commission to continue their work on these important technical areas. At the Niamey meeting held on 8 July, Member States agreed that detailed proposals for effective division of labour between the AU and African subregional organizations would be developed. We very much welcome this. An enhanced partnership between the United Nations, the African Union and subregional organizations will be crucial in supporting progress on issues such as the continued implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, and let me here echo the words of my colleagues about our visit to Juba this month under the leadership of the South African presidency of the Council and, of course, our American colleagues.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“A key consideration in any future Council decision on this issue is the African Union's own commitment to funding 25 per cent ofthe costs ofits own peace-support operations. This is an important symbol of African determination to take ownership of African-led solutions to conflicts on the continent. Robust financial reporting arrangements, clear joint planning and coordination structures and strong compliance frameworks for human rights, international humanitarian law and conduct and discipline will also be key. May I at this point express my disappointment at finding that in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia discussions this year, posts dealing with just these issues were not supported by members of the Group of African States in the Fifth Committee.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“Let me pay tribute personally and specifically to the valuable work of the United Nations Office to the African Union, under the leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tetteh, and of her counterpart here at the United Nations, Permanent Representative Observer Ms. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, who both do excellent work for their respective organizations. The United Nations-African Union partnership in peacekeeping and in peace-support operations continues to develop. The United Kingdom supports in principle access to United Nations assessed contributions for future AU-led peace-support operations on a case-by- case basis and subject to certain key conditions.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom attaches great value to the role of the African Union (AU) in preventing, mediating and resolving conflicts on the African continent. This is an important element not only of our collective work as the Security Council but also of the United Kingdom's own bilateral strategic partnership with the African Union. We are proud to provide national support for African Union priorities in this area, including the continental early-warning system, electoral observation missions, peace-support doctrine development and predeployment training for African troop- and police-contributing countries. We very much commend the determination of the United Nations Secretary- General and the Chairperson of the African Union to reinforce the partnership between the United Nations and the AU on peace and security.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8650 (2019) · source
“We continue to urge the Palestinian Authority to make reforms to prisoner payments, ensuring that they are needs-based, transparent and affordable. We welcome the work of the Palestinian leadership towards genuine and democratic national elections for all Palestinians. We need a viable Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement that addresses the legitimate concerns of both parties, which means we need genuine and committed engagement from both Israelis and Palestinians, including the end of actions that undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-State solution.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“They must never be put at the risk of violence or encouraged to participate in violence. It is totally unacceptable that Hamas and its operatives have been cynically exploiting the protests for their own benefit. Hamas must cease all actions that proactively encourage violence or that put civilian lives at risk. The United Kingdom underlines the damage that Israeli restrictions are doing to the living standards of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza. We call on Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt to work together to ensure a durable solution. In more positive developments, we welcome the agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the transfer of tax revenues. We urge Israel and the Palestinian Authority to continue to work together to meet their obligations under the Oslo Accords.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“We recognize that Jerusalem holds huge significance and holiness for Jews, Muslims and Christians, and reiterate the fundamental necessity of maintaining the status quo at the holy sites. Turning to Gaza, the reduction in violence at the border fence is welcome, and we urge continued calm. Indiscriminate attacks against civilians are unacceptable and unjustifiable. Hamas and other terrorist groups must cease all actions that are Violent or provocative. The United Kingdom fully supports Israel's right to defend its citizens from such acts of terror. 1 would also like to echo the concern relayed by the Special Coordinator that Hamas is putting children at risk of violence at the demonstrations at the Gaza fence. Children should never be the target of violence.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Many recent incidents, including assaults on Palestinian farmers, setting fire to olive trees and the stealing of produce have coincided with the Palestinian olive harvest, which began earlier this month. The Israeli authorities have a responsibility to provide appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. We are also extremely concerned at the fact that the number of structures demolished this year has increased by almost 40 per cent compared with the same period last year. We condemn the demolition of Palestinian property and evictions of Palestinians from their homes. Ongoing and periodic tensions on Al-Haram Al-Sharif, or Temple Mount, are a further source of concern.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom remains concerned by the negative trends on the ground in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. We continue to be deeply concerned by ongoing Israeli settlement advancements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in violation of international law. We urge Israel to fulfil its obligations as an occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention. I would also reiterate here the United Kingdom's position that annexation of any part of the West Bank would be destructive to peace efforts and could not pass unchallenged. Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law. We are troubled by the increase in settler violence.”
2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source
“Let me conclude by saying again that we depend on the Vital work of the Panel of Experts, as we do for many issues before the Council. Its work is to support peace and security in Somalia. Our efforts to support Somali-led security will be effective only if we all work together.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“As always, we are willing and want to work with our Somali partners to chart a path towards progress. Let me thank the Chair for his work over the past year and the Panel of Experts for their vital role in monitoring the regime. It is unacceptable and regrettable that Somalia has not cooperated fully with the Panel for the majority of its mandate, which, let us remember, was established under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. The Committee, and its Chair in particular, have continued to engage with Somalia to find a solution. I believe that the Committee and the Council are open to progress and to finding a way forward and through this problem, but in order to do so we need Somalia to engage with us.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“Turning to the mandate renewal and the future of the sanctions regime, we believe that our collective aim is to reach a stage where the arms embargo is no longer needed, and the United Kingdom is, at the moment, providing substantial bilateral support to the Somali Government. Our support is focused on building the capacity of Somali security forces, including on weapons management. I know that other partners are doing the same. However, we still believe, at the moment, that the partial arms embargo is essential to limiting weapons and other materials from falling into the wrong hands. We intend to present a draft resolution that makes the sanctions regime more effective, sets out the key requirements in one place and strengthens measures against Al-Shabaab, which remains a serious concern in Somalia and a growing threat to the region.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“The now partial arms embargo is designed not only to allow partners to support Somalia in its security sector reform, as the United Kingdom is doing, but also to prevent Al-Shabaab and other armed groups from getting hold of those weapons. The work that the Panel of Experts, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia and Member States have done to disrupt the charcoal trade - which was undertaken, of course, at Somalia's request - has resulted in a reduction of charcoal exports. The Panel, through its work, has uncovered more evidence and information about Al-Shabaab's use of chemical precursors. Those chemicals can be used to make homemade improvised explosive devices, which have been used to kill innocent people. The sanctions regime is there to enhance Somali security.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“I thank the Ambassador of Belgium for his briefing. Let me take this opportunity today to make three points, first, on the central role the sanctions regime plays in maintaining peace and security in the region; secondly, our expectations of the upcoming mandate renewal; and finally, the importance of the Government of Somalia engaging with the Panel of Experts. We all have shared interests in working towards the overall goal of transition to Somali-led security. The Council has been unified in its support. The arms embargo, charcoal ban and targeted sanctions were put in place to support Somalia's efforts, not to hinder them.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“It is an important signal, but it must be more than that - it must be the start of real, genuine change. That will require serious engagement and commitment from all participants to succeed. Unless the regime realizes that its actions have been a fundamental reason for the conflict, nothing will be achieved. We call on the regime representatives to demonstrate that understanding at the upcoming first meeting.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“We therefore urge all parties to respect the ceasefire agreed on 31 August. We look forward to the board of inquiry's investigation into the appalling attacks in Idlib and its subsequent update to the Security Council. The United Kingdom would once again like to welcome the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee next week - a momentous occasion. Mr. Pederson has the United Kingdom's full backing. A political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015) is crucial for peace in Syria. The Syrian people have suffered through nine years of conflict and, as events in Idlib and the north-east testify, that suffering is not over. The Constitutional Committee is an opportunity for Syrians from all sides to sit down to grapple with the real issues that have caused the conflict.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“Assistant Secretary- General Mueller made clear - and it was echoed by the humanitarian co-penholders - the need for the renewal of the cross-border aid resolution 2449 (2018). I would also like to acknowledge Ms. Marcaillou's assessment and depiction of the scale of the challenge; as the United Nations Mine Action Service seeks to step up its efforts, we will need - and we expect - to see the regime cooperating fully and allowing access. We cannot let events elsewhere in Syria distract us from the dire humanitarian situation that persists in Idlib. We were extremely concerned to learn of the resumption of air strikes and shelling last week. Let us remember that over 1,000 civilians have been killed since the beginning of May, including more than 500 women and children, and over 688,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“Any attempt at deliberate demographic change would be unacceptable. The United Kingdom is one of the largest donors to the humanitarian needs of Syrians, and we do so throughout Syria and its neighbours. There is no politicization in our provision of life-saving support. But, as we and our European Union partners have previously made clear, we will not provide stabilization or development assistance in areas where the rights of local populations are ignored. All of those concerns mean that the United Nations has a much more important role to play in north-east Syria, particularly given the difficulties being faced by other humanitarian agencies. To allow humanitarian agencies to prepare, plan and respond, we would welcome clarity about how the United Nations plans to scale up its response.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“It is imperative that the Council be kept informed of the humanitarian situation, including in internally displaced persons camps, as well as on the threat posed by Da'esh. We note the return of regime forces to areas of north-east Syria following the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Damascus. Given the appalling record of the regime's security forces elsewhere, the behaviour of those forces is something we will monitor very closely. We continue to support the rights of Syrian refugees to return to their homes when it is considered safe to do so, but we would have serious concerns about any attempt to force refugees to return to Syria against their will. Any returns must be voluntary and in line with the principles of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“Military developments have led to 180,000 people displaced, 80,000 of whom are children and over 10,000 of whom have fled to Iraq. A number of international aid workers have felt compelled to leave, which has had a serious impact on operations. It is essential that humanitarian actors have unrestricted access to areas where people continue to be in need. We hope that these displaced people will soon be able to return to their homes safely and that damage caused to critical infrastructure is swiftly repaired. On 16 October, the Council agreed press elements expressing our collective concern about the impact of recent developments on the humanitarian situation and the possible resurgence of Da'esh. The Sochi agreement has not alleviated our concern.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“Let me, like others, thank our briefers today. The United Kingdom welcomes the fact that the United States-brokered ceasefire is holding in north- east Syria and that the fighting appears to be over. We note the agreement announced on Tuesday by President Vladimir Putin and President Recep Erdogan that this ceasefire is now permanent and the subsequent announcement by the Turkish Ministry of Defence that they see no need for further operations. In that context, let me say that we call on Turkey - as we do all actors in the Syrian conflict - to comply with the obligations towards civilians under international humanitarian law. We will be looking very closely at the details and implementation of the agreements announced, including their impact on governance and the local population. The security situation in the north-east remains volatile.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8645 (2019) · source
“We will want to give the Government time to consider the options that it wants for future international support and cooperation. Let me finish by simply welcoming the commitment - as I believe everyone already has and the United Kingdom certainly has - made by the United Nations and the African Union to engaging actively with the Government in the coming months on options for a follow-on presence. We look forward to receiving them, I believe it was said in December, and to making progress on the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. All of us support the people and Government of the Sudan at this time.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“I think that we will take into consultations a more detailed conversation on UNAMID's mandate, but let me just say here that the United Kingdom will be guided by the emphasis that the Government of the Sudan has placed on the importance of not creating a security vacuum during the ongoing peace efforts. I note the communique of the African Union in that context. We certainly believe that withdrawing UNAMID at this critical time would create such a vacuum and remove a key part of international support to the peace process. On the follow-on side that the Under-Secretary- General also touched on, I think that it is really important, as he said, that the priorities for the follow-on are aligned with those of the Government, and we think that it is important to ensure ongoing support to Darfur.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“With respect to the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), let me first say that the United Kingdom remains absolutely committed to ensuring a transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, and that it is successful and responsible. As I have already said, we are extremely optimistic about that and the opportunities presented by the new civilian Government and the prospects for a comprehensive peace agreement in not only Darfur but also other areas. It is a complex situation, and the root causes remain unresolved.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“Turning to the situation on the ground, notwithstanding the positive elements that we have learned about today, we cannot ignore the fact that the security, humanitarian and human rights situations in Darfur remain volatile. We remain concerned about the gaps that Mr. Lacroix mentioned, namely, the increase in intercommunal conflict and criminality, continued civilian displacement and human rights violations and abuses, all of which are documented in the special report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations (S/2019/816). The Council, the United Nations, the African Union and, most critically of all, the Government of the Sudan will need to seriously consider how to address those continued challenges in order to prevent them from undermining the transition to peacebuilding.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“From the United Kingdom's perspective, the start of those peace talks between the Government and the armed movements - the work done in Juba - is of particular importance to note. We therefore encourage all sides, in particular the armed movements, to engage constructively, immediately and without preconditions so that a comprehensive, fair and inclusive peace agreement can finally be achieved. I would also like to say how much we welcome the decision to remove bureaucratic impediments imposed on humanitarian actors and hope that this decision will be implemented fully to enable much-needed, unfettered humanitarian access throughout Darfur and wherever it is needed in the Sudan.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“I again congratulate and salute the people of the Sudan for the courage that they have shown in choosing the path that they are now on. I am sure that it will not always be a straightforward path, but we and others are there supporting them. As Under-Secretary-General Lacroix set out, we continue to see positive developments in the Sudan as a civilian Government takes forward the implementation ofthe Constitutional Declaration. Like him, I would like to welcome the appointment of women to key positions within the new Government and also the milestone agreement to open an Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Sudan. But as we were enjoined, we must all support unequivocally the new momentum behind the peace talks, in Mr. Lacroix's words.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“I assume you, Mr. President, are sharing your water with all the members of the Security Council who need it. I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing. I also welcome the Ambassador of the Sudan here. The Under-Secretary-General talked about some of the remarkable changes that have happened since the Council last met on the Sudan (S/PV.8603). I would add one to those, which was the sight of and opportunity to hear Prime Minister Hamdok during the General Assembly's high-level week. I think that he made a huge impression on all of those of us who met him and listened to what he had to say. If a better illustration of the change that has taken place in the Sudan over the past few months were ever wanted, it was that for me.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“We welcome efforts to that end, such as the AU's Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation, which the United Kingdom supports enthusiastically, and the Women Mediators across the Commonwealth initiative, to which the United Kingdom is contributing $1.5 million. We hope that more Member States will offer their support to such initiatives, including by supporting the Global Alliance of Women Mediators Network, launched recently on the margins of the high-level week by the Secretary-General, I believe.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“It is very good, I think, for members of the Council to have an informal opportunity to understand the situation in a range of countries not on the Council's agenda. I also welcome the development of the African Union Continental Early Warning System, which the United Kingdom is proud to support, including by funding secondee roles within the AU Commission. As we discussed in our debate on mobilizing the youth last week (see S/PV.8629), inclusive approaches to conflict prevention and resolution are key to a lasting peace. That means supporting women peacebuilders at the grass-roots level and ensuring women's meaningful participation in peace processes, mediation and intercommunal dialogue.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“That emphatically does not mean marginalizing regional voices. Rather, it means maximizing the United Nations ability to leverage the support and expertise of all relevant actors, including the African Union, the League of Arab States and the European Union, behind a successful process. Conflict prevention is of course preferable to conflict resolution but it requires effective horizon-scanning capacities. I therefore commend the work of the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission on strengthening their ability to conduct joint analysis and reporting. 1 also commend the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for the useful discussion on horizon scanning that we held on Latin America some time ago. I hope to see the next one soon and that such discussions take place more frequently hereafter.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“We encourage Burundian and regional actors to work together in the spirit of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in order to make progress on a long-term solution to the political crisis ahead of the 2020 elections. I hope that the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission can and will remain fully engaged. There is of course no one-size-fits-all approach to conflict prevention and resolution. In some contexts we can best make headway by ensuring alignment by actors behind United Nations leadership, avoiding duplication of effort. That is the case in the United Kingdom's opinion, for example, in Libya, where the international community should follow a single shared road map towards the resumption of a political process, aligning behind Special Representative Salame's leadership.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“President, and that of our United States colleagues later this month. In Cameroon, the United Kingdom welcomes the national dialogue that took place last week as an initial step to bring parties together to work towards peace. Further inclusive discussion about the root causes of grievances is urgently needed and all parties must take action to address those grievances. We are often asked to ensure space for African organizations to take the lead on African issues. We therefore call on the African Union and the Economic Community ofCentral African States to support an inclusive and peaceful resolution of the crisis in Cameroon. In Burundi, I welcomed our briefers raising the situation there.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“We have seen that in the Central African Republic, where the United Nations and the African Union continue to play a vital role in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement. I hope that we will see further such coordinated efforts and actions to encourage peaceful dialogue and political processes. In South Sudan, we urge the regional Governments, together with the African Union, the United Nations and all interested actors, to encourage the parties to make further progress in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan ahead of the critical 12 November deadline. That should include further direct contact between President Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar. I hope that the Security Council is able to play a helpful role during its visit under your leadership, Mr.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“Let me pay tribute to the efforts of the African Union (AU) and African subregional organizations in that regard. The AU took swift and decisive action in June in response to a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in the Sudan. The subsequent AU mediation was crucial to supporting the Sudan's transition to a civilian-led Government. I am pleased that the Council was ultimately able to express its support for the African Union's position on the Sudan in June thanks, in no small measure, to the leadership of our African colleagues on the Council. Our conflict prevention and resolution efforts work best where the United Nations, the African Union and subregional organizations coordinate to leverage their comparative advantages.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“It is customary for all Security Council members to thank the President of the meeting for convening a debate on an important topic when they have chosen one, but I really mean it. Preventive diplomacy is a vital tool of the Council in maintaining and restoring international peace and security, which we do not use often enough. We cannot simply pay lip service to the primacy of political solutions. Collectively, the Council should be willing to engage with slow-burning political crises before they flare up into open conflict. That is why, during the presidency of the United Kingdom last August, we held an open debate on mediation (see S/PV.8334). I therefore thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate on an important issue.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“Let me say simply that we very much welcome the Council's decision to renew the authorization for Member States and regional organizations to inspect and seize vessels involved in people smuggling and human trafficking off the coast of Libya. We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Libya and the impact it is having on civilians, including vulnerable migrants, refugees and internally displaced people. The Council condemns all acts of migrant smuggling and human trafficking in Libya and off the coast of Libya. The United Kingdom is clear that there can be no military solution in Libya. The only way to bring stability to the country is through a ceasefire and a negotiated political settlement. We remain steadfast in our support for Special Representative Ghassan Salame and his leadership of the political process.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8631 (2019) · source
“As we look ahead to elections next year in Burundi and the Central African Republic, the United Kingdom calls upon all relevant actors in those countries to ensure that elections are safe and credible, uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms and properly reflect the aspirations of the populations. In conclusion, the United Kingdom encourages all countries of the Great Lakes region to seize the positive momentum that is emerging and to fully commit themselves to enhancing regional peace, stability and development and, as they do so, the support of the United Kingdom - and, I believe, of the entire Council - is with them.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“It is clearly in the interests not only ofthe countries ofthe region, but more specifically the peoples of those countries, to turn those illicit flows of resources into legitimate trade flows, contributing thereby both to economic development and, crucially for the Council, to stability. In that regard, I would like to say how much we encourage Special Envoy Xia's efforts to support the establishment of responsible mineral supply chains and to promote economic integration in the region. There can be no lasting stability without good governance and the protection and promotion of human rights. Restrictions on political space in Burundi, including harassment of opposition parties and restrictions on media freedom, are deeply concerning.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“The problems in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider Great Lakes region cannot be resolved solely through military means. As the Secretary-General notes in his report (S/20l9/783), regional actors must work together to address the underlying drivers of conflict. That will require cooperation and concerted pressure to prevent armed groups from receiving financing and support from within and beyond the region. Armed groups and other security actors control significant flows of resources, including gold, minerals and charcoal, from the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighbouring countries.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“In this regard, let me say that I strongly agree with the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea on the importance of taking a coordinated approach to Ebola, but not just Ebola - to cholera and to measles as well. I also agree, of course, with the Ambassador of France on the importance of properly funding the humanitarian response plan. Of particular concern is the situation in and along the borders of the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where illegal armed groups continue to commit atrocities against the civilian population and present a major threat to regional security. It is important that President Tshisekedi have full control of the security forces and that senior figures within the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not allowed to act independently and foster insecurity.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom very much welcomes this new momentum, in particular the signing of a memorandum of understanding intended to ease tensions and restore friendly relations between Rwanda and Uganda, facilitated by the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. We also very much welcome the holding of confidence-building meetings between regional security and intelligence actors aimed at enhancing efforts to neutralize armed groups in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alongside this positive and welcome diplomatic momentum within the region, the security, human rights, development and economic challenges that persist are immense.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Let me, like others, to thank Special Envoy Xia for his briefing this morning. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him to support efforts to achieve greater peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region, historically characterized by internal conflict and tensions between neighbours, is experiencing a new momentum towards regional cooperation on peace and security. I think it is important to note and appreciate President Tshisekedi's efforts to revive the Democratic Republic of the Congo's diplomatic relations with its neighbours and enhance regional cooperation.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8630 (2019) · source
“Chebbi on the importance of the particular effort to tackle gender- based violence, and I would add that the provision of health care must include sexual and reproductive health. The United Kingdom will continue working with our African partners on initiatives to meet all those challenges, including through the United Kingdom- Africa Investment Summit to be held in London in 2020, which is an indispensable element of our comprehensive support for Africa's long-term peace and stability. I do not need to say that the United Kingdom's relationship with Africa and its peoples is enduring.”
2019-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8629 (2019) · source