YouSaid · the spoken record

Araud

lines on the record: 1,506
first: 2009-09-09
most recent: 2014-07-22
sittings or episodes: 220
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

“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): Please excuse me, Mr. President, I do not want to extend the debate further or get into polemics. I simply want to make a factual correction on the text of draft resolution S/2014/348, on which a vote has been taken. Unlike what our Syrian colleague has just said, the draft resolution does not exempt foreign mercenary terrorists from other countries from the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. Paragraph 1 states very clearly that armed groups are covered. And, concerning exemptions, paragraph 7 sets covers nationals of a country that is not party to the Rome Statute but who are engaged in operations established or authorized by the Security Council.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“I wanted this debate to consider only the crimes and atrocities committed by both sides in Syria - as we have stated - and our straightforward determination to send the clear message that in 2014 we cannot not allow what took place in 1942 - notably at Russia's expense - or in 1994 to happen again. There are judges, and one day the criminals will pay. However, some prefer to protect the criminals.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“But if the Ambassador of the Russian Federation wants, we can impose an arms embargo on Syria. I am ready to vote in favour of that. But would he vote in favour of an arms embargo? Clearly, I think he would not. Lastly, with regard to the statement that the Caesar report (S/2014/244, annex) is not verifiable - I regret to say that is simply not true. The Caesar report was submitted to independent experts from several countries and all of them said that the photographs could not have been technically altered. I regret having to respond in this tone to the direct attacks on the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs and France.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“The representative of the Russian Federation appealed to Mr. Brahimi several times to convene new negotiations in Geneva. And Mr. Brahimi replied that it was impossible because the regime simply did not want to negotiate the transition. He said that he first needed a general agreement on terrorism, before negotiating the transition. If I define my Russian colleague's description of the reasons for the failure of the Geneva negotiations as erroneous, it is because I am being quite polite. Finally, referring to effrontery, I believe that in New York it is known as "chutzpa": just like accusing Western Powers of providing weapons to the opposition while in fact Russia has never stopped selling weapons to the regime. I am absolutely speechless at the fact that the Russian Federation dares to raise the issue of weapons.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“With respect to absurdity, it was said that we introduced draft resolution (S/2014/348) in preparation for a military intervention. I do not consider that point even worth arguing. As Talleyrand said, whatever is excessive is insignificant. On confusion, we have heard and seen our Russian colleague moving from Tripoli to Baghdad, as if the crimes and excesses committed in Tripoli and Baghdad excused the current crimes and excesses in Damascus today. In error, my Russian colleague asserted that the Syrian National Coalition was responsible for the current impasse in the Geneva talks. In fact, as Mr. Brahimi said himself here in the Council, in reality it is the regime that is refusing his proposed two- pronged approach, namely, parallel negotiations on the subject of terrorism and the matter of the transitional Government.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I had hoped that the tone of my speech would have demonstrated to everyone seated around this table and in the Chamber our determination that the Council not again manifest the same divisions. I wanted my statement to reflect my desire to respect the dignity of the debate - a debate that has to do with the infinite suffering of the Syrian people - and my desire that those who committed crimes be one day held to account for them. I see no other way except to appeal to the International Criminal Court. It was therefore a quite simple intervention. I regret the fact that the representative of the Russian Federation replied with an invective and direct personal attacks. I will refer to four points raised in my Russian colleague's intervention: absurdity, confusion, error and, lastly, effrontery.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“It would give new justification to the French proposal to limit the use of the right of the veto in the case of mass atrocities.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“The draft resolution I have the honour of presenting to my colleagues for a vote is an appeal to human conscience. It is not a political gesture; it is quite simply a moral act. If the Council were not to adopt it, that would be an insult to the millions of Syrians who are suffering. It would be proof that some have learned nothing from history. It would recall that some, whatever they may claim, have opted for unconditional support for the Damascus regime, whatever crimes it commits, and by the same stroke to exonerate Al-Qaida. Extending equal impunity to all criminals is not a paradox; there is brotherhood in crime. A veto today would recall that fact. A veto would cover up all crimes; it would be a veto againstjustice.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“Acting in unison, the Council would thereby say that it would not forget the crimes being committed today on a mass scale in Syria; that it would not forget that leaders tolerated them or even encouraged or ordered them; that in 2014 people could no longer behave as they did in 1942 or 1994; and that it would not allow the state of barbarity to return. Perhaps we could stop an executioner on the verge of committing a crime. In any case, we would restore the Council's honour by allowing it to say the right thing and to re-establish morality over its divisions. I am convinced that, those divisions aside, we share the same values, the same indignation and the same resolve. The time has come to say so. The time has come to prove it.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“The draft resolution was rewritten in order to make it acceptable to all. It aims to apply in the Syrian situation a principle already agreed in resolutions 2118 (2013) and 2139 (2113), namely, to reject impunity. It also covers the territorial integrity of Syria. With regard to the responsibilities of the parties, it again includes language repeatedly agreed and merely calls for recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in the Syrian civil war in line with similar provisions in resolution 1593 (2005), on the situation in Darfur, and in resolution 1970 (2011), on Libya, against which no Member State vote against.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“To argue that the involvement of international justice would undermine the peace process therefore makes no sense, as there is no peace process and, in the short and medium term, there are no prospects for any peace process either. They refuse to negotiate because they want to be victorious and think they can be. They will not negotiate because they think it is a matter of killing or being killed. They will not negotiate with those whose brothers and wives they have killed or tortured. They are so afraid of their vengance that they must kill them too. In that context, France's proposal is based on the belief that the impasse should not lead us to turn our gaze away from the atrocities committed in Syria every day. It aims at overcoming our differences in order to focus on the asepct of our humanity we all share.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“In a country With an ancient civilization, we are seeing the unleashing of brutality and cruelty whose victims are not mere statistics, behind which we too often hide, but men, women and children with names, faces and loved ones. In the face of so many trampled lives and the negation of the values for which the Organization stands, nothing is worse than silence. For silence means acquiescence, compromise and complicity. I do not ignore the divisions that exist Within the Council; I know the differing analyses of members. I respect them even if I do not share them. But certain facts are clear to all. As Mr. Brahimi said here in the Council a few days ago, there are no prospects in Syria today for negotiation. This is not the time or place to assign responsibility for that, but just to point it out.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“The presentation to the Council and the media ofthe "Cesar" report several weeks ago, on France's initiative, served to underscore the barbarity. Thousands of photos, verified by independent experts, showed starved and tortured corpses in the regime's prisons. Killing, torture and rape occur today in Syria notjust as atrocious consequences ofa civil war, but as part ofa deliberate policy to terrorize and punish. Commanders give free rein to their troops to ignore the law - or put more simply, humanity itself. The Government bombs civilian neighbourhoods with explosive barrel bombs, missiles and chemical weapons. Terrorist groups carry out indiscriminate attacks. Tens of thousands of people have been disappeared. Torture and starvation are carried out on a large scale.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I have asked to speak before the voting on draft resolution S/2014/348, which France had the honour to present, in order to explain the reason behind our approach. France's proposal is not a new chapter in the divisiveness besetting the Security Council when it comes to the Syrian crisis; on the contrary, it aims at re-establishing the Council's unity around the values shared by its members. All of us around this table are horrified by the tragedy being experienced by the Syrian people: more than 160,000 deaths, more than 9 million displaced persons and refugees, a country destroyed, hunger and epidemics. That is already an overwhelming tally, against the backdrop of the certainty that both sides have committed atrocities against defenceless civilians.”
2014-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7180 (2014) · source
“We must also again restore unity in the Council so as to save human lives today in Syria, far beyond the political wrangling and in the name of humanity's conscience, which animated the Council on 26 February 2011 (see S/PV.6491).”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“Like the Prosecutor, we encourage the Libyan authorities to implement the law adopted in April 2013 criminalizing torture, forced disappearance and discrimination. The armed groups must be reminded that the fight against impunity applies to all. The task today is to follow up that approach, including beyond the case of Libya. The continuing process also calls for Libya's full cooperation with the Court, as well as the increased responsibility on the part of the Secretariat and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in terms of the activities of the Court's bodies, so as to ensure that this Mission effectively supports the fight against impunity.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“Beyond those symbolic cases, other challenges exist. The Prosecutor mentioned allegations of crimes committed by supporters of Al-Qadhafi who may today reside outside of Libyan territory and pose a threat to the new Libyan authorities. She can be assured of our support in that regard. Light must also be shed on allegations of crimes such as those reportedly committed in Misrata, Tawergha and in Bani Walid. We regret that the return of communities in Tawergha to their villages has been delayed. We also express our deep concern about the practice of torture and deaths in the illegal detention centres controlled by armed brigades. About 7,000 cases remain, including children. Those practices must end.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“Tripoli's two inadmissibility challenges are at the appeal stage, and I will therefore not comment on them. Whatever the decision of the Court may be, Libya, pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), must comply with the judges' decisions. Libya's compliance with its international obligations will be a further demonstration of its commitment to the rule of law. There is no competition between national justice and the International Criminal Court, either in Libya or elsewhere. Libya has clear obligations under resolution 1970 (2011). It has committed to respecting them, and it must do so. For other procedures, as Ms. Bensouda recalled, the signing ofthe burden-sharing memorandum of understanding between the Court and the Libyan authorities represents an innovative and positive approach. The memorandum must be implemented.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“But despite the catastrophic legacy of Al-Qadhafi-ism, Libyans demonstrate determination. They must continue to unite around a common political project to complete the transition to democracy. We wouldl ike to see a Government of national unity formed quickly by the elected Prime Minister, Mr. Ahmed Meitig. The Council has mobilized to assist Libya, and we must continue that mobilization. The cooperation of Libya with the International Criminal Court is crucial to end the era of impunity in that country, which in 2011 emerged from 42 years of dictatorship. Despite its difficulties, Libya itself has requested to try SaifAl-Islam Al-Qadhafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi, in accordance with the complementarity principle of the Rome Statute. The Libyan authorities have thus expressed their willingness to assume responsibility.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“The United Nations and regional organizations together condemned the brutal abuses committed by Libyan leaders. The International Criminal Court has been at the heart of the process of rounding up criminals, whatever their rank or affiliation. When we take stock of the implementation of resolution 1970 (2011), there is a question that by its very nature remains unanswered: How many lives were saved? Without doubt, there were thousands, and history must give credit to the unanimity ofthe Security Council, the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. Have we solved everything so far? Certainly not. Libya is going through a transition with its difficulties and uncertainties following 40 years of a mad dictatorship. Violent acts continue, including against diplomatic missions.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Prosecutor for her briefing. I would also like to reaffirm our full support to the International Criminal Court. There are times in the history of international relations in which unity may be achieved to prevent or put an end to those atrocities, addressed in the terms of the Rome Statute, that offend the conscience of humankind. The announcement in February 2011, by the Libyan regime itself, that it was preparing to commit a bloodbath sparked such unity and the adoption of resolution 1970 (2011), which was a moment of unity in the Security Council. We have known other such moments with the adoption of resolutions on the Central African Republic, and the same issue arises today with regard to Syria.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“Bathily, who has the difficult task of continuing to mobilize the countries of the region to combat these threats and destabilizing factors together.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“There are numerous transnational threats in the region, including not just terrorism but also trafficking in endangered species and drugs, as well as piracy. With South Sudan's collapse into civil war on 15 December, there is little room for optimism. In this difficult atmosphere, we encourage States and subregional organizations in the region to continue to cooperate, and we call on every State to help them. The support of the United Nations Regional Office is essential and we are grateful for its efforts to conduct preventive diplomacy and dialogue in this area. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Abou Moussa for his commitment as Head of the United Nations Regional Office in Central Africa for the past three years, and to welcome his successor, Mr.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“We condemn them firmly and reiterate our support and our sympathies for the Nigerian authorities. The Secretary-General's report on Central Africa highlights the regional consequences of the group's activities in Cameroon, and we cannot completely exclude their potential to affect the Central African Republic and Chad. We welcome the initiatives undertaken by States of the region to combat this threat and offer them our full support, including, as the President of France just announced, through a summit for the countries bordering Nigeria to be held in Paris on Saturday 17 May, in order to discuss the security problems linked to Boko Haram. We encourage the United Nations Regional Office to continue supporting the authorities in the region.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“Finally, we must not forget the need forjustice, and thus bring to justice the senior leaders of the Lord's Resistance Army. Joseph Kony is the subject of an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 8 July 2005 that has still not been implemented. We encourage the States concerned that are parties to the Rome Statute to strengthen their cooperation and collaboration with the Court so that Kony can be arrested, delivered and held to account for his heinous acts. While the threat of the LRA is diminishing, we are now witnessing the emergence of another movement on the regional scene, the Boko Haram and Ansaru terrorist groups. In that connection, the abduction of hundreds of young girls and the increasing attacks claimed by Boko Haram in Nigeria are disgusting.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“We welcome the work of the African Union Regional Task Force ofthe African Union-led Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord's Resistance Army, and the commitment of its constituent countries and the partners that support it. The Task Force's operations were successful, and we hope that the commitment of the main countries concerned will not falter until the threat is eradicated. Such robust military action must also be undertaken alongside continued humanitarian efforts for the victims of that insecure situation. We are happy to read that the number of displaced persons has decreased. We urge the Governments of the region to take interest in the fate of those who have returned home, who are often impoverished and have lost everything.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“We hope that the concerted commitment of the countries of the region, the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and France will finally stop this downward spiral. As can be seen in the report of the Secretary- General, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is taking advantage of the security vacuum in certain remote areas of the vast country of the Central African Republic and, it is likely, the complicity of armed groups, including the ex-Seleka. While the threat is diminishing in other regions, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we must continue our efforts to ensure that LRA members cannot thrive in those areas such as the Kafia Kingi enclave, on the border of the Central African Republic, the Sudan and South Sudan, where Joseph Kony and his entourage have again found refuge.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Abou Moussa for his briefing and the Secretary- General for his report (S/2014/319). The report of the Secretary-General on Central Africa is illustration of an alarming deterioration of the political, security and humanitarian situation in the region. At the previous Council meeting on this subject, in November 2013 (see S/PV.7065), I sounded the alarm on the Central African Republic in order to mobilize our partners to address that crisis, which had been ignored for too long. Six months later, the regional consequences that we predicted have become a reality, and the humanitarian crisis in that country is a tragedy. Fortunately, the international community and the Council have rallied.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“In the event of new provocations, North Korea would expose itself to new Security Council sanctions. In that context, I would add that the Republic of Korea and our friends in the region can count on France's solidarity. Lastly, I would like to commend the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea for successfully energizing the work ofthe 1540 Committee since 2013, so as to guarantee the optimal implementation of the resolution throughout the world.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“That is a matter of ensuring that such sources are not diverted for criminal purposes and that they continue to be used for purposes in which they render very important services - in industry, agriculture, medical and health areas, university settings and for scientific research. France's efforts include working to strengthen the international rules pertaining to minimizing the use of highly radioactive sources and establishing a group of exporters of radioactive sources to strengthen international cooperation to prevent loss of Government control over such materials. The proliferation activites of North Korea and its nuclear and ballistics tests, which we strongly condemn, illustrate the need to ensure the full implementaiton of resolution 1540 (2004).”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“In order to address the issue of emerging technologies possibly being exploited by terrorists, all Member States should further strengthen export controls, prevent and suppress the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and secure sensitive goods and materials. In recognizing those challenges, at the Nuclear Security Summit held at The Hague at the end of March, France committed to launching an initiative aimed at strengthening the security of radioactive sources, including highly radioactive sources. Indeed, while fortunately infrequent, but nonetheless disturbing, cases of theft illustrate the need for better conceptualizing the security of such radioactive sources in order to avoid the fatal consequences of their possible use by groups or individuals.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“In the 1540 Committee, we coordinate the working group on assistance, which is an essential component of the work of the Committee. In that context, France, along with its partners, is continuing efforts towards the holding of a conference in Paris on this subject, as we said we would. In addition, in all forums in which we participate, we advocate for the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and for strengthening measures under resolution 1540 (2004), including strict implementation. Despite the undeniable success ofthe past 10 years, much remains to be done.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“In that regard, I welcome the work of the South Korean chairmanship of the 1540 Committee and its experts aimed at encouraging the few countries that have not yet done so to submit their reports to the Committee on the implementation of the resolution in their national legislation. Moreover, the main international, regional and subregional organizaions now have adopted strategies to implement and promote the measures set out in the resolution. Therefore, since 2004, the European Union has promoted the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). In July 2013, the Foreign Affairs Council of the Union adopted a new decision specifically addressing the resolution, allocating more than â‚¬l.5 million to supporting regional efforts to implement it. France is also taking on its responsibilities.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Moreover, by framing the resolution under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Naions, the Council decided to play its role as guarantor of international security and stability by demanding, in an unprecedented way, that Member States take concrete measures to prevent the risk that weapons of mass destruction could fall into the wrong hands. Finally, by setting up the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), the Council gave itself the means to ensure ongoing follow- up to the resolution and to support cooperation among States to combat weapons mass destruction. Ten years after its adoption, we can see undeniable progress in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Today, a majority of the countries of the world have adopted measures to enshrine the provisions of the resolution in their national laws.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): The adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), 10 years ago, on 28 April 2004, was a historic breakthrough in the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. I wish to thank the Republic of Korea for having organized this high-level debate on the issue, as well as for submitting presidential statement S/PRST/2014/7, which we have just adopted. Resolution 1540 (2004) was a historic step for several reasons. For the first time, the Council involved itself in the issue of the risk posed by biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons falling into the hands of terrorist groups or other non-State actors, thus constituting a threat to peace and security.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“To answer the legitimate questions asked by the Russian Federation, the regime could initially not name names but simply be used as a means to exert pressure on both parties. The reign of impunity in South Sudan cannot continue. Independent and impartial investigations must be conducted immediately. The perpetrators must be tried and convicted, regardless of their political affiliation. The African Union's commission of inquiry must collect evidence on the crimes committed. The attacks, in particular those against United Nations bases, constitute war crimes. Given the exceptional gravity and scale of the crimes, and within the framework of a dialogue with IGAD and the African Union, we must also consider a referral to the International Criminal Court.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“While the authorities have the primary responsibility to protect their citizens, the international community should take the measures necessary to ensure the protection of populations under threat. The Council cannot remain indifferent to the situation in the country. That is why France supports a rapid review of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). All its capacities must be dedicated to enhancing protection for civilians, respect for human rights and free access to humanitarian aid. Noting the lack of political will to reach a peace agreement, we also believe that the Security Council should consider the establishment of a sanctions regime against individuals who oppose the political process.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“We support the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mediation efforts, but we must recognize that, today, the political process is at a standstill. While a ceasefire was signed on 23 January, the parties still refuse to engage in peace talks and act only on the basis of the territorial gains they can make, especially in oil-producing areas. The Government of South Sudan, just like the opposition forces, must stop any incitement to hatred and the attacks against United Nations staff. The resumption of talks in Addis Ababa on 28 April is an encouraging sign. We call, as IGAD has, for Mr. Salva Kiir and Mr. Riek Machar to meet face-to-face to end the vicious cycle of massacres and decide on a one-month truce, which will be essential for the South Sudanese to sow their fields.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“We are dealing with a dangerous drift into communitarian conflict, which is being exploited by both parties. The humanitarian situation is equally disturbing. The number of displaced persons and refugees is increasing by the day. Nearly 5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. In particular, the situation in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) camps, which are still home to almost 80,000 civilians, has deteriorated markedly. The rainy season will further exacerbate the situation, and there is a threat of famine. Both parties are responsible for the tragic situation and the seriousness of the violations committed against the civil populations. The massacres of Bentiu and Bor have once again demonstrated that no one has a monopoly on violence or atrocities.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I thank Ms. Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Mr. Adama Dieng, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, for their briefings. The alarm raised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights cannot leave the Council indifferent. The situation in South Sudan is extremely serious. The country has become an area of lawlessness. Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are increasing, including deliberate attacks against civilians, large-scale sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. A cycle of reprisals has begun, fuelled by public calls to violence and hatred. Radio broadcasts intensify that vicious circle by calling for women from opposing communities to be raped.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“But for that to happen, we have to put an end to this bad spy thriller, in which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is replaced by an information service when a crisis has to be resolved. What we need today is not a vodka-loving James Bond but diplomats who can return to the principles that form the foundations of international life.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“But de-escalation implies that Russia will calm the armed groups it is equipping and training; that it will see that the OSCE observers are freed - having still not publicly condemned their capture in the first place - and open negotiations with Ukraine; that free elections will be held on 25 May under international supervision in order to give the Kyiv authorities indisputable legitimacy; and that negotiations begin between Russia and Ukraine. Compromises are possible. Ukraine is aware of the stakes and is ready, and the countries of Europe, the most closely concerned in this crisis, are too. Constitutional reform that responds to the concerns of the people of eastern Ukraine and respects Ukraine's sovereignty is quite conceivable.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“In reality, Russia has opened a Pandora's box. They have let the demon of nationalism escape. They have unleashed bands of thugs on Ukraine. The only alternatives they are offering Kyiv are capitulation or partition - and they are suddenly discovering that this mixture can go completely out of control; that nationalism can oblige them to do what they do not want to do; that the thugs act like thugs and, finally, that Ukraine, faced with the impossible choice they wish to impose on it, can hit back. At that point, the fire-starting firefighters shriek loudly to try to make us forget that in fact it was them who chose this road, and that it is Russia who should retreat. For our part, we have been saying for weeks that we are seeking a de-escalation - we want a de-escalation.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“After all, in sin, it is only the first step that bears a cost, as the moralists say. Russia has proven that by renouncing, one after the other, the principles underlying international life. But it still has a few regrets as it spirals downwards, so it tries, against all credibility, to blame the other. It invokes the agreement of 21 February, which it did not endorse and discovered only when it was too late. It brandishes the Geneva agreement, for the achievement of which it made no effort. Lastly, it makes accusations that would be comical under different circumstances: the Nazis are in Kyiv, English speakers have infiltrated the ranks of Ukrainians - which makes me jealous that no French speakers are included - and, finally, the European Union is responsible for the violence. No, the facts are much more simple.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“These gangs have so little in common with the spontaneous coelescence of local groups that they were able to shoot down a helicopter with a surface-to-air missile - which, it must be acknowledged, is not commonly found at the Kharkiv market. By what right would anyone meddle in the internal affairs of a State that is only seeking to restore its violated sovereignty? At the bilateral level, we can recall the need to act with restraint, but so far there is no evidence that it has not done so. Going any further would be to violate the Charter of the United Nations. I know that reality has left that scenario far behind. Having trampled the principle of the territorial integrity of States, the same can be done to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“Numerous people have been detained; more seriously, increasingly credible allegations are surfacing of enforced disappearances, killings and torture. These thugs have refused to implement the Geneva agreement that was intended to restore the Ukrainian State on its territory. What has Ukraine done? After showing a restraint that no other State would have exhbited in the presence of these attacks on its authority - attacks that have been organized, supported and justified by a neighbour - it decided to use its army and police against the armed gangs spreading a sense of insecurity at the expense of people most of whom do not support them.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I pay tribute to the Permanent Representative of Nigeria and her team in their presidency of the Council for last month. Here we are once again, meeting to address the crisis in Ukraine. Each time, the Council flaunts its divisions and hence its powerlessness while that unhappy country sinks into anarchy. Let us return to the facts. In eastern Ukraine, armed groups are gradually seizing the cities. They enjoy no crowds of supporters other than a few hundred demonstrators. Their heavy weaponry disqualigies them as mere sympathetic activists. Russian officers strut on local television. Observers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and jouralists have been taken hostage.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“That is not what we would prefer. Our goal is to ensure the holding on 25 May of free, inclusive and transparent presidential elections, whose good conduct will be guaranteed by the presence of international observers. The possibility that the actions of some violent groups could threaten the holding of this democratic exercise is unacceptable. We also support constitutional reform that would ensure respect for minorities and some decentralization. It is up to all Ukrainians to decide their future. Then history and geography can bring about an inevitable and desirable reconciliation between a democratic, peaceful and independent Ukraine and a Russian Federation that will renounce its dangerous nationalist illusions.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“Far from condemning those who took the OSCE observers hostage, today Russia is calling the mission's presence in eastern Ukraine a provocation. However, we sincerely hope that the announcement yesterday of a halt to the Russian military manoeuvres on the Ukrainian border is true and will be the first step in a genuine de-escalation. We are at a turning point. With every moment that passes, the risk of anarchy and bloody incidents grows. That is why we call on the Russian authorities to choose the path of de-escalation through the immediate demonstration of respect for the commitments made in the Geneva declaration. Yesterday, together with our European Union partners and the United States, we adopted new targeted sanctions. If the situation worsens, we will be forced to ratchet up the sanctions once again.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“In that regard, I commend the restraint and composure of the Ukrainian security forces, who have responded appropriately to the repeated destabilizing actions they are dealing with. We can only imagine what any other Government would have done in the face of such provocation on its national territory. On the other hand, the Russian side has complied with none of the 17 April commitments. There has been no condemnation of the separatist actions that have spawned new violence and no call for public buildings to be evacuated. There has been no appeal to the pro-Russian militants to exercise restraint and end their attacks on munitions depots and on their compatriots, some of whom are said to have been tortured, and on journalists as well.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source