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

“I believe that no one can underestimate the risk of the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, which could lead to killings and violence on a massive scale ifthe international community does not intervene. I can only advise participants in this meeting to meet the representatives of the humanitarian agencies and entities of the Organization or of non-governmental organizations who are courageously working in the Central African Republic. If they were to do so, they would all hear horrific reports of the situation of the population, who are terrorized and at risk from gangs of bandits - let us br frank - and, at the same time, from being immersed in interreligious violence. The Christians are afraid of the Muslims. The Muslims are afraid of the Christians.”
2013-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7065 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Abou Moussa for his briefing and the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/67l). Many challenges undoubtedly remain in Central Africa, as mentioned by Mr. Abou Moussa, including ever-increasing acts of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which remains fragile despite the victory over the Mouvement du 23 mars. I will focus my remarks on two topics: the Central African Republic and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). With regard to the Central African Republic, I would like my statement to be heard as a warning, given the exceptional seriousness of the humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, and as an appeal.”
2013-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7065 (2013) · source
“In that spirit, France will continue to work with Kenya and African Union countries to find solutions to allow Kenya's leaders to take up their responsibilities, while also respecting the integrity of the Rome Statute. The various proposals put forward by various States, including Kenya, are on the table of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, which will meet as of 20 November. We support the principle. A solution is always within reach. We must grasp it. We must look to the future.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“Such haste is useless and fraught with the risk of an artificial and dangerous confrontation between the African Union and the Security Council, which would should like to avert. These are crucial partners in resolving crises on the African continent. That is why my country abstained in the voting, proving that we hope to continue the dialogue as we move beyond this painful episode. France is a partner of the African Union in Mali, Somalia and the Central African Republic. We are mobilizing together, on the basis of shared values, to help civilians in need. France has lost soldiers in defending those populations. France is a friendly ally of Kenya, which is a democratic and respected country. We understand its concerns and the role it plays in support of regional stability, in particular in Somalia.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“The Court itself showed the way by adopting several decisions taking into account the need for the Kenyan authorities to shoulder their responsibilities in a process of alternation that would guarantee that neither the President nor the Deputy President would ever both be absent simultaneously from Kenya, as well as deferring the proceedings for several months and allowing them to participate only in some parts ofthe case. The States parties themselves, in the framework of joint work with Kenya, showed the way by recommending various rearrangement of procedures, including using video teleconferencing. The meeting of the Assembly of States parties in the Hague next week will provide an opportunity to realize these fruitful exchanges. But the choice made was to move forward hastily, for which we were offered no explanation.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“A majority of the Council's member States believed that suspending the judicial proceedings by involving article 16 of the Rome Statute was neither applicable nor necessary and that other solutions were available. For France, the meeting was a launching point to define these shared, pragmatic solutions in the spirit of the customary working relations between the Security Council and the African Union. Those solutions are within reach. The Kenyan lawyers themselves have demonstrated the way by filing procedural motions at the Court, which recommended various relaxations of the proceedings and a deferment of the actual case.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): France regrets that we were drawn today into a vote whose outcome was known in advance. We regret it all the more so because it was unnecessary. The Security Council met with the Contact Group of the African Union, and that exchange enabled us to reach an agreement on principle with respect to Kenya's role in ensuring regional stability and on the need to find common solutions to the legitimate concerns of the African Union with a View to allowing President Kenyatta to fulfil the obligations entrusted to him by the Kenyan people following the March 2013 elections. Our disagreement, therefore, resided not on our shared goal but on the way to reach it.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“The ongoing process will require the full cooperation of Libya with the Office of the Prosecutor and the full support of the Council.”
2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source
“Those practices must come to an end. Resolution 1970 (2011) is an example ofthe capacity of the Security Council and, more generally, of the international community for unity and quick action. Given the atrocities committed by the Libyan leadership, the United Nations and regional organizations together condemned such acts. Resolution 1970 (2011), referring the situation in Libya to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, was at the heart of a process marking the isolation of criminals, regardless of their rank. It is now a matter of ensuring follow-up to that approach. The process initiated by resolution 1970 (2011) must take its course, as the Council reaffirmed in resolutions 1973 (2011), 2009 (2011), 2040 (2012) and 2095 (2013).”
2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source
“Bensouda, the adoption of a new Libyan law on transitional justice and the establishment of a United Nations fact-finding and national reconciliation commission could help respond to allegations of crimes such as those committed in Misrata and Tawergha during the armed conflict of 2011 or those that were allegedly committed in Bani Walid in 2012. Like the Prosecutor, we also welcome reports of a new Libyan draft law making rape in armed conflict a war crime. Finally, we express our grave concern at the practice of torture and cases of deaths in detention in centres under the control ofarmed brigades. As he stated before the Council (see S/PV.7031), Mr. Tarek Mitri, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the Libyan authorities are well aware of this problem.”
2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source
“Libya's respect for its international obligations is a key indicator of its commitment to the rule of law. The Prosecutor also indicated that she was continuing her investigation into allegations of crimes committed in Libya by those close to Al-Qadhafi who today might be situated outside Libyan territory, posing a threat to the new authorities. The Prosecutor can rest assured of our support. As for other allegations, we welcome the work carried out to establish a comprehensive strategy to put an end to crimes and impunity in Libya. As stated by Ms.”
2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source
“Despite its difficulties, Libya has asked to try Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi itself. That courageous decision, which is in line with the Rome Statute and resolution 1970 (2011), points to the willingness of the Libyan authorities to shoulder their responsibilities. The judges of the ICC have authorized the Libyans to try Al-Senussi themselves, believing that Libya had the willingness and due competence to conduct that trial. On the other hand, the judges rejected the request of the Libyan authorities to hear the case of Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi. The Libyan Government has stated its intention to provide additional evidence to the Court on that matter. We have no doubt that Libya, pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), will comply with the decision of the ICC judges.”
2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Prosecutor for her report and presentation. I would like to reiterate our support for hear as well as for the International Criminal Court (ICC). Following 42 years of dictatorship, Libya is now in transition. Violent acts are continuing, including against diplomatic missions. But the Libyan authorities, including Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, have reiterated their commitment to pursuing the country's democratization. While the Libyan revolution exposed the shortcomings of State structures and the disastrous legacy of Qadhafism, Libyans have shown an unwavering determination in a post-revolutionary context, which is, by definition, difficult. The Council has mobilized to help them, and must continue to do so.”
2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source
“But the current governmental crisis reminds us that it is high time to empower the Bosnian political class to reclaim its unity for the sake of the singular priority of the European Union membership being extended to the country. The functions of the High Representative must therefore also significantly evolve. The consideration of how to reconfigure the Office of the High Representative has been initiated. Those efforts must continue in order to make that Office more effective based on the key role of the European Union. We hope that the relevant decisions will be taken shortly.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“We are of course committed to the prospect of seeing Bosnia and Herzegovina joining the European Union as a unified, sovereign country enjoying full territorial integrity. However, it is up to the Bosnians and their leaders to find historic compromises that would endow the country with effectively functioning institutions. That clearly would not allow for the current usage of the current institutional framework inherited from the Dayton Peace Agreement. A country that is under supervision and deeply divided cannot as such become part of the European Union. Nonetheless, political tensions have never undermined the security climate. High Representative Inzko, a guarantor of the peace agreements on behalf of the international community, has our full support.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The Council therefore urges the Bosnian Government to resume its efforts towards reform, above all with by respecting the Sejdie-Finci ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, which is a decisive question for progress towards EU membership, as the Council has chosen to underscore in its resolution. We should like to see the current Government bring the Constitution into line with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. We also call on the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to continue their cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the residual mechanisms. That is a crucial criterion for Bosnia and Herzegovina's being accepted within the European family. However, the absence of action by the Bosnian authorities is slowing movement towards accession.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The action of EUFOR Operation Althea in the drawdown phase must remain complementary to that of other stakeholders on the ground, in particular the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Duplication of efforts would lead only to confusion and be counterproductive. Despite a calm and stable situation on the ground, as I have just mentioned, we remain nonetheless concerned by the stalemate in the political situation. The successive political crises distract the Bosnian authorities from their Euro-Atlantic integration goal. Nationalist rhetoric continues to fuel tensions and suspicions. We regret those excesses, especially because other States of the region have overcome and continue to overcome historic stages in the Euro-Atlantic integration process.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“However, the Operation also continues to be evaluated regularly, in particular based on the situation on the ground, so as to achieve progress towards meeting the conditions that will enable it to complete its mandate. Indeed, the security situation on the ground has remained consistently calm and stable for several years. Furthermore, as the military authorities of the European Union have pointed out, the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities have to date proved able to cope with any threats to the security climate. The reconfiguration of the mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina therefore should continue. It has already led to a decrease in the forces deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina and enabled them to refocus their role on capacity-building and training.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his briefing. I congratulate you, Mr. President, on your country's assumption of the presidency of the Council, and thank the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan and his delegation for the way in which they led our Council in October. I endorse the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union (EU). We have just adopted resolution 2123 (2013), reauthorizing the action of the European Union-led peacekeeping force (EUFOR) Operation Althea, which maintains a residual executive mandate to support the capacity of the authorities of the country to preserve the security environment if the situation so requires.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“To do that, my country would involve all the possible stakeholders, particularly research institutions, universities and non-governmental organizations that are working on this issue and could share their thinking with us. The Security Council should take this opportunity to thoroughly review its working methods in order to meet the challenges of the twenty- first century. The world is changing and the threats have changed. Let us be the actors who are willing to deal with that change and show that we are capable of innovating in order to be more effective but also more just.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“An alert mechanism or mechanisms that can trigger such self-management would also have to be defined. France is considering, for example, the possibility of a central role for the Secretary-General, in the spirit of Article 99 of the Charter. Finally, France has proposed that 50 Member States could challenge the Security Council when they believe that a crime on a massive scale has occurred. That would give us the opportunity to consider the terms whereby the five permanent members could initiate and implement the code of conduct on the use of the veto. France's proposals - and they are only proposals - should enable us to begin to debate.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“What would be involved would be for the five permanent members of the Security Council to collectively and voluntarily suspend their right of veto when a situation involving crime on a massive scale is considered to have occurred. Clearly, the criteria for such self-management must still be defined by the Council's permanent members themselves. A voluntary step such as this would not entail revising the Charter of the United Nations. But we can work together on a series of questions. First, we have to agree on a definition of mass crime; the 2005 World Summit Outcome (General Assembly resolution 60/1) and numerous international conventions, including the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute, can guide us.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“In that regard, the multilingual nature of the Council's activities should be observed by ensuring that documents posted on the site are reproduced in every official language. We must continue our efforts within the Informal Working Group, which will be taking into account the proposals made in this open debate. We base our preparation of the Working Group's programme every year on consideration of the suggestions made here. The Syrian crisis has highlighted the impasse that the Security Council has come up against in dealing with the use of the right of veto. A few weeks ago, the President of France spoke in the General Assembly on the importance of creating a code of conduct for the permanent members that would establish guidelines for the use of the right of veto. The Minister for Foreign Affairs also spoke on the subject.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“The Council meets more often for thematic debates that enable it to refine its approach to issues related to peace and international security, while seeking the expertise of regional organizations, specialized international agencies and non-governmental organizations. The use of video- teleconferencing to interact with various United Nations missions has also enabled it to streamline information and react faster to realities on the ground. Regular exchanges between the Council and the Department of Political Affairs, as well as the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, enable it to better anticipate crises and therefore react more effectively. Finally, creating a website has enabled the Council to quickly and ubiquitously disseminate all its communiques, reports and other working documents.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“The recent adoption under Argentina's chairmanship of two notes concerning the dialogue with troop-contributing countries and interaction with non-Council member States is testament to that (S/2013/515 and S/2013/630). Among the measures taken recently that have subsequently become part of the Organization's practices we should mention the immediate dissemination of the Council's programme of work to the Secretariat, the President of the General Assembly and the general membership of the United Nations, and the opening up of Council meetings, with some of them wholly or partly open to the wider membership. France shares the opinion that debates on matters of general interest should be open. While codifying its way of working by implementing note 507, the Council has also shown that it is able to adapt to new demands.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Azerbaijani presidency for organizing this debate on the working methods of the Security Council. Efforts have been made since 2010 to improve the Council's working methods. The periodic revision ofthe note ofthe President to the Security Council (S/2010/507) has provided useful codification and clarification for our way of working, enabling it to evolve towards greater transparency and better information flow. In that regard, I would like to thank the successive Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, who have promoted those efforts.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“That is how we will ensure coherent international action, clarity in actions taken by the United Nations, and respect for the core values of our Organization.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“With regard to human rights, we hope that the Permanent and Independent Commission for Human Rights that the OIC has created will effectively contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights for all those living in OIC member countries, with respect for the universal principles of human rights. To conclude, I wish to emphasize that the partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations is a very topical matter. The severity and the number of conflicts around the world require calling up all available resources. This partnership must continue in line with the relevant principles and provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, under the auspices of the Security Council.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“In the fight against terrorism and radical extremism, we all know that we enjoy the support of Muslims around the world who condemn those who distort or manipulate their religion. The OIC is also a central interlocator for the initiative ofthe Alliance of Civilizations. We are pleased that the United Nations and the OIC are commited to strengthening their dialogue to promote tolerance and peace. It is essential to protect and promote, everywhere, the freedom of religion or belief and the rights of individuals belonging to religious minorities.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“A memorandum of agreement and a plan of action was signed by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the OIC in 2011. The two organizations have worked closely in Somalia and the Philippines and more recently in Syria, where they conducted a joint assessment of humanitarian needs. In 2011 and 2012, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the OIC worked together to convene an international ministerial conference on refugees in the Muslim world. I should also like to hail the commitment of the OIC in the fight against terrorism. As noted repeatedly by the Secretary-General of OIC, nothing justifies international terrorism.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“We very much hope that negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis will allow for a negotiated solution based on the coexistence of two States, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security. Furthermore, we appreciate the mediations efforts undertaken by the OIC through the good offices of its Secretary-General in Somalia, where the organization is an active member of the International Contact Group, as well as in Afghanistan. We would also like to hail the commitment of OIC member countries in the service of peacekeeping and peacebuilding through the contribution of military and police for peacekeeping operations. As the Secretary-General has also underscored, the OIC is also an important partner for the United Nations in the humanitarian field.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“Given the intransigence of the Syrian regime and its persistent will to pursue a military solution to the crisis, the OIC leadership took the courageous decision to suspend Syria from the organization in August 2012. The OIC has also held the Syrian Government fully responsible for chemical attacks against the Syrian people, which took place on 21 August in Ghouta, on the outskirts of Damascus. As Mr. Ihsanoglu indicated, the use of such arms in Syria should be considered a war crime and a crime against humanity. The perpetrators of that odious crime must be brought to justice. On Syria, we share the same objective: putting an end to this conflict through a political solution that will allow the Syrian people to achieve their aspirations for freedom and justice. We also believe that the Middle East peace process is a central question.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“I should like to undescore several aspects of the OIC's contribution to the achievement of the United Nations objectives. First, I hail the courgeous commitment of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the Syrian conflict. Since the beginning of the Syrian tragedy, the OIC has tirelessly called on the Council to carry out its responsibilities to put an end to the bloodshed. The OIC has underscored that the primary responsibility for the ongoing violence, murders and slaughters lies with the Syrian Government. All that has led to the deaths of thousands of unarmed civilians. The OIC has condemned those massacres, perpetrated in cities and towns by the Syrian authorities.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“We have appointed a special envoy to the organization and we hold regular political consultations on issues of common interest such as the Syrian crisis, the Middle East peace process, the Arab Spring, Mali and the fight against international terrorism. We have also decided to deepen our exchanges on human rights. We welcome the adoption by the OIC of the 10-year programme of action to meet the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah in the twenty-first century. While the Arab and Muslim world faces major crises, dialogue between the United Nations and the OIC on topics such as conflict prevention and mediation, human rights, humanitarian assistance and refugees, the fight against terrorism and intercultural dialogue is essential. It must be strengthened.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for organizing this debate to allow the Council to consider an issue that is dear to my country, namely, the contributions of regional and subregional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security and promoting rule of law. I thank the Secretary- General for his statement. I welcome the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in his first opportunity to speak before the Council. I congratulate him on his dynamic efforts, which have led to profound changes in the OIC. We look forward to soon working with his predecessor, Mr. Iyad Madani, whom we welcome and wish every success in carrying out his functions in future. France has strengthened its relations with the OIC.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“The Group's work is ongoing, in particular in Beirut, with a view to demonstrating our solidarity with that friendly country and to helping it face this sweeping crisis, which is not only humanitarian in nature but also affects the political and security environment. Finally, I would like to reiterate our support for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Its work has been affected by the difficult situation facing the country, but its role is crucial in supporting Lebanon in its efforts to fight against impunity.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“There is also an economic crisis, which weighs heavily on the country's internal balance. Given these threats, the dissociation policy adopted by President Sleiman must at all costs be maintained and respected by all the Lebanese actors who collectively adhered to it by signing the Baabda Declaration on 11 June 2012. Lebanon must be supported. We welcome the launching, on the margins of the General Assembly, of the International Support Group for Lebanon, which enabled an unanimous expression of support for the stability and independence of Lebanon and respect for its sovereignty. We believe that it is now crucial that we pursue this mobilization with the United Nations.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Valerie Amos, to present to the Council a first evaluation of the implementation of the presidential statement. Lastly, I would like to say a word on Lebanon, which is suffering the consequences of the conflict in Syria. Lebanon is dealing with the challenges and threats it faces because of the war in Syria. Refugees from Syria are arriving in increasing numbers and today represent approximately 30 per cent of the Lebanese population. The deterioration of the security situation due to the fallout from the Syrian crisis and the resultant worsening of community tensions, including the two attacks of 15 and 23 August in Ruways and Tripoli respectively, are tragic illustrations of this. There is a political and institutional crisis, with institutions paralysed, waiting for a new Government to be formed.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Al-Jerba showed the international community's support of the Syrian national coalition that represents the moderate opposition to the regime of Bashar Al-Assad and should guide the opposition's delegation in Geneva. Pending the Geneva II conference, the Security Council must ensure that the presidential statement (S/PRST/20l3/15) of 2 October, on humanitarian access in Syria, enables real change on the ground. It is clear that, three weeks after its adoption, there is no improvement in the humanitarian situation in Syria. The regime continues to refuse to grant United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors free, immediate and unimpeded access to populations in need. France supports the initiative to invite the Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In that context, it supports the convening of a conference in Geneva, "Geneva II", leading to a political solution in Syria based on the full implementation ofthe Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex) of 30 June 2012. States participating in Geneva II must fully embrace that goal. It is important that the process be credible and lead quickly to the establishment of a transitional Government with full executive powers, including presidential powers in the security, intelligence and armed forces sectors. The Secretary-General and the Joint Special Representative, Mr. Brahimi, are committed to organizing the Geneva II conference. France is fully cooperating in those efforts, together with its partners. The successful ministerial meeting convened by France on the margins of the General Assembly with Mr.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The Council must ensure the strict implementation of the decision. I commend the cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which have been given the responsibilty for dealing with the weapons, and their courageous staff, who are already deployed in Syria. I also express my delegation's support and confidence to Ms. Sigrid Kaag, who was appointed by the Secretary- General as Special Coordinator of the Joint Mission of the OPCW and the United Nations. Nevertheless, such progress must continue. A crucial issue is the fact that every day, innocent civilians are being killed in attacks carried out by the Syrian regime. For its part, France calls for a political solution.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The measures taken by Israel in recent months to ease restrictions - especially those concerning work permits and water access - are steps in the right direction. They should be continued and strengthened, including in Area C and in Gaza. In terms of Syria, beyond the process ofdismantling its chemical weapons, the Council must stand ready to respond to the ongoing tragedy. Faced with evidence of the horrifying massacre of 21 August, which resulted from the use of chemical weapons, the Security Council demanded an end to Syria's chemical weapons arsenal. As France had requested, the decision allows for monitoring by the Council and measures under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations in the case of non-compliance by the Damascus regime in assuming its international obligations.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Thirdly, the situation of Palestinian prisoners and the issue of administrative detention - despite recent progress on the latter - remains of concern. We call for the release of the second group of Palestinian prisoners, which is a cornerstone for the resumption of the peace talks and has been again postponed to 29 October. Fourthly, it is equally important to ensure sustainable economic development in Palestine in order to strengthen, on the Palestinian side, the peace camp of President Abbas. The Gaza blockade - which benefits Hamas - does not help the situation, nor do the financial difficulties of the Palestinian Authority and the economic slowdown evident in the Palestinian territories. We must help President Abbas with those issues.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In order to overcome scepticism and the temptation to withdraw, both parties should adopt confidence measures aimed at changing the situation on the ground and outlining a path to a just and durable peace. They must refrain from any decision that could hinder the progress of negotiations. In that context, our position has been constant. First, the continuing settlement activity contravenes international law and calls into question the viability of the two-State solution; in that connection, the European Union has drawn the appropriate consequences. Secondly, violence, in all its aspects, must cease. Israel's security and similarly, respect for the human rights of the Palestinians, cannot be compromised. In that context, France regrets the loss of life on both sides resulting from the too frequent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“At the ministerial meeting of the Quartet on 27 September, representatives agreed to support the designated goal of the negotiations, namely, to conclude an agreement on all final status issues and to establish a methodology based on regular meetings scheduled over a nine-month period. Twenty years after Oslo, a new interim agreement would serve no purpose, nor would continued negotiations with no end in sight. We also welcome the sense of responsibility manifested by the leaders of the two sides, Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Abbas, in deciding to return to the negotiating table and urge them to maintain that same approach in conducting the negotiations.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Mr. Araud (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. With respect to the main issue of the peace process in the Middle East, negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians have resumed after three years. The viability of a two-State solution, which is the only lasting and durable solution to the conflict, is at stake. In that context, we welcome the initiative and commitment of United States Secretary of State John Kerry.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In that spirit, next December France will organize in Paris a summit on peace and security in Africa, which will provide an opportunity for all to express and reaffirm their commitment to bringing about support for resolutions on women and peace and security.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Since 2011, in cooperation with UN Women, France has had in place a programme for strengthening women's access to justice in Afghanistan. In the framework ofits plan of action, France has committed to a cooperation programme in Africa and in the Arab world, working in partnership with UN Women. We have recently specifically allocated support for programmes in Mali being implemented by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with a view to supporting the participation of women in political processes. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we have similarly allocated more than â‚¬2 million to support Congolese NGOs to fight against sexual violence, strengthen the participation of women in decision-making processes and help women integrate on the socioeconomic level.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Justice remains the cornerstone of stabilization in post-conflict situations. National Governments of course have the primary responsibility for prosecuting and punishing those resposible for sexual violence. However, when States fail to live up to their responsibilities, the International Criminal Court should be able to play its full role. The Court is already at work in the Central African Republic, in Mali and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. France believes that the Court should be seized of the matter in Syria - as has now been amply justified. I should like to underscore here that all those responsible for violence against the Syrian people must one day be accountable before justice. To make the fight against impunity tangible, access for women to the justice system is essential.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Their vulnerability is today increasing everywhere, placing them at the forefront of the victims. They are the targets of both the fierce repression of the regime against its own people and, now, of extremist groups. In the refugee camps, their children are often born stateless as a result of unequal citizenship laws. We must listen to these Syrian women, who remain committed to building the future of Syria, and involve them in the peace negotiations. In that regard, I call the Council's attention to the letter by the representative of the Syrian National Coalition, which provides a very good description of the sufferings that the Al-Assad regime is inflicting on Syrian women. Those violent acts, I remind members, were reported by the Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source