YouSaid · the spoken record

Archbishop Chullikatt

lines on the record: 52
first: 2013-01-23
most recent: 2014-01-20
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“In his address on 13 January to the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis therefore urged the whole world, with great insistence, to address the problems of the Middle East and to act before any further deterioration of the situation occurs.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“For the United Nations the challenges of the Middle East are a clarion call for its peacemaking role, the very raison d'etre for this institution. May this open debate help muster the much-needed political will to spur the international community to make a real difference in the lives of the peoples of the Middle East and help them to fulfil their dream of long-awaited peace. The global economic situation no longer permits the international community to continue indefinitely to fund growing refugee populations. Political solutions are the best solutions even for the economies of these countries, because peace is the necessary precondition for the socioeconomic stability capable of attracting development funds.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Regional and international rivalries that have little to do with the Syrian communities themselves must therefore be set aside so that at the heart of the discussions are not these interests but rather those of the individual human person and the good of Syria. To this end, all the interested parties are called to work together if conditions for lasting peace are to be put in place. The second Geneva talks must accordingly ensure the inclusive participation of all parties to this conflict in the region and beyond. The Holy See wholeheartedly wishes to support this objective. Finally, I wish to call to mind the concern expressed by Pope Francis for the ongoing political problems in Lebanon, and also for Iraq, which struggles to attain the peace and stability for which it hopes.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Many of the refugees constitute a worrying exodus of Christians from their bimillenial homelands owing, among other causes, to the targeting and instability visited upon them by fundamentalist and extremist forces. Interreligious dialogue and reconciliation will therefore be required to restore the balance in the rich and complex pluralism of Syrian society. The Holy See stands ready to support all religious communities in their efforts to reach new understandings and the restoration oftrust after these years ofviolence, revenge and recrimination. The Syrian people have demonstrated by their history an ability to live together in peace.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“The urgency of rebuilding peace trumps the resolution of other political and social questions, although such rebuilding will certainly need to include new forms of political participation and representation that ensures the voice and security of all groups calling Syria their home. Pope Francis has expressed his deep concern for those experiencing relocation and displacement in efforts to escape incessant violence, as well as for those nations challenged by the influx of a great number of refugees. The international community cannot stand aloof to their praiseworthy efforts to assist. The Holy See pledges to continue - through its wide array of educational, health care and social service outreach efforts - to work alongside those alleviating the suffering of all of those who have been marginalized, uprooted or oppressed by conflict.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“May the upcoming second Geneva Conference on Syria be an occasion for a renewed reflection on the criteria needed to offer a new start for that beautiful nation, left prey to indescribable destruction and loss of lives. Due to political preconditions, those criteria must include an immediate ceasefire without procrastination, including a renewed commitment to promoting initiatives of peace instead of the sending and funding of arms, which have escalated the violence and conflict. At the same time, it must involve an immediate rollout of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction for the countless refugees and displaced persons being housed temporarily in neighbouring countries, where so many suffer life-threatening shortages, inter alia, of nutrition, safe drinking water and basic sanitation.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“It is hoped that it will be fully implemented and open the path to a definitive agreement. The Holy See has urgently and repeatedly voiced its clear concerns for the peace and welfare of all the peoples of the Middle East. Most recently, the ongoing situation in Syria prompted Pope Francis to reiterate the Holy See's profound solicitude for the situation in the whole region. Calling the Catholic faithful to prayer and fasting for Syria in September 2013, Pope Francis made a heartfelt plea "that the violence and devastation in Syria may cease immediately and that a renewed effort be undertaken to achieve a just solution to the fratricidal conflict. Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake... War begets war, violence begets violence".”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Courageous decisions are seldom easy, and can place demands on us that may be politically difficult and unpopular. Yet when faced with the reality of conflict in the Middle East all right-minded people see the need for change. Peace is not simply the absence of war, but requires that the demands of justice be met for all peoples and communities. My delegation accordingly joins its voice once more with those ofall people ofgood will who welcome, with great hope, the re-engagement of direct, serious and concrete negotiations so that a rejuvenated peace process may help unfold better prospects for the future. Of great significance, furthermore, is the recent agreement with Iran with respect to its nuclear programme, which offers great hope that an era of distrust may be replaced by a new climate of trust and cooperation.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“My delegation congratulates you, Sir, on this month's Jordanian presidency of the Security Council, and commends your convening of this timely open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Jordan's leadership draws on insights into the region that are of great benefit to the Council, and it will be from Amman, in your own country, that His Holiness Pope Francis, as a witness to peace, will begin his own pilgrimage of prayer to the Holy Land on 24 May. For the Holy See, the resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians constitutes a positive development, in regard to which Pope Francis has expressed the hope that both parties will resolve, with the support of the international community, to take courageous decisions.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“By mustering the needed political will, the international community can make a difference in the life of the peoples of the Middle East and help them fulfil their long-deferred dream of peace in the Middle East.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Extremist and reactionary forces introduced into the region as a result of political instability and conflicts are targeting Christians and other groups that are suffering from the consequences of their blind violence. Christians see themselves forced to flee for the sake of life and limb, leaving behind a 2,000 year-old tradition bound up in the culture of the region. It is an unacceptable recurrence of what happened in Iraq when sectarian violence reduced the Christian population by 70 per cent. For those of us here at the United Nations, the challenges of the Middle East to which I have referred are a clarion call to the task of peacemaking, which is the very reason for the existence of the Organization.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“From the beginning, the Middle East has been the cradle ofthe ancestral faith ofChristians, and Christians have lived peaceably in those countries for centuries, indeed millennia. As citizens of their respective countries in the Middle East, they desire to contribute to their societies in the Middle East and to continue to be part of the social, political, cultural and religious landscape of the region and work for the common good of societies to which they fully belong, striving for peace and reconciliation and guided by those values that can help society progress towards greater respect forjustice, human rights and fundamental freedoms. For that reason, my delegation wishes in this Chamber to raise the issue of the worrying exodus of Christians from the region of their birth.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“The challenges faced, especially by neighbouring countries, in assisting and protecting those refugees could have a destabilizing impact on the entire region. The situation is extremely grave and is worsening by the day; many people are dying of hunger or from a lack of access to basic and necessary medical care. The Catholic Church remains committed and active at the forefront in providing humanitarian assistance to people regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation, with all the means at our disposal. In that regard, I would like to recall that, on 1 September, Pope Francis called for a day of prayer and fasting for world peace, and particularly for peace in Syria.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Accordingly, we join our voice to those expressing grave concern regarding the situation in Syria, and encourage everyone involved to continue moving forward in a sincere quest forjustice and peace. As an imperative first step, the Holy See earnestly and urgently calls upon all parties to put an immediate end to violence and to begin a real process of dialogue with the "Geneva 11" conference, planned for next month. One of the consequences of the current violence in Syria is the flight of non-combatants from their homes. Added to the plight ofover 4 million internally displaced persons within the borders of Syria itself, more than 2 million refugees, three quarters of them women and children, have already sought refuge in neighbouring countries and are now seeking peace, security and safety in countries outside the Middle East.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In many of the confrontations, sadly, it has been the civilian population that has fallen victim to declared and undeclared violence. The impact of the humanitarian suffering ofboth parties as a result ofthis ongoing conflict requires the international community every year to donate more funds to sustain refugee populations. The global economic picture, however, warns us that the situation cannot be sustained indefinitely. A political solution is also the best solution to those economic pressures, because peace between the parties generates stable economies and, in turn, attracts development funds. My delegation wishes to note that other unresolved political issues have introduced yet further instability into the region.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“A solution for each and for all of the peoples of the Middle East must be characterized, first and foremost, by respecting the centrality and dignity of the human person, regardless of race or creed, by a concern for every human life and for human dignity and by the tireless pursuit of the common good for the whole of society, while also keeping in mind the regional and international context. The recognition and respect of the inalienable dignity of every human being is the road map to the unity and stability of every nation. Peacebuilding between the people of Israel and the people of Palestine constitutes a lingering remnant of the twentieth century, which proved to be the bloodiest of centuries. Each side in the drama suffered grave humanitarian crises, whether in declared wars, extremist violence or the military responses thereto.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“My delegation wishes to congratulate you, Mr. President, on Azerbaijan's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and for convening this timely open debate on the Middle East. On repeated occasions, the Holy See has clearly voiced urgent concern for the peace and welfare of all the peoples of the Middle East. On this occasion, my delegation once morejoins its voice to those ofall people of goodwill who stand ready to welcome with great hope the re-engagement of Israelis and Palestinians in direct, serious and concrete negotiations. Our hopes are renewed that we are witnessing at present a newly rejuvenated peace process. This is a critical time for the region, and there are many issues to be considered.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“It is my delegation's hope, therefore, that the international community can find the courage to reconcile its differences and show the political determination necessary to pave the path to the much-awaited "Geneva II" conference, so as to help all parties to the conflict rediscover the indispensable path of dialogue with a view to reaching a concerted and negotiated solution. My delegation commends every effort to that end and calls upon all responsible parties to desist from hindering the long-overdue negotiated settlement of this conflict. Peace in Syria makes us all winners, whereas enduring conflict surely guarantees only losers.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“As has been stated many times in this Chamber and in other international forums, there can be no military solution to the Syrian conflict. Regardless of this, the parties to the conflict manifest the determination, with total impunity, to shed yet more blood, to supply yet more weapons and to destroy more lives before they can be brought to the negotiating table. War can never more be considered a means of resolving conflicts. Yet war, when it occurs, can be won only through peace; yes, peace won through negotiations, dialogue and reconciliation.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Rather, they are a fitting expression of the solicitude of the Holy See for the whole Christian family and of what should be the serious apprehension of the entire world about the overlooked fate of so many thousands of victims, including Christians as well as other ethnic and religious minorities, who find themselves ruthlessly targeted in that conflict through no fault of their own, and who now, caught in the crossfire, are struggling for their very survival. My delegation is convinced that there can be no social progress and no justice if religious and ethnic minorities are not accorded their rightful place as full members of society. The persistent refusal on the part of both sides to the conflict to engage in a meaningful political dialogue aimed at building a reconciled Syria augurs only more deaths, fear, hatred and destruction.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“In many cases, they have had to seek ways and means, in the midst of dangerous and life-threatening circumstances, to safeguard their treasured sacred objects and priceless manuscripts and artifacts bearing witness to their bi-millennial tradition and culture, which constitutes a veritable world heritage of outstanding universal value for the whole of humanity. These pertinent remarks are not indicative of any lack of concern on the part of the Holy See for the suffering that afflicts each and every Syrian citizen, regardless of religion or ethnicity.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“These days, the Christian community faces numerous challenges to its very survival in the region. Christians face, on the one hand, ideological extremist groups that seek to eradicate them from the region, and, on the other, continued insecurity for their families and homes as they are left to fend for themselves. The murder of the Catholic priest Francois Murad is just one of the many heinous acts in a long series ofkidnappings of Christians, including bishops and priests, and of gruesome killings of innocent civilians. Christians have also witnessed the destruction of more than 60 of their churches and affiliated institutions. Here I would like to thank the representative of Togo for having kindly remembered the murder of Father Murad.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“More than 4 million people have lost their homes. Moreover, the challenges faced by neighbouring countries in assisting and protecting refugees appear to contribute to the further political destabilization of the region. On the political front, this destructive conflict is only being exacerbated by outside influences and extremist groups, which see it as an opportunity for political or ideological gains rather than as an appalling disaster that is engulfing Syria. Today, while recognizing that the conflict has negative repercussions for everyone, my delegation would like to bring to the international community's attention the devastating impact that the conflict is having on Syria's Christian population, a population which in its various traditions has been present in the country for 2,000 years.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“And how much suffering must there still be before a political solution to the crisis is found?" Given the extreme seriousness of what has been unfolding in Syria, especially during these past few months, my delegation wishes to focus its remarks today on the unbearable suffering of its people. The whole world has been shocked by the ever- increasing statistics describing the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. The tragedy of such an intolerable situation demands from us immediate measures to assist the some 1.8 million refugees who now seek peace, security and safety in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt. Further, there are over 4 million internally displaced persons, constituting nearly 18 per cent of the population, and 6.8 million victims of this conflict, half of whom are children, require urgent humanitarian assistance.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Mr. President, allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to thank you for having convened this meeting. The Holy See has repeatedly voiced its urgent concern for the peace and welfare of all the peoples in the Middle East, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. Pope Francis, in his first Easter message, on 31 March this year, appealed for: "Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all too long. Peace above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort. How much blood has been shed!”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“This is particularly important in the area of peacekeeping operations, so that those sent to protect people from violence do not become a source ofit themselves. In that regard, my delegation welcomes the measures outlined by the Secretary-General in his report on "Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse" (A/65/742). I would like to thank you once again, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and focusing our discussion on such an important topic.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“To that end, States must be provided with the necessary technical and legislative resources for addressing sexual violence in conflict settings and for upholding humanitarian law and internationally agreed human rights standards. Such respect for national authorities helps to restore trust in national and local judicial systems and enables victims and affected communities to participate more fully. It is only when such national systems prove unable or unwilling to shoulder their responsibility to defend innocent victims and the common good that the international community has an obligation to intervene to protect victims and safeguard human dignity. That obligation does not fall on States alone; international organizations such as the United Nations must also adhere to it.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Secondly, respect for the rights of victims and offenders requires that penal processes be guided by a meticulous search for truth and conducted in a timely manner. Those accused must be able to defend themselves, and judges given the independence necessary to enable them to avoid ruling for reasons other than justice itself. Public pronouncements of guilt by the media or political groups, at the national or international level, before tribunals reach their decisions, can seriously hamper our collective efforts to combat the scourge of sexual violence. Thirdly, in recognition of the principle of complementarity, international tribunals must support the role of national systems as the primary authority in holding individuals accountable.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The death of innocent unborn children only visits further violence on women already in difficulty. Through its institutions, particularly female religious institutions, the Catholic Church is firmly committed to compassionate outreach to victims, to alleviating their sufferings and accompanying them as far as possible on the way to recovery and rehabilitation, and to resuming their own lives in freedom and dignity. We hope that future discussions of the issue will remain focused on the topic under discussion in a holistic manner, rather than being diverted towards promoting political or ideological agendas that serve only to harm human dignity and are already under discussion in other United Nations forums.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“That responsibility demands that perpetrators be held accountable for their actions in order to deter future violence, while at the same time repairing the damage done to victims and the community as a whole by providing the necessary reparations, support and care, in recognition of their human dignity and worth. A truly human-centred approach to providing assistance to victims and their communities includes respect for life at all stages of development. In that regard, we regret that resolution 2106 (2013), adopted today, bypasses that noble concept and instead seeks to promote a potentially destructive notion of health care under the banner of sexual and reproductive health, which too often is used as ajustification for taking life rather than upholding it.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The international community as a whole and this body in particular have a grave responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and, where conflict occurs, finding the means for restoring a peace based on justice and solidarity. Within that framework, the Holy See appreciates the Security Council's commitment to enhancing international awareness of - and the resolve to address - the victimization of women and girls, as well as men and boys, by the heinous acts of sexual violence so often found in situations of armed conflict. A just response to sexual Violence must be motivated not by revenge, which would simply perpetuate a chain of hatred, but must rather seek to build the common good.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“ArchbishopChullikatt:Attheoutset,Mr.President, allow me tojoin other delegations in congratulating you, Sir, and the United Kingdom delegation on presiding over the work of the Security Council this month. Today's discussion provides a welcome opportunity for the wider membership to collaborate on the means to end the ongoing proliferation of sexual violence. The Holy See, while operating within the family of nations, constantly strives to promote peace, security and the rule of law as a base for enhancing development, freedom and the dignity of all peoples and each person, from conception to natural death. While firmly opposing recourse to armed conflict as a means of resolving international or national disputes, the Holy See recognizes the tragic and sad evidence that, in many parts ofthe world, war is still an appalling reality.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In that sentence, concealed behind a veil of words, lies the stark reality of the suppression of human life - the death of an innocent unborn child - which only visits further violence upon a woman already in difficulty. Rather, the woman with child should be offered care, support, education, counselling and assistance to meet her material, social and spiritual needs during and after her pregnancy, including, if necessary, the possibility of finding a family to adopt her child. In the final analysis, peace is more about people than it is about particular structures. People who foster peace first of all in their own hearts give rise in turn to innumerable gestures of peace and advance respect for the right to life and security of all persons, especially women and children.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“It is essential that victims be afforded every assistance, whereas, on the contrary, all too frequently victims of sexual assault become ostracized by their communities, especially those who report sexual violence or those who have become pregnant as a result of rape. Particularly disturbing in that context is the revictimization of a woman or girl who has been raped when she is forced to live with her aggressor as a so-called wife. Obviously, sexual violence leads to devastating physical and psychological consequences, sometimes even fatal ones. Of concern to my delegation in that regard is the euphemistic reference in the report to "access to services that would allow [girls or women] to safely terminate a pregnancy" (S/2013/149, para. 12).”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“In cases where the Security Council is called upon to intervene, appropriate measures should be taken to reaffirm the outright interdiction of those crimes and the criminal liability of those responsible for their commission. It is imperative that the work of monitoring and prosecuting crimes of sexual violence be characterized by justice and equity and not political interests, which could undermine noble motivations and efforts to combat such crimes. The third issue - assisting victims - seems to receive less emphasis in the report. Indeed, in order to ensure that reprisals or retribution undertaken in the pursuit ofjustice do not become an end in themselves, it is necessary to keep the focus on reparation for victims.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Alongside those broader protection efforts there should be specific prevention measures, for example, educating members of armed forces in the areas of discipline and moral fibre and undertaking awareness campaigns to promote values that offer a proper view of women in society. Secondly, with respect to the notion of criminal responsibility, the report is at pains to address the duty to prosecute those culpable for the commission of crimes of sexual violence. In that regard, my delegation expresses the importance of adopting and implementing action plans and legislation aimed at protecting victims from violence and holding perpetrators accountable.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“All States and the international community as a whole must therefore do their utmost to stop those barbarous acts, which have been properly labelled an outrage to the conscience of humankind. My delegation wishes to focus its remarks on the following three aspects, namely, prevention, criminal responsibility and assistance to victims. With regard to prevention, it seems not unfitting to recall how one of the first forms of prevention used in connection with crimes of sexual violence was our own intense and timely intervention in crises using various peaceful means for which the international community is well equipped, such as mediation, international measures and a commitment to tackling the underlying social and economic causes of conflicts.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“In that regard, it is disappointing that the report fails to highlight the targeted attacks against victims based on their religious beliefs, despite the persistence of such acts in nearly every region of the world. Also, the perpetrators, too, are varied and can be found in both legitimate State actors, such as those in a position of trust - members of armed or security forces, for example, or even United Nations peacekeepers - and in non-State actors. The violent domination of a human being constitutes an egregious form of degradation of his or her dignity, but also of the aggressor, who, in so doing, disfigures himself or herself as a human person. Such heinous crimes are yet another consequence of the destructive power of war.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“In that context, the continued episodes of sexual violence, as the report describes, including, inter alia, rape, forced sterilization, abduction for sexual purposes and sexual slavery, to name just a few of the egregious acts of violence against women, are even more frustrating and saddening. As is recognized, women and girls are those predominantly affected by sexual violence, although men and boys are also victims of such heinous acts. The underlying reasons are varied; in some cases, it is done as a strategy to displace populations in order to gain access to natural resources or to facilitate drug trafficking, while in other cases it becomes a way to vent hatred for a certain race or ethnicity, or as political or economic retaliation.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the international community has followed closely the role of women in the context of war or post-war situations, not only as victims but, more important, as agents and important contributors to the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, while stressing the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution. My delegation commends those efforts and is convinced that there is ample room for the greater involvement of women, especially in the prevention of war, in the reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of societies in post-war situations, and in avoiding relapses into armed conflict. Women can and should play greater roles as allies of peace.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“My delegation wishes to congratulate the President on Rwanda's presidency of the Security Council this month and on convening the present open debate on sexual violence in conflict. We would also like to thank the Secretary- General for his report on sexual violence in conflict (S/2013/149). I also take this opportunity to thank Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for her very useful briefing.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Allow me therefore to conclude by recalling the Pope's address here before the Council, so that all who are responsible for the well- being of the peoples of the Middle East may listen and reflect on that message, because every action intended to hasten the realization of peace will constitute a legacy that ennobles the name of all peacemakers, for they are the human guarantors of that which dignifies the human person and the family of nations.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The bimillenary presence of Christians in those lands is a factor ofrichness that must be respected, promoted and preserved. It is a matter of fundamental rights rooted in the very essence of that ancient civilization, which must be duly protected by the respective Governments - and we welcome here their attention so far accorded to that issue - and supported by the international community. The theme of Pope Benedict XVI's message for this year's International Day of Peace refers to Jesus' words, "Blessed are the peacemakers".”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“My delegation joins with those who urge the parties concerned, for the same love of that people they wish to protect, to end the violence and bloodshed and to come to the negotiating table, under the auspices of the international community, in order to begin a transition towards a peaceful civil society, with no discrimination based on ethnicity or belief, and respectful of its long history of peaceful coexistence among its diverse religions, ethnicities and cultures. In fact, the Holy Land and the entire Middle East are characterized by the presence of this mosaic of different cultures, languages, religions and confessions, which bestows such an enviable pride of beauty on their history and their contributions to the enduring civilizations of the world.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Indeed, the only way to resolve the delicate issue of Jerusalem in a definitive, just and lasting way, as well as to secure the guaranteed provisions for freedom of religion and access to the holy places called for at the tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly and in other resolutions, might be to involve the United Nations in the holy city's safekeeping and administration in some relevant and effective capacity. Turning to the sad events in Syria, the Holy See is deeply concerned about the worsening situation and the humanitarian aspects of the crisis. The Holy See has reiterated several times that a military solution to the Syrian crisis is untenable.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Holy See hereby renews its support for internationally guaranteed provisions to ensure freedom of religion and of conscience for its inhabitants, as well as permanent, free and unhindered access to the holy places for the faithful of all religions and nationalities. Moreover, let us not forget that resolution 181 (II) foresaw a special international status for the city of Jerusalem and its environs, to be administered by the Trusteeship Council. We know that similar ideas have recently been put forward by some of the parties, in the context of peace discussions, and we sincerely hope that they will be pursued.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In the hope that the problems caused by the many conflicts of the region will finally be resolved through good-faith negotiations, respectful dialogue and equitable compromise, the Holy See further underlines that a lasting solution must include a decision on the status of the holy city of Jerusalem and its internationally guaranteed protection, essential to the patrimony of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. As Pope Benedict XVI recently stated in his address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Jerusalem must be an element of peace and unity for the peoples of the world and therefore never a source of division.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Peace requires courageous decisions and unwavering commitments. The international community, together with the Quartet, which has been involved in the Middle East peace process, must demonstrate leadership in bringing the provisions of General Assembly resolution 181 (II) to a successful conclusion, because that document is the juridical basis for the existence of two States. Like other members of the international community, and in full support of the role and efforts of the larger family of nations in helping to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, the Holy See is convinced that the ongoing crisis will be resolved only when respect for justice and the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples, Israeli and Palestinian, are preserved and guaranteed by them and by the international community at large.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Today the Holy See vigorously renews that essential plea and the wisdom underlying the need for a commitment to dialogue as an antidote to the violence that continues to destabilize this region. At various times, the Holy See has invited the leaders of the two peoples, Israeli and Palestinian, who have suffered so much, and of those nations that have a particular responsibility in the region, to do all they can to restart and reinvigorate the negotiations in good faith, and to avoid actions, such as making conditions, that contradict declarations of goodwill and the sincere search for meaningful solutions that can ensure a secure foundation for peace for these great peoples. Real peace in the Middle East will come only as a result of mutual understanding and respect among all the peoples of the region, Jews, Christians and Muslims.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Instead, let us break the vicious circle of violence. Let there be lasting peace based on justice; let there be genuine reconciliation and healing. Let it be universally recognized that the State of Israel has the right to exist, and to enjoy peace and security within internationally agreed borders. Let it be likewise acknowledged that the Palestinian people have a right to a sovereign, independent homeland, to live with dignity and to travel freely. Let the two-State solution become a reality, not remain a dream." The Holy See's Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, speaking before the General Assembly in 2011, expressed the hope that the competent bodies of the United Nations would strive to give concrete implementation to that goal (see A/66/PV.28).”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source