YouSaid · the spoken record

Aurescu

lines on the record
31
first
2022-05-19
most recent
2023-02-24
sittings or episodes
3
sources
un-security-council

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  1. “We have to work together at all the different layers of this conflict to bring peace back to the place where it belongs. Our message is straightforward: peace in full respect of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, peace in full respect of the United Nations Charter and of its fundamental principles of international law. And one political and moral principle is clear: negotiations can start only when Ukraine is ready, and what victory looks like must be defined by Ukraine. Romania’s support for Ukraine remains solid, for as long as it takes.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  2. “Such provocative behaviour, which is based on nothing, on ungrounded allegations, is completely unacceptable, and we fully support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders. As we have approached the one-year milestone since the war began, all of us, including Romania, have witnessed Russian propaganda intensifying and spreading fake narratives in an attempt to undermine the unity of our societies and our efforts to support Ukraine. We must combat those malign influences and continue to stand united to defend our values. The Romanian people must be mindful about the Russian- inspired stories they read and hear, but they should not question our support for Ukraine. Support for Ukraine means support for Romania. As was said before, this is the test of our generation.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  3. “We have extended a helping hand to our neighbour, the Republic of Moldova, the country most affected by the war besides Ukraine itself. And I want to inform the Council that we are concerned about Russia’s most recent plans to destabilize that country, which we have condemned. In that respect, it is absolutely unacceptable to see threatening rhetoric such as that in the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry today, by which it announced that the Russian Army would “adequately respond” to so-called provocations or attacks on its Russian compatriots or on military personnel and people in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  4. “We have made considerable investments in food, energy and transportation infrastructure and have welcomed the more than 3.6 million Ukrainian refugees who have transited our territory. So far, we have facilitated the delivery of more than 13 million tons of Ukrainian grain, contributing to global food security efforts. We hope for a positive outcome in the long run and the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Romania has also been a strong supporter of the efforts to seek accountability for all serious crimes committed in Ukraine, including the crime of aggression. We have joined the core group of States that is working alongside Ukraine to identify the most appropriate legal basis to establish a tribunal for that purpose. The ongoing war in Ukraine has a major impact on the region.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  5. “It must unconditionally cease its use of force and withdraw completely and immediately from the territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. We are here today in the Chamber of the Security Council, the guarantor of international peace and security, to stand in support of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and to reiterate that there is only one way to end this aggression. I welcome General Assembly resolution ES-11/6, which the Assembly adopted yesterday by a very large majority, putting the principles of the Charter of the United Nations above all, including national or regional interests. It is in our power to mitigate the effects of the war on the future. From day one of the war, Romania has acted in full solidarity with the brave Ukrainian people.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  6. “Fear of a nuclear catastrophe daunts us once again. Hybrid tactics test or try to intimidate us, putting pressure on Ukraine and its neighbours such as the Republic of Moldova, as well as others in the Black Sea region and the wider European continent and the Euro-Atlantic security area as a whole. The war represents a direct attack on the integrity of the rules-based international system, on our security, prosperity and core values. But in the face of that threat, nothing is clearer than this. We will stand united and strong for as long as it takes, Ukraine will win, and the Russian Federation will bear the responsibility for what it has done. Our call is also clear. Russia must abide by the rules of international law.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  7. “I commend the Maltese presidency of the Security Council for organizing today’s debate. For a year now, Romania, a direct neighbour of Ukraine, has been at the forefront in helping Ukraine and countering the multifaceted consequences of the atrocious, illegal and unprovoked war waged by the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the Security Council, against Ukraine, a sovereign, independent country. The impact of that irrational war of aggression has reached far and wide. Violations of international humanitarian law and attacks on critical civilian infrastructure have made millions of Ukrainians flee. Grain and energy chains have been disrupted, leading to a sharp increase in energy prices and the threat of famine all over the globe and especially for the most vulnerable in the South.”

    2023-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9269 (2023) · source

  8. “In conclusion, I want to assure the Council of my country’s full commitment to continuing to be part of the global efforts addressing the risks that climate change in general, and sea level rise in particular, pose around the world. I encourage the Security Council to stay actively involved in those efforts. Due to its serious implications for international peace and security, the topic of sea level rise should continue to hold the Council’s attention. I am sure that together, in solidarity, we will find the right solutions.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  9. “The advisory opinion requested in December from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the advisory opinion under preparation by the International Court of Justice on Vanuatu’s initiative, which is also supported by Romania and other States, can shed more light on the legal implications of climate change, including from the perspective of sea level rise. Those are some of the avenues that are being explored or can be further explored in order to identify the most appropriate legal options to deal effectively with the effects of sea level rise. Those endeavours could encourage a higher level of ambition for climate action in the future.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  10. “Moreover, since territory has long been considered one of the requirements for statehood, the submerging of land poses obvious threats to the territorial integrity of States and even to their existence. That is a novel situation for international law and the possible legal implications should be assessed accordingly. The Secretary-General mentioned some of the solutions. The 2022 second issues paper (A/CN.4/752 and Add.1), as well as last year’s dedicated debate in the International Law Commission (ILC), examine past and present experiences and situations in detail on the basis of which legal options might be identified. But the possible international law options are not limited to the work of the ILC.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  11. “For such populations, solutions should be based on international cooperation between the States affected, third States and international organizations and other relevant stakeholders. Vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly and indigenous populations, are likely to suffer the most. It is also crucial to involve local populations in the decision-making process relating to their possible relocation. Without such measures, the impact on the human rights of the populations affected and their displacement, whether internally or cross-border, have the potential to cause instability and conflict and to constitute a threat to peace and security.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  12. “In order to avoid possible situations of de facto statelessness, we should keep in mind a number of measures: preserving the fundamental rights and the conservation of the identity of persons who are compelled to settle on the territory of third States as a result of such phenomena; safeguarding the rights of the affected States with respect to their cultural heritage; preserving the right to self-determination of the affected populations; and enabling, through international cooperation, the granting of financial and technical support to affected States when exercising their rights to preserve their own existence. The impact on local populations, which is the human face of sea level rise, is already quite visible in the most vulnerable areas.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  13. “They are also in line with the mandate of the Study Group, which provides that that ILC topic will not propose modifications to existing international law, such as UNCLOS. Beyond the law of the sea aspects of sea level rise, another part of the urgent answer to be given by the international community must be to address its increasing humanitarian consequences. I believe that global solidarity is key in that regard. We have a duty to prevent situations in which vulnerable countries must choose between responding to climate change and their own development.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  14. “At the same time, as analysed in the 2020 first issues paper and the 2023 additional paper, which was supported by Member States in their submissions to the ILC and statements before the Sixth Committee, legal stability and security mean that sea level rise cannot be invoked, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, as a fundamental change of circumstances for terminating or withdrawing from a treaty that establishes a maritime boundary, since maritime boundaries enjoy the same regime of stability as any other boundaries. Such possible options are perfectly in line with the need to preserve the integrity of UNCLOS and the balance of rights and obligations included therein.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  15. “That possible solution refers to the interpretation of UNCLOS that there is no obligation under the Treaty to maintain baselines and outer limits of maritime zones under review or to update charts or lists of geographical coordinates, once they are deposited with the Secretary-General, and that such maritime zones and the rights and entitlements that flow from them shall continue to apply without reduction, notwithstanding any physical changes caused by sea level rise. In other words, preserving, fixing or freezing the baselines and outer limits of maritime zones is crucial for ensuring legal stability and security, thereby allowing for the safeguarding of the rights of the affected States with respect to their maritime zones.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  16. “One option for ensuring that much-needed security was already proposed by the co-Chairs in the 2020 first issues paper and endorsed by States from various regions of the world, as evidenced by the submissions to the ILC and a large number of statements presented in the Sixth Committee, as well as by collective regional and cross-regional declarations, such as the August 2021 Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the Face of Climate Change-Related Sea-Level Rise adopted by the 18 member States of the Pacific Islands Forum and the September 2021 declaration by the 39 Heads of State and Government of the Alliance of Small Island States.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  17. “What legal solutions can be shaped? With regard to law of the sea aspects, it is obvious that for all States affected by sea level rise, the maritime zones established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are central to their economies, food security, health and livelihoods. Therefore, the concept of legal stability, security, certainty and predictability in relation to maritime zones is of paramount importance. The additional paper on which we are currently working focuses, inter alia, on that essential concept.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  18. “That was followed up, as soon as 2020, by the drafting and presentation of a first issues paper, which I co-authored together with Nilüfer Oral and which focused on the law of the sea aspects related to sea level rise. It generated ample and fruitful debates at the ILC in 2021 and in the Sixth Committee in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, a second issues paper was presented by the other two co-Chairs of the Study Group, which was dedicated to statehood and the protection of persons affected by sea level rise. It was thoroughly debated last year within the ILC and the Sixth Committee. As we speak, Ms. Oral and I are finalizing a paper in addition to the first issues paper, which focuses on certain important aspects also related to the law of the sea, in order to further develop the analysis of the first issues paper.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  19. “In September 2022, at the high-level event on the theme “Staying ahead of the curve: climate security and international law”, which was organized by Germany and Palau on the sidelines of the General Assembly’s high-level debate, I proposed creating an international voluntary fund for that purpose, and I reiterate that proposal today. The second option is the use of international law. In taking into account the needs of and appeals from Member States, as well as the fact that the effects of sea level rise represent a pressing concern of the international community as a whole, the International Law Commission (ILC) promptly included in its active agenda for 2019, upon the proposal of the current co-Chairs of the Study Group, the topic of sea level rise in relation to international law.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  20. “The phenomenon requires policy changes and legal changes at the same time. We need to react quickly and efficiently, including by using all the political, legal and institutional tools provided within the United Nations framework. Since the States’ coasts are the first to be affected by sea level rise, there are at least two options for action to protect the coasts and therefore States’ territories, populations and rights, as well as their maritime zones and resources, that is, the affected States’ interests and rights. One such course of action is to physically protect the coast through coastal fortifications and consolidation. But that is very costly, and small island developing States and many low-lying coastal States simply cannot afford such costs. The international community must find innovative instruments to support such efforts.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  21. “Such a loss of the resources on which littoral populations depend for their sustenance is likely to prompt increased competition over natural resources and, together with the deterioration of living conditions, the forced migration and displacement of those populations as well. Sea-level rise can also impact coastal military installations and critical infrastructure. And most importantly, it can lead to the loss of State territory. Indeed, sea level rise poses an existential threat to low-lying coastal States, especially small island developing States, which may consider their statehood and sovereignty in danger, as their land surface may be totally covered by the sea or become fully uninhabitable. What are our options for dealing with the security implications of sea level rise?”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  22. “The negative national and international security implications and consequences linked to sea level rise include its effects on coasts, which because of that phenomenon are pushed landwards, thereby affecting the baselines, so that their actual position is likely to be affected by the physical changes of the coasts’ positioning and configuration, as well as the maritime zones that are measured from those baselines — territorial seas, contiguous zones and exclusive economic zones — and therefore coastal States’ entitlements to those areas and access to the resources therein are threatened.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  23. “It creates global problems that affect the international community as a whole and therefore require global solutions. That is why the United Nations is rightly at the forefront of the efforts to address its consequences, find appropriate solutions and prevent the associated risks of international conflict. Sea level rise poses a real risk to more than two thirds of United Nations Member States, which are likely to be affected directly or indirectly. The science in that regard is clear, as shown by the most recent assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the alarming projections of sea level rise. Indeed, a growing number of expert assessments conclude that the phenomenon presents mounting dangers for human and State security.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  24. “Mr. Aurescu: I would like to thank the Maltese presidency and my colleague, Minister Borg, for the invitation to brief the Security Council on the highly topical subject of sea level rise and its security implications. I speak today as a member of the International Law Commission and co-Chair of its Study Group on sea level rise in relation to international law, a position I share with the Foreign Minister of Romania. I would also like to inform the Council that in preparing this intervention, I consulted with my colleagues, the co-Chairs of the Study Group, Ms. Oral of Türkiye, Ms. Galvão Teles of Portugal and Mr. Ruda Santolaria of Peru. My message today is clear: sea level rise, which is a direct negative effect of climate change, has obvious implications for security and stability around the world.”

    2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source

  25. “We believe that only through a strong commitment to action from world Governments, the private sector and civil society can we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and create a more resilient and sustainable world.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source

  26. “With regard to Russia’s allegations, which we just heard in this Chamber, that there is a so-called “deal” between the West and Ukraine to deliver weapons for grain, let me recall that this is not the first time that Russia is making such totally false accusations. For instance, on 1 May, the Russian Defence Ministry stated that Ukraine was massively exporting grain through Romanian roads, rail and on the Danube in exchange for weapons and ammunition. The Romanian Ministry of Defence promptly dismissed those statements as false and a gross distortion of reality. Our future decisions and actions need to be aimed at building safe, secure, accessible and sustainable food systems at the global level. It is crucial that all of us make an enhanced global commitment towards the One Health approach.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source

  27. “Among other measures of support, Romanian authorities have also liberalized transport conditions for Ukrainian exports, especially for agricultural products. Therefore, Romania is a relevant contributor to regional and global stability and food security by supporting the export of the Ukrainian grains to those in need. As an example of our further engagement, starting in 2023, Romania will host a regional agrometeorological centre for Europe, as approved by the World Meteorological Organization. The main goal of the centre is to support sustainable agricultural production, and it will play an important role in the regional efforts for climate change adaptation.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source

  28. “We are looking at all possible solutions in order to ensure better access to Romanian ports on the Danube River and the Constanța port. Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Constanța has become the main gateway for Ukrainian grain shipments to the outside world. So far, over 240,000 tons of grain have been exported from Ukraine through the port of Constanța. I use this opportunity to stress the need for wider international efforts, such as a coalition of the willing, to mobilize as much support as possible for the creation of a transport corridor, including maritime access, for Ukrainian products, especially grain, to third destinations, including by using routes through Romania such as the port of Constanța.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source

  29. “It is crucial to stress the importance of food systems for progress to be made on issues related to climate development, finance and other global priorities. The grain market is already severely affected following the Russian aggression against Ukraine, given the market share of the two countries in world trade in grain and seeds. The response of the United Nations and international financial institutions is essential for ensuring global food security. As an immediate response to this challenge, Romanian authorities are facilitating the transit of products from Ukraine through the ports of Galati, on the Danube River, and Constanța, the largest port on the Black Sea coast. Romania is in one of the best geographic positions to act as a transit and export hub in that context.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source

  30. “We have also responded to international requests to facilitate aid to Ukraine. For example, we promptly responded to the request of the World Food Programme to establish a presence in Romania to facilitate emergency aid to Ukraine. The consequences of this irrational war are multidimensional, and the need for ensuring food security becomes clearer every day. We already face production and export challenges and rising prices. Food and energy import bills are already at record levels. In an environment reeling from high levels of socioeconomic stress, the increase in food prices might generate effects such as social unrest, as it primarily affects people with low income. There is no better time for considerable action to be taken to address food insecurity.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source

  31. “Romania commends the initiative of the United States to convene an open debate on this timely topic, especially in the current dire circumstances generated by the brutal, unjustified and unprovoked illegal military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Romania is the NATO and European Union member State that shares the longest border with Ukraine. We have been on the front line, responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by the invasion. Since the beginning of the war, more than 1 million refugees have crossed the Ukrainian-Romanian border, and the humanitarian support offered by Romania has been very consistent. The humanitarian hub for the collection and distribution of international humanitarian aid has been functioning since March, near the Romanian-Ukrainian border.”

    2022-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9036 (2022) · source