YouSaid · the spoken record

Barbara Woodward

lines on the record: 1,082
first: 2020-12-08
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 263
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 accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 7 May 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, this briefing and these statements will be issued as a document of the Security Council.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefing provided by Ms. Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, as well as the statements delivered by the representatives of China, Estonia, France, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, the Niger, Norway, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Viet Nam in connection with the video-teleconference on “The situation in Libya” convened on Thursday, 28 January 2021. A statement was also delivered by the representative of Libya.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“We look forward to working with the new Administration, alongside regional partners and the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships, to seize this positive momentum, helping deliver greater regional prosperity and security and making progress on a solution to the conflict. We continue to support that goal.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom has been a strong supporter of recent Arab-Israeli normalization agreements. Normalization changes the regional context and presents opportunities for moving ahead with material benefits and new partnerships, to help deliver long overdue Israeli-Palestinian peace. A two-State solution is the only viable long-term solution. It is the only way to permanently end the Arab-Israeli conflict, deliver Palestinian self-determination and preserve Israel’s Jewish and democratic identity. We echo the incoming United States Administration’s hope that the process will unlock options for advancing a two-State solution.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom condemns the firing of rockets at civilian populations. Any attacks targeting civilians are unlawful and unjustifiable. The United Kingdom continues to encourage actors to put forward long-term sustainable proposals to resolve the threat posed to Israel’s security by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other militants in Gaza. We call upon Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their incitement and rocket fire against Israel. We continue to urge the parties to prioritize progress towards reaching a durable solution for Gaza, and we encourage Israel to take the necessary practical steps to ensure Gaza’s reconstruction and economic recovery. As we have consistently done, we join the United States and other Council members today in rejecting unilateral action on both sides.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The decision undermines the potential for future peace talks. The United Kingdom has also expressed concern at the additional 3,900 settlement units that have been advanced across the West Bank throughout January. We again urge Israel to immediately cease settlement expansion in the West Bank. And we remain concerned by the demolitions and evictions of Palestinians from their homes. We condemn the murder of Esther Horgan, which occurred in a suspected terror attack by a Palestinian suspect on 20 December in Tal Menashe. The United Kingdom is clear about our condemnation of all acts of terrorism, as they gravely undermine the prospects for peace. Equally, we condemn all violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. This month also saw the firing of rockets on 17 January from militant groups in Gaza.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“We support a negotiated settlement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State, based on the 1967 lines with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both States and a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees. The United Kingdom supports existing Security Council resolutions as a basis for this settlement, including resolution 2334 (2016). With our commitment to the two-State solution in mind, we condemn the Government of Israel’s decision on 20 January to award tenders, and therefore proceed towards the construction of settlement units in the prospective East Jerusalem settlement of Givat Hamatos, an extremely sensitive area of the West Bank. Settlements are illegal under international law and remain an obstacle to peace and a threat to the two-State solution.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“As others have done, I would like to thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing and welcome him to this new role. I also thank the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States for joining us today and for his briefing. Let me start by welcoming President Abbas’s announcement of dates for legislative and presidential elections in the occupied Palestinian territories for the first time since 2006. We encourage the Palestinian leadership to work towards strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. Free and fair elections are an important and necessary step. Turning to the conflict, I should first reiterate the United Kingdom’s long- standing position on the Middle East peace process.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“We will call on the Government to urgently set out plans for how it will pay salaries and support currency stability, working with key donors on setting out a financing plan for the Central Bank and for a package of reform measures.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Swift action is needed now — before it is too late — on the economy, humanitarian funding and humanitarian access in order to avert catastrophe in 2021. While the Yemeni rial’s value temporarily stabilized after the formation of the new Government, it is now depreciating again. Food security is already getting worse in the absence of external financial assistance to the Central Bank of Yemen to support food importers. The new Government has the opportunity now to demonstrate the leadership required to stabilize the economy and seek financial assistance. We urge the new Government and agencies to swiftly build relationships with the United Nations and the wider humanitarian community.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Lowcock said, we enter 2021 facing a humanitarian emergency with Yemen. And as we heard from Mr. Beasley, Yemen is in imminent danger of the worst famine in decades. Sixteen thousand five-hundred Yemenis are already living in famine conditions, a number which is set to triple by June 2021 — with more numbers in the pipeline. Despite this, 2020 ended with a United Nations appeal that was only half funded. As we heard, that has a drastic impact on the humanitarian response and its ability to save lives. As we heard, too, rapid economic decline is driving this crisis, compounded by severe humanitarian access constraints, particularly in the Houthi-controlled north. Aid and humanitarian workers must be able to reach those in need and do so safely.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“The United Kingdom wholeheartedly welcomes the Cabinet’s courageous return to Aden to restore services and supports the efforts of the Prime Minister to bring about the security and economic stability that the Yemenis need. We condemn, too, the ongoing cross-border attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia and share United States concerns about the Houthis commitment to peace. We have taken note of the United States decision to designate the Houthis and welcome the United States commitment to work with the United Nations, non- governmental organizations and donors on implementation. It will be critical, as we heard from Mr. Lowcock, that there be exemptions immediately put in place to ensure humanitarian activity and that commercial imports can continue unimpeded, and for the peace process to continue unhindered. As Mr.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We welcome the Panel of Experts investigation into this incident, and we hope that the Panel’s results will be published swiftly. The Houthis’ attack casts a dark shadow over a group that claims to be committed to pursuing peace in Yemen. The United Kingdom reiterates its firm support and its gratitude for the efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths and urges all parties to engage in the United Nations-led negotiations rather than resorting to violent methods. As the Special Envoy said, this attack mars what is otherwise an extremely positive development, that is, the formation of a new Cabinet. It includes members from across the political spectrum under the auspices of the Saudi-mediated Riyadh agreement, although the lack of women is notable.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Mr. Mark Lowcock and Mr. David Beasley for their compelling briefings. I want to be clear that the United Kingdom strongly condemns the appalling attack in Aden on the 30 December. The deaths and wounding of so many civilians and the targeting of the newly formed Cabinet are unacceptable. Among the dead was a Deputy Minister, three members of the International Committee of the Red Cross and a journalist who was there to document a positive moment. Our condolences to all of their families. The United Kingdom assesses that it is highly likely that the Houthis were responsible for that cowardly and craven attack. Only they had the means, the motive and the opportunity for this clear and deplorable attempt to destabilize the newly formed Yemeni Government.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“In the context of continued insecurity and worsening humanitarian needs, inclusive and effective action on those priorities is more urgent than ever. The United Kingdom stands ready to provide support. We recently announced more than $10.5 million in extra emergency aid to those most vulnerable in Central Sahel. We are proud to be joining peacekeepers from more than 60 nations as part of MINUSMA. That is a testament to the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to United Nations peacekeeping and its role in helping to achieve global peace and security. I should like to close by extending my thanks to United Nations colleagues for all their sterling support to our troops in their first weeks in Mali.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“It is very welcome that, for the first time, representatives of each of the signatory movements are part of the Government and that women representing each of the signatory parties have participated in meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee. That is a significant step towards inclusivity. We encourage the transitional Government to take similar steps towards a more inclusive approach as it works to achieve its other priorities, including all stakeholders so as to help build consensus on how to implement difficult but necessary reforms and how to resolve issues that have led to labour strikes. In conclusion, in the coming months we hope to see further progress on the implementation of the peace process, addressing impunity and preparing for elections.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“In a similar vein, we also urge the transitional authorities to ensure that human rights and due process are respected with regard to the administration of the current state of emergency and the recent arrests of Malian political and media figures. The safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers and personnel is also of paramount importance. I agree with the Secretary-General that we need to see meaningful progress in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against United Nations peacekeepers in Mali, not least to send a strong message that such crimes will not go unpunished. I would like to make a final point on the importance of inclusivity. Achieving the core goals of the peace agreement relies on all parties having a sense of ownership of the process.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We hope that the transitional Government will ensure prompt, thorough and transparent investigations into such allegations, including those outlined in the recent report of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on the protests that took place in Bamako and wider regions in July. As the Secretary-General has said, the cycle of violence can be broken through justice and reconciliation. We fully agree, and we continue to encourage cooperation by Malian and other regional forces with the United Nations monitoring of human rights. That is essential not only as a matter of principle but also as a pillar of peacebuilding and counter-insurgency.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We also very much welcome the fact that, for the first time, nine women have been included as representatives of signatory movements in the Agreement Monitoring Committee. We would encourage the transitional Government to continue those efforts as well as to ensure that the necessary reforms are implemented and that the preparations for elections proceed without delay. However, much more remains to be done. We remain concerned by reports of human rights abuses and violations, including gender-based violence and cases of child recruitment by armed groups.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“We noted in particular that we hoped to see the transitional Government taking steps to assume leadership of the peace process, address impunity and work towards holding elections within 18 months. I commend and welcome the efforts made over the last three months in those respects by the transitional Government and other signatory parties. The United Kingdom welcomes the establishment of the National Transition Council, the publication of the road map for the transition and the consultations now under way on the full operationalization of the Northern Development Zone. We also welcome the steps taken to finalize the first phase of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and to launch the second phase, and we hope that this will pave the way for wider security-sector reform.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“I should like to thank Special Representative Annadif for his insightful and detailed briefing, and I want to begin by offering my condolences in connection with all those who have lost their lives in the conflict, including members of the Malian and international forces and United Nations peacekeepers — recently, French troops serving in Operation Barkhane and including the improvised-explosive-device attack on a convoy in Timbuktu this morning. During the most recent Council meeting on Mali, in October (see S/PV.8765), the United Kingdom called on the parties to implement fully the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali without further delay.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Following the failure to meet that deadline, the Conference of the States Parties will consider that action this spring. As I said earlier, it has always been recognized that the elimination of the Syrian chemical-weapons programme has to be tackled through the concerted efforts of both the OPCW and the Security Council. As we enter the eighth year of our consideration of this matter and as new colleagues join us on the Council, we look forward to renewing a serious and constructive discussion about the action that the Security Council should take to uphold its resolutions and tackle this serious threat to international peace and security.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“As we said last month, the fact that three of the unresolved issues have recently been closed shows that, contrary to the assertions of some that those issues are artificial, they are eminently capable of resolution if Syria chooses to engage genuinely and constructively. There is increasing international concern about Syria’s ongoing failure to comply with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the consequent threat to international peace and security and the chemical-weapons non-proliferation regime. That is reflected in a recent decision of the OPCW Executive Council, which set a further deadline for compliance by Syria and recommended that the Conference of the States Parties take action if Syria did not comply.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“As the Director-General reported last month and again this month, they include a facility that Syria previously declared as not having been used for chemical-weapons production but which OPCW evidence collected since 2014 indicates was used for the production and/or weaponization of chemical-warfare nerve agents. The ongoing threat to international peace and security posed by those unresolved issues is not hypothetical. Since Syria allegedly destroyed all of its chemical-weapons stockpile in 2014, it has been found by both the OPCW- United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism and the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team to have used chemical weapons on at least six occasions. Those are not hypothetical issues for the thousands of Syrian civilians who have suffered the horrifying effects on the body of nerve agents and chlorine.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“In December 2013, the Security Council unanimously decided in resolution 2118 (2013) that Syria should not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons and should comply with all aspects of the decision of the OPCW Executive Council of 27 September 2013, which required it to submit a declaration on its chemical-weapons programme within 30 days. It is deeply regrettable that, seven years later, Syria’s 30-day declaration can still not be considered accurate and complete. As we have discussed previously, the unresolved issues in Syria’s chemical-weapons declaration are of a serious and substantive nature. They include the unaccounted-for whereabouts of thousands of munitions and hundreds of tons of chemical agents.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“I recall that, slightly more than a year ago, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement that unanimously reaffirmed our strong support for the work of the organization (S/PRST/2019/14). Just five weeks ago, the overwhelming majority of States parties from across all regional groups voted in favour of the OPCW budget, which included renewed funding for the Investigation and Identification Team and other Technical Secretariat teams working on Syria. I thank the OPCW Director-General for his eighty-seventh monthly report (S/2020/1300, annex).”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“I would like to congratulate Tunisia on assuming the presidency and, as other colleagues have done, to welcome the new members of the Security Council — India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing today. We reiterate our gratitude to the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for attending and briefing the Security Council last month (see S/2020/1202). As recognized by the Security Council in resolution 2118 (2013) and subsequent resolutions, ongoing coordination between the United Nations and the OPCW is vital if we are to collectively resolve this issue. At this point, I would also like to reiterate our confidence in the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“While resolution 2559 (2020) sets a clear path for the orderly and safe withdrawal of UNAMID and the transition to UNITAMS, we do not believe that it should set a precedent for future peacekeeping withdrawals. The United Kingdom hopes, where possible, the Council — and the United Nations — can return to the former best practice of providing peacekeeping missions with mandates until the completion of their withdrawals as a means to ensuring safe and sustainable transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1280 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the Government of the Sudan’s strong commitment to fully assuming its responsibilities and urges them to swiftly implement their national plan for civilian protection (see S/2020/429). In addition, we urge all parties to uphold all their commitments in the recently agreed Juba peace agreement and ensure its full implementation. Once fully operational, UNITAMS will be able to play an important role in supporting the Sudanese authorities to build their civilian-protection capacities. In this regard, we call on the Government of the Sudan to cooperate fully with the United Nations S/2020/1280 as it seeks to swiftly operationalize UNITAMS and ensure that its transition from UNAMID is sustainable.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1280 (2020) · source
“We also call upon the Government of the Sudan to ensure the security of handed-over UNAMID team sites that will not be used by the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) or its integrated country team and, in line with existing agreements, ensure their utilization exclusively for civilian end-user purposes to benefit the people of Darfur. In the light of the termination of UNAMID’s mandate, the responsibility for security — and specifically for protecting civilians in Darfur — now rests solely with the Government of the Sudan. As recent spikes of violence in Darfur highlight, this will not be an easy undertaking.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1280 (2020) · source
“This enormous logistical challenge is likely to be further complicated by the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic. Furthermore, there is a troubling precedent of the looting of handed-over UNAMID team sites and assets, which rendered them useless to the local authorities and the people of Darfur. The Government of the Sudan requested the termination of UNAMID’s mandate. It now has a responsibility at both the national and local levels to cooperate fully with the United Nations and the African Union during UNAMID’s drawdown and liquidation. The United Kingdom urges the Government to take all steps necessary to ensure that UNAMID, its personnel and their contingent-owned equipment can depart from Darfur in an orderly and safe manner.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1280 (2020) · source
“United Nations peacekeeping missions in Haiti, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste all had mandates until the end of their drawdowns. The position of the Government of the Sudan, the recommendation of the United Nations and the African Union and subsequently the position adopted by some members of the Security Council prevented the Council from following this precedent. UNAMID’s mandate will therefore end on 31 December, despite the fact that approximately 7,000 uniformed personnel and 900 civilian staff remain on the ground in Darfur. All they will be able to do is pack their bags and wait to leave the region. Given the size and location of UNAMID within the Sudan, the mission’s withdrawal will be unlike any recent United Nations peacekeeping closure.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1280 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2559 (2020), which outlines the modalities of an orderly and safe withdrawal of the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). With the adoption of this resolution, the Security Council has reaffirmed the importance of the safety and security of peacekeepers and further advanced the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in Darfur. However, we regret that it was not possible to adopt a more prudent resolution — one that would have enabled UNAMID to continue to provide support to the Government of the Sudan and the people of Darfur during its drawdown, in line with recent Security Council precedent on the closure of United Nations peacekeeping missions.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1280 (2020) · source
“A return to diplomacy represents the best means of bringing greater security to the region, upholding the nuclear non-proliferation regime and preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Finally, although I am the newest member of the Security Council, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues for their warm welcome, and join those paying tribute to our departing colleagues from Belgium, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Germany and Indonesia. In the words of Shakespeare, “parting is such sweet sorrow.” I look forward to continuing to work with all my colleagues.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“The circumstances of Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh’s death remain unclear. To date, no State or non-State actors have claimed responsibility, but the United Kingdom has repeatedly and consistently condemned extrajudicial killings whenever and wherever they take place. Iran is no exception. I would like to conclude by reiterating our concern about current tensions across the region. Escalation would be in no one’s interest. We once again welcome the joint statement issued by the JCPOA’s remaining participants at yesterday’s Joint Commission meeting held at the ministerial level. We hope next year will see the United States rejoin the JCPOA and Iran return to compliance with the agreement.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom therefore opposes any S/2020/1324 proposal in the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly that aims to reduce the 2231 budget beyond that recommended by the Secretary-General. This year has seen a continuation of Iran’s destabilizing activity around the Middle East. We are concerned by the Secretariat’s findings on imagery of four anti- tank guided missiles in Libya, one of which has been found to be consistent with weaponry manufactured in Iran. There is also broader evidence of continued Iranian transfer of missiles to armed groups, including the Houthis in Yemen, in violation of several Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2216 (2015) and 1540 (2004). Such proliferation is destabilizing for the region and escalates already high tensions; it should stop.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Secretary-General’s recognition, in his report, of the vital role of the IAEA, whose monitoring and verification is essential to securing international confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. While we recognize that Iran has not conducted any test launches during the reporting period, we remain concerned about Iran’s development of advanced ballistic missile technologies. We note Iran’s announcements, in August, of two new ballistic missile systems and, in November, of a missile system located in an underground facility that is capable of multiple launches. The Secretariat has an important and ongoing role monitoring and reporting on the restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile programme that remain in place under annex B of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“As the Secretary-General’s report notes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has continued to install cascades of IR-2M centrifuges at Natanz and to expand its uranium enrichment programme and stockpile beyond the limits of the JCPOA. Those actions seriously undermine the non-proliferation benefits of the agreement. Along with our French and German colleagues, we are also deeply worried about Iran’s recent announcement that it intends to install three cascades of advanced centrifuges at Natanz, and about the recent law passed by the Iranian Parliament, which, if implemented, would substantially expand Iran’s nuclear programme and limit IAEA monitoring access. Those measures are incompatible with the JCPOA and Iran’s wider nuclear commitments.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“The joint statement by the JCPOA’s remaining participants at yesterday’s Joint Commission meeting, held at the ministerial level, is the most recent expression of our commitment. Since May 2018, we have worked tirelessly to preserve the JCPOA and have fully upheld our commitments. We have taken on the role of co-Chair of the Arak Modernization Project in order to bring about a proliferation-resistant facility, and we have developed the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges, which is ready to play an important role supporting legitimate trade with Iran. Recent Iranian criticism of the approach of the E-3 — France, Germany and the United Kingdom — is therefore regrettable. It is also deeply regrettable that, since 2019, Iran has taken nuclear measures contrary to its JCPOA commitments.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“I would like to start by joining others in welcoming the Secretary-General’s tenth report (S/2020/1177) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). I also thank the Secretariat for its continued professionalism and support to the Secretary- General in enabling the issuance of this report. I would also like to thank Belgium for its role as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and for the latest Facilitator’s report (see S/2020/1244). The United Kingdom remains resolutely committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We have frequently stated our unequivocal regret and concern about the United States decision to leave the agreement and to reimpose sanctions on Iran. We understand the continued impact that has had on Iran and on the Iranian people.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“Compromise will be needed on both sides. The United Kingdom continues to believe that a two-State solution is the only viable long-term solution. It is the only way to permanently end the Arab-Israeli conflict and preserve Israel’s Jewish and democratic identity. As we move into a new year and a new era for the region, the international community must redouble its efforts to support the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships in delivering that peace for both their peoples.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“We are also clear that we must work with UNRWA in the longer term to help them to reach a secure and sustainable financial footing. Recent Arab-Israeli agreements have shown that dialogue triumphs over hostility. We as the international community must now work with the parties alongside the incoming United States Administration to ensure that the closer ties and benefits of those normalization agreements are also extended to the Palestinians. We urge the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships to also enter into a political dialogue with the goal of ending the occupation and delivering a two-State solution. In conclusion, unilateral steps will not deliver peace; a settlement to the conflict must be negotiated directly and reflect the religious and national interests of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“It is critical that the Palestinian leadership continue their efforts to tackle them. We also condemn violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The Israeli security forces must provide appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. I would like to raise the Commissioner-General’s urgent call for additional funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The United Kingdom has contributed £51 million, or approximately $69 million, to UNRWA in 2020 and engaged closely with the Commissioner-General. We call on States that have cut their funding in recent years to support UNRWA now. We must do what we can to deal with the immediate needs of refugees throughout the region, preserve stability and ensure that those in need do not suffer.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom’s position on those issues is clear and well known. Settlements are illegal under international law. They are an obstacle to peace, and they undermine the physical viability of the two-State solution. Demolitions and evictions in all but the most exceptional of circumstances are illegal under international law and cause unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians. We urge the Government of Israel to cease those policies in order to build confidence with the Palestinians and encourage the pursuit of dialogue. However, as resolution 2334 (2016) recognizes, settlements are not the only obstacle to peace. The people of Israel deserve to live free from the scourge of terrorism and anti-Semitic incitement, which gravely undermine the prospects for a two-State solution.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“He is the most recent of 23 Palestinian civilians to have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank this year. The toll is unacceptable, and the United Kingdom continues to urge restraint in the use of live fire and potentially lethal force by Israeli forces. We also condemn the killing of an Israeli civilian by a Palestinian in the same period. As the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/1234) notes, throughout this year we have seen further settlement advancement, including in highly sensitive areas around East Jerusalem. We have seen the highest level of demolitions of Palestinian homes and structures since 2016 and ongoing evictions of Palestinians from their homes. In East Jerusalem, hundreds are at risk, including those eight families facing imminent eviction in Silwan.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Mladenov for his briefing. As others have done, I should like to pay tribute to his tireless work in that role to de-escalate tension and advance peace between the parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I look forward to continuing to work with Nickolay Mladenov in his new role and to welcoming his successor. Let me first express the United Kingdom’s sadness at the death of the Palestinian child Ali Ayman Abu Aliya following clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and Palestinian civilians. We have urged Israel to ensure that its investigation is swift and comprehensive. Unfortunately, the death of Abu Aliya is not an exceptional occurrence.”
2020-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1275 (2020) · source
“Together, the commitments made last month can help strengthen Afghan institutions and the Government’s ability to support its citizens — tasks that are vital even as peace talks unfold. Today Afghanistan stands a step closer to being at peace with itself and its neighbours, being free from conflict and terrorism, and being able to protect the rights and freedoms of all Afghans. We should redouble our collective efforts to make that a reality.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“To maintain international support, the new Afghanistan will need to adhere to its treaty obligations, including those concerning human rights. And to reach a settlement that achieves those ends, the process will need to be inclusive and broad. For my part, I look forward to supporting women’s participation in the process in my new role co-chairing the Group of Friends of Women in Afghanistan alongside Ambassador Raz. In Geneva last month, the international community reaffirmed its support to Afghanistan. The United Kingdom pledged up to $207 million in development assistance for 2021. The Afghan Government, for its part, renewed its commitments, as set out in the new Afghanistan Partnership Framework.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“And let us be clear — the Taliban is responsible for the majority of that violence, which not only results in loss of life but also undermines confidence in the negotiations. The Taliban claim to want a part in Afghanistan’s future and the international community, and demand relief from United Nations sanctions. That requires substantive progress in peace negotiations, an end to violence and a complete and permanent break from terrorism, including from Al-Qaida. Thirdly, the outcome of the Afghanistan peace negotiations is for Afghans themselves to decide. But the parties, and especially the Taliban, must recognize that Afghanistan is not the place it was 20 years ago. To be sustainable, a peaceful settlement will need to be inclusive and preserve the rights and freedoms of all Afghans, including women and minorities.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source
“First, we must be prepared for a long and challenging process ahead. When the talks resume on 5 January, the parties will start negotiating on substance for the first time. In many cases, the distance between the two sides’ positions may seem unbridgeable. There will be setbacks before there are breakthroughs. That is normal and probably necessary. A successful outcome will require a long, challenging process of building trust, finding common ground and compromising. International partners will also need to show commitment and patience in the process. The United Kingdom, for its part, stands ready to offer support. Secondly, even if a final settlement takes time, Afghans should start to see the tangible benefits now. Yet, as we have heard many times today, appalling levels of violence continue to blight the lives of Afghans.”
2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source