YouSaid · the spoken record

Benomar

lines on the record: 117
first: 2012-05-29
most recent: 2017-03-09
sittings or episodes: 7
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I am convinced that most Burundians, including many in the Government and the ruling party, do not want to continue on the track of international isolationism, violence and repression.The international community must do its part to support those who seek a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The United Nations will always remain committed to helping the people of Burundi, and we look to the Council for further guidance on the way forward.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“We have tried our utmost to constructively engage with the Government and support the people of Burundi in their search for peace and stability. We engaged quietly, refrained from public criticism and encouraged modest, small steps to build confidence between the parties. Despite that moderate approach, the doors to engagement and cooperation have been largely shut by the authorities. The report of the Secretary-General calls on the Burundian leadership to fulfil its moral obligation and political responsibility to return the country to the path of peace.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“As detailed in the report, the Government has categorically refused to allow for the implementation of all key aspects of resolution 2303 (2016). That includes the deployment of the United Nations police component, enhanced human-rights monitoring, the strengthening of the Office of the Special Adviser and cooperation with African Union observers. The Government has also decided to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, suspend cooperation and collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and has refused to cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry mandated by the Human Rights Council. Reduced cooperation with the United Nations system is undermining efforts to find apeaceful solution to the crisis and to assist a population in growing need.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“Burundi is still suffering from the electoral crisis of 2015 and continues to face multifaceted challenges, including ongoing serious human rights violations and abuses, mass displacement of people and economic degradation. Any attempt to seek constitutional amendments to allow the President to stand for another term in office would, in the current political climate, intensify the crisis and undermine collective efforts to find a sustainable solution to the current situation. The report also provides an update on the implementation of resolution 2303 (2016), which the Council adopted on 29 July 2016. Unfortunately, there has been no progress in thiat regard. On the contrary, the period since the adoption has seen a continuous deterioration in the Government's relations with the international community.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“Opposition leaders and civil society groups have raised concerns that the CNDI process is not inclusive, that it is controlled by the Government and that its objective is to produce a predetermined political outcome. In that context, the report highlights the risks associated with the prospect of constitutional reform and the potential abolition of presidential term limits under the current circumstances. While Burundians have the sovereign right to amend their Constitution, in accordance with their own laws, it was President Nkurunziza's decision to seek a disputed third term of office that triggered the country's most severe crisis since it emerged from a bloody civil war more than a decade ago.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“Yet, no progress will be achieved without all Burundian stakeholders committing in good faith to an inclusive dialogue process without preconditions. The full political weight of the region and international community is needed to achieve progress. While the EAC-led dialogue has not advanced as hoped, the internal dialogue process led by the Government-established Commission Nationale de Dialogue Inter-Burundais (CNDI) is close to completion. The interim report of the CNDI reaches a number of sweeping conclusions that have the potential to undermine the Arusha Agreement, including that the majority of citizens demand an end to presidential term limits and are in favour of amending the Constitution.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“I commend the mediator, President Museveni, and the facilitator, former President Mkapa, for their leadership and stand firmly behind their efforts. It is disappointing that despite their dedicated engagement, there has been no significant progress in the dialogue process led by the East African Community (EAC). The latest round of talks in Arusha was boycotted by the Government. Until today, the two sides have not sat around the same table. The United Nations will continue to provide its full support to facilitator Mkapa. In this context, the establishment of a joint technical working group marks a positive enhancement of the collaboration among the EAC, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“According to the World Health Organization, 8.2 million Burundians, or 75 per cent of the country, were affected by malaria in 2016. Since the beginning of the crisis, almost 390,000 Burundians have fled the country. We commend the neighbouring countries for their generosity in hosting these refugees. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees projects that the number of refugees will reach 500,000 by the end of the year. The third key message of the report is that the political impasse in the country continues. Nearly two years have passed since the beginning of the political crisis in Burundi, which was sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term in office. Since then, the political impasse has only deepened. Political space has been narrowed further through repression.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“OHCHR noted an increase in allegations of enforced disappearances, with more than 210 allegations received from October 2016 to January 2017 alone. Many Burundians live in fear as a result of widespread repression and increasing intimidation by the Imbonerakure, the ruling party's youth militia. Members of opposition political parties and perceived opponents reportedly continue to be victims of arbitrary arrest, detention, ill-treatment and enforced disappearance. Secondly, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. In 2016, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance reached 3 million, or 26 per cent of the population. There has been a fourfold increase in the number of people who are food insecure.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“Mr. Benomar: I am grateful for the opportunity to present the Secretary-General's report on Burundi (S/2017/l65). This is the first written report pursuant to resolution 2303 (2016), and it provides a comprehensive picture of the situation in the country. The report is very factual and those facts speak for themselves. First of all, the human rights situation remains extremely worrying, and has in fact been worsening. During the reporting period, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented allegations of serious human rights violations and abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, forced disappearances, cases of torture and ill-treatment, allegations of illegal places of detention, and restrictions on freedom of association, expression and movement.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7895 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, I urge all sides, in this time of rising tensions and inflammatory rhetoric, to appreciate the gravity of the situation and to de-escalate by exercising maximum restraint, ceasing all hostilities and refraining from provocation or using violence to achieve political goals. Peaceful dialogue is the only way forward.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“I have just concluded my second visit in 10 days to Riyadh. I thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the assistance that has been offered to the victims of the recent violence in Yemen. 1 have also had consultations with the Government of Qatar in its capacity as GCC Chair, as well as with Mr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani, Secretary General ofthe GCC. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GCC have played a major role in supporting the Yemeni people over the years. I am confident that the Security Council, the GCC and the United Nations will continue to work closely together to help the Yemenis put their transition back on track.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“I must have the space to engage in dialogue with all parties, including those responsible for using force to disrupt the political transition. We have been able to play a constructive role so far because the United Nations has engaged with all parties on an impartial basis, in the belief that it is in Yemen's best interests that we do so. A final power-sharing deal to enable the transition to be completed can materialize only if we engage all sides in the political process, including the Houthis and President Hadi. Both are now crucial to the solution. The United Nations continues to engage with all the parties in a manner that neither legitimizes those who have used force to disrupt the political process, diminishes the legitimacy of the President and Government or harms the impartiality of the United Nations.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“This leads me to repeat the question: What alternative do we have? It would be an illusion to think that the Houthis could mount an offensive and succeed in taking control of the entire country, including Mareb, Taiz and the south. It would be equally false to think that President Hadi could assemble sufficient forces to liberate the country from the Houthis. Any side that would want to push the country in either direction would be inviting a protracted conflict in the vein of a combined Iraq- Libya-Syria scenario. There are extremists on many sides who would like these negotiations to fail and who have been actively trying to undermine them. I should reiterate thatpeaceful dialogue is the only option we have. As mediator, I must protect the integrity of the negotiations.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“There is a prevailing sense among Yemenis that the situation is on a rapid downward spiral. Many are also concerned that the conflict is taking on worrying sectarian tones and deepening north-south divisions. Fears exist that Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula will exploit the current instability to cause further chaos. Following the suicide bombings and fighting, emotions are running extremely high, and unless a solution can be found in the coming days, the country will slide into further violent conflict and fragmentation. I have been engaged with all sides to call for restraint and to de-escalate the situation. Some have questioned the utility of our presence in Sana'a and continuing the United Nations-facilitated negotiations against the backdrop of the new developments.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“On 21 and 22 March, Houthi militias, backed by units of the Yemeni army, appeared in rising numbers in Taiz, a northern industrial hub in the south-east and the gateway into Aden. Earlier today, it was reported that the Houthis have seized control of Taiz airport and other parts of the city. Also in Taiz, soldiers reportedly dispersed protesters using tear gas and live ammunition. As in Taiz, anti-Houthi demonstrations have taken place Sana'a and other cities. I am extremely concerned about the use of arbitrary arrest and detention, abduction and violence, and call for the human rights of peaceful protesters and journalists to be respected fully. It would appear that the Houthis, backed by members of the Yemeni armed forces, are now moving further south, towards both Lahj and Aden.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“Air force jets have reportedly continued flying over Aden since the attack. Consistent with the Security Council press statement of 20 March (SC/11826), I also condemn the attack on the airport and the airstrikes, which constitutes an unprecedented and dangerous escalation. On 20 March, terrorists in Sana'a detonated explosives at two mosques, killing as many as 140 people and wounding over 350, which I also condemn strongly, and I offer my condolences to the families of the victims. The next day, the so-called popular committees seized a key military installation in Lahj, in the south, displacing troops. In response, the Houthi Revolutionary Committee issued a call for all military units in the North to mobilize in preparation for a campaign in the South.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“In early March, President Hadi took a decision to replace the Central Security Forces (CSF) chief in Aden, who is alleged to be loyal to former president Saleh and the Houthis, with a replacement who was seen as a controversial choice. However, the CSF chief refused to cede the post, leading to several rounds of fighting between his troops and military units against the popular committees loyal to President Hadi. The stage was then set for what transpired next. On 19 March, heavy clashes took place between the Central Security Forces and the popular committees in and around Aden international airport. In a dramatic move, Air force jets from Sana'a were deployed to Aden and dropped bombs on Al-Maasheeq, the presidential compound. Fortunately, the President was not injured and moved to a secure location.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“I am working with all sides in the hope of resolving the current standoff and to avert civil war in order to get the political transition back on track. Nevertheless, the events of recent weeks and days seem to be leading Yemen yet farther from a peaceful settlement and towards the edge of civil war. Since President Hadi arrived in Aden, he has declared Aden as Yemen's temporary capital; started expanding the so-called popular committees loyal to him, which have now taken control of Aden; and accused former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Houthis of launching a coup against him. The Houthis, in turn have rejected President Hadi as the legitimate leader of Yemen, and have continued to occupy Government institutions and to expand into other territories, despite the Security Council's repeated demands.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, the Security Council has entrusted to me the mandate of facilitating inclusive negotiations in order to reach a consensus solution in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex. As such, I have reiterated time and again to all sides that such a solution is the key to unlocking the prevailing political impasse. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is why, for many weeks now, and taking serious risks in precarious security circumstances, I have continued meeting with the 12 political parties, including the Houthis. I have also been in close contact with President Hadi, including through two visits to Aden.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“Mr. Benomar: At my last briefing earlier this month , the Security Council requested that I report on the implementation of resolution 2201 (2015), which was adopted unanimously on 15 February. I had reported, regrettably, that many of the Council's demands had gone unmet. The one new and positive development I have to report is the release from house arrest of Prime Minister Bahah and four cabinet ministers. We as the United Nations stand for the peaceful resolution of conflict through negotiated political settlements.”
2015-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7411 (2015) · source
“The United Nations reaffirms its commitment to Yemen as it seeks to complete its political transition. In that regard, we have been consulting and coordinating closely with the Gulf Cooperation Council and other international partners. Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of the start of the peaceful demonstrations demanding change. It was the courage of the young demonstrators that opened the way for Yemenis to start a path to democratic transformation. Despite all the setbacks, failures and obstacles, that dream is still alive. Yemenis can still achieve it. The Security Council and the international community have a responsibility to support them in these difficult times.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“The increased political instability and risk of conflict could also complicate humanitarian efforts to develop durable solutions and sustainable livelihoods and to facilitate Yemen's progress towards recovery. The transition has encountered serious obstacles in the past, yet time and again Yemenis have managed to forge ahead. Today, Yemen is at a crossroads: either the country will descend into civil war and disintegrate, or it will find a way to put the transition back on track. That largely depends on the political will of Yemeni leaders. They all bear responsibility for the current status of affairs and for finding a way to pull the country back from the brink. Thepolitical,humanitarianandsecurityenvironments pose serious challenges for United Nations operations. Nevertheless, the United Nations will not leave Yemen.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“That could further impact the security situation, with those unemployed joining armed groups for monetary and financial reasons, and contribute to a worsening of Yemen's humanitarian needs. An estimated 15.9 million people - or 61 per cent of the population - need humanitarian assistance. The humanitarian response plan for 2015 is being finalized this week and will request some $748 million dollars to meet the needs of 8.2 million people. Of that requirement, $285 million is for urgent life-saving and protection assistance to the most vulnerable Yemeni people. Humanitarian partners are concerned about a possible expansion of conflict and the impact that would have on the civilian population.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“Serious concerns exist that the Government may be unable to pay salaries in the next two to three months. That, in turn, could prompt either a default on payments or an increase in money supply - that is, money printing that would cause severe devaluation and hyperinflation. Should that happen, the current poverty rate of 54 per cent would increase further, and private sector activities would be severely affected. Indeed, many donors already have halted development aid, and others are considering such action. That, in turn, would cause most capital expenditures to cease and basic service delivery to be interrupted, and tens of thousands could lose their jobs.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“Southerners, who have suffered from many years of discrimination and marginalization, have become more assertive, with many demanding separation. The current instability is creating conditions conducive to the re-emergence of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. Even more concerning is the prospect that Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula might establish a foothold in parts of Abyan, Shabwah, Hadramawt and Ma'rib. Today, Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has seized control of the 19th Infantry Brigade camp, which houses a large arsenal of ammunition and heavy weapons, in Bayhan and Shabwah. The political uncertainty has created serious pressure on the local currency, the riyal. If no political settlement is secured in the coming days, a real possibility exists that the riyal may collapse.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“Under discussion are complex issues regarding governing arrangements during the transition period, including both executive and legislative authorities. The parties are considering power-sharing measures in a new Government of national unity and mechanisms and arrangements for enabling State security institutions to re-assume their responsibility. In addition, the parties are debating the means of preventing an outbreak of hostilities in Ma'rib, and undertakings to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights, such as the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, among others. The situation in the oil-rich province of Ma'rib is very tense. Many Yemenis fear that confrontation between the Houthis and tribesmen could break out at any time. In the south, the situation is volatile.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“As a representative of the Secretary-General, I have also made it clear to all parties, including Ansarallah, that the current political impasse can only be solved through peaceful dialogue and negotiations, based on the Implementation Mechanism ofthe Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative, National Dialogue Conference outcomes and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement. I consulted with the political parties. I also had direct contact with Mr. Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, who assured me that he welcomed a consensus-based negotiated solution through United Nations facilitation. I am pleased that all agreed to resume the negotiations. Since the beginning of this week, we have been meeting on a daily basis, and progress has been made. We are still in the middle of delicate negotiations.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“They organized a gathering of their supporters at the Republican Palace and made a so-called "constitutional declaration". That declaration pronounced that Parliament would be dissolved, a five-member presidential council would be formed and that a supreme revolutionary committee would run the country temporarily. The unilateral declaration has created strong backlash domestically and internationally. Major political parties have rejected it. The prevailing political uncertainty and heightened security risks have prompted key diplomatic missions to close and to withdraw temporarily from Yemen. I have made it crystal clear that I deeply regret the unilateral action taken by Ansarallah, in particular when good progress had been made in the negotiations.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“The gathering ended with an ultimatum to conclude the United Nations-facilitated negotiations within three days or else revolutionary committees would take action. The 4 February deadline passed without incident, and the negotiations moved ahead. The United Nations-facilitated negotiations were adjourned in essence late on the evening of 5 February, with broad understanding among the parties on the general contours of an agreement. The parties decided to utilize the next day, 6 February, to resolve outstanding issues through bilateral consultations and to enable the United Nations to prepare a compromise text. The plan was then to reconvene on 7 February with the aim reaching a conclusion on an agreement. However, on 6 February, in a surprising move, Ansarallah took unilateral action.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“I have continued exercising the good offices of the Secretary-General by convening negotiations on a daily basis involving 12 political parties, including Ansarallah, with a view to finding a consensual solution to the current political impasse. As mediators, we must maintain both our unique access to all sides and our principled position as framed by the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Today we are navigating multiple minefields. There have been ups and downs. Nevertheless, reasonable progress has been made, with all sides cognizant of the need to swiftly find a solution to restore public confidence. In parallel to the negotiations under way, Ansarallah organized a large three-day gathering in Sana'a that concluded on 1 February.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“The Security Council has made every effort to support a peaceful, negotiated transition in Yemen. Over the past three years, I have repeatedly warned the Security Council about the dangers facing the transition process. Today, I deeply regret to inform the Council that the transition, which was widely heralded as a model, is now in disarray. Over the past few weeks, Yemen has witnessed dramatic events. I have already briefed the Council twice in the past three weeks. I will therefore not repeat what I have already said, but will instead provide a factual account of events since my last briefing on 26 January.”
2015-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7381 (2015) · source
“I would also like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the co-chair of the Friends of Yemen, for being the first and largest donor to honour its pledges. We also wish to thank the diplomatic community in Sana'a for its efforts and active support. Yemenis are counting on the international community to continue supporting the country. At the United Nations, we will continue to provide all the necessary knowledge, support and advice, in close cooperation with our partners, to ensure a successful transitional political process in Yemen.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“He deserves all our support. The world is watching Yemen to see whether it will continue along the promising path on which it has set out. Once the National Dialogue Conference has been concluded, the implemention of the agreements reached will pose other challenges. In that regard, I heard one consistent message during my most recent visit - Yemenis are still counting on the Security Council to uphold its unanimous support as they move towards the next stage. The strong, sustained support of the international community - in particular the Gulf Cooperation Council, the European Union, the Friends of Yemen and the Security Council - has always been critical. I would like to commend the leadership role of Mr. Abdul Latif A1 Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“The National Dialogue Conference is the most genuine, transparent and inclusive deliberative political process anywhere in the Arab region. This model for dialogue and deliberation for establishing democratic governance based on the will of the people can inform other transitional processes in the Arab world and beyond. This is a remarkable achievement of which the Yemeni people should be proud, since they have shown the Arab world what can be done when people commit to peaceful change. In conclusion, it is imperative for the National Dialogue to reach consensus in order to enter the next transitional phase. Much credit must go to President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour, who despite all odds, has shown his persistent and unwavering commitment to steering and ensuring the conclusion of a transitional political process.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“In the north over the past few weeks, scores of people have reportedly been killed after clashes between opposing armed groups in Sa'ada and Amran governorates. We are monitoring this trend closely, and are engaged with the main actors. The relentless campaign against public infrastructure continues. There have been frequent and increasing acts of sabotage and attacks on infrastructure, electrical cables, and oil and gas pipelines, costing the Government tens of millions of dollars. The Yemeni people demand that those responsible for such criminal acts be brought to justice swiftly. Nevertheless, as I have said before, and it is worth saying it again, to date Yemen remains the only peaceful country in negotiated transition among those of the Arab Spring.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“The Government of National Unity, in its efforts to address the underlying causes of a humanitarian crisis and to tackle serious underdevelopment of the country, should be given all the support it needs. I take this opportunity to welcome a presidential decree to establish an anti-corruption board and approving an action plan for the elimination of clandestine workers and double-dippers. In parts of Yemen, the security situation remains volatile, while Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula still posing a major threat. Just last week, that group carried out major attacks in Shabwa governorate, resulting in dozens of deaths. Assassinations of senior military officers and kidnappings continue to take place.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“In our opinion, it is important to address those matters one step at a time, with the aim of concluding the National Dialogue as a matter of priority. The people of Yemen look forward to that outcome in order to ensure that the transitional political process advances. Those political developments are transpiring against a backdrop of serious humanitarian, economic and security challenges. Yemenis have high expectations for a peaceful transition, yet today some 13 million people, more than half the entire population, require some form of humanitarian aid. The main causes of vulnerability in Yemen, such as poverty, chronic malnutrition, water shortages and inadequate government services, all arise from a lack of development.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“Some issues will require work beyond the National Dialogue through auxiliary channels for genuinely inclusive negotiations that go hand-in-hand with the process of drafting a constitution. Moreover, subsequently, other issues will still need to be addressed through subsequent legislation, Government policies, plans and programmes. To sum up, the National Dialogue Conference is not a panacea or an end in and of itself, but a vehicle through which Yemenis can lay the foundations for more inclusive politics, agree on broad principles and initiate processes for resolving protracted conflicts. It appears that some people do not want the National Dialogue to reach an agreement until there is clarity and consensus on all aspects of the constituting period and the future federal State structure.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“Given the emerging consensus on federalism, there is increasing debate among Yemenis about the need for what they are now calling a constituting or establishment period to provide the necessary time with clear benchmarks, resources and capacity for transitioning towards a federal State. Indeed, some parties have developed proposals for such a constituting period, focusing on the need for more inclusion and power-sharing. These debates have also raised questions about the timing and character of elections. The National Dialogue was never designed to address all of Yemen's challenges at the same time. The Conference was meant to conclude with a broad consensus on a set of principles on nine core topics that would provide guidelines for the process of drafting a constitution, which is one more step in the transition.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“At this stage, however, I am hoping that all stakeholders will cooperate in good faith to bring about a fruitful conclusion to the National Dialogue, and that it will be unnecessary for me to brief the Council to the contrary. As affirmed in resolutions 2014 (2011) and 2051 (2012), all parties must commit to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, to rejecting acts of violence to achieve political goals, to refraining from provocations, and to cooperating in the implementation of the Transition Agreement. By signing the Transition Agreement, the parties recognized that a peaceful transition should represent a complete break with the past and a complete transfer of power to new governance in Yemen.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“These gains must be preserved and forward momentum maintained with a timely move to the next stages of the transition. The final phase of a political process of this nature and magnitude is rarely easy, as parties reach the stage where they must make tough decisions on sensitive and complicated issues, and the National Dialogue is not immune to this phenomenon. Unfortunately, as the Council is aware, there are efforts to turn back the clock that undermine confidence in the political transition. In this connection, continued compromise and good will are required from all parties. There are potentially disruptive currents percolating in the country.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“In this connection, I welcome the action plan of the Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Mohamed Salem Mohamed Basendwah, to implement the 20+ll points, its apology to the people of the South and Sa'ada for past abuses committed in their respective conflicts, and the continuing work of the two commissions to address the unlawful or illegitimate seizure of land and property and the unjust dismissals from the military and civil service in the South. I am particularly pleased that Qatar has pledged $350 million to support restitution and compensation claims for the South, which comes at a critical time. I sincerely hope other countries will follow suit. The recent difficulties encountered in the National Dialogue must not be allowed to jeopardize the gains achieved thus far.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“The commitment of southerners to supporting the new vision of a federal Yemen is largely contingent on timely and unambiguous action by the Government to redress past injustices and on guarantees that there will be no return to the past. Toward this end, it is essential that the outstanding elements of the confidence-building measures - known as the 20+ll points - be implemented without delay and, insofar as implementation depends on longer-term processes, that the timeline for their implementation be clearly articulated.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“Since 10 September, at the request of the parties I have been facilitating talks aimed at finding a consensual solution to the Southern question. Throughout these discussions, I have stressed that the Yemenis are the decision-makers. They are the ones who will live with the long-term consequences of the choices they are about to make. I am pleased to report that progress is being made, based on the various proposals put forward by the different constituencies towards agreeing on a set of principles with a view to building a new federal State structure, although discussions continue with regard to the number and delineation of the federal units. Consensus has been sought on a number of delicate issues, including natural resources, power- sharing, and allocation of authority to federal, regional and local levels.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“In recent weeks, the Hiraak southern movement suspended its participation in the Conference for nearly a month, contending that its legitimate grievances and aspirations were not being adequately addressed. Indeed it is beyond contention in Yemen that the South has suffered nearly two decades of discrimination and marginalization. However, the Hiraak was persuaded to return to the National Dialogue, following additional commitments by President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi Mansour and the Government to speedily implement confidence-building measures in the South. In this context, the Hiraak and other constituencies agreed to negotiations to resolve the controversial issues of state structure and the status of the South.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“Consequently, the timetable has inevitably shifted. Only several months remain to complete work that has taken other countries years. The work includes completing the National Dialogue, drafting and adopting a new constitution, and organizing and conducting general elections. All this implies complex negotiations, technical preparations and public consultations with a view to building consensus. What is more vital is that progress continues to be made by achieving the milestones of the transition laid out in the Implementation Mechanism. The difficulties facing the National Dialogue Conference in its waning weeks have underscored the imperative of addressing the Southern question in a fair manner.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“The inputs and ideas put forth by countless citizens throughout the country - through their participation in town hall meetings, public discussions and through the media 7 also contributed greatly to enriching the dialogue process. It is, however, important to recall that the Conference is but one step in the transition. The National Dialogue was never intended to resolve all of Yemen's challenges. It was designed as part of a wider and longer-term political transformation process. As the Council is well aware, there have been delays in implementing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, which have impacted the already tight time frame. This is a result ofa combination of the fact that some tasks simply took longer than foreseen, and the fact that there have been acts of obstruction at times.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“In particular, the efforts of the working groups on Sa'da and the South have helped to identify the roots of conflicts and the grievances of the people affected by war in those parts of the country. This will allow the State to mitigate the conditions that gave rise to past conflicts and to redress the grievances that emerged out of them. In fact, the Sa'ada working group has reached agreement on some 70 conclusions and related implementation guarantees. All delegates deserve praise for their hard work, dedication and tireless efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Dialogue. I wish to pay special tribute to the contributions of the delegates representing youth, women and civil society, whose energy, creativity and enthusiasm in many ways served as the engine that propelled the dialogue forward.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source
“Indeed, last week my team supported a conference entitled "Women Partners in Dialogue, Partners in Building and Decision Making," during which I had the opportunity to meet with the women's caucus; they informed me of their satisfaction in achieving key objectives of the National Dialogue. Foremost among these are acknowledgment of and protection for women's human rights; integration of these rights in the new constitution to ensure equality; and a guarantee of 30 per cent women's representation in three branches of Government. This is quite extraordinary, particularly in a part of the world that suffers from an evident deficit on women's rights and gender equality.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7037 (2013) · source