YouSaid · the spoken record

Bermudez Alvarez

lines on the record

198

first

2017-11-17

most recent

2019-08-02

sittings or episodes

28

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

1. “We must continue to work within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, among others, and fulfil our commitments. Notwithstanding all this, the Security Council is very good at regularly considering the indissoluble link between climate change and the exacerbation of devastating impacts of conflict, poverty and underdevelopment. As a participant in several Security Council missions to the Sahel, the countries of the Lake Chad basin, Somalia and Haiti from 2016 to 2017, and as a result of field Visits and interviews with authorities and community members, were able to see how tensions are often exacerbated by the effect of climate change.”

   2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source

2. “While we view this open debate as a contribution to the discussion on a priority topic for the future of life on our planet, my country believes that, in order to avoid linking climate change to security issues, the discussion of specific related topics should be restricted to the corresponding decision areas, namely, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Meteorological Organization, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as the international community's main multilateral instrument to meet the challenge of climate change, is irreversible, and we therefore call on all parties to defend it and accelerate its implementation.”

   2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source

3. “My country's economy, including its export sector, is highly dependent on agricultural production, which in turn is exposed to the fluctuations of the climate and increasingly intense and damaging meteorological phenomenons. The commitment to renewable energies made over the past decade in seeking energy independence through economic and environmental policies is the best example of Uruguay's commitment to the environment and the fight against climate change. Likewise, developing countries, and in particular the States of our Latin American region, are particularly vulnerable to climate change and increasingly frequent natural disasters.”

   2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source

4. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin my statement by congratulating the Dominican Republic on its successful presidency of the Security Council, with a substantive agenda for January. We welcome the presence of Mr. Miguel Vargas Maldonado, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, in presiding over this open debate, and we thank the briefers for their valuable briefings. Uruguay believes that it is timely to reaffirm that climate change poses a real threat to the present and near future for all of humankind, and as such international peace and security are also affected. The fight against climate change is a very high priority for Uruguay.”

   2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source

5. “History has shown that, without the participation of women and respect for equality and their fundamental rights, it will not be possible to achieve peace in the world.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

6. “Allow me to conclude by recalling that, at the time that the Charter ofthe United Nations was being drafted at the San Francisco Conference, Uruguay, together with a few other countries of the global South that had women in their delegations, requested that an explicit reference to women's rights be included in the Charter. Thanks to that effort, and despite the reluctance of the vast majority of the participating States, we managed to include the only two provisions on gender in the Charter. The equality of the rights of men and women is enshrined in the Preamble and it was established in Article 8 that, "The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs." Seventy-three years have passed since then.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

7. “Another mechanism that I want to highlight is the Women, Peace and Security National Focal Points Network, established at the behest of Spain, which Uruguay will have the honour to co-chair with Canada in the year 2020. The Network has the potential to generate political momentum and implement resolutions on women's aid and protection, and it is already demonstrating its usefulness with regard to gender cooperation and the exchange of experiences and good practices. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for the invaluable and constant contribution of civil society in the defence of women's rights and call for protection and an end to the growing threats and persecution suffered by human rights defenders and the defenders of women's rights.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

8. “Tabare Vazquez, is a member of the Circle of Leadership to combat sexual exploitation and abuse, with a commitment to ending impunity and restoring the dignity of the victims. Uruguay has also joined the Elsie Initiative on Women in Peace Operations, launched by Canada, to ensure an increase in the number of women deployed in peacekeeping operations. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council that, next December, my Government will be holding a preparatory meeting with the United Kingdom for the 2019 United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference. We will devote attention to the training of Blue Helmets on issues related to women and peace and security and specific training for women peacekeepers.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

9. “In parallel to the efforts made at the domestic level, experience shows that, in order to increase the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, it is essential to cooperate with other troop-contributing countries, Member States and the Organization as a whole. Inspired by that firm conviction, my country was one of the first to support the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative, which includes a collective commitment to implementing the agenda on women and peace and security, guaranteeing in equal footing the full participation of women at all stages of the peace process and increasing the number of uniformed and civilian women in peacekeeping operations. Likewise, the President of Uruguay, Mr.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

10. “Peacekeeping operations are one of the main instruments available to the Organization; it is now irrefutable that the presence of women in those contingents increases their effectiveness. Uruguay provides a proportion of women that is higher than the average deployment, but we continue to make great efforts to further increase that level of female participation. The National Peace Operations Training Institute of Uruguay also provides mandatory training to the personnel that will be deployed on topics such as preventing and responding to violence against women. At the same time, the Uruguayan Government carries out ongoing work in the implementation of a zero- tolerance policy in cases of abuse, exploitation or other acts that violate the code of conduct.”

    2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

11. “Education enables them to overcome discrimination, allows them to better understand their rights, gives them greater confidence and freedom to make decisions that affect their lives and empowers them to become actors and protagonists ofpeace. According to UNESCO, more than 60 million girls around the world do not have access to education, while two thirds of illiterate people around the world are women. Without an education, women and girls are unlikely to escape the cycle of poverty and violence. Uruguay has adhered to the Safe Schools Declaration, launched at the initiative of Argentina and Norway, and expresses its dismay at the increasing number of attacks on schools and universities, many of which have deliberately targeted women and girls as victims. We take this opportunity to encourage other States to endorse the Declaration.”

    2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

12. “That is key not only for national development, but also for the maintenance of sustainable peace. In that connection, the Uruguayan Government approved a national strategy for gender equality by 2030. It was developed in conjunction with civil society to address inequality and discrimination from a human rights perspective. The strategy includes political and institutional guidelines and establishes a road map to influence public policies and guide State action on gender equality. Education plays a fundamental role in the political and social empowerment of women. All States must guarantee that right to women and girls.”

    2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

13. “The Secretary-General's report (S/2018/900) highlights that we continue to witness flagrant disrespect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in various conflicts, particularly with regard to grave violations of women's human rights. Unfortunately, those grave violations are not spontaneous, but are an extension of other violence perpetrated more covertly within societies. That violence is rooted in inequality, widespread discrimination against women and the denial of their fundamental rights, which is why States must take action to address those underlying deeply rooted structural causes in many societies. By protecting their rights, women will be able to reduce their vulnerability and participate in political and economic life, thereby fully contributing to the growth of their communities.”

    2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

14. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish):At the outset, I wish to congratulate Bolivia on having organized this open debate and to thank the Secretary-General, the Executive Director of UN- Women and civil society representative Ms. Randa Siniora Atallah for their briefings. Uruguay aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. Today's debate focuses on a very sound concept. The empowerment of women and girls and gender equality are fundamental to conflict prevention and the maintenance of international peace and security.”

    2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

15. “Any territorial gain or exercise of misunderstood sovereignty is moot if it is at the expense of peace and prolongs the misery of the peoples who inhabit that region. Before concluding, I would like to add a brief comment on Syria. Uruguay continues to support the work of the Special Envoy, Mr. Steffan de Mistura, a tireless negotiator who has acted on behalf of all of us. After so many years of a conflict of rare intensity that has brought nothing but death, physical destruction and damage to the social fabric of Syria, the least we can aspire to is the formation of a balanced, inclusive and credible constitutional committee that will lay the foundation for a new constitution for Syria, in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”

    2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source

16. “Finally, we must work to develop the economic potential of the region and solid avenues of cooperation once the conflict is over. In conclusion, it is time to begin to move beyond hatred and its incitement, disillusionment, despondency and frustration. Seventy years ago, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181 (II). It can be said that, thanks to the impetus provided by that international legal action emanating from this Organization, Israel and Palestine have consolidated their identity, rights and obligations as States and as recognized legal entities. Today as 70 years ago, the international community, which was sensitive and backed that solution, is still eagerly waiting. It is harmful and unhealthy for the leaders to refuse to accept the path that the international community has selected and backed in good faith.”

    2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source

17. “Fifth, the State of Israel must be fully recognized and the blockade of Gaza must end. Sixth, military and civilian prisoners or their remains must be returned to their relatives as a minimum show of humanity in the conflict. Seventh, reconciliation agreements between Fatah and Hamas must be consolidated for the sake of Palestinian unity. Eight and no less important, beyond activism, both sides must be sensitive to the general and urgent needs of the civilian population. Palestinian and Israeli civilians are the majority and they want peace. Unfortunately, political leaders tend to lose sight of that fact. Ninth, the historical, cultural and religious heritage must be preserved in an atmosphere of coexistence. If tolerance reigns, there is room for everyone.”

    2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source

18. “We prefer instead to focus today on asking both parties to adopt measures and gestures that would help to de-escalate and alleviate tensions, albeit gradually. In Uruguay's view, such measures include the following. First, the launching of industrial or homemade rockets from the Gaza Strip must cease, along with any action that can be deemed terrorism against Israeli targets. Second, restraint must be exercised so as to prevent disproportionate repression of demonstrations or protests taking place in the Gaza Strip. Third, the settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories must be suspended because settlements are illegal under international law. Fourth, demolition orders for Palestinian homes in the West Bank and in east Jerusalem must be suspended.”

    2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source

19. “We recognize that this may take time, but it would be worse to remain bogged down in the current paralysis and stagnation. To achieve that goal, the current trends on the ground must be reversed. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult for Palestine to consolidate its State territory. Uruguay has strong ties of friendship with both the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. We once again reaffirm the right of Israel and Palestine to live in peace within secure and recognized borders in a spirit of renewed cooperation and free from any threat or action that undermines peace. We could dwell on the most recent events - the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel and the repression to which it leads or the imminent demolition of the village of Khan Al-Ahmar.”

    2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source

20. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): Uruguay attaches great importance to the various situations in the Middle East on the Council's agenda. We thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, for his informative briefing and, as we have highlighted so many times, for his ongoing dedicated work. He can count on Uruguay's support. Despite the many multilateral, regional and unilateral initiatives to try to end to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, we are still far from reaching a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution. The two- State solution remains the only viable option. There is no plan B to replace it. We must return as soon as possible to direct negotiations that can elucidate the outstanding issues.”

    2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source

21. “Perhaps we should try to find new and imaginative ways to achieve this by promoting fresh forms of dialogue that start right here in the Security Council itself. Uruguay believes that the time has come for a change of pace in the work of the Security Council, which, without abandoning its focus on legality or overstepping its mandate, could become more unified and effective in a framework of respect for all and on the basis of all the guiding principles set out in the Charter, which gave rise to the Organization.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

22. “We must not lose sight of the principles of non-intervention and self-determination in dealing with internal conflicts. The Council must act using the means and within the scope established in the Charter, and, when the conditions and situation demand it and in adopting measures, it should particularly bear in mind the principle of proportionality. As has been noted, Council resolutions should bolster as well as be motivated by and focused on the protection of human beings and the strict observance of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In a situation such as this, where we are trying to strengthen preventive action by various means, the Security Council can use all the available tools granted to it to maintain peace.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

23. “The international community can safeguard peace by maintaining abalance that depends on every one ofits member States and by upholding the legality emanating from this Organization 4 a common body of law that differs from States' domestic legislation and consists of compliance with international norms or derives from certain generally accepted and practiced behaviours. We are currently witnessing a worrisome trend of many Member States' non-compliance with Security Council resolutions, reflecting a lack of or weak adherence to the international law emanating from that body and the system as a whole. In abiding by these norms, account should be taken of the scope of action and functions of the Security Council, which must not overstep its mandate.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

24. “Under this mandate, as appropriate, the Council must refer allegations of such crimes to the International Criminal Court and undertake the relevant investigations, prosecuting and punishing perpetrators and combating impunity. The Security Council could also, through a resolution, request the Prosecutor not to initiate or defer an investigation, as provided for in article 16 of the Statute. On this point, unfortunately, much has been said about attributing criminal responsibility to perpetrators 4 widely known as accountability 4 but very little has been done. We should give thought to the deterrent effect that a functioning, effective international criminal-justice system would have on potential perpetrators and warlords.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

25. “In keeping with the responsibility conferred on it, the Security Council must strive to ensure respect for human life in situations where conflict could not be averted, through resolutions aimed at ensuring respect for humanitarian law, and impose sanctions when necessary. Along the same lines, the Security Council should resort to the special international tribunals, and, in compliance with the mandate set out in the Statute of the International Criminal Court in its article 13 (b), play a more active role in the prosecution of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, as well as the crime of aggression, which will now be covered.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

26. “International peace is also maintained through the peaceful settlement of disputes, as the Charter indicates. In that area, we should strengthen relations with the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations charged with resolving disputes. That is the arena that the Security Council should use to promote the settlement of disputes, especially legal ones, when other means such as negotiation or mediation have proved ineffective. Uruguay, as a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, advocated for transparency in the work of the Security Council during the period when it had the honour of being one of its non-permanent members. We therefore always stress the need for, and act in such a way as to uphold, such transparency.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

27. “In that regard, Article 24 of the Charter establishes that "In order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its members confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council acts on their behalf." The Charter thus gives the Council responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security, which must be fulfilled within the framework of international law and with respect for the principles it establishes. The most basic principle in the system that we have created is refraining from resorting to the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

28. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to commend the President of the Council for choosing this subject as the topic for one of the open debates during the Polish presidency for the month of May. The United Nations came into existence in 1945 with the aim of achieving world peace and agreeing on a union of States that, through friendly and cooperative relations, would resolve their conflicts using peaceful means. The Charter of the United Nations established a series of principles to guide relations between the States and joint bodies to advance the achievement of the Organization's objectives. The Security Council was created as part of its organic system and tasked with safeguarding international peace and security.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

29. “The existence of the veto is a major obstacle to the work of the Council, which has often been paralysed in cases where its action is imperative in order to be able to respond to the threat or perpetration of atrocities. Uruguay reiterates its commitment to the code of conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, as well as to the French-Mexican initiative on limiting the use of the veto in situations of mass atrocities, as we are convinced that the veto should not be used to block Council actions that seek to prevent or eliminate abhorrent crimes committed in complete disregard for human dignity.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

30. “Similarly, within the scope of the Security Council, the note by the President S/2017/507, updated in August, also provides for valuable means of enhancing such cooperation. In practice, we note that consultation meetings - both formal and informal - are held between the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop- and police-contributing countries. In our view, both formats are complementary and can be further enhanced. On the other hand, the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations has also proven to be a conducive environment for the three actors to discuss relevant issues. Finally, the question of the veto is the third issue that I wish to address.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

31. “At a time where Member States are making progress in the reform process of peacekeeping operations to make them more efficient and effective, Uruguay underscores the value of a productive relationship between those who mandate, plan, administer and execute peacekeeping operations. In that regard, the strengthening of triangular cooperation among the Security Council, the troop- and police-contributing countries and the Secretariat is a central aspect that must be considered in the reform process. In that connection, we already have a good theoretical and practical framework available. Theoretically speaking, the report (A/7l/19) of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations devotes and entire section to such cooperation.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

32. “In addition to promoting transparency, that enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of the work of the Council. Closed consultations should essentially be restricted to cases where it is necessary to deal with sensitive issues or which require further debate or interaction among the 15 Council members. Throughout its recently concluded participation as a non-permanent member, Uruguay followed the practice of making public statements in all open meetings held by the Council in order to promote transparency. Secondly, I would like to emphasize the need to increase consultations with the troop- and police-contributing countries in all phases of peacekeeping operations.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

33. “In my statement I would therefore like to refer to three aspects that we consider to be pertinent. First of all, increased interaction between the Council and the membership should be encouraged. Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations provides that the Security Council is to act on behalf of States Members of the Organization. Accordingly, it is appropriate to encourage the holding of meetings in formats that promote transparency and improve information flow with the wider membership. Public meetings, open debates, informal interactive dialogues, Arria Formula meetings and wrap-up sessions are all mechanisms that make it possible to have greater interaction between the members of the Council and the rest of the membership. Uruguay supports the holding of briefings where members of the Council can deliver public statements.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

34. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate you, Sir, and your team on having assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February. I wish you every success in carrying out your work. We would also like to thank Mr. Ian Martin for his comprehensive briefing today. My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, of which my country is a member. Uruguay has always supported efforts to improve the working methods of the Security Council in order to give them greater transparency and efficiency. Although progress has been made, we must continue working to further advance such achievements.”

    2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source

35. “It must be reached through diplomatic negotiations that lead to a political commitment among the parties, which must be emphasized, without delay, before it is too late and we end up regretting the consequences of a large-scale disaster. The needs and legitimate concerns of all parties concerned in the matter must therefore be met.”

    2017-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8151 (2017) · source

36. “Uruguay's support of resolution 2397 (2017) is based on the belief that the implementation of the sanctions imposed on North Korea will cause no direct harm to the civilian population, whose humanitarian situation is already dire and requires the immediate attention of the international community. We reiterate that we must work to engage in sustainable dialogue that leads to concrete results as soon as possible. There is no military solution to the situation in North Korea. Despite all the calls made by the international community to start dialogue, it is not possible at present to open negotiations, which are key to resolving the complex situation. The solution for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula must be peaceful.”

    2017-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8151 (2017) · source

37. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): For the sixth time in its two years as a member of the Security Council, Uruguay has voted in favour of a resolution with regard to the provocative acts of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. That underscores the gravity of the threat posed to international peace and security. As my delegation has already stated, the sanctions imposed on North Korea should be the means to lead the Government of the country to the negotiating table. Sanctions must be implemented in a complete and effective manner by all States Members of the United Nations, and should have no adverse effects on the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”

    2017-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8151 (2017) · source

38. “Afghanistan needs the ongoing support of the United Nations, of Member States and of all concerned parties in the interest of improving the security situation of the country. It is also crucial that efforts to counter the threat of the terrorism currently afflicting the country be stepped up. To promote the stability, security, development and prosperity of Afghanistan, and the entire region of Central Asia, greater cooperation and regional integration are also necessary. Uruguay wishes to express gratitude for the work carried out by the United Nations in Afghanistan in particular. Furthermore, we acknowledge the dedication and work of the Special Envoy and all UNAMA staff to promote inclusive peace initiatives and to support the Afghan people, under very difficult circumstances.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

39. “All parties to the conflict should respect humanitarian principles, human rights and international humanitarian law. In that respect, Uruguay reaffirms its call for full compliance with the provisions of resolution 2286 (2016) concerning the protection of the wounded and the sick, and medical facilities and personnel. Those responsible for such crimes should not continue to enjoy impunity. Anyone who commits such crimes should be held accountable for their actions. It is crucial that the Government of Afghanistan and the international community continue to work together to counter the challenges facing the country and to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

40. “The consolidation of democratic institutions with a View to achieving the stability of the country is fundamental. In that context, we must highlight the role of Afghan women and their direct participation in the peace process and security and development reform efforts. To ensure that discussions in the realm of decision-making reflect the concerns and needs of the whole population, the voices of women should be heard. It is worrying that the humanitarian and security situation, as well as the violence, that are affecting the Afghan civilian population continue to cause instability and serious consequences. The protection of civilians, especially of women and children, is a priority and demands respect for their ability to enjoy their fundamental rights.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

41. “It is necessary to continue to make every effort to put an end to the cycle of violence and to take the path to establish dialogue between the Government and the Taliban. Without the firm will of all the parties, there can be no end to this long and cruel conflict. The Kabul process, which is intended to bring about genuine reconciliation among the Afghan people, requires the support of the international community. We therefore recognize this process of cooperation for peace and safety, as well as the interest demonstrated by Afghanistan's partners in its execution. We encourage the Afghan Government to continue with programme of reform, with a focus on ensuring strong and independent institutions and a solid democratic process.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

42. “For that reason, the support of the United Nations and the international community to the National Unity Government of Afghanistan continues to be crucial for the long-desired consolidation of peace in the country. Uruguay reaffirms its support for the Government of Afghanistan, as well as for a peaceful, Afghan-led resolution to the conflict. In that respect, we continue to encourage that Government to persist in its efforts to achieve lasting peace based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity. The lack of dialogue and progress towards a peace agreement between the Afghan Government and the Taliban continues to wreak havoc on Afghan society. The conflict in Afghanistan has no military solution. The parties should come together to find political alternatives.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

43. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto; the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Yury Fedotov; Ambassador Kairat Umarov; and Ms. Wazhma Frogh for their briefings. I also thank Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal for his comprehensive statement. As stated in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/1056), Afghanistan continues to face multiple political, electoral, economic and security challenges, which require a unified vision and greater efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflict.”

    2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source

44. “We hope that an improvement in the effectiveness, efficiency and coordination of the Secretariat will produce benefits at the systemic level that we can all enjoy in the best possible conditions as we face the evolving challenges and threats to international peace and security.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

45. “In the context of our concern over the development of nuclear weapons, we must not lose sight of what has been recognized as the main threat to international peace and security today, namely, the situation in the Korean peninsula. A solution to the tensions on the Korean peninsula will be found only through dialogue, negotiation and political commitment. We therefore urge the parties concerned once again to comply with the provisions of the numerous resolutions of the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and to resume the Six- Party Talks in order to contribute to a lasting political solution. Finally, I commend the efforts of the Secretary- General to carry out reform of the Secretariat within the peace and security pillar of the Organization.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

46. “It is no trivial matter that the world's military expenditure was $1.69 trillion in 2016, representing an increase from 2015. We should ask ourselves how many needs could have been satisfied if only a portion of that spending had been redirected to the economic and social development of less richly endowed countries. The possession of nuclear weapons is worrisome and the delay in the disarmament of nuclear-weapon States also endangers and threatens global stability and the security of humankind. The use and threat of the use of nuclear weapons constitute a crime against humanity and a serious violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

47. “Examples of such exacerbating phenomena are the effects of climate change, pandemics and transnational organized crime. It is important that a comprehensive approach be adopted in order to sustain peace, in particular by preventing conflicts and addressing their root causes, strengthening the rule of law at the international and national levels and promoting sustained and sustainable economic growth, the eradication of poverty, social development, sustainable development, national reconciliation and unity through inclusive dialogue and mediation, access to justice and transitional justice, accountability, good governance, democracy, accountable institutions, gender equality and respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

48. “The increasing complexity of the threats and challenges to international peace and security force us not only to pay special attention to prevention, but also to be creative in our proposed solutions. To that end, greater coordination between the agendas of the various organs of the United Nations is indispensable, although we should not modify or interfere with their respective mandates and areas of competence. The dynamic of work in the United Nations demonstrates that the nexus among security, development, human rights and the humanitarian field is becoming increasingly evident. Uruguay believes that, in addition to explicit threats to international peace and security, there are also some phenomena that can exacerbate crises in conflict or post-conflict situations.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

49. “The increase in armed conflicts characterized by unprecedented violence, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the growth in the legal and illegal trade of all types of weapons, the progression of terrorism, cyberattacks, hunger and the effects of climate change, to name just a few, require more than ever a strong commitment on the part of the international community to addressing them. In times when many of those manifestations of violence and devastation arise from global causes, frameworks or strategies, it would be negligent to imagine that the reponse could be merely local. The international community must rise to the occasion, be more supportive, consolidate its frameworks of joint action and strengthen global governance in order to find solutions to such serious problems.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

50. “Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by thanking the Japanese presidency for convening today's open debate. It has the full support of my delegation. We also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. If we were to analyse the threats and challenges to international peace and security that existed at the moment when the the United Nations was created and compare them to those we face today, we would see an increase not only in the quantity of threats, but also in the complexity of such phenomena. The new challenges, threats and challenges that arise in the international context must persuade the Security Council to consider all issues that could trigger or exacerbate conflicts.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source