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

“We regret that those measures are creating uncertainty about the future of the agreement, which, given its importance and success to date, must be protected and championed as an achievement of the entire international community. The Security Council, as guarantor of international peace and security, should ensure in full future compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan and resolution 2231 (2015).”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“To conclude, Uruguay continues to call on all parties to the agreement to adopt all measures stipulated in resolution 2231 (2015) and to comply with its provisions in order to avoid jeopardizing the historic agreement reached in 2015, which is the fruit of more than two years of very intense negotiations. In that regard, we urge the parties to act with the highest possible degree of restraint and caution and to abstain from undertaking any action that violates that which has been agreed and was later endorsed by the Security Council. The Secretary-General's report is very clear that no national executive and legislative actions of the parties to the agreement shall detract from the validity of the Plan or the commitments incumbent upon participants as detailed therein.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“Any ballistic missile activity pursued by Iran has the potential to inflame tensions in the region, and we therefore call on its authorities to exercise caution in their actions. In accordance with the fourth report of the Secretary-General, we reiterate that it is in our interest to include in future reports, in addition to the detailed analysis of Iran's compliance with annex B of resolution 2231 (2015), information pertaining to annex A, which contains no less than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action itself and the commitments that all panties to the agreement have assumed, including the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“Uruguay welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as well as the verification and monitoring processes of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Iran. The nine successive quarterly reports of the IAEA on that topic confirm that the Islamic Republic of Iran has to date complied with the provisions of the agreement. Similarly, it is essential that all parties to the agreement comply with its provisions, in addition to those contained in resolution 2231 (2015), including its annexes A and B. We are concerned about the claims included in the report regarding Iran's possible violations of some provisions of annex B of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“Uruguay therefore optimistically welcomed the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on 14 July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group in relation to the Iranian nuclear programme. In my country's view, that agreement is a key achievement for non-proliferation and a significant contribution to international peace, security and stability, as well as to the elimination of one of the main points of tension in the more than tumultuous region of the Middle East. The agreement demonstrates, perhaps more than any other signed in recent years, that positive results can be achieved with political will and through the avenue of diplomacy and negotiation, even in cases when that seems like a distant reality.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“Uruguay is a country that is strongly committed to non-proliferation and the consolidation of the disarmament regime, to which those present have borne witness over the past two years. It is well known but still worth recalling that Uruguay has never possessed nuclear weapons and does not intend to so. We are members of the world's first nuclear-weapon-free zone under the Treaty of Tlatelolco, which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary this year, and of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, which brings together the 33 States ofthe region signatories of the Treaty. We are also party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (Spoke in Spanish): I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, for presenting the fourth report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/ 1030) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). I thank Ms. Joanne Adamson, Charge' d'Affaires ad interim of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, and the Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, Mr. Sebastiano Cardi, in his capacity as a Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), for their briefings. As on previous occasions, the information conveyed in such briefings sheds light on some positive aspects that deserve to be highlighted, a few challenges and some causes for concern.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8143 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, as we said in 2016 and 2017, we hope that in 2018 we will see a final end to the conflict in Syria and the beginning of a political transition process that is accepted by all the parties, which will make it possible for its entire population, after so much suffering, to be part of a better future. That is why we once again express our support for the role being played by Special Envoy De Mistura, and we express the hope that, with the goodwill of all involved, the ceasefire and direct negotiations can quickly become a reality.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we once again support the request of Secretary-General Guterres for specific cases relating to Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. We also hope that there will be full cooperation with the International Impartial Independent Mechanism Investigating Serious Crimes in Syria, established at the end of 2016 to investigate the serious crimes committed in the country. With regard to the Astana process, we hope that the meeting to be held in a few days' time will help to provide details on the implementation of the violence de-escalation zones, which must be given transitional status so that in future the unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic can be maintained.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“We would urge countries that have influence over Syrian officials to see to it that this is done through ongoing cooperation and coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The Syrian Government has the primary responsibility to ensure that it provides food, water and medicines and other vital goods to its population in order to ensure their survival, and it must lift all sieges that it currently maintains. Humanitarian principles, human rights and international humanitarian law must be respected in all conflicts. When they are violated, as has happened blatantly and repeatedly in Syria, where very serious crimes have been committed that constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, the only option is to find a way to hold those responsible for such acts accountable in a court of law.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“In another area, and in an emblematic example, not even the hospital at Khan Shaykhun was spared from repeated bombings, a locale that became notorious in April as a result ofa merciless chemical attack. Nothing is left of the hospital. All those events were in flagrant violation of resolution 2286 (2016), which we adopted last year. I would like to reiterate one final time several points that are very important for Uruguay. Over the past two years we have constantly argued that there should not be any impediment to access and the distribution of aid throughout Syria, including besieged and hard-to-reach areas. We are concerned that humanitarian access continues to face serious difficulties every month. We need immediate, secure and unhindered access in order to reach all of the people in need in Syria.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“Last month, a few hours prior to the previous meeting on this agenda item (see S/PV.8117), we received news of relief aid being delivered to eastern Ghouta, which unfortunately never arrived. To date, 400,000 civilians remain besieged in a situation of great need, the famine is affecting the most vulnerable, the bombings continue and medical evacuations are not being carried out, with 500 civilians in urgent need thereof. And all of that is happening despite being one of the de-escalation zones according to the Astana process. Worst of all is that it has not been possible for the humanitarian convoys, which are constantly on standby to deliver aid, to reach that region. We urge the Government to put an end to thee blockades, to lift all sieges and to allow aid to reach all those who need it without exception.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“As we have done each month, we recognize the sacrifice, selflessness and bravery of the workers of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and its associated agencies and organizations in Syria and bordering countries, who risk their lives on a daily basis in attempting to alleviate the living conditions of millions of Syrian civilians. In the fulfilment of their tasks, we must always ensure their protection and security. We are pleased that a few moments ago, by adopting resolution 2393 (2017) (see S/PV.8141), we were able to renew the mechanism for cross-border aid, which makes it possible to aid almost 3 million people. The serious difficulties that have hindered humanitarian assistance in Syrian territories have made it essential that that mechanism be renewed.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“In difficult times such as the present, we encourage Special Envoy De Mistura not to let up and to continue seeking new ideas to allow that process to get under way as soon as possible. It will require flexibility and original ideas to impose a new dynamism and, in particular, to create the conditions to generate a minimum level of trust between the Government and the opposition. There is little left to say that we have not previously mentioned on Syria. Uruguay has attributed maximum priority to the peaceful resolution of the crisis and has always focused on the protection of its civilian population and on the humanitarian tragedy of the millions of Syrians who have been affected since 2011.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“For the Council, and in particular for the 2016-2017 membership, the agenda item on Syria has undoubtedly generated the greatest amount of work, easily surpassing 100 meetings - including open briefings, consultations, meetings under the heading "Other matters" and emergency meetings - in addition to the multiple negotiations and contacts that have been held in attempting to contain the crisis. However, all of that has unfortunately been insufficient. Despite the willingness of the United Nations and the Security Council to achieve a political and negotiated solution in Syria, it is two years since the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015) and we are unfortunately yet to see direct negotiations between the parties or a political transition process with a road map and clearly established deadlines, which we have been unable to implement.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): We thank Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their comprehensive and very sincere briefings. This is the last time that Uruguay will make a statement on the Syrian conflict as a member of the Security Council, a conflict that has left the world horrified and in constant suspense. The barbaric terrorism, the intransigence of the Government in Damascus and the geopolitical gains that several States of the region and elsewhere have tried obtain from this conflict have prolonged and worsened the crisis in a manner that was completely unnecessary.”
2017-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8142 (2017) · source
“Similarly, the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects is an instrument of vital importance and an international benchmark in advancing the fight against the illicit trafficking of these weapons. Finally, as a country committed to disarmament, Uruguay calls on all States - particularly those that produce, sell and possess arms - to comply with their obligations in accordance with the international legal framework.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“Uruguay is convinced that the historic Arms Trade Treaty was an important step towards international regulation and a more responsible international trade of conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons and their parts and components, as well as ammunition. The regulation of that trade would have fundamental consequences in armed conflicts, especially for the civilian victims of armed Violence, in particular women, children and other vulnerable groups. It would also promote peace and security by eradicating the transfer of arms to conflict zones. The ratification of and accession to international instruments aimed at protecting civilians, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, would contribute greatly to civilian protection.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“As my delegation has frequently pointed out, it is States that are primarily responsible for adopting national standards for strengthening regulation of the possession and use of weapons as well as controlling their export, import and transit with a view to preventing and combating illicit trafficking. We believe that every State has a shared responsibility to cooperate in confronting this global problem. However, States that produce and sell weapons also bear a differentiated and primary responsibility, since the source of the problem lies in the production and trade of such arms.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report notes, the international small-arms trade was worth at least $6 billion in 2014 alone, with ammunition accounting for 38 per cent of all global transfers. Nearly half of all violent deaths between 2010 and 2015 were caused by firearms. Regrettably, if States do not do everything in their power to halt the illicit transfer of weapons, this will continue. If we are to eradicate this illicit trade, all States must cooperate in identifying the routes and mechanisms that enable these weapons to circulate and in strengthening border controls. International cooperation and assistance must be reinforced, with a special emphasis on generating national capacities. Controlling the international trade in arms is a matter of urgency.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“The proliferation of conventional weapons, including small arms, is a fundamental element in armed conflicts and a means of sustaining them. Trafficking and trading in arms with belligerent parties to armed conflicts contributes directly to the suffering and death of civilians. The acquisition of such weapons by terrorist groups and organized criminals also represents a serious threat and requires a significant collective approach and effort. Unhindered access to small arms and the absence of adequate controls on them have adverse effects both on the humanitarian front and on human rights and sustainable development. They can also affect decisions on how to carry out individual peacekeeping operations. The statistics are overwhelming. The arms trade is undoubtedly one of the most profitable businesses in the world.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Nakamitsu for her comprehensive briefing. I also thank the Secretary-General for his 6 December biennial report (S/2017/1025) on small arms and light weapons, which illustrates the very serious and negative consequences of the misuse and illicit circulation of small arms. We appreciate his recommendations on the issue. Uruguay is committed to disarmament in all its forms and to that end has acceded to and ratified the various related regional and international treaties. We are therefore fully committed to combating illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, as well as their misuse and destabilizing stockpiling.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“In addition, the climate of impunity that prevails in some countries remains a cause of concern for Uruguay and represents, among other things, a serious impediment to the creation of an enabling environment for the conduct of peaceful electoral processes and an unimpeded transition towards a democratic regime. In conclusion, I wish to express the support of Uruguay to the Special Representative and to all UNOCA personnel in their efforts to promote peace and security in Central Africa.”
2017-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8134 (2017) · source
“In that respect, we commend the collective efforts of the international community, and in particular of the countries of the Central African subregion, to tackle the threat of terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Lord's Resistance Army. Those efforts have made it possible to mitigate, at least in part, the great damage caused to the civilian population. On the situation of human rights, Uruguay is concerned the reference in the report to ongoing human rights violations in many countries of the subregion, where excessive use of force, detentions and the arbitrary arrests of political opponents, civil society activists and media professionals reflect a trend towards the consistent contraction of the political space.”
2017-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8134 (2017) · source
“I would like to focus on two aspects that are of great importance to Uruguay and that reflect clearly the difficult living conditions that affect a large number of civilians in many countries of the subregion: the humanitarian situation and the situation of human rights. With regard to the humanitarian situation, according to information provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, violence and insecurity caused by Boko Haram have devastated families and communities in the Lake Chad basin region, where 2.4 million people are displaced and over 7 million need food assistance. Throughout the region, there are more than 10 million people in need of humanitarian aid, which makes it one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.”
2017-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8134 (2017) · source
“One area that would allow for greater progress in these processes is the increased participation of women in decision-making, which still is still quite lacking in the subregion. On that point, although we have borne witness to positive developments in recent months, such as the mobilization and the creation of a regional platform on the issue of women and peace and security, and the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), the object ofwhich is to ensure the participation of women in decision-making processes, it continues to be an ongoing challenge in Central Africa. Uruguay understands that more effective participation by women in post-conflict transitions is essential to ensure lasting peace.”
2017-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8134 (2017) · source
“As the report (S/2017/995) mentions, on 28 November, the tensions caused by disputes related to the electoral processes continued to affect the subregion of Central Africa, although they were mitigated in some cases by attempts to promote dialogue between the Governments and the opposition groups. Similarly, the persistence of social and economic difficulties continues to affect negatively the lives of millions of people. In that respect, we celebrate the various efforts carried out by the countries of the subregion to reduce tensions in a peaceful manner, through inclusive and authentic dialogue processes. In addition, we encourage all interested parties to cooperate with one another with transparency and in good faith in order to resolve the various political, social and economic issues.”
2017-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8134 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): First, I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Francois Lounceny Fall, for his briefing on the activities of the Office and his assessment of key trends in the areas of the politics and the security of the subregion. Uruguay recognizes the important work carried out by UNOCA in the area of good offices, preventive diplomacy and mediation, as well as the support it gives to United Nations initiatives and regional and subregional initiatives related to peace and security.”
2017-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8134 (2017) · source
“This undoubtedly promotes the strengthening of the rule of law and the building of a society in which there is accountability and where the rights and guarantees of all its inhabitants are fully respected.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8132 (2017) · source
“Specifically, the proposals are, first, that the Council adopt a more structured approach when addressing cases of non-cooperation, with the aim of determining which of the tools that the Council has at its disposal provides the most appropriate response and, secondly, to overcome the current stagnation in the relations between the Council and the Government of the Sudan in this area by making the most of the improvement in that relationship with regard to the political process in Darfur and cooperation with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. In conclusion, I would like to send a message of encouragement and congratulations to the Prosecutor for the investigative work on the crimes committed in Darfur.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8132 (2017) · source
“Uruguay is supportive and willing to work to ensure that the Council can play a more active role in considereng cases of non-cooperation with the International Criminal Court and to ensure that arrest warrants are implemented - a necessary condition for the Court to be able to carry out its mandate. With regard to issues on the Council's agenda, accountability is probably the word we hear the most. However, regrettably, calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable are not accompanied by real actions. In that connection, we reiterate our view that the proposals for action that were submitted by New Zealand a year ago, and which were also well received by the Office of the Prosecutor in her recent reports, would make it easier for the Security Council to take action in cases of non-cooperation with the Court.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8132 (2017) · source
“As a State party to the Rome Statute, Uruguay is concerned by all the cases of non-cooperation with the International Criminal Court. In this particular case, it is worth recalling that resolution 1593 (2005) states, in paragraph 2, that the Government of the Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur must fully cooperate with the Court and the Prosecutor, but also urges all States and regional organizations and other relevant international organizations to also cooperate fully. There is a shared responsibility among the States that do not cooperate and the Council, which lacks effectiveness and action, in contravention with what is provided by the Rome Statute in its article 87.7.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8132 (2017) · source
“In that that regard, we renew our call on States Members of the United Nations that are not yet parties to the Rome Statute to accede to the Statute, which will help make this instrument universal in the fight against impunity and defend the victims of heinous crimes that constitute a serious threat to the peace and the security of all humankind. We regret that the situation with regard to this issue remains virtually unchanged since June, when we discussed it the last time (see S/PV.7963). Having just listened to Prosecutor Bensouda, we wish to express our consternation at the lack of cooperation by States parties to the International Criminal Court and the lack of compliance with, and implementation of, the Rome Statute.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8132 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her thorough presentation of the twenty-sixth report on the activities of her Office with regard to the situation in Darfur. We believe that this type of transparent and frank report provides added value to the analysis of the issues under the Security Council's mandate. At the outset, Uruguay wishes to express its thanks for the opportunity to reiterate its full support for the role of the International Criminal Court as an institution established to strengthen the rule of law at the international level by prosecuting those who are responsible for the most serious violations of the rights that affect humankind as a whole.”
2017-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8132 (2017) · source
“Unfortunately, the displaced people living there are facing the terrible dilemma of remaining cooped up without being able to work, with little or no prospects for their future, or of leaving those centres to return to their homes at the high risk of being robbed, sexually attacked or killed. This week, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Hussein Mar Nyuot, presented a so-called resettlement package that encouraged civilians to leave protection sites to return to their homes. No one in their right mind would want to return to their homes, or what is left of them, when they pose so much danger. We have to set our priorities: there must first be an immediate cessation of hostilities and, thereafter, security guarantees have to be provided for the entire civilian population.”
2017-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8124 (2017) · source
“We are fully confident that its conclusions will enable the Security Council to take a responsible decision on the future of the Mission, which plays a crucial role in protecting civilians. In conclusion, by way of summary, given that our participation in the Security Council is coming to an end, I must highlight our disappointment about the situation of South Sudanese civilians. We had hoped for more diligent action on the part of the Government in Juba. We all know what goes on and how people live in the so-called civilian protection sites. Many of us here in the Council saw it barely over a year ago when, in September 2016, we visited civilian protection sites in Juba and Wau - places close to, or under the protection of, UNMISS, or the Catholic Church in the case of Wau.”
2017-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8124 (2017) · source
“With regard to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), we regret to note that it continues to face all kinds of restrictions imposed by the Government, at the same time that the regional protection force approved by the Security Council over a year ago is still far from being 100 per cent operative. In that regard, we once again urge the Government of South Sudan to lift restrictions imposed on the Mission and all humanitarian workers, as well as to fully cooperate with the United Nations. We have heard numerous promises on that topic, but it is now time for those to translate into concrete action. On the other hand, we note the progress that is under way on the Secretariat's strategic review of the UNMISS mandate.”
2017-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8124 (2017) · source
“We have great expectations for the convening of the high- level revitalization forum on the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, to be led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. We reiterate that, for that initiative to be conducted normally and successfully, it is essential that the parties involved once and for all comply with their commitments to immediately put an end to the hostilities across the entire country. It should be clear that the persistence of any armed confrontation is incompatible with the establishment and conduct of a genuine dialogue.”
2017-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8124 (2017) · source
“However, before doing that, I would like once again to express Uruguay's deep concern at this protracted crisis. Just a few weeks from the end of this year - the fifth year since the conflict broke out - the future of South Sudan is at a critical juncture. All of the promises and announcements of commitments have already been made by all the parties to the conflict. All that has not been lacking. What there has been a dearth of, and what the country and its population urgently need, are concrete actions and tangible results that lead to a resolution of the crisis. In that regard, the parties will soon have a unique opportunity, perhaps a last chance, to demonstrate to their people their commitment to a peaceful solution to the crisis.”
2017-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8124 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General of Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Mark Lowcock, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Special Envoy for South Sudan, Mr. Ismail Wais, for their briefings. Those briefings have given us a comprehensive overview of the latest events in South Sudan. Given that the Security Council dealt with this issue just last week (see S/PV.8115), and without wishing to repeat ideas, I shall focus my statement on the most recent events in South Sudan, many of which the briefers referred to quite Clearly.”
2017-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8124 (2017) · source
“The priorities in Syria are clearly defined: a political solution must come about that puts an end to the war and ushers in a peaceful transition in Syria; the ceasefires must be consolidated until a cessation of hostilities is achieved throughout the entire territory; all sieges must be lifted; and humanitarian access must be guaranteed for the millions of people who still depend on assistance for their subsistence. In conclusion, in the next stage, which we hope will not be too far-off, reconstruction, national reconciliation and the return of the millions of internally displaced persons and refugees in third countries will also become a priority and a course of action for the future.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“With regard to the Astana process, it must be emphasized that it and other regional initiatives to achieve a cessation of local hostilities made possible a significant reduction in violence. However, the continuous bombing of eastern Ghouta by the Syrian Government and its allies shows that the terms announced at the beginning of May by the three guarantor countries have not been fully respected. Although there have been important advances, it is necessary to ensure unrestricted access by the United Nations and to humanitarian aid in those areas, including freedom of movement to enter and leave those territories voluntarily, which would afford guarantees that the basic principles of international humanitarian law are being respected.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“When they are violated, as has happened blatantly and repeatedly in Syria, and when very serious crimes have been committed that constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, the only option is to find a way to hold those responsible for such acts accountable to justice. In that regard, we once again support the call by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that cases committed in Syria be referred to the International Criminal Court. We also hope that full cooperation will be given to the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic, which was established at the end of last year.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“In view of the pressing needs still facing the Syrian people, we believe that it is of the utmost importance that the Security Council be able next month to renew resolution 2165 (2014) and subsequent resolutions in order to allow the entry of cross-border aid from neighbouring countries. We reiterate that the Government of Syria has the primary responsibility to allow its own population access to food, water, medicines and supplies for their survival until the conflict is definitively ended. We have also constantly called for ensuring the protection and safety of humanitarian workers as they carry out their tasks. As we have said so many times before: civilians are not targets; hospitals are not targets. Humanitarian principles, human rights and international humanitarian law must be respected in all conflicts.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“Over the past two years, Uruguay, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, has made the protection of civilians and international humanitarian law a central focus of its efforts, constantly working to prevent the hindering of access and the distribution of aid throughout Syrian territory, including besieged and hard-to-reach areas, without distinction between besieged and besiegers. We are concerned that humanitarian access continues to face serious difficulties every month. Immediate, safe and unhindered access is needed to serve all those in need in Syria. We appeal to countries with influence over Syrian authorities to take steps to ensure that access is guaranteed by way of permanent cooperation and coordination with OCHA.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“That announcement, which took place at the beginning of the eighth round of intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva, is a sign that we are on the right path i a confidence-building measure that can make possible the bridging of positions in order once and for all to discuss issues of great importance for the political transition in Syria, such as a constitutional process and a call for future elections. We have little to add that we have not said in relation to this conflict and the suffering of the Syrian people. Nevertheless, we would like to reiterate some messages that are very important for Uruguay.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“According to the reports, conditions in that area are desperate due to famine and malnutrition and the continuous bombings of recent days, despite being one of the violence de-escalation areas under the Astana process. We hope that the conditions that made that agreement possible will be maintained and that we will not return to a situation of extreme violence and destruction, neither in eastern Ghouta nor in any other part of the Syrian territory.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez Alvarez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his very complete briefing. As we do every month, let me acknowledge the constant work, sacrifice and courage of the staff of the Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and of its partner agencies in Syria and bordering countries, who risk their lives every day to try to alleviate the living conditions of millions of Syrian civilians. In a scenario that unfortunately, month after month, is presented as negative, yesterday we received the much-anticipated news of a ceasefire, the lifting of the siege and the entry of humanitarian assistance to the area of eastern Ghouta.”
2017-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8117 (2017) · source
“At this juncture, it is clear that getting the two political parties to abandon speculation aimed at maintaining power, which seems to be their primary concern, will be key to achieving the peace and stability that the country needs.”
2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8115 (2017) · source
“Moreover, it is incumbent upon the Security Council to demand and obtain from host States full respect and fulfilment of the terms of status-of-forces agreements, which provide guarantees for protecting personnel that countries voluntarily contribute to peacekeeping operations. In that regard, we underscore the informative forum recently organized by UNMISS for members of the Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, which presented information on the importance of respect for the status-of-forces agreement between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan concerning the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. We hope that that event helped to raise awareness among political actors of South Sudan.”
2017-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8115 (2017) · source