YouSaid · the spoken record

Bermudez

lines on the record: 754
first: 2016-01-13
most recent: 2017-11-16
sittings or episodes: 121
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

“Thirdly, and finally, we should not focus solely on force generation but also on the full functionality of peacekeeping forces once deployed. That has been a topic to which my delegation has constantly and specifically referred throughout its nearly two years as a member of the Security Council. Unfortunately, as a frequent issue within several peacekeeping operations, this a matter on which the Council should assume greater responsibility. We are talking about obstacles on the ground that also have a negative impact on the effectiveness and efficiency ofpeacekeeping operations. On the one hand, particular attention should be given to national restrictions - so-called caveats - whether they are declared or, even worse, non-declared, given that they can undermine the fulfilment of mandates.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“Secondly, it is highly important that deployed personnel be adequately trained, with a particular emphasis on predeployment training. It is essential that peacekeeping personnel are educated and trained for the tasks to be conducted in the area of operations. That requires ajoint effort by TCCs to promote greater training standards for their personnel, as well as the Secretariat in carrying out the relevant evaluation and monitoring programmes. We acknowledge the excellent work of DPKO and DFS together in the development, implementation and validation of regulations and advice in peacekeeping training, especially in the areas of human rights and the protection of civilians and against sexual abuse and exploitation.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“New technologies are expensive, and therefore it is essential to work on alternatives to obtain it - for example, through the development of greater cooperation TCCs and PCCs, the Secretariat and donor countries. Moreover, when it comes to decision-making, the Security Council must fully take into account the views of TCCs, as they are the ones serving on the ground. That could greatly facilitate the planning of operations, thereby ensuring that personnel have the capacity to respond to new demands. Specifically, it is a matter of working to minimize the gaps between those who draw up, plan, administer and implement operations, as well as to underscore the enormous benefits of a productive relationship among them.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“Planning should be based on clear, achievable and prioritized objectives with benchmark criteria and an exit strategy that permits a reduction of the mission and an adequate transition to a successor entity when said criteria is met. Trilateral cooperation among the Council, the Secretariat and troop- and police-contributing countries (TCCs/PCCs) is fundamental in that regard. The Secretariat, in particular the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS), plays a determining role in terms of providing advisory support in decision-making processes, including, inter alia, on specific equipment and personnel needs. With regard to equipment, allow me to add that obtaining it cannot depend upon the financial capacity ofa single country.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“The Security Council, as the organ that authorizes mandates, has the direct responsibility to ensure that peacekeeping deployed personnel have optimal conditions in which to fulfil their duties. Today's concept aptly takes up the issue of the efforts the Security Council could make in terms of strategic force generation to contribute to the success of peacekeeping operations. In the view of my delegation, the Council could significantly contribute in the following ways. First, with regard to the design and planning stages, and even the reconfiguration phase, of a peacekeeping operation, we believe that it is key for the Security Council to attach greater importance to identifying the needs and capabilities required to fulfil a mandate.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“It is important to acknowledge that in the reform process - based on the recommendations of the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/446) - encouraging progress has been made on the part of the Secretariat, mainly in its Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Department of Field Support, and Members States on the whole. By way of example, the establishment of the Strategic Force Generation and Capability Planning Cell, together with the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, has significantly contributed to guaranteeing the increased availability and timely deployment of peacekeeping capabilities. In that regard, we encourage the Secretariat to pursue its efforts in close coordination with troop- and police-contributing countries.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by thanking the delegations of France and the United Kingdom for their joint initiative to convene a briefing on the topic of strategic force generation in peacekeeping operations. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Permanent Representatives of Bangladesh and Canada for their briefings. Uruguay believes that strengthening strategic force generation is an essential component in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness ofpeacekeeping operations. The timely availability of uniformed and civilian personnel who are sufficiently trained and equipped is key to the success of peacekeeping operations. Likewise, we cannot conceivably implement mission mandates fully if they do not have the capabilities commensurate to the challenges they must face.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8064 (2017) · source
“In that regard, Uruguay welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2381 (2017), endorsing the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his letter dated 2 October (S/2017/830) and which will allow the United Nations Verfication Mission in Colombia to carry out the tasks requested by the parties. To conclude, we would like to express the firm commitment of the United Nations, including the Security Council, to ensuring lasting peace in our brotherly country Colombia.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8063 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by expressing Uruguay's renewed delight regarding the extraordinary progress of the peace process in Colombia. We are strongly welcome the temporary national bilateral ceasefire that was announced on 4 September by the Government of Colombia and the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN), and its entry into force from 1 October 2017 to 9 January 2018. We received and took very seriously the joint request of both parties in their Joint Communique of 29 September for the United Nations to participate as international coordinator in a monitoring and verification mechanism made up of representatives of the Government of Colombia, the Ej ercito de Liberacion Nacional and the Catholic Church aimed at ensuring compliance with the temporary bilateral ceasefire.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8063 (2017) · source
“Lastly, we would like to express our support and appreciation to MINUSMA and the troop-contributing countries that are doing commendable work in an adverse environment and with limited capacities, but - beyond any doubt - with outstanding courage, goodwill and devotion to carrying out their mandate.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“Those responsible for committing those violations must be held accountable. We welcome the establishment of the sanctions regime pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017), in response to the request of the Government of Mali. We must not lose sight of the fact that the imposition of those sanctions constitutes an additional tool for the Council to achieve sustainable peace in Mali, but at the same time we must continue to use the other tools at our disposal, including operations deployed on the ground, mediation and good offices, among others, while always keeping within the framework of Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation as the cornerstone of the political process. But what is most important is continuing dialogue and the commitment to the agreements by all the signatories.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“We believe that it is necessary and urgent to adopt a multidimensional approach to address the root causes fuelling the conflict in Mali. Areas such as social development, providing basic services to the population, access tojustice and creatingjobs should be among the priorities, along with initiatives pertaining to security, if we want to achieve long-term stability. We note with concern the repeated allegations of human rights violations committed by armed groups and security forces in the country. In that regard, Uruguay calls for all security activities, including those deployed to counter terrorism, to be carried out in strict compliance with the norms of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as to ensure that all due process guarantees be accorded to the alleged victims of those Violations.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“The international community, in particular the United Nations, is assisting the Government in its efforts to shoulder the responsibilities that intrinsically befall it as a sovereign country. The international community indeed has been supporting Mali in its efforts to achieve peace in the country in a number of ways, including by making financial contributions for the development of projects in the north of the country; establishing and strengthening the mandate of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA); and carrying out peacebuilding projects under the aegis of the Peacebuilding Fund, as well as visits by the Secretary-General and missions of the Security Council.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“Nevertheless, the civilian population in Mali continues to fall prey to the actions of terrorist groups, the repeated clashes among armed groups and the absence of State authority primarily in the northern half of the country. We regret that the situation in the Republic of Mali continues to deteriorate, largely owing to the actions of terrorist and extremist groups, which are enemies of the peace and reconciliation process, but also of additional and deep concern are the violations of the provisions of the Agreement by the signatory groups themselves. Uruguay reiterates and emphasizes that the primary responsibility for public order and the protection of civilians in the Republic of Mali lies with its authorities.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“To begin, I would like I would like to reflect on the juncture at which Mali is today, with a security situation that has seriously deteriorated; a precarious humanitarian situation resulting primarily from insecurity; an Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali that has been in effect for more than two years, but continues to await implementation; a newly established Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017); a peacekeeping operation on the ground enjoying the most robust and lethal mandate of its kind; and a joint multinational force to counter terrorism that is supposed to begin operations in the near future. Uruguay welcomes the establishment of a joint force by the Group of Five for the Sahel, and encourages such subregional initiatives to address the challenges accompanied by national ownership.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“Mr. Berml'ldez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, allow me to congratulate and commend Ethiopia for the effective manner in which it conducted the work of the Security Council the month of September, and to wish you, Sir, and your delegation success in leading the Council this month. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Mahamat Saleh Annadif for his briefing today.”
2017-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8062 (2017) · source
“This will guarantee the provision of humanitarian assistance by the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and others, and the development of an effective plan of action to address the root causes of the crisis, which include providing nationality to the Muslims of Rakhine state or, at least for now, a legal status that would enable them to lead normal lives, including freedom of movement and access to job markets, education and health-care services. We believe that it is inconceivable today to deny a person the right to nationality, which carries prerogatives that allow all human beings to fully enjoy the benefits of a State.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“We take note of the estabalishment in Myanmar of the ministerial Implementation Committee on the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, headed by Kofi Annan, which provide a clear road map for a peaceful solution to this situation, and which we encourage them to fulfil. Similarly, Bolivia encourages the Government of Myanmar to allow humanitarian access so that assistance can be provided to the victims of these tragic events. In this context, we welcome the good offices of the Secretary-General and call on the Government of Myanmar to take his recommendations into account, especially with regard to the urgent suspension of all military action, an end to the violence, respect for the rule of law, and the recognition of the right to return of all those who had to abandon the country.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“We encourage them to continue working with the various United Nations agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross to lessen the humanitarian impact on the region. We call on the Government of Myanmar to engage in a fruitful dialogue within and outside ofits borders. The participation of its neighbours, regional organizations and the international community will allow it to reach agreements to stabilize the Rakhine state and to honour its obligation to protect all its civilians, regardless of their ethnicity or religious affiliation. In the context of diplomacy, and with a view to the peace and stability of the region, we call on them to work to draft an agreement that contains a concrete plan for the repatriation and safe, voluntary and dignified return of the refugees in Bangladesh to Rakhine state.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“We believe that it is also important to respect the principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States and the non-use or threat of use of force to settle conflicts, in accordance with the principle of a peaceful settlement of conflicts. In this regard, we believe that it is important to encourage and support Myanmar in its quest for a peaceful solution to this humanitarian situation through efforts on a number of levels that include dialogue, consultations, mediation, good offices, negotiations and crisis administration. In this context, we highlight the welcome and ready cooperation extended to refugees from Rakhine state by the Government and the people of Bangladesh.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“Having condemned the acts of violence, discrimination and suffering that victimize not just the Rohingya people but also other ethnic minority groups such as the Daing-net, the Mro, the Thet, the Mramagyi and Hindus, Bolivia once again reaffirms that any conflict within a State must be resolved first and foremost within its borders, respecting the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. If it cannot be so resolved, it should be supported by regional and subregional organizations, while upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law, international law and human rights law.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“The Plurinational State of Bolivia vigorously condemns the violence impacting Rakhine state, especially the Rohingya Muslim ethnic group. Based on information provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and as noted by the Secretary- General, between 25 August and 20 September the events led to the escalation of violence caused some half a million people to cross the border and seek refuge in Bangladesh, with hundreds of thousands more internally displaced. We condemn all actions that aggravate intercommunitary tension and incite violence, belicose rhetoric, racial and religious hatred and any act of sexual abuse or exploitation. All such acts must be duly investigated and those responsible brought to justice and prosecuted by the corresponding courts.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“We also thank the agencies and institutions that are working intensively to provide humanitarian assistance, and call on the international community and neighbouring countries to provide the support and resources necessary to address this sensitive situation. I conclude with a remark made several years ago by Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu: "A country that is not at peace with itself, that fails to acknowledge and protect the dignity and worth of all its people, is not a free country." Mr. Zambrana (Bolivia (Plurinational State of)) (spoke in Spanish): We thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his briefing today on Rakhine state of Myanmar, and we applaud the measures he has taken personally to date.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“First, the excessive and disproportionate repression of the Rohingya minority under the pretext of combating a terrorist group will have the least-desired effect. It will sow the seeds of despair, hatred and extremism. Secondly, and perhaps worse, it will run the risk of allowing other global terrorist groups, such as Da'esh or Al-Qaida, to infiltrate Myanmar territory and start operating there, destabilizing the country and in the region. Uruguay congratulates and thanks Bangladesh for its generosity of recent weeks by providing hundreds of thousands of refugees - an estimated 70 per cent of whom are children - with security, food and shelter.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“They must also pay due attention to the Rohingya people, whose status has remained unresolved for far too long. The question arises as to whether a Government can feel proud of being home to the largest population of stateless people in the world. Protection of the civil population must always be a priority, and the applicable norms of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be respected. Uruguay is committed to preventing atrocious crimes and urgently calls for the Government of Myanmar to stop the violence, suspend military operations, allow the return of those who have had to flee, and facilitate safe and unfettered access to humanitarian aid. Two hypotheses arise ftrom this tragic crisis if we focus, as we should, on prevention.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“While we acknowledge that the situation in Rakhine state is a complex intercommunal issue with deep historical roots, as we have said on a number of official statements recently, we are also aware of the military activities of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army against the Myanmar security forces, which we naturally condemn. But the responsibility for protecting civilians always falls primarily on States. Nothing exempts the Government of Myanmar from shouldering its responsibility to provide the necessary security and assistance to the Rohingya people and to allow the United Nations and partners to offer humanitarian aid. The authorities of Myanmar must put an end to the military operations and allow unrestricted humanitarian access.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“In that regard, Uruguay welcomes the adoption of Human Rights Council resolution 34/22 in March, when massive persecutions had already begun. The resolution mandates the establishment of a fact-finding mission and requests that the Government of Myanmar provide all guarantees necessary to the mission's ability to successfully conduct its activities. It also urges the authorities to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, led by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The only way to overcome the crisis is by approaching it from a human-rights perspective.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“Violations of human rights related to the conflict in various parts of Myanmar, especially in Rakhine state, are not new. Many such violations have been documented in reports of the Secretary-General. The resurgence of violence in the country clearly shows that significant, pressing challenges remain. Democratic reform and genuine change in Myanmar can take place only if human rights are respected and a true national reconciliation takes place. It is therefore important for the Myanmar Government to step up its efforts to stop the violations and adopt all the measures necessary to ensure accountability and put an end to impunity. All complaints of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be investigated in an exhaustive, transparent and independent manner.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“Respect for the rule of law, equality before the law, the defence and promotion of human rights, dialogue and resort to peaceful means to settle disputes are some of the principles Uruguay actively defends and promotes in all of the forums in which it participates. Situations such as that which has arisen in Myanmar cannot be ignored by the Security Council. Uruguay is deeply concerned by the escalation of tensions in Rakhine state. The serious crisis caused by the wave of sectarian violence against the Muslim Rohingya people is alarming. The exodus ofpeople who have had to abandon their homes and flee desperately to Bangladesh is appalling. The humanitarian and security conditions and human rights situation of the Rohingya people have been very seriously affected.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): We highly appreciate the participation of the Secretary- General in this meeting, and thank him for all his work with respect to the situation in Rakhine state in Myanmar and for his message conveyed to the Security Council in his letter of2 September, which he included in his opening statement of the seventy-second session of the General Assembly (see A/72/PV.3), as well as for the information he provided today. We are very pleased that the presidency of the Security Council organized this briefing and that this organ, which is the guarantor of international peace and security, is addressing the situation in Rakhine state and of the Rohingya people in an open meeting.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“We believe that the fight against terrorism must be made in respect for and accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. We reaffirm our commitment to working in solidarity and with responsibility for the success of that task.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8059 (2017) · source
“We attach great importance to the recommendations that were made and are taking them into consideration. We are working to advance the implementation of various aspects set out in various Security Council resolutions. Examples include the draft comprehensive counter-terrorism law and the draft comprehensive anti-asset laundering law. Both draft laws are currently before our National Parliament for review and both include recommendations made by the Counter- Terrorism Committee. We are aware of the importance of acting collectively in this fight and of the need to cooperate at the bilateral, regional and international levels. We acknowledge cooperation as a part of our responsibility, as a member of the international community, to act and to protect. Cooperation makes us stronger.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8059 (2017) · source
“Among the functions of that new Office, we would underscore the improved assistance offered to Member States in developing their counter-terrorism capacity. That assistance is crucial, especially to those countries that are most affected by the actions of terrorist groups, in enabling them to confront terrorist acts with adequate means and resources, in allowing them to benefit from cooperation and in exercising their sovereignty. We consider the role of Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate to be critical in assessing the status of States' implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and in promoting the adoption of measures that support its implementation. We also emphasize the importance of their role in facilitating technical assistance. We are grateful for the Counter- Terrorism Committee's visit to Uruguay in March.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8059 (2017) · source
“The international community must take united action because it cannot allow terrorism to continue to take innocent lives and destabilize States, and because it must protect the rights and values that terrorists seek to destroy. In his statement before the General Assembly at its seventy-second general debate (see A/72/PV.3), Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referred to the global threat of terrorism with precision and clarity. We endorse his words, which describe the complexity of the problem we face. We value and support the work of the United Nations through its various organs and entities. We trust that under the leadership of the recently established Office of Counter-Terrorism, the fight against the scourge of terrorism will benefit from renewed impetus.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8059 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to thank you, Sir, for convening this briefing on the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001), which provides us with an international framework for combatting terrorism. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Vladimir Voronkov on his appointment as Under- Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and to thank him for his briefing. I extend my thanks to the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, Ambassador Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, for his work at the helm of the Committee and for his briefing today, as well as to Mr. David Scharia of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Regrettably, the global terrorism threat has become a pervasive issue and terrorist acts are occurring at an intolerable rate.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8059 (2017) · source
“Shearer and the staff of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in fulfilling their appointed tasks. We also look forward to seeing the full and speedy deployment of the Regional Protection Force, which will no doubt help to increase stability in the country.”
2017-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8056 (2017) · source
“Mogae has repeatedly stated, all the parties seeking a solution to the conflict must speak with one voice, while sending a firm and unequivocal message to the groups involved in the conflict. In that regard, we commend the coordination by the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD of a number of events that took place on the margins of the general debate of the General Assembly. We also look forward to IGAD's convening of the high-level revitalization forum on the August 2015 peace agreement, which will be a good opportunity to revitalize the political process in South Sudan and lay the groundwork for the holding of democratic elections at the end of the transition period. Finally, we would like to highlight the tireless efforts of Mr.”
2017-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8056 (2017) · source
“It will also be crucial to ensure a secure and respectful environment that will enable humanitarian staff to carry out the enormous, difficult and urgent task of assisting those who are most in need. Despite the complexity and difficulty of the situation in South Sudan, the international community is still working as hard as it can to revitalize the peace process. For example, in September 2016 the Council visited the country, and issued a presidential statement in March (S/PRST/2017/4). And we are also grateful for the efforts of the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, among other stakeholders. In our view, and as Mr.”
2017-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8056 (2017) · source
“As if that were not enough, humanitarian workers, who in many cases are the only lifeline for the people most in need of help, are operating in an increasingly hostile environment, with limited access to those in need and under direct attack by all the parties to the conflict. Given this difficult situation, Uruguay urges all parties to fulfil their promise to end the hostilities immediately and commit in good faith to a dialogue process on implementing the peace agreement. We should point out that President Kiir has launched a national dialogue process and, most recently, announced a unilateral ceasefire in May. In addition, we urge the Government of South Sudan to restore political freedoms which are essential to peace, ensure respect for human rights and hold the perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.”
2017-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8056 (2017) · source
“To date, 4 million civilians have been driven from their homes, 1.9 million of them internally displaced and more than 2 million as refugees, while 6 million - half the population - are facing high levels of food insecurity, including 1.7 million who are on the brink of starvation. What is most alarming is that the situation seems only to be getting worse. The clashes between groups in various parts of the country continue, while there has been no tangible progress on the implementation of the August 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
2017-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8056 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez (Uruguay) (Spoke in Spanish): I would first like to thank Mr. David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, and Mr. Festus Mogae, Chair of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, for their briefings, which have given us a very complete picture of the latest events in South Sudan. The civilian population is suffering the terrible consequences of the prolonged crisis in South Sudan, whose own politicians are chiefly responsible for the situation. We should never lose sight of the horrendous suffering that the South Sudanese have had to undergo for far too long. The principal cause of the country's crisis is the fact that its political leaders have put their personal ambitions for power above the needs of their people.”
2017-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8056 (2017) · source
“We also reiterate our call for full compliance with resolution 2286 (2016) on the protection of the wounded and sick and medical facilities and personnel. Attacks on hospitals and medical personnel violate international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. These crimes should not remain unpunished and the perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. Uruguay reiterates its appreciation to all humanitarian workers who have been striving in extremely difficult conditions to provide care to the Afghan people, and who continue to fall victim to bloody attacks. In conclusion, echoing Mr. Yamamoto's simile of a few days ago, the support of all and at every level, through understanding and ownership, is needed to continue weaving this intricate tapestry.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Uruguay condemns the terrorist attacks on mosques in the cities of Herat and Kabul in August, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians as they prayed. Uruguay strongly condemns those and all other terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, fighting continues and is exacting a heavy toll in civilian casualties, particularly among innocent women and children. Thousands of Afghans have been forcibly displaced and to flee the violence in their communities. According to the Secretary- General's report, humanitarian access, workers and health facilities continue to be severely affected. Uruguay calls on all parties to the conflict to respect humanitarian principles, human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“We wish in that regard to express our appreciation for the Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation and the interest shown by Afghanistan's partners in pursuing this initiative. Turning to UNAMA, we welcome the initiative of cooperating with local radio stations in provinces, such as Kandahar and Kunar, to set up platforms for dialogue among communities in which tribal leaders, faith leaders, provincial authorities and women will participate in fostering dialogue and mediating between rival groups. Despite all the efforts made to stabilize and secure the country, conditions remain unstable and have deteriorated even further, with serious impact on civilians, who are already in a difficult situation and suffering the dire consequences of the conflict.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Nevertheless, we are concerned by the lack of progress between the Government and the Taliban towards a peace process. There is no military solution to this conflict. Peace can be achieved only through dialogue and direct negotiations. The best and most effective way ofweakening the terrorists will be through dialogue, unity and reconciliation among Afghanis. It is therefore essential that the maximum efforts be made to establish talks between the Government and the Taliban. Without the firm resolve of all parties, there can be no end to this protracted conflict. The support of the United Nations and the international community for the National Unity Government of Afghanistan remains a critical element in efforts to address the major political, economic and security challenges facing the country in its efforts to build a lasting peace.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Uruguay reaffirms its support for the Government of Afghanistan and encourages it to pursue its efforts to achieve a lasting peace based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity. It is critical to strengthen democratic institutions to achieve the stability of the country. In that regard, I highlight the progress made in the electoral process and the announcement of the legislative and district council elections to be held in mid-July next year. The progress made by the Afghan Government in its programme of priority reforms, such as the fights against corruption and impunity, are encouraging. By the same token, the activities of the Government and its partners to address violence against women and girls and the increased representation of women in the High Peace Council are all positive developments.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bermudez (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, for his briefing and for all his ongoing work. I especially welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Mr. Salahuddin Rabani, for attending this afternoon's meeting. I also thank the Secretary- General for his report (S/2017/783), which highlights the complex situation in the country, and for his special report (S/2017/696)on the strategic review ofthe United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Uruguay recognizes the work done by the Special Envoy and the tireless dedication of all the staff of the Mission.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“The international community continues to hope that the leaders of Israel and Palestine will take every measure to move this process forward towards a genuine and lasting peace.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“In order to achieve this long- sought-after goal, the parties need to resume direct bilateral negotiations with a view to achieving a two- State solution, which is the only option that will allow for the peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine, an end to the long and illegal occupation, and the well- being and security of their peoples. We are just two months from the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of General Assembly resolution 181 (II), which established the partition of Palestine and the creation of two States, one Arab and one Jewish. This solution was decisively supported by Uruguay, out of the conviction that it would make it possible for Israel and Palestine to live together in peace and with secure borders. Yet despite constant efforts, this process unfortunately remains unfinished.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source
“Agreements must be reached with respect to Jerusalem and other issues, such as equitable access to drinking water and respect for sacred sites. It is time to reinvigorate a political outlook that will bring the parties back to the negotiating table, which is a process that must be supported by economic and social measures that will improve the living conditions and development of the Palestinian people. To that end, it will be necessary for the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to make every effort to avoid unnecessary provocations that would increase tensions and violence, which hamper all the efforts of the international community to bring about the resumption of bilateral negotiations. In conclusion, as we have been doing since 1947, we wish to reiterate Uruguay's unwavering commitment to peace in the Middle East.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8054 (2017) · source