YouSaid · the spoken record

Byrne Nason

lines on the record: 1,154
first: 2018-04-16
most recent: 2022-07-29
sittings or episodes: 170
sources: un-security-council

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

“I also think it highlights the fact that UNMISS’s role in monitoring and investigating human rights violations is not just critically important but absolutely necessary. The increased deployment of temporary operating bases by UNMISS to support populations that are affected by increased insecurity is extremely welcome. We see that as a really important step. Ireland is very concerned by the alarming level of persistent humanitarian need in South Sudan. The sheer number of citizens requiring assistance is truly shocking. We regret not only the impact that has on the lives and prospects of young and old, as Mr. Haysom mentioned, but also the State’s failure to invest the necessary energy and resources into tackling that crisis.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“Urgent action by and cooperation between all parties, of course, remains essential and we need to promote an understanding and an acceptance that delivering effectively for citizens actually means embracing accountability. It is critical to the welfare of the people of South Sudan, as well as to their confidence in the peace process, that we see faster progress being made and concrete steps being taken. The recent reports emanating from Tambura are particularly shocking. Politicized subnational violence and grave human rights abuses, including the systematic use of sexual violence, are completely and utterly horrifying and unacceptable. We fully agree with those here today who have said that we cannot look the other way in the face of such abuses.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“Ireland notes that the report of the Secretary General (S/2022/156) outlines welcome progress in some areas. In that regard in particular, I want to welcome the progress that has been made on the constitution-making process. We call now for its continuation in an open and inclusive manner, but we must say once again that we regret that the implementation of the peace process itself remains limited, at best. I believe that was reinforced, frankly, by what we have heard from the briefers today. The fact is that progress is simply too slow and we are now hearing questions being raised as to how elections can actually be delivered next year.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“We need to hear about that at the grass-roots level. I heard her say this morning that resilience is fading, which certainly struck me and, I think, others here in the Chamber. For my part, I want to reassure her that the phenomenal efforts of civil society groups on the ground in South Sudan are deeply appreciated and that she can rest assured that her work will surely always have the support of my country, Ireland. It was also very clear from her statement that we need to do better. We heard what she said about the horrific abuses occurring, including conflict-related sexual violence, which we find totally unacceptable and need to address. I also noted her assessment about the lack of readiness for elections on the ground. I want to thank her again for her candour to the Council this morning.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“First, I would like to thank Mr. Haysom for not only illustrating the achievements of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), but for also very clearly setting out the challenges that remain. I think he provided a very timely and insightful reflection on where we are currently at as we work towards the renewal of the Mission’s mandate. I also want to thank Major General Gituai for his work. We are deeply indebted to him and his teams for the work they are carrying out to see through the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which is clearly a tough job. I want to thank Ms. Riya Williams Yuyada specifically for the very sober and frank assessment she gave us this morning, particularly in terms of what is happening on the ground.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“The electricity generated by the Zaporizhzhya plant powers homes and hospitals, ensuring that civilians can feed themselves and heat their homes and powering life-saving medical equipment. Let us be clear: civilian infrastructure should never be a target, and that must stop now. Once more Ireland urges the Russian Federation to immediately cease all hostilities, unconditionally withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine and to refrain from further threats or the use of force of any kind against Ukraine or, indeed, any other Member State. To avert nuclear disaster, Ireland today calls most urgently for an immediate cessation of military activities at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. We call for the competent Ukrainian authorities to be allowed to promptly regain full control over Zaporizhzhya and all their nuclear facilities.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“At this worrying time, Ireland fully supports the work of the IAEA and its incident and emergency centre in its ongoing monitoring and assistance in respect of the nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine. We believe that it will be important for the IAEA Director General to keep the Council informed regarding nuclear safety and security in Ukraine. Cavalier, reckless behaviour with dangerous forces such as nuclear power is utterly unacceptable. The prospect of a nuclear event at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant will have global impacts. We all saw what happened at Chernobyl and Fukushima. That is a spectre that no one at this table should be willing to countenance. The humanitarian implications of damage to civilian infrastructure cannot be overestimated.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“All international nuclear safety and security standards must be maintained. We call on the Russian Federation to allow Ukrainian personnel at the plant do their work safely and without undue pressure. It is crucial that safety systems at the plant not be compromised. Power supply to the plant must be maintained. That is essential not just for the six reactors at this site but also for the spent fuel stored there. There should be no interruption of basic services, including energy to the population across Ukraine. Ireland commends the bravery and professionalism of the Ukrainian personnel at the plant and the Ukrainian nuclear regulator in seeking to ensure safety at the plant in very difficult circumstances. We are deeply concerned, however, for their safety and their well-being.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“Armed attacks and threats against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitute violations of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions and the IAEA Statute. Director General Grossi has made that point abundantly clear. In attacking such sites, the Russian Federation risks an environmental disaster compounding the extraordinary human tragedy that we are witnessing today in Ukraine. A radioactive release from any of those sites would also have serious repercussions for human life and health, agriculture and the environment in Ukraine, the Russian Federation itself and the wider European region. We call on the Russian Federation to fully respect its obligations under the United Nations Charter, international law and the IAEA Statute.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“That includes the obligation not to attack civilian objects and clear prohibitions against indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks. It includes the obligation to take all feasible precautions in an attack. We demand nothing less than full respect for those obligations. The attack last night by Russian forces on the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhya has shocked us all and sent a chilling signal across Europe, indeed, across the globe. That further reinforces the concerns arising from the armed takeover by Russia of the nuclear facilities in the Chernobyl exclusion zone just eight days ago. Ireland condemns the reckless firing against nuclear power plants.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, for their briefings, and I thank Director General Grossi for his urgent call for action today. We are here today because of our concern about the ongoing situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. The Russian Federation’s continuing unprovoked, unjustified invasion of Ukraine is wreaking havoc and destruction on Ukraine and its people. That aggression is inflicting enormous hardship and suffering. Ireland stands full square in unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to show extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of that act of aggression. The parties to the conflict must comply with international humanitarian law.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“When I spoke earlier, I said that the path towards diplomacy and dialogue was perilously narrow. I did not realize, in fact, how narrow and how close to the precipice we really were just over an hour ago. We now see that that path has been closed by the announcement of a military aggression on the part of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. That is something we roundly condemn. We stand with the people of Ukraine tonight; with every man, woman and child seeing this news — as we did, sat here in the Chamber — whose lives are at risk. We believe that it is now time indeed for the Council to stand up, to assume its responsibility and to speak out in the strongest possible terms about that act of aggression.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“Tonight, we stand with the Charter of the United Nations. We stand with those who, even in this dark hour, still have the courage and hope to bring us back from the precipice. A resort to military conquest — for one State to impose its will unilaterally against another and to annex parts of its territory — has absolutely no place in the twenty-first century. There is still a choice — a choice to turn from the path of war to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. It is never too late to make the right choice.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“Tonight, the path of diplomacy and dialogue that we have called for for so long is perilously narrow. The principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which we hold dear, have already been breached. Those principles now risk being further violated. Now is the time to show courage, to pull back from the precipice and to return to dialogue and diplomacy. The use of military aggression has no place in our modern world. Have we learned nothing from our history? The United Nations rose from the ashes of two World Wars. The senseless destruction of that era was born of the belief that military might makes right. That philosophy, applied with modern weaponry, would unleash devastation and human suffering, affecting millions of innocent people. Tonight, we stand with the people of Ukraine.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“Tonight, that drives our solidarity with Ukraine. It is our collective responsibility — indeed, our obligation — here at this table to maintain international peace and security, nothing less. That means we stand up for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every State Member of the United Nations. Let us be clear — the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine have not changed. The decision of Russia to recognize as independent entities the non-Government-controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine does not change those borders one iota. They did not change in 2014 and they have not changed this week. We urge the Russian Federation to reverse that decision immediately. We urge the Russian Federation to refrain from further escalatory, unilateral actions that can serve only to further deepen the crisis.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for their very sobering remarks at the beginning of the meeting. Tonight, as we gather at this table, we are staring into the abyss of a major conflict in Europe — a conflict that would have major global implications. Tonight, the core principles of the United Nations in which we believe are under attack. In Ireland, we know the importance of the rules- based international order. We know the importance of respecting the voice and integrity of all countries, big or small. Most fundamentally, we know the value of peace. We believe that one State threatening and using lethal force against another to get its way or to expand its territory is no solution. Ireland has a deep understanding, informed by our history, that dialogue and respect resolve disputes.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We maintain our position that national Palestinian elections are essential for renewing the legitimacy of national institutions. Such a process of democratic renewal is a critical element of State-building and will help support political efforts to resolve the conflict and make progress towards the realization of the two- State solution.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“I reiterate Ireland’s concern about Israel’s decision to designate certain Palestinian civil society organizations as terrorist entities. Ireland will continue to support Palestinian civil society and human rights defenders and their critical role in promoting international peace, human rights and democratic values. Meeting the essential needs of Palestine refugees remains a significant challenge. Ireland continues to encourage support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which provides assistance, protection and stability in a challenging regional environment. Finally, it is important for intra-Palestinian divisions to be addressed, and we support all efforts to that end.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“We recall the importance of upholding the historic and legal status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem and acknowledge Jordan’s important role in that regard. Ireland remains extremely troubled by how the policies of the Israeli authorities impact the human rights of Palestinians. Ireland is particularly concerned about the unequal treatment of Palestinians, the application of different standards in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel’s failure to ensure the protection and welfare of Palestinians living under its occupation. Practices around the detention and trial of Palestinian children, and the misuse of the Israeli military court system in particular, are unacceptable. We call on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“The continued escalation of settler violence, including in sensitive areas in East Jerusalem, is acutely worrisome, as was the recent burning of the home of a Jewish family in Sheikh Jarrah. Ireland continues to be concerned about the disparity in conviction rates between Israeli settlers and Palestinians who have committed acts of violence. Ireland calls on the Israeli authorities to bring to justice those responsible for carrying out violent attacks and ensure that they are held fully accountable. We are seriously concerned about threatened evictions and demolitions in Sheikh Jarrah, which will inevitably fuel tensions. The Lower Aqueduct Plan and other settlement plans threaten the contiguity of a future Palestinian State and should not proceed.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“Ireland also wishes to raise the issue of the killing of a 13-year-old boy just yesterday, south of Bethlehem. As the Special Coordinator said, children must never be targeted. It is the responsibility of the Israeli authorities, as the occupying Power, to ensure that all incidents involving the disproportionate use of force are thoroughly investigated, and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Ireland reiterates the long-standing European Union position that Israel must end settlement expansion, confiscations, demolitions and evictions. Such practices, all of which further entrench Israel’s illegal occupation, are underlying causes of tension and violence.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Coordinator for his comprehensive briefing this morning. Ireland is seriously concerned about the escalation in tensions in recent weeks across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Incidents of provocation, violence, including settler violence, and escalatory acts in the occupied Palestinian territory serve only to inflame an already tense situation. We are deeply disturbed by the continued reports of the use of excessive force by Israeli security forces. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that, between 25 January and 7 February alone, 215 Palestinians, including 28 children, were injured by Israeli forces in the West Bank. The killing of a Palestinian teenager by live ammunition on 13 February was shocking but, sadly, is not an isolated case.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“The conclusion of the file is yet another example of those efforts. We look forward to further positive developments in Iraq-Kuwait relations, especially regarding missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and missing Kuwaiti property, where we have seen strides in recent years towards resolving outstanding issues and addressing the tragic legacy of the past. In conclusion, we all recognize that today is a unique occasion. As we know, it is very rare that we successfully conclude a United Nations process in this Chamber. There is an old Irish proverb that says what is rare is wonderful.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8972 (2022) · source
“Nearly 31 years ago, the Council adopted resolution 692 (1991), by which it decided to establish the United Nations Compensation Fund and the Commission. In doing so, it provided a unique and effective means for enforcing State responsibility for unlawful acts, while making possible post-conflict reconciliation and reparation following devastating losses and damages. The joint efforts, commitment and perseverance of the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait, acting through the United Nations, remind us all of the enduring value of dialogue and multilateralism. As we have previously highlighted in the Council, there is an inextricable link between Iraq’s stability and that of the wider region. We have previously commended Iraq’s ongoing exemplary role in encouraging and facilitating regional dialogue over the past year.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8972 (2022) · source
“Ireland has been pleased to preside over the Commission’s Governing Council in Geneva at this critical moment in the Commission’s history. We welcomed the final payment made in January in respect of the last remaining claim with an outstanding balance and compensation awarded by the Commission. I particularly want to commend the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait for their cooperation with the Commission. I note especially the cordiality that has characterized relations on the file, exemplified by Kuwait’s support to Iraq’s request for a postponement of its deposit requirements in 2014, 2015 and 2016, when Iraq was dealing with the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. It is difficult to overstate the significance of this development.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8972 (2022) · source
“We welcome the unanimous adoption today of resolution 2621 (2022). I would like to thank Ambassador Gaffey for his briefing and to warmly welcome to the Chamber Mr. Fuad Mohammad Hussein, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, as well as our colleague Mansour Alotaibi, Ambassador of Kuwait. I would like to begin by echoing the words of my colleague Ambassador Gaffey in his recent letter (S/2022/104) to the Council and in the Chamber today. The fulfilment of the United Nations Compensation Commission’s mandate indeed marks an unprecedented achievement in the history of international claims resolution. As the Commission’s report (S/2022/104, annex) notes, it represents the first case of individuals having recourse to seek compensation from an aggressor State.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8972 (2022) · source
“It is crucial to achieving and sustaining peace. It is the right of all women to be in the rooms and at the tables where key decisions are made for the future of their countries and local communities. We also encourage efforts to ensure the inclusion of returnees and displaced persons in the forthcoming elections. (spoke in French) Sanctions are an important tool used by the Council to support the restoration of peace and security in the Central African Republic. I reiterate Ireland’s support for the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) and once again call for ending delays in appointments to its Panel of Experts. In conclusion, the region’s engagement has greatly contributed to the efforts to restore peace and security in the Central African Republic, including support for mediation efforts.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Continuing status-of-forces violations are unacceptable, as are disinformation campaigns against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and international partners. It is ultimately the people of the Central African Republic who suffer the most when the Mission is not free to fulfil its mandate. The local elections represent an opportunity for progress in the Central African Republic. We urge all actors to work to create an environment conducive to the peaceful holding of the local elections later in the year. We welcome efforts to promote the full participation of women in elections, both as voters and candidates. We have repeatedly insisted across many dossiers here in the Security Council that women’s participation is not a luxury or an optional extra.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Today a staggering 3.1 million people — 63 per cent of the population — are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. We condemn continuing attacks against humanitarian actors and obstructions to the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the strongest terms. Progress on the investigation into attacks against United Nations personnel is welcome, and we encourage the authorities of the Central African Republic to advance their efforts to bring those responsible to justice. We remind all parties involved in hostilities of their obligation to comply with international law, including humanitarian law, in all circumstances.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“We once again urge the authorities to ensure that there are thorough, impartial and effective investigations into all alleged violations and abuses, and we urge the authorities to hold those responsible to account, regardless of their nationality or affiliation. Ireland is deeply concerned about the reports of serious human rights abuses and violations involving other security personnel in the Central African Republic, particularly the Wagner Group. Accountability is key to ending the cycle of conflict. We take note of the announcement yesterday that the International Criminal Court has scheduled the opening of the trial in the case against Mahamat Said Abdel Kani for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Bangui in 2013. That should serve as a reminder to all parties that severe crimes must not go unpunished.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“We welcome the return of opposition leaders to the organizing committee of the republican dialogue, and we urge all political actors in the country to engage constructively. (spoke in English) Human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law continue to be perpetrated by all parties to the conflict. Suffering in the Central African Republic has intensified. We are seeing higher levels of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence against women. Moreover, we have seen yet another increase in the number of grave violations against children. The significant level of human rights violations committed by national security forces and other security personnel is particularly concerning.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Last October (see S/PV.8882), we welcomed the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire in the Central African Republic, which represented a very important step towards peace, as well as a return to the conditions of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. It is regrettable that progress has stopped there and that civilians suffer the most. I recall the Secretary- General’s call for all parties to commit to a ceasefire and engage in a genuine dialogue for peace, with the full and meaningful participation of women. A political solution based on a constructive and inclusive national dialogue represents an opportunity to advance peace and security, which the people of the Central African Republic fully deserve.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Ms. Byrne Nason (Ireland) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ndiaye, the African Union Special Representative, Mr. Matondo, as well as Executive Secretary, Mr. Caholo, for their very informative briefings this morning. I would like to acknowledge the presence at today’s meeting of Her Excellency Ms. Sylvie Valérie Baipo Temon. I take this opportunity to commend and sincerely thank Mr. Ndiaye for his invaluable work in extremely difficult circumstances in the Central African Republic.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The Council and its members have the responsibility to work to resolve that conflict rather than yield to a grim new chapter that will inflict further misery on Ukraine and its people. This is the time to show the courage to pull back from the precipice and return to dialogue and diplomacy. We all need to demonstrate our faith in the value of diplomacy tonight.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“At this sensitive time, it is imperative that the Mission be given the full access agreed in its mandate. We commend those who have engaged in dialogue and urge them to redouble their efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to this perilous situation. We owe nothing less to the people of Ukraine. We call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians as well as to refrain from any actions that would escalate the situation. Ukraine has already endured eight years of bitter conflict, with more than 14,000 lives lost. The people of eastern Ukraine in particular have suffered from years of insecurity, humanitarian crisis and human rights violations and abuses.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“The Russian Federation’s unilateral actions serve only to further raise tensions. Ireland once again calls for calm, de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomacy. Even if that call has not yet been heard, it is a call worth making again tonight. We need to see sustained and credible moves on the ground towards the de-escalation of the crisis. We urge Russia to reverse the recognition, withdraw its military forces and return to discussions within the Normandy format. All signatories to the Minsk agreements agreed on the need for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission’s safe and secure access to the entire territory of Ukraine. The mandate of the Mission was agreed by all 57 OSCE participating States.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“Yet now, four days later, President Putin has decided to recognize as independent entities the non-Government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk and to order troops into those two regions of Ukraine. This is the second time in less than 10 years that the Russian Federation has violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is a flagrant violation of international law. In taking that unilateral step, Russia has abandoned the Minsk agreements and cast into doubt all the diplomatic efforts of past weeks. Ireland commends Ukraine for the restraint it has shown in the face of Russia’s military build-up at its border and the provocation of the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Ireland, along with our European Union partners, supports a clear and unequivocal response to this violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“These include the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States. Ukraine has the same fundamental right as every other sovereign and independent State to choose its own foreign policy and to ensure the security and defence of its own territory. The commitments we make as Members of the United Nations are binding on every one of us — no exceptions. Last Thursday, during the meeting organized by the Russian Federation on the Minsk agreements (see S/PV.8968), we heard from Deputy Minister Vershinin that the goal of that meeting was for the Security Council to affirm that there was no alternative to that milestone document. We believe that the Council did just that.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“I, too, want to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. We meet tonight at a moment of great danger for the people of Ukraine; for peace and security in Europe; and for the international norms and principles that all of us around this table have a responsibility to defend. It is a moment that we had hoped to avoid, a moment that should have been averted by diplomacy and dialogue. We must respond to it by speaking clearly and honestly about this grave situation and how we can resolve it peacefully. So let me be clear about where we stand: Ireland’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders is unwavering. Ireland believes in and is fully committed to the core principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2022-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8970 (2022) · source
“We see the agreement reached by the Group at the end of last year on adherence to the July 2020 ceasefire as an important achievement and a sign that there can be progress if there is genuine political will. Eastern Ukraine has already endured 8 years of conflict, resulting in humanitarian disaster, serious human rights violations and abuses as reported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Just as we know that further conflict is not inevitable, we know, too, that wherever conflict occurs, it is civilians who bear the brunt. Ireland therefore sincerely calls on all sides to work peacefully towards an effective and sustainable political settlement of the conflict and to jumpstart that work today.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“All signatories of the Minsk agreements agreed on the need for safe and secure access for the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) to the entire territory of Ukraine. The mandate of the SMM was agreed by all 57 OSCE participating States. We therefore remain very concerned about the continuing restrictions imposed on the SMM’s freedom of movement. We also regret the fact that SMM equipment has been damaged or interfered with. I would like to express our deep regret concerning the decision by the Russian Federation to refuse to extend the mandate of the Border Observation Mission to monitor the border crossings. We commend the tireless efforts of Ambassadors Kinnunen and Çevik in the Trilateral Contact Group.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“The full implementation of the Minsk peace agreements and the related conflict-resolution efforts in the Normandy format and Trilateral Contact Group are important priorities for us. There is no doubt that we are now at a sensitive moment. Today, we call on all parties to act constructively within both formats. In that regard, we deeply regret the decision of the Russian State Duma to submit a call to recognize as independent entities the non-Government-controlled areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine. That would be a clear violation of the Minsk agreements. We are also concerned about reports of alleged shelling today in eastern Ukraine, as mentioned by Special Representative Kinnunen, which would also be a violation of the Minsk agreements.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“That is a right we hold to be self-evident. It is a right that Ireland struggled to obtain. As Russia’s military build-up at Ukraine’s border continues to raise tensions, Ireland again calls for calm, de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomacy. We need to see sustained and credible moves on the ground towards de-escalation. Genuine de-escalation will imply the significant withdrawal of both troops and equipment. We commend all who are engaged in dialogue, including through the Normandy format and Poland, as OSCE Chair-in Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), for launching the Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue. We support urgent, constructive and resolute engagement through all diplomatic channels.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“I would like to offer special thanks to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and to Ambassadors Kinnunen and Çevik today for their helpful and informative briefings. I would also like to recognize the presence of the high-level participants in the Council today. As I begin my remarks, it is important that I be clear — Ireland is a steadfast and consistent supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Ireland believes in and is fully committed to the core principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. They include the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States. Ukraine has the same fundamental right as every other sovereign and independent State to choose its own foreign policy and ensure the security and defence of its territory.”
2022-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8968 (2022) · source
“Ireland and our EU partners were deeply concerned by the violence that occurred following peaceful protests across the country. Respect for the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all citizens is fundamental to peace and stability in all circumstances, including in Kazakhstan. Ireland will always stand in strong defence of democratic principles and the right of a people to determine their political leaders and their system of Government. To conclude, Ireland reiterates its strong support for continued and strengthened cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations. By working together, we can do more, and we can do it better.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“It also sets the stage for continued regional peace and stability. Ireland strongly encourages the sustained prioritization of the women and peace and security and the youth and peace and security agendas in all regional organization partnerships. Ireland understands all too well from its own history that parity of esteem and mutual understanding — essential building blocks for peace — are achieved through constructive, interpersonal dialogues grounded in equality. We also know the value of the support that regional organizations can provide to peace processes and peacebuilding efforts. The recent events in Kazakhstan underlined the importance of preventive diplomacy and close cooperation of neighbouring States in preventing destabilizing conflict.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“Joint endeavours on transboundary water management, climate and security, counter- narcotics and cross-border trade have begun to lay the groundwork for stronger, more sustainable and resilient communities and economies across the region. We welcome Central Asian countries’ engagement with the women and peace and security and the youth and peace and security agendas. We see those as crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The United Nations has played a critical role in supporting such regional efforts. The Central Asia Women Leaders’ Caucus is a clear demonstration of the undeniable impact of women’s engagement in peacebuilding and preventive diplomacy. Providing spaces for the Central Asian youth to address the issues directly affecting them encourages reflexive cooperation and dialogue.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“Ireland, as a long-standing troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping, also participates in a number of United Nations-authorized EU missions and operations. Those support peace and security, facilitating political processes, protecting civilians, promoting human rights and enhancing the rule of law. In the 15 years since the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia was established, it has supported the efforts of the Central Asian nations to jointly build peace and security in their region through cooperation. Those efforts are an ongoing process but, by seeking solutions to common challenges rooted in cooperation, the countries of Central Asia have sought to ensure better outcomes for their citizens.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“The Council is charged with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. But we know that this requires collective and multilayered efforts. We have seen time and again the critical role that regional organizations can play, from promoting dialogue to mediation to advancing confidence-building measures. It is clear that strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations enhances our ability to prevent and resolve conflict and to advance the broader goals and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations. United Nations peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. In that context, regional organizations have also played an important role.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source
“I wanted to welcome among us this morning Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing earlier and warmly welcome Secretary- General Zas to our meeting today. I would like to acknowledge the participation of Collective Security Treaty Organization member States in today’s debate. We in Ireland have a deep appreciation of the vital role that regional and subregional organizations can play in building and sustaining peace. That is an appreciation informed directly from our own national history and experience. Our membership in the European Union (EU) was central to the growth and development of our country. But the EU also played a key role in the journey to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.”
2022-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8967 (2022) · source