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“Third is the designation by the United Nations Secretary-General and the sponsors of the 1995 resolution on the Middle East, in consultation with the States of the region, of a host Government for the 2012 Conference. Time is ticking away and 2012 is just around the corner. The Philippines therefore urges the Secretary- General and the three depository States to carry out the tasks that have been assigned to them by the 2010 NPT Review Conference with haste, while at the same time taking the utmost care to ensure that these tasks are done well and, of course, in consultation the countries of the region, as stated in the consensus Document. The 2012 conference presents a rare chance to show the seriousness and goodwill of stakeholders.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“First is the convening by the United Nations Secretary-General and the sponsors of the 1995 resolution on the Middle East, in consultation with the States of the region, of a conference in 2012, to be attended by all States of the Middle East, on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. Second is the appointment by the United Nations Secretary-General and the sponsors of the 1995 resolution on the Middle East, in consultation with the States of the region, of a facilitator with a mandate to support the implementation of the 1995 resolution by conducting consultations with the States of the region in that regard and undertaking preparations for the 2012 conference.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Final Document of the 2010 NPT Review Conference (NPT/CONF.2010/50 (Vol.I)) states: "The Conference reaffirms its endorsement of the aims and objectives of the Middle East peace process, and recognizes that efforts in this regard, as well as other efforts, contribute to, inter alia, a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons as well as other weapons of mass destruction." (Part 1, Conclusions and recommendations for follow-on actions, section IV, para. 2) In that regard, I wish to highlight key points agreed to at the 2010 NPT Review Conference with regard to the 1995 resolution on the Middle East.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I am referring to the goal of making the region free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. One of the tangible achievements of the successful 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) regarded how to make progress on the 1995 Review Conference resolution on the Middle East, which called for the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. The Philippines views the road to the establishment of this nuclear-free zone as a critically important confidence-building measure. We are convinced that the process can coexist with the ongoing peace process or initiatives, including those being undertaken by the Quartet for the region.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In that regard, similar to other like-minded States, the Philippines considers the two-State solution to be an effective answer to the peace problem. The Philippines has also repeatedly expressed its support for the complete and unconditional lifting of the blockade imposed by the State of Israel on the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Gaza. The embargo is counterproductive, and it serves only to collectively punish the hapless civilians, particularly women and children, in Gaza. As the international community anxiously awaits any breakthroughs in the peace talks between Israel and Palestine, I wish to point out one important building block, or a direction, of the foundation for long-lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“If this issue is not addressed, it could unfortunately lead again to greater tension, hostility and, worse, armed conflict. This impatience is reflected by the growing View that if Israel and Palestine cannot come to terms, then the outside world or other forces that may come into play have no choice but to impose peace on them. But we know all too well, and history teaches us, that durable and long-lasting peace must come from within and not from without. The Philippines shares with the Palestinian people their legitimate aspirations to achieve justice, peace and freedom. For many years, the Philippines has joined in the global clamour for the establishment of a Palestinian homeland to help alleviate the dire situation of the Palestinian people.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I think it is time to change gear, and give peace and security in that region a chance. In our highly interdependent and networked world, geographical distance and remoteness no longer isolate countries and regions from developments in others. The Middle East is a major source of oil and a big market for the exports and services of many countries, including the Philippines, and its stability and progress are essential for world peace and security. More than 2 million of my countrymen and women live and work in the Middle East. That is why the Philippine Government has an additional reason for attaching the utmost importance for peace and security to prevail in that troubled land. The Road Map to peace between Israel and Palestine has so far been hampered by obstacles and difficulties. Time and patience seem to be running out.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The timing of the Security Council's open debate today is indeed apt and well chosen. As we enter the new year, with renewed hope and resolve to work harder to attain international peace and security, there is no better choice than to start by discussing the situation in the Middle East and the question of Palestine, inasmuch as it is one of the most sensitive and long-running issues on the agenda of the United Nations. Since it has become a permanent fixture of the United Nations agenda, however, there is a danger that we sometimes deal with the issue in a ritualistic and mechanical manner, thereby losing the urgency and relevance that it truly deserves. Despite years of debate and the substantial energy and resources spent, the resolution of this problem still remains elusive.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“First of all, I should like to congratulate you, Madam President, your country and your delegation for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. I also wish to express my appreciation to you and the other members of the Security Council for this opportunity to address this Chamber on a matter that is of grave importance to us all - the peace, security and stability of the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. I also wish to thank Under-Secretary- General Lynn Pascoe for his useful briefing, which set the tone for today's open debate. At the outset, the Philippines associates itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, but at the same time it wishes to stress certain points.”
2011-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6470Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In that regard, the Philippines will continue to work with the United Nations to promote and strengthen this culture of protection, which is actually rooted in the sanctity of human life and respect for the human rights of every person on the planet, especially in conflict areas.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“9851 - the Philippine law on crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity - which mandates the protection of civilians and provides for the criminal and administrative liability of commanders and other superiors under the principle of command responsibility. I would also like to assure Council members that the new Government of President Benigno Aquino III continues to adopt measures and implement good practices on the protection of civilians as a matter of priority. In conclusion, the Philippines strongly believes that a culture of protection of civilians can be truly instilled if there is genuine domestic ownership of a culture of protection.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Thirdly, the Philippines has supported a more proactive approach through concrete efforts to protect civilians in the face of imminent conflict. This proactive way of protecting people will save more lives and reduce their vulnerability to the grim consequences of conflict. In that regard, the Philippines actively provides protection during armed conflict, especially to women and children, who are the most vulnerable segment of society. I cannot overemphasize the commitment of the Philippine Government to ensure the protection of civilians caught in armed conflict. We have put in place mechanisms for investigation and prosecution to deal with such cases. In that context, the Philippines enacted a new law in December of last year, namely, Republic Act No.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“First, as the Philippine Government continues to engage in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the New People's Army, it has also taken every measure to ensure that, until lasting peace is achieved, civilians are properly protected and those who commit violence and wrongdoing against them are held accountable. Secondly, the Philippines has consistently called for a system-wide approach where the work of United Nations bodies - namely, that of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council - on this issue is effectively integrated into the work of other entities, specialized agencies and, in applicable cases, non-governmental organizations and civil society.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In recent years, the various reports and recommendations on the protection of civilians caught in armed conflict have given us a good panoramic View of the problems associated with this issue. Among the relevant recommendations are the need to include the protection of civilians in any conflict-resolution strategy, improving humanitarian access, the role of United Nations peacekeeping and other relevant missions in the protection of civilians and the establishment of commissions of inquiry to reinforce accountability. The Philippines has taken those recommendations into account. In fact, we have taken appropriate measures to integrate them in the implementation of our national policies and work plan. I am therefore pleased to inform the Council of the following concrete steps that the Philippines has taken.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The adoption of resolution 1894 (2009) on 11 November last year once again reinforced the Council's commitment to the protection of civilians by taking concrete steps towards this end by ensuring humanitarian access, providing protection mandates to peacekeeping missions, and recognizing the need for the effective monitoring and reporting of cases. Despite the advances achieved in recent years, however, more challenges remain to be addressed, as pointed out by the United Nations officials concerned who have shared their insights on this issue. The open debate today therefore provides a good opportunity for us to take stock of the progress made on key issues and come up with new approaches to resolve them.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Philippines associates itself with the position of the Non-Aligned Movement delivered earlier by the Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt. I wish to commend you, Sir, and the United Kingdom delegation for putting the protection of civilians in armed conflict on top of the Council's agenda. At the same, I commend the United Kingdom for its able and competent chairmanship of the informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians since its establishment in January 2009. I also wish to express our appreciation to the Security Council for its consistent and untiring engagement on this issue, both at the thematic level and in country-specific cases, since the adoption of resolution 1265 (1999) in September 1999 - the first resolution on the protection of civilians.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Philippines is grateful for this opportunity to address the Security Council on today's open debate on the agenda item "Protection of civilians in armed conflict". The Philippines has always considered this issue to be of special importance, taking into account its national and international dimensions. The Philippine Government continues to work seriously to protect civilians in armed conflict not only in its own national territory, but also the overseas Filipino workers who are sometimes caught in fighting in areas of conflict or potential conflict in other parts of the globe. Thus, ensuring their safety is a top priority for the Philippine Government. I wish to thank the various speakers this morning for their very useful briefings.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We recognize that there will always be gaps and divergences in that implementation, but we remain optimistic that those inadequacies will be addressed in order to accelerate progress in the achievement of women's full and equal participation as active agents in peace and security. Finally, I should like to manifest my country's support for the Security Council's continued leadership in all issues encompassed under resolution 1325 (2000) and other, related resolutions to ensure that those issues are fully and consistently reflected and integrated in the Council's agenda.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Notwithstanding the advances made in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), challenges and obstacles remain. We take note of the Secretary- General's conclusion in his report that a major constraint to the implementation of the resolution has been the absence of a single coherent and coordinated approach guided by a clear framework, with concrete and specific goals and targets and supported by a meaningful set of indicators to track progress. We agree that there is a need to set up a comprehensive framework to establish strategic system-wide priorities and coherence. We support the endorsement of the indicators contained in the annex to the Secretary-General's report as guidelines for the overall monitoring of global and national implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The National Action Plan now serves as a reference point in assessing the Philippine Government's commitment to the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1898 (2009) and other resolutions on women and peace and security. Significant steps have been taken by my country to enhance the participation of women in peacekeeping operations, and we are determined to pursue policies and programmes that would help ensure full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in the international arena. In fact, in 19 United Nations peacekeeping missions where the Philippines actively participate and in the United Nations Missions in Haiti, Darfur, Golan Heights, Liberia, Sudan and Timor-Leste, 68 Filipino women are now serving with dedication and effectiveness.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Our plan has four major goals: first, to ensure the protection and prevention of violence of women's human rights in armed conflict and post-conflict situations; secondly, to empower women and ensure their active and meaningful participation in areas of peacebuilding, peacekeeping and conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction; thirdly, to promote and mainstream a gender perspective in all aspect of conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding; and fourthly, to institutionalize a monitoring and reporting system to monitor, evaluate and report to enhance accountability for the successful implementation of the Philippine National Action Plan and the achievement of its goals.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Implementation of national action plans is a key strategy for the achievement of commitments in the area of women, peace and security, and we hope to see the adoption of more national plans by other Member States to ensure the systematic monitoring and evaluation of activities with respect to policy goals. I am pleased to say that this year, on 25 March 2010, the Philippines became the first Asian country to adopt a national action plan on women and peace and security, implementing Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). Our plan envisions enhancing and strengthening women's role in peacebuilding processes.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“This is demonstrated by the fact that five years before the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the Philippines had already established the Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development, 1995-2025, a 30-year plan that gives due recognition to the important role of women in peacebuilding efforts and initiatives. We are also pleased to note the Secretary- General's observation in his report on women and peace and security (S/2010/498) that the development of national action plans to guide the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) represents a particularly important contribution by Member States and that a total of 19 such plans, some in post-conflict nations, have already been adopted.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“I would like to start to by expressing my heartfelt congratulations to Madam Michelle Bachelet for her appointment as Under-Secretary-General and Director of UN Women. We are confident that, under her leadership, the newly established UN Women will be able to perform its mandate expeditiously and effectively. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), it is incumbent upon us to take stock of the progress made since its adoption a decade ago and identify concrete actions to reinforce the integration of gender equality perspectives in the framework of peace and security. The Philippines attaches great importance to the integration of gender equality perspectives in peace and security issues.”
2010-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6411Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As we clearly saw in 2006, the premature disengagement of UNMIT could produce catastrophic consequences for Timor- Leste. Even closer coordination among UNMIT, the Timorese Government and all stakeholders is needed as the UNMIT mandate expires. At this point, I wish to assure you, Mr. President, and all of our partners in the United Nations, especially the core group on Timor-Leste, that the Philippines stands ready to do its part to contribute to the success of UNMIT and to the ongoing and future peacebuilding efforts in Timor-Leste.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“Handing over primary policing responsibilities to the PNTL will require sustained and concentrated efforts to ensure that it will provide a strong foundation for long-term institution- and capacity-building. Strengthening civilian oversight and management capacities over State security forces is equally critical. In sum, there is still more work to do. The latest positive developments have emboldened UNMIT to implement a downsizing plan throughout 2010, in close coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste. As the situation continues to improve and as we see the readiness of the Timorese Government and people to take responsibility for their own peace and security, what will remain for UNMIT to do is to sketch an exit strategy that is realistic, practical, transparent and cost-effective.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“The Philippines welcomes the planned visit of the Security Council to Timor-Leste, which is being organized by Japan for November. The visit will no doubt provide Security Council members with first-hand information about the country. Their presence there will further reinforce the commitment of the United Nations to helping the country to achieve peace, stability and progress. While we are encouraged by the good and encouraging news, the Philippines maintains guarded optimism over the overall situation. Beneath the current situation there still lie certain concerns that must be addressed with greater vigour and determination in the short term. Foremost among these is the ability of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) to take over the role of UNMIT and the United Nations police.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“The Timorese Government, political parties, civil society, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders have joined hands to address crucial development and governance issues. On the economic front, the news is upbeat. Timor-Leste's economy is bullish and projected to grow by an impressive 10.4 per cent this year. That will no doubt strengthen the foundations of the country's economic base. There has been a slight decrease in the crime rate, as compared to previous months. The Philippines is pleased to note that the overall crime rate does not pose a serious threat to the current law and order situation. The situation in that regard has allowed UNMIT to gradually reduce the number of its police officers, thereby allowing the national police to take a more active role and greater responsibility.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“As an active member of the core group on Timor- Leste, the Philippines welcomes the recent positive developments emanating from that country. At present, the Philippines contingent in UNMIT and United Nations police has a total of 137 personnel serving in the country, 14 of them women. As the drawdown plan is carried out in the coming months, many of them will of course look forward to successfully finishing their tour of duty and leaving Timor-Leste and its people on the path to peace and stability. As indicated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/522), the general political and security situation in the country has improved substantially. There is now intensified focus on measures and initiatives needed to sustain stability, deepen democracy and the rule of law, reduce poverty and strengthen civic and judicial institutions.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October, and to express my appreciation to you and the other members of the Security Council for this opportunity to address the Council on issue of the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT). I would also like to express our appreciation to Ms. Ameerah Haq, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor- Leste and head of UNMIT, for her useful and timely briefing. Allow me also to extend my appreciation to Ambassador Sofia Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, for her presence here and for the statement she delivered earlier.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“The handover of tasks and responsibilities from peacekeepers to national partners in the post-conflict period must be given priority in the early stages of the peacebuilding process. However, the Philippines acknowledges that in an immediate post-conflict scenario, United Nations peacekeepers are more often than not tasked to carry out initial peacebuilding responsibilities such as providing basic security, delivering peace dividends, shoring up and building confidence in the political process and strengthening core national capacity - all intended to lay the foundation for sustainable development. In closing, allow me to reiterate our full cooperation with the Security Council as well as our continuing commitment to help keep the peace and security and to prevent the escalation of conflict in various regions across the globe.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“The Philippines agrees that the elements of this framework must be implemented simultaneously in order to achieve concrete results in the most efficient, expeditious and proper manner. With regard to peacebuilding, our position is also well known. The Philippines believes that United Nations peacekeepers should not be considered long- term peace builders, as peacebuilding is a national challenge that entails national ownership and responsibility. We have said before that only national actors can address in a sustainable manner the needs and goals of their respective societies. Hence, national ownership of the process is the ultimate goal and must be emphasized to both our peacekeepers and the national actors and stakeholders.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“However, the Philippines acknowledges the continued efforts made by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS) to fully address these increased demands, despite other challenges and difficulties. With regard to the protection of civilians in conflict areas, especially women and children, it is well known that the Philippines supports the three-tiered framework proposed by DPKO and DFS in conceptualizing the role of United Nations peacekeeping operations in protecting civilians. To reiterate, these are providing protection through the political process, providing protection from physical violence and establishing a protective environment.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“The Philippines is especially aware of the sacrifices that our peacekeepers make - especially those who are deployed in harsh and hostile areas - and salutes all those who have given their lives in the cause of peace. For the past several years, we have seen how the United Nations has struggled to meet the increase in the demand for peacekeepers worldwide. As an active troop-contributing country, the Philippines is aware of the deep operational demands of peacekeeping and how these demands continue to grow and evolve. Certainly, the extension and, in some cases, the expansion of mandates are among the manifestations that we can see. We continue to note that often this surge or increase in the demand has not always been matched with the capabilities and resources required to meet our peacekeeping commitments.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“I also wish to inform the Council that the Philippines is now in the process of strengthening its own peacekeeping mechanisms to allow it to respond more effectively to United Nations requests for troop contributions. We are now working on a new road map that takes into account recent developments in the field of peacekeeping and which, we hope, will lead to the expansion of our participation in United Nations operations in the near future, wherever they may be. The Philippines has been closely monitoring developments in how we help keep the peace in conflict areas abroad. We remain satisfied with the achievements made by the United Nations thus far and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the courageous and dedicated men and women serving under the blue and white flag of our United Nations.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“I am pleased to share with Council members and all other delegations present that, at present, there are about 1,057 Filipino military and police personnel serving with peacekeepers from other Member States in nine mission areas around the world. Just last year, the Philippines expanded its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations with the deployment of a 336-man infantry battalion to the Golan Heights. The Philippines has also been given the honour of leading United Nations operations in the Golan, with, as I have already mentioned, the appointment by the Secretary-General of Major General Ecarma as Head of Mission and Force Commander.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“At the risk of sounding nostalgic, if not mellow, in the face of the very serious issue before us, allow me to recall that it has been 47 years since the Philippines first engaged in and contributed to the maintenance of international peace with the deployment of a 40-member air force squadron to the Congo. Since that time, the Philippines has endeavoured to fulfil its international commitment to contribute to the preservation of peace and security in the world. Despite our limited resources, the Philippines strives to find ways to help shoulder the peacekeeping burden by addressing the need of the United Nations for troops and police officers for existing and emerging missions.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“I also wish to acknowledge the contributions made by the force commanders: Lieutenant General Sikander Afzal of Pakistan for the United Nations Mission in Liberia; Major General Luiz Guilherme Paul Cruz of Brazil for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti; Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Major General Moses Bisang Obi of Nigeria for the United Nations Mission in the Sudan; Major General Robert Mood of Norway for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization; and our very own Major General Natalio Ecarma III for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. Their initiatives and efforts have certainly made a difference in their respective missions and operations.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“On behalf of the Philippine delegation, I warmly congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. Let me assure you of my delegation's full support and cooperation during your term as President of this body. I also wish to express my appreciation to the Security Council for this opportunity to address it on this important issue. The Philippine delegation also conveys its appreciation for the briefing by the Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy, and commends the men and women in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations both here at United Nations Headquarters and in the various field missions overseas.”
2010-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6370 (2010) · source
“The 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), through follow-on action to the resolution on the Middle East adopted at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, has opened a gateway through which other options could contribute towards a peaceful Middle East. In conclusion, the Philippines applauds the Security Council for its full and continuous involvement in this issue. I wish to assure the Council and all of our partners in the United Nations that the Philippines stands ready to do its part to contribute to the building of a lasting peace in the region and to helping Israel and Palestine find a way forward towards peaceful and friendly coexistence.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Philippines strongly supports the role of the Madrid Quartet - the United States, the European Union, the Russian Federation and the United Nations - the Arab Group, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement and even non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups in ensuring that the momentum for peace talks does not fizzle out. From a much broader perspective, all countries in the Middle East must be encouraged to find the fortitude to explore uncharted avenues to durable peace in their part of the world.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The United Nations therefore bears the inescapable responsibility to take the steps necessary to alleviate the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people. The Philippines urges Israel and Palestine to re-establish their proximity talks and negotiations. It is a tortuous and fitful process, but it is the only viable course of action. The Philippines believes that only a diplomatic solution - that is, resumption of a sincere and meaningful dialogue between the two contending parties - can bring a just, comprehensive and enduring solution to this problem. The environment of conflict and anguish and the climate of fear should not be allowed to continue. Instead, both parties must promote a climate of trust and respect towards one another, as future neighbour States.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Philippines joins the Non-Aligned Movement and other partners in calling for the full and immediate lifting of the blockade leveled against Gaza to enable, to the extent possible, the free entry of food, medical supplies and other daily necessities. The Philippines believes that the continued existence of this blockade only succeeds in alienating and punishing the innocent Palestinians. Moreover, the residents of Gaza must also be allowed to move freely and to travel to their place of work or employment outside of Gaza without hindrance or harassment. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza, particularly women and children, who suffer the most in this conflict.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Philippines has always supported the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian State, and the Philippines has for many years joined in the global clamour for the establishment of a Palestinian homeland. In this regard, the Philippines sees merit in the two-State solution proposed by our partners for peace, and hopes that both Israel and Palestine will join hands together to achieve a long-lasting and durable solution to the problem. The Philippines is sensitive to the legitimate security concerns of the State of Israel and the right of its people to live free from fear and free from harm. Indeed, the Philippines shares Israel's deep concern for its safety and its existence as a State. But as we have witnessed repeatedly, force only begets force.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“I should like first to congratulate you, Madam, on having assumed the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July, and also to express my appreciation to you and the other members of the Security Council for this opportunity to address this Chamber on a matter that is of grave importance to all of us - the peace, security and stability of the Middle East. The Philippines associates itself with the statement delivered this morning by the representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Align Movement, but at the same time wishes to stress certain points. The Philippines position regarding the situation in the Middle East, specifically the Palestinian question, remains clear and consistent.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Aquino III will take further steps and measures to implement a long-lasting solution in ensuring the protection of children in difficult circumstances. With that, we hope that we will soon be de-listed from annex II of resolution 1612 (2005) so that the Council can devote more of its time to its core competencies in accordance with the United Nations Charter. We await the conclusions and recommendations of the Security Council's Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict, to be released next month. We stand ready to continue to work with the United Nations and other stakeholders to uphold and carry out the protection of the rights of children, including those in the midst of armed conflict.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“With respect, for instance, to alleged military operations mentioned in the report, according to which children were adversely affected, the point-by-point explanation stated that, in fact, no military operation occurred on the dates sited. Let me, however, assure the Council that the Philippine Government will remain untiring and vigilant in the investigation of the allegations and will enforce the necessary measures to ensure the protection of children wherever they may be and whatever circumstances they may be in. Challenges, of course, remain as we move forward to address the difficult situation of children in conflict areas. But cases of children in difficult circumstances in armed conflict in the Philippines, we would like to stress, are not really rampant. The new Administration of President Benigno Simeon C.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“At this point let me briefly address the concerns regarding alleged violations committed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Philippines regards such allegations with seriousness and deep concern. It is in this regard that we immediately requested Manila to investigate the allegations to verify the accuracy of the negative reports. The response of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the allegations was duly forwarded to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. It contains a point-by-point explanation regarding the allegations contained in the report.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In addition, the Philippine Government has actively pursued with great and sustained vigour the Philippines' comprehensive programme on children involved in armed conflict by directing relevant agencies to work closely to implement the national programmes and monitor compliance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. I wish to stress that the Philippine Constitution itself guarantees the promotion and protection of the rights of children and mandates the State to promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being, defend their right to assistance and provide them special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, exploitation, cruelty and other conditions harmful to their development.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Notwithstanding these positive developments, let me reiterate the position of my Government that engaging non-State armed groups, including for the purpose of securing the protection of children, should be approached in the most careful manner, taking into account the larger peace processes that the Philippine Government is pursuing with non-State groups in the country, particularly with the MILF and the group comprising the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army and the National Democratic Front.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source