YouSaid · the spoken record

Cardi

lines on the record
822
first
1996-04-23
most recent
2018-05-22
sittings or episodes
128
sources
un-security-council

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

  1. We are pleased with today's unanimous adoption of resolution 2351 (2017), which ensures that the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara will continue to fulfil its critical mandate in an increasingly complex and challenging operational environment. I would also like to thank the United States for its excellent presidency of the Security Council this month and its efforts to facilitate the complex negotiations on the resolution, and all Security Council members for the constructive and forward-looking approach that has led to today's consensus decision. The news that the remaining elements of the Frente Polisario withdrew today from the buffer strip in Guergerat is important because it fulfils the Secretary- General's request.

    2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source

  2. What emerged also in the Group ofSeven ministerial meetings in Italy recently, which also included key regional stakeholders, is that only a political settlement to implement resolution 2254 (2015) will bring this conflict and the dire humanitarian situation to an end. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm the importance of accountability for those responsible for the terrible crimes we are witnessing in Syria. Italy will continue to work with Council members to that end.

    2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source

  3. The conference also resulted in renewed efforts by the international community, both in the response to the humanitarian tragedy and also in the direction of a political solution because. As we know, the humanitarian and political dimensions are deeply interconnected. Improving the humanitarian situation is key to creating a constructive environment in Geneva, where talks will resume under the leadership of Staffan de Mistura. We cannot allow that critical negotiation to be jeopardized by an intensification offighting on the ground or by continued lack of humanitarian access to the population. The co-guarantors of the ceasefire and the Special Envoy have a responsibility in that respect, and we look forward to the next Astana meeting.

    2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source

  4. Legal and safe ways to ensure the movement of people fleeing from conflicts are paramount. We commend neighbouring countries that provide refuge to the millions of people who have fled the fighting. In that regard, the Italian Government is carrying out a programme called Humanitarian Corridors, which allows safe and legal entry to Italy for people fleeing the horrors of the combat. It is an act of solidarity and a means to combat trafficking, a model that other countries are following. I also wish to highlight the contribution of the recent Brussels conference. Italy confirmed its commitment of humanitarian aid and longer-term assistance for 2017-2018; but of course humanitarian assistance must be delivered to the population.

    2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source

  5. Local agreements between the parties to the conflict, often reached after months of siege and bombings - such as the agreement of the four towns - are also cause for concern. They respond to the military logic of the conflict rather than ensure the protection of civilians. The evacuations that follow such agreements, in which the United Nations is neither involved nor an observer, have to respect humanitarian principles. We encourage the United Nations to monitor the evacuation in the four towns and Al-Waer in order to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent further violations of humanitarian law. The consequences of the conflict have spread across the region. Instability radiates far beyond Syria, be it in the form of terrorism or in the form of uncontrolled flows of refugees.

    2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source

  6. It is important to focus on besieged areas, where the situation clearly is worsening, especially in eastern Ghouta, where the 400,000 people under siege have no medical facilities to rely upon since all has been destroyed. Convoys are ready to deliver much-needed assistance to Douma and elsewhere, but cannot proceed. The armed faction has provided written guarantee for the convoys, whereas the regime - despite Russian pressure - continues to deny this authorization. We support the call, therefore, for an immediate pause in the fighting to allow for humanitarian aid to be delivered to eastern Ghouta, which cannot become the next Aleppo. The Security Council should closely monitor this issue and step up the pressure on the relevant parties.

    2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source

  7. I thank Mr. O'Brien for his briefing. He and the humanitarian agencies have the full support of Italy. As we know, the Syrian conflict has already caused unspeakable levels of human suffering, death and displacement. International humanitarian law is violated. Terrorists continue to kill scores of Syrians, including children - like in the barbaric attack in Al-Rashidin on 15 April. The carnage, which reached new heights of horror with the chemical weapons attack in Khan Shaykhun, offends our common humanity and can undermine any path towards a credible end to the Syrian conflict. We take note of the increase in the number of inter-agency convoys that have reached their destinations in hard-to-reach areas since last month. That demonstrates that humanitarian access can be provided in Syria. But it is not enough.

    2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source

  8. We call on the regional stakeholders to act in unity and without further delay so that the parties may cease their hostilities. In South Sudan today, there is no peace and there is no security. The impact of the conflict on the region, in terms of refugees and arms flow, for example, is increasingly destabilizing. During last month's ministerial briefing, we observed that the time to contain that immense tragedy was ending. Today we observe, with regret, that our assertion is more pressing than ever. Therefore, in the next few weeks, the Council will have to carefully examine the options available in order to convince South Sudan that stability must be restored in the country.

    2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source

  9. The tragedy is driven by human rights violations, the use of child soldiers, sexual and gender-based violence as a war tactic, and the impunity guaranteed by the delays in establishing the Hybrid Court of South Sudan. There can be no peace without accountability. Anyone who thinks that the differences can be solved through military means must be deluded. The only result would be a divided, indebted country filled with resentment i a situation which would weigh on the population for generations to come. We ask all parties to comply with the relevant resolutions, to cooperate with UNMISS and allow the immediate deployment of the regional protection force. We will continue to support the shuttle diplomacy of Special Representative Alpha Konare, with the assistance of Mr. Shearer, Special Envoy Haysom, President Mogae and IGAD.

    2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source

  10. As the Secretary-General's letter (S/2017/328) indicates, the clashes are contributing to the exodus of the civilian population from the country. The final report of the Panel of Experts on South Sudan established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) (S/2017/326) explains that military action is continuing along ethnic lines, the delivery of humanitarian assistance continues to be met with attacks on personnel and the national dialogue announced by the Government has been indefinitely postponed. The result is that the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan keeps being violated, fighting widens in the country and there is no national dialogue. South Sudanese women and children are the first victims of that non-compliance.

    2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source

  11. We feel the need to repeat the five points that South Sudan is called upon to respect: immediate ceasefire; removal of obstacles to humanitarian assistance; support for the mediation efforts of the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); the removal of obstacles to UNMISS and the Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism and deployment of the regional protection force; and ending attacks on humanitarian personnel and facilities. We cannot but observe that with only a few days left until the expiration date of 30 April, set by the presidential statement, the situation has deteriorated on all five points. Despite the IGAD statement of 25 March, the ceasefire has not been announced in South Sudan.

    2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source

  12. I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, Mr. David Shearer, for his update on the situation in South Sudan. We are pleased to hear of the implementation of some measures to improve the protection of civilians and create weapons-free zones. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) can continue to count on Italy's support. I also wish to thank the Chair ofthe Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan, Ambassador Seek, and Ambassador Ciss for their report on the Committee's activities. As others have recalled, on 23 March the Security Council adopted presidential statement S/PRST/2017/4 on South Sudan.

    2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source

  13. Any solution intended to bring about sustainable peace in the Middle East will also need to address promptly and pragmatically the plight of those people, based on the two pillars of security and solidarity.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  14. Da'esh is on the defensive and is losing territory. However, two main challenges are now looming: stabilizing liberated areas, which is needed in order to prevent the resurgence of Da'esh, and countering the remaining threats of the transnational terrorist network, including the network of foreign terrorist fighters. Finally, I turn to the issue of people on the move in the Middle East. Being at the forefront of the migration emergency in the Mediterranean Sea and deploying countless resources to provide migrants and refugees with life-saving assistance, Italy appreciates the immense efforts undertaken by countries in the region, such as Lebanon and Jordan, which bear the burden of hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees and which, consequently, need the unwavering support of the international community.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  15. Accountability for gross and systematic violations committed in Syria is also crucial for preventing additional brutality and continued flouting of international norms. All those responsible for such breaches of international law will be held accountable in that framework. We fully support the investigation by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact-Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic into the Khan Shaykhun attack, and we call upon the Syrian Government and all parties to cooperate fully with the OPCW so as to allow for the prompt conclusion of its investigation. I would like to conclude with the mention of two issues that have a regional dimension: the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham or Da'esh, and the plight of refugees and migrants.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  16. In that regard, the Group of Seven (G-7) meetings last week, which was extended to some key regional stakeholders, were timely. On both occasions, which were convened by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Mr. Al Fano, all countries conveyed a strong message of support for the political process and for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, calling for the swift implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). At the G-7 meetings, efforts aimed at establishing a nationwide ceasefire were also welcomed, while concern was expressed at the violations of the ceasefire. An effective cessation of hostilities, as well as full humanitarian access, must remain our objective and our priority, as they feed into the Geneva process by creating an environment conducive to the political talks.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  17. Furthermore, as the Syrian conflict increased, UNIFIL and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force have contributed to sheltering Israel and Lebanon from the war, and have proved to be a shield against the non-State actors active in the area, whose actions continue to pose a serious risk of escalation, particularly in the Syrian Golan. Averting such escalation must continue to be a key priority for the international community. That is especially supported by countries such as Italy that contribute to the manning of United Nations stabilization missions there. Violence continues to plague Syria and cause tremendous suffering to the Syrian people. It is our collective responsibility to revitalize the chances for peace.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  18. The gradual process of the consolidation of Lebanese institutions still requires the full support of the international community, especially the active involvement of the United Nations. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is an example of how valuable the work of the United Nations in the Middle East can be. In times of widespread conflict, UNIFIL has managed to provide its area of operations with stability and security. Also, by enhancing interaction with the population through specific activities, UNIFIL has brought substantial calm to southern Lebanon, ensuring long-overdue tranquillity for Israel on its northern border.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  19. Turning to the recent developments in Lebanon, Italy encourages the Lebanese authorities to keep working towards the consolidation of institutions and the economy. Following the election of President Aoun and the establishment of the new Government under Prime Minister Hariri, we encourage all Lebanese political parties to spare no effort to reach an agreement to hold parliamentary elections by the end of 2017. That will be a crucial step toward the restoration of the full functionality of State institutions. Let me recall the importance that Italy attaches to the full implementation ofresolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006) by all parties in Lebanon, as a cornerstone for enduring national and regional stability.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  20. Against that background, we are open to considering new diplomatic schemes aimed at achieving a negotiated solution, provided that they remain within the boundaries of the Oslo framework. However, constructive efforts could be derailed by unhelpful steps on the ground. Unilateral actions are to be avoided by all parties, if mutual confidence is to be restored. In the meantime, we strongly support all possible practical collaboration between the parties in areas such as access to water and energy, sanitation and security, in order to improve the living conditions of all Palestinians. In that context, we commend initiatives that are beneficial to all parties involved, such as the Red Sea-Dead Sea project.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  21. Italy remains convinced that a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine needs to be based on a two-State solution, as the only achievable objective resulting from direct negotiations between the two parties. That is also consistent with the position that the European Union has held for years. In addition to the efforts by all relevant international actors, including those of the Special Coordinator and the Quartet, we have followed with optimism the latest attempt by the United States to reach out to the parties, which we trust can pave the way for concrete outcomes. In that spirit, the positive involvement of regional actors is of paramount importance, as well as that of the rest of the international community.

    2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source

  22. We believe that it is a key step towards better managing migration flows, which would also sustain the stability of Libya, its neighbouring countries and the Mediterranean in general. In conclusion, we can see that it is particularly important for the Libyans themselves to hear from the Council that we share the desire for a secure, democratic, prosperous and unified Libya in which the State authority and the rule of law prevail. That is indeed our challenge - to not let the Libyan people and institutions down while we facilitate their return to stability and prosperity and stand by their side in combating terrorism and criminal gangs of smugglers of human beings.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  23. In its efforts to combine security, solidarity and development, Italy remains committed to rescuing people at sea and helping migrants from the south to reach our shores. During Easter weekend alone, 8,500 people were rescued. But a stronger and shared effort is needed to enhance the capacity of the Libyan authorities to disrupt criminal networks that exploit illegal migration flows. Through its leadership role in Operation Sophia of the European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean, Italy is therefore working in partnership with Libya to jointly address that common challenge, thereby fostering cooperation in the area of the prevention of illegal immigration, human trafficking, smuggling and border security, based on a comprehensive approach.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  24. We support the Libyan economic dialogue to encourage cooperation between the Presidency Council, the Government of National Accord and the Central Bank of Libya. For the first time in years, the Government now has a budget to implement initiatives for the good of the Libyan people. We now call on the Government of National Accord and the Libyan Central Bank to stay the course and implement their agreement so as to keep the economy functioning and ensure that the necessary funds for Government activities bring the budget under control and end the liquidity crisis. My last point concerns migration. We reiterate our concern about the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking that has endangered the lives of thousands of people in the Mediterranean Sea.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  25. On 31 March, representatives of the Tebu and Awlad Sulayman tribes signed an agreement in Rome aimed at fostering reconciliation, combating terrorism and countering human trafficking. Tuareg representatives and Libya's Deputy Prime Minister representing the Presidency Council attended the ceremony in Rome. Fourthly, concerning the economy, we remain concerned about the latest developments with regard to oil infrastructure. As new sparks of tensions rise, it is crucial to reiterate our support to the mandate of the National Oil Corporation, acting under the authority of the Presidency Council to manage the oil infrastructure, resources and revenues for the benefit of all Libyans in line with the Libyan Political Agreement.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  26. In that regard, we echo the Secretary-General's report (S/2017/283) in welcoming progress on the formation of the Presidential Guard. We are also stepping up our humanitarian help in coordination with the Presidency Council, for example by offering medical treatment in Italy to injured Libyans, including those from the east who were involved in combating terrorism. We are also planning to step up our diplomatic presence in the east with a consulate and visa office in Tobruk. We are also focusing on the south of Libya, another key strategic area of the country. We have repeatedly provided emergency aid to those fragile communities, and we are promoting initiatives to enhance dialogue with local municipalities.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  27. Moreover, with regard to efforts aimed at reconciliation, we need to consolidate the progress achieved thus far by the country in very challenging circumstances. We have enhanced our capacity to reach out to the Libyan people and communities in the entire country through our embassy in Tripoli. We deem it crucial to promote stability through engagement with all Libyan parties. We are regularly reaching out to the east and actively promoting dialogue and mutual understanding with key political and security figures, including General Haftar. We are encouraging a constructive approach including on the crucial issue of implementing the formal security setup outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement with unified and strengthened national security forces under civilian oversight.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  28. A solution can be achieved only through inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation. We reject any attempt to use force to acquire political and territorial gains, and we emphasize the difference between acts against terrorist threats and those that can lead to the further deterioration of the situation in Libya. We are following with concern the recent violence in the south and the area of Sabha, We call for full de-escalation and avoiding provocative actions. We welcome the ongoing efforts of neighbouring countries and regional organizations. Cohesive and coordinated international efforts to support the United Nations- mediated political process can foster a constructive attitude for the Libyan stakeholders towards fully implementing the Libyan Political Agreement.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  29. First, the Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord, headed by Prime Minister Serraj, remain the sole legitimate executive authorities of Libya pursuant to resolution to 2259 (2015). Furthermore, we intend to support them as vigorously as ever in their crucial role in combating terrorism. Secondly, we encourage initiatives aimed at consolidating the Skhirat framework and improving it where possible through finding workable solutions to outstanding issues, including strengthening inclusivity within the Libyan Political Agreement framework. Thirdly, we promote the cooperation of the Presidency Council with all legitimate Libyan institutions to broaden its base of support and achieve a sustainable political settlement. There is no military solution to Libya's problems.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  30. I would like to thank the Special Representative for his comprehensive briefing and continuous efforts in Libya. Italy remains at the forefront of international support for the Libyan people, the institutions validated by Libyan Political Agreement in Skhirat and the mediation role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We are committed to the full implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement, while at the same time promoting reconciliation and inclusiveness. My first point concerns the political and security track. Cohesive support from the international community is key to consolidating the results attained thus far so as to fight terrorism and achieve stability. Our message should therefore be very clear.

    2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source

  31. The challenges of the Syrian crisis require strong cohesion and cooperation on the part ofthe international community. There is therefore no alternative to engaging and trying to find common solutions. Italy remains committed to working with the other members of the Council and the other members of the international community in doing so. As I said this morning, the international community has the duty to stop the horrendous suffering of the Syrian civilian population through a political solution and to bring back peace and hope for the future in that country.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source

  32. So long as no one is held accountable and faces tangible consequences for war crimes and crimes against humanity, the incentive will remain to continue to commit them. We will do our best to ensure that even in the absence of a specific Security Council resolution, the mechanisms in place work to clarify the facts and responsibilities relating to the Khan Shaykhoun attack as soon as possible. It is deeply disturbing that international humanitarian law and the international non-proliferation architecture continue to be blatantly violated. Upholding respect for these norms, including resolution 2118 (2013), and the Chemical Weapons Convention, which is the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime, should have been a shared priority, one that unifies us instead of dividing us.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source

  33. We voted in favour of the draft resolution (S/2017/315) in order to reiterate, first, our condemnation in the strongest terms of any use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances, and, secondly, our support for a full-fledged investigation into the facts in Khan Shaykhoun by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact-finding Mission and, as applicable, by the United Nations-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism. We call upon the Syrian Government and all parties in Syria to cooperate fully with the OPCW and the United Nations so as to allow for the prompt conclusion of its investigation into this heinous incident. Thirdly, there is a need to fight impunity.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source

  34. Italy had hoped that the unity of the Council would be preserved in ensuring swift action following the latest horrors in the Syrian conflict. As an elected member of the Security Council, we feel a special responsibility to live up to the expectations of the United Nations membership, which has entrusted us with helping to maintain international peace and security, a responsibility that today we were not able to uphold.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source

  35. Progress in Astana on the implementation of the ceasefire, humanitarian access and confidence-building measures feeds, of course, into the Geneva process by creating an environment conducive to the political talks. Finally, let me underline that progress on the political track is also key to ensuring better and more effective international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and the effort to end violent radicalization, extremism and terrorism needs to include a serious and genuine effort towards a peaceful transition and reconciliation process. Only a real political transition, we think, will eradicate terrorism from Syria.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  36. However, the situation on the ground has been deteriorating again, putting a considerable strain on the truce. An effective cessation of hostilities must be pursued as a matter of priority. The Syrian regime has not renounced its intention to achieve military territorial gains, and the ceasefire continues to be violated by all parties. Humanitarian access is denied in besieged areas, notably by the regime. All parties must allow rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need throughout Syria. It is paramount that the core guarantors of the Astana process, and more generally the key international stakeholders, exert all their influence in that respect.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  37. As the negotiationss move to the substance of the issues, no rapid major breakthrough can be expected, but we commend the Special Envoy for having kept the parties engaged in the process and committed to discussing the way forward, in accordance with the defined agenda and in line with resolution to 2254 (2015). The parties should now redouble their efforts to address in detail the substantive matters on the agenda. We have consistently encouraged the High Negotiations Committee to adopt a realistic and flexible attitude during the negotiations. Countries with influence on Damascus should now press the regime to engage seriously in negotiations and avoid dilatory tactics. The Astana process made an important contribution to the relaunch of the cessation of hostilities.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  38. In that regard, let me recall the timely discussions that took place yesterday at the ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven (G-7), and then in the G-7 enlarged to some key regional stakeholders, as Ambassador Alemy rightly reminded us. On both occasions, convened by Minister Alfano, all countries conveyed a strong message of support to the political process, and notably to the Geneva intra-Syrian negotiations and the efforts of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. We all need, therefore, to commit to a diplomatic search, not a military search, to support the Geneva talks and advance the political process by swiftly implementing all steps agreed by the Council in resolution to 2254 (2015).

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  39. At the outset, allow me to thank Special Envoy De Mistura for his briefing and especially for his leadership in advancing the political process in very challenging circumstances. After six years, violence and destruction continue to plague Syrian and cause tremendous suffering for the Syrian people. With time, attacks against civilians have become even more barbaricand despicable, if that were possible, as the horrific use of chemical weapons in the air strike in Khan Shaykhun showed last week. Given the current grave circumstances, a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and can relaunch the faltering cessation of hostilities, reconsolidate the political process and possibly bring this tragic crisis to an end is needed more than ever. We all have a collective responsibility in that.

    2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source

  40. All of the different tracks of the Syrian issue - the non-proliferation of chemical weapons, cessation of hostilities, the fight against terrorism, humanitarian access and political talks - can advance only if the Security Council is united. As an elected member of the Council, Italy will continue to work towards this strategic goal.

    2017-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7919 (2017) · source

  41. We must take a forward-looking approach. Italy calls on the international community to continue and redouble its efforts to achieve a United Nations- led political transition in Syria, in compliance with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). This remains the only way out of the crisis and the only way to avoid further violence and further tragedies in the country. We believe that all parties must now leverage all their influence so as to facilitate a real ceasefire, ensure full access to humanitarian aid and promote a process aimed at progressively building trust between the Syrian parties.

    2017-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7919 (2017) · source

  42. As Foreign Minister Alfano stated this morning, Italy understands the reasons for the United States' military action, which was proportionate in time and manner and a response to a prolonged sense of impunity that is completely unacceptable. It is also a deterrent to the risk of any further use of chemical weapons in Syria, in addition to the cases already ascertained by the United Nations, for which there already should have been a prompt and meaningful response, including in terms of accountability, which the Council must continue to seek. It is now, we believe, necessary and urgent to bring together all the main actors involved in the Syrian crisis so that they can work together to finally achieve a political solution that will free the Syrian people from of the tragedy that they been suffering for the past six years.

    2017-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7919 (2017) · source

  43. At the outset, let me express our solidarity with the Government of Sweden and our condolences in connection with the victims of the attack this morning in Stockholm. It bears repeating that the attack conducted on Khan Shaykhun on 4 April was ruthless and cruel, with a high death toll that included many children. It is a vile action that Italy and the European Union have firmly condemned and that add to Al-Assad's repeated violations of the ceasefire and the acts of violence repeatedly perpetrated by his armed forces against civilians. The Government of Italy is closely following the events that are unfolding in the Mediterranean in consideration of its many and direct interests in the stability of the region, where we are also playing a role as the security provider for the international community.

    2017-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7919 (2017) · source

  44. In that regard, allow me to recall Italy's role as a training and logistical hub, thanks to its facilities in Vicenza, in joint venture with the United States, in Brindisi, the Global Service Centre, and in Turin, the United Nations Staff College. In conclusion, I wish like others to pay tribute to the women and men serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions, and in particular to those who have lost their lives over the years.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  45. Technological innovation in particular is crucial to improving the performance of peace missions and increasing the security of peacekeepers, as highlighted by the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which Italy first provided to the mission several years ago. Finally, training, in particular predeployment and mandate-oriented training, is key. There must be a strong commitment to achieving the highest standards of conduct of United Nations peacekeepers, promoting initiatives between countries, providing training to troop- and police-contributing countries (TCCs and PCCs) and donors, including efforts to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation. The long-term challenge consists of promoting the self-sufficiency of TCCs and PCCs.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  46. Thirdly, the involvement of regional actors and the role of regional and subregional organizations are key to establishing an effective and successful political process. In that regard, I wish to mention the report (see S/2008/813) prepared in December 2008 by the group of experts chaired by Romano Prodi, which called for predictable financial support for United Nations- approved African Union peacekeeping missions. In that context, the European Union can also have a major role to play in complementing United Nations efforts on the ground, improving cooperation on mandates and mission planning and concluding agreements to operate jointly with the United Nations, as is already the case in Mali, in the Sahel, and in the Central African Republic. Fourthly, if we talk about efficiency, intelligence, equipment and training are essential.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  47. We should define an entry strategy, attainable objectives and measurable benchmarks for all the parties involved. Clear benchmarks for launching a responsible exit strategy should be provided at the outset. Sequenced benchmarks linked to political progress in the country should be established, as well as local ownership of stabilization to prevent dependency of the country on a mission. Mandates of course should also be flexible to evolve as the situation evolves. We should not refrain when possible from phasing out a military mission with a more agile and light-footprint mission based on specialized police units and civilian units focused on stabilization, the rule of law, justice and the protection of civilians.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  48. However, when examining or phasing out peacekeeping missions, we should avoid decisions driven only by the need to reduce costs, and avoid early disengagement that may lead to a redeployment of new missions in a deteriorating environment, as was the case in the past. Strategic patience should be at the core of our evaluations. Peace operations should be shaped by four main principles. The first is the primacy of politics and the centrality of the people. A peacekeeping mission should have as a core objective the support for inclusive political processes aimed at national dialogue and reconciliation. Protecting civilians in conformity with the Kigali Principles, to which Italy subscribed, must also be one of its main functions. The second principle is mandates.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  49. Peace operations should be seen in the broader context of prevention, peacebuilding, sustaining peace and post-conflict stabilization, in a sort of peace continuum where the quest for political solutions must be a primary goal. Yet, of course, resources are limited and should be utilized in a cost- effective way, including by progressively closing the gap between the resources the Organization spends on peacekeeping - almost $8 billion - and the budget for mediation and special political missions, which is about $600 million. We agree that peacekeeping missions should be regularly reviewed to assess their effectiveness, adherence to their mandates and the need for adjustments to address evolving situations.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source

  50. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, for example, plays a fundamental role in its interposition between the parties and as a mediator, through its tripartite mechanism. It is a concrete example of conflict prevention through patience, dedication and continued efforts by the parties and of a mission that makes a huge contribution to regional stability. In West Africa - in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire - peace missions achieved their goals thanks also to the political dimension of the United Nations presence, to a coordinated action at the regional level and to the critical role of the Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations Office for West Africa. As Secretary-General underlined, we need a more holistic approach to peace.

    2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7918 (2017) · source