YouSaid · the spoken record

Cherith Norman-Chalet

lines on the record: 108
first: 2020-04-07
most recent: 2020-10-21
sittings or episodes: 19
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

“Far too often, and sadly, we still see the six grave children and armed conflict violations being committed globally. This tragic fact is starkly illustrated, on a scale that is really hard to imagine, in this year’s report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/525). Such violations include the continued killing and maiming of children, the recruitment and use of child soldiers, sexual violence and abduction, attacks against schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access. Such acts must end, and perpetrators must be held to account. Even though many of us have taken steps to both help reduce the impact of armed conflict on children and support reintegration efforts around the world, our collective efforts and work on this issue are far from over, as so many have said already.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“As I begin my remarks today, I should like to offer my thanks to Special Representative Gamba de Potgieter and UNICEF Director Fore for their efforts to spotlight and address child protection around the world. Those efforts are noble and consequential. One of the most powerful lines that Ms. Fore spoke during her opening statement just now is that children are not pawns, and it must stop. We fully agree, and it is so true. Fifteen years after the Council established its Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and the United Nations-led monitoring and reporting mechanism, the United States remains fully committed to supporting this critical work because the impact of conflict on children remains all too real around the world.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“There is no contradiction between protecting civilians and using MINUSCA’s good offices to support the success of the peace agreement. Indeed, the two efforts are mutually reinforcing. Finally, we understand MINUSCA suffered its first fatality from COVID-19 on 11 June, and we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to the entire Mission and to the late staff member’s family.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Following the Secretary-General’s 23 March call for a global ceasefire to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we note that the Front populaire pour la renaissance de la Centrafrique, the Front démocratique du peuple centrafricain, and the Retour, réclamations et réhabilitation armed groups publicly declared their adherence. However, the Secretary-General has observed that those declarations have yet to translate into action on the ground. It is deeply troubling that the same armed groups professing a commitment to a ceasefire are conducting military operations against their competitors and unarmed civilians. As we have said before, MINUSCA’s top priority, as directed by the Security Council, is the protection of civilians.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“We also continue to support the United Nations Development Programme’s role in providing, together with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), essential assistance, and we will conduct complementary programming ourselves. However, the United States remains deeply concerned that some armed groups continue to interfere with the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic with the resurgence of acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups in Birao, Bria, Ndélé, and Obo.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“The second decree specified that the Central African diaspora will be allowed to vote overseas in 13 countries, including the United States. According to the Secretary-General’s most recent figures, the United Nations recognizes there are approximately 697,000 internally displaced persons in addition to the 616,000 Central Africans registered as refugees in neighbouring countries. Today we reaffirm our support for efforts aimed at enabling and encouraging the full participation of refugees and internally displaced persons in the elections. The United States remains committed to helping the Central African Republic hold credible and timely elections that will confirm the legitimacy of the elected Government, improve the long-term stability of the country and reinforce the democratic progress achieved by Central Africans in recent years.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Commissioner Chergui and Managing Director Vervaeke for their briefings today. First and foremost, today we wish to congratulate the Government of the Central African Republic on its efforts to advance preparations for credible, free and fair elections. We were especially heartened by the Constitutional Court’s recent decision emphasizing that “any slippage of the electoral calendar should derive from broad national consultations seeking a consensual solution.” We further commend the Government for issuing two decrees that are crucial for the timely holding of the elections. The first set the voter registration period, which starts today and ends on 28 July, with the final voters list released in September.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic will only worsen the country’s deeply concerning humanitarian crisis, and we urge full humanitarian access be provided to public health responders. We are also deeply concerned about the death of journalist Samuel Wazizi, who was held for over 300 days in military detention. It is important that there be an independent investigation into his death and that the results be made public. Looking forward, we welcome the reporting of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fall on the electoral developments that will play out during the remainder of 2020 and into 2021. As we all know, elections can have an outsized impact on security, so we appreciate his efforts to relay those developments in a timely and comprehensive manner.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“Therefore, we have committed more than $1 billion for emergency health, humanitarian, economic and development assistance specifically aimed at helping Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations fight the pandemic. Included in that amount is approximately $100 million exclusively for Central African countries. Today, the United States would also like to direct the Council’s attention to the situation in Cameroon, where the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports there are nearly 680,000 people displaced in the North- West and South-West regions of the country owing to the conflict there. We are encouraged to learn that some armed groups in Cameroon have responded to the Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“The United States is encouraged to hear of improving and deepening coordination among Central African States on such issues as the response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, combatting cross-border armed groups, and reform of the Economic Community of Central African States. At the same time, we are especially concerned about the impact of COVID-19 in Central Africa. The effects of the crisis on the economies of the region — most notably, those dependent upon oil revenues to support growth — underscores the region’s vulnerability to global shocks. The United States is committed to supporting COVID-19 response efforts in the subregion, and we share the concern regarding the ability of national health systems to prevent the spread, especially in countries already experiencing humanitarian crises.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Fall for his continued efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace and stability to the Central African region. We very much appreciate his consistent and frank communication with the Security Council. Before I continue with my statement today, however, I would also like to extend the condolences of the United States to the people of Burundi on the untimely passing of President Pierre Nkurunziza. The disturbing news of his death comes as he was poised to step down at the age of 55 to allow the peaceful transition of presidential power in his country. During the seven-day mourning period, we hope the people of Burundi know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“The Residual Mechanism has been an important part of this work and we will continue to support its efforts on behalf of victims.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“The work of the Residual Mechanism remains vital, relevant and crucial for the administration of justice, as we have laid out this morning. We urge the Council to support the extension of this mandate, as its work must continue. The Prosecutor continues to provide deeply troubling reports about the ongoing challenge of genocide denial and non-acceptance of historical truths in both Rwanda and the Balkans. We cannot bring back those whose lives were lost, but we would fail to ensure justice for them and their loved ones if we did not act forcefully when leaders seek to turn certain populations into scapegoats for society’s ills or deny historical facts. We must recommit to protecting the welfare of civilians during armed conflict and to holding those who violate international humanitarian law accountable.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta cases, we note that attempts to interfere with witnesses or otherwise undermine court proceedings are a grave threat to the rule of law and must be dealt with seriously. We also commend the Residual Mechanism’s efforts to support national judicial efforts, from the Balkans to Rwanda. These proceedings remain vital to ensuring that the pursuit of justice will not end even as prosecutions at the Residual Mechanism conclude. We note Rwanda’s progress in continuing to try cases related to the genocide and urge Balkan States to improve their cooperation across national systems. We will also strongly support the renewal of the Residual Mechanism’s mandate, which we have under consideration at this time.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We mention these again to reiterate the importance of the case against Mladić, and we welcome the work that the Residual Mechanism is undergoing and the efforts to continue the work of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in adjudicating General Mladić’s responsibility for grave crimes committed during the war. Similarly, we acknowledge progress on the retrial of Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes for their alleged roles in the unlawful, forcible removal of non-Serbs from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. As regards the contempt proceedings in the Prosecutor v. Turinabo et al. and the Prosecutor v.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We acknowledge that in- court proceedings have had to be delayed, and we commend its efforts to adhere to public-health guidelines while doing its work. We hope that the Residual Mechanism is able to proceed expeditiously with the Mladić appeal, as the conclusion of that case will be an important moment for the victims. General Ratko Mladić served as the commander of the Bosnian Serb army during the genocide of Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica, and his forces raped women and girls, shelled and sniped the civilian population of Sarajevo, and brutalized Muslim and Croat prisoners — all with the horrifying objective of permanently removing Bosnian Muslims and Bosnian Croats from Bosnian Serb-claimed territory.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“Kabuga’s alleged role in the horrific acts perpetrated in Rwanda. We further congratulate the Residual Mechanism and its collaborators on confirming the death of the long-time fugitive Augustin Bizimana. We will continue to support the Residual Mechanism’s efforts to apprehend the remaining six Rwandans still wanted for their roles in the 1994 genocide. The United States continues to offer rewards of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest, transfer or conviction of any of the remaining fugitives. We strongly urge all countries to cooperate fully with the Residual Mechanism and bring these people, wanted for some of the worst crimes in history, to justice. As mentioned, the global pandemic has impacted every aspect of the United Nations work, and the Residual Mechanism is no different.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“The United States wishes to congratulate the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, the Government of France and all the other national and international bodies that collaborated to bring about the recent arrest of Rwandan businessman Félicien Kabuga, who was indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law. Mr. Kabuga is alleged to be the main financier and backer of the political and militia groups that committed the Rwandan genocide, as well as the founder of the notorious Radio Télévision Libre des Milles Collines. Mr. Kabuga’s arrest after 26 years at large demonstrates the continued relevance of the Residual Mechanism and its work. We support its efforts to ensure that justice is meted out for Mr.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“I thank President Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings. We are grateful for the hard work and unwavering commitment of the judges, attorneys and staff in Arusha and The Hague, as well as in the field offices in Kigali and Sarajevo, in their pursuit of justice for the victims in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, always. But we are especially grateful for their work in this challenging time, as we adjust our working methods due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). I also want to extend our condolences to the families of staff members who have passed away during this time of COVID and due to COVID.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“The sustainability of our collective efforts to stabilize the region will depend on the progress of the Governments, civil society and the private sector in G-5 Sahel States to create effective, citizen-responsive governance, increase access to opportunity for all citizens and respect and embrace human rights, accountability, and inclusiveness. Also critical will be increasing the meaningful participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in decision-making. Together, these endeavours can achieve durable peace and stability and unleash the potential of this vital region and its people.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“Root causes of conflict must be addressed through coordinated humanitarian aid and long-term assistance in health, agriculture, citizen-responsive governance, democracy and human rights. We urge the signatory parties to the Algiers accord to act on their commitments and swiftly implement the agreement. The provisions of the accord will have a stabilizing effect not just in northern Mali but also in the entire Sahel region. Once the Government of Mali and those of its partner countries take real, substantive action on the accord, they can focus more resources and attention on terrorist threats that are spreading in the region.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing today. The situation in the Sahel remains one of the United States top security concerns in Africa, and the challenges of the coronavirus disease pandemic make it all the more important for the international community to work together. The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) remains the long-term solution to re-establishing security in the Sahel. The United States is committed to supporting the Joint Force by providing equipment, training and advisory support to fill critical capability gaps on a bilateral basis, and continues to call on other countries to do the same. We commend the steady progress we have seen over the past few months in Joint Force operations. But Joint Force operations alone will not be enough.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“The United States remains a steadfast partner in its commitment to promoting peace and stability in Somalia, and to working with our international partners in assisting the country reach its goals for a peaceful and prosperous future. And we also welcome the presence with us today of the Permanent Representative of Somalia and the other briefers.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“The AMISOM mandate renewal is also an opportunity for the Security Council to send a strong message to all stakeholders in the region that transitioning security responsibilities to the Somalis remains a priority. We are still very concerned that the Somali transition plan remains off track. Implementation of the transition plan must accelerate this year to prepare for the transition of security responsibilities from AMISOM to Somali forces in 2021. We welcome efforts to update the plan, but meeting the existing benchmarks remains the primary challenge. We urge that the plan assess impediments to progress and lay out steps to meet benchmarks for force generation, security-sector reform and civilian security.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“COVID-19 appears to be spreading rapidly in Somalia, which lacks the resources and health infrastructure to respond effectively. We underscore the need for timely, reliable and more equitable humanitarian assistance, and we encourage other Governments to join us as we pledge our ongoing support to assist with humanitarian aid and to help mitigate the crop damage and food insecurity the swarms and flooding are causing. Considering these many challenges, looking to the AMISOM mandate renewal this month, we must consider how AMISOM can more effectively respond to the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab. Elements include strengthening its command- and-control structure, prioritizing more mobile combat operations and increasing its focus on mentoring and advising Somali National Army forces in the field.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“We regret that the Federal Government of Somalia and federal member state leaders still have not met at the leadership level to discuss national priorities and reforms, despite repeated calls from the Security Council. We urge President Farmajo to call a meeting of the National Security Council, as required by the Constitution, as soon as possible to discuss election planning, security cooperation and other urgent national priorities. We also remain concerned that security resources needed to fight Al-Shabaab are being misused for political rivalries in certain regions. Federal cooperation is all the more critical given the multitude of humanitarian crises facing Somalia as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), flooding and locusts.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“We call on the Federal Government of Somalia to equip and deploy a police presence to liberated towns in order to maintain security and re-establish Government services in Lower Shabelle and beyond. We welcome Somalia’s continued commitment to holding elections on schedule beginning later this year, but we are concerned that planning and implementation is falling far behind schedule. We call on the Parliament to pass outstanding electoral legislation, and on Mogadishu to bring together federal member states, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to reach consensus on the electoral process. We encourage each of these parties to work together and to agree on a practical model for peaceful, timely, inclusive and credible elections.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“However, there are also challenges and obstacles that require further attention, as many of the other Council members have highlighted today. The United States condemns the ongoing campaigns of violence and terror by Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Somalia. We express our deepest condolences to victims and their families, and remain committed to working with Somalia and our international partners to counter their threat. We acknowledge the tremendous sacrifices that AMISOM troop-contributing countries have made in this important fight. While the progress made by the Somali National Army and AMISOM to clear and hold territory in the Lower Shabelle is historic, much work remains to be done, including the expansion of their control of other areas.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Swan for joining us today and for his leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia. The United States welcomes the positive developments Somalia has made so far this year. Debt relief has opened new access to international grants to support economic growth, development and reform. The Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have continued to gain ground south of Mogadishu against Al-Shabaab. And the meeting between President Farmajo and Somaliland President Bihi on the margins of the African Union Summit in February holds promise for reconciliation between Somalia and Somaliland. It also gives hope for ongoing reconciliation efforts in Jubaland and Galmudug.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“We agree that implementation of the note by the President of the Security Council (S/2017/507) and the recently adopted notes should be the primary focus of the Working Group at the present time. We also agree that it is important to find the right balance between transparency and effectiveness and efficiency. We consider it important that the Council maintain sufficient flexibility to respond to changing circumstances throughout our work, and we look forward to engaging on working methods within the Working Group under the leadership of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines over the coming year.S/2020/418”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“The Council has also held numerous virtual videoconferences, including many, like this one, which have been streamed live, allowing all Member States and the world to see the Council at work, debating the pressing issues of the day. This transparency is important in the Council’s work. We thank the delegation of Kuwait for its effective chairmanship of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions during the previous two years, and we congratulate them on the successful conclusion of several notes. We enthusiastically participated in the fruitful retreat in January, hosted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and welcome their leadership on this matter.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, and, through you, Estonia, for convening this important discussion. I also thank Rhonda, Karin and Ed for their briefings and remarks. The Security Council has demonstrated its resilience and flexibility in adapting its working methods during the coronavirus disease pandemic. It has been impressive to see us continue to conduct the Council’s important and life-saving work during such a difficult time, and it is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of every delegation around this virtual table. The Security Council has admirably established a procedure for the adoption of resolutions through a written process, ensuring the extension of peacekeeping missions and sanctions resolutions and enabling the continuity of our important work to maintain international peace and security.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“While these times are uncertain, the Syrian people can rest assured that the Trump Administration’s commitment to them has never been stronger. In the days ahead, we urge each member of the Council to take the steps that will help the Syrian people move towards greater safety, prosperity and dignity. That is the future they have been asking for and it is the future we all have the responsibility to help deliver.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“If justice means anything to us, every Council member should support the Secretary-General’s pursuit of it. In conclusion, the United States reiterates its call for the Al-Assad regime to protect the fate of thousands of civilians held arbitrarily in detention centres, in which crowded and inhumane conditions are prime for the rapid spread of COVID-19 — an outcome we can and must work to avoid. We demand the immediate release of all civilians detained arbitrarily, including women, children and the elderly. Moreover, the Al-Assad regime must immediately grant impartial and independent entities, including medical and health organizations, access to regime detention facilities. This is now more necessary than ever as we work to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“In its report released on 6 April, the Board of Inquiry found it was “highly probable” that the Al-Assad regime and its allies launched attacks that destroyed medical facilities — an utterly inexcusable action. We also note and welcome the Secretary-General’s stated intention to appoint a senior independent adviser to address the board’s recommendations. The Council must hold those who threaten Syria’s peace and stability accountable. To that end, it is vital that the Board of Inquiry’s evidence be shared with the commission of inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“While we note that the so-called Astana guarantors held a teleconference last week to discuss the peace process in Syria, we firmly believe it is the United Nations that must be at the centre of any effort to establish a comprehensive, enduring and verifiable nationwide ceasefire. Special Envoy Pedersen has the authority to monitor existing lines of contact to ensure that ceasefire agreements are honoured, and it is the Organization’s responsibility to advance stability in Syria with the aim of achieving a political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). The Council should do everything in its power to support the United Nations in that endeavour.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Geir Pedersen for his continued work on this important file and for his briefing today. It is good to see him today, and I hope he is staying safe and healthy in these challenging times. Today the United States reaffirms its support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. We agree wholeheartedly with Special Envoy Pedersen that there should be a complete and immediate nationwide ceasefire in Syria. That kind of ceasefire is necessary to enable an all-out effort to suppress the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among some of the most vulnerable people in the world. The spread of COVID-19, especially in north-west and north-east Syria, only increases the urgency of securing a sustained ceasefire to ensure effective responses.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“The Council has repeatedly mandated a reconfiguration of UNISFA to address current security dynamics. Today we call on the parties to remove the obstacles preventing UNISFA from realizing its mandate. Moving forward, the United States encourages senior United Nations officials to redouble their efforts with the parties and with the African Union to allow UNISFA’s mandate to be fully implemented. Furthermore, we urge them to push for progress in establishing joint security and administrative arrangements. The participation of women is absolutely critical in these discussions. The United States remains committed to peace and security in Abyei and across the region, especially in these challenging times.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“However, despite those steps, the United States is concerned about the recent violence in Abyei, as was outlined. In January, attacks in the area of Kolom led to the killing of more than 30 civilians. In mid-April, there was an armed attack on Mabok village. This violence, the brunt of which has been borne by women and children, is unacceptable. Perhaps most troubling, though, is that it demonstrates the lack of political progress made by the Sudan and South Sudan in resolving outstanding border issues. The people of Abyei and those along the border between the Sudan and South Sudan deserve better. This violence should serve as a call to action for the Sudan and South Sudan. Their leaders should capitalize on the improving relationship and agree on the implementation of arrangements for security and the administration of Abyei.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary Lacroix and Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga for their briefings and for their joint visit to Abyei in February. We commend the activities of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) during this difficult period of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, including its vital support for local peace and protection committees, as noted in the Secretary-General’s report of 16 April (S/2020/308). The United States recognizes Ethiopia’s leadership and welcomes the Ambassador today in support for UNISFA, as well as some positive steps that the Sudan and South Sudan have undertaken to address insecurity in Abyei, such as joint security monitoring. We welcome the Ambassador to the Sudan here today as well.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“The United States reiterates its firm conviction that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has long since fulfilled its original purpose and should close. The United States looks forward to working with other Security Council members to draw down UNMIK and determine a more relevant role for the United Nations in helping Kosovo and the Western Balkans realize their full potential.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“Today we reiterate the importance of the meaningful participation of women in decision-making, and we welcome recent progress in gender representation in the new Kosovo Government. Furthermore, we expect the political establishment in Kosovo to focus on shared priorities and adhere to Kosovo’s Constitution and law in its efforts. We also welcome the appointment of Mr. Miroslav Lajčák as the new European Union Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues. We look forward to continued United States- European Union coordination in the region. While the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic reveal the importance of cooperation, they also illustrate the fact that the Council’s time and resources must be utilized wisely — and where the need is the greatest.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“The United States supports a stable, secure and prosperous Western Balkans, and we are committed to helping countries in the region advance their integration into Western institutions. Furthermore, we find it encouraging to hear continued statements from both Kosovo and Serbian leaders that they remain committed to the normalization of relations. The current situation emphasizes the priority the United States has placed on the development of economic and commercial ties between Kosovo and Serbia. Although tariffs have been suspended, Kosovo must remove all reciprocal measures immediately and unconditionally. We encourage both sides to implement agreements to help businesses flourish, open up economic opportunities for their citizens and resume the dialogue process in earnest.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank Special Representative Tanin for his briefing this morning. We also welcome the participation of Kosovo and Serbia’s Foreign Ministers today. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated that international cooperation is more important than ever. This is especially true in the Western Balkans. The United States recognizes the notable efforts of the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia to respond to the pandemic, and we are encouraged by the increased cooperation between Pristina and Belgrade to facilitate the flow of essential goods and personnel required to combat COVID-19. In addition, I want to express our gratitude to the Serbian Government for its support with repatriation flights for American citizens and the generous offer by the Kosovo Government for support in the United States fight against COVID-19.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“We see the need for a robust police mission in Darfur with a mandate that supports the Sudan’s efforts to address the remaining security challenges in that volatile region. We all have an opportunity to help move the Sudan forward towards stability. The United States is ready to seize this opportunity, and we look forward to working with the Council to design a follow-on mission to UNAMID that addresses the Sudan’s security and political needs.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“First, a seamless transition must occur between UNAMID and the follow- on mission. Given COVID-19 developments and constraints on troop rotations, we recognize, however, that the 31 October deadline to end UNAMID may not be met. The drawdown should happen as quickly and as responsibly as possible to allow the new mission to establish itself. The drawdown should also include assurances that returned team sites will be protected from looting. Secondly, the follow-on mission must support the civilian-led transitional Government to undertake national-level tasks, including support for the peace process, constitutional reform, elections and the conduct of a census. Lastly, we are greatly concerned about the continued insecurity in Darfur.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Prime Minister Hamdok for his outreach to the United Nations regarding the establishment of a follow-on presence to UNAMID. In addition, we wish to welcome the joint African Union-United Nations report on UNAMID’s activities and the recommendations therein for the follow-on mission (S/2020/202). However, it would be helpful for the Security Council to have a more informed understanding of the risks related to the protection of civilians, especially in Darfur, and how the United Nations could assist the Sudanese with this challenge. Specifically, what is the Secretariat’s risk assessment of the security situation in Darfur? Looking to the future, the United States has several priorities for the follow-on mission to UNAMID that we would like to share with the Council.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“We condemn, as others have today, the assassination attempt last month against Prime Minister Hamdok, and we remain concerned about the continued insecurity, including the ongoing and widespread sexual and gender-based violence, in addition to the recent violence in Darfur, including the late December attack in El Geneina, which displaced more than 30,000 civilians, as well as the looting of the former African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) team site in Nyala, which occurred soon after. Next month the Security Council is expected to create a new mission in the Sudan — one that supports Prime Minister Hamdok and the transitional Government and that fosters political stability and peace for all Sudanese, especially those in Darfur and other conflict-affected areas.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and Under-Secretaries-General Lacroix and DiCarlo for their respective but joint briefings. The United States stands in solidarity with the Sudanese Government as it continues to engage in the Juba peace process, especially in the face of economic challenges and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Once this crisis passes, the United States hopes our view does not lose that clarity. The incentives for peace and progress between Israelis and Palestinians are stronger than ever. The task now before the Council is to help the parties choose true leadership over politics as usual and to work together to ensure that the prospect of peace remains within reach.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source