YouSaid · the spoken record

Churkin

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2006-05-16
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2017-02-02
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un-security-council

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  1. This fully pertains to the demands made by the leaders of the Bosniak parties to amend the Electoral Law through a decision of the High Representative, bypassing the Dayton-mandated procedure. This is an attempt to extend the term of the temporary arrangements, enabling those citizens who do not live in the enclave of Srebrenica to vote in municipal elections in October 2012. We are categorically opposed to the arbitrary use by the High Representative of his Bonn powers. Our fundamental position is that the use of emergency measures can be justified only in exceptional circumstances of gross violations of the Dayton Peace Agreement that are likely to destabilize the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source

  2. Of particular importance is the recent agreement that the issue of ownership of State property is, in essence, the main condition that has yet to be met under the international community's five objectives and two conditions agenda, the implementation of which will enable the Office of the High Representative to be closed. Despite the ongoing differences, dialogue is moving forward. This proves the Bosnian leaders' ability to find compromises to current problems on their own, without external involvement. In this context, we would underscore the Russian Federation's principled opposition to interference by the international community in the internal Bosnian negotiation process. Any external support to one side could undermine the fragile political balance in the country.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source

  3. In practical terms, this means abolishing the Office of the High Representative, and to that end, returning to the five objectives and two conditions established by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council. We note that, for several years now, the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has remained stable. This also reflects the maturity of the Bosnian State. In recent months, progress has been made in intra-Bosnian dialogue. The establishment of Bosnia- wide institutions has been completed. A compromise has been reached on the 2012 budget. The political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina have agreed to the terms and timetable for the allocation of property, including defence property, between the State and the entities.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source

  4. The points cited in the document clearly confirm the significant contribution made by Banja Luka to the positive progress made in the country, as noted in the High Representative's report (see S/2012/307). They also show that, in comparison with the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republika Srpska has developed more successfully in all areas, ranging from the economy to inter-ethnic reconciliation and respect for human rights. We believe that the main responsibility of the international community at this stage of the Bosnian settlement is to transfer responsibility for the fate of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Bosnians themselves.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source

  5. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We welcome High Representative Inzko. We must unfortunately note that his analysis today and on previous occasions has not been objective. His analysis of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still tainted by a biased criticism of the leadership of the Bosnian Serbs. For a more objective picture of the processes taking places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we would recommend that members of the Security Council also read the seventh report of the Republika Srpska to the Security Council, in which the Bosnian Serbs' commitment to international law and the spirit of the Dayton Peace Agreement is self-evident.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6771 (2012) · source

  6. Piracy remains one of the chief destabilizing factors in the region and continues to inflict significant economic damage on the international community. A reliable solution to this problem is possible only through coordinated action on land and at sea within the framework of a comprehensive piracy strategy. Integral to that strategy would be the fight against impunity, through the creation of an effective mechanism for the criminal prosecution of pirates with international participation. The Russian Federation will pursue its policy of providing comprehensive assistance to Somalia and participating actively in the international community's efforts to promote a settlement in Somalia.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source

  7. Against the backdrop of the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab, we cannot expect a drop in the number of refugees. As the peace process advances and the extremists are marginalized, the challenge of economic development becomes increasingly stark. We hope that the forthcoming conference on Somalia in Istanbul will not only help to promote a settlement but will impart momentum to the country's economic development. We support measures designed to broaden the presence and coordinate the actions of the United Nations entities in Somalia, while taking all security needs into account, under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Augustine Mahiga. Despite some reduction in the number of successful attacks, pirate activity along the coast of Somalia is still not declining.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source

  8. Its rapid expansion, in accordance with resolution 2036 (2012), will not only make the process of ridding Somalia of Al-Shabaab irreversible, but will also help create the conditions necessary for further strengthening the Somali security forces, which will bear responsibility for the country's stability after AMISOM's departure. As ever, illegal arms are still entering Somalia unimpeded, ratcheting up the spiral of violence. It is more important than ever to strengthen the arms embargo overall and to cut off the channels that supply arms to the extremists, including those operating from Libya and other turbulent regions in Africa and the Middle East. More thorough verification of compliance with the embargo is also needed. The acute humanitarian crisis in Somalia is not diminishing.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source

  9. We believe that the provision of international aid must be tied to tangible progress in the peace process. We must not forget the task of crushing Al-Shabaab as soon as possible. In that regard, we regret the loss of momentum in attacking the extremists' positions in the south and centre of the country. While the extremists are surrendering positions, they still control a large part of Somalia and are continuing their active resistance, strengthening alliances with local and foreign sympathizers alike, as attested to by the ongoing terrorist acts in Mogadishu. In this situation, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) remains a key element in the struggle with the extremists.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source

  10. One element of major importance is the cohesiveness of the Transitional Federal Institutions. We commend the executive authorities' willingness to follow the measures agreed on for overcoming the crisis. The success of such efforts will depend greatly on the readiness of all political forces to refrain from settling scores, set aside their personal interests and mobilize efforts to advance the political process and strengthen Government authority in the liberated territories. It is important to take the views of a broad cross- section of the Somali people into account and to work on drafting a new constitution on that basis. This would be a demonstration of genuine accountability and the capacity to function during this historically important period of the country's development.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source

  11. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to welcome the President of the Transitional Federal Government of the Somali Republic, Mr. Ahmed. We are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mr. Mahiga, for his assessment of the situation in Somalia. In view of the impending conclusion of the transitional period, achieving the goals of stabilization and foundation building for Somali statehood requires more coordinated and vigorous actions on the part of the international community, as well as a mobilization of the political will of the Somali authorities. The country now has a real chance to reach a new level in its political process. It must take advantage of it and implement the road map on time on the basis of the Garoowe principles.

    2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source

  12. International entities must also focus their attention on protecting Orthodox sanctuaries and people of the Orthodox faith. We share the concerns of the Serbian authorities and the Serbian Orthodox Church that the Kosovo Force has turned over to the Kosovo Police the responsibility for ensuring the security of the most significant Serbian cultural and religious heritage sites in the district, despite the fact that, as indicated in the Secretary-General's report, the Kosovo Albanian population is unfavourably disposed to the adoption and implementation of legislation to protect Serbian cultural and religious artifacts. There is an obvious divide between the obligations of the Kosovo authorities and their implementation. Such acts could give rise to additional security tensions in Kosovo.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  13. There are many reasons for that, including the fact that the returnees are unsure of their personal safety. Recently, we have seen disturbing reports in various media that the Kosovar authorities are establishing contacts with representatives of the Syrian opposition in order, inter alia, to train insurgents in the district. That would run afoul of the efforts of the Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, supported by the entire international community. Moreover, turning Kosovo into an international training centre for insurgents of various armed groups could be a serious destabilizing factor beyond the Balkan region. We call on the international entities operating in the district to curb such backsliding.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  14. Marty's findings of illicit trading in human organs in Kosovo. These findings point directly to the involvement of the current leaders of Kosovo in these crimes. The investigation must be impartial. All perpetrators must be held responsible. On the basis of these concerns, we have endorsed the Serbian proposal that the investigation be handed over to the United Nations. The security situation in the district remains tense. There is still a high level of crime against national minorities, including instances of vandalism of Orthodox sanctuaries and the burglarizing of Kosovar Serbs' homes. The realities of illicit trade in weapons and in human beings, as well as drug smuggling, remain a serious problem for Kosovo. The status of internally displaced persons returning to Kosovo, including Serbs, is still unsatisfactory.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  15. In particular, we are seeing the increasing use of the name "Kosovo" in the documents of the European Union, in the spirit of the agreements of 24 February. There is also talk of Pristina's plans to open a mission to NATO in Brussels, under the banner of "Kosovo". We believe that, in order to ensure stability, it is essential to adhere strictly to the parties' agreed parameters, without arbitrary interpretation. In equal measure, we call for a full and objective investigation of crimes in Kosovo, including evidence of illegal trade in human organs disclosed by the Special Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. Dick Marty. We are concerned about the slow pace of the investigation being conducted by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo into Mr.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  16. We still believe that UNMIK, on the basis of the mandate received from the Security Council, must play a maximally active role in facilitating the process leading to a settlement in Kosovo. In this context, we welcome the UNMIK-sponsored coordination meetings on questions of security, as well as the direct outreach by the head of UNMIK, aimed at keeping local channels open for dialogue. We call on UNMIK to fulfil its obligations regarding the external representation of Kosovo in international organizations and mechanisms. We note signs of desire on the part of some countries and organizations, as well as the Kosovar Albanians, to make broad use of the understanding reached in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue mediated by the European Union regarding the representation of Kosovo in regional Balkan organizations.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  17. Any question concerning stability and security in Kosovo must be addressed in accordance with the norms of international law and the fundamental decisions of the United Nations. It is important to prevent any type of forcible attempt by the Kosovo authorities to gain control of Serbian municipalities in northern Kosovo. As demonstrated by events from July to November 2011, such attempts can seriously destabilize the situation. The referendum on the question of the legitimacy of the Kosovar Albanian authorities, held in the Serbian municipalities of the district on 14 and 15 February, was an expression of the despair of the Serbian authorities at the lack of support from the international agencies in Kosovo.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  18. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Mr. Zarif for presenting the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/275) on the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We welcome the participation in this meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Serbia, Mr. Jeremie. We share his assessments. We listened carefully to Mr. Hoxhaj's statement. The position of Russia in not recognizing the Kosovo declaration of independence remains unchanged. Resolution 1244 (1999) remains in full force and binding on all parties as the international legal basis for a settlement in Kosovo and for ensuring security in the district. International entities in the district must act on the basis of status neutrality.

    2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source

  19. In conclusion, I should like to note that the idea of the Secretary-General to create the post of a special representative on counter-terrorism issues merits thorough consideration by the States Members of the United Nations during the upcoming review of the Global Strategy. Its implementation could enhance the coordination of the activities carried out in this sphere of the numerous organs both within the United Nations system and outside. However, it should not lead to any changes in the mandates of those organs or be detrimental to them. That applies above all to the counter-terrorist structures of the Security Council.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  20. The Committee must continue prioritizing issues related to the provision of assistance to States in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) by playing a coordinating role in the activities of the international community towards that end. For our part, we are willing to continue actively to support efforts in the area of assistance, including in the context of our cooperation on issues related to resolution 1540 (2004) with the States members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. We hope that very soon we will see the establishment of a group of experts for that Committee and that it will once again enjoy full expert support.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  21. A key international legal instrument for its implementation remains resolution 1540 (2004), which encourages States to strengthen national systems for monitoring and control in the sphere of non-proliferation. Russia calls for the full implementation of the resolution by all countries, taking into account the comprehensive long-term nature of its requirements. We welcome the work done by the 1540 Committee and its experts during the reporting period. In particular, we note the adoption of the report on the annual review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), which takes stock of the progress achieved in 2011 and sets new objectives. We welcome the determination of its Chair to give the activities of the Committee a regular and systemic nature.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  22. The Stockholm-based website Kavkaz Center - the information portal of the terrorist organization Caucus Emirates, which was listed in July 2011 - remains up and running. That is in breach of paragraph 6 of resolution 1989 (2011), whereby this site should be subjected to financial sanctions leading to a cessation of its activities. The Swedish authorities have still not implemented that resolution, effectively allowing the site to continue propagating the ideas of terrorism and religious intolerance. The prevention of any possibility of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials falling into the hands of terrorists is an important task facing the international community.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  23. The expanded powers of the Ombudsperson on delisting and new procedures for the consideration of requests for delisting have ensured an optimal level of transparency for the Committee's procedures thus far. In considering issues related to further procedural improvements, we must not be carried away by populism or try to involve the Committee in functions that are outside its remit, but rather work on the basis of fully upholding the fundamental principles and expeditiousness of its work. Another important task is enhancing the effectiveness of the sanctions mechanisms, which fully depends on the implementation by States of their international commitments in that area. Regrettably, we are once again forced to note that in that respect outstanding problems remain.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  24. One can argue that the two organizations have different agendas, but no one can deny that they still have close terrorist ties and cooperation. Against that backdrop, the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) remains one of the most effective mechanisms of the Security Council in the field of counter-terrorism, and its sanctions list should duly reflect the threat emerging from Al-Qaida, which is spreading to new regions. We support the proposal to include additional individuals on the list. However, the practice of the application of sanctions against entities and individuals involved in terrorist activities should continue to be done on a case-by-case basis and in compliance with due procedures.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  25. We note once again that the updated mandate contained in resolution 1963 (2010) sets significant challenges for the Directorate and calls on CTED as a whole and its leadership to continue to work tirelessly. We had hoped that the modifications made last June to the sanctions regime of the 1267 Committee and the splitting off from it of the anti-Taliban component would help promote national reconciliation in Afghanistan. Sadly, at this time that is not happening, as Taliban activity is continuing. We continue to believe that drawing a clear line between Al-Qaida and mere Taliban supporters is very complex. Al-Qaida does not seem to be about to leave Afghanistan or break off its ties with the Taliban.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  26. We take note of the close and regular contacts of the CTC and the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004) with the Meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law-Enforcement Organizations on terrorism-related issues, which was initiated by the Russian Federal Security Service. Another briefing was held early this year with the representatives of the Meeting to the CTC. We are determined to continue this useful practice. We welcome the role of the CTED in rendering assistance to the CTC. We support the participation of the Directorate on the basis of the existing mandate, as well as the efforts of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force and its cooperation with the expert groups of the specialized Committees of the Security Council.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  27. We note that in the review, as in other decisions of the Security Council, mention is made of the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes. This problem requires particular attention and the development of universal legal standards under the auspices of the United Nations. We also welcome the review's stress on issues related to enhancing intercultural dialogue and interfaith understanding. We View this important long- term undertaking in the context of combating the ideological breeding ground of terrorism and preventing new supporters from joining terrorists' ranks. We continue to support the strengthening of contacts between the CTC and international and regional organizations with a view to the further establishment of an extensive network of counter- terrorist cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  28. One of the main outcomes of the Committee's work was the adoption of the global survey of the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005), which sought to counteract incitement to terrorism and its ideological support (see S/2012/16). The review was carried out pursuant to resolution 1963 (2010) and is an important element in implementing the CTC plan of action and resolution 1624 (2005), as initiated by Russia. Russia actively participated in drafting the report on that important topic. The main findings in the document encouraged the international community, the Security Council, the CTC and the CTC Executive Directorate (CTED) to strengthen their efforts to pre-empt and prevent terrorism and violent extremism and to combat the radicalization of society.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  29. The need for such an effort was further underscored by today's terrorist acts in Damascus, in which many civilians, including children, were killed. We call on the Security Council to resolutely condemn that dreadful crime. We note with satisfaction that the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) has continued to monitor the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) through the preliminary assessments of implementation and country visits. There is still room for improvement under those mechanisms. The CTC will address such issues, but, in principle, the existing capacities affirm their effectiveness. Through those efforts, the Committee has also demonstrated the specialized experience gained by States. In that context, we set great store by the CTC's proposed visit to Russia.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  30. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We express our gratitude to the Permanent Representatives of Germany, India and South Africa for their reports on the work of the Committees under their leadership. We see the work of the Committees and their increased cooperation as significant preconditions for strengthening the effectiveness of the Security Council's contribution to countering global terrorism, which remains one of the main threats to international peace and security. We welcome the Security Council's leadership on counter-terrorism, as affirmed by the Security Council meeting on 4 May (see S/PV.6765). The adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2012/ 17 at that meeting sends an important signal for the strengthening of joint efforts to counter the existing terrorist threat.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  31. Thabo Mbeki, should continue their active efforts to mediate and remain the chief mechanism for normalizing relations between the two countries. We urge the Sudan and South Sudan to renew the negotiation process and solve all the disputed issues by peaceful means.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  32. Concerning possible future steps to be taken by the Council regarding the crisis in relations between the Sudan and South Sudan, we wish to emphasize that the arsenal of political and diplomatic tools for normalizing the situation is far from exhausted. We consider the sanctions route to be an extreme step for influencing both parties, and the effectiveness and specificity of any such sanctions should be carefully evaluated. In light of this, Russia intends to carefully and objectively weigh the implications of Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations in evaluating the implementation by the Sudan and South Sudan of the road map settlement. We believe that the African Union and its High-Level Implementation Panel, led by the former President of South Africa, Mr.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  33. It is also intolerable that thousands of armed units from the so-called Sudanese Revolutionary Front are pursuing their destabilizing activities in the Sudanese states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile with the aim of violently overthrowing the Government in Khartoum. There is reason to believe that this new insurgent alliance has major external support. In this connection, we are convinced that any possible future measures to be taken by the Security Council under paragraph 6 of today's resolution cannot be applied to those aspects that touch on the issue of regulating the situation in the aforementioned Sudanese states.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  34. We have been compelled to conclude that the disagreements between the Sudan and South Sudan came close to a major military conflict after the recent occupation by South Sudanese troops of the Heglig oil-producing region. According to the information available, the oil infrastructure of that region, which is vitally important to the economy of 12-32731 the Sudan, was either destroyed or rendered inoperable by that occupation. In that context, the language in the resolution welcoming the South Sudanese army's withdrawal from Heglig seems inappropriate. We believe that an assessment should be made of the damage done during the occupation and a fair level of compensation specified.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  35. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian Federation voted today to adopt resolution 2046 (2012) in view of the need to deal speedily with the dangerous state of relations between the Sudan and South Sudan. We proceeded from the opinion that the text aims to support the road map, adopted on 24 April by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, for regulating the crisis between the two States. It is well known that Russia is firmly in favour of solving African problems by relying on the positions and assessments of the countries of the continent themselves and their regional organizations. Our concerns, however, were only partially reflected in the text of the resolution.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  36. The current draft presidential statement, based on the outcome of today's meeting of the Council, requests the Secretary-General to prepare a comprehensive assessment of United Nations activities in assisting States to counter various types of illicit cross-border trafficking and the movement of terrorists and their finances. We believe that it is important that the report reflect the priority areas I have addressed and that it take into account the measures that have already been clearly taken by the Security Council, which remain in effect.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  37. Specifically for such situations, it would be useful to have an overview of the problems concerning the control of borders, illicit trafficking and movements across them. It is important, when considering cases of illicit cross-border movement and trafficking, that the Security Council act strictly within the framework of its mandate to maintain international peace and security, that it not encroach upon the purview of other international organizations or bodies, and that it avoid engaging in revamping the existing international system of cooperation in the area of border protection.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  38. Another example is the spread of Libyan weapons. There is a real threat that those weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists. In that connection, Russia initiated resolution 2017 (2011), which sends the necessary signal and sets out the relevant framework for efforts to counter that new threat. The critical problem of piracy in Somalia also persists. The sanctions regime against that country, which for an extended period has had no border-control regime, has long been in effect. However, Somali pirates freely receive and have available to them sophisticated weaponry, boats, Global Positioning System navigation devices and other equipment necessary for their criminal activities.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  39. We advocate a comprehensive approach to countering this threat, including the range of tools available to the Security Council to curb the financial flows that fuel drug trafficking and to place drug lords on the relevant Security Council sanctions lists. Important measures have been put in place in terms of implementing Security Council resolution 1817 (2008) in order to counter the smuggling into Afghanistan of the chemical precursors used to manufacture drugs. There needs to be greater involvement on the part of the international security forces in Afghanistan in efforts to eradicate drug crops and drug laboratories in that country. The outcomes of the third Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact, held in Vienna in 16 February, provides us the necessary platform for comprehensive efforts to curb Afghan drug flows.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  40. Particular attention should be paid to the sanctions regimes imposed by the Council and the ad hoc regimes established under its relevant counter- terrorist resolutions, in particular resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), where for us, the priority areas are illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, weapons of mass destruction and their components and the movement of terrorists and their financial resources. It is a secret to no one that there are problems in terms of compliance with these regimes. The destructive impact of Afghan drug trafficking, which has merged with terrorism, has long grown beyond the borders of that specific region. We view Afghan drug trafficking as a threat to international peace and stability.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  41. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The theme of today's meeting is directly related to the growing and ever-diversifying challenges and threats from terrorism, drug trafficking and cross- border organized crime. Porous borders are one factor encouraging the illicit trafficking of weapons and drugs and the movement of terrorists and their financial resources. Many types of illicit cross-border trafficking genuinely and seriously undermine the efforts of the Council to maintain international peace and security.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  42. An indicator that the Security Council can constructively work on the complex Middle East situations is the unanimous adoption of resolutions 2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012) on the development of a United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria. We anticipate that its activities will contribute to restoring peace and calm and to launching an inclusive Syrian- led political process without interference from outside in Syria, a country that plays a key role in regional affairs.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  43. There is a plan to hold a second intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow in mid-May, during which we intend to continue work to encourage Hamas and Fatah to achieve national reconciliation, based on the Doha Agreements. The stalemate in the Middle East peace process calls for active actions from the Security Council as well. In that regard, we would like to recall that the idea of sending to the region a mission of the Council continues to be relevant. If implemented, that would be a timely and effective step on the part of the Council and would serve as a stimulus for the parties to narrow their differences and resume substantive talks on the universally recognized international legal basis, including the well-known resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations, the Madrid Principles, the road map and the Arab Peace Initiative.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  44. A particular role in accompaniment of the Middle East peace process is by regional players as well, above all Jordan and Egypt. The League of Arab States has been enhancing its influence on developments, and it is reassuring that the theme of the Middle East was given priority in the decisions taken at the summit of the League in Baghdad on 29 March, which clearly laid out the interdependence of all tracks related to the Middle East settlement, including the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and Lebanon. It is important to make the most effective possible use of that useful regional leverage, particularly in efforts to promote intra-Palestinian reconciliation, without which it is impossible to conceive of any prospects for a sustainable settlement. Russia is also making its own contributions in that area.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  45. A positive element in that regard is the continuation of painstaking regular work of the Quartet. It is important that its statements, including the latest on the outcome of the ministerial meeting in Washington, DC, of 11 April, firmly calls on the sides to meet their obligations under the Road Map, to avoid actions that might undermine confidence and to focus on positive efforts that could strengthen and improve the climate for resuming direct talks on the basis of the Quartet statement of 23 September 2011. In that context, the Quartet has supported the implementation of a range of important socio- economic programmes in the occupied territories and the establishment of a smoothly operating mechanism by which the Israelis can transfer customs and tax fees owed to the Palestinians.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  46. It is clear that there has been an inexorable radicalization of approaches, which could lead to an ever-growing spiral of violence from both sides. That is unacceptable. The situation can be tangibly defused only by the resumption of a direct dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately, their fundamental positions to date do not converge. A serious step towards the resumption of genuine talks is offered by the exchange of letters between President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu. It is important that the Palestinian leader has once again expressed his commitment to the principle of two States and his readiness to carry out substantive talks on a universally recognized internationally legal basis. We expect a responsible reaction from Israel. The negotiation process requires robust international accompaniment.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  47. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The widespread transformational processes taking place in the Middle East region in no way diminish the fundamental importance of the issues of a Palestinian-Israeli, and in general an Arab-Israeli, settlement. Unless these issues are resolved, it will remain impossible to imagine any dramatic improvement in the situation in the Middle East. In that regard, one cannot overstate the risks of what has been seen of late, namely, a flagging in the attention paid to the theme on the international and regional levels, particularly in a situation when on the ground we can see the deliberate creation of new realities and the pursuit of policies based on fait accompli.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  48. Any external influence imposed by us on that process could risk exacerbating the crisis. We call upon all Syrian parties - both the authorities and the opposition - to refrain from violence and to fully uphold the provisions of the Annan plan and the requirements of the resolution. Once again, we issue a call to all States with influence on the opposition to encourage them to do the same. In that context, we will continue to work with Damascus. The resolution sends an important international legal signal, namely, that only the Security Council has the prerogative to take a decision regarding the settlement of a regional crisis, including the Syrian crisis. Any other forum, such as a group of friends or a coalition of mutual interests, should clearly uphold the resolutions of the Security Council and not undermine its activity.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  49. The resolution establishes clear parameters of responsibility for all Syrian parties on the cessation of violence and on the need to cooperate with United Nations observers and the mission of the Joint Special Envoy. However, that is not all. In order to achieve comprehensive implementation of the resolution, it is very important for the external players involved in the Syrian issue to also act very responsibly. They too should take action while bearing in mind the provisions adopted by the Security Council so that all Syrians may participate in an inclusive political process with respect to the establishment of a democratic, pluralistic system in Syria, for all Syrians, irrespective of ethnic or religious background. Only through that process will Syrians be able to take their own decisions on their country's future political situation.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  50. Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Russia presented the initiative to swiftly adopt a Security Council resolution on establishing the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria, in order to pave the way for a United Nations presence with a 2 stabilizing influence in that country. Resolution 2043 (2012) is of fundamental importance in pushing forward the process for a peaceful settlement in Syria and enshrines the Council's consensus on supporting the six-point proposal of Joint Special Envoy Annan. We now believe the main aim to be the unwavering and clear respect by all parties for the provisions of the resolution. Any deviation, whether from the resolution's provisions or in their interpretation, will be unacceptable. The Libyan model should remain forever in the past.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source