YouSaid · the spoken record

Churkin

lines on the record: 3,923
first: 2006-05-16
most recent: 2017-02-02
sittings or episodes: 536
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

“If the United States had made good on its promises, which it has been making for at least halfa year, to separate the Al-Nusra Front from the so-called moderate opposition, then we would not have the situation that is prevailing in eastern Aleppo and some other areas of Syria. With all my criticism of the United States, which I have been unable to avoid, I want to confirm that we continue to work with the United States as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group. It is very tense, difficult work, and I hope we can soon build the international community's capacity to combat the Al-Nusra Front and other terrorist organizations so as to radically improve the humanitarian situation in Syria in combination with political talks whose speedy resumption we are pressing for.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“Finally, it was understood that terrorists could take power in Syria, as was the case in Iraq, and then another huge error was made, namely, the preparation of the so-called moderate opposition, which was supposed to fight not with the Government but with terrorists. Those groups were immediately routed and went over to the side of the Al-Nusra Front and other terrorists, taking with them the weapons that had been given to them by the Western sponsors of these reckless programmes. Therefore, had the Syrian border been closed to military convoys - as we have said on many occasions - and and had the Castillo road been open only to humanitarian convoys, we would not be faced with situation prevailing in Aleppo today.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“I am not sure whether it is a coincidence or perhaps intentional that we are increasingly digressing into the concrete details in the Security Council. There are two groups that discuss such matters: the humanitarian group and the group for the ceasefire. In Geneva they discuss details, but the Security Council is, after all, a political body. But we are digressing into discussions concerning Aleppo, the Castillo road and many other situations. We can discuss that, of course, but what I am saying is, let us not lose sight ofthe bigger picture - the root causes of the tragedy and dynamics in Syria. It all began with an effort to topple a legitimate Government and promote regime change. At that time, the idea ofusing terrorists for that purpose did not seem so bad.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“This reference to civil society makes me think that we are never really going to know the truth; it will all be swept under the carpet. With regard to Ms. Power's assertion that Russia has never acknowledged or investigated, allow me to recall that whenever an insinuation arises here, she immediately starts talking very loudly about this in the Security Council without even waiting for corroboration. In fact, investigations took place immediately, and the very same day or the next day, at our briefings with the Ministry of Defence, we demonstrated the unjustified nature of the insinuations made in the course of the propaganda war surrounding Syria. I truly hope that the United States-led coalition will act with similar openness. Lastly, I would like to make a general comment.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): I have just two or three brief comments to make. First, with regard to my American colleague's response to the question of the bombing in northern Syria, which, according to press reports, has killed many civilians, I will not conceal my surprise at her remark that the investigations would be conducted based on information from civil society groups. So there are no American drones, no American special forces in Syria, no coalition special forces, no United States satellites with intelligence capacity, no video recordings, which are made by all modern-day bombers when they make a hit. I would not like to believe that the United States-led alliance is in such a woeful military state.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“Just a few words on politics: let us stop the foot- dragging and resume United Nations-led Syrian talks. Russia is sparing no effort to bring the sides to a peaceful settlement on the basis of international law. An integral element of this strategy is cooperation with the United States, as co-Chair of the International Syria Support Group, as well as with other partners in this very special format. We hope that all partners will seek to shore up rather than erode achievements.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“In certain areas controlled by the Government, where people are just as much in need, humanitarian convoys do not seem to be any special hurry. These double standards must be done away with; all need help without exception and without any artificial linkages with those areas in Syria approved by Damascus. Tasks have to be realistic and cooperation close with the Syrian Government. There is a need to heed the Government's view, including in the design of supply routes. The justified view of Damascus in ensuring security for humanitarian staff is often not taken into account. This was recently demonstrated by the incident in which a driver from the Syrian Red Crescent sustained injuries in a hastily equipped humanitarian convoy sent by night.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“They have primary responsibility for a lack of humanitarian access in terrorist-held areas, first and foremost Fo'ah and Kefraya, where the food situation is extremely difficult. Incessant shelling byjihadists there is killing peaceful resident. Fighters continue with artillery strikes, and the people suffer. We call upon United Nations staff to carefully discharge their mandate, uphold the sovereignty of Syria, not deviate from the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and work to provide help for all those in need, not just those who are in territories controlled by the opposition. We really cannot shake the impression that the spotlight is being intentionally focused on the provision of humanitarian assistance to those areas where the Government of Syria is carrying out counter-terrorism operations.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“These types of commercial arrangements have characterized extremist-controlled areas. Our delegation has always spoken about the futile effect of unilateral sanctions against Damascus. Such measures should be lifted, as they cause suffering to people. First and foremost, there is a need to lift the ban on the provision of medications and fuel. The intermittent pitting of Security Council members one against the other on the humanitarian dossier, the imposition of new ultimatums on the Government of Syria and calling upon Russia to bring pressure to bear on the Government is counterproductive. We believe instead that people should go to Damascus, establish working contacts and actually do something useful. It is clear that foreign sponsors are not upholding their obligations with respect to working with the opposition.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“The Castello Road is no exception; we have information to the effect that this route is actively being used not for the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians, but to provide terrorists with weapons and armaments, as well as for the passage of jihad-mobiles with suicide bombers. We also know that those in eastern areas of Aleppo can easily move by day to the western part of the city, where the situation is significantly better. Of course, however the situation might be in Aleppo, there is a need to prevent a humanitarian disaster there. Just a few words on Darayya: fighters holed up there are carrying out broad artillery strikes, making the provision of humanitarian assistance impossible. At the same time, the supplies that do get there are flowing into the markets of eastern Ghouta.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“Some have supported this armed group and its cronies in Syria, calling them moderate opposition members, including them in the ceasefire regime, and by any and all means protecting the group from due payback. It is high time for the Security Council to add to the list of terrorists wreaking havoc in Syria. As a result of the intensified actions carried out over the ceasefire period by Jabhat Al-Nusra and its allies, the situation in Aleppo remains urgent. Terrorists use the ceasefire regime to receive reinforcement from abroad, resupply and mobilize fresh forces, including through the recruitment of minors. As in other besieged areas, the fighters entrenched there are regularly provided with military assistance.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“We are struck by the fact that not a single word has been said about this incident in the statements made by the representatives of the United Kingdom, France and other participants in the coalition. We hope that this incident will be discussed in detail by the representative of the United States, who will take the floor after us. We do not need promises of investigations. We have been waiting five years for an investigation into civilian bombing victims in Libya, but we still have not heard a word about that either. I am therefore sure that United States military knows how the situation stands now. The news of the atrocious attack on a Palestinian boy, beheaded by bandits from the Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki, was heart-wrenching.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“We stress that it is unacceptable for fighters to use civilians as human shields. It is well known that opponents of the Syrian Government often use this tactic, trapping people in blocked-off residential areas. We do not question the need for humanitarian assistance, including in besieged areas. However, we believe that the Government of Syria's military operations to block and destroy terrorists aim to reinstate law and order. In a number of cases, as a result of such actions, fighters terrorizing locals have signalled their readiness to lay down arms. We are deeply worried about information that, as a consequence of strikes led by the United States coalition in the area of Manbij, in the north of the country, dozens of people, including women and children, have been killed and injured in camps.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“Humanitarian supplies are dropped with the active participation of Russian forces. This has been effective for the provision of assistance to those in Al-Hasakah, and we can therefore only welcome the opening of the air bridge in Qamishli. However, let us not forget that the situation arises from the fact that Turkey has been blocking the crossing point from Nusaybin for several months now. We hope that Ankara will make the right decision to alleviate the suffering of Syrian civilians. We call on the United States, the United Kingdom and other allies of Turkey and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to provide Turkey with the necessary assistance. I recall that when we discussed the opening ofthe crossing point to Damascus, our Western partners imposed preconditions or linkages almost every day.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“More than 60 armed opposition movements have stated their intention to implement the ceasefire regime. There are ongoing talks with armed militias about extending the ceasefire to the governorates of Daraa, As-Suwayda and Horns. Russia is providing humanitarian assistance to Syrians through both the State and civil society. In this regard, we stress the need to establish a sound process for the return of internally displaced persons to reconciled regions and to rebuild public infrastructure there. The priority format for humanitarian operations remains by land, with the direct agreement of the Syrian Government. As a last resort, airdrops could be used. Air delivery has become a lifesaver for hundreds of thousands in Deir ez-Zor, besieged by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The multi-year conflict eroding Syria today, due to terrorists fuelled with weapons from the outside, Violations and flows ofinternally displaced persons and refugees, has seen a deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Syria. At the same time, following the establishment of the ceasefire regime, we have seen some progress. Humanitarian access has increased significantly and difficulties are being discussed in the special format of the International Syria Support Group. The Government of Damascus is doing a great deal to ensure that, in such a difficult context of internal armed conflict, its citizens can enjoy a normal life. As a result of the unrelenting work of Russian specialists based in Hmeimim, the number of residential areas participating in the ceasefire is now 209.”
2016-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7744 (2016) · source
“We believe that the containers of chemical weapons that have been transported to the coast must be removed from Libya as quickly as possible and safely destroyed. The Security Council will keep a close watch on that operation. We stress that the destruction of all Libyan stockpiles of chemical weapons must be carried out in strict compliance with the relevant procedures of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). That is especially important because it was recently shown that during the long-term storage of toxic substances, stockpiles shrank by 220 tons. This phenomenon must be explained and justified in a scientific manner within the framework of the ongoing OPCW investigations. Similar requirements should be applied to all States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2016-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7743 (2016) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We regard the adoption of resolution 2298 (2016), authorizing the transfer of chemical weapons stockpiles from Libya and their subsequent destruction as an important step in chemical demilitarization. Given the intensified presence of various terrorist groups in Libya, this step is a timely. There was an eminent danger of those chemical weapons falling into their hands. The examples of Syria and Iraq have shown how acute the problem of chemical terrorism is for the region. Not enough is being done to combat the problem today, occasionally owing to artificially politicized reasons. However, the Russian Federation has always strongly advocated concrete initiatives enabling a collective response commensurate with the threat.”
2016-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7743 (2016) · source
“We believe that the Council should not take up topics that it cannot take decisions on. We also believe that the Council should remain focused on country-specific issues; it should neither encroach upon the mandates of other United Nations bodies nor attempt to act in the stead of the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, the Human Rights Council or other organs. Such initiatives could undermine the organization of the United Nations system as a whole. It is absolutely clear that the Security Council is a favourite of global media, and it is tempting to use the media for self-promotion, including to promote domestic political agendas. We know that we cannot expect Council members to behave like saints but we would nevertheless ask them to act in the interests of supporting international peace and security first and foremost.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Resolutions are no place for micromanagement. They should be concise and clear and their content must be political. We need to take steps to lighten the workload of the Council, which is already working at full capacity. I do not think that we will be able to reduce the number of meetings, particularly given the growing instability in the world; however, the Council's workload should be taken into account by Council members when they decide to convene meetings - especially thematic ones - and as they consider the optimal format for such meetings and the number of rapporteurs or briefers. At present, we are hearing five briefers in some meetings. We think that there should be no more than three. The most important consideration should be the added value of the event or meeting and how much it is likely to improve the situation in practice.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“By definition, the reform and improvement of the work of the Council should be increasing its effectiveness and efficiency in order to facilitate a fuller implementation of its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. One area requiring our attention is the Council's documentation overload. Each year, the Security Council distributes hundreds of documents, and let us acknowledge it that not all of them have added value. We are convinced that the Security Council's decisions and statements to the press should be terse, easy to understand and action-oriented. We should avoid situations in which Security Council resolutions contain up to 50 operative paragraphs and press statements go on for three pages, while the bulk of those documents contain repeated provisions from other documents.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Many of our non-permanent colleagues are not only making contributions to resolving pressing issues on the Council's agenda; in fact, they are also providing substantive initiatives and taking the lead in enhancing important areas of the Council's work. We are convinced that the Security Council would benefit from the further democratization of its work. In line with that would be a more equitable distribution of duties in informal leadership on country-specific and thematic issues - the so-called penholdership. Certain Council members should not regard countries or even regions as their tutees and act as mentors on certain issues. This is a vestige of a bygone era, entirely out of place in the twenty-first century.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Note 507 is not only actively used by Security Council members; it is also an important aid for non-permanent members preparing to work on the Council. That will be particularly relevant this year. The new members elected by the General Assembly in June will be able to attend Council meetings starting on 1 October. In October, the Security Council will be presided over by Russia. We stand ready to provide these members with assistance in the smooth beginning of their work on the Council, on the clear understanding that their term begins only on 1 January 2017. We note that, in recent years, the activities of non-permanent members have increased significantly - a development that we fully welcome.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“We note of Japan's intention to update note 507, which is of critical importance as a compendium of the Security Council's working practices. For our part, we stand ready to provide any necessary assistance to the Japanese delegation with that important work. We also note the contribution made by other non-permanent Council members to revitalizing the Council's working methods with new initiatives. We welcome the statement on the Toledo formula, delivered by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the African delegations. We also call on our European colleagues to add this innovation to their toolkits. For instance, some could associate themselves with the statements of the United States delegation.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The discussion of the working methods of the Security Council in an open format is an occasion to hear an outside assessment of the current state of affairs and be enriched by new ideas and proposals for improving the procedural aspects of Security Council activities, of course on the understanding is that the working methods themselves, as well as decisions on possible amendments thereto, are within the purview of the Security Council itself. Today's meeting has additional importance because it is presided over by the delegation that heads the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Matters and that co-sponsored the best-known document on this matter, presidential note S/2010/507.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“We recall that the comprehensive sanctions against Iran have been repealed. It would have been possible to limit the number of physical and legal persons against whom restrictions are being maintained to a simple statistic. However, we must also note that, on the whole, the report of the facilitator is concise, factual, politically neutral and balanced. We consider that document to be a good handover for the future for the new Security Council facilitator on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) who will replace the Spanish delegation next year.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to mention the report of the Security Council facilitator on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). On the whole, we take a positive View of the facilitator, as we do of the work of the Permanent Representative of Spain in that capacity. Nonetheless, I would like to draw the Council's attention to a range of provisions in the report that raises some doubts. First, the sections on weapons seizures do not reflect the scepticism ofa number of Council members towards such assertions. We note with confidence that they do not set out the facts on the basis of which an impartial analysis could be conducted. In essence, we are invited to take at their word those countries that provided the reports and to share their conclusions. Secondly, the section on the so-called 2231 list is far too verbose.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“That wish was also ignored, as was the proposal to mention, in paragraph 2 of the introduction of the report, that the beginning of practical implementation of the Joint Plan in many ways has been possible thank to the assistance offered by Russia to Iran in fulfilling the key provision of the JCPOA, namely, reaching the established limit for enriched nuclear materials of 300 kilogrammes. I mention this because the role of European Union and the United States in the implementation of the JCPOA is mentioned in every possible way i in section II of the report, moreover, in an area where the Iranian party actually has serious claims. Such a deviation is simply improper. We hope that in the next reports our comments will be taken into account.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“That is quite contrary to the letter and spirit of the resolution, and impedes Iran from fully exercising its rights as a State Member of the United Nations to self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. I would like to note that, in the course of our comments, there was also a recommendation to add to the report a reference to the possibility of cancelling of the restrictive measures ahead of schedule if the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency released a report asserting that all nuclear material on Iranian territory was being used for peaceful nuclear activities.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“But our proposal fully falls under the scope of the Secretary-General's report, as outlined by him in paragraph 3 of the introduction. A similar form for submitting applications was agreed to for transfers to Iran of nuclear and dual-use goods and was highly in demand among potential suppliers. We regret that some partners in the Council have refused to look at that proposal - I note, without any justification for their reluctance to strictly follow the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015). We note that the opponents of that initiative have taken a course on the free interpretation of the resolution for their own political ends.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“That is the prerogative of the Joint Committee and the Procurement Working Group. The absence in the report of any mention of the Russian suggestion on coordination within the Security Council of a standard form for applications of arms transfers of conventional weapons to Iran under the seven categories of the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms arouses genuine bewilderment. I will explain. That was an initiative of Russia put forward in the Security Council as part of an official draft note by the President. It was aimed at ensuring that States Members of the United Nations had the possibility to fully realize the potential of resolution 2231 (2015), which includes a regulatory approval system for such transfers, but does not regulate the mechanism for submission of relevant applications.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“May I remind the Council that, in accordance with point 7 of the Chair's notes of 16 January, recommendations, encouragements and views of the Secretary-General should be in strict conformity with his authorities and should be addressed first and foremost to the Security Council. That is a fundamental point. I will give the Council some examples. The mention of alleged inscriptions on the Iranian missiles simply do not coincide with the subject of the report, nor do the arguments on the impact of the launch of missiles on the situation in the Middle East. There are also questions on the recommendation of the Secretary-General regarding the preferences for some kind of form for submission of applications for the supply of materiel of nuclear and dual-use items to Iran.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“Individual countries are making statements when references are being included in the Secretary-General's report. But why are those countries referring to a report as documentary evidence of what they have asserted? All of this would simply be funny if we were not talking about such an important issue as the implementation of the JCPOA. Some provisions of the Secretary-General's report have no relation to his mandate nor to the terms of reference of resolution 2231 (2015) or the JCPOA. In our view, if the Secretary-General wants to outline his own point of view, then he or Mr. Feltman could always do that in the course of today's oral presentation of the report in the Security Council.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“In the sections on so-called Violations, they should be limited to an outline of the issue and official comments from the affected parties and references to the fact that information in these statements have yet to be checked and that the question is still under consideration. Their analysis has not yet been completed with the exclusion of missile launches. Any conclusions or recommendations on that basis are hasty, and with the absence of verified information, simply impossible. We assume that the question of including data in the report should be reviewed as part of the preparation for the next Secretary-General's report, which will come out in six months. In the course of these discussions, we have seen interesting methodologies being used.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“We offerred corrections in the course of the preliminary discussions, and we hoped to avoid public criticism of the Secretary-General. However, our comments and our proposals were not heard. I will outline some of our main reservations. Let us begin with the fact that the document contains simple factual errors, such as, for example, that JCPOA was never signed, as is stated in the report. According to the methodology of the selection and use of information, we think it unacceptable to include any unchecked data, which is simply being picked up by the media or received from isolated countries. In particular in those cases, when the question being considered has not yet been finished, the Secretariat should work solely on the basis of officially provided information and verified facts.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“I would like to remind the Council that when resolution 2231 (2015) was agreed it was decided that we would not set up a group of experts similar to that of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). Unfortunately, this document looks like a hapless relapse into the activities of that Group of Experts. In its current form, the report will not just facilitate the sustainable fulfilment of the JCPOA, but it also may undermine the agreements reached so far. Advocating a compact, technical and factual document, we assumed first and foremost it would work from the politically sensitive nature of the question and the fragility of the compromises reflected in the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015).”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“However, that success must be anchored by the conscientious fulfilment of the JCPOA by all of the parties to the agreement. We think that, on the whole, the implementation of the JCPOA is going rather well. At this stage, all of those involved in the process need to concentrate on unswerving implementation of the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015) and of the JCPOA, which stipulates all the necessary mechanisms to be confident that Iran is keeping to its commitments. I will be direct. The Secretary-General's report comes from outside the usual, necessary working methods. The document has a politically biased character and goes beyond the factual outlining of the course of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Furthermore, it contains a number of pieces of information that are not really relevant in that regard.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank the Permanent Representative of Spain for the briefing on his work as the Security Council facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), as well as the Head ofthe Delegation of the European Union, who spoke about the Working Group on transfers. We also listened closely to Mr. Feltman, who presented the Secretary-General's report (S/2016/589) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). In July 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear programme was concluded. It was a triumph for multilateral diplomacy, which has allowed us to resolve one of the most difficult questions of international relations, and to do so through peaceful means.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“The fight for influence among various forces has had a negative effect and the efforts to restore Libyan unity on the basis of the political agreement concluded in Skhirat are moving forward very slowly. Of course, the Government of National Accord will need to be confirmed by the House of Representatives in Tobruk. That is a step that needs to be taken. Dealing with the continuing negative trends in the Middle East region requires collective efforts by the entire international community. If we are to help the Libyans, we need to facilitate genuine reconciliation among them, and not cling to artificial schemes of dubious utility. Russia is ready to work in this area, both in combating terrorism as well as in promoting political means to resolving existing conflicts in the region.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“A very serious destabilization of the region is due to the conflict in Yemen. We are in favour of resuming the intra-Yemeni negotiations, under the mediation of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Yemen, in Kuwait on 15 July, as the Yemenis themselves have called for. We believe that compliance with the ceasefire regime by all the parties to the conflict is essential to promoting further dialogue. In that connection, we call on all the parties to refrain from aggressive rhetoric that could undermine the very fragile mutual trust that has been achieved among the Yemeni people. Libya is still in a very serious situation. It has not yet recovered from the foreign intervention that undermined State control.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“We call on the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to step up efforts to work with the parties to the conflict. The negotiating process in Geneva must be resumed as quickly as possible. We intend to continue offering support to the Government of Syria in its efforts to combat terrorist groups led by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the Al-Nusra Front. There can be no doubt that in this fight there should be no delays or incentives. We expect and hope that discussions are being held in various capitals, including regional capitals, in countries that are in a position to make a contribution to weakening the terrorist threat. For the time being, there are significant gaps that allow terrorists to cross borders and acquire money, weapons, materiel, resources and access to military-grade toxic substances. This must be stopped.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“In the framework of the Security Council and the International Syria Support Group, a solid basis for a solution has been developed that has already brought about concrete positive results, including on the ground. The direct interaction by the Chairs of the International Syria Support Group has been very useful. The final word now belongs the Syrians themselves. However, much will depend on whether the opponents of Damascus will set aside their destructive stance, which postpones any peaceful solution. In that connection, we expect a more dynamic and, most important, a more positive attitude from our American partners as well as from influential regional players. The United States, as a co-Chair of the International Syria Support Group must, once and for all, set aside all propaganda and learn to objectively assess the situation.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, to offer assistance in achieving peace between Palestinians and Israelis. We believe that the efforts of Cairo in that context could produce results. Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council and an active participant in the Middle East Quartet of international mediators, will continue with its efforts to find ajust solution to the Palestinian question through the creation of an independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and coexisting peacefully side-by-side with Israel. The most important priority of the international community is to resolve the conflict in Syria by having the parties reach a mutually acceptable understanding as the outcome of broadly representative negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“We deem it important that the report clearly expresses the need to re-establish inter-Palestinian unity on the basis of the Palestinian Liberation Organization's platform and the principles of the Quartet. We also deem important the confirmation in the report of the Arab Peace Initiative as a consensual basis on which to move forward to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The report does not shy away from the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza, which contributes to instability and, ultimately, complicates efforts to achieve a negotiated solution. It also underscores the need to unite Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian Administration. Moscow welcomes the initiative by the President of Egypt, Mr.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“The implementation of those recommendations could help push the peace process out of the present impasse and contribute to the resumption of a direct Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. We attach great importance to the positions set out in the report on the unacceptability of violence and incitement to violence by both sides, on putting an end to the Israel policy of settlement construction and expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and on the illegal seizure of territory to the detriment of the Palestinians living there. It is in that light that we should examine the decision, recently made public in Israel, to build an additional 800 housing units on occupied Palestinian territory.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“Mr. Churkin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to remain very complex, spawning ever new tragedies. The incidents on the West Bank of the Jordan River and ceasefire violations around Gaza are a clear confirmation of that. We consider very important the publication on 1 July of the Middle East Quartet's report on the situation of the Palestinian-Israel settlement, in accordance with the relevant decision of the ministerial meeting of the Quartet in Munich in February. The document, which reflects the desire of the international community to maintain the prospects for a two-State solution, gives a picture of the real situation on the ground and contains specific recommendations.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“It should establish a dialogue with the representatives of Donetsk and Luhansk, as provided for in the Minsk agreements. That will be the best form of peacekeeping.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“In his statement, the representative of Ukraine rebuked the Security Council for supposedly not reacting to its initiative seeking the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation in his country. I wish to note for the record that the Security Council never received such a proposal. Obviously, the Council is not obligated to react to periodic public statements by Ukrainian officials that are mainly publicity stunts and are aimed at diverting attention from Kyiv's non-compliance with the Minsk agreements. Ukraine should stop its daily shelling of civilian targets in Donbass, which has led to the destruction of vital infrastructure and the death of civilians. Also, Ukraine should enact laws on the special status of Donbass and on amnesty.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Incidents of serious law-breaking and acts of Violence by foreign contingents, including those of a sexual nature, are identified with increasing frequency. Troop-contributing countries have full responsibility for punishing their peacekeepers. Disciplinary action is not enough when it comes to criminal violations. We also think that when national peacekeeping contingents operating under the mandate of the Security Council commit sexual exploitation or abuse, it is unacceptable to release them from responsibility. If we are speaking of a zero-tolerance policy on this issue, the standards for combating such violations should be the same for everyone. I have one further comment.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“We welcome to the corresponding conclusions in the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/446), which was supported by the members of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations. United Nations peacekeepers, in carrying out their duties, deservedly enjoy the respect and trust of the civilian population. That is why their actions and behaviours should be exemplary in every way. It is essential to take all measures to prevent any kind of violation, including sexual abuse. Resolution 2272 (2016), on sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations, clearly states that measures to prevent and combat that phenomenon apply to all missions deployed with the endorsement of the Security Council.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source