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2009-10-05

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2020-02-20

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22

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un-security-council

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1. “Let me start by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Keita and Ambassador Vieira for their briefings today, which set out a broadly optimistic assessment of Guinea-Bissau's political trajectory. The United Kingdom shares this cautious optimism. The successful conduct of legislative elections in March and the subsequent appointment of a Prime Minister and formation of a Government were significant steps forward, and we commend the Bissau- Guinean authorities and people on this progress. The turnout of 85 per cent in the legislative elections was an impressive signal of the commitment to the people of Guinea-Bissau to a democratic future for their country. The next step in Guinea-Bissau's political transition is the presidential election in November.”

   2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source

2. “I would like to particularly draw attention to the fragile situation faced by refugees and pay tribute to the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which is assisting 350,000 refugees through the Burundian refugee response plan. In conclusion, with elections next year taking place amid this fragile political and humanitarian situation, it is vital that the Security Council remain seized of this issue and engage to support efforts to find a solution and build stability in Burundi.”

   2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source

3. “We call on the Government of Burundi to engage with the BBC to reinstate its operating license and to commit to enabling an independent media environment within Burundi. Finally, I would like to underline the United Kingdom's concern about the humanitarian situation in Burundi and stress the importance of maintaining international support for humanitarian efforts. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that 1.8 million Burundians - some 15 per cent of the population - will need humanitarian assistance in 2019. As of 31 March, some 125,000 Burundians remained internally displaced.”

   2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source

4. “Next year's elections in Burundi represent a critical juncture for its political development. There is an opportunity for a democratic transition of power in Burundi for the first time in 14 years. We take note of the administrative preparations that have been made, as outlined by Assistant Secretary-General Fernandez- Taranco this afternoon, but we remain concerned by wider restrictions on the political freedoms that are essential to the conduct of free and fair elections. In particular, since the last Security Council briefing in February, the Government of Burundi has made the disappointing decision to revoke the BBC's operating license. Concerning comments have also been made by officials within the National Independent Electoral Commission, proposing restrictions on the Burundian media.”

   2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source

5. “We have seen before, through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, that it is possible to find a solution through unified and effective leadership from both the region and Burundi. We therefore call on the region, especially the East African Community, the African Union and Burundi, to demonstrate leadership again, with the support of the Special Envoy for Burundi. We underline the United Kingdom's support for the efforts of Special Envoy Kafando and emphasize that any solution must be in line with the spirit of the Arusha Agreement. The United Kingdom remains ready to review its approach to Burundi, including its support for measures taken through the European Union once tangible steps have been taken to improve the current political and human rights situation.”

   2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source

6. “I should like to begin by thanking all of our briefers this afternoon. The United Kingdom shares the ambition expressed by other speakers today for inclusive, peaceful and fair elections next year and an end to the humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in Burundi. However, since our last meeting on this item (S/PV.8465), there has been no progress in securing a solution to the political crisis that could enjoy the support of all Burundian parties ahead of the elections. We regret in particular the lack of progress in the inter-Burundian dialogue set out by African Union Commissioner Chergui today. If the political situation is not resolved, there remains a real risk of violence, an increase in human rights violations and an escalating humanitarian crisis, which threatens peace and stability within Burundi and the region.”

   2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source

7. “This includes the diversion of billions of dollars towards prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and a refusal to allow the international community to monitor aid distribution. Security Council sanctions resolutions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have been designed with exemptions intended to avoid humanitarian impacts. It is right that we can continue to monitor how effectively the humanitarian exemptions process operates through the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006). The meeting rose at 5.55 pm.”

   2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8507 (2019) · source

8. “The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2464 (2019), renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts. The work of the Panel is critical in ensuring that sanctions are implemented effectively and in reporting on those areas where sanctions evasions are occurring. The Council agreed unanimously on these sanctions measures and, with the support of the Panel, we must ensure that sanctions are implemented fully, whether that is with respect to imports of refined petroleum or to expelling Democratic People's Republic of Korea labourers. Some States, including the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, seek to blame sanctions for the humanitarian situation. The inadequate provision of humanitarian support and assistance is due to the Government policies of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, not to sanctions.”

   2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8507 (2019) · source

9. “The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo just set out its Ebola response plan until the end of July. It is crucial that the international community steps up to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo and cure the outbreak as quickly as possible. The United Kingdom is making significant contributions to that plan and urges others to do the same. Finally, as we approach the renewal of the MONUSCO mandate, the United Kingdom agrees that now is the time for the Mission to refocus on an exit strategy. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure a responsible and sustainable exit of MONUSCO. Therefore, a fully consultative strategic review of the Mission will need to be undertaken before the Council makes a decision on the shape of MONUSCO's exit.”

   2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source

10. “The United Kingdom will engage with President Tshilombo Tshisekedi and his team to understand their plans for improving stability and prosperity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A stable and prosperous Democratic Republic of the Congo is vital for the Congolese people, the region and the rest of the international community. Turning to the Ebola outbreak, the United Kingdom commends the response to date, particularly given the challenging environment in which humanitarian and medical workers are operating. We deplore the recent attacks on Ebola treatment centres and those responding to the outbreak. We once again strongly urge all parties to the armed conflict to fully respect international law and to full, safe, immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian and medical personnel.”

    2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source

11. “We condemn all such violence and call for the perpetrators of those abhorrent crimes to be brought to justice swiftly. Our Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has raised our concerns with the Government authorities in the region and with local United Nations representatives. The United Kingdom remains concerned over the reported discrepancies in the official results for the presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections. Continued efforts for increased transparency and inclusive dialogue with all political parties remain vital as the electoral process in Democratic Republic of the Congo continues towards local elections in late 2019 and 2020. The Congolese people clearly voted for change.”

    2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source

12. “The United Kingdom condemns all acts of sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. We call on the new Government to deliver on its promises to bring perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence and other human rights abuses to justice. This morning several other delegations have raised the situation in Yumbi. The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the violence that took place in Yumbi territory in December 2018. The latest report of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo indicates that as many as 890 people were killed and thousands more displaced. We echo the comments made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.”

    2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source

13. “In that context, I would like to very briefly raise a project that United Kingdom aid has funded in 15 villages in the Ituri region, which is working to challenge the social acceptance of violence against women and girls. Over just two years the percentage of women experiencing domestic violence fell from 69 per cent to 29 per cent and the percentage of men reporting that they had carried out domestic violence dropped from 68 per cent to 24 per cent in the same period. Those results show that sexual and gender-based violence can be tackled effectively, even in conflict-related settings. The United Kingdom remains concerned that rape, including mass rape, continues to be used as a weapon of war by armed groups and State actors.”

    2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source

14. “Let me begin by thanking Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Anny Tenga Modi, Executive Director of Afia Mama, for their informative briefings this morning. I will focus my intervention on four issues: human rights; the political situation; the humanitarian situation; and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Helping survivors of sexual and gender-based violence is a priority of the United Kingdom in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We welcome the opportunity to hear from Ms. Tenga Modi this morning, whose non-governmental organization does vital work to empower women, particularly those who are survivors of violence.”

    2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source

15. “In Burkina Faso, for example, regional cooperation and international support will be Vital to tackling instability and the risks to the wider region, and UNOWAS has the credentials to leverage and facilitate such cooperation. The United Kingdom also welcomes the role that the Peacebuilding Fund and its implementing partners are playing in supporting reconciliation in Burkina Faso and hopes that United Nations will maintain its commitment to using the resources of the Fund to support reconciliation activities across the region. UNOWAS has demonstrated that it can be a valuable partner for regional Governments and organizations. We look forward to engaging with the strategic review process later this year to ensure that UNOWAS is best equipped to fulfil its mandate.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

16. “We also recognize the efforts made by UNOWAS elsewhere in the region and the close engagement of the Special Representative with national efforts to sustain peace, as in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. UNOWAS has a crucial role in supporting the States of the subregion in the holding of timely, transparent and inclusive elections and in supporting the efforts of ECOWAS and others to lay the groundwork for the structural prevention of election-related violence. With elections scheduled in several countries in the region in 2019, this will be an important theme of the year to come. One of the strengths of UNOWAS has been to act as a bridge between national players and regional and international actors. We would encourage this to continue.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

17. “We have deployed Chinook helicopters to provide logistical support to the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force through Operation Barkhane and will be significantly increasing our development assistance to the region in the coming years. At last month's Council briefing on the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (see S/PV.8435), we called on international actors to ensure that organizational responsibilities were clearly delineated and that strong lines of communication were set up between them. I am encouraged in this respect by the close cooperation between UNOWAS, the Office of the United Nations Special Adviser for the Sahel, ECOWAS and others.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

18. “That is why the United Kingdom led the drafting of resolution 2349 (2017), in 2017, and why, at last September's high-level conference in Berlin, the United Kingdom committed $186 million to supporting an integrated response to the crisis. It is vital that we follow up the success of the Berlin Conference and ensure that the international community strengthens its commitment to tackling the problems of the region, including through supporting the implementation of the United Nations support plan for the Sahel. In the light of the importance of the Sahel, the United Kingdom is in the process of scaling up our diplomatic, defence and development assistance in the region. We are opening new embassies in the Niger and Chad and increasing our presence in Mali.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

19. “We therefore welcome the collaboration between the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWAS) and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, as well as the joint summit of the Economic Community of Central African States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in July, which demonstrated the commitment of both organizations to strengthening their cooperation. Leaders of the States members of the Lake Chad Basin Commission also met in December to reinforce the region's approach to tackling Boko Haram. Regional counter-terrorism cooperation is vital to addressing a threat that does not respect borders. The Secretary- General reminds us in his report that cooperation between terrorist groups is growing in the Sahel region. But the region cannot be left to manage this crisis alone.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

20. “As we have discussed many times before in the Council, both military and non-military action is required to address these threats. We must understand their root causes and the political, security, development and humanitarian needs ofthe population. It is essential that we adopt a coherent, whole-of-United Nations approach to tackle existing problems and prevent further deterioration in the region. I would like to begin by addressing the situation in the Lake Chad basin. The magnitude of this crisis is profound; the combination of terrorism, extreme poverty and climate change has rendered some 10 million people dependent on humanitarian aid. More than 2.4 million people have been forced to abandon their homes, and the cholera epidemic is the worst in nearly a decade. A regional response to the crisis in the Lake Chad basin is critical.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

21. “I wish to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Chambas for his briefing and for his team's work in West Africa and the Sahel. His efforts continue to be an invaluable bulwark against the forces of instability in the region. The United Kingdom welcomes the progress set out by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General this morning but remains concerned by the security and political situation in large parts of the region. Many of our concerns are reflected in the report of the Secretary-General (S/20l8/ll75), including the threats from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram in countries including Nigeria and other groups operating in the Sahel that wreak havoc on vulnerable populations and systematically violate women's rights.”

    2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

22. “Urgent steps must be taken now to address the underlying causes of the conflicts. It is in everyone's interest for peace and stability to prevail in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Now more than ever we need a political process that delivers a two- State solution.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

23. “The October 2017 reconciliation agreement was a good start, but now all the Palestinian factions must work together to implement an agreement. We strongly support the efforts of Egypt, the Special Coordinator and the wider international community to achieve that. The United Kingdom will continue to urge the parties to prioritize progress towards reaching a durable solution for Gaza and to take the necessary practical steps to ensure Gaza's reconstruction and economic recovery. That is the only way to improve the living standards of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza and guarantee Israel's long-term security. In conclusion, the people of Israel and Gaza have the right to live without constant fear for their security, and both peoples have the right to live safely and in peace.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

24. “We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and have been holding frequent discussions with the Government of Israel about the importance of easing its restrictions on Gaza. The United Kingdom welcomes the recent efforts to improve the humanitarian situation, especially the increase in the supply of electricity from between four to six hours to 12 hours a day, and the Palestinian Authority's continued payment of salaries and other costs. As others have done, we also welcome the recent contributions that have been made to close the funding gap for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, and we reiterate the United Kingdom's support for the Agency. If the situation in Gaza is to improve, it requires political resolve.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

25. “Our Ambassador to Israel visited communities affected by the rocket fire on Tuesday. Hamas and other factions must end such attacks immediately. The recent deaths on both sides of the conflict are alarming. In order to protect civilians, it is crucial to ensure that a ceasefire is agreed on and maintained as part of a political process that sees the Palestinian Authority return to Gaza and the restrictions on the Gazan people and economy lifted. As Mr. Mladenov made clear today, no effort must be spared to reverse the spiral of violence. The cycle of conflict in Gaza has gone on for too long and the civilian populations in Gaza and Israel have suffered the consequences. We call on Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and Israel to refrain from any action that could lead to further deterioration.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

26. “I thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the recent violence in Gaza and Israel, including the civilian casualties. We must do everything we can to avoid another devastating war, which would compound the already awful humanitarian and security conditions that ordinary Gazans face and further threaten the security of Israeli border communities. We urge all parties to show restraint, and we welcome the return to calm of the past few days. We strongly support the mediation efforts of the international community led by Egypt and the United Nations, and urge for talks to continue aimed at achieving enduring peace in Gaza under the control of the Palestinian Authority. We strongly condemn the firing of projectiles from Gaza towards Israel.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source

27. “I also wish to encourage even greater efforts within United Nations police components to consult with communities, including women, and ensure that their views and needs are fully part of their day-to-day work and are reflected in their reporting to the Council.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

28. “United Nations police are present throughout the continuum of conflict. The Blue Berets are usually the first and the last members of the United Nations family that a local population meet during any intervention or response to a crisis. Therefore, in order to succeed in their mission across the duration of their deployment, officers need to establish a relationship with the population - one that must be one that is founded on trust. That trust is more readily formed if United Nations police officers reflect the diversity of the world that they are sent to protect. Allow me, therefore, to conclude by expressing my support for police-contributing countries that are addressing the obstacles preventing more women from entering United Nations police.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

29. “That needs to be underpinned by a strong and analytical capability that can undertake the continuous assessment necessary to ensure that policing activity remains appropriate to the needs on the ground. Secondly, it is vital that United Nations missions continue to support the development of law enforcement in host States and do so based on assessment of the host State needs and capacity. The United Kingdom believes that, to maximize impact, United Nations police need to be in a position to deploy sufficient numbers of specialists in those specific disciplines that are relevant to a particular mission. The United Kingdom would like to encourage the Police Division to improve efficiency in recruitment and subsequent deployment into police components so that the relevant expertise is available when needed most.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

30. “That is why the United Kingdom was a strong supporter of resolution 2382 (2017) and the 2016 external review. We look forward to the full implementation of the resolution and those recommendations of the external review that remain outstanding. We believe that the forthcoming report on policing by the Secretary-General will provide an opportunity to take stock of the various strands of reform and set out a clear plan for the future. There are two particular areas I would like to highlight. First, the United Kingdom would like to underline the full integration of policing advice into mission planning processes, ensuring that policing expertise is included in decision-making through the life of the mission.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

31. “They also help to embed longer-term stability by promoting the rule of law and human rights and by helping build capable and accountable national security institutions. In the light of the important role played by United Nations policing in peacekeeping and the maintenance of international peace and security, it is vital for the Security Council to have the opportunity to hear at first-hand from Police Commissioners about what the Security Council can do to support them and their offices. IfUnitedNations policingisto remain effective,then we - whether Council members, police-contributing countries or police commanders - need to listen to the experiences of police on the ground and consider how reform can make a practical difference.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

32. “I thank Assistant Secretary-General Zouev and the Police Commissioners present with us here today, as well as Ms. Reitano, for their briefings. I would like to begin by asking all the Blue Berets at today's meeting to pass on to their colleagues the United Kingdom's thanks and admiration for their service and bravery. Their work and sacrifice in fragile and post-conflict States is a vital part of peacekeeping operations. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Haiti, the men and women of United Nations policing put their lives on the line to protect the most vulnerable as their communities emerge from conflict. Their presence allows people to rebuild their lives, communities and livelihoods.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source

33. “The United Kingdom looks forward to the round table talks in December, which will mark the start of a process, and encourages all concerned to work constructively with the Personal Envoy in the spirit of compromise through the duration of the process to ensure a successful outcome.”

    2018-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8387 (2018) · source

34. “The United Kingdom was pleased to vote in favour today of resolution 2440 (2018), which supports the work of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Mr. Horst Kohler, and rightly focuses on progress that must be made towards a lasting and mutually acceptable solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The United Kingdom strongly supports the efforts of Mr. Kohler, as well as the work of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and its Head, Mr. Colin Stewart. We are very grateful to our United States colleagues for their efforts to ensure that the resolution sends a signal of the Council's strong support for political progress, while underpinning the important work of MINURSO.”

    2018-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8387 (2018) · source

35. “Much of the remaining clearance challenge stems from recent indiscriminate contamination by mines and IEDs. It is vital that we continue to assess the challenges ahead and collaboratively consider the means to meet such challenges. We must augment our efforts where we can so that we can collectively tackle the scourge of landmines.”

    2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source

36. “The United Kingdom supports Resolution 2370, (2017), which restricts terrorist actors' access to weapons. We call for additional stringent national measures to deny terrorists ready access to weapons and explosive precursors. We also support General Assembly resolution 71/72, on countering the threat posed by improvised explosive devices, the second of its kind. International cooperation is vital to tackling the criminal and terrorist networks facilitating and using IEDs. The United Kingdom is actively engaged in facilitating discussions among the international community on the topic of IEDs and mine action. The conference that we hosted in May considered the challenges of realizing a mine-free world and looked at how we could overcome them.”

    2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source

37. “We welcome the significant role played by the United Nations, in particular its focus on strengthening national capacity and the importance of partnerships. In support of that, we provide funding to the Voluntary Trust Fund of the United Nations Mine Action Service, and, through the United Kingdom military's Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment, have supported the United Nations development of improvised explosive device disposal standards. We welcome the completion of those standards and recognize the role that they will play in ensuring the safety of United Nations personnel who take part in demining activity. As identified in the Secretary-General's report, there is an appalling trend of increased use of improvised explosive devices by non-State actors.”

    2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source

38. “It is only when we stop producing those atrocious weapons, that people will stop being killed by them. The United Kingdom will continue to uphold its own commitments under the Convention. We are working to clear landmines in the Falkland Islands, the only part of our territory that is contaminated with landmines. We are also proud to offer substantial international assistance. Last year, we tripled our funding for mine action and will spend $130 million over three years to tackle the humanitarian and development impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. That support is making 150 square kilometres of land safe, which will help 800,000 people and ensure that, every year, over 100,000 people - especially children - fully understand the dangers posed by landmines and how to avoid them.”

    2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source

39. “As discussed in the Secretary-General's report, landmines continue to kill and maim indiscriminately. It is civilians, and all too often children, who are the victims of those brutal weapons. Although a great deal has been done and achieved to rid the world of those horrific weapons, it is clear that more remains to be done. The United Kingdom fully agrees that instruments of international law provide protection against the proliferation of explosive weapons. We remain fully committed to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which we chaired in 2017, the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. We call on all States not already party to those conventions to accede to those key international disarmament initiatives without delay.”

    2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source

40. “I thank Assistant Secretary-General Zouev for his briefing, and through him I would like to extend the United Kingdom's appreciation for all the work carried out by United Nations staff working on mine action, especially in the United Nations Mine Action Service. I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2018/623) on the implementation of resolution 2365 (2017). The United Kingdom reiterates its support for the resolution, in which, for the first time, the Council calls for action against the lasting threat posed by landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to civilians and peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel. Twenty years after the adoption of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, landmines remain a major threat.”

    2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source

41. “Guinea-Bissau's people watched the country emerge from a period of instability but then found their hopes for democracy obstructed by a political knot that their own leaders tied. Support from the region and the international community to prevent the country from backsliding further will not succeed until those who tied the knot untangle it. We hope that good sense, compromise and the commitment to Guinea-Bissau's future will prevail.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

42. “In particular, the mediation efforts launched by the Women's Facilitation Group were an encouraging initiative, and we welcome the support given to them by the United Nations. As set out in resolution 2343 (2017), political support for efforts towards the implementation of the Conakry Agreement should be a priority for the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea- Bissau. The key next step remains the appointment of a consensus Prime Minister so that preparations can proceed for legislative elections in 2018, as per the country's Constitution. As we open discussions on its renewal, the United Kingdom will focus on ensuring that the Mission's mandate responds to today's political reality on the ground, that it is realistic and that it is focused on the highest priority needs.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

43. “But those most responsible for Guinea-Bissau's crisis have responded with stubborn refusal to give ground and find compromise. Therefore, it is understandable that the region's patience has worn thin. ECOWAS has now been driven to impose sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for impeding the implementation of the Conakry Agreement. The African Union Peace and Security Council has endorsed that move. The United Kingdom supports the ECOWAS decision, and we urge the Security Council and the entire international community to remain united in support of ECOWAS efforts. We also believe that it is important to recognize the bold efforts of civil society in Guinea-Bissau to resolve the crisis.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

44. “The illicit economy and transnational organized crime risk becoming further entrenched, with global implications. More broadly, instability in Guinea- Bissau would affect the wider region, which over the past year has been, for the most part, the site of positive political progress. The United Kingdom welcomes the leadership shown by the West African region, particularly through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It has shown persistence and patience. This is a crisis that began in 2015. It brokered the Conakry Agreement 15 months ago. It has agreed to countless communique's and published innumerable statements. It has sent numerous high-level delegations to Guinea- Bissau, including three over the past six months alone.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

45. “I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Toure and Ambassador Vieira for their informative briefings. The situation in Guinea-Bissau is concerning. It is not the first country in the world to experience a political impasse, but it is a country that continues to emerge from the serious instability and violence of its recent past. The political impasse has prevented progress on reforms that are critical to addressing key conflict risks in Guinea-Bissau. The situation is only likely to become more volatile as we move towards elections. We have already seen violent confrontations between demonstrators and police, and witnessed worrying efforts to curb political freedoms. Economic growth is at risk, and a serious deterioration in stability would be deeply damaging for development and human rights.”

    2018-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8182 (2018) · source

46. “We must focus our time and attention on genuine threats to international peace and security. All of us in this Chamber should be thankful that the situation in Kosovo no longer falls into this category.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

47. “We therefore need to see a full and effective transition from UNMIK to Kosovar institutions or other international organizations that have taken over historical UNMIK roles, including on missing persons. This is a time for UNMIK to be doing less, not more. To aid this effort, we want to see a leaner, more efficient UNMIK, one with a stronger focus on established and agreed priorities. This is a call we have made numerous times alongside others in this Chamber, and we are disappointed not to see options for reconfiguring UNMIK presented in the latest report of the Secretary General. I would like to close by reiterating the United Kingdom's long-standing position that is past time for the Security Council to meet less frequently on this issue. The number of issues on our agenda only continues to grow.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

48. “Because it is Brussels and not the Security Council that is the forum of the future for Kosovo and Serbia, constructive exchanges in Brussels, such as those between Presidents Vucie and Thaci, should echo louder than exchanges in this Chamber. We of course welcome the years of service that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has provided in Kosovo, and we are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for all of his efforts. But just as Kosovo must come to terms with the past, so must UNMIK. The United Nations needs to recognize that Kosovo today is not the same country as it was when UNMIK first arrived. Put simply, UNMIK's operating environment has changed and on current trend, will continue to keep changing for the better.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

49. “We were, however, concerned that the coordinated passive intimidation within Kosovo Serb majority areas directed against candidates competing against the Srpska list. This behaviour has no place in Kosovo or indeed any other country striving to join the European Union (EU). This goal of membership in the EU is shared by both Serbia and Kosovo, and I would like to emphasize the need for normalization of relations between these two countries to help reach this goal. The EU- sponsored dialogue is an essential part of these efforts. Both parties have an equally important role to play in making the dialogue work, and I urge both parties in the Chamber today to redouble our efforts to implement dialogue agreements so as to reach their shared goal.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source

50. “As the United Kingdom's Minister of State for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, made clear on his visit to Pristina the last week, the United Kingdom remains fully committed to working with Kosovo on a broad range of issues, including strengthening the rule of law, addressing weaknesses in the justice system and fighting organized crime. We also welcome the Government's commitments to addressing profoundly complicated legacy issues, including missing persons and sexual violence. Kosovo will have the United Kingdom's support in these efforts. We recognize that for Kosovo to look to the future, it must first come to terms with the past. Over the past quarter, we have also seen broadly free and fair municipal elections across the vast majority of Kosovo, which is a welcome step following the free and fair elections in June.”

    2017-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8100 (2017) · source