YouSaid · the spoken record

Cohen

lines on the record: 977
first: 2008-01-22
most recent: 2023-10-24
sittings or episodes: 157
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

“The second Trump-Kim summit serves as a reminder to us all that sustained pressure is the only way to achieve a secure and economically prosperous future for North Korea. In Africa, the EU has played a key role in conflict prevention, security assistance and peacebuilding through its support to United Nations missions and through the EU training and capacity-building missions. We commend those activities and greatly appreciate the EU's partnership with the United Nations and the United States, especially in Mali, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Central African region.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“We greatly appreciate the EU's dedication of approximately $70 million there to civil society, governance, health, economic, youth and education initiatives. On its own continent, we commend the European Union for counter-terrorism successes, including sanctions implemented in January against the Iranian intelligence service and Ir3anian officials planning terrorist and assassination plots in the heart of Europe. The EU's actions send a strong signal to the number one State sponsor of terrorism - Iran - that Europe will not stand idly by while the regime threatens its citizens. Further, we commend the EU for its support of efforts to apply maximum diplomatic and economic pressure on the North Korean regime to bring about a final, fully verified denuclearization of the peninsula.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“As the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) works to eliminate the threat posed by ISIS there and across the globe, we look forward to working together to restore security and support good governance and economic growth in areas liberated from ISIS. Similar efforts are under way in Iraq, where the EU has dedicated approximately $30 million to humanitarian aid and an additional $20 million to development assistance. We welcome that important funding to help stabilize areas formerly under the control of ISIS. In Libya, the EU's support of United Nations-led mediation efforts to help the country establish a stable and unified Government is also critical.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“We greatly appreciate the EU's critical role in holding Russia accountable for its violations of international law. We join the European Union and other partners in affirming that our Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia will remain in place until Russia fully implements its Minsk commitments. Likewise, our Crimea-focused sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns full control of the peninsula to Ukraine. Beyond Europe, the EU has played a key role in other areas of concerns to the Council, including efforts to end the crisis in Venezuela. We are pleased that 24 EU member States have already recognized Juan Guaido as the interim President of Venezuela, and we urge other EU member States tojoin in formal recognition as well. We also appreciate the EU's close partnership in Syria.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“I thank High Representative Mogherini for joining us today and for her useful and comprehensive briefing. The United States deeply appreciates the contributions of the European Union (EU) to promoting peace, security and human rights in Europe and across the globe. The EU's engagement and cooperation with the Security Council in particular brings an important degree of influence and resources to help deal with the challenges we collectively face. The United States considers the European Union to be one of our most valuable partners in our effort to ensure global security and prosperity. We recognize that Europe's security and success are inextricably linked to our own. Five years after Russia's brazen intervention in eastern Ukraine, Moscow's aggression continues to threaten the region's peace and security.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“We look forward to coming to an understanding on the shape of a regional mechanism that could facilitate the finalization of the peace agreement. Afghans deserve to live in peace, and the United States welcomes the strong international support for efforts that we believe have a real chance to bring peace to Afghanistan after 17 years of war. Finally, we look forward to the renewal for another year of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The next 12 months will be a pivotal period for Afghanistan, and UNAMA will have a critical role to play in strengthening the legitimacy of Afghanistan's election process and supporting the Afghanistan peace process and in donor coordination.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“However, even if there is no progress on the peace track, elections need to take place. The United States is doing what it can to support the preparations for a credible election and encourage the Afghan Government to move forward with preparations for presidential elections. Building on lessons learned from the parliamentary elections and previous cycles, electoral reforms must have a realistic and firm timeline and be carried out in consultation with election stakeholders, including the presidential candidates. Also, we have called on Afghanistan's neighbours to lend their cooperation, participation and facilitation to assist Afghans to come to the peace table and make an honourable, just peace with each other.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Consequently, we are also pressing for an end to Afghans killing other Afghans, and specifically for the Taliban to implement a ceasefire or a major reduction in violence that would create an enabling environment for an intra-Afghan dialogue to proceed. As we heard from Special Representative Yamamoto and his team over the past week, a peace agreement will enjoy broad Afghan and international support only if it preserves and strengthens the social and economic gains achieved since 2001. Afghanistan's State institutions must survive and develop. Human rights must be respected, there must be a free press and women and girls must be empowered. We would prefer to see a peace agreement that brings the Taliban into the political process and facilitates a political framework for the future of Afghanistan.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“In January, we agreed in principle to a framework addressing the interconnected issues of counter- terrorism and withdrawal, including agreement on enforcement mechanisms to guarantee implementation. The recently concluded round of talks in Doha clarified a more detailed understanding of those topics. We have also consulted extensively with the Afghan Government and our international partners on the issues. In mid-February, the Taliban took a step towards the type of intra-Afghan dialogue that we believe is necessary, by appointing and empowering a negotiating team led by Mullah Baradar. We have asked President Ghani to work across broader Afghan society to build an inclusive national team. All sides agree that there can be no military solution.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“We continue to be the largest humanitarian donor in Afghanistan and have contributed more than $232 million in life-saving assistance in the past year. We encourage our colleagues to continue to rise to the challenge alongside us. We also recognize the very difficult security situation in Afghanistan. At the same time, we believe that 2019 promises to be a year for peace. The United States is committed to using its influence with all interested parties to make 2019 that year, in close consultation with the Afghan Government. We are not seeking a withdrawal agreement but rather a comprehensive peace agreement that can guarantee that Afghanistan never again becomes a platform for transnational terrorism and that can codify an intra-Afghan consensus on a political road map for the future of the country.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Tapesh for her briefing today and for the important and courageous work she is doing in support ofhuman rights, women's empowerment and women's participation in Afghanistan's political process. And I thank Mr. Mohib for joining us in the Council today. We share the concerns expressed today about the many challenges facing Afghanistan, including the very difficult humanitarian situation. We recognize that more than 6.3 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. That number has nearly doubled from last year, as severe drought in 2018 affected more than 10 million Afghans. Moreover, Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers to deliver assistance. The United States continues to step up to provide assistance to vulnerable populations in Afghanistan in response to this emergency.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“The United States expresses its deepest sympathies to all affected by the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. We offer our condolences in solidarity with the people and the Government of Ethiopia responding to the crash. Our Embassies in Addis Ababa and Nairobi are working tirelessly to offer all possible assistance. The tragedy was especially difficult for members of the United Nations community, with at least 19 United Nations workers from various agencies and offices among those dead. We mourn the lives of all 157 victims, alongside the people and Governments of the more than 35 countries from which they came. I thank Special Representative Yamamoto for his briefing and the continuing hard work that he and his team have been doing in support of economic development in Afghanistan. I also thank Ms.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Our expected return on current and any future assistance is that the Government and opposition parties will take primary responsibility for the implementation of the peace Agreement in South Sudan and for the welfare of its people. This will help restore the confidence of the South Sudanese people and the international community in the future of South Sudan.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The United States calls on the Government to allow UNMISS to undertake its roles and responsibilities in support of stability in Juba. There is no bigger supporter of the people of South Sudan than the United States. We want to see this peace process lead to long-term stability and security in the country. In 2018, the United States provided $845 million for South Sudan, the vast majority of it in support of the most vulnerable South Sudanese, who have borne the terrible brunt of this conflict. We have contributed more than $3.7 billion to South Sudan since it gained independence in 2011, but as we announced last year, our assistance is not infinite.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Those steps include full adherence to the ceasefire, taking action against gender- based violence, ceasing the obstruction of ceasefire monitors, permitting unhindered humanitarian access and ending the inappropriate taxes and fees imposed on aid workers, releasing all political prisoners, establishing the Africa Union hybrid court and opening up political space for peaceful dissent. As South Sudan saw during the 2016 outbreak of violence, a peaceful and secure Juba is paramount for any peace agreement to hold. To that end, the Government must allow UNMISS to fulfil its mandate to provide a secure environment in and around Juba and other parts of South Sudan. The Government's frequent violations of the status-of-forces agreement through unreasonable clearance processes and impromptu road barricades cannot continue.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The Government should make use of its increased oil revenues in a transparent manner to support the agreement's implementation and provide services to South Sudan's people, many of whom are on the brink of famine yet again. Absent such transparency, South Sudan's leaders cannot expect the international community to provide substantial financial support to implement the peace agreement. The commitment to the agreement is not solely a matter of money. There are clear and immediate steps that the Government and opposition parties can take to underscore their commitment to the South Sudanese people and the agreement.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The United States is disturbed by reports that the Government of South Sudan continues to unlawfully recruit young people from military service. That too must stop. Having seen previous peace agreements in South Sudan fail to hold and the country fall back into conflict and instability, the United States, the rest of the Council and the South Sudanese people all expect South Sudan's leaders to demonstrate a clear commitment to the implementation of the agreement in words and in action. One fundamental, yet powerful, step the Government should take is to use its own resources to support peace rather than war and corruption.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The assault, detention and abuse of members of a Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism team by Government officials in December is one glaring example that calls into question the Government's commitment to the peace process. Such actions against individuals and institutions working to assist in the implementation of the agreement are appalling. We are also alarmed by continuing violence by all sides in the vicinity of Yei, which has led to mass displacement, the killings ofcivilians and an urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The violence represents a flagrant breach of the cessation of hostilities agreement and the Revitalized Agreement. Those military actions must stop now.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“On the one hand, we are encouraged by reports that the ceasefire appears to be holding in most parts of South Sudan. At the local level, formerly warring military commanders have engaged with one another in peace celebrations. We are similarly encouraged to see a rapprochement between the Government and opposition parties in communities throughout South Sudan, including a variety of confidence-building measures that have sparked increased economic activity. On the other hand, the United States is deeply concerned by the apparent lack of political commitment from all parties at the national level to fully implement all tenants of the agreement.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Representative Shearer and Ms. Jial for their briefings about the latest developments on the ground in South Sudan. Today, International Women's Day, reminds us of a key reason that our conversation on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is so important. We must do everything possible to promote a better future for the millions of women in South Sudan who face staggering and unrelenting levels of sexual violence. Five months into the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, the United States remains watchful of the parties' implementation and their commitment to finally putting an end to the horrific violence and instability that have plagued South Sudan for far too long.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The international community must also help prepare the ground for the peaceful resolution of these protracted conflicts, which, as Foreign Minister Lajcak noted, have undeniably gone on for far too long. Additionally, we thank the OSCE Chair and participating States for their support of the Minsk Group process. The United States, Russia and France are working together productively as co-Chairs to help the sides reach a settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The OSCE's crucial role in strengthening human rights, democracy, peace and stability in Europe for more than 40 years cannot be overstated. The United States reaffirms the OSCE's importance as a partner to the United Nations and particularly to the Security Council in addressing critical security challenges.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Although Russia participates in the OSCE's 5+2 Transnistria settlement negotiations, it has failed to honour its 1999 Istanbul OSCE summit commitments to withdraw its forces from Moldova. Russia has used the protracted conflicts in these nations to hinder the region's gravitation towards European and western institutions and to slow the development of a rules-based order. We have urged the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovakia, to support ongoing initiatives by the OSCE and participating States, including the Geneva international discussions and the 5+2 talks. The international community must counter one State's actions, which fly in the face of OSCE principles and commitments, undermining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other OSCE participating States.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“We join our European and other partners in affirming that our Ukraine-based sanctions against Russia will remain in place until Russia fully implements its Minsk commitments, and Crimea-focused sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns full control of the peninsula to Ukraine. The United States also opposes Russia's continuing occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are part of Georgia. There too Russia's actions contravene its international commitments and violate Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders. And again in Georgia we have a concerted effort by one OSCE member to destabilize another.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“The United States commends the OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which provides the international community with the best source of impartial information on the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The OSCE's work in negotiating ceasefires has also been critical in alleviating the suffering caused by Russia's aggression. We applaud the courage and dedication of the Mission's unarmed monitors. As we have stated repeatedly in this Chamber, the United States fully supports Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters, as should all OSCE member States. We do not, nor will we ever, recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“As has been pointed out, last month marked the fifth anniversary of Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea and its instigation of conflict in eastern Ukraine. Moscow's aggression, beginning in 2014, marked the first instance since the Second World War that a European country has sought to redraw the boundaries of another by force. It is particularly egregious that the aggression was carried out by one OSCE member against another. In November, Russia escalated its aggressive activities against Ukraine when it attacked Ukrainian naval vessels in the Black Sea. The United States again strongly condemns that unjustified use of force and again calls on Russia to return Ukraine's detained personnel and seized ships.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“The United States applauds the OSCE for its critical role in developing a robust regional security architecture and promoting human rights, democracy, peace and stability across the vast area ofits participating States since 1975. The fundamental principles of the OSCE, as a pillar of the international rules-based system, must be upheld. We underscore its invaluable role as a forum for addressing the most challenging issues of the day through open and comprehensive dialogue. Its unique field-office presence, particularly in the Western Balkans, continues to play a significant and influential role. Nowhere is the OSCE's comprehensive approach to security and its contributions to promoting the peaceful settlement of conflicts more important than in Ukraine.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“I would like to add our voice to the others congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. We also congratulate Equatorial Guinea for its hard work as President during a very challenging February. I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's briefing. We recognize and greatly appreciate the invaluable contributions that the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to regional peace and security for more than 40 years. As a former OSCE desk officer in the State Department, I am personally particularly pleased to be participating in today's discussion. I thank Mr. Lajcak for his briefing on the OSCE's activities and for his leadership of the organization.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“We again thank Special Envoy Schraner Burgener for her briefing, and we look forward to further discussions on these issues. We sincerely hope the democratic reforms and humanitarian efforts that the United States has supported in Myanmar will ultimately result in a peaceful, successful civil society and a new beginning for all the people of Myanmar.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“This year we look forward to working with Member States on a General Assembly resolution that addresses the human rights situation in Myanmar. For the 1 million ethnic Rohingya who fled the violence to Bangladesh, the situation is urgent. We applaud Bangladesh's generosity in continuing to host 1 million Rohingya refugees, and we will continue to seek creative ways to increase access to education, livelihoods and durable shelters for Rohingya refugees, while maintaining pressure on Myanmar to create the conditions necessary for voluntary repatriation. The international community cannot ignore the world's largest refugee camp. We can and must take steps to effect change on the ground and to resolve this humanitarian crisis.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We urge Myanmar to play a constructive role in resolving this crisis, including by ensuring accountability for those responsible for human rights violations and abuses. The United States supports the multiple efforts and mechanisms at the United Nations to foster accountability for human rights abuses in Myanmar, including in northern Rakhine state. In addition to the Special Envoy's role, we strongly support the United Nations fact-finding mission on Myanmar. We have monitored the expeditious operationalization of the independent investigative mechanism for Myanmar, whose mandate is to collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of the most serious crimes. In addition, we have also called upon the authorities in Myanmar to resume cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We continue to urge the Government of Myanmar to create conditions for voluntary repatriation and to address the root causes of the crisis in Rakhine state. That requires improving the living conditions for those ethnic Rohingya remaining in Rakhine state, including a transparent and efficient citizenship verification process, freedom of movement, access to livelihoods, security reform, ensuring accountability and other key recommendations of the Annan Commission. In addition, the Government of Myanmar's memorandums of understanding with UNHCR and the United Nations Development Programme expire in June. It is imperative that the work streams outlined in those documents be implemented. The international community is willing to help but must be allowed to do so with unhindered humanitarian, media and NGO access.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We agree with the assessment of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive for voluntary returns and that the responsibility to improve those conditions rests with Myanmar. The return of refugees and internally displaced persons must be voluntary, safe, dignified, sustainable and consistent with international principles. Returns should be based on reliable information about the conditions in the relevant areas of Myanmar. Unhindered access for humanitarian assistance, media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is necessary to understand conditions in areas of return and to allow refugees and internally displaced persons to make informed choices.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, on Equatorial Guinea completing its presidency of the Council. I thank Special Envoy Schraner Burgener for her briefing and for her important work on Myanmar. I welcome the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh and thank him for joining us and for all that his country has done for the Rohingya people. The United States remains deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar, especially in Rakhine state. Progress on the ground has been limited. As our Vice-President said in his meeting with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the violence and persecution by the military and vigilantes that resulted in driving 700,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh are without excuse.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“The United States believes that a political solution in Syria can be arrived at only through the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). We will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations and Special Envoy Pedersen to achieve that goal.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The international community should find ways to de-escalate the conflict, including by maintaining the Idlib, ceasefire in order to save lives and provide space for the political process. Resolution 2254 (2015) also calls on the parties to release arbitrarily detained individuals, particularly women and children. Efforts to release detainees, including abductees and missing persons, held by the Al-Assad regime and Syrian political opposition groups, have been insufficient under the auspices of the Astana guarantors. Progress on the release of detainees and missing persons is an important step towards building the trust and confidence necessary to achieve a political solution, and it is a vital component of a political solution under resolution 2254 (2015). Next month will be the eighth anniversary of the beginning of the Syrian conflict.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The United States urges the parties to the Idlib ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Idlib governorate in accordance with international humanitarian law. As we have repeatedly stressed since its inception, the Turkish/ Russian-brokered ceasefire is essential for protecting the nearly 3 million civilians residing in Idlib. Syrians have experienced significant reductions of air strikes and civilian deaths since the ceasefire went into effect in September 2018. Once again, to repeat what we have said in the Council for many months, any major military operation in Idlib would be a reckless escalation of the conflict and would result in a humanitarian catastrophe far beyond what we have witnessed during previous regime assaults on eastern Ghouta, Aleppo and Homs.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“That, of course, will require the Al-Assad regime and its allies to uphold the calls of resolution 2254 (2015) for a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire. Therefore, it is vital that Security Council members redouble our efforts towards our shared goal of de-escalating the military conflict in Syria in order to create a safe and calm environment, alongside a political process that honours the will of the Syrian people. To that end, the United States strongly urges the parties to maintain the Turkish/Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement in Idlib. We are deeply concerned about both the increase in air strikes and other military activity in Idlib. Terrorism cannot be used as a pretext for targeting civilians.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“We once again affirm that the committee must be balanced in its inclusion of civil society, opposition and regime representatives if it is to meet the credibility criteria. The United States welcomes Special Envoy Pedersen's plans to explore other potential initiatives within the four-baskets framework, including constitutional reform and the need for credible preparations for United Nations-administered free and fair elections. In addition, it is clear that violence must stop in order for a political solution to take hold. One of the best ways that the Council can support Special Envoy Pedersen's efforts on the political track is to ensure the creation of a stable security environment not just in Idlib, but throughout Syria.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“I amjoined today by the Secretary of State's Special Representative for Syria Engagement, my good friend Ambassador Jim Jeffrey, to underscore the United States determination and sense of urgency towards implementing the blue print of resolution 2254 (2015) for a political transition in Syria, which still remains stalled by the Russian Federation and its supporters, although the Council unanimously adopted it three years ago. The United States supports the Special Envoy's efforts to convene a legitimate, credible and balanced constitutional committee. We remain prepared to support the formation of a constitutional committee once the United Nations is satisfied that the membership, composition and rules of procedure are balanced.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for being here today. The United States congratulates him on his appointment and welcomes him to the Security Council for his first briefing as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. We look forward to working with him to find a political solution to the Syrian conflict through the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). The United States is unwavering in its commitment to achieving a peaceful political settlement to the Syrian conflict in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The United States recognizes that lasting stability, prosperity, independence and security on the African continent are in the national interests of the United States and of the countries represented in this Chamber and around the globe. We will continue to be a close partner of the African Union and its member States in addressing the underlying causes of conflict. With the collective support of the Security Council, we look forward to continuing to work together to silence the guns and end conflict on the African continent.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“We call for immediate and broad-based reconciliatory dialogue, without preconditions, between the Government of Cameroon and separatists in the north-west and south- west regions. In the Sudan, President Omer Al-Bashir has declared a year-long state of emergency and dissolved national and provincial Governments in response to protests calling for his removal from office as a result of months of economic and political crisis. At the same time, the repressive tactics of the Sudanese security forces, including the use of live fire, arbitrary detention and torture, threaten to further destabilize the Sudan. There is an urgent need for political and economic reform in the Sudan that is fully inclusive and that addresses the legitimate grievances expressed by the protesters.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“It is particularly troubling when armed State security forces repress and abuse citizens, as we have seen recently in countries such as Zimbabwe, where earlier this year State security forces were responsible for at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence and torture and at least 600 arbitrary arrests. We call on Governments, including that in Zimbabwe, to hold accountable those State security forces who misuse their positions to commit human rights abuses and violations. The escalating crisis in the anglophone regions of Cameroon is also of concern. We urge both sides in the north-west and south-west regions of Cameroon to renounce further violence and to allow unfettered access for humanitarian and health-care workers.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Strong African leadership and commitments to addressing the underlying causes of violence will facilitate that cooperation. Today's resolution is a good example of that type ofpartnership. Finally and perhaps most importantly, we can expect Governments in Africa to hold each other accountable to provide security to all their citizens, regardless of race and ethnicity and in a way that respects and values human rights. Societies that promote and protect human rights are more resilient. The United States also recognizes the role of women's empowerment and leadership in preventing conflict.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“The Agenda includes important goals such as improving access to and the quality of education, investing in infrastructure, protecting the environment and strengthening democracy and the rule of law. We are concerned, however, by language committing to reducing food imports, which could have a negative impact on food security and may not be consistent with the trade obligations of African members of the World Trade Organization. We hope to hold further discussions with the AU on that issue. Thirdly, the international community should continue to look for ways to bolster cooperation with the African Union, other regional organizations and individual African States to prevent and mitigate crises, resolve conflicts and prevent mass atrocities and the displacement of populations.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“In Somalia, United States programmes bolster the security of Federal Government of Somalia stockpiles against attacks by Al-Shabaab and other armed groups. The United States has also worked to stabilize the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by destroying excess and poorly secured weapons and ammunition and by improving physical security and stockpile management for the Congolese army and national police. Additionally, the United States funds a multimillion-dollar responsible minerals trade programme aimed at breaking the link between conflict and the mineral trade in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States has also consistently supported many objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“First, we can strengthen existing mechanisms to anticipate the outbreak of conflict, whatever the cause, and support mediation and prevention efforts. Empowering the continental early warning system by giving additional political weight to its analytical findings and endorsing diplomatic responses that address potential crises in their infancy are two critically important examples. Taking action as a result of the warning systems is often politically difficult but can be key to reducing the potential for Violence. Secondly, States can partner bilaterally with countries across the continent to address arms control in Africa. The United States is assisting Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda to meet their commitments under the Nairobi Protocol.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Small arms are illicitly acquired through various means, including diversion from national stockpiles, attacks on military posts and trafficking and sales by networks willing to sell weapons to non-State actors. Those activities often violate United Nations arms embargoes or contravene United Nations sanctions regimes. Corrupt officials who turn a blind eye to the pilfering of unsecured weapon stockpiles also facilitate the smuggling of arms. Weak criminal justice systems, weak border and maritime controls, inadequate physical security and poor stockpile management further exacerbate the problem. These are just a few of the many factors that propagate conflict in Africa today. Today we must ask ourselves what actions we can take to combat those drivers of violence.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“The factors contributing to violence in Africa are complex. Poor governance, corruption and underdevelopment create fragility that feeds cycles of conflict. Additionally, poor management of natural resources can contribute to the problem. The proper management of natural resource endowments should bring prosperity and social development; but in too many countries natural resource wealth does not translate into improved livelihoods for citizens but feeds corruption, violence and conflict. As most other speakers have also noted, the trafficking in and circulation and use of small arms and light weapons remain key drivers of conflict in Africa and are responsible for a majority of deaths in conflicts.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I thank Ms. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Mr. Lamamra, African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa; and Mr. Gounden, Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, for their briefings today. Today's debate and vote on resolution 2457 (2019), supporting the AU Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative, is intended to advance the goal of creating an African continent that is free of conflict. As we have stated before, the goal of a conflict-free Africa is ambitious and worthy, but it will not be easy to implement. Nevertheless, the resolution and gatherings like today's open debate demonstrate the willingness of the African Union and its member States, as well as the broader international community, to take on the challenge.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source