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

“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Special Representative Gamba for their detailed and disturbing briefings and for their important work on Syria. The United States condemns the attack that took place earlier this week in Syria's Al-Suwayda province, for which the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham has claimed responsibility. The barbaric attack killed scores of civilians and we send our sympathies to the families of the victims. Civilians, in particular children, continue to bear the brunt of ongoing violence in Syria. Each month, Mr. Lowcock briefs us on desperate civilians caught up in military offensives and the thousands who are denied access to the most basic necessities, including life-saving aid. The most recent military campaign in the south-west is yet another dark chapter in Syria's tragic story.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“Importantly, owing in part to those efforts, the United States Government's 2017 coca cultivation estimates showed a 20 per cent decrease in the region being addressed for the first time in five years, thereby bucking a national trend. Colombia continues to establish the conditions for extended peace, and while challenges remain, the Government has shown its strength as a regional leader, especially by providing shelter and services to nearly 1 million Venezuelans fleeing crisis in their own country. We are proud to have worked to support Colombia's response to the crisis, and we remain committed to continuing our engagement with Colombia to provide additional humanitarian support as needed. The people of Colombia know better than most that peace is precious but fragile.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Together we need to accelerate our counter-narcotics efforts and deliver sustainable results to the people of both countries through increased resources, the effective use of all available tools and an integrated whole-of- Government approach. Colombians are not alone in the fight. The United States will continue to support them, including through a unique, comprehensive strategy to reduce coca cultivation, known as Antioquia libre de coca. Through coordinated efforts of the Colombian police and army, local and national Governments and the private sector, the plan is already delivering infrastructure and providing licit economic opportunities for local communities, while pushing coca growers to transition to licit crops.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Ensuring meaningful justice and accountability for perpetrators of serious crimes committed during many years of armed conflict is vital to reconciliation, and we believe that the transitional justice processes outlined in the agreement provide the opportunity to deliver justice for victims. At the same time, the successful implementation of the peace accord is inextricably linked to our joint efforts to dismantle criminal organizations and curtail narcotrafficking. In our own country, President Trump has made substance abuse prevention a priority, and we are devoting resources to reducing the demand for cocaine. In Colombia, the United States continues to work with authorities to cut coca cultivation and cocaine production by half by the end of 2023.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Particularly important are successful prosecutions of those who seek to silence the voices of human rights advocates and community leaders. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia has been vital to this process, and we encourage Colombia to continue its important partnership with the Mission to support security as well as reintegration efforts for ex-combatants. We trust that the Government will continue the momentum established by the historic Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace and consolidate security gains that will bring about a just and lasting peace for all Colombians.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“The United States applauds the Colombian Government's efforts to build roads, hospitals, police stations and schools in underserved rural and former conflict areas. Providing security, infrastructure and public services is critical to sustaining peace in Colombia. That has never been more important than it is now, especially during this time of transition and in the light of the recent killings of human rights defenders and community leaders. We commend the decision of President Santos Calderon and President-elect Duque, as well as key State institutions and political parties, to sign a national pact against the violence. Protecting the fundamental freedoms of all Colombian citizens, including social leaders, depends on strengthening the rule of law.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“I want to thank Special Representative Arnault for his briefing and welcome the participation of Vice-President Naranjo Trujillo. With regard to our Colombian friends, I want to take a moment to reflect on the hard-won opportunity for a lasting peace that they have achieved, which seemed like an impossible dream at times, as President Santos Calderon has said. Through their tireless efforts to address justice and reparations issues in their peace agreement with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), Colombia is truly an example to the world. They should be proud of what they have done, and we look forward to what they will continue to achieve. The Colombian Government is beginning to extend its presence and provide services in areas that have known conflict for decades.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“President Kabila has committed repeatedly to respecting the Constitution and to implementing the December 2016 agreement. We are a mere five months away from election day. The time for posturing is over.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“We have not forgotten the murders of United Nations experts Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, and we will not stop pressing for those responsible to be held accountable. The international community is united in those concerns, as evidenced by last week'sjoint communique with the African Union Peace and Security Council. We urge other members of the Security Council to push for well-planned elections, including through members' bilateral conversations, and to consider the possibility of targeted sanctions against those who threaten peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congolese people have been waiting nearly two years for an opportunity to cast their votes and choose new leaders, as outlined in their Constitution.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“What do Congolese authorities plan to do if those untested voting machines malfunction on election day and jeopardize the credibility of the results? Is there a back-up plan? If so, what is it? We must also not lose sight of the violence we have witnessed recently in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States commends MONUSCO's quick response to clashes in Bijombo this month but remains deeply concerned about reports of human rights abuses, with tens of thousands of people fleeing the violence. Ultimately, violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and in other parts of the country will not abate without genuine, credible, inclusive and peaceful elections and without a commitment to holding those responsible for such violence to account.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“It is absolutely critical that the Independent National Electoral Commission make detailed requests for logistical support from MONUSCO in a timely fashion. We have not yet seen evidence of how the Electoral Commission would organize elections without MONUSCO's assistance. The Mission cannot afford to wait until the last moment to put a plan into action. In addition, the Commission must take steps to ensure that voters can cast their ballots via a mechanism that is tested and trusted and guarantees the secrecy of the vote, namely, paper ballots. Deploying more than 100,000 unfamiliar, untested and possibly unworkable electronic voting machines for the first time during a critical national election poses an enormous and unnecessary risk.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“Yesterday was an important day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the opening of the candidate registration period. As we have repeatedly stated, we expect President Kabila to abide by the Constitution and the December 2016 agreement. He is not eligible under Congolese law to seek a third term. The United States regrets the fact that President Kabila did not use his 19 July address to Parliament to resolve the uncertainty with regard to his intentions. Turning now to elections preparations, 23 December is rapidly approaching. The Council authorized the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to provide logistical support to the elections. We expect the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take advantage of the support that MONUSCO has offered.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank the representative of Kuwait, as Chair of the Committee established, pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Special Representative of the Secretary- General Zerrougui for their briefings. We appreciate their efforts to keep the Security Council informed of progress towards elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We would especially like to thank Ms. Masika Bihamba for her presence in the Council Chamber today. We were all moved by her testimony regarding the threats against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and inspired by her courage in seeking protection, care and justice for the survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. We thank her for her leadership.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“We would be interested to hear our briefers' thoughts on how the AU can better support and draw from that policy as it develops its own performance and accountability mechanisms. Lastly, we are confident that this important relationship is headed in the right direction. We share the vision of a stable, prosperous and secure Africa, and applaud the many efforts to pursue continued and increased collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union in order to achieve our shared goals.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“However, we do recognize the progress that the AU has made towards developing compliance frameworks for international humanitarian law and human rights, and for conduct and discipline, particularly the policies on conduct and discipline and on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as the training standards for the integrated protection of civilians. We urge the United Nations and the AU to continue to prioritize the development and implementation of standards in order to achieve greater transparency and accountability in AU peace support operations. As the Council is aware, earlier this year the General Assembly's Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations called on the Secretariat to develop a comprehensive performance policy that details performance standards and mechanisms for accountability.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“What the United States will not do is consider additional financial support through the United Nations for any future AU-led operations authorized by the Security Council under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, until benchmarks for financial transparency, conduct and discipline and human rights are demonstrably implemented across AU peace organizations and operations. To do otherwise, or to act prematurely, would be to risk jeopardizing the legitimacy and credibility of United Nations peacekeeping.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“We also welcome the African Union's efforts to increase financial self- reliance, including through the AU Peace Fund, and to meet the commitment made by the Assembly of the African Union in January 2015 to funding 25 per cent of the cost of its peace and security operations. We especially look forward to working with AU member States to identify non-trade mechanisms for greater self-financing that are transparent and compliant with their international obligations and commitments.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“The African Union plays a leading role, and its partnership with the United Nations is a critical component in advancing our shared objectives of stability and prosperity in Africa. The United States appreciates the Secretary- General's recognition that the focus of joint efforts between the United Nations and the AU must be on facilitating sustainable political solutions, which requires addressing the root causes of conflict. We applaud the efforts to develop linkages with financial institutions such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. They are essential to bringing to bear the resources necessary to help address the root causes of conflict in Africa.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“By 2030 Africa will represent almost a quarter of the world's workforce and consumers. By 2050 its population is expected to double to 2 billion people, a majority of whom will be under 18, making Africa the world's youngest continent. Almost 70 per cent of Africans today are under 25 years old. The success or failure of African Governments in meeting the aspirations of their peoples, particularly their young people, will affect peace and security issues across the continent. Meeting those aspirations will depend on their ability to continue to develop institutions that are accountable and responsive to citizens, promoting the rule of law and ensuring political stability.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“We are very pleased to have you with us for today's discussion, Madam President. We would also like to thank Commissioner Chergui and Special Representative Zewde for their briefings, and to congratulate Ms. Zewde on her new appointment. We look forward to working with her. As the Council has recognized, the African Union (AU) is a critical partner for the United Nations. We are pleased to see greater collaboration, more regular exchanges of information and consultations and coordinated action aimed at effectively preventing, resolving and managing Africa's complex tasks related to peace and security. Africa is a continent of promise as well as enduring challenges. Progress towards open markets and free trade has spurred economic growth there, and today Africa is home to five of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“As a global leader in innovation, the United States continues to support access to cleaner and more efficient energy sources; the promotion of effective and sustainable land use practices and other activities aimed at improving resilience, particularly where such support benefits broader mutual economic development, and foreign policy and national security objectives. The United States wants to work with other countries to continue advancing the development and deployment of a broad array of technologies that will ultimately enable us to achieve greater resilience in the face of these daunting challenges. Once again, we appreciate this opportunity to reflect on these issues.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“We are taking concrete action to address priorities identified in the Samoa Pathway, the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and other bilateral and multilateral initiatives. We participate in the Small Island Developing States Action Platform, and, in addition, the United States is seeking new ways to improve cooperation and align our programmes more closely with the priorities of small island developing States. Disaster risk reduction and building resilience to cope with natural disasters are important elements of promoting sustainable development and eradicating extreme poverty. As appropriate, that should be integrated into policies, plans programmes and budgets at all levels.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“As the Lake Chad region grapples with its own water management issues, the United States is listening carefully to learn more about the challenges citizens there face and welcomes further dialogue on efforts to promote sustainable development there. The United States acknowledges the special challenges that small island developing States face in achieving sustainable development, challenges related to their size, geographic isolation from markets and limited infrastructure and institutional capacity. We have heard from our friends in the Pacific that they consider climate change to be an existential threat to their populations, and we understand the priority they place on the United Nations system and the international community supporting their unique needs. Our support for small island developing States takes many forms.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“At significant expense, the United States deployed the United States Army Corps of Engineers to oversee the contracts awarded by Iraq to an Italian firm for emergency grouting and dam maintenance. The ongoing stabilization of the dam's foundation will allow the Iraqi Government to store more water to mitigate scarcity resulting from severe drought. More broadly, the United States is also working closely with Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands to address specific challenges associated with shared waters through the Shared Waters Partnership managed by the Stockholm International Water Institute. We have been working together to promote the cooperative management of shared waters around the world where water is, or may become, a source of tension.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“The United States has provided $265 million to the UNDP Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization since 2014. Those stabilization activities have helped set the conditions for more than 3 million Iraqis to return to their homes. That funding from the United States has enabled UNDP to fix water treatment plants and water networks, as well as to repair bridges across the Tigris and allow for greater freedom of movement. At the request of the Government of Iraq, the United States has also played an essential role in maintaining Iraq's critical water infrastructure, especially at the Mosul Dam, the structural integrity of which was in question and which is vital to water management for millions of Iraqis living downstream.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“In many parts of the world where vulnerable populations suffer from natural disasters, displacement and food and water scarcity, the United States is partnering with Governments and regional organizations to bring relief to those who need it most. We are applying innovative solutions to help communities better prepare for and respond to climate-related pressures. One example of United States assistance is in Iraq, where high temperatures and drought conditions present a particularly daunting challenge. We are the single largest donor to Iraqi-led stabilization programming supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which includes projects to restore access to household water and electricity in areas formerly under the control of Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“The Council most often is focused on armed conflict as the most conventional threat to international peace and security, but it is right that we also consider natural phenomena and disasters such as droughts, monsoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, desertification, volcanic eruptions and other such events. They have taken lives, destroyed homes, impacted resources and caused widespread displacement both within and beyond national borders. Unlike conflicts, where there are sides to be taken, in response to these crises we are all on the same side: the side of survival, recovery and resilience.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“We thank you, Madam President, for convening this meeting. We also would like to thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Minister Janabi and Ms. Ibrahim for their important and compelling briefings this morning. The task of addressing challenges to peace and security is complex and is influenced by many factors. The United States remains committed to strengthening international security in a comprehensive manner, and we recognize the efforts of the United Nations in helping to advance our understanding of emerging issues related to human security, including this one.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“We look forward to successful elections, to the next President's full commitment to the peace accord, and to the parties' swift and significant progress towards its implementation. Their collective effort is the only way to achieve the political solutions that the people of Mali deserve on their way to a brighter future.”
2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8298 (2018) · source
“I would like to note that in the twenty-second preambular paragraph and in paragraph 61, the resolution includes the words "in matters that are within its jurisdiction" in reference to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The United States interprets those words to mean in matters that are within the ICC's jurisdiction under international law. We note that Mali is a State party to the Rome Statute, has consented to ICC jurisdiction and has self-referred its situation to the ICC, pursuant to article 14 of the Rome Statute. As we have stated previously, the United States respects the decisions of those nations that have chosen to join the ICC, and in turn we expect that our decision not to join and not to place our citizens under the Court's jurisdiction will also be respected.”
2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8298 (2018) · source
“Many Malians, and MINUSMA's peacekeepers, face life-and-death realities every day, contending with terrorist attacks, escalating intercommunal violence and - increasingly - human rights violations and abuses by Mali's security forces. The rising number of extrajudicial killings and mass graves in places like Boulikessi, Diourra, Koumaga, Nantaka and Menaka must be reversed. Human rights violations and abuses by security forces only serve to fuel violence, instability and recruitment to terrorist organizations. In the resolution, the Council is united in declaring that respect for human rights and accountability are not optional. Violations by security forces have consequences.”
2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8298 (2018) · source
“For the Council and Mali's many friends, who have made a significant financial and strategic investment in the country, the resolution makes it clear that we can accept no further delay. With the resolution, we have also streamlined the mandate, emphasized the primacy of the Mission's political engagement, and stressed the importance of outreach and engagement for the protection of civilians. We have called on the Mission to develop better strategic messaging so that Malians understand that MINUSMA is there to bring peace and stability and to work with others in the development, security and political sectors to help Mali succeed.”
2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8298 (2018) · source
“It is there to do one thing above all - to support the implementation of the 2015 Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali as a way to achieve durable and lasting political solutions there. The Mission cannot achieve that alone. For years, various parties have stalled that process while the world has waited and the security situation has deteriorated. That is why this year's resolution makes clear to the parties that without significant progress on their part, we will be forced to look at options to overhaul the Mission. We agree that there has been some progress in implementing the accord over the past few months, but we should be much closer to full implementation, and we must see progress now.”
2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8298 (2018) · source
“The United States would like to thank France, the penholder, and all our Council colleagues for their collaboration in renewing one of the world's largest peacekeeping missions. As Mali prepares for presidential elections in a few short weeks, the people of Mali find themselves at another significant crossroads. We have sought in resolution 2423 (2018) to find the best way to frame the role of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Mali's present and future. Peacekeeping missions are not indefinite, nor should they be. This one, founded in 2013, which we have now renewed for another year, will not be in Mali forever.”
2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8298 (2018) · source
“When we look out at the region, we see Iran supporting the Houthis, Iran supporting Hizbullah, Iran supporting Hamas and Iran supporting the Al-Assad regime. Iran repeatedly comes up when we gather to discuss mass atrocities, humanitarian catastrophes or the launching of ballistic missiles. As long as Iran is the common denominator in so many conflicts across the region, we must respond. Any Member State concerned about promoting peace in the Middle East should do the same.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“The United States stands ready to work with the members of the Council to take real action against the threat that Iran poses. The United States will continue to work with Member States and the Secretariat to shine a spotlight on Iran's behaviour. Reports like the one we are considering today are critical, and we encourage everyone to read it. With the reimposition of our sanctions, the United States is taking a stand. We have declared that Iran's actions will not go unchallenged, and we have shown that we will follow through. The United States is taking decisive action to ensure that Iran faces consequences as long as it remains bent on sowing instability. We urge the members of the Council to join us. Standing up to Iran's destabilizing behaviour is a mission that all of us should have and share.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“The only question remains, when confronted with all of the information presented by the Secretary- General in this and other reports: How will the States members of the Council respond? At a minimum, Iran has violated the provisions of resolutions 2231 (2015), 2216 (2015), 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004). In those resolutions, we, the members of the Council, prohibited Iran from exporting weapons, and we prohibited the supply of weapons to the Houthis and to Hizbullah. Iran has defied and violated those resolutions, in many cases openly. When confronted with a country that continually violates the Council's resolutions, it is imperative that we pursue meaningful consequences. That is why we urge members of the Council to join us in the imposition of sanctions that target Iran's malign behaviour in the region.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“The report describes Iranian drones recovered in Yemen and Syria, and cites a televised interview with Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar, in which he states that the Islamic Republic of Iran provided armed groups in Gaza with "money, [military] equipment, and expertise" (S/2018/602, para. 13) before and after the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict. Those unacceptable violations provide us with concrete evidence of how Iran is destabilizing the region and, in particular prolonging the violence in Yemen. Adding up all of these data points leads to one unmistakable conclusion - that Iran continues to send weapons across the Middle East, in blatant violation of the Council's resolutions. If there was ever any doubt regarding Iran's clear threat to international peace and stability, the findings of the report should lay it to rest.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“We are particularly concerned by the detailed reporting that confirms numerous Iranian arms embargo violations across the Middle East and that certain nuclear dual-use items have been shipped to Iran outside of the agreed channels and without the required Security Council approval. Itis clearfromthereportthatIranbearsresponsibility for providing the Houthis with five ballistic missiles that they launched at civilian targets in Saudi Arabia. The United Nations also finds that seized weapons it inspected in Bahrain were manufactured in Iran, and confirms that an unmanned explosive boat recovered by the United Arab Emirates had systems with coordinates showing that it had been in Iranian territorial waters and that at least some of its components were manufactured in Iran.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Ambassador Van Oosterom and Ambassador Vale de Almeida for their briefings today. As has been noted, on 8 May, President Trump announced that the United States would end its participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme and instead pursue a comprehensive policy to both deny Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon and to counter the totality of the regime's malign activities. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/602) shows that Iran continues to destabilize the region through its support for terrorist groups and proxy forces. The findings and information presented in the Secretary-General's report paint a deeply troubling picture of the scope of this behaviour.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source
“The fact that we were able to work with Russia on a de-escalation arrangement that held for nearly a year shows that when we have the political will we can help reduce violence and suffering in Syria. Progress is possible, and that is why the United States remains committed to the de-escalation agreement and to working with the Council to support peace in Syria. Like Special Envoy de Mistura, we will not give up.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“The United Nations must be given a free hand to determine the committee's composition, scope of work and schedule. The statement from Russia's conference in Sochi in January makes it clear that the United Nations has the authority to make decisions about who sits on the constitutional committee, and that must be respected. Lastly, we reiterate our commitment to the Geneva process and the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). Geneva remains the sole legitimate venue for a peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict. Council members around this table often reiterate that message, but actions on the ground appear to suggest that some are hedging their bets and seeking to create alternatives to Geneva. We must not delay progress on the political process any further.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“Alternative proposals from Council members on implementing a new humanitarian operations mechanism that requires the Syrian regime's approval are out of step with reality. Most importantly, those new proposals will harm the Syrian people. We cannot put humanitarian assistance and the cross- border mechanism that ensures its delivery in jeopardy. As always, the need for a political solution to end this crisis is obvious. The United States urges that a constitutional committee be formed as quickly as possible under United Nations auspices. If such a committee is to work and lead to a lasting settlement, it must be inclusive. That is why we support the efforts of the United Nations to include representatives of civil society, women and the opposition from the Syrian negotiations committee.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“A closing of the crossing would inflict untold suffering on civilians who depend on life-saving assistance. It is vital that cross-border humanitarian aid deliveries continue to serve the millions who depend upon them. In last week's report on cross-border humanitarian operations, the Secretary-General asserted that, "[t]he full and complementary use of all delivery options, both from within the country and from neighbouring countries, is necessary in order to gain access to people in need" (S/2018/617, para. 29). Because the regime routinely fails to facilitate humanitarian assistance and often removes medical items and other aid from convoys, it is Vital that the Council use its authority to support the continuation of cross-border operations.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“We further urge Russia to take immediate steps to de-escalate violence in the south-west and throughout the whole of Syria consistent with previous Security Council resolutions. The Council has already witnessed the horrific suffering of the people of eastern Ghouta during a ruthless assault by the regime and Russia in which thousands were killed and displaced. Russia yet again appears to be choosing a military rather than a political option It is incumbent upon those sitting at this table, and the international community more broadly, to demand that this escalation of Violence in Syria stop immediately. In addition, the offensive in south-west Syria is threatening the Vital Al-Ramtha border crossing, which the Council has authorized for cross-border humanitarian deliveries.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“For years, the Al-Assad regime and Russia have justified brutal assaults on civilian populations and infrastructure, schools, bakeries and hospitals under the pretext of counter-terrorism. We are now seeing the same pattern in the south-west. The United States can confirm that Russia itself launched air strikes in the south-west de-escalation zone in recent days. To be clear, the unilateral military operations under way by the Al-Assad regime and Russia in south-west Syria represent a violation of the ceasefire arrangement reaffirmed by President Trump and President Putin. The United States remains determined to keep its commitment to the ceasefire. We urge our Russian partners to also uphold the ceasefire that it helped establish in partnership with Jordan and the United States.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“The arrangement remains in place, and the United States and Jordan have upheld our commitments in good faith, but now the situation is changing. Once again, Russia is justifying a military offensive by the Al-Assad regime by saying that more than half of the de-escalation zone is controlled by terrorists. That is just not true. The predominant armed opposition groups operating in the de-escalation zone belong to the moderate Free Syrian Army. The de-escalation arrangement does not allow for military operations against its members. Rather, it only allows for combating the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, the Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups as designated by the Council.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“That is a part of the country that had enjoyed relative calm for almost a year because all parties were abiding by the de-escalation zone. But at least 45,000 people are now confirmed to have fled their homes in southern Syria since the beginning of the offensive, just 12 days ago. We are now hearing that that number might be as high as 70,000. It is deeply alarming that we see are seeing an additional escalation in the south-west despite formal arrangements to keep that area calm. When Jordan, Russia and the United States established the south-west de-escalation zone last year, the terms were clear. Above all, there was to be a ceasefire that would allow the parties to engage in combating extremist and terrorist groups designated as such by the Security Council.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“I thank Special Envoy De Mistura and Director Ging for their briefings this morning. We are no closer to peace in Syria and no closer to addressing any of the Security Council's concerns about the Al-Assad regime's denials of humanitarian access. The situation in the south-west de-escalation zone has become extremely serious. On Monday during the Council's meeting on threats to international peace and security in the Middle East, the Russian representative said, "No one has done more than Russia [to] reduce the level of Violence" (S/PV8293, p. 28). That is just not true. The United States is deeply concerned about the Syrian regime's new offensive in the south-west, with direct support from Russia, where ongoing air strikes and barrel-bomb, artillery and rocket attacks are taking a significant toll on the civilian population.”
2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source
“The great American columnist Charles Krauthammer, who, tragically, passed away a few days ago, once wrote that discussions of root causes can lead to despair, because root causes are difficult to change, if they can be changed at all. While I appreciate this analysis, I urge that we not walk away from today's meeting in despair, but instead that we go with a broadened understanding of the sources of conflict in the Middle East and a renewed determination to change them. The United States believes peace is possible because we believe in the right of people to govern themselves. We will continue to pursue the causes of peace, freedom and human rights in the Middle East, and, with these, an end to the conflicts that have for too long plagued the people of this great region.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source