YouSaid · the spoken record

De Rivière

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1,783

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2006-04-28

most recent

2023-12-30

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372

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un-security-council

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1. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. DiCarlo and Ms. Shuaiter for their briefings, as well as the Permanent Representative of India. Libya is currently in a fragile situation. We must avoid jeopardizing the progress achieved in recent months by the Libyans themselves and under the auspices of the United Nations. I am thinking in particular of the ceasefire agreement, the remarkable work of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee and the political dialogue between all regions and all political forces. The absolute priority today is to preserve stability, the unity of the country and respect for the letter and spirit of the ceasefire agreement. We must avoid anything that could lead to the division of the country.”

   2022-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8996 (2022) · source

2. “We are determined not to let Russia drag our multilateral collective security organizations down. France reaffirms its support for the United Nations and the OSCE, as well as the cooperation that both organizations are developing to contribute to the resolution of crises in Europe.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

3. “We call for continued efforts on outstanding humanitarian issues, including the release of prisoners of war and other detainees, as well as on heritage protection and demining. We note with concern the increase in armed incidents over the past few days and call on the parties to do everything possible to avoid a repetition of such incidents. France reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and Moldova and for the role of the OSCE in making progress towards a resolution of the conflicts taking place there. We also commend the concerted efforts of the Polish chairpersonship and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to maintain the essential dialogue with civil society, despite the current circumstances.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

4. “We reaffirm our support for the OSCE’s human dimension institutions and instruments, including the Moscow Mechanism, launched on 3 March, and the fact- finding mechanism set up by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on Ukraine’s borders. The OSCE must be able to continue to put its resources at the service of conflict resolution in the European space, in cooperation with the United Nations and despite the war in Ukraine. France, as both co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and President of the Council of the European Union, remains fully mobilized to contribute to the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The meetings held in February and December have provided guidelines in that direction.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

5. “In view of the extreme gravity of the situation, France once again thanks the Polish chairpersonship-in-office of the OSCE for its responsiveness and calls on Russia to immediately cease hostilities in Ukraine, to withdraw its troops from all Ukrainian territory and to respect international humanitarian law and human rights. We urge Russia to return to respecting the rules of law which, through the United Nations and the OSCE, allow for the peaceful settlement of disputes. France reiterates its support for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine and its personnel, both international — who have been forcibly evacuated — and locally recruited, some of whom are still under bombardment. We pay tribute to the memory of Ms. Maryna Fenina, a local staff member killed in Kharkiv — a victim of the Russian aggression.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

6. “It has betrayed all its commitments to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, signed by Russia and the OSCE and endorsed by resolution 2202 (2015). The Russian aggression, supported by Belarus, is having a devastating impact on Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, but its consequences are even broader. It also threatens multilateralism and international law, as well as the institutions that guarantee them, notably the United Nations and the OSCE. Russia is thereby directly undermining the interests of all States mobilizing within those organizations in search of negotiated solutions to the crises and challenges they face.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

7. “Together with my German counterpart, we reported on the efforts of Paris and Berlin to make progress in the implementation of resolution 2202 (2015). All other members of the Council supported that objective. In February, the Polish chairpersonship-in-office of the OSCE proposed the establishment of a renewed dialogue on European security in order to respond in particular to the security concerns expressed by Russia in recent months. We supported those efforts and the role of the OSCE as the main platform for dialogue on collective security in Europe. The reality today is very different, and a cruel one at that. Russia has lied. It has blatantly violated the Charter of the United Nations and the founding texts of the OSCE, the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter — the very basis for stability in Europe.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

8. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I welcome Mr. Rau to our meeting today and I commend Poland’s action as Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) at a time when security in Europe is facing an extremely serious threat. France supports Chairperson Rau’s unfailing commitment to the service of the organization and to defending the commitments and principles upon which it has been built over the past five decades but are now being flouted by Russia. A month ago, the Council met at Russia’s initiative to discuss the implementation of the Minsk agreements with the participation of OSCE representatives (see S/PV.8968). At that meeting, the Russian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that Russia had no intention of attacking Ukraine and called for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.”

   2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source

9. “The reality internationals that Russia has driven millions of Ukrainians into the streets, causing the most serious humanitarian crisis in Europe since the Second World War. It is Russia that has been bombing Mariupol and many other Ukrainian cities and civilian facilities on a daily basis for the past 15 days, in violation of international humanitarian law. It is Russia that is killing more innocent Ukrainians every day. Neither disinformation nor vetoes can mask that harsh reality, nor will Moscow’s laws to muzzle the press and the voices in Russia that are speaking out against the war. Neither Russians nor the world are fooled.”

   2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source

10. “We must remember the facts: it is Russia and not Ukraine that has used weapons of mass destruction in recent years on European soil. It is also Russia that is trying to cover up the Syrian regime’s chemical attacks with disinformation. France is very concerned that this disinformation campaign may be a prelude to the use of a chemical or biological weapon by Russia in Ukraine. Those weapons are banned under international law. They must never be used, in any context, by anyone. Russia has committed itself to that by ratifying the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The briefings we have heard this morning are clear. The reality is that Russia premeditated its aggression against a sovereign State and violated the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source

11. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. DiCarlo and Mrs. Nakamitsu and for their briefings. I want to denounce in the strongest possible terms the unfounded allegations made by Russia. Russia would have us believe that chemical attacks are being prepared in Ukraine and that there are biological weapon research laboratories. Let us be serious. Russia’s lies are not fooling anyone. They are part of a cynical disinformation strategy and smokescreen, which Russia has turned into a veritable weapon of war. We denounced those irresponsible provocations just a few days ago at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, along with 46 other States parties. This is not the first time that Russia has spread lies to create confusion, sow fear and above all cover up its own responsibility.”

    2022-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8991 (2022) · source

12. “All that is required is for Syria to comply with its treaty obligations. Everyone knows the despicable acts for which the regime is responsible. That is why France is firmly committed to fighting impunity. Victims are turning to national courts. Let us be clear: there will be no leniency for the war criminals who use these shocking weapons, banned by international law.”

    2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source

13. “The work of the Investigation and Identification team to identify the perpetrators is essential. France will be paying attention to its further conclusions. Secondly, it is not acceptable that the Syrian regime continue to obstruct the work of the OPCW. It has still not issued the necessary visas for the deployment of the initial Declaration Assessment Team. It continues to interfere in the selection of inspectors. Under false pretences, it seeks to obstruct the tasks of the Technical Secretariat, which is showing persistence and great professionalism. The disinformation campaigns against it are unacceptable and must stop. Thirdly, the measures taken in April 2021 at the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention are not irreversible. The suspended rights and privileges can be restored.”

    2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source

14. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. We must not lose sight of why we are here. Since 2013, the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons against its own population on at least eight occasions. That has been demonstrated unequivocally by the investigations of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations. Yet, since the unanimous adoption of resolution 2118 (2013) more than eight years ago, no progress has been made. I would like to make three points. First, France welcomes the publication a few weeks ago of the two reports of the Fact-Finding Mission (S/2022/85, annex and S/2022/116, annex). They are very well documented. They show that chemical weapons were used in Marea in 2015 and in Kafr Zeita in 2016.”

    2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source

15. “Ukraine has made commitments in that regard. The protection of civilians and humanitarian access must be guaranteed throughout the territory, both for those civilians who can leave and for those who remain. We call on the Russian Federation to comply with the Charter of the United Nations and to respect international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. Allegations of crimes must be investigated and, if confirmed, must not go unpunished. That is why France supports the International Criminal Court and the Commission of Inquiry created by the Human Rights Council. France commends the people of Ukraine for their courage. Within the United Nations and in all forums, France will continue to mobilize alongside its partners in order to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”

    2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source

16. “The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation spoke of the potential establishment of humanitarian corridors and prepared a draft text in that regard to President Macron. I would like to read from that text, drafted a few hours ago. Let us be clear — humanitarian corridors represent the possibility of allowing men and women to leave. Russia is proposing humanitarian corridors to Russia. I do not know many Ukrainians who seek refuge in Russia. That is hypocritical. That is why France and Mexico are proposing a resolution that calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and full respect for international humanitarian law. As Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Russell have indicated, the Council must assume its full responsibilities and put an end to this tragedy. People trying to flee Ukraine must be allowed to do so safely and unhindered.”

    2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source

17. “France is also doing its part, announcing €100 million, and it has already delivered more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid. The priority is an immediate cessation of hostilities and full respect for international humanitarian law. That is the nature of the commitment of President Macron, who is in close contact with President Putin. That is the message carried all around the world by people marching in peace demonstrations over the weekend. Increasingly, Russians are also voicing their opposition to a war they do not want, despite attempts to muzzle them. It is essential to protect civilians, including children and humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure.”

    2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source

18. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Russell for their briefings. A true humanitarian tragedy is unfolding before our eyes. Russian aggression in Ukraine is killing civilians, including children, every day. Essential civilian infrastructure is being destroyed. Hospitals and schools are under attack. The city of Mariupol is under siege, depriving its 450,000 inhabitants of water, food, heat and electricity. There are already 1.7 million refugees, and it is only the beginning. We welcome the solidarity shown to the Ukrainians by European States, notably Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova. France and its European Union (EU) partners stand firmly by Ukraine. The EU has announced €590 million in humanitarian aid.”

    2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source

19. “An immediate cessation of hostilities and the strict application of international humanitarian law is a matter of urgency; that is why France, along with Mexico, is putting forward a draft resolution with that goal in mind in order to put an end to the humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes. Here, as in other cases, the Security Council must fully assume its responsibilities.”

    2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source

20. “In that regard, France supports the proposal of the Director General of the IAEA for negotiations on commitments between the parties to the armed conflict in Ukraine, with a view to ensuring respect for the seven principles set forth during the Board of Governors meeting held on 2 March on the implications of the situation in Ukraine in the areas of safety, security and nuclear safeguards. Finally, France reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Since 24 February we have witnessed the devastating human cost of Russian aggression.”

    2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source

21. “Russia must immediately cease its dangerous illegal activities in order to restore the control of Ukrainian authorities over all nuclear facilities and materials within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine. Russia must also authorize regular and unfettered access by facility personnel so as to ensure that the plants can be run safely. We call for full respect of the Convention on Nuclear Safety and other relevant conventions. France supports the efforts of the IAEA Director General to ensure ongoing monitoring of the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, in close contact with the Ukrainian authorities. We ask the Director General to use all instruments available to the Agency to support Ukraine’s efforts to ensure the safety and security of all facilities around the country.”

    2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source

22. “The consequences of a nuclear accident resulting from Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine are potentially devastating for human health and the environment. In 2009, Russia, along with the rest of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), adopted a decision according to which any armed attack on or threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the Agency’s Statute. The competence of the Security Council under such circumstances is also established in the resolutions of the IAEA General Conference.”

    2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source

23. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Grossi and Ms. DiCarlo for their briefings. France is seriously concerned about the threats to the safety, security and nuclear safeguards caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That is why France and its partners called on the Security Council to meet urgently. On 24 February, Russian forces entered the Chernobyl zone. The operating team at the power plant were held against their will as Russian soldiers took control of the plant. On 27 February, a loud detonation was heard near a radioactive waste disposal site in Kyiv. This morning, a fire was reported at the largest nuclear facility in Europe, following the Russian attack. As the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs said, France strongly condemns the attack on a nuclear facility, whose security must be guaranteed.”

    2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source

24. “Together with Mexico, France is preparing a draft resolution for the Council, calling for full respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access in order to meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian population, to be put to a vote as soon as possible. France salutes the courage shown by the people of Ukraine. Within the United Nations and in all forums France will continue to work with its partners to mobilize support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”

    2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source

25. “France welcomes the launch tomorrow by the United Nations of an emergency response plan for Ukraine and of a plan to help Ukrainian refugees in the region, and we call on all Member States to contribute financially. France also welcomes the Secretary-General’s appointment of Mr. Amin Awad as United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine. The sanctions adopted by the European Union against Russia and Belarus will be implemented with full regard for international humanitarian law, and we will ensure that they have no impact on the humanitarian response.”

    2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source

26. “France reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which must come before any peace talks. The protection of civilians, including children and humanitarian personnel, as well as civilian infrastructure, is a top priority, and France will not compromise on that. France reiterates its call for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need. We have a collective responsibility and a moral duty to help the Ukrainian people. France and its European Union partners stand firmly alongside Ukraine and its population. The European Union has already announced €90 million in humanitarian aid, in which France is playing its part. France has just sent 33 tons of humanitarian aid to Poland to help Ukrainians and is preparing to send more than 30 tons to Moldova.”

    2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source

27. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Grandi for their briefings. The humanitarian consequences of the Russian offensive in Ukraine are dire. The number of civilian casualties, including children, continues to rise. Cities are being bombed. Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed. About 500,000 people have been forced to flee and take refuge in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova. That number is increasing every hour. France salutes the solidarity shown by Ukraine’s neighbours. Russia, a permanent member of the Council, is violating the most fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It is riding roughshod over international humanitarian law. It is violating human rights and trampling on the Geneva Conventions.”

    2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source

28. “Together with Mexico, France will submit a draft resolution to guarantee unhindered humanitarian access to meet the urgent needs of the people remaining in Ukraine. In response to those who attempt to impose the law of the strongest, the international community must demonstrate its unity, solidarity and adhesion to the rule of law. France stands firmly by Ukraine and its people.”

    2022-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8980 (2022) · source

29. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): On Friday (see S/PV.8979), the Russian Federation was alone in the Council in blocking the adoption of draft resolution S/2022/155, co-sponsored by 82 United Nations Member States. It called for an end to the aggression against Ukraine. France does not accept such obstruction. It therefore voted today in favour of resolution 2623 (2022), which calls for convening an emergency special session of the General Assembly. The matter remains before the Security Council. France will remain poised within the Council to ensure that it assumes its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. In this context, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, would like the Security Council to meet as soon as tomorrow on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.”

    2022-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8980 (2022) · source

30. “Russia flouts the responsibilities conferred on it as a permanent member of the Security Council. It uses the Charter of the United Nations to violate the Organization’s most basic principles. At the United Nations and in all forums, France will continue to mobilize with its partners to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”

    2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source

31. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): At this moment, Russian missiles are killing civilians, bombing cities and destroying essential infrastructure with the sole goal of making Ukraine a vassal State. It is the dreams of reconquering the Russian empire that we have before us. Ukraine is the victim of a premeditated attack by the President of the Russian Federation. Nothing could ever justify that. No member of the Security Council supports it. The result of today’s voting is clear: Russia is alone. France welcomes the mobilization of all members of the Council who by voting in favour of the draft resolution have expressed their commitment to international law and their support for Ukraine. It condemns Russia’s veto of the efforts to restore peace and international order.”

    2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source

32. “In the absence of a political solution, the French and European positions on the lifting of sanctions and reconstruction will remain unchanged. Reconstruction can begin only once a political process is firmly under way. I repeat: the regime must also assume its responsibilities in that regard. Furthermore, the regime’s systematic violation of the rights of refugees who have returned to Syria shows that the conditions for a voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees have not been met. Once again, it is up to the regime to assume its responsibilities. It is also imperative that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have access to returning refugees. Finally, France will continue its relentless fight against impunity for the perpetrators of crimes committed in Syria. They will have to answer for their actions.”

    2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source

33. “The political process must make progress and each actor must assume its responsibilities, first and foremost the Syrian regime, which is still not willing to make the slightest move. Humanitarian needs have never been as great: 14.6 million people are in need of assistance. Full humanitarian access to all those people must be ensured. All parties to the conflict, in particular the regime, must respect their international obligations. The cross-border humanitarian mechanism remains essential. Last year, 10,000 trucks delivered aid to approximately 2.4 million people in the north- west every month. Progress on cross-line access must continue in both the north-west and the north-east. However, the cross-border mechanism will remain necessary as long as aid does not reach all those in need throughout the country.”

    2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source

34. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Pedersen and Ms. Msuya for their briefings. A lasting solution to the conflict can only be political. The war is not over: a bombardment by forces of the Syrian regime in Idlib province on 12 February resulted in the deaths of many civilians, including children. France condemns those bombings and reiterates its call for an immediate nation-wide cessation of hostilities. The protection of civilians remains an absolute priority. The Council unanimously adopted resolution 2254 (2015). It remains our common road map for a political solution to the conflict. Without its full implementation, there will be no lasting peace. France supports the efforts of the Special Envoy in the context of a step-by-step approach.”

    2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source

35. “Finally, I would like to welcome the unanimous adoption by the Council of resolution 2621 (2022) on 22 February, which puts an end to Iraq’s financial obligations under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. That constitutes a success for Iraq, Kuwait and the United Nations, as well as a reminder that only through respect for international law can the foundations for lasting reconciliation and stability be laid. I also welcome the excellent cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait on the issue of missing Kuwaitis and third-country nationals and the progress made on the return of Kuwaiti property. We encourage both States to continue their cooperation in that regard.”

    2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source

36. “We therefore call on them to resume the dialogue established in recent months, as it is in the interests of both federal Iraq and the autonomous region. The threat posed by Da’esh remains strong, despite the efforts of the international community. We must collectively pursue our efforts to fight terrorism, wherever it is found, with constancy and determination. France reiterates its full support for Iraq in its fight against Da’esh and will continue its commitment in that regard as part of its contribution to the Global Coalition against Da’esh. In that context, the protection of diplomatic compounds, as well as of the bases hosting Coalition forces, is essential. Similarly, coordination between Baghdad and Erbil on security matters is a key factor in an effective and sustainable fight against Da’esh.”

    2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source

37. “The time has now come to agree on the appointment of a President and to form a Government capable of responding to the challenges of the country and meeting the expectations of the population. We reject any attempts to destabilize the country or of external interference. I emphasize the urgency of forming a Government because the Iraqi people have legitimate expectations of their representatives. During the 2019 demonstrations, they clearly expressed their aspirations for democratic change, economic reforms, social justice and greater transparency. Those demands must be met. France also wishes to recall the importance of cooperation between the federal authorities and the autonomous region of Kurdistan on issues of common interest, in particular security and oil resources.”

    2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source

38. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing and for the exceptional commitment she has shown to Iraq since the beginning of her tenure. I also wish to welcome the presence of the representative of Iraq here today. France shares the conclusions of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/103) on the October elections. We welcome in particular the significant increase in the number of women elected as members of Parliament. That development is an important step towards greater participation by Iraqi women in the political life of their country. As the Special Representative said, putting an end to the current political vacuum is essential for the stability of Iraq and the region as a whole. France fully supports the democratic process in Iraq.”

    2022-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8975 (2022) · source

39. “We call on all members of the Council to support us in these tragic circumstances. We call on the Russian Federation to fully respect international humanitarian law. We call for the protection of, and respect for, all civilians, especially the vulnerable — women, children and humanitarian personnel.”

    2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source

40. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): As we convene in an emergency meeting in order to try to avert the worst and to prevent the start of a war, we have learned, alongside all gathered here, that the President of the Russian Federation has ordered a special military operation in Donbas and that Russia will try to demilitarize Ukraine. Russia has opted for war. France condemns in the strongest terms the start of those operations. Those decisions, announced precisely during this Security Council meeting, show the contempt Russia has for international law and the United Nations. Russia must be held accountable before the Security Council. That is why, over the next few hours, France will join its partners on the Council in the preparation of a draft resolution to condemn the war waged by Russia.”

    2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source

41. “We call on each member of the Council to act responsibly and to demonstrate resolute support for all initiatives aimed at preventing and putting an end to violations of the Charter of the United Nations. If Russia confirms its choice of war, it will have to take full responsibility and pay the price for that choice.”

    2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source

42. “We hear the appeal of the Ukrainian people, made by President Zelenskyy in his address to the Russian nation a few hours ago: the Ukrainians want peace. They want a good neighbourly relationship with Russia, like the familial and personal relationships that unite so many Russians and Ukrainians. The international community came together to make its voice heard today in the General Assembly. It is the voice of respect for the Charter of the United Nations, the voice of peaceful conflict resolution and the voice of diplomacy. It echoes the clear statements of the Secretary-General. We call once again on the Russian Federation to follow that path, to reverse its decision to recognize the separatist entities in eastern Ukraine and to recall its troops.”

    2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source

43. “In the face of that strategy of threats and destabilization, Ukraine has shown admirable restraint. It did not give in to violence despite Russian incitement. I want to reiterate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, which President Macron confirmed to his Ukrainian counterpart a few hours ago. In the face of that strategy of disorder and confrontation, the leaders of Europe and the United States have demonstrated their unity and redoubled their efforts to propose a diplomatic solution. President Macron, together with Chancellor Scholz and many partners, have done their utmost. They have expressed their willingness to build a renewed security architecture for Europe with Russia. France strongly condemns the Russian President’s strategy of provocation to war.”

    2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source

44. “Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Secretary General for his engagement and for his appeal, which France fully supports. As we speak, Russia is on the verge of causing chaos in Ukraine and dealing an unjustifiable blow to peace and security in the heart of Europe. For several months, the President of the Russian Federation has been patiently preparing the ground for a major offensive against Ukraine. He has amassed soldiers and weapons on a scale not seen since the end of the Second World War. He has incited violence through lies and disinformation. He has even denied the very legitimacy of the Ukrainian State. He has undermined the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine by recognizing the independence of parts of Ukrainian territory.”

    2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source

45. “France regrets that the operation of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic, whose work sheds light on the situation, remains blocked by the Russian Federation. Finally, I would like to commend the work of MINUSCA and that of its Head, Special Representative Ndiaye. We greatly appreciate the work he has done over the past three years under the most difficult conditions.”

    2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source

46. “We know that jammers are being used to prevent MINUSCA from acting; we have little doubt as to who is responsible. I call on the Central African Republic to prosecute all perpetrators of violence, whoever they may be. I will conclude with some observations on the arms embargo. While United Nations reports show that the violence in the Central African Republic over the past year has further escalated, it remains clear that the spread of arms is part of the problem. Changes to the sanctions regime must be part of an overall strategy that takes into account political progress in the Central African Republic, regional efforts and progress in achieving the arms control objectives set by the Council.”

    2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source

47. “I welcome that 26 investigations are under way against perpetrators of attacks on MINUSCA, as well as the start of public hearings of the Special Criminal Court. The Court must be able to carry out its mandate independently, without political interference. There is still one actor who is not being prosecuted: the Wagner Group. In Aïgbando in mid-January, more than a dozen civilians were killed. The evidence is clear — these people were executed by Wagner Group mercenaries. After the event, mercenaries laid mines around the village to prevent MINUSCA from investigating. This is not an isolated incident. This violence is systematic and deliberate. It is part of a pattern of terror to control and profit from certain territories. We know that some FACA have been abused by the Wagner Group.”

    2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source

48. “France is concerned about the ad hoc recruitment of anti-balaka militias by FACA, with the help of Wagner Group mercenaries. This parallel and opaque process bears the seeds of new intercommunal violence. On the political level, France notes with satisfaction the imminent resumption of the republican dialogue, through which the Government and the opposition are showing that they can compromise in the interest of the country. That must continue. The local elections in September must be organized in a collaborative manner and with respect for freedom of expression and information. The unarmed opposition must find a political space for expression and freedom without fear of reprisals. Thirdly, I call on the Government authorities to step up their efforts in the fight against impunity.”

    2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source

49. “I call on the authorities of the Central African Republic and the armed groups to implement their commitments without delay. It is imperative that the ceasefire be implemented. The return to peace will also require an effective disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration process. I welcome the demobilization of more than 400 combatants since October by the Government, with the support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). We must continue in this direction. This process must be conducted in a transparent manner, by the Government authorities themselves and with the support of MINUSCA, the region and the international community.”

    2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source

50. “The Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/119) once again condemns their actions towards civilians, the Forces armées centrafricaines (FACA), State institutions, Blue Helmets and humanitarian personnel. The international community must do its full part in imposing the sanctions set out in the peace agreement against those groups. That is why, in December, France proposed to the Council to sanction Ali Darassa. The path of arms chosen by all the protagonists is not the solution. The repeated violations of the ceasefire by the armed groups and FACA do not offer a path to sincere dialogue. However, that path does exist. It is the Luanda road map, supported by the ICGLR, the Economic Community of Central African States, Angola and Rwanda.”

    2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source