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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 thank the Special Representative, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, for her briefing. I wish to touch on three points. First, I wish to focus on the ongoing security challenges in the eastern part of the country. We condemn the recurrent attacks targeting civilians and armed forces in the Kivus and in Ituri. The incidents in Ituri have resulted in some dozen casualties just last week. There is an overriding need to put an end to the illegal exploitation of natural resources and to ease intercommunal tensions by strengthening the presence of the State so as to break the cycle of violence.

    2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source

  2. In conclusion, I would like to thank the United Nations, in particular the Special Representative of the Secretary-General; the African Union; and the Economic Community of Central African States, for their support for the Central African Republic. Their joint visit, which is planned for the end of the month, will be an important step in demonstrating that the mobilization in support of the Central African Republic remains strong at a pivotal moment in spite of the pandemic. It is in that same spirit that France will submit a draft resolution to renew the mandate of MINUSCA, which expires on 15 November.

    2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

  3. The Security Council has demonstrated its resolve by sanctioning the leader of one of the armed groups that did not respect its commitments. We encourage all parties to redouble their efforts, in particular with regard to the deployment of joint security units, which will have an important role to play in protecting all Central Africans. Finally, support for the redeployment and professionalization of the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and the formation of a garrison army must remain a fundamental objective of the international community’s support for the Central African authorities.

    2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

  4. Despite the reform of the electoral code, which has shortened certain statutory timelines, preparations for the elections have been delayed, which is likely to undermine the standard of the entire process and its credibility and create tensions. Given that situation, dialogue among the various stakeholders is essential so as not to further fuel tensions in the country. The smooth conduct of the electoral process is currently the most urgent matter, but that must not cause us to lose sight of the long-term issues at stake, in particular the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. Violations of the agreement are jeopardizing national reconciliation.

    2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

  5. We will not stop reiterating that respect for international humanitarian law is binding on all parties. Attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel must cease and humanitarian access must be guaranteed. France once again stresses the need to ensure an inclusive, transparent and peaceful electoral process, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The international partners clearly recalled such expectations at the meeting on 1 October, co-chaired by the Central African Republic, the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States, in which the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, participated together with the Secretary-General.

    2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

  6. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative Mr. Ndiaye, Mr. Chergui and Mr. Vervaeke for their briefings. The Central African Republic still faces significant challenges. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with food insecurity but also the coronavirus disease pandemic, measles and malaria in particular. Violations of human rights and children’s rights persist at alarming levels. Sexual and gender-based violence and violence against civilians, the security and defence forces and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) are unacceptable. France strongly condemns such violations and calls for the perpetrators to be prosecuted and tried.

    2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source

  7. Amid worsening food insecurity, the coronavirus disease pandemic and measles and polio epidemics, we must collectively do all we can to tackle the growing humanitarian needs. To that end, it is crucial that all parties guarantee humanitarian access to all persons in need. The protection of civilians, including the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel, as well as the protection of civilian infrastructure, should also remain an absolute priority. Respect for international humanitarian law is an obligation applicable to all. Turning, in conclusion, to the FSO SAFER oil tanker, there is an urgent need to act. We call once again on the Houthis to, without delay, permit access to the tanker for the United Nations-mandated inspection mission, to which France has contributed financially.

    2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source

  8. In the north, we condemn in the strongest terms the offensive against Ma’rib and the Houthi attacks against Saudi territory. We are also very concerned by the resumption of hostilities in the Al-Hudaydah governorate, in violation of the Stockholm Agreement. Pursuing a military solution will lead nowhere, serving instead only to exacerbate the suffering of the Yemeni people. The Security Council therefore reiterates its clear call for a ceasefire, in line with resolution 2532 (2019). In the south, the Riyadh agreement must be fully and effectively implemented. That must lead to the swift formation of a new Government that includes representatives from the south of Yemen. The Yemeni parties must show a spirit of compromise at this crucial juncture. The humanitarian situation continues deteriorating.

    2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source

  9. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under- Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings. The war in Yemen must be stopped. We reiterate that the only solution is political. We therefore call on the parties to the conflict to resume talks in coordination with the Special Envoy, to whom France reiterates its full support. The parties must agree on the draft declaration proposed by the Special Envoy. They must also seek a comprehensive political solution without delay, allowing the effective participation of women in that process. The agreement on the exchange of prisoners reached in Montreux at the end of September is a positive step. It now needs to be fully implemented, and we welcome the first flights seen today. Further confidence-building measures should follow soon.

    2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source

  10. At a time when the country is experiencing an uptick in violence, it is vital that the Haitian State ensure the safety and security of its citizens and that the perpetrators of violence are held accountable for their actions. Secondly, the credibility of Haitian institutions is being significantly undermined by instances of corruption. Civil society has for years been calling for transparency. The fight against corruption must to be the top priority of the political establishment in Haiti, and the Haitian authorities must provide guarantees in terms of the proper use of the international funding that is granted to them. The adoption of this resolution reflects the fact that the international community remains vigilant with respect to the situation in Haiti.

    2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8768 (2020) · source

  11. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the adoption of resolution 2547 (2020). The efforts undertaken by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in support of political dialogue as well as for governance and the strengthening of the rule of law is of vital importance and should be continued. We welcome the renewal of its mandate for a period of one year. We welcome the fact that the resolution recalls the urgent need to engage in a nationwide dialogue that brings in all Haitian stakeholders in order to facilitate the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections. We call on the Haitian Government to redouble its efforts to undertake the necessary reforms, first, in terms of justice and the fight against impunity.

    2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8768 (2020) · source

  12. I also welcome the Special Envoy’s steps taken to prepare the second conference on investment and trade in the Great Lakes region. The United Nations strategy for peace consolidation, conflict prevention and resolution in the Great Lakes region will be a key tool for concretely strengthening political stability and peace in the region. It should also make it possible to respond to the challenges of economic integration and sustainable development in the region as a whole. Like other external partners that have actively contributed to its elaboration, we await the strategy with great interest and hope that it will lead to an operational action plan. France and the countries of the Great Lakes region share the same objective — stability and development in the region.

    2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source

  13. In that connection, I welcome the commitment undertaken last week by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Angola and Uganda to establish a cross-border plan to combat COVID-19. France is doing its part to support the region by allocating €1.2 billion of our development aid to health issues in Africa. Thirdly, the United Nations has an important role in supporting the region. France reiterates its support for the work of the Special Envoy, who plays a critical role in supporting the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region and monitoring commitments. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for consultations to be as inclusive as in the past. We hope that dialogue can resume.

    2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source

  14. Efforts must also focus on human rights violations and the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, which are obstacles to peace and stability in the region. International humanitarian law must be respected. That goes hand in hand with the strengthening of the rule of law, security sector and justice reform, as well as the fight against corruption and impunity. On its part, France has selected the Great Lakes region as one of the priority areas in its national action plan to implement the women and peace and security agenda. Nevertheless, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic particularly affects women, refugees and displaced persons and has contributed to worsening food insecurity, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Regional cooperation is critical in that regard as well.

    2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source

  15. The development of a natural resource development plan and a transparent extractive sector would help combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources. France is playing its full part in collective regulatory efforts, with a view to the entry into force, on 1 January, of the regulation on minerals from conflict zones. France stands ready to participate in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region workshop on this issue. Devising national and regional frameworks for disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating armed groups would facilitate their sustainable return to communities. Progress to that end in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Force de résistance patriotique de l’Ituri group must be rapidly consolidated to prevent a return to violence.

    2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source

  16. It is essential to continue the encouraging, committed momentum we have seen since the election of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi, which could be spurred on by the political transition in Burundi, in order to further reduce tensions and build confidence. The continuation of that regional momentum is critical to respond to the security challenges and achieve the common objective of stabilizing the Great Lakes region. Unfortunately, the situation in the region remains marked by the activities of armed groups, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In that regard, I commend the tireless efforts of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, and more generally, the region must also address the root causes of instability.

    2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source

  17. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, for his briefing. I would like to emphasize three points. First of all, progress on regional cooperation should be encouraged. France welcomes the positive developments in recent months. In particular, I welcome the continuation of the consultations between Rwanda and Uganda, facilitated by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola; the collaborative approach on the demarcation of the borders between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia; the agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to strengthen their cooperation on security issues; as well as the holding, on 7 October, of the Great Lakes summit, at the initiative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source

  18. France notes the opening of an investigation into the violence of recent months and urges the authorities to complete it in an impartial and independent manner so as to bring those responsible to justice. In support of those efforts, MINUSMA continues its protection of civilian work. But to fully achieve those goals, MINUSMA’s adaptation plan must be implemented, including through the provision further helicopters. I call on Members States to meet these urgent needs. In this decisive period, we must reaffirm our support for MINUSMA and for the priorities that we have entrusted to it. It is also important to explicitly encourage it to support the transition. At the end of this meeting, France will propose a draft presidential statement reflecting these points.

    2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source

  19. When renewing the MINUSMA mandate, the Security Council identified priority actions for the reintegration of former rebels into the national armed forces; institutional reform; the development of the northern regions; and the participation of women. This road map is clear, and the Malian people must seize the opportunity of having MINUSMA at the ready to help in these tasks. The participation of the signatory groups to the Agreement in the transitional Government is an encouraging sign in that regard. Finally, the third priority is stabilization in the centre of Mali. It is essential that international humanitarian law be respected by all concerned, and that the transitional authorities work to establish a framework for dialogue, reconciliation, the fight against impunity and respect for human rights.

    2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source

  20. The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel is ever-more self- sufficient and effective. It still needs support. Terrorist groups know how to adapt. Humanitarian assistance and development activities must support security achievements in the spirit of the integrated approach supported by the coalition for the Sahel. France welcomes the involvement of the European Union and its member States. Secondly, the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation In Mali must resume without further delay. Following progress early in the year, the process has been at a standstill since June. France would like to reiterate that there is no alternative to this Agreement for a long-term reconciliation among the Malian people.

    2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source

  21. This transition must lead to the holding of open, free and fair elections within the next 18 months and the re-establishment of constitutional order. France urges the new authorities to use this period to lay the groundwork for constitutional reforms to build a stronger and more legitimate democracy in accordance with the expectations expressed by the Malian people. It is crucial that the process include all of the stakeholders, including women and young people, in accordance with resolution 2531 (2020). I want to highlight three priorities for the months ahead. First, we must continue our fight against terrorism. The new momentum begun in January, following the Pau summit, our partners in the Sahel have made gains in a number of areas. Despite events in Bamako, the Malian army has stayed the course.

    2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source

  22. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I want to thank Special Representative Annadif for his briefing and for his work as Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). I also commend the work of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, which mobilized efforts from within hours of the onset of the political crisis in Mali. France welcomes the transition in Mali. The authorities in charge of the process have been appointed, and we wish them every success. A transition charter has been published. France welcomes the release of individuals detained since 18 August. And, lastly, we welcome the lifting of sanctions by ECOWAS and we would endorse its call for the dissolution of the Comité national pour le salut du peuple.

    2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source

  23. Bustani, who was presented to us as a reliable, independent expert, I am not convinced that you did a great service to him or his credibility by serving as his spokesperson. The masks have now fallen, and I think he will now belong to the small cohort of your regular Arria Formula briefings.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  24. The Council recalled in clear terms, in November 2019, that the use of chemical weapons anywhere by anyone under any circumstances is unacceptable and represents a threat to international peace and security. That is why there can be no impunity and why France, jointly with 39 other countries and the European Union, has since 2018 supported the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. Restoring the credibility of the prohibition regime is also one of the conditions for just and lasting peace in Syria on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015). In conclusion, I must state my profound regret that you, Sir, decided to ignore a democratic vote of the Council. The fact you did not like the result of the voting does not authorize you to abuse your role as President. With regard to Mr.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  25. It is contemptible, let me stress emphatically, to seek to discredit that professional and rigorous organization on the pretext that its conclusions do not align with the version that Syria and certain permanent members of the Security Council wish to give of the facts. The professionalism and impartiality of the OPCW are proven once again by the publication of two reports of the Fact-Finding Mission on the incidents in Saraqib in 2016 and Aleppo in 2018. Having considered all materials available, it concluded that the use of chemical substances as weapons could not be confirmed. The use of chemical weapons is a crime that threatens humankind as a whole, and the re-emergence of chemical weapons remains one of the greatest threats it falls to us to address.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  26. That includes in particular allowing experts of the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team access to its territory. Moreover, that is the essence of the decision taken by the OPCW Executive Council in July, which was presented by France, on behalf of 40 delegations, and gives Syria 90 days to remedy the situation. For my part, I ask two simple questions. The regime claims that it has nothing to hide, so why does it not cooperate with the OPCW? The regime claims to have destroyed its stockpiles in 2014, so where do the chemical weapons that have been used in Syria since then come from? Last week, I attended an Arria Formula meeting whose sole aim was to continue to spread misinformation and undermine the OPCW.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  27. The ongoing use of chemical weapons by the regime against its own people is an indisputable fact, repeatedly affirmed by teams of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations. Most recently, on 8 April, following a thorough investigation, the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team issued a damning report on chemical-weapon attacks by the regime’s air force units. After Ghouta, Khan Shaykhun and Douma, there is now Ltamenah, but how many more? In 2013, the Syrian regime committed itself to cooperating transparently and in good faith with the OPCW. It has not kept its word, to say the least. Six years after the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013), we still do not have clarity as to the state of Syria’s chemical stockpiles. It is high time that the commitments made were finally honoured.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  28. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing, which demonstrates, if proof were still needed, that the Syrian regime continues to flout its international obligations. Why else would we meet again today after last Monday’s meeting? Contrary to what some claim, the Syrian chemical dossier is not closed. I say in the strongest possible terms that this dossier will remain a priority for France until full light has been shed on the allegations of the use of chemical weapons and on the state of the Syrian stockpiles. The safety of the civilian population is at stake.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  29. (spoke in English) “The Security Council may invite members of the Secretariat or other persons, whom it considers competent for the purpose, to supply it with information or to give other assistance in examining matters within its competence.” (spoke in French) Mr. President, you wish to invite an additional briefer. You need the support of the Council to do so. You therefore need nine votes. I do not think there is any reason to prevaricate here. It is quite clear. To claim otherwise is what we would call a specious argument or, in philosophy, sophistry. Rule 39 is absolutely crystal clear. If you wish to invite an additional briefer but there is no agreement, we vote on your proposal and, for it to be accepted, you need nine votes. It is a procedural vote.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  30. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I hope that we are going to be able to move on from procedural matters to a substantive discussion on the chemical issues before us. Our Chinese colleague has just raised a timely question worthy of discussion. Why do we invite such and such a person and not another? That is a good question. But for the moment I think we need to focus on what is a rather simple matter — the rules of procedure of the Council. With respect to the case before us today, the relevant rule is rule 39, and its reads very clearly. I will read it out in English to avoid any misunderstanding.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  31. We should therefore vote on the following: “Do you agree that Mr. Bustani should brief the Council?” If not, we can perfectly well listen to Mr. Bustani at an upcoming Arria Formula meeting that you will no doubt organize very soon.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  32. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): We have a monthly meeting on the issue of Syrian chemical weapons with Mrs. Nakamitsu. There is an agreed standard format, which is that Mrs. Nakamitsu briefs us every month. Everyone is very happy with that. It is a little repetitive, but it is the standard format. At the same time, Mr. President, in your national capacity, you have organized Arria Formula meetings with invitees whom you chose. There was such a meeting again a few days ago, and it took place in accordance with your wishes. My proposal would be that we maintain the agreed format of briefings by Mrs. Nakamitsu. In the event that it is you, in your national capacity and as President of the Security Council, who wishes to change a standard format, let us vote on your proposal.

    2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source

  33. France stands ready to support any initiative based on international law and the agreed parameters. It calls on the Council to come together on that basis, which we have built together.

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

  34. France also calls for progress in the intra-Palestinian reconciliation process and hopes that the meeting in Ankara will allow progress to be made in that direction. We welcome the Palestinian Authority’s renewed commitment to holding elections and encourage it to make rapid progress in preparing for this important date for the Palestinian people. Moreover, France will continue to give its full support to the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. We call on all States to contribute to its budget to help it overcome its financial crisis. Lastly, France remains committed to upholding international humanitarian law and human rights, in particular through support for Palestinian and Israeli civil society organizations.

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

  35. It is also the message that, together with my European counterparts, we conveyed ahead of this Council meeting. It also requires an end to the settlement policy and the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). France is very concerned about the continuing settlement activities and the unprecedented increase in the demolition of Palestinian structures over the past six months despite the health situation. Settlement activities must not allow a de facto annexation. France calls on Israel to suspend the construction of new housing units in the West Bank settlements and East Jerusalem, particularly in sensitive areas around Jerusalem, such as Givat Hamatos, Har Homa and in the E-1 area, and to implement an effective freeze on demolitions.

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

  36. In that spirit, Minister Le Drian and his German, Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts met in Amman on 24 September in the presence of the European Union Special Representative. The four ministers expressed their determination to act collectively to that end on the basis of tangible and realistic commitments to be made by both parties. It is also important that the parties resume their cooperation at all levels, in accordance with the agreements reached, including in dealing with the current pandemic. In order to achieve a resumption of dialogue, there is an urgent need to re-establish a climate of trust between the parties. That first requires that the suspension by the Israeli authorities of the planned annexation of Palestinian territories become a definitive measure. That is the message that our ministers reiterated in Amman.

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

  37. However, regional stability also requires a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that respects the aspirations and rights of both parties and is consistent with international law and the parameters agreed by the Security Council. France, which is a friend of both the Israelis and the Palestinians, remains convinced that neither of the two peoples will be able to fulfil its aspirations at the expense of those of the other. France will not compromise Israel’s security, just as it will not abandon the Palestinian people in the pursuit of their rights. In conjunction with its European and Arab partners, France is ready to support a gradual resumption of dialogue.

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

  38. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). The recent developments serve to underscore the ongoing significance of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The parameters for its settlement have long been known — two States, living side by side in peace and security within secure and recognized borders based on the 1967 lines, both with Jerusalem as their capital. On that basis, it is now our responsibility to work towards a resumption of dialogue between the two parties. The announcement of the normalization of Israel’s relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signals a new dynamic, which may make a positive contribution to regional stability. We welcome it.

    2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source

  39. The Taliban must honour its commitments by publicly cutting their ties with international terrorist organizations, in particular with Al-Qaida, as they did with Da’esh, in line with the Doha agreement of 29 February. Thirdly, only a combat against the scourge of drug trafficking coupled with efforts to support in parallel the country’s economic and social development will result in the sustainable development of Afghanistan. Lastly, the peace negotiations, which France stands ready to support, must take into account the interests and rights of the victims of the conflict and of terrorism in Afghanistan. These are the conditions that are necessary for the lasting stabilization of the country and for the security of one and all.

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source

  40. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2543 (2020), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and would like to thank Germany and Indonesia for the efforts they made in their capacity as co-authors of the resolution. The resolution sends a strong signal as the peace talks begin. First, the peace process can be sustainably successful only if the democratic and human rights accomplishments of the past 20 years are preserved, including in particular the full, active and effective participation of women in the process and the protection of children. Secondly, a reduction in the level of violence is necessary for dialogue.

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source

  41. With regard to the FSO SAFER oil tanker, we call on the Houthis to authorize access, without delay or preconditions, to the United Nations expert mission. An oil leak would have catastrophic consequences. Urgent action is therefore necessary. Finally, we cannot repeat often enough that the protection of civilians must be a top priority. Respect for international humanitarian law is non-negotiable. France will remain fully mobilized for a political solution in Yemen. More broadly, the French authorities are fully committed to the search for a solution that would lead to regional de-escalation.

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

  42. In addition to the ongoing conflict, the coronavirus disease pandemic, the economic and humanitarian crises and the locust crisis every day increase the number of people living with food insecurity. We must therefore do everything we can collectively to avert such a disaster. Even as needs are increasing, the humanitarian response plan remains underfunded and many humanitarian programmes are on hold. The humanitarian response must be commensurate with the needs. All parties must ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all vulnerable people. In that regard, the Houthis’ decision to close the Sana’a airport to United Nations and humanitarian flights is totally unacceptable. We call on them to reverse that decision.

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

  43. The Yemeni parties must urgently engage in dialogue with the Special Envoy and reach agreement on the draft joint statement he has proposed. That should enable a ceasefire, in accordance with resolution 2532 (2020), confidence-building measures and the resumption of negotiations to reach an inclusive political agreement. In that context, it is also essential that the Stockholm Agreement be fully implemented, including with regard to the payment of wages, in the light of the deteriorating situation in Al-Hudaydah. The humanitarian situation, particularly the worsening of food security, remains tragic. The spectre of famine looms once again. The figures presented by Mark Lowcock speak for themselves.

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

  44. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under- Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings. There is an urgent need to find a political solution to the crisis in Yemen. We are concerned about the continuing clashes there, particularly in Ma’rib. We call on the Yemeni parties to put an end to all hostilities, and particularly on the Houthis to stop attacks in Ma’rib province. Attacks carried out by the Houthis in Saudi territory must also cease immediately. We deplore the ongoing clashes observed in the South. The Riyadh agreement must be fully implemented. Discussions on the formation of a new Government must be brought to a successful conclusion, as it is an important step for the resumption of political talks.

    2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source

  45. With regard to the FSO SAFER oil tanker, we regret the lack of progress since the mid-July meeting (see S/2020/721). We call on the Houthis to honour the commitments made at the beginning of the month and to authorize, without delay, United Nations access to the oil tanker. An oil spill would have catastrophic environmental, humanitarian and economic consequences for the entire region. Urgent action is needed. France will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations to find a political solution and bring peace and security to Yemen and, more broadly, to bring about de-escalation the region.

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

  46. We note that the Riyadh agreement must be fully implemented without delay. We commend Saudi Arabia on its role in that regard. Only through a nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolution 2532 (2020) and the call by the Secretary- General, can we effectively fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Yemen. We cannot overstate our concern about the increased attacks on civilians. All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, as well as civil infrastructure, must be an absolute priority. Likewise, all efforts should be made to ensure full humanitarian access. That is essential to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Yemen, which has the highest COVID-19 death rate in the world.

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

  47. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Mr. Mark Lowcock, Ms. Wafa’a Alsaidy and Ms. Raja Abdullah Ahmed Almasabi for their briefings. It is essential that the humanitarian actors and non-governmental organizations on the ground can express their views of the situation before the Security Council. It is becoming increasingly urgent to find a political solution to definitively put an end to the Yemeni conflict. We once again reiterate our full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and the Special Envoy in that regard. We call on all parties, especially the Yemeni parties, to endorse the draft agreement proposed by Mr. Griffiths. We are encouraged by the observance of the ceasefire between the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council.

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

  48. The Central African authorities also continue to benefit from the exemption procedures provided for and regularly granted by the sanctions committee.

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source

  49. As such, I would therefore like to thank all the members of the Security Council for their flexibility. Next, I would like to reaffirm the fact that the Security Council remains fully attentive to the legitimate concerns of the Central African authorities regarding the security of their country. That is why, from the outset of the negotiations, we took the lead in proposing to the members of the Security Council to work towards a further, limited easing of the arms embargo. Our objective was to meet a specific need of the Central African security forces based on a realistic analysis of the security situation in the country. To facilitate the equipping of those forces, the Security Council will therefore have authorized three relaxations of the arms embargo in almost a year.

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source

  50. Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2536 (2020), which renews the sanctions regime concerning the Central African Republic for one year. In that regard, I would like to highlight three points. First of all, I would like to express our satisfaction that the Security Council is demonstrating its unity on the Central African Republic issue. That unity is crucial to the support that we are providing to the Central African Republic at a time marked by the implementation of the peace agreement, preparations for the presidential and legislative elections in 2020 and 2021 and the fight against the coronavirus disease pandemic. From the beginning of the negotiations, we therefore chose to adopt a pragmatic approach and strived throughout to play the role of constructive facilitator.

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source