YouSaid · the spoken record

De Rivière

lines on the record: 1,783
first: 2006-04-28
most recent: 2023-12-30
sittings or episodes: 372
sources: un-security-council

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“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Vietnamese presidency for convening this debate on upholding the Charter of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security. I also welcome the participation of the Secretary-General and Mrs. Mary Robinson and thank them for their briefings. Their message must be heard — we will prevent and stop wars only through a return to dialogue, negotiation and cooperation. That is the raison d’être of the Security Council and the United Nations.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“In that regard, France welcomes the renewal of the Agency's mandate for three years and calls for a surge in international mobilization to make up its financial deficit by the end of the year. For its part, France doubled its contribution to UNRWA this year. Three years after the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016), it is time to implement it. The credibility of the Security Council and of us all depend on it. In that connection, the Secretary-General's report refers to the decision of the European Court of Justice of 12 November on the labelling requirement for products from the occupied Palestinian territories and Israeli settlements. The labelling measures meet the requirement of resolution 2334 (2016) to introduce a differentiation policy. France will continue to engage to ensure the implementation of the resolution.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“Any solution that deviates from the parameters agreed by the international community would necessarily be doomed to failure. There is no status quo on the ground but, rather, a deterioration of the situation that is unsustainable in the long term; that is not in the interest of either party. It contributes to increased tensions, undermines the two- State solution and postpones lasting peace, which can only fuel despair and the temptation of extremism. The mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will remain crucial until a lasting peace that provides a just, realistic and lasting solution to the refugee issue is found.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“The holding of credible Palestinian elections in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem would be an essential step towards inter-Palestinian reconciliation and the strengthening of Palestinian institutions established pursuant to the Oslo Accords. In that context, I call on the Palestinian authorities to continue their efforts to that end and reiterate our readiness to support them in those efforts. I would like to recall that there is no alternative to an agreement negotiated by the parties on the basis of internationally agreed parameters. Only the two-State solution, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, will fulfil the aspirations ofIsraelis and Palestinians by enabling them to live side by side in peace and security and bring lasting peace to the region.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“France has unequivocally condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into inhabited areas of Israel, in Violation of international law. We recall our unwavering commitment to Israel's security. We have also recalled the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity and security and have deplored the civilian casualties on both sides. It is now important that the ceasefire reached on 14 November through the efforts of Egypt and the Special Coordinator be fully respected. Beyond the need to respect the ceasefire, there will be no lasting stability in Gaza without a lifting of the blockade paired with credible security guarantees for Israel or without the return of the Palestinian Authority, in the context of inter-Palestinian reconciliation.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“We note with concern the destruction of 26 elements of infrastructure financed by the international community, including by the countries of the European Union, over the past three months. Finally, the repeated announcements by Israeli officials on the annexation of settlements or entire parts of the West Bank are a major source of concern. If implemented, they would constitute a serious violation of international law. We therefore call on the Israeli authorities to renounce any project leading to faits accomplis that would run counter to the two-State solution. We will remain particularly attentive to developments in the situation and ready to react, in conjunction with our European partners. The situation in Gaza also remains fragile.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“We are very concerned about ongoing colonisation in areas likely to undermine the territorial continuity of the future Palestinian State, particularly in Gilo. We are concerned about reports of the construction of new housing units in particularly sensitive areas, such as in the Nof Tzion settlement in East Jerusalem and in the former market in Old City of Hebron. France deplores the infrastructure works aimed at strengthening integration among all the settlements in the Jerusalem area and between those settlements and central Israel. The destruction and seizure of Palestinian property have also been on a steep rise this year in East Jerusalem and Zone C.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Mladenov for his intervention and Ms. Raemer for her testimony. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) (S/2019/938). Three years after the adoption of the resolution, France regrets that it has not been implemented. The Secretary-General's report is unequivocal. There is an unprecedented intensification of settlement activities, with decisions affecting more than 22,000 housing units at different stages ofthe approval process, as well as 8,000 others that have been put out to tender since the adoption of the resolution, in December 2016. France recalls that Israel's settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories is contrary to international law.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“The situation is deteriorating unrelentingly and constitutes a threat to international peace and security. We can no longer afford to allow such developments to continue.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“We must therefore take this opportunity for success and tackle root causes. It is also necessary that we undertake a massive financial effort in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. France is actively contributing in this regard, with a donation of â‚¬1.6 billion to the Sahel Alliance projects portfolio. We have witnessed laudable efforts on the part of the United Nations and other partners, in particular the European Union, which I commend for being the leading donor in the Sahel. Nevertheless, we must do more, and we must act more effectively and efficiently. I wish to conclude by underscoring, once again, the urgent need to assist the Sahel and West Africa as a whole.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“To this end, France has for several years been supporting community radio stations in Mali and has funded training programmes for journalists. It is also critical to give new legitimacy to the presence of the State. The population is often angry with the central authorities, whose actions do not benefit them. It would therefore be appropriate for States to assist in the provision of public services in remote areas and conduct sustainable development projects there. There also exists under-exploited agricultural potential in the Sahel and around the Lake Chad basin. In Burkina Faso, the French Development Agency has been providing support to the rural sector and the education system for several years. There has been tangible progress there - primary school enrolment rates have risen from 46 per cent in 2001 to 86 per cent in 2016.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“France encourages donors that have not yet met their commitments to that Force to do so as soon as possible. Those efforts are essential, but military struggle is only part of the answer. If it is carried out in isolation of prevention, reconciliation, justice and development measures, it is doomed to failure. In the face of intercommunity violence, it is important to prevent antagonisms and violent radicalization and to deal with such feelings as soon as they take root. Certain traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have proven to be effective, and it is important to support them. There is a need to deal with the problems of transhumance and conflicts between herders and farmers. Communication is vital.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Following the summit of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) held yesterday in Niamey, President Macron will meet with the Presidents of the five countries of the region in early 2020 to redefine the political and operational framework of our joint action. The Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel, a Franco-German initiative, should help to strengthen the capacities of the countries in the region. It will be officially launched by the end of the first quarter of 2020. We must support regional initiatives, particularly the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel, which has recently seen the pace and effectiveness of its operations increase, but which cannot sustain its action over time without adequate international support, especially in terms of logistics and finance. The United Nations must contribute to that support.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Resolution 2480 (2019) identifies clear objectives and we reiterate that all those who may stymie the implementation of the peace agreement will be at risk of sanctions. The solution lies first and foremost with the States concerned. It is up to them to develop political strategies that combine security measures, a humanitarian response and development initiatives. No one else can do it in their place. However, their resources are limited. We must therefore continue to help them. It is imperative that we step up our efforts to counter terrorism. France remains committed to those efforts through Operation Barkhane.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Economic fragility, weak States, the growth of trafficking and even the effects of climate change exacerbate antagonisms between sometimes ancient communities. But criminal and terrorist groups are also weaponizing and profiting from the tensions, in a context of mass distribution of light weapons. The situation continues to deteriorate, despite the support that has been extended. There is therefore an urgent need to act. France calls for collective activation and mobilization. Within the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole, we must continue to encourage the States concerned to improve their governance and promote social cohesion. It is imperative that the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali be implemented. There has been too much delay and now serious progress needs to be made.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): I thank you, Madam President, for choosing to address the issue of intercommunal violence and violent extremism in West Africa. I also thank our two briefers for their statements. The situation in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin is extremely alarming. Grave intercommunal violence is reported almost every day and the threat of terrorism continues to spread. In that regard, I extend France's condolences following the 11 December attack on the Nigerien army. Civilians are the first to suffer in such situations, especially women and children. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, particularly in Burkina Faso, with the threat extending to the States of the Gulf of Guinea. We are all aware of the root causes of the instability.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“What we now expect are concrete gestures of commitment from North Korea, which must refrain from any provocations. It should comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions and embark swiftly and in good faith on a process of complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization. That is the only possible way to achieve a political solution and lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“We must also be prepared to respond firmly to any challenge to our decisions and authority by the North Korean regime. North Korea is undergoing a dire humanitarian crisis. The sanctions imposed by the Council include exemptions with regard to the latter, and they are being applied. But it must be made very clear that responsibility for the humanitarian crisis falls squarely on the regime. Instead of devoting the major part of its resources to the development of nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes and threatening international peace and security, the Pyongyang authorities should feed their people. The door to dialogue with Pyongyang remains open. We are extending a hand. We support and welcome the efforts made by the United States over the past two years to initiate negotiations.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“Our approach to the issue must be firm, clear and unambiguous. I recall that the strict and full implementation of the decisions of the Security Council and, through it, of the international community, is a collective obligation. It must be self- evident to us all. The regime has methodically pursued its efforts to circumvent the sanctions and avoid the consequences of disregarding our decisions, whether concerning the presence of workers sent by the regime abroad or the illegal shipments of petroleum products and coal. The Panel of Experts regularly reports to us on its findings involving the many violations observed. Sanctions are not a goal in and of themselves. They serve our common goal of achieving the denuclearization of North Korea. The situation does not justify lifting them or scaling down their level of implementation.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“They erode our trust and make us doubt the sincerity of the regime's willingness to negotiate. North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear and ballistic capabilities. Despite what we may have heard, it has decidedly taken no measures in the opposite direction. Sites linked to its illegal programmes remain operational and active. The test on 7 December shows not only that the regime plans to continue its provocations in violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, but also that it is not respecting its own commitments, as Kim Jong Un had previously announced that the Tongchang-ri site, where that test took place, would be dismantled, at the inter-Korean summit held in Pyongyang in September 2018. In that regard, we must remain both sober and vigilant with regard to the situation.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): The Security Council has been working for years on the North Korean nuclear issue and, for years, the threat has continued to increase and worsen. The risks are not only real and empirical, but also extremely high and growing. As we meet here, the nuclear programme continues to advance and fissile material continues to be produced. We fully share the concern voiced with regard to North Korean provocations, in particular the 13 incidents in which some 20 ballistic missiles have been launched over the past months. Those launches demonstrate North Korea's willingness to develop its missile arsenal. They violate our decisions, which clearly prohibit North Korea from using ballistic technologies. They undermine regional stability and security and international peace and security.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“It is also an illusion to imagine that the dignified, safe and voluntary return of refugees is possible without a comprehensive agreement, including real political and security guarantees and ensuring full and unhindered United Nations access to observe and support that return on the ground. I would like to conclude by reiterating my call to all who have influence on the regime to bring pressure to bear so that it genuinely engages in the political process. We must all do our part in order to make progress towards peace.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“This involves working on confidence-building measures, especially with respect to detainees. It also requires creating a safe and neutral environment for the holding of credible elections under the supervision of the United Nations, in which all Syrians, including refugees and internally displaced persons, must participate. Without progress in that direction, the positions of France and the European Union on reconstruction and sanctions will remain unchanged. That should in no way prevent those who believe that the conditions for reconstruction have already been met, and who are eager to begin forthwith and on a large scale, from financing that reconstruction and from rebuilding that which they, to a large extent, helped to destroy.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“We hope that the second meeting of the drafting committee, to be held on Monday in Geneva, will bring progress towards giving Syria a new constitution. In order to move in that direction, it is important that all members of the Committee, particularly the delegation of the regime, engage in good faith in the discussions and resort to disingenuous procrastination. We will remain vigilant with regard to any manoeuvre aimed at hindering the discussions and ask the Special Envoy to report to the Council in a transparent manner. The Constitutional Committee is not an end in itself and represents only a first step. It is necessary to make parallel progress on the implementation of all the elements of resolution 2254 (2015), as the Ministers of the small group reaffirmed on 14 November in Washington, DC.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“The fight against terrorism is a priority for my country, but it cannot be waged at the expense ofrespect for international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, and civilian infrastructure is an obligation on all. We also condemn the repression of peaceful civilian demonstrations by the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham group. In this context, it is necessary to reaffirm the full and complete restoration of the ceasefire on Idlib in order to join forces against the terrorist groups listed by the United Nations. I wish to reaffirm France's full support for the efforts of the Special Envoy to reach a political settlement in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). I congratulate him on the holding of the first meeting of the Constitutional Committee, which is a positive step.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“France is pleased that the members of the International Coalition against Da'esh have reaffirmed their determination to pursuing their engagement in Syria and Iraq, including by maintaining a military presence in the north-east. France will continue to assume all its responsibilities against Da'esh. The sharp deterioration of the situation in the north-west since late October is another source of concern. France condemns the ongoing indiscriminate strikes by the regime and its allies in Idlib, in violation of international humanitarian law. In particular, I condemn the strike of 20 November against a camp for internally displaced persons near the Turkish border, as well as those against medical facilities, some of which are supported by the European Union and France.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Geir Pedersen for being with us today on the eve of the second meeting of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, as well as Ms. Al Hallak for her intervention. There is an urgent need to silence the guns everywhere in Syria in order to create the conditions conducive to a political settlement. We must prevent at all costs a resumption of hostilities in the north-east that would be disastrous on the humanitarian level and would only benefit Da'esh, to the detriment of our collective security. Our priority is therefore to remain united in the fight against Da'esh and to preserve the hard-won progress made by the Coalition. Da'esh continues to pose a major threat. It retains significant action capabilities, as evidenced by the resurgence of asymmetric attacks on the ground.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“We call upon each and every one of us to ensure that all stakeholders and inspectors enjoy unimpeded and unconditional access to the sites concerned, and I call on all stakeholders and all the members of the Security Council to ensure that together we can move along a path towards the complete chemical weapons disarmament in Syria.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8673 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): I would first like to welcome the efforts of you and your delegation, Madam President, in arriving at the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2019/14. France firmly supports the chemical-weapon non-proliferation regime and the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention. We commend the work of the United Kingdom and today's adoption of a presidential statement that reminds us of the major principles on which its intention is based. We trust that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will faithfully discharge is functions.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8673 (2019) · source
“The effective coordination of assistance must be a priority and every effort must be made to facilitate the work of humanitarian actors. It is also essential to ensure that the United Nations has access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker, which is a serious potential threat to the environment. An oil spill would have a disastrous impact on the entire region. The Council can rely on France to remain fully engaged in the pursuit of a political solution to the Yemeni crisis, both within the Council and as part of its broader efforts to promote de-escalation in the region.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8672 (2019) · source
“The United Nations has an essential role to play in mediation and supervision in the quest for this political solution and its implementation. A political solution is the only way out of the conflict for the Yemeni people, who continue to suffer as a result of the disastrous humanitarian situation. Respect for international humanitarian law is not negotiable. It is binding on us all. That means protecting civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, along with civilian infrastructure. It also means guaranteeing full humanitarian access. All the parties to the conflict must ensure that. The increasing restrictions imposed by the Houthis on humanitarian actors are preventing millions of people from receiving aid, and that is unacceptable.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8672 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Griffiths and Ms. Mueller for their briefings. It is becoming clearer every day that a political solution must be found to the Yemeni crisis. As the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen has shown, we are seeing positive and encouraging signs of de-escalation, momentum that must continue and be translated into tangible progress on the ground so as to achieve a significant reduction in the hostilities. We welcomed the adoption of the Riyadh agreement, which is an important step in the settlement of the crisis and helps to preserve Yemen's unity and territorial integrity. It must now be fully implemented. Discussions on a comprehensive and inclusive political solution must be resumed without delay or preconditions.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8672 (2019) · source
“We must do everything we can to meet the growing humanitarian needs in the region, particularly in Burkina Faso, and to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access for those who need assistance. The crisis in the Sahel is not just about development. The urgent humanitarian situation must compel all of us to do more.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“At the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on 14 September, ECOWAS committed to combating terrorism more effectively. In Mali, starting in 2020, a European special forces unit named Takuba will also be deployed as part of Operation Barkhane to support the Malian armed forces on their path to autonomy and resilience. It will be impossible to achieve sustainable security for the Sahel without development, and France calls for redoubling efforts to that end. We are doing our part in that regard by allocating â‚¬522 million in funding to the G-5 Sahel Priority Investment Programme for 2019 and 2020.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“I also welcome the fact that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali has implemented logistical support for all of the Joint Force contingents. Resolution 2480 (2019) broadens that support to cover contingents deployed outside the borders ofMali, and we can see how valuable that is to the Joint Force. France supports the G-5 countries' requests for increased multilateral support. However, those essential efforts are not enough, as terrorism is now spreading throughout the subregion. France and Germany's initiative of a Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel is intended to strengthen the Joint Force, while broadening its scope to include the countries of the region and other sectors such as internal security and justice systems.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“If the Joint Force is to succeed, it needs a sustained commitment based first and foremost on the engagement of the G-5 countries themselves, but also, crucially, that of international partners. At the donor conference held in Brussels in February 2018, â‚¬414 million was pledged to the Joint Force, with the European Union, its member States and the United States being the main donors. We estimate that half of that support has been disbursed so far. The Joint Force battalions have received a number of vehicles as well as equipment for countering improvised explosive devices. France encourages donors that have yet to honour their commitments to do so as soon as possible.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“The most recent, Operation Bourgou IV, culminated last week and mobilized 1,400 men from the armies of Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger, with the support of forces from the French-led Operation Barkhane. The results are clear: 25 terrorists were neutralized or captured; several vehicles were recovered or destroyed, including 64 motorcycles; a workshop for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices was dismantled; and weapons, ammunition and more than a 100 telephones were seized. Progress has also been made within the human rights compliance framework, which is essential to ensuring that the Joint Force is more effective and does a better job of protecting civilians, especially society's most vulnerable members, such as women and children.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): The situation in the Sahel remains very precarious, with the armies of the region are on the front line. The fighting that took place on Monday at the border between Mali and the Niger in an operation involving the armies of both countries attests to the persistent capacities of terrorist groups to inflict damage. The primary victims of terrorism are the people of the Sahel themselves. Since the beginning of the year, 1,500 people have reportedly fallen victim to terrorism in Mali and Burkina Faso. The Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) Joint Force is the best tool available to deal with the spread of the terrorist threat. France welcomes the gains made in its operationalization. The Joint Force has conducted 11 operations since the beginning of the year.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“We will remain vigilant as to the Agency's ability to implement its mandate and to continue its operations, in particular in East Jerusalem. Together with our European partners, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and to advocate for an order based on international law. It is also the responsibility of the Council to ensure compliance with international law and the parameters agreed by the international community. France will ensure that.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“It must allow the establishment of a Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders drawn on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of the two States. Any peace plan that deviates from the internationally agreed parameters would be doomed to failure. As France is a friend ofboth Israel and the Palestinians, it stands ready to encourage them to resume dialogue on that basis. Pending a lasting peace that provides ajust, realistic and sustainable solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees, the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East will remain crucial. At the General Assembly, a very large majority of Member States called for the renewal of its mandate for three years, which France welcomes.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“In a context where the situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem remains worrying, I reiterate France's commitment to respect for freedom of expression and the protection ofjournalists. We also call on the Israeli authorities to reconsider their decision to revoke the residence permit of the Director of Human Rights Watch for Israel and Palestine following the confirmation by the Israeli Supreme Court of that decision. In conclusion, I would like to recall France's unwavering support for the two-State solution. At a time when the prospect of such a solution is being questioned, it is more necessary than ever to recall that only a solution based on the internationally agreed parameters will make it possible to meet the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians and to bring lasting peace to the region.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“In addition to the immediate need for a cessation ofhostilities, there will be no lasting stability in Gaza without the lifting of the blockade, along with credible security guarantees for Israel, and without the return of the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority will be able to fully exercise its authority in Gaza only ifthere is a resumption of the intra-Palestinian reconciliation process, which must involve credible elections held throughout the Palestinian territories, including Gaza and East Jerusalem. We noted with interest the commitment of President Abbas to holding elections in the near future as well as the preparatory work undertaken to that end. We encourage the Palestinian leadership to ensure that the elections take place, and we stand ready to support it on that path.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“I would recall in that regard that France believes that Israel's security is not, and never will be, negotiable. Any attack deliberately targeting civilian populations and infrastructure is also contrary to international humanitarian law. In addition, we have taken note of the Israeli army's announcement of an internal investigation into the deaths of eight Palestinian civilians, including five children, in an air strike on Deir el-Balah on 14 November. We call for that investigation, like those announced by Israel in April 2018, to be completed in a transparent manner and followed by measures that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation. We call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to respect the ceasefire agreed under the auspices of the Special Coordinator.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we will pay particular attention to the information contained in the Secretary-General's next report of 2019 on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). We regret any decision that may encourage further settlements. Respect for international law is not negotiable. It is binding on everyone. Undermining that principle weakens the entire international system. It is not up to one country to decide what is legal. The issue of the legality of settlements cannot be looked at on a case-by-case basis. I would also like to return to the latest developments on the ground, in particular the dangerous escalation in Gaza last week. France strongly condemns the firing of more than 450 rockets into populated areas of Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“For that reason, France has condemned the decision to build 2,342 housing units in the West Bank and the infrastructure works near Bethlehem, which undermine the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian State. Such decisions are in addition to the ongoing construction of 3,000 housing units in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem from mid-June to mid-September and the expansion with another 6,000 units in the previous quarter. In total, the number of decisions on settlement housing construction since the beginning of this year is already higher than in 2018. France therefore calls on the Israeli authorities to halt such initiatives as well as all those that would jeopardize the two-State solution.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“Mr. De Riviere (France) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Mr. Mladenov and Ms. Hary for their briefings. Israel's settlement policy in the occupied Palestinian territories is illegal under international law, particularly international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and contravenes Security Council resolutions. Colonization also helps to heighten tensions on the ground and undermine the possibility of a two- State solution. It erodes the prospects for lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as was recalled in resolution 2334 (2016). With almost 650,000 settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, we are near the point of no return.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“While such efforts should continue, it is also crucial to support national strategies for conflict prevention and reconciliation, because it is primarily up to local authorities to, in a neutral and impartial manner, ensure their communities coexist. I would like to underscore the outstanding work carried out in the Central African Republic by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic to promote the signing of local peace and reconciliation agreements, which paved the way for the signing, on 6 February, ofa comprehensive peace agreement. Local monitoring committees under the agreement have since been playing an essential role in ensure genuine ownership of the peace process. Reconciliation is essential for building lasting peace.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the Peacebuilding Fund, one third of whose projects integrate such considerations. There is also a need to investigate events that could fuel the cycle of hate as swiftly as possible. In the Sahel, for example, terrorists are high-jacking inter-community conflicts. We welcome in that regard the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali to investigate human rights violations and develop reconciliation initiatives. The visits to Mali by the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and by the United Nations Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali were also very helpful.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Where jurisdictional structures are lacking or too weak, it is essential that medical, psychological and social support be provided to facilitate the reintegration of survivors. This is the objective set by the International Fund for Survivors of Conf lict-Related Sexual Violence, founded by Nobel Peace laureates Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege. In this context, peacebuilding must integrate the objective of reconciliation earlier on. We must promote the most inclusive reconciliation processes possible. They must involve women, youth, civil society actors and community and religious leaders. I would like to focus on the role of women, which is a priority for France and for the Security Council, with the women and peace and security agenda. Peace processes that involve women are more effective and longer lasting.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Teaching young people must take over to prevent any resurgence of divisions that fuel violence. This is the responsibility not only of Governments and local actors but also of the Security Council. In this respect, it is disturbing to note the lingering denial in certain areas of the genocide of Tutsi in Rwanda and the glorification of war criminals in the former Yugoslavia. This is another reason that transitional justice and the fight against impunity in general must systematically address the dimension of memory. Protecting the rights of the survivors, including through the establishment ofcompensation mechanisms, is of crucial importance. France fully supports the International Criminal Court Trust Fund for Victims.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source