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

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Griffith for his briefing. At the meeting of the emergency special session of the General Assembly held on 22 February, exactly one year after Russia launched its war against Ukraine, the Secretary-General clearly reaffirmed that: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ... is an affront to our collective conscience. It is a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. It is having massive humanitarian and human rights consequences ... [and] challenges the cornerstone principles and values of our multilateral system” (A/ES-11/PV.17, p. 3). The toll of this war has continued to rise. Since 28 April, the Russian army has resumed its large-scale air strikes on all of Ukraine.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“The delivery of aid through the cross-border mechanism and cross-line convoys remains a dual necessity, and France deplores the cessation of the cross-line convoys since the end of January. The brutality of the past 12 years of repression has caused the largest population displacement of the twenty-first century. The 12 million displaced persons and refugees aspire to return to their homes in Syria once the necessary conditions are in place, but that is still not the case. The international response to the earthquake cannot eliminate the reality. The responsibilities cannot be turned back. The humanitarian situation in Syria is catastrophic primarily because the regime has committed massive crimes against its population.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“To be clear, meeting the humanitarian needs of Syrians is a moral imperative, but it does not constitute a political solution. As it has been for the past 12 years, France is mobilized to support and assist the Syrian people. We have donated €26 million since the earthquake, in addition to the 40 tons of emergency equipment that we have shipped. The 6 February earthquakes further complicated an already dire situation, and we must now deal with that new reality. It will be essential to ensure the delivery of aid by all available means. The earthquake demonstrated the need for multiple cross-border access points, but thanks to the nature of the regime, the difficulty of humanitarian operations in Syria continues.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“The drive for normalization that has begun since the recent earthquake will not stabilize Syria in a sustainable way. In the absence of a political process, Syria will continue to destabilize the region, and corruption, terrorism, the drug Captagon and the impossibility of returning refugees will remain realities. That is why the European Union recently adopted new sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in trafficking Captagon. The lack of prospects is unacceptable to the Syrian people, the States of the region and the international community as a whole. We will therefore continue to be demanding where the political process is concerned, which means that the regime must take tangible action to launch a genuine process.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“The regime refuses to engage in good faith in a United Nations-led political process, while the Constitutional Committee has been held hostage by Russia and has not met for almost a year. Against that backdrop of deliberate obstruction, France reiterates its full support for the mediation efforts led by Special Envoy Pedersen. In view of the seriousness of the crimes committed in Syria, France will continue its fight against impunity. Those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held accountable for their actions. The United Nations has widely documented the systematic practice of sexual violence in the regime’s prisons and detention centres, which is just one example of the regime’s brutality. The European sanctions are aimed at hindering the perpetrators’ room to manoeuvre.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Pedersen and Ms. Doughten for their briefings. I would like to stress two points. The only thing that will put an end to the suffering of the Syrian people is a political solution to the conflict in Syria. As we repeat every month, the war in Syria is still not over. That is why France calls for an immediate national ceasefire and reminds the Council that strikes on civilian infrastructure are a violation of international law. Implementing the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015) would make it possible to build the foundations for a lasting peace. However, that road map has been ignored by the regime and its allies.”
2023-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9313 (2023) · source
“France calls for the restoration of a political horizon, which is the only way to recreate trust between the parties and allow for the implementation of the two-State solution. France stands ready to contribute to those efforts alongside its partners, particularly with Germany, Egypt and Jordan in the context of the Amman group. The United Nations, in particular the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, has an important role to play in supporting those efforts. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live in peace and security.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“France reiterates its commitment to the treaties concluded by Israel with its neighbours, as well as to respect for the historical status quo of the holy sites of Jerusalem and the specific role of Jordan in that regard. The violence that occurred at the beginning of the month at the Esplanade of the Mosques is worrisome, as is the growing pressure on Christian communities in Jerusalem. We cannot continue to look the other way and hope that the situation will not deteriorate further. France welcomes the efforts of the United States, Egypt and Jordan. The parties have made commitments, in particular with regard to halting settlements, demolitions and evictions, but also in the area of security, and those commitments must be followed up with action.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“The Knesset’s partial repeal of the 2005 disengagement law could pave the way for the building of settlements in the northern West Bank and for outposts to be legalized. We have called on the Israeli authorities to reverse that decision. Against that backdrop, inaction is untenable and can lead only to a regionalization of the conflict, as we have seen with the indiscriminate firing of rockets towards Israel from the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon and Syria. France has strongly condemned those attacks and reiterates its unwavering commitment to the security of Israel. I note that today is Remembrance Day in Israel. France is also committed to the stability and sovereignty of Lebanon. The Council has the responsibility to defend the two-State solution and ensure compliance with the resolutions it has adopted.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Wennesland for his briefing. France is concerned about the current cycle of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories and in Israel. We condemn all violence against civilians, whether it involves attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians or terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. We call on Israel to protect Palestinian civilians, in line with its international obligations. The cycle of violence, fuelled by despair on each side, can end only when Israeli settlement comes to an end. France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories or the legalization of “wildcat” settlements. On the ground, we note that annexation is accelerating despite the commitments made by the Israeli authorities at Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh in recent weeks.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309 (2023) · source
“We support the efforts of the Secretary-General and fully back his recommendations for Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), which calls for an inclusive and effective multilateralism to better respond to humankind’s most urgent challenges. Let us continue to demand respect for our common rules. Let us continue to take action for international peace and security. Let us continue to support and promote initiatives that truly benefit international solidarity and international law.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“We remain committed to global health, education, combating food insecurity and climate change and the protection of biodiversity on land and at sea. Together with Costa Rica, we will host the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025. In June we will also host a summit in Paris that should enable us to conclude a new global financial pact in a context where Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has seriously exacerbated the situation in countries that are most vulnerable to the food crisis. France promotes and supports ambitious action for gender equality, including through the Council’s women and peace and security agenda.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“We support international institutions and their reforms aimed at adapting global governance to today’s challenges. That is the reason for reforming the Security Council, whose enlargement France supports. In addition, together with Mexico, we have put forward an initiative for the five permanent members to collectively and voluntarily suspend the use of the veto when mass atrocities are at issue. We call on all Member States to endorse that initiative, which is already supported by 106 countries. France shares the Secretary-General’s views on the future of our planet and populations. We contributed to the adoption of the New Agenda for Peace and are fully committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“If Russia truly wants to defend multilateralism, it must respect the decisions of international courts, including the International Court of Justice, which has been clear on the issue since 16 March 2022. Considering the scale of the challenges of our century, whether on the security, health, environmental or technological fronts, only collective responses can be effective. We must restore stability and overcome crises such as the tragedy unfolding in the Sudan by defending an ambitious multilateralism that protects the interests of our nations and peoples, as well as the common good of humankind. Only through strict adherence to the principles of international law and enhanced cooperation can we collectively maintain international peace and security. The law of might makes right protects no one.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“The General Assembly has unequivocally and overwhelmingly condemned those violations of our Charter. In particular, it has demanded that Russia end its aggression without delay and withdraw its troops. If Russia really wants to defend multilateralism, it must actually respect international rules and international law and it must stop violating the Charter. If Russia truly wants to defend multilateralism, it must end its war of aggression, which has serious consequences for Ukraine and the whole world. If Russia truly wants to defend multilateralism, it must immediately withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory. If Russia truly wants to defend multilateralism, it must commit in good faith to the quest for peace.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“But for Russia, the rule of law and the principles underlying multilateralism no longer seem to apply. Russia used force illegally in Georgia in 2008 and in Crimea and the Donbas in 2014, and it has been doing so for more than a year throughout Ukraine. Russia is violating the fundamental principles of the international order. It violates Ukraine’s State sovereignty and territorial integrity; it systematically and deliberately violates international humanitarian law by targeting civilians; it violates international human rights law by deporting Ukrainian children and committing torture and other atrocities; and it violates the arms embargoes decided by the Security Council by procuring drones from Iran to indiscriminately bomb civilian infrastructure, in violation of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): Built on the rubble of the Second World War, the multilateral international order created by the Charter of the United Nations is an instrument for peace, based on principles such as the sovereign equality of nations, respect for international law, the non-use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Today those principles are being violated and flouted. Multilateralism means agreeing to abide by the rules that we have collectively contributed to establish and that we have all chosen to uphold in order to preserve international peace and security. We must all respect our common Charter and the system of collective security established by it, based on the rule of law. We reiterate that the use of force, except in self-defence, is illegal.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308 (2023) · source
“In order to achieve that, the legitimacy of political institutions must be restored through the holding of national elections. France reiterates its full support for Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily to that end.”
2023-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9306 (2023) · source
“France condemns the forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture and sexual violence committed against both migrants and Libyans. The restrictions on freedom of expression and association are disturbing. We call on the Libyan authorities to end such violations and combat impunity for those responsible. France calls for an equitable and transparent redistribution of revenue for the benefit of the entire population. The process of reunifying the Central Bank must be accelerated. France is committed to respecting the arms embargo and will continue to support the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI. All countries operating in the Mediterranean should cooperate with IRINI and abide by the relevant Security Council resolutions. A sovereign, united, stable and democratic Libya is vital to regional stability.”
2023-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9306 (2023) · source
“The electoral process should be free of corruption and intimidation and guarantee equal opportunities for all candidates. To that end, the executive must be able to organize the elections in an absolutely neutral and transparent manner. Agreement on a legal framework for the holding of elections and a new political road map are imperative, and the process should be finalized as quickly as possible. In that regard, the House of Representatives and the High Council of State have a responsibility vis-à-vis the Libyan people. France reaffirms its full support for the efforts of the Special Representative and his initiative to establish an inclusive high-level panel to oversee the holding of the elections. Serious human rights violations are being committed in Libya. Militias and foreign mercenaries are acting with complete impunity.”
2023-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9306 (2023) · source
“The process must be accompanied by the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of militias and the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya. France welcomes the establishment of liaison committees for Chad, the Niger and the Sudan to coordinate the withdrawal of African mercenaries. The stability of Libya and its neighbours is a priority for France, which will continue to support the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to assist in the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. Libya’s political class must build on the security gains made and meet the expectations of the Libyan people for 2023, which are concurrent, inclusive, credible and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections throughout the country.”
2023-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9306 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Special Representative Bathily for his briefing. France welcomes the recent progress achieved in the implementation of the 2020 ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission, with the two Chiefs of Staff and all security actors, under the impetus of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Libyan security actors have committed to reunifying the Libyan army and securing the holding of elections, which gives reason for hope. France welcomes the meeting of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in Tripoli, the joint visits to Tripoli and Benghazi by the Chiefs of Staff from western and eastern Libya and their initiative to establish a joint military force. That sends a strong message in terms of a unified, sovereign and stable Libya.”
2023-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9306 (2023) · source
“In order to stop the escalation, all international sanctions adopted unanimously must be fully applied, and all forms of circumvention opposed, particularly in the cyberdomain. In the face of these provocations, the priority is to resume dialogue, without preconditions. Proposals to this effect have been made — it is up to the North Korean authorities to take them up, and to the States of the region to encourage them. Our objective is unchanged: the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. This Council must be exemplary. It must ensure respect for its own decisions. We need a united and resolute response, and quickly, from the international community. France will spare no effort to achieve this.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“As Pyongyang prepares for, in its words, “real war” and threatens to turn the Pacific into a “firing range,” North Korea has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear Power. Let me say it once again: France will not resign itself to North Korea becoming a nuclear-weapon State. This is a position that has been unanimously and consistently reiterated by the Security Council. To do nothing, or to be complacent with North Korea, is to trivialize nuclear proliferation. It means accepting the fact that, tomorrow, proliferation crises will multiply elsewhere in the world. Finally, it means accepting a direct challenge to the authority of the decisions of the Security Council.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. Warning sirens sounded again on the island of Hokkaido after a long-range ballistic missile was fired on 13 April. The threat posed by North Korea to its neighbours is real, and for more than a year, in the face of the increasing number of launches, we have remained disunited and silent. France strongly condemns this new launch, and I say this with gravity: the Security Council cannot resolve to do nothing. The launch of this new solid-fuel-propelled missile demonstrates the continued progress of the North Korean programme. A ballistic missile of this type is faster to launch, easier to deploy and harder to locate. This is of particular concern in the light of the escalation in recent weeks.”
2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9305 (2023) · source
“The first assessments and reports of the United Nations were unfortunately entirely inaccurate and unfounded. Let us therefore base our remarks on facts and help the United Nations do its job. Let us hope that it will be able to continue to investigate human rights abuses. Let us wait patiently for the report on Moura, where 300 people died in March 2022 and for which we are still waiting for the report of the Human Rights Council. For its part, France will continue to help Mali and the Malian people who are suffering and are in need of peace and, I believe, democracy.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Whether one would prefer to admit it or not, at the beginning of 2013 it was the French army that preserved the independence of Mali, which otherwise would have fallen into the hands of the terrorist group Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and its partners. Secondly, since the beginning of 2013, 50 French soldiers have died in Mali in defence of its territorial integrity and sovereignty and to bring about peace in the country — and for no other reason. That is a fact. Thirdly, everything that the representative of Mali said about the incidents he brought up is entirely inaccurate, starting with the accusations relating to the marriage that took place in the village of Bounty. I myself was able to meet with the Secretary-General and show him the images recorded at the time to explain what had happened.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I will be brief. I obviously have no intention of arguing with the representative of Mali. Anything excessive is unimportant, and what he just said about my country was excessive and therefore unimportant. I would just like to point to three things. First, at the beginning of 2013 — when in my previous role I was involved in those decisions at every stage — France intervened in Mali at the request of the Malian authorities. At the time, Mali was dealing with an offensive inside its borders by Al-Qaida, whose forces were advancing towards the capital and would have taken full control of Mali within a day or two.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“France calls on Mali and all members of the Security Council to give the most careful consideration to the internal review submitted in January by the Secretary-General (see S/2023/36), which raises important questions that we must answer together before the mandate is renewed. The priority for us all should be to take the necessary decisions so that MINUSMA can carry out its mission. In that regard, I would like to recall that the Secretary-General has set four key parameters — the continuation of the political transition, the implementation of the peace agreement, MINUSMA’s freedom of movement and respect for its entire mandate, including in the area of human rights. France is ready to work constructively to ensure MINUSMA’s success, together with all members of the Council, the troop-contributing countries and, of course, Mali.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“In that regard, it is not right that we have yet to be informed about the Moura massacre, which was committed more than one year ago, with the involvement of the Wagner Group as we know. Those responsible must be prosecuted. However, we must also recognize that MINUSMA is doing what it can in a difficult environment. We are extremely concerned about the restrictions on its activities, which are unacceptable. I recall that without drones, the Mission cannot conduct operations. The announcements regarding the withdrawal of many contingents, which represent 20 per cent of the Force, should alert us to the gravity of the situation.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“For almost 10 years, it has represented the considerable efforts of the international community, with the help of dozens of troop- contributing countries that are paying a heavy price and to which I would like to hereby pay tribute. MINUSMA also has an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Of course, that tool is not perfect. We must be more demanding of MINUSMA. Its mandate is robust and must be implemented in order to protect civilians, support the peace agreement and guarantee humanitarian access to the thousands of displaced persons. Like all peacekeeping operations, MINUSMA has a mandate in the area of human rights and must be able to carry out its tasks without hindrance.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Secondly, I wish to refer the political transition, which must continue in a timely manner. The Security Council must be attentive to the assessments of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, which have taken very clear decisions and are closely monitoring the process, in particular following the postponement of the constitutional referendum initially scheduled to be held on 19 March. It is crucial that all political and civil society actors be able to express themselves freely and participate in the electoral campaign. Thirdly and finally, I would like to underscore the role played by MINUSMA.”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing. I wish to highlight three points. My first point concerns the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The Council has always been unanimous in emphasizing the major importance of that agreement and calling for its full implementation. We now see that it is under greater threat than ever. The temptation of escalation is real. The resumption of hostilities would be disastrous, not only for the people of Mali but also for the people of the entire region, and would play into the hands of the terrorists. The Council must therefore call on all parties to take responsibility and support the mediation efforts of Algeria and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).”
2023-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9302 (2023) · source
“France will continue to support Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We condemn the use of Belarusian territory as a base and launching pad for Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and appeal earnestly to Belarus to refrain from taking any further steps in the escalation by rescinding its decision to accept the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“France reaffirms the importance that it attaches to compliance with the joint statement of the permanent members of the Security Council of 3 January 2022, which was endorsed by President Putin, on the prevention of nuclear war and arms races. We should point out that Russia reiterated that commitment in the joint declaration signed with China on March 21, just over a week ago, which states that “[a]ll nuclear-weapon States should refrain from deploying nuclear weapons abroad”. It was signed by Presidents Putin and Xi Jinping nine days ago. Russia must assume the responsibility expected of a nuclear-weapon State. Nuclear weapons have defensive, deterrence and prevention purposes. It is unacceptable to see Russia exploiting the threat of their use for coercive purposes in its war of aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France condemns the agreement between Russia and Belarus to deploy nuclear weapons on the territory of the latter. That is yet another blow to the arms- control architecture, to strategic stability in Europe and to international peace and security. In 2018 Russia began violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which led directly to its demise. It suspended its participation in the New START Treaty in February, and we urge it to reverse that decision. Russia has repeatedly used aggressive and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. By announcing its intention to deploy nuclear weapons outside its borders, Russia is once again violating its international commitments, in particular the Budapest Memorandum, and is exacerbating an already unstable situation.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Solutions must be designed with all actors involved in the continent’s transformation — young people, civil society, entrepreneurs, researchers, athletes and the cultural sphere. Women and young people must be at the heart of those solutions. African women spearheaded the women and peace and security agenda after the Windhoek Declaration in 2000. We must draw on the exceptional potential of the African continent and its civil society to develop solutions together.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“France and Gabon did just that at the beginning of March by organizing the One Forest Summit to combat climate disruptions and preserve biodiversity. In the area of health, to combat the coronavirus disease pandemic, France opted to support African scientific excellence by supporting the production of vaccines on the continent. To finance sustainable infrastructure, one year ago, the European Union launched the Global Gateway strategy. Half of the €300 billion mobilized through the strategy will be allocated to Africa, and more than one third of the projects will be implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. The summit that France will organize on 22 and 23 June in Paris will strengthen the international financial infrastructure, enabling it to combat inequalities and finance the climate transition.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“First and foremost, solutions must be promoted by the African Union itself and be aimed at preventing and resolving conflicts. France welcomes the operationalization of the African Peace Fund and supports the increase in African peacekeeping operations, as the African Union has the capacity to provide robust responses to the continent’s security challenges. France is ready to resume discussions at the Security Council to ensure sustainable and predictable funding for those operations, including through assessed contributions. Nonetheless, the challenges go well beyond security threats. We must establish partnerships, as equals, with African countries to better respond together to long-term challenges, in particular to environmental and development challenges.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): France congratulates Mozambique on convening today’s debate. We commend the path taken by the country in the area of peace and national reconciliation. I thank Ms. Duarte, Mr. Chambas and Mr. Manzoni for their briefings. Africa faces considerable challenges today, such as the pressure of climate change, persistent terrorism and economic, health and geopolitical shocks. There is also a challenge posed to governance and the strengthening of State institutions. Lastly, the root causes of conflicts must be addressed. Such challenges are not only faced by Africa; they are challenges that are common to all. In that regard, the only effective responses are global responses that are coordinated and based on solidarity.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, France reaffirms its support for the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in organizing transparent, free and inclusive elections within the time frame provided for by the Constitution. Major efforts have been made to incite voter registration. MONUSCO is providing logistical support. The International Organization of la Francophonie is also working, at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to provide support to the institutions and civil society involved in the electoral cycle. The right conditions must be in place for the proper holding of elections throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of Congo must not be allowed to fall victim to war. A path to peace is possible if everyone shoulders their responsibilities.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“As part of the European Union’s humanitarian airlift, three flights have brought in 100 tons of cargo, including emergency shelters, hygiene kits and medicines. The European Union will provide €50 million in humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2023. Thirdly, progress must continue in the area of justice and in preparing for the elections scheduled to be held in December. Progress has been made in the fight against impunity. I refer specifically to the law adopted last December for the protection and reparation of victims of sexual violence. Efforts must also continue to be made to ensure transitional justice, protect human rights and combat hate speech and incitement to violence.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“We call for continued support to be provided to the Congolese authorities so that they can assume their primary responsibility of protecting civilians. That same spirit of partnership must also be given a priority in the humanitarian response. During its visit to the Bushagara camp, the Council noted that outstanding efforts are being made by the different actors working together, in particular the United Nations actors. More sites must be made available by the Congolese authorities to receive refugees and displaced persons. France, which is engaged in the response to the humanitarian emergency in Goma, will provide €34 million in aid to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“We also condemn the attacks carried out by the armed groups of the Allied Democratic Forces and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo, as well as the ongoing activities of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda. All the combatants must disarm. Secondly, all the actors on the ground must work together to protect civilians and the most vulnerable. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Congolese armed forces must work together with the regional forces in a coherent and coordinated manner to protect civilians. France calls on the Secretary-General and Member States to provide MONUSCO with the necessary means to implement its mandate. MONUSCO also needs to be able to support the deployment of the East African Community regional force.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“As President Macron recalled during his visit to Kinshasa on 4 March, the steps that were agreed by all must be carried out: respect for the ceasefire and the verification thereof under Angolan supervision; the cantonment of the M-23; the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process; and the deployment of regional forces. All external support to the M-23 and the other armed groups active on Congolese territory must cease immediately. The Luanda and Nairobi processes must mutually reinforce each other. France welcomes the efforts of the East African Community regional force, whose deployment must continue in the areas liberated by the M-23 withdrawal. France also welcomes the upcoming dispatch of an Angolan contingent to secure the M-23 cantonment areas and protect the ad hoc verification mechanism.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative for her briefing, and I would like to emphasize three points. First, we must consolidate our efforts to guarantee the integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For more than a year, the actions of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23), an armed group sanctioned by the Security Council and the European Union, have been destabilizing the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In recent days, the M-23 has withdrawn from a number of positions, notably around Sake. Those initial disengagements must continue in accordance with the Luanda process agreed by the African Union.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“The country is moving towards the holding of elections that are scheduled for the end of the year. The Security Council encouraged all political actors to continue to work for peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible processes related to the elections, in accordance with the Constitution and the electoral law throughout the country. I will now defer to the Permanent Representative of Gabon, who will now report on the mission’s discussions in Goma.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9297 (2023) · source
“The Congolese armed groups must participate in the Nairobi process, with a view towards their demobilization. Foreign armed groups must return to their countries of origin. Our visit also provided us with the opportunity to acknowledge the work of MONUSCO and pay tribute to the Blue Helmets who have lost their lives. The Mission is doing vital work to protect civilians and support stabilization. Its resources must be shored up. The dialogue between MONUSCO and the Congolese authorities to advance the transition should also be pursued. In that regard, I reiterate our support for Special Representative of the Secretary General Bintou Keita and Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia. In Kinshasa, we also met with representatives of civil society and various political groups.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9297 (2023) · source
“In Kinshasa, our discussions with the President of the Republic, the members of his Government, the President of the National Assembly and the Vice-President of the Senate were rich in lessons. The security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is deteriorating, with an increase in attacks by armed groups. The discussions focused in particular on the attacks by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23), which are exacerbating the security and humanitarian situation and threaten the stability of the region. In that context, the Security Council issued clear demands for the immediate cessation of hostilities and that the M-23 stop any further advance and withdraw from all occupied areas in accordance with the Luanda process.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9297 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): It was an honour to lead the Security Council mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo alongside you, Mr. President, and the Permanent Representative of Gabon. The visit allowed members of the Council to take stock of the situation on the ground. I thank the Congolese authorities for their welcome and the teams of the Secretariat and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for their support in setting up the visit. The visit provided the opportunity to reaffirm the Security Council’s firm commitment to sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9297 (2023) · source