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

“They are counterproductive in the fight against terrorism and are focused on the economic goal of accumulating wealth through the capture of natural resources, to the detriment of the sovereignty of African States and populations that are victims of well- documented abuses. That is why France encourages the African Union to modernize and implement the instruments that the Organization of African Unity put in place in 1977 to combat mercenary activities. France will continue to work for the implementation of that global approach while respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and multilateralism.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“It is about addressing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to terrorist recruitment. It is about addressing the fundamental challenges posed by climate change, the links between terrorism and trafficking in resources and all other crimes that affect the environment. It is also about combating terrorist propaganda on the Internet, which is often based on misinformation and targets young people in particular. Fifthly, in order to be fully effective, our fight against terrorism must be part of a global response that includes joint initiatives for development, strengthening governance and the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Offers of pseudo-security made by certain private military companies and their State sponsors are the opposite of the partner-friendly approach I have just described.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“The International Counter-Terrorism Academy in Abidjan, which is the result of a common goal and joint efforts by Côte d’Ivoire and France, with the political support of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, is now going international. Thirdly, we must defend a resolutely multilateral approach. United Nations instruments, from panels of experts to sanctions regimes, are essential. The Counter- Terrorism Executive Directorate is contributing to a better understanding of the threat in Africa and to robust capacity-building, notably through the Office of Counter-Terrorism, to which the European Union is the third-largest contributor. Fourthly, we must help build community resilience in conjunction with the States of the region.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“The first issue concerns our means. Terrorism in Africa is a threat not just to the region but to international peace and security as a whole. France therefore calls on the Council to resume discussions on the financing of African peace operations on the basis of the common position adopted in Addis Ababa. Secondly, France and the European Union are determined to continue and strengthen their partnerships with African States and African regional organizations. The European Union makes an essential contribution to peace and stability in Africa. France continues to mobilize against terrorism — alongside its partners, at their request and according to their needs — in line with a global and renewed approach, as President Macron indicated just a month ago. That approach is being translated into concrete actions.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting. I also thank the Secretary- General for his briefing and welcome the presence of the Chairperson of the African Union here among us today. Terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Terrorist groups such as Da’esh and Al-Qaida, as well as their affiliates, remain the most acute threat, particularly on the African continent, where they are spreading throughout Western, Central and Southern Africa. That threat continues to reconfigure itself and grow, including, for example, in the Sahel, where terrorist groups continue to expand towards the Gulf of Guinea. We must therefore maintain our efforts to address that scourge. I will highlight five priorities in that regard.”
2023-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9296 (2023) · source
“Syria now accounts for 80 per cent of the global production of Captagon, in a State-run drug trade estimated to be worth more than $57 billion that benefits the regime, a few businessmen close to the regime and the militias present in Syria, and that is a destabilizing factor for the entire region. France would therefore like to have more information from the United Nations on the production of Captagon.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“In the interests of the Syrian people, who long for a lasting peace, France will stand firm and will not change its position towards the regime until genuine and sustainable progress towards a political solution based on resolution 2254 (2015) is made. The earthquake of 6 February cannot erase the regime’s brutality towards its people or the war crimes that it is responsible for. So far more than 155,000 people have been disappeared, and most of them have spent time in the regime’s prisons. France will continue its fight against impunity without let-up. Systematic, large-scale corruption has reached unprecedented levels.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“And while the earthquake led to further displacement, half of Syria’s population had already been forced to leave their homes since 2011, and we commend the efforts of the States that have been hosting Syrian refugees for 12 years. We will continue to support them, including through the seventh Brussels conference in June. We should also point out that we have several resettlement programmes with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. However, the humanitarian tragedy of the earthquake must not make us forget the realities of the war in Syria. As the Special Envoy reiterated today, a nationwide ceasefire must be a priority for all parties.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Talahma for their briefings. I would like to underscore two points. France has just increased its assistance to the Syrian people once again. International donors pledged €950 million at the conference held in Brussels on Monday, 20 March. France has announced an additional contribution of €7 million, bringing its assistance since the earthquake to a total of €26 million, which will help meet the essential needs of the people affected by the earthquake. France went into action immediately, dispatching 40 tons of emergency supplies to meet the crucial needs the day after the disaster.”
2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9291 (2023) · source
“They serve the momentum for annexation, thereby further destabilizing the situation on the ground. The Security Council has the duty to uphold the two-State solution. It has a responsibility towards the parties. Previous agreements must be respected, particularly with regard to the provisions relating to Area C. A political horizon must be restored. That is the only way to implement the two-State solution. Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace and security. France remains fully committed to that goal.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we are particularly concerned about the amendment of the Israeli 2005 disengagement law, which could pave the way for the legalization of unauthorized settlements in the northern West Bank. The demolition of Palestinian structures continues in Jerusalem and the West Bank, as do evictions of Palestinian families. France calls on the Israeli authorities to review their decision to expel Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah, Silwan and the Old City of Jerusalem. In the Palestinian territories, as elsewhere, France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories or the legalization of unauthorized settlements. Fourthly, such unilateral measures, which are in violation of international law, make the prospect of a two-State solution increasingly remote.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“We recall the importance of respecting the historical status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites and Jordan’s particular role in that regard. France recalls its commitment to the treaties concluded by Israel with its neighbours, in particular the Treaty of Peace between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, signed in Wadi Araba, as well as to the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 lines, with both having Jerusalem as their capital. Thirdly, a lasting de-escalation can take place only if the settlement policy stops. That policy is contrary to international law, as recalled in resolution 2334 (2016).”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“We call on Israel to protect Palestinian civilians in accordance with its international obligations. Secondly, the cycle of violence must end. France calls on all actors to exercise the utmost restraint at the start of this period of religious holidays. France welcomes and supports the efforts of the United States, Egypt and Jordan, which enabled the parties to meet for the first time in many years in Aqaba and Sharm El- Sheikh. We note the commitments made by the parties to de-escalation. It is crucial that those commitments be followed up on the ground not only in terms of halting the settlements, demolition and evictions, but also in terms of tax transfers and the Palestinian Authority’s security rights.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Tor Wennesland for his briefing. I will make four points. First, France is extremely concerned about the ongoing deterioration of the situation on the ground and the continuing violence, which is reaching an unprecedented level. France strongly condemns all violence against civilians. It has cost many Palestinian civilians their lives since the beginning of January. France firmly condemns the indiscriminate violence committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians. We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of at least 14 Israelis this year. We reaffirm our commitment to the security of Israel and its citizens. France expressed its deep concern following the recent Israeli army operations in the West Bank.”
2023-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9290 (2023) · source
“It is up to the North Korean authorities to consider them, and the States of the region to encourage them. Our objective remains unchanged: the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. The Security Council must enforce its own decisions. That is the minimum. To stop the escalation, all unanimously adopted international sanctions must be fully implemented and all forms of circumvention opposed. These new provocations require a united and resolute response from the international community. France will spare no effort to ensure that the Council lives up to its responsibilities.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“The regime has announced its desire to continue firing them into the Pacific. Added to this is the unabashed nuclear rhetoric and the likely preparation for a seventh nuclear test. Let us be clear, each of these provocations defies the authority of the Council and violates its resolutions. Our division provides North Korea with cover. The question before us is very simple: can the Security Council accept North Korea becoming a nuclear-weapon State? France will not resign itself to that because doing nothing today is to normalize nuclear proliferation. It is tantamount to accepting that tomorrow crises of proliferation will multiply elsewhere in the world. In the face of these provocations, the priority is to resume dialogue without preconditions. Proposals to this effect have been made.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Jenča for his briefing. In the past, each launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) led to condemnation by the Security Council and a call to respect its unanimously adopted resolutions. However, for more than a year and in the face of the increasing number of launches, we have remained divided and silent. I say this in all seriousness: inaction cannot become the norm on this issue. Let us remember what is at stake: an ICBM such as the Hwasong-17 threatens the security of all Council members. It can strike all continents. It is capable of carrying the nuclear warheads that North Korea has and continues to produce. But the ICBM is only part of the problem. Short-range missiles, such as those fired yesterday, are mass-produced.”
2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9287 (2023) · source
“That is what we mean by our support for the peace plan presented by President Zelenskyy at the Group of 20 summit, which constitutes a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the commitment of the Secretary-General and the contribution of Türkiye. France will also continue to work with its European partners to implement the solidarity corridors that have enabled the export of more than 29 million tons of grain and other food products by land and sea. It also welcomes Ukraine’s grain donations within the framework of the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, to which we have contributed. In the face of this aggression, which has had unbearable consequences for the civilian population, France’s humanitarian, as well as military and financial, support to Ukraine will continue for as long as it is needed. We will continue to make the necessary efforts, alongside Ukraine, to achieve peace.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“To limit the worsening of global food insecurity and malnutrition due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Secretary-General allowed the Black Sea Grain Initiative to be concluded last July. This initiative has produced the expected effects. As the Secretary- General recalled last Monday, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Food Price Index, which had reached record levels in March 2022, has decreased for 10 consecutive months. Since its signing, the Black Sea Grain Initiative has resulted in the export of more than 24 million tons of grain. Some 55 per cent of these exports were destined for developing countries. There should be no blackmail on extending the Initiative. Ukrainian maritime grain exports must continue unhindered in order to combat global food insecurity.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“To support them, we organized the “Solidarity with the Ukrainian People” conference in Paris on 13 December, which raised more than €1 billion in order to meet their urgent needs. Russia must allow humanitarian actors access to the civilian population, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Those responsible for abuses must be held accountable before the Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court, whose investigations we support. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is having considerable negative repercussions on the world, for which Russia alone bears responsibility. By attacking Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure and restricting maritime exports, it seeks to exploit certain third countries’ vulnerabilities to price fluctuations or to grain supplies.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“The United Nations has documented those massive violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law. France notes the arrest warrant issued today by the judges of the International Criminal Court, at the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, against President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. The Court believes there is sufficient evidence to establish their involvement in the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. Russia sought to weaken the resistance of the Ukrainian people, especially as the country entered winter. Eighteen million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian people continue to show admirable determination and courage.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Griffiths for his briefing. The Russian aggression against Ukraine is being carried out in violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of all treaties protecting civilians. The General Assembly again condemned that aggression in a clear and strong manner on 23 February (see A/ES-11/PV.19). For the past year, millions of Ukrainians have been victims of the abuses committed by the Russian armed forces and their Wagner supporters. They have killed, injured thousands of civilians, tortured and raped, forced millions from their homes, deported children and deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and energy facilities.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“It is vital to prevent security fragilities and gaps from undermining the foundations of States and favouring harmful actors, and it is therefore our collective duty to support security sector reform processes.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“As President Macron recalled in a statement in February on the partnership between France and Africa, one of our aims is to position Europe as a key partner on defence and security issues for Africans. We would like to point to the role played by the European Union on the continent through the European Union capacity- building and training missions. France is also engaging on a bilateral basis. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we are encouraging the authorities in their efforts to train and strengthen their military personnel through our support for officer training schools, in particular the Kinshasa military academy. We are also participating in training the country’s armed forces in jungle combat.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Finally, it requires mobilizing the host country’s own financial resources, which complement those of its partners. Thirdly, coordinating action on the ground is a major challenge and is first and foremost an internal issue for the United Nations, essential to ensuring that the support that peacekeeping operations provide for security sector reform continues in the context of the transition to country teams. However, there must also be coordination between the United Nations and other actors while maintaining respect for the fundamental values of the United Nations and its Charter. In that regard, we welcome the action of regional organizations, which play an essential role, as, for example, in the work of the Economic Community of West African States in support of security sector reform in West Africa.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the Council visited last week, support for security sector reform is one of the priority tasks of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country needs trained, equipped, organized and coordinated armed forces to protect the population and defend its integrity and sovereignty. Secondly, security sector reform can be achieved only with the political will of the host State. That is a prerequisite for gaining the confidence of international partners and is founded on respect for the mandates handed down by the Security Council. It also depends on respect for human rights, the rule of law and the guarantee that the processes are inclusive and meet the needs of all members of society, especially women and young people.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Zouev and Mr. Adeoye for their briefings and to underscore three points. First, the security sector reform needed to promote lasting peace should be part of a project encompassing political and governance issues as a whole. France welcomes the United Nations programme of action on governance and security system reform for 2022 to 2025, which has a global approach and will result in a new strategy this year. France is careful to ensure that major peacekeeping operations make security sector reform an essential component of their political support.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“We noted the limited deployment of OPCW teams to Syria last month and await the report that they will present. Syria has continued to obstruct the OPCW’s work, in obvious bad faith. The lack of progress is frustrating, but the blame lies entirely with the Syrian regime. In that context, I would like to commend the independent, impartial and professional work of the OPCW. The Director-General provided a detailed and compelling briefing last month (see S/PV.9255). No disinformation campaign will hide the regime’s guilt. Exposing the truth is essential to holding the perpetrators of those attacks accountable. There must be no impunity for war criminals. The fight against impunity is the foundation of the effectiveness and credibility of the prohibition regime. France will continue to work with its partners to that end.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. As we all know, we are here because the Syrian regime has used weapons of mass destruction against its own people. Independent investigations by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have proved that it occurred nine times. A few weeks ago the OPCW published a damning report showing how the Syrian air force deliberately dropped two barrels of chlorine on residential buildings, resulting in the deaths of 43 people. France again urges the Syrian regime to comply immediately with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The regime must finally shed light on its stockpiles, because as we know, they have not all been destroyed.”
2023-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9275 (2023) · source
“We call on the Central African Republic to lift the ban on the use of drones, which is essential for the safety of peacekeepers. Finally, I would like to reiterate France’s full support for the Special Representative in her work and our gratitude for the professionalism and dedication of the MINUSCA personnel.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“Peace in the Central African Republic can only move forward in a peaceful, open and democratic political climate. Violations of the rule of law and of the independence of judicial institutions have increased in recent months. Restrictions on civic space, constant threats against the opposition and civil society, and the proliferation of hate speech are of great concern. A truly inclusive dialogue, in which all voices, including those of youth and women are heard, is needed. The success of local elections depends on that. In that context, MINUSCA’s action is more necessary than ever to assist the Central African Republic on the path to peace and reconciliation. France welcomes the dialogue between the Mission and the Central African authorities, which has made it possible to lift the ban on night flights.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“France welcomes the recent meeting in Luanda between President Touadera, the President of the Chadian Transition and the President of Angola. Progress has been made in the fight against impunity and in transitional justice. That must continue. France welcomes the extension of the mandate of the Special Criminal Court, which has delivered its first verdict, and the launch of the work of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission. However, we remain very concerned about the increasing number of human rights violations, as mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/108). We condemn in the strongest terms the abuses committed against civilians by armed groups, but also by the Central African armed forces and Wagner mercenaries, who are responsible for most of the violations documented in the report.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“France supports the efforts of the Central African authorities to implement, with the support of MINUSCA and the countries of the region, the Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and the Luanda road map. It welcomes the recent disarmament of four armed groups and hopes that this will create momentum for negotiations with other armed groups. The existence of real socioeconomic opportunities and protection for demobilized combatants are essential to the success of the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation process. The support of the countries in the region, the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region is crucial for the peace process in the Central African Republic to move forward.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative for her briefing and for her work as Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). I would also like to thank the Chair of the Central African Republic configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for his briefing. Finally, I welcome the presence among us of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic. The situation in the Central African Republic remains very fragile. France condemns the increasing number of attacks committed in recent weeks by armed groups against civilians, the Central African armed forces and MINUSCA. These attacks remind us of the need for the peace process to produce concrete results.”
2023-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9265 (2023) · source
“It is unacceptable that North Korea continues to steal industrial secrets and hundreds of millions of euros in cryptocurrencies to strengthen its weapons programmes at the expense of its own people. We urge all Member States to fully implement all international sanctions adopted unanimously by the Council. France calls for a resumption of political dialogue without preconditions. All actors in the region must be involved. North Korea must take up the proposals made in that regard and return to the negotiating table in good faith. Our goal remains unchanged: the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. These new provocations require a united and resolute response from the international community. France will not resign itself to North Korea becoming a nuclear Power.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“And the question is very simple: can the Council accept North Korea becoming a nuclear State? Every launch defies the authority of the Council and violates its resolutions. Nevertheless, we remain disunited and silent. This has become the norm on this issue. I say this in all seriousness: our division provides North Korea with a cover to continue its provocations. Not acting today means risking the destabilization of the peninsula, allowing violations of international law to take place and running the risk of proliferation becoming commonplace and resurfacing tomorrow in other regions of the world. In the face of such provocations, it is imperative to enforce the sanctions regime.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Khiari for his briefing. France condemns in the strongest terms the resumption of ballistic missile launches by North Korea. The launch of a Hwasong-15 intercontinental missile towards Japan’s exclusive economic zone last Saturday, as well as the firing of two new ballistic missiles yesterday, constitute an unacceptable provocation. Never before has North Korea fired so many missiles, including intercontinental missiles. Never before has North Korea developed such powerful and sophisticated delivery systems, as demonstrated by the 8 February parade. Never has it displayed such aggressive nuclear rhetoric. Relentless enrichment activities continue at Yongbyon, and a seventh nuclear test is reportedly being prepared at Punggye-ri. Let us face it. The current escalation is dangerous.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9264 (2023) · source
“Thirdly and finally, the international community must mobilize to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). France supports the Agency, which has played a crucial role since 1949 in helping Palestinian refugees. We contributed €33.5 million in 2022 and will continue our support this year. The international community must mobilize to ensure that UNRWA can continue its activities, which the lives of many Palestinian refugees depend on. Most of them live below the poverty line and are facing new challenges, including the recent earthquake in Syria. We therefore call on all Member States, especially the countries of the region, to contribute financially to the Agency’s activities in 2023.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“As President Macron told Israel’s Prime Minister on 3 February, France firmly condemns the terrorist attacks committed in recent weeks, which have cost the lives of several civilians, including children. Our unwavering commitment to the security of Israel is well known. Israelis, like Palestinians, have the right to live in peace and security. France calls on the parties to show restraint and to refrain from any action that could be perceived as a provocation in the current context. The cycle of violence can be explained, above all, by the total absence of a political horizon. France therefore calls on all members of the Council, as well as the States of the region, to contribute actively to relaunching the peace efforts, and stands ready to contribute to that end.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“We are also concerned about the growing and worrisome violence perpetrated by settlers, which we condemn, and which targets both Palestinians and Israeli civil society. Those responsible for the violence must be held accountable for their actions. France reiterates its commitment to respect for international humanitarian law and to Israel’s obligation to protect civilians in the occupied territories. Secondly, in the face of a highly inflammatory situation, the Council must do everything possible to prevent an escalation. As the Special Coordinator indicated, the beginning of this year has been marked by a very high level of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The cycle of violence is unsustainable for both Palestinians and Israelis and must end.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“France is very concerned about the Israeli Government’s announcement of its intention to advance plans for the construction of nearly 10,000 housing units in the settlements and to begin a process of legalizing nine outposts previously considered to be in violation of Israeli law. Those unilateral measures are contrary to international law, including several Security Council resolutions, such as resolution 2334 (2016). We strongly oppose them and call on the Israeli authorities to reverse their decision, which if implemented will create the risk of a progressive annexation of Area C in the West Bank. In the Palestinian territories, as elsewhere, France will never recognize the illegal annexation of territories.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Coordinator and the Deputy Commissioner- General for their briefings. I would like to begin by welcoming today’s adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2023/1. It is important for the Security Council to be able to express itself unanimously on the recent unilateral measures and to reiterate its commitment to a two-State solution. I have three messages today. First, the recent Israeli announcements represent steps towards annexing Area C. France reiterates its firm condemnation of Israel’s settlement policy, which moves us ever further from the possibility of a two- State solution.”
2023-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9263 (2023) · source
“Next week, Ukraine, together with 50 co-sponsoring States, will introduce a draft resolution in the General Assembly that will pave the way for a just and lasting peace in line with the Charter. We must support that effort to promote dialogue and reiterate the call to end Russian military operations. That is the responsibility of all who are committed to the Charter and to our most precious asset — peace.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The implementation of the agreements was not an easy task. I would like to remind the Council that from 2015 onward, France and Germany worked tirelessly to promote a dialogue between the signatory parties. However, the difficulties in implementing the agreements can never be used as justification or mitigating circumstances for Russia’s choice to end the dialogue with violence. Finally, let me point out that the international mission of the States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has been observing the situation on the ground for eight years. Its daily reports and the account we heard today indicate that every accusation made by Russia against Ukraine today is false. With those facts in mind, this is no longer a time for historical analysis. We must look to the future.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“The Secretary-General and the General Assembly immediately condemned the invasion as a violation of international law and the Charter. On 16 March 2022, the International Court of Justice ordered Russia to suspend its military operations. In that regard, the only lesson to be learned is that in attacking Ukraine, Russia made the choice to end dialogue and negotiations alone. Russia alone decided to tear up the Minsk agreements, whose primary goal, we should remember, was the reintegration of specific regions of Donetsk and Luhansk under full Ukrainian sovereignty in exchange for greater decentralization. Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk agreements to end the conflict in the Donbas. Their implementation in good faith could have enabled the violence to end. They held out the prospect of a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“A year ago to the day, on 17 February 2022, the representative of Russia stated publicly in the Security Council that “[T]here is no alternative [to the Minsk agreements, and that they] are the only international legal basis for resolving the civil conflict in [...] Ukraine” (S/PV.8968, p.10). He added that rumours of a Russian military intervention were unfounded and the product of Western paranoia. Four days later, on 21 February 2022, Russia recognized the independence of the self-proclaimed so-called people’s republics of Donetsk and Luhansk. A week later, on 24 February 2022, it invaded Ukraine. Russia therefore chose war despite the de-escalation efforts that President Macron and Chancellor Scholz had made in the days and weeks before. Those are the facts. The law is also very clear.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“Mr. De Rivière (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Jenča and Mr. Sajdik for their briefings. Russia has requested this meeting today in a retrospective attempt to justify the unjustifiable — its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and resolution 2202 (2015), which endorses the Minsk agreements and which Russia signed. Nothing, however, can legitimize its aggression. In bringing up the past, Russia is trying to distract us from the present — the hellish fighting on the front line, the scale of human loss, the bombing of civilian infrastructure and the many abuses committed by the Russian army and Wagner auxiliaries. In the face of this new disinformation tactic, we should recall the facts and the law. The facts are as follows.”
2023-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9262 (2023) · source
“I would like to acknowledge the role of the Climate Security Mechanism in building resilience to climate risk, and I would be remiss if I failed to mention the Convention on Biological Diversity. In keeping with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, we must promote nature-based solutions. The threat posed by rising sea levels is no longer in doubt. It is therefore up to us to urgently commit to dealing with it while there is still time. It is in that spirit of commitment that France, together with Costa Rica, will be proud to host the next Ocean Conference in 2025. We will address this subject as one of the Conference’s priorities.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source
“France is contributing to the international community’s efforts to counter the security consequences of rising sea levels through initiatives to increase States’ resilience to climate change, including the Climate Risk and Early Warning System Initiative, which is aimed at improving early-warning systems to address climate risks in the countries most vulnerable to disasters and to which France will double its annual contribution to €8 million by 2023. The entire United Nations system must act in a coordinated manner to reduce climate risks, whether through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement or the Security Council.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260 (2023) · source