YouSaid · the spoken record

Delattre

lines on the record: 3,505
first: 2014-09-08
most recent: 2019-06-28
sittings or episodes: 443
sources: un-security-council

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“They are also necessary to establish the political conditions for the voluntary and safe return of refugees and displaced persons. Syria must rebuild itself politically to regain stability. It will also have to rebuild itself as a society; hence why the fight against impunity is unavoidable. The full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) will also mean achieving a lasting ceasefire and ensuring the protection of the people through free and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid throughout Syria. The Syrian tragedy, due to its terrible human dimension - but also because it reveals and revels in our collective impotence - will remain one of the markers of our generation.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“More than ever, that is the only common goal that should guide us. The only possible way out of the conflict is through a credible constitutional process and free and impartial elections, under the supervision of the United Nations, and ensuring the participation of all Syrians, whether inside or outside Syria's borders. Resolution 2254 (2015) provides for the adoption of confidence-building measures, prioritizing the fate of detainees; protection against political persecution and arbitrary arrests; and guaranteeing the property rights of displaced persons. Those confidence-building measures will serve as the concrete actions needed to establish a safe and neutral environment where each and every Syrian citizen has a place.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“While the United Nations has spent months redoubling its efforts in attempts to arrive at such an agreement, the refusal we have been met with will lead us - if this is confirmed - to explore all modalities of implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) upon the arrival of Geir Pedersen in January. That remains our only road map for a political settlement of the Syrian crisis. The constitutional dimension is but one aspect; any lasting political solution in Syria would require the introduction of several others, although it is clear that there has been little progress with regard to those other components. To achieve this, we must reaffirm the centrality of United Nations mediation. Resolution 2254 (2015), unanimously adopted by the Council, must remain the framework for all our efforts.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“If there is any hope of creating a credible constitutional committee, it is up to the regime and its supporters to prove this by the end of the year. We do not intend to close any doors on this matter. A credible committee requires cohesion among a number of parameters: a balanced and mutually agreed membership must be accepted by both parties in equal measure, not simply by the regime; it must not undermine the political process from the outset; there must be equally balanced rules of procedure, proposed by the United Nations; and the membership must be fully committed to the Geneva process, led by the United Nations.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“The situation in which we find ourselves today is, without a doubt, due to the Syrian regime, which has never sought to show the slightest sign of commitment. We regret that Russia and Iran could not - or would not - convince the regime that it was in its interest, as well as that of the Syrian people. The Astana guarantors have, in recent days, proposed a poorly coordinated and unbalanced list of people whom they know to be unacceptable and jeopardize the credibility of the future committee. Throughout this process, these countries have been under the impression that it was up to them to determine the composition of the committee and that the United Nations would accept it without further discussion. What was presented in Geneva is clearly unacceptable and clearly considered as such.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“On 27 October in Istanbul, the Heads of State and Government of France, Germany, Russia and Turkey set a clear and realistic goal: to hold a meeting of the committee before the end of year. While we have achieved a united vision - which is a rare occurrence with regard to the Syrian file - to move forward on the constitutional aspect of the political process, the latest discussions in Geneva have, unfortunately, not enabled us to reach a favourable outcome. Staffan de Mistura has worked tirelessly throughout this process, devoting every effort to establishing a balanced and inclusive constitutional committee, which is the first essential contribution to a legitimate and viable political process to settle the Syrian crisis.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“It is thanks to the action of the international coalition since 2014, and of the local forces - Iraqi on the one hand, Kurdish and Syrian Arabs on the other - that Da'esh has been weakened and has essentially lost its territorial gains. However, the fight is not over. I would also like to return to the intense efforts deployed in recent weeks within the political sphere of the Syrian conflict. The past few weeks have seen exceptional diplomatic mobilization for the formation of a balanced and inclusive constitutional committee under the auspices of the United Nations. All of us around this table have called for the first meeting of the constitutional committee. The members of the small group also requested the same on the sidelines of the General Assembly, and Russia made a commitment to achieve that.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We therefore call upon Russia and Turkey to redouble their efforts and do everything possible to preserve the calm on the ground, as they committed themselves to doing. We, alongside the partner States of the international coalition, are also in close contact with Washington regarding the timetable and conditions for the implementation of the decision to withdraw United States forces engaged against Da'esh in Syria, as was announced by the President of the United States. In the coming weeks, France will take care to ensure the security of all United States partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces. It is important that the United States take into account the protection of the populations of north-east Syria and the stability of that area in order to avoid any new humanitarian tragedy or resurgence of terrorism.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Our assessment is that Da'esh continues to be a threat in the Levant and that that terrorist organization can continue to rely on smaller areas, particularly in Syria. In that context, growing tensions on the ground could provide opportunities for terrorist groups. There is a very real risk of a new descent into violence and a resumption of large-scale atrocities. The north-east should not have to become yet another Syrian region on the long list of those that have had to deal with a humanitarian disaster. In the north-east - as in Idlib, where the situation is deteriorating - renewed hostilities would have dramatic consequences. With regard to Idlib, it is essential to sustainably maintain the cessation of hostilities, in line with the conclusions of the Istanbul summit.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): I warmly thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Staffan De Mistura, for his particularly important briefing. More broadly, on behalf of France I would like to offer him our deep gratitude for his exemplary engagement and intensive and tireless efforts over the past four years to resolve one of the gravest crises of our times. His efforts will leave an indelible mark on the United Nations work on the Syrian conflict. I would like to start by addressing the situation in north-eastern Syria, which requires our full attention today. The fight against terrorism is indeed a priority for France, in order to thoroughly eliminate Da'esh and counter any resurgence of terrorism in the region.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“In order to confront this situation, our response should be twofold: in the immediate future, we must ensure calm and shed light on the tunnels that have been uncovered, by cooperating with the Lebanese authorities and UNIFIL in order to continue the investigative work; and in the longer term, we must continue to provide support, along with our international partners, to the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Lebanese State in order to enable them to meet the critical challenge of controlling the entire Lebanese territory and stabilizing the Blue Line. It is essential that the Council remain united in order to contribute to those two objectives. The Council can count on France's full commitment to that end.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Lebanon's disassociation from regional conflicts and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries are essential to its stability. We also encourage Lebanon to relaunch its national defence strategy, in line with President Aoun's statements. Finally, it is important that the Government devote itself to the reforms that Lebanon needs and that the Lebanese people expect, especially with regard to its economy. We will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces through our contingent in UNIFIL and within the framework of the announcements made at the Rome 11 conference. We also remain fully committed to supporting Lebanon's stability through our economic support, following the CEDRE conference, held on 6 April.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“In that context, and this is my final point, the swift establishment of a Lebanese Government of balanced national unity remains essential within a deteriorated regional context in order to revitalize the country's institutions, carry out the necessary reforms and ensure the strengthening of the Lebanese State. Recent events highlight that imperative need. In that context, we welcome the efforts undertaken by the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr. Saad Hariri, in carrying out those tasks and we encourage all Lebanese parties to work in a spirit of compromise. We reiterate France's commitment to supporting the future Government of Lebanon and the commitments made by the Lebanese authorities with a view to implementing resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006), as well as the policy of dissociation.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“In that regard, I wish to commend the professionalism of the Head of Mission, Major General Stefano Del Col, who was able to fulfil his duties while maintaining the trust of all parties. UNIFIL has put in place follow-up measures to formally establish the trajectory of the tunnels, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix has once again informed us that the Force is ready to use all of the prerogatives at its disposal, while fully respecting its mandate, of course. We call on the Lebanese and Israeli authorities to continue their close cooperation with the Force, as well as their dialogue, particularly within the framework of tripartite meetings, which play a vital role in preventing any escalation of the situation on the ground. It is also important, as I have said, that the Lebanese army have access to the site, with the support of UNIFIL.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“We encourage them to continue in that direction and to ensure that the Lebanese Armed Forces are able to take action on two key counts: first, in conducting appropriate investigations together with UNIFIL, following the discovery of the tunnels; and, secondly, to maintain calm and avoid any escalation along the Blue Line. Moving on to my second point, I would like to come back to address the responsiveness of, and efforts undertaken by, UNIFIL since 4 December to independently shed light on this matter. The Force mobilized immediately following the Israeli revelations. It carried out its own independent verification of the situation, making it impossible to call into question its declarations on proven violations of resolution 1701 (2006) and confirming the credibility of those claims.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Those activities must stop. We have expressed our concern to the Lebanese authorities and call on all parties to exercise the utmost caution and restraint. That is imperative, especially in a context where the risk is high ofescalation resulting from misunderstandings, misinterpretations, miscalculation and anticipation errors. Maintaining calm along the Blue Line, for which UNIFIL works daily, remains essential for the entire region. It is therefore crucial that both parties respect all the terms of resolution 1701 (2006) and refrain from any provocation. President Aoun announced that the Lebanese authorities had taken on board the gravity of the situation and were ready to respond appropriately.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): I thank Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing on the latest developments along the Blue Line. I would like to begin by acknowledging the outstanding work of the personnel of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), who have shown exceptional capacity to respond in recent days and made it possible to maintain calm along the Blue Line. That is a fact and must be said. First, I would like to express our serious concerns about the discovery by the Israeli Defense Forces of tunnels entering Israeli territory, which were dug by Hizbullah from Lebanon and confirmed by UNIFIL. We have said it unequivocally and we repeat it - those tunnels constitute a clear violation of resolution 1701 (2006), which calls for the cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“It is against that yardstick and in the light of respect for internationally agreed parameters that France will closely scrutinize, with the resolve to make progress, the forthcoming proposal of the United States that has just been mentioned by my colleague and friend, Ambassador Nikki Haley.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The culmination of this process will spell, for the Palestinians, the abandonment of their national aspirations, which involve the establishment ofa State; and for the Israelis, the renunciation of the democratic nature of the State of Israel. As we all know, the destinies of Israelis and Palestinians are intertwined; neither of the two peoples will realize their aspirations in the long term at the expense of the other. As a friend of the Israelis and the Palestinians, France has only one objective - the implementation through negotiation of a two-State solution, which is the only way to bring about a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We hope that the decisions taken by the international community that meet these obligations, in particular those under paragraph 5 of resolution 2334 (2016), will be systematically reflected in the reports submitted to the Council pursuant to the resolution, as was the case today. The European Union has adopted, through the 2013 guidelines on European financing and the 2015 Interpretative Notice on products of the settlements, several instruments that must be included among the good practices in this regard. The reality is that we are close to the point of no return. The fragmented territorial aggregation that is taking shape before our eyes is creating an unequal coexistence of two populations on the same territory.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We call on the Israeli authorities to reverse these decisions, which seek to normalize or even intensify a policy that is illegal under international law. In light of this risk - to introduce my last point - we are obligated under both international humanitarian law and resolution 2334 (2016) to refuse to recognize the 1967 border violations effected by the Israeli settlement policy under paragraph 3 of the resolution; to acknowledge the distinction between Israel and the occupied territories, under paragraph 5; and to address the need to identify practical means to ensure the implementation of relevant Council resolutions by the parties, under paragraph 11.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We have taken note of the suspension of the demolition orders in Khan Al-Ahmar and call on the Israeli Government to definitively abandon the demolition of the village and the displacement of its population. I join my British colleague in underscoring the need to support the maintenance of the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem. Finally, legislative initiatives aimed at regularizing the so-called outposts - which are illegal not only under international law but also under Israeli law - are continuing, with the adoption of a so- called regularization law, covering settlements built on private Palestinian land, that is the subject of an appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court. A second law, under review, concerns the regularization of more than 60 settlements.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“I would like to recall here the unique situation of that divided city, where the presence of 800 settlers has become a symbol of settlement activity and its consequences, including the expulsion ofthe Palestinian population, recurrent tensions between armed settlers and Palestinians, and restrictions on public freedoms, including movement and access to places of worship. Demolitions and forced displacements have also continued at a steady pace. Almost 200 Palestinian structures were demolished in the first half of 2018, and more than 40 schools in Zone C and East Jerusalem have been subject to an order of demolition. We call on the Israeli authorities to abandon these demolitions and forced displacements.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Settlement activity is counterproductive; it is progressively destroying prospects both on the ground and at the political level for the two-State solution, which must remain our ultimate goal. While resolution 2334 (2016) calls for an immediate halt to settlement activity, exactly the opposite has occurred since its adoption almost two years ago. This systematic policy has continued over the course of the year, with a number of announcements of new housing units in Jerusalem, almost reaching the woeful record set in 2012, and a succession of announcements of new housing units in settlements in the West Bank, especially in particularly sensitive areas such as Hebron.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“While a precarious calm se3ems to have been restored on the ground, we call on all parties to exercise restraint. We regret that the Israeli authorities have chosen to respond to these events with new decisions in favour of settlement activities. My second point concerns the fact that these developments have unfolded in an environment marked by the absence of any political horizon and an acceleration of settlement activity policies. In this context, I reiterate that France's position on settlement activity will not change. Settlement activities are illegal under international law; they contravene the Fourth Geneva Convention and paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 2334 (2016). They are dangerous, aggravate tensions between populations and exacerbate spiralling violence.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“First of all, I wish to recall the violence of recent days, which intensified after the 9 December firearms attack on Israeli civilians on the outskirts of the Ofra settlement in the West Bank and - as we are aware - took a tragic death toll. I wish to reiterate with the utmost clarity that France emphatically condemns this attack and the apologia that Hamas has made in its regard. Violence against civilians is unacceptable and unjustifiable. In the wake of the attack, Israeli forces deployed massively in the West Bank, including Zone A, particularly in Ramallah. A new cycle of violence followed, marked by numerous clashes with Palestinian protesters and attacks by Israeli settlers. It peaked during the day of 13 December, with several attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem that killed two Israeli soldiers.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Developments over the past few days confirm once again the assessment that we highlight before the Council on a regular basis, namely, that the illusion of the status quo conceals a daily deterioration of the situation that is liable to degenerate at any time and further undermines the foundations of peace every day. I said this last month about Gaza (see S/PV.8405), which, from 11 to 13 November, was on the verge of being plunged into a new conflict. The return to relative calm does not detract from the tragic humanitarian situation of the people of that territory. The situation requires urgent political, humanitarian and development measures to be adopted. Today, however, I would like to focus on the West Bank, where last week's escalation reminds us ofjust how volatile the situation is.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I should like to thank Nikolay Mladenov for his briefing, which was, as usual, most enlightening, as well as for his commitment day in and day out. I join other members of the Council, on principle, to express our regret that the quarterly report presented to us today pursuant to resolution 2334 (2015) is not a written report. In the absence of any clarification to the contrary in the text of the resolution, the procedure that must be followed by default is that of a written report. Ten members of the Council made this request more than six months ago and it is important that it be taken into account.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Beyond the urgent need for regional stabilization and reconciliation for current generations, everyone must look decisively to the future with a view to overcoming the difficulties of today. High Representative Federica Mogherini, whose mediation efforts France supports, reminded both parties of that on 8 November. Our authorities at the highest level fully support the efforts to make progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Only by fully normalizing their relations will they be able to realize their European prospects, and that is the shared compass that should guide and unite them. That is where their future lies, and it is a shared future.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“The goal of advancing towards a comprehensive and legally binding agreement normalizing their relations, endorsed by both sides at the highest level, must remain an absolute priority. It is therefore crucial to sustain and promote efforts to that end and ensure a sustainable environment that fosters progress in that direction. In that regard, we encourage the leaders of both countries to resume the demanding path of dialogue as soon as possible and to demonstrate the essential spirit of responsibility and political will. Each party must refrain from any action, statement or measure likely to exacerbate tensions and undermine the spirit of normalization.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“While it seems legitimate to us that Kosovo, which we recognize as a State, should be able to acquire an armed force, this is not a good time to enact such laws, because it is likely to damage the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina at a moment when it is more necessary than ever. We also deplore the fact that the laws were not enacted in concert with NATO and did not go through the constitutional process. Finally, we hope that the Kosovo Security Force's deployment to the north of the country follows the current arrangements, which stipulate that such deployment can take place only with the prior agreement of KFOR. The implications for the stability of the region of a comprehensive and definitive settlement of the dispute between Serbia and Kosovo are huge.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“I am referring specifically to the Kosovo Government's decision to impose a 100 per cent tax on products from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, like the European Union, we call on the Kosovo authorities to rescind. More generally, and like the Secretary-General, we ask both sides to exercise the greatest possible restraint and urge them to do all they can to resolve their disputes through dialogue in order to limit the risk of escalation. Two principles must guide our views on this subject - respect for Kosovo's sovereignty, which is the basis for the decision to initiate the transition of the Kosovo Security Force, and strict respect for the remit of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), as established by resolution 1244 (1999).”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): I thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for his very informative presentation, andI especially want to welcome President Vucic' and President Thaci to our meeting. This meeting comes in the wake of recent decisions by Kosovo's Parliament on the evolution of the Kosovo Security Force over the next 10 years. In the light of the issues that Mr. Lacroix has just outlined for us, France has taken note of those decisions but, as the Secretary- General has done, wishes to express its concern about the possibility that the situation could deteriorate. We deplore the fact that since the beginning of the year, and particularly in the past few weeks, several incidents and unilateral decisions have affected the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“This draft resolution will mark the unity of the Council and the international community in support of United Nations humanitarian and political action. We are ready to move very quickly on the subject because, as my British colleague said, we have no time to lose. Be assured, Mr. President, of France's full mobilization in this regard, in support of United Nations mediation and in conjunction with all interlocutors in the region.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“We therefore call for further political discussions to be held as soon as possible in order to build on the momentum generated in Stockholm without delay. In this context, we believe it is important for the Security Council to put all its weight in the balance. Our meeting today demonstrates the strong unity of the Security Council. Let us use it without delay as a lever for action in support of the ongoing efforts. That is why we are ready to work now with the United Kingdom as penholder on an updated draft resolution, to express our support for the efforts of Martin Griffiths and the important results achieved in Stockholm, but also to respond to the humanitarian emergency by endorsing Mark Lowcock's requests. I would like to echo what my British colleague has just said on this point.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“We hope that these discussions can continue very soon on these points, which must converge to create the momentum we are looking for. It is essential that the progress made in Stockholm quickly has a beneficial impact on the ground for the populations in order to create and maintain this impetus towards peace. We call on all States in a position to do so to continue to use their influence to help ensure that all parties comply with the guidelines that have been defined. In this context, and this is my last point, it is more essential than ever to respond to the requests made by Mark Lowcock and Martin Griffiths. Only a political solution will be able to ensure lasting peace and put an end to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Yemen.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“While Yemen is experiencing, as Mark Lowcock just pointed out, the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with more than 22 million people dependent on humanitarian assistance, or nearly 75 per cent of the population, and a still very high risk of famine, the positive momentum at work in Stockholm must now be translated into reality. We call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular with regard to the protection of civilians. We also call on them to respect human rights. France will be both active and vigilant on this subject. The discussions also allowed progress to be made on other crucial issues, such as the reopening of Sana'a airport and the implementation of economic measures to restore the country's economy.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Its implementation must have a positive impact on the whole country, by facilitating the humanitarian response that Mark Lowcock has just stressed as absolutely necessary. The significant progress achieved in Stockholm is potentially a breakthrough that can mark the turning point towards the end of the Yemeni conflict. The Stockholm talks show that peace is possible in Yemen. Their full implementation requires the firm commitment of all and the unity of the Security Council in support of Martin Griffiths. This progress should not obscure the fact that the Yemeni people are still facing an emergency humanitarian situation, which is my second point. And I would like to thank Mark Lowcock and his teams for their exemplary work and for their absolutely clear message.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“France welcomes the commitment of the parties, which has made it possible to achieve these initial positive results. We warmly thank the Swedish Government for hosting these talks, and all regional and international partners that supported the discussions. The holding of these talks is in itself an important first step. Decisive progress has been made on three fronts: the exchange of 4,000 prisoners, a withdrawal of the armed forces from the port and city ofAl-Hudaydah in the coming days - and a ceasefire throughout the province - and, finally, the establishment of a mechanism for de-escalation at Taiz. The agreement on Al-Hudaydah, in particular, is essential to progress on the path towards a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Special Envoy of the Secretary-General Martin Griffiths and Under- Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings, which provide us with a comprehensive update after the Stockholm discussions. I would like to start byjoining my voice to those of the other members of the Security Council to commend the outstanding efforts and commitment of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, who convinced the parties to gather around the negotiating table and successfully complete the Stockholm discussions in a truly constructive spirit. Let me also enthusiastically thank the Secretary-General for his personal commitment, which really made the difference, as Mr. Griffiths said.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“We are committed to enabling such a safe and dignified return of refugees to their homes and properties. But that collectively implies creating the conditions for that return to be possible, within the framework guaranteed by international law. France will continue to spare no effort to respond to the humanitarian situation in Syria and promote a credible political solution.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“It is all the more urgent to recall this in a humanitarian briefing: humanitarian aid is an immediate need, subject to the conditions of strict neutrality, impartiality and independence. It is to be differentiated from reconstruction, which will be possible only once a credible, inclusive and irreversible political transition has begun. Let us not be fooled by the regime's fable. The reality of the statistics clearly shows that it is not the absence of reconstruction that prevents the voluntary and safe return ofrefugees; it is the absence ofguarantees against arbitrary arrests, forced expropriations, dispossession of identity documents, forced conscription and, more broadly, the lack of credible progress in the political process. The conditions for the return of refugees are freedom and security.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“That mechanism provides several hundred thousand people with crucial assistance every day. Lastly, I would like to reiterate that there will be no lasting humanitarian solution without a credible political process. It is essential for everyone to assume their responsibilities and allow the United Nations to convene the first meeting of the constitutional committee before the end of the year, in accordance with the commitments made in Istanbul on 27 October. Provided that its composition is credible and balanced, the committee would be a positive first step in a political process to be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations, within the framework of resolution 2254 (2015). Such political progress should, in turn, facilitate the improvement of the humanitarian situation, with the goal of kick-starting a virtuous circle.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We reiterate our call to the actors with influence over the regime to ensure safe, full and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syrian territory, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions and international humanitarian law. In Rukban camp in particular, it is essential that the United Nations be able to quickly dispatch a new convoy to deliver aid to the tens of thousands of people trapped in the camp and living in dire conditions. While the Council has just adopted resolution 2449 (2018), which renews the mechanism established by resolution 2165 (2014), I would like to recall that there is no alternative to cross-border aid for the effective and impartial delivery of assistance to millions of people in need, including in Idlib, while the regime continues to use humanitarian aid for political purposes.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“The cessation of hostilities should not be a temporary solution, but should provide for the lasting stabilization of the situation in Idlib in line with the commitments made at the quadripartite summit held in Istanbul for a sustainable ceasefire in north- west Syria. That is the only way to protect civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel. It must be a top priority for all stakeholders. All parties must respect their obligations as stipulated by international humanitarian law. That imperative is non-negotiable. The second priority is to ensure humanitarian access. It is imperative that the 13 million people in need receive humanitarian assistance. It is unacceptable for the regime to continue to block convoys to hard- to-reach areas.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We reiterate our admiration for his work and the work of his teams in responding to the humanitarian emergency in Syria. I also welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Stephanus Blok, among us today. As Mr. Lowcock has already recalled to us, the situation in Syria continues to be a source of extreme concern. In the Idlib region in particular, ceasefire violations are on the rise and the risk of a humanitarian disaster still cannot be ruled out. We must therefore remain fully mobilized around three key priorities: the need to protect civilians, the need to guarantee humanitarian access and the need for a lasting political solution in Syria. First, on the need to protect civilians, as highlighted by Mr. Lowcock, the situation in Idlib remains exceedingly fragile.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“First and foremost, on behalf of France, I would like to welcome the adoption of resolution 2449 (2018). This resolution is vital, in the literal sense of the word, as cross-border humanitarian assistance is a matter of life or death for millions of Syrians. We are pleased by the spirit of responsibility within the Security Council, which has served to give priority to the humanitarian imperative over political considerations. On behalf of France as well, I would like to express our profound thanks to the Permanent Missions of Sweden and Kuwait and to my colleagues - the Permanent Representatives of those two delegations - personally for their truly outstanding work. Allow me to thank Mr. Mark Lowcock for his briefing, which was, as always, meticulous and most enlightening.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“France is well aware of the commitment and sacrifices that MINUSCA and its civilian, police and military staff are making in order to promote peace in the Central African Republic, and will continue to give them its firm support both on the ground and here in New York. We will also continue to give our full support to President Touadera and the people of the Central African Republic, who have suffered far too long in this crisis. I want to say once again that France's motive is its desire to support the people of the Central African Republic, and that motive should guide the action and commitment of every Council member.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source
“I am thinking in particular of the logistical support, albeit limited, that MINUSCA will be able to provide to the Central African armed forces trained or certified by the European Union Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic, as well as the internal security forces, in order to allow them to gradually redeploy within the Central African territory and conduct joint operations to ensure the safety of local populations. Negotiations on that point have been difficult. That is a fact, and expectations should not be unrealistic. MINUSCA is already working with armed forces of the Central African Republic who have either been trained or certified by EUTM. RCA and could therefore continue to do so by adding logistical support to the extent that its resources permit and within its areas of deployment.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source
“We also welcome the decision to support the African Initiative through a joint United Nations-African Union Special Envoy, and stress the importance of an early appointment at this crucial time to advance the peace and reconciliation process. Under the resolution, MINUSCA could also strengthen its substantive support for and mediation role in the African Initiative, in addition to the support it already provides in the technical, logistical and security areas. Its role as coordinator of international support for the African Initiative will also be bolstered. Thirdly and lastly, the resolution authorizes additional support from MINUSCA to the Central African authorities for the extension of the State's authority throughout Central African territory.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source