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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“We are of the firm belief, which was solidly and explicitly recalled by the Secretary-General in his letter of 17 February to the Security Council (S/2016/152), that as long as Syrians see no difference in their daily lives the negotiations will have no credibility. In that context, the cessation of hostilities agreed by the United States and Russia on 12 February should be welcomed as a contribution to the de-escalation and a step towards the settlement of the Syrian conflict. France, as I have said, fully supported the adoption of resolution 2268 (2016) endorsing the parameters of the cessation of hostilities. This milestone is both a sign of hope and a test.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7634 (2016) · source
“For four months and since the first meeting in Vienna in October 2015, France has fully supported the diplomatic process that enabled the establishment of the International Syria Support Group, the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015) and the beginning in January of formal inter-Syrian negotiations under the auspices of the Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. France wants to see a process that will lead to tangible results for the Syrian people, not a process for the sake ofa process. It certainly does not wish to see a process that would merely serve as a smokescreen to hide a military escalation, the main victims of which would be the civilian population and moderate opposition.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7634 (2016) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2268 (2016), which endorses the cessation of hostilities agreement in Syria, which will enter into force in less than one hour. France has lent its full support to the adoption of the resolution, which offers hope for an immediate improvement of the situation of the Syrian people. Throughout the nearly five years ofthe Syrian crisis, France's position has remained constant in support of the primacy of diplomacy over war in order to find a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7634 (2016) · source
“Lastly, the briefing of the Council planned for Monday with the participation of the German Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe presents the opportunity to recall the central role played by the United Nations in the resolution ofthe crisis in Ukraine, as well as the need for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. In that regard, France has regularly recalled that the agreements are the only possible framework for a negotiated solution. I will conclude by again thanking the Venezuelan presidency and by wishing Angola, which takes over in a few days, the best of luck.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“France, with other partners, welcomed that announcement. While a majority of members in the House of Representatives signed a statement endorsing the Government, this is a decisive moment. The endorsement of that list and the definitive establishment of a Government of national unity are essential to address the worrying humanitarian and economic crises in the country and to confront the threat of Da'esh. We fully supported the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Martin Kobler, in his efforts. We will continue to fully support the political process so that the Government of national unity can be set up as soon as possible. The Security Council consultations that will take place on 2 March are expected to reaffirm our collective support for United Nations mediation and the ongoing process.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“We also will seek to build on the efforts of the different partners, in particular the Quartet, whose statement of 12 February is in accordance with our efforts. The appointment of a special high-level envoy, Mr. Pierre Vimont, our former Ambassador to the United States and former Executive Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, will allow us to begin to hold extensive consultations. I will regularly inform the Council of our progress on that front. With regard to Libya, there have also been a number of significant developments in February. Steps have been taken towards the establishment of a government of national unity. Members of the Presidential Council reached an agreement on 15 February to propose a second, narrower, consolidated list of members of the Government.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“With regard to the peace process, we hope, with our initiative, to change the status quo - which is in fact a regression that increasingly weakens the two-State solution and which threatens to lead to an explosion on the ground. France is moving forward methodically with its initiative by initially bringing together the members of the International Syria Support Group and, in time, the parties in the framework of an international conference. While we do not believe that the conditions exist for positive action by the Security Council, but we remain determined to ensure that the Council can play the role it should play when the time comes. We will act in full transparency and in close consultation with all the parties concerned. Our approach is constructive and collective so that we can find a way out of this very harmful situation.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“France will fully support the adoption this afternoon of the draft resolution endorsing the parameters of that cessation of hostilities agreement. However, if the role of the Security Council is to support, without hesitation, anything that can lead to a sustainable reduction in violence, it must also involve an effort to ensure that we have the collective means to fully implement such an initiative. We must also keep in mind that, although the cessation of hostilities is welcome, it is only a first step in reducing violence. The key will be the ability to achieve, through the inter-Syrian negotiations coordinated by the Special Envoy, the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex), as only a real transition will lay the foundation for a real end to the crisis in Syrian.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“We must only mention the obvious, as recalled by the Secretary-General in his letter of 17 February, that if Syrians do not see any results in their daily lives, negotiations will not be credible and they will remain an abstract - that is, absurd - piece of theatre. That is the guiding principle of our approach and that is why we have consistently condemned attacks against civilians and called for the immediate lifting of all sieges and for permanent, secure and unconditional access for humanitarian assistance to all persons in need. We also welcomed the cessation of hostilities agreement reached by the United States and Russia, on 12 February, as a significant contribution to the resolution of the Syrian conflict.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“The holding of the presidential election is a real collective success story for people of the Central African Republic, but also for MINUSCA, Operation Sangaris and all those who supported the country's recovery. The electoral process will reach its conclusion and should allow a transition to take place on 31 March. Once the transition is complete, the Security Council must remain seized of the matter to support the Central African Republic to ensure its stability and reconciliation. I would also like to mention the pressing issue of this day, the question of Syria. France supports a process that will lead to tangible results for the Syrian people, not a process for its own sake.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“We regret that an agreement still has not been reached on our draft presidential statement on that subject. We will continue to tirelessly push in that direction with a spirit of responsibility and vigilance to support the efforts of the African Union. Depending on the results of the visit of the African Union Heads of State, we will resume the initiative to support their actions. With regard to the Central African Republic, we welcome the adoption, on 9 February of resolution 2264 (2016), which increased the number of correctional officers deployed to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), will help to strengthen our fight against impunity.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“With regard to Africa, I would like to make a few comments on Burundi and the Central African Republic. The Council's visit at the end of January and the visit of the Secretary-General to Bujumbura on 22 and 23 February helped to strengthen the international community's momentum to demand that the actors in Burundi put an end to violence and begin a true inter-Burundian dialogue without delay. We hope that the high-level visit of the Heads of State of the African Union yesterday and today will help secure concrete commitments, especially from President Nkurunziza, in that regard. It is essential for us that the Council do everything in its power to avoid a situation in which the Burundi crisis becomes a civil war or worse. The deployment of a United Nations police contingent is a key element in that regard.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank and congratulate the Ambassador of Venezuela and his entire team for the significant work they have carried out this month and for a very productive presidency. With a smile, you, Mr. President, have imposed on us an intensive programme of work with a record number of items under "Other matters", including four that were discussed yesterday. We thank you, Sir. We had a busy agenda, but I will address some issues of particular importance, among many others, without mentioning other issues, such as that of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, for example, which we discussed yesterday. I hope we will quickly be able to move to a vote on that matter on the excellent draft resolution that has been put forward.”
2016-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7633 (2016) · source
“This year of 2016 should be a year of action to find solutions together to the conflicts in Syria, Yemen, the Middle East and Libya; to prevent others, such as in Burundi; to consolidate peace processes, such as in those in Mali and the Central African Republic; and to provide the serious and swift response called for by the most recent provocations of North Korea following a new nuclear test and the launching of a ballistic missile under the pretext of a rocket launch. I would like to conclude my statement by quoting from the concept note before us, as follows: "the United Nations remains the best option we have to face, from a perspective of peace and cooperation, the large and complex challenges to be faced by humanity" (S/2016/103, annex, p.2). This is indeed the basis of France's commitment.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Inclusive and transparent discussions open to those who mandate pursuant to the Charter - we the peoples - have allowed us to create new collective rules within the Organization. It is now our obligation to implement them. In that context, France has proposed, with the suppport of more than 90 countries, that the permanent members voluntarily and collectively abstain from the use of the veto when mass atrocities have been perpetrated.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“They made it possible for the Paris Agreement to become the first universal environmental agreement that explicitly refers to mandatory respect for human rights. We will be opening the legally binding Paris Agreement for signature here in New York on 22 April. It is to be hoped that the largest number of countries possible will sign the Agreement on that date, ifpossible at the level of Head of State and Government, and then ratify it as soon as possible. I pay tribute here to the untiring initiative and support of Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon for our collective efforts in this regard. These last two outcomes demonstrate that the multilateralism embodied by the United Nations is still alive and overcoming the often violent paradoxes of our time.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The first action was the adoption by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) and its 17 Goals to build a sustainable future and eradicate poverty. The second action was the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement on 12 December 2015, less than one month after the attacks that drowned the city in blood. The Venezuelan Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is presiding over this meeting, helped us by facilitating the drafting of the preamble, which underscores the intrinsic link between combating climate change, fair access to resources and eradicating poverty. Other ministers, ambassadors and facilitators contributed in an inclusive and transparent manner to a universal and ambitious Agreement to preserve our planet.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“At The Hague on 18 April, the International Court of Justice, whose Statute is part and parcel of the Charter, will mark the seventieth anniversary of its first public hearing. I pay tribute to its central role in settling disputes and strengthening international law. Thirdly, France remains convinced that the best protection against conflict is harmonious development of States and societies, in all its aspects, while upholding human rights. Are we rising to these challenges contained in the purposes and principles of the Charter? I think that 2015 saw two developments that restored confidence in and vigour to multilateralism and our Organization, demonstrating our ability to continue to set collective goals and norms.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“In Syria, as in Yemen and all situations of armed conflict, it is crucial to comply with international humanitarian law. Such compliance is not only a requirement for the peoples of the United Nations, whom the Charter stipulates that we protect, but it is also the best guarantee that the worst will not occur in conflict situations and that peace and reconciliation remain achievable. Now more than ever, it is useful to stress that respect for international humanitarian law is not a concession or a favour, but an obligation. The second challenge is upholding the rule of law and international law. Such collective standards are recalled in Article 2 of the Charter; they seek to restrict the use of force within the boundaries of collective responsibility. It is imperative that we do our all to settle disputes by peaceful means.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“That is why those who drafted the Charter stressed respect for human rights as being inextricably linked to economic and social progress and development. That is the second concern that emerges from any reading of the purposes and principles of the Charter, as well as the Preamble. In those two areas, I believe that we have the strength to unite to confront formidable challenges. I will briefly mention a few of these. First, humanitarian crises ushered in 2016, beginning with the tragedy in Syria, which is indeed becoming a black hole that is crushing our very values. The communique published in Munich by the International Syria Support Group offers a glimmer of hope that all players involved will honour all their commitments tangibly and in good faith.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The maintenance of international peace and security has become an increasingly complex challenge because of the rising terrorist threat. Terrorism affects all continents. It undermines our societies and even destabilizes some States. Resolution 2249 (2015) describes Da'esh as an unprecedented global threat to international peace and security. We must act together to combat terrorism with unwavering resolve, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and in line with respect for our human rights and international humanitarian law commitments. The maintenance of international peace and security is not the only objective set out in the United Nations Charter. The Second World War was freedom's fight against disdain for the human person.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“On closer reading, we are struck by two challenges that remain a concern for us. First, in the wake of a devastating war, our main priority was to maintain international peace and security. That remains a concern for us 70 years later. As the concept note recalls, our Organization has made considerable progress in that regard thanks in particular to peacekeeping operations, in which uniformed personnel from 123 countries participate. Since 1948, 3,438 of them have lost their lives. We mourn those lives lost and pay special tribute to them. We owe our security to them. In basing its actions on the Charter, the Security Council must not only be able to address crises that threaten international peace and security, but also know when to withdraw once the situation has normalized.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank the Venezuelan presidency of the Security Council for having convened today's debate on respect for the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations as a key element for the maintenance of international peace and security. Following the debate convened by the Uruguayan presidency in January on the protection of civilians (see S/PV.7606), it is useful for 2016 to begin with a review of our fundamental principles. The Charter of the United Nations is first and foremost a charter of our values and the core of our action. It is a legacy to be treasured and remains as relevant as ever. Our concept note (S/2016/103, annex) invites us to focus on the purposes and principles of the Charter and, more specifically, on its Preamble and Chapter I.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Movses has embodied the institutional memory of the Council for many years, and has given us his precise, professional and wise counsel seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The French delegation warmly thanks him and wishes him every success in his new and important mission with the General Assembly.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“At the public debate on the Middle East held on 26 January (see S/PV.7612), we stressed the importance of a swift start to inter-Syrian negotiations, reiterated the need for rapid and considerable improvement in the humanitarian situation, and called for the discussions to focus on the political transition, in accordance with the terms of the Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex). We hope that the Vienna process will meet those objectives. A political solution alone will put a lasting end to the suffering of civilians and reduce the terrorist threat that we all face. I conclude by warmly thanking the Uruguayan presidency and wishing Venezuela every success as it assumes the presidency. My last word will be for our dear Movses Abelian, who has been appointed to a new post by the Secretary-General.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“That is why France immediately reacted by calling a public meeting of the Security Council to warn about the plight of civilians in besieged towns in Syria (see S/PV.7610). We recall and stress that humanitarian access to civilian populations is not a favour or concession to be made by the Syrian regime and other players involved; it is an absolute requirement. A credible political process requires an immediate improvement in the situation on the ground for Syrians.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“We agreed to respond by holding emergency consultations on that same day. We hope to swiftly adopt a strong resolution under Chapter VII that will substantially strengthen sanctions. Three weeks after the nuclear test and facing the threat of a ballistic missile test, it is now time for us to take action. In Syria, there is a prevailing sense of both hope and bitterness. Hope was kindled by the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015) and the prospects for the start of political negotiations, and bitterness by the conditions in which the negotiations are taking placing because there has been no improvement in the humanitarian situation. In early January, humanitarian workers described unbearable conditions in Madaya and other besieged cities in Syria. The Council could not remain indifferent to such testimony.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“January was also a memorable month for non-proliferation, which is a harbinger both of hope and of threats. As to hope, on 16 January the Security Council received a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirming that Iran was implementing the initial provisions of the Vienna agreement, thereby triggering Implementation Day. The strict and good- faith implementation of the Vienna agreement will be the only way to guarantee the credibility of the agreement and to ensure that the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue is sustainable. We will continue to monitor the situation. With regard to threats, on 6 January that North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test in a gross violation of Security Council resolutions. Such an act poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“Last Monday, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2261 (2016), establishing a United Nations mission to observe and monitor the ceasefire expected in Colombia in the coming months as part of the peace process. As previously mentioned, the adoption of the resolution constitutes a success for the parties as the newly established mission will be a factor in concluding the talks currently under way for a ceasefire. It is also a success for the United Nations and for the Council, which responded promptly to the appeal made by Colombia in an unusual context in which a country turns of its own volition to the Council to request its assistance in implementing a negotiated settlement. We must now meet expectations and ensure that the planning of the mission takes place in a timely manner. France will continue to work resolutely to that end.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“The strategic review that the Secretariat will conduct over the next two months will enable modalities to be defined. A prompt, effective and well-organized withdrawal of UNOCI will be the best way to build on gains made, demonstrate our confidence in the country and its people, and ensure a strong legacy for C6te d'Ivoire and for international peace and security. The promising new momentum in intercommunal talks in Cyprus, which the Council acknowledged in the unanimous adoption of resolution 2263 (2016) yesterday, gives us hope. We must continue to relentlessly support the efforts and resolve of the two leaders to reunify the island, in accordance with parameters outlined by the United Nations and in line with the European Union acquis.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“At the end of this election cycle, the Central African Republic will have a freely and democratically elected Government and will be able to continue its reconciliation and stabilization efforts with the support of the international community. Let us remain committed to supporting that momentum. There has also been good news from Cote d'Ivoire, where the presidential election held in October last year demonstrated the progress made by the country in all areas. cote d'Ivoire demonstrates the extent to which a peacekeeping mission can assist a country in addressing and emerging from a crisis. The Council drew on the lessons learned by deciding the immediate drawdown of the United Nations Operation in care d'Ivoire (UNOCI). Ultimately, the termination of UNOCI will be the best symbol of its success.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“We also welcome the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, who worked to provide political, security and logistical support for the elections. On 28 January, the Constitutional Court announced the final results of the first round of presidential elections. Technical difficulties led to invalidization of the first round of legislative elections. The objective should still be to complete the transition in accordance with the agreed timetable on 31 March. New electionsand the second round of the presidential election will be held on 14 February.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“However, I will say that it should encourage us to review our methodology in terms of preparing for such missions, and we must quickly draw political lessons from those visits, in light of the decisions, as I said, taken by the African Union at its Summit. Today I would like above all to assess the positive trends and signs of hope that are emerging on various important issues with the hope that we will see more hopeful developments in the future. In the Central African Republic, we welcome the commitment of the Transitional Authorities and the Central African people to organizing and participating in the elections of 30 December, which took place peacefully. The constructive engagement of Central African political actors is commendable and should be continued.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (Spoke in French): I would like to begin by warmly thanking the Ambassador of Uruguay and his team for all the excellent work they carried out this month. It is no easy task to join the Council and immediately assume such a heavy presidency. You, Mr. President, did so brilliantly and with great competency and professionalism. On behalf of France, I thank and warmly congratulate you, Sir. There is a great deal to be said at the beginning of this year. I will not go back to the Council's important and difficult mission to Burundi, on which I briefed the Council earlier today.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7616 (2016) · source
“Lastly, we were concerned to learn of the arrest in Burundi of a French journalist, Jean-Philippe Re'my, and a British photographer, Philip Moore. We call on the Burundian authorities to release them immediately, with the understanding that diplomatic efforts are under way to that end. As I said, the fact that we have had to visit Burundi for the second time in less than a year is testament to the Council's concern and involvement and is a necessary stage in that involvement. We should bear in mind that we will put together all the lessons there are to be learned from the visit and, in the light of the outcome of the African Union Summit, we should shoulder our responsibility to break the cycle of violence, encourage the launch of a genuinely inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue and ensure full respect for human rights in Burundi.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“Consultations between the European Union and the Burundian authorities began at the beginning of December. In Geneva, the European Union got the Human Rights Council to request that the High Commissioner for Human Rights assess the situation. The statements made by various sectors of the population have given rise to fears that the situation is worsening, and France and its partners have given the authorities and the radical opposition clear warnings. On France's initiative, as I said, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2248 (2015), condemning the violence and urging all the parties to open a dialogue, on pain of sanctions. The resolution also calls for strengthening the United Nations presence in Burundi. France will continue to support the African initiatives in Addis Ababa, Geneva and Brussels.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“Since the crisis began we have been calling on all the parties involved to halt the violence and begin a dialogue aimed at reaching a consensus solution that respects the Arusha Agreement, which now more than ever constitutes the compass both for us and for all the stakeholders in Burundi. France immediately suspended its defence and security cooperation with Burundi, and the African Union, the East African Community and the Ugandan mediators have also been working on the issue. France has given its full support to encouraging efforts to open an inclusive dialogue with the African mediation and has advocated for the adoption of European sanctions against three of the people close to power and one member of the armed opposition, in order to increase the pressure on the parties involved.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“He thanked the Council for its attention to Burundi over the years and said that he was fully prepared to continue to maintain good relations with the United Nations. The Council then travelled to Ethiopia to meet with the African Union, and I will hand that part over to my Egyptian colleague, with the understanding that it is clear that the Council has lessons to draw from our trip to Burundi in the light of the decisions that the regional actors will be making very soon. Before my colleague takes the floor, I would like to make a few brief comments in my national capacity. As the Council knows, France has been following the situation in Burundi closely and with great concern.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic, hosted a discussion with the Security Council at his residence in Gitega. After he had heard what the Council had to say, he went over recent developments in Burundi with a positive and hopeful spin on the current situation in the country. He said that as far as he was concerned, the reports we have been seeing in the international media were wrong. He welcomed the fact that the dialogue in Kampala had been resumed on 28 December, considering that in his view only the Head of State of Uganda was in a position to support the inter-Burundian process under way. President Nkurunziza again reiterated his firm opposition to any interference from outside, in particular from the African Union.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“We also had the opportunity to talk to three of the principal members of the Burundian authorities, who, unlike those whom I have just cited, who described serious political and security problems, gave us a very upbeat and optimistic picture of the current situation. We held a meeting with Burundi's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alain Nyamitwe, to discuss the political and security aspects of the current situation and Burundi's relations with various elements of the international community - the East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations. Burundi's First Vice-President, Gaston Sindimwo, received us in his home for an exchange of views on the security and political situation and relations between Burundi and the international community. Finally, Mr.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“The Council also met with various independent media representatives, who described the very difficult conditions under which they are still attempting to conduct their professional activities; with various representatives of the political opposition, including in the National Assembly and the Government, from whom we heard quite pointed criticism; and with members of the so-called radical opposition, not represented in the official institutions, who painted a very gloomy picture of the political and security situation. In their view, genocide was either already happening in Burundi or was about to.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“The Security Council delegation then met with the Burundi representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who gave us a thorough account of the situation in Burundi and went over the negative developments of the past few months. We sat down with representatives of civil society, whose accounts testified to their defiance of the Burundian authorities, particularly the security forces, and to the clear and urgent need for protection by the international community.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“Essentially, the Council emphasized the vital importance of refraining from any form of violence, strengthening the political dialogue that began on 28 December 2015, protecting the people by ensuring better respect for human rights and improving relations with the international community, whether as represented by the East African Community, the African Union or the United Nations. The Council first met with a group that included two elder statesmen, former Chairs of the United Nations Expert Panel on the Regional Peace Initiative in Burundi, and we were able to fully come to grips on the importance of full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the terms of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for finding a solution to the current situation in Burundi.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“I would also like to thank the Burundian officials and others whom we met with there for making themselves available to us. The visit falls into the category of follow-up on the situation in Burundi, which continues to be a matter of considerable concern to the Council. To start with, I should note that the Security Council adopted resolution 2248 (2015) on 12 November and a presidential statement (S/PRST/2015/18) on 28 October and made a press statement on 19 December 2015; those served as terms of reference and a guide for the messages the Security Council wanted to convey to its interlocutors during the visit.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): On 21 and 22 January, the Security Council visited Burundi for the second time in less than a year, following the trip we organized under the French presidency of the Council in March 2015. As one of the organizers of the mission, along with the United States and Angola, 1 have the honour, as is customary, to give the Council an informational briefing on our visit to Burundi. The representative of Egypt, who oversaw the African Union segment of the Council's visit, on 23 January, will brief us on the visit to Addis Ababa. I will then make a few remarks in my national capacity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Secretariat for the significant efforts it made to organize this visit, enabling us to do it under good conditions and make it as productive as possible.”
2016-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7615 (2016) · source
“It is not a matter of creating a pseudo-Government of national unity, rather it is one of agreeing on creating a transitional governmental body with full executive powers to afford Syria prospects for reconciliation. Only a political solution will end the suffering and ongoing exodus of civilians and reduce the terrorist threat we face. I assure you, Mr. President, of France's resolute commitment in that regard.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The opposition group that emerged at the Riyadh conference brings together for the first time a broad spectrum ofnon-jihadi political and military leaders who have committed to a shared goal of a united, free and democratic Syria that respects the rights of all citizens. It is up to that group to be the interlocutor with the regime during the negotiations. The negotiation process could, however, also lead to consultations with various stakeholders, namely, those from civil society. Thirdly, there is a need for the discussions to focus on the political transition, in accordance with the terms agreed in the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex).”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The open meeting (see S/PV.7360) of the Security Council early last year exposed the persistent and abject practice of using sieges as a weapon of war. I reiterate our solemn call for the immediate and effective lifting of all sieges, as well as for lasting humanitarian access to all those in need, without any restrictions, and for the stopping of attacks against civilians. The Syrian regime and its supporters must respect international humanitarian law. It is not a bargaining chip, but rather an absolute obligation. Secondly, the designation by the opposition of its own representatives must be respected.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“There is also urgency with regard to Syria: it is urgent to break the cycle of violence and establish a political transition. We lend our full support to the process launched in Vienna and endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2254 (2015), of 18 December 2015. It important that the inter-Syrian negotiations, which are key to achieving peace, can begin. We understand that Mr. Staffan de Mistura is doing everything possible for them to begin on 29 January. To ensure the success of those negotiations, three elements are necessary. First, there must be a swift and significant improvement in the humanitarian situation. There can be no credible political process without immediate improvements in the situation on the ground for Syrians.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“In order to take steps in that direction, France remains convinced of the need for a change in approach along the lines of collective, enhanced and renewed support. The work undertaken during the meeting of the Quartet, which was expanded to include Arab countries and international partners during the General Assembly, must continue. That is a key element. The Security Council also has a role to play - a responsibilty to assume - and must fully commit itself to bringing about a solution that is acceptable to both parties. France will remain fully mobilized on this issue, as it is thoroughly convinced that the stability of that fractured and shell-shocked region requires a fair and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian issue.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source