YouSaid · the spoken record

Deng

lines on the record: 226
first: 2012-11-28
most recent: 2015-12-02
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“The Permanent Court of Arbitration, with the acceptance of both the Sudan and South Sudan, defined the Area, now commonly referred to as "the box". The only thing that remains to be settled is the self-determination of the Ngok Dinka, on which the people expressed themselves unequivocally in October 2013, in their community referendum. Although the Abyei community referendum was well organized and efficiently and transparently conducted, and resulted in a 99.8 per cent vote in favour of joining South Sudan, that vote has unfortunately not been recognized by the two Governments or the international community.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7276 (2014) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate to the Security Council the appreciation of the people of Abyei and the Government of South Sudan for the continued support of the United Nations and the wider international community to both the Sudan and South Sudan in resolving their differences on the final status of Abyei through peaceful means. It is, however, evident, as reflected in the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/709), that there is, regrettably, a prolonged impasse and that new and creative ideas must be sought in order to generate the required outcome. The Abyei Protocol of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement refers to Abyei as the area where the nine Ngok Dinka chiefdoms settled prior to the 1905 annexation of the Area by northern Sudan.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7276 (2014) · source
“As this is the first time that I am addressing the Security Council during your presidency, Madam, allow me to express my congratulations to you and your delegation. I assure you of my delegation's full support as you carry this important mantle. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge your predecessor's successful discharge of her leadership. The Government of South Sudan welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) that has just been adopted.”
2014-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7276 (2014) · source
“I also believe that this would contribute to creating a climate conducive to a more constructive and cooperative negotiation of the final status of Abyei, by the leaders of South Sudan and the Sudan. I genuinely believe that it is a win-win proposal, in sharp contrast to the current situation, where both sides are losing. 1 would like to end with the metaphor that a Ngok Dinka elder told me and which I have often cited. He said that Abyei is like the eye, which is so small but sees so much. I now reverse that metaphor by saying that although Abyei is so small, the eyes of the world are focused on its security and general welfare. I think that is a major departure from its previous suffering in isolation. I hope that the positive momentum can be sustained and that Abyei will not fall back into the abyss of past tragedies.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“Such mutually respectful arrangements would allow the area to stabilize, develop socially and economically and rise to the challenge of its postulated role as a bridge between the two Sudans. I should reiterate that the details of my proposals for the stabilization of Abyei are in the note that I have referred to earlier, which is contained in the annex to document S/2014/356. The objective of my remarks is not to offer solutions for the resolution of the final status of Abyei or to undermine the proposals under consideration, but rather to suggest ideas for normalizing the situation in order to promote peace, security and stability for the local population - both the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“So far, the two leaders have not been able to agree on Abyei. Meanwhile, urgent measures are needed to stabilize the security situation for both the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya. To stabilize the situation in Abyei during the interim period as the leaders of South Sudan and the Sudan negotiate the final status of Abyei, it is my opinion that the Ngok Dinka need and deserve to restore their erstwhile autonomous administrative status - which had been combined with cordial and cooperative relations with the Misseriya - this time under internationally guaranteed security arrangements and in cooperation with the Governments of South Sudan and the Sudan. We must remember that the Misseriya, too, have their own autonomous administration within the Sudan's national framework.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, that proposal, which South Sudan accepted and the Sudan rejected, was endorsed by the African Union (AU) and its Peace and Security Council as the best way forward in addressing the challenges posed by the Abyei problem. In October, 2013, the African Union Peace and Security Council urged the Security Council to extend support to the AU proposal. The Council has not been able to respond positively to that request. In any case, it is realistic to recognize that only a negotiated settlement to which both the Sudan and South Sudan will be committed in good faith will bring genuine peace, security and stability to the area. President Salva Kiir has been striving to strike a balance between supporting the aspirations of the Ngok Dinka and winning the cooperation of the Sudan's President, Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“We recognize that the international community did not approve of the Abyei community's referendum and does not recognize the overwhelming vote to join South Sudan. It is, however, widely acknowledged that the referendum was well organized and efficiently and transparently conducted, and that it reflects the genuine aspirations of the Ngok Dinka. Yet without the cooperation of the Sudan and the support of regional and international organizations, expressions of such aspirations have no practical significance. Nevertheless, it is worth recalling that the Ngok Dinka were acting in the spirit of the proposal of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, under the chairmanship of former President Mbeki of South Africa, that the referendum be held in October, which was the month the community's referendum was indeed conducted.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“It is indeed still referred to as a legacy worth restoring and emulating. The basis for those cordial ties was the recognition and respect that the two communities - and especially their respective leaders - had for each other. Particularly important was the protection the Ngok Dinka leadership afforded to the Misseriya and other Southern Sudanese during their seasonal migration into the Abyei area. In that Respect, it should be noted that South Sudanese herders, both Dinka and Nuer, from several provinces, which are now states, escape floods during the rainy season by moving to the drier areas in Ngok Dinka territory. That is an important part of what makes Abyei a genuine crossroads between the Sudan and South Sudan.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“Equally important is addressing the needs of the Misseriya, both in their own areas of normal residence and in the transitional zone oftheir dry season migration in search of water and pasture in the Abyei area. That requires urgent measures to promote Ngok Dinka-Misseriya dialogue towards durable peace and reconciliation. The tragedy of the Abyei situation is that recent hostilities have overshadowed at least a century of well-documented peaceful coexistence and cooperation between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya. That exceptional cooperation was widely recognized, including by the British colonial administrators, as a positive model in an environment of pervasive interracial, inter-ethnic and interreligious violence between communities along the borders of the then North and South Sudan.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“That is why, in my note entitled "The Interim Stabilization of the Crisis Situation in Abyei", which the Council included in its consideration of the resolution on UNISFA (resolution 2156 (2014)), I argue that the situation has now reached a point where alternative ideas are urgently needed to overcome the impasse on Abyei and to prevent the crisis from escalating into yet another catastrophic explosion in the region. In my opinion, the highest priority now must be to stabilize the situation in Abyei by establishing an effective administration and ensuring that the Ngok Dinka return in safety and with dignity to their original areas of residence, resettle and lead a secure and productive life without the threat of violent attacks from their neighbours.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“We must also express our profound appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and to the Force Commander and his courageous forces for their commitment to the protection of our people. As I have often said, the best thing going for the Abyei Area and its Misseriya neighbours is the presence of UNISFA there. Permit me to express my appreciation for the very positive tone my colleague from the Sudan set in his statement about the situation - a tone that, if in fact acted upon in the same spirit and good will, could lead us forwards. The reality, however, is that we have had difficulty moving forward in finding a final solution to the situation.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“Once again, Sir, I appreciate the opportunity to address the Security Council for the third time during the Republic of Korea's presidency. While it is an honour and a pleasure for me to appear again before the Council, I also realize that it is sadly due to the multiplicity of crises facing our country and region. My focus today will be on the situation in Abyei and how I believe we can move forward beyond the current impasse. Let me begin by welcoming the decision of the Security Council to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for four months. While we believe that that is a very short period in which to meet the protection challenges in the area, it provides an opportunity to develop more durable solutions to the Abyei problem.”
2014-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7186 (2014) · source
“As we move forward into the future, we should modestly admit that mistakes have been made by both sides and that we should work in close cooperation to address those past mistakes and forge an even closer partnership in pursuing our shared objectives. South Sudan will forever be grateful for the support we received in achieving our independence and in our efforts to build a sustainable, post-conflict State. We should not allow the challenges we are currently facing to undermine this solid foundation.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7182 (2014) · source
“The Government of South Sudan appreciates the fact that greater attention is being focused on the protection of civilians, given the gravity of the crisis that the country is going through. It is our hope, however, that there will be no more tragic crises of the kind the world has so painfully witnessed as the parties strive to restore peace and reconciliation, with accountability, through the negotiations led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. It is also our hope that, with the refocusing of the mandate and the lessons learned from prior experience, UNMISS peacekeepers - who have at times put their own lives at risk to protect civilians - will be better prepared and equipped to respond more effectively in protecting civilians, themselves and their installations.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7182 (2014) · source
“That is why we believe that despite the understandable need for the United Nations to reconsider its priorities in light of the crisis that South Sudan is undergoing, building State capacity should remain high on the list of priorities. The objective of capacity-building is to help create a State that is capable, responsible and responsive - not a State that is oppressive. Failure to help build a functioning State could lead to serious problems that the United Nations and the international community might be later called upon to help address. Capacity-building should therefore be seen as a form of preventive strategy. We therefore hope that it will be given serious consideration and included in the next extension of the UNMISS mandate.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7182 (2014) · source
“The Security Council, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Government of South Sudan have worked closely together to resolve our differences and misunderstandings in the new configuration of UNMISS. Although our Government has had some reservations about some of the elements of the renewed mandate, we hope that, with our shared concerns and better communications, our cooperation will be enhanced. I have repeatedly stated that the Government of South Sudan is well aware of the limitations in its capacity to meet fully its commitments to and aspirations for the protection of its citizens, and that the legacy of the long war, stretching over half a century, has left deep wounds that will take long to heal.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7182 (2014) · source
“As I have said on previous occasions, the demonstrations were due in part to misunderstandings and in part to genuine concerns about specific issues that I have discussed in depth and with candour with both sides. The demonstrations were also a reaction to the gap between the ambitious objectives of the Mission as originally articulated and the shortcomings in delivery on the ground, due to the limitations of the resources available to UNMISS. This disappointment has never detracted from the Government's appreciation of the role played by UNMISS and its leadership in the country or from our commitment to cooperation, as President Salva Kiir assured Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during his most recent visit to Juba.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7182 (2014) · source
“It gives me great pleasure to address the Security Council once again during the presidency of the Republic of Korea. I would like to assure you, Madam, and the members of the Security Council of our sincere appreciation for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). My statement today will be a very brief message of gratitude. There is no question that, despite our shared interest in the continuation of UNMISS, we are faced with challenges that call for constructive engagement to promote mutual understanding cooperation. For many of us who know the background to the UNMISS presence in our country as an agent of good will and support, it was indeed a source of discomfort to witness anti-United Nations demonstrations.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7182 (2014) · source
“The challenge then becomes how to balance such principles so as to maximize the positives and minimize the negatives. We fully realize that those are the challenges that our country and the international community face to ensure peace, while also holding accountable those responsible for the gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“That is why he immediately gave orders for his troops to stop any military activities against the rebels except in strict self-defence if attacked. We trust that Mr. Riek Machar will also honour his word. Both the principles to which President Salva Kiir has always expressed his commitment and those that Mr. Riek Machar has often invoked to justify his rebellion should provide a basis for common ground. It has always been my belief that the cultural values of our people advocate peace, unity and harmony. Even when the society is shattered by violent conflict, the objective of the peace process has always been a balance between justice and accountability through the restoration of unity, forgiveness and reconciliation. That does not, however, mean compromising the principles of justice and accountability.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“It is also known that the troika comprising Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, in addition to our sister countries in the region and international friends and partners, have been steadfast in their support for South Sudan before and after independence. South Sudan has been experiencing one of the worst atrocities that the world has seen in recent years. By the same token, it has also received concerted international attention and support. We hope that the spectacular accomplishment of Secretary Kerry and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be sustained and will lead South Sudan to a renewed commitment to peace, security, stability and dignity for all its people. As President Kiir said to Secretary Kerry, he is a man of his word and is committed to honouring the agreement.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“International support to enhance the capacity of the State is therefore of critical importance. That is why we have consistently argued that, while the international community will need to reorder its priorities in the light of the current crisis, support for State capacity-building should remain high in the new order of priorities. As someone who observed first-hand the response of the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, I have witnessed the compassion and passion with which the Secretary- General and his senior managers have dedicated themselves to assisting South Sudan in consolidating peace, security and development.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“It is also testimony to the increasing international commitment to assist post-conflict countries in consolidating peace, security and stability as preconditions for socioeconomic development. Even more significant is the international commitment to assist Governments in protecting their populations, which is first and foremost their responsibility. However, when a State lacks the capacity to discharge that national responsibility, it is incumbent upon the international community to provide the necessary support to enhance State capacity in fulfilling its national responsibility. The Government of South Sudan is well aware of its responsibility to protect its people, even though, as we have often acknowledged, the capacity of the State to do so is extremely constrained by a number of historical factors related to the long war.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“Machar, in turn, for responding positively, making it possible to end the massive destruction of life and property that has devastated the country. Considering the bitterness of the conflict and how divided the nation has become, that remarkable shift could not have been possible without international pressure. The South Sudanese people, who have been the primary victims of such rampant violence, are most grateful to the international community, in particular the leaders of IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations and the United States. It is further testimony to the commitment of the United Nations and the international community to support South Sudan in overcoming the formidable challenges that it has faced since achieving independence after half a century of a devastating war of liberation.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“The agreement also stipulates opening humanitarian corridors and unconditional cooperation with the United Nations and humanitarian agencies to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the affected populations in all areas of the country. The parties also agreed to establish a transitional Government of national unity and to engage all stakeholders, including the former detainees, political parties, civil society and faith-based organizations, in negotiating the formation of the transitional Government, agreeing on the permanent Constitution of South Sudan and addressing any other issues concerning the future of the country. The credit for that positive turn of events must of course go first and foremost to the leaders of South Sudan, especially President Salva Kiir for heeding requests to reach out to Mr. Riek Machar, and Mr.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“Following the much appreciated visits of United States Secretary of State John Kerr, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who successfully persuaded the leaders of the warring factions to meet face-to-face, President Salva Kiir and Mr. Riek Machar did indeed meet under the determined and unrelenting mediation of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, and signed a framework agreement for the peace process. The agreement not only stipulates the immediate cessation of hostilities, in reaffirmation of the 23 January cessation of hostilities agreement, but also commits the parties to the separation of their forces and the deployment of the monitoring and verification mechanism of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, and members of the Security Council for giving me another opportunity to address the Council on the unfolding tragic situation in our country. I am also pleased and honoured to share the platform with the Secretary-General, whom I served for five years as Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. The reports of violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law associated with the devastating conflict that our country has been experiencing are extremely disturbing. In my previous statement (see S/PV.7168), I reported on what the Government is trying to do by creating a national investigation committee and cooperating with the African Union commission of inquiry. On a positive note, the recent developments point at a more encouraging direction towards peace.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7172 (2014) · source
“All of them opposed the use of violence to overthrow the Government, but supported dialogue to address the concerns of the rebels and other opposition groups to end the war and restore peace and national reconciliation. As the President stated, one of the reasons that the charges against the four accused were eventually dropped was to foster efforts towards peace and national reconciliation. I would like to conclude by once more reiterating our trust and deep appreciation for the understanding and unwavering support of the United Nations for our country as one united nation that aspires to be at peace with itself and to promote development and prosperity for all its people.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“It was the pursuit of those values that made President Kiir grant amnesty to militias, mostly Nuer, and absorb them into the army, to the extent that they eventually constituted the majority of the armed forces. Although most of them have now joined the rebellion, President Kiir continues to call on those values as the pillars of our peace process and has expressed his willingness to take any steps that would accelerate the way forward towards an end to the war. In that connection, I would like to report that President Kiir graciously granted me permission to meet with the four detainees in Juba and the seven who had been released and placed under the protection ofthe Government of Kenya.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, greater confidence-building mechanisms need to be put in place for the collaboration work between the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS. My Government continues to remain committed to working with all humanitarian actors in assisting us alleviate the dire conditions our our people. What South Sudan needs is understanding, compassion and support in building a nation that can ensure peace, security, stability and development for all its people. Let me end with some final comments on the nature of our quest for peace. Although our country is now acutely divided, we believe that our culture is one in which conflicts can be ultimately resolved by balancing accountability with mutual accommodation, forgiveness and reconciliation.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“That was indeed the reason for the ambitious, multifaceted support that created UNMISS. The current crisis is weakening, and indeed diminishing, the limited capacity of the State even more. It is understandable that the United Nations must reconsider it priorities in the light of the crisis, in particular to support the peace process, protect civilians, deliver humanitarian assistance and promote respect for human rights. But South Sudan also needs support for capacity- building now, even more than it did before. Withdrawing that support, whether for lack or resources or as a punitve measure, can only compound the crisis. The United Nations needs to consider maintaining strong capacity-building, even if it is not within UNMISS.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Before I conclude my remarks, I would like to highlight two points that I consider crucial to a constructive response to the crisis in our country. First, we very much appreciate the concerted efforts of the international community in support of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development/African Union peace process. We would urge continued, and indeed stepped up, engagement at the highest level to accelerate an early end to this devastating and senseless violence. Secondly, we all recognize that, after the long war in the Sudan, South Sudan has been weakened and has very limited capacity for ensuring internal peace, security and stability. Its capacity to deliver social services and generate and sustain badly needed socio-economic development is also severely constrained.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“A peaceful protest got out of hand when the peacekeepers fired shots into the air to stop the youth from entering the camp, which was construed by the youth as an attack on them, provoking them to force their way into the camp. I would like to note that local Government authorities had informed UNMISS of the intentions of the youth to demonstrate and that the SPLA, in collaboration with UNMISS, work together to calm the situation. That is a clear indication that the Government sees UNMISS as a critical partner in South Sudan. In Bentiu, the rebels massacred hundreds of civilians, including people who had sought shelter or refuge in churches and mosques and patients who were receiving care in hospitals, as was noted in today's briefings. That has been strongly deplored and condemned by our Government.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“It is unfortunate that the very regrettable incident of the youth attack on the United Nations compound in Bor is being equated with atrocities committed by the rebel army in Bentiu and Malakal. The Bor incident, which was strongly condemned by the Government, was provoked with the youth of the town of Bor heard internally displaced persons in the United Nations compound celebrating the capture of Bentiu by the rebels who had only recently destroyed Bor and massacred its inhabitants. The incident was initially intended as a peaceful rally to submit a protest letter to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), requesting that the internally displaced persons be removed from Bor where they were now perceived by the youth as a source of provocation.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“During the eruption of violence in Juba on 15 and 16 December, the President went as far as to say that anyone targeting members of the Nuer community in his name was against him. The Government has also welcomed and pledged support for the African Union commission of inquiry on South Sudan under the chairmanship of former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, charged with investigating human rights violations resulting from the current crisis. That contrasts sharply with the situation of human rights on the part of the rebels, where massive abuses and ethnically targeted massacres have become a conspicuous part of their war strategy, with scarcely a condemnatory word from its leadership.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Although the demands of the war have recently necessitated army recruitment, especially with the defection of large numbers of soldiers to the rebels, it has not at all entailed recruiting child soldiers. As a prominent member of the Government told me recently, our problem is the reverse, namely, that we have an ageing army. In contrast to the Government, the rebel army is known for its recruiting and deploying child soldiers, its "White Army" being a notorious example. On the issue of human rights violations in general, President Kiir has condemned it unequivocally and, in response to the recent developments, has created a high- level committee chaired by the former Chief Justice to investigate gross violations of human rights and to hold accountable those found responsible.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“That is why our Government, in particular President Kiir, has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with the rebels to bring a swift end to the violence and promote peace, unity and national reconciliation. On specific issues raised by the High Commissioner and the Special Adviser in their briefings, the allegation that both sides are recruiting child soldiers is an example of the moral equivalency that clouds the facts and of the need to place responsibility where it belongs. It is well known that since 2003 the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) has ended recruiting or deploying child soldiers. That has indeed been acknowledged by the relevant United Nations bodies, which have applauded South Sudan for that action.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Salva Kiir, told me today that he had said to the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide that ifthey had time to spend in the country, he would grant them full and unhindered access to establish the scope of the violence in order to gain a deeper understanding of the situation and of who is doing what. The President also spoke to me about the constructive discussions he had with United States Secretary of State John Kerry, to whom he expressed his willingness to meet with the rebel leader Riek Machar in the interests of bringing a speedy end to the war. We recognize that people do not take up arms to kill and risk being killed without some cause or grievance that should be addressed.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“While the tendency towards moral equivalency may be understandable as a tactic, and even a strategy, for engaging the parties on the basis of mutual recognition and respect, it risks equating rights and wrongs in a way that clouds the situation on the ground. It is of course indisputable that the Government must bear the primary responsibility for protecting its citizens without discrimination on ethnic or any other ground and be accountable in that regard. However, that cannot justify placing a democratically elected Government on the same moral, political and legal grounds as a rebel group using violence to overthrow the Government. The President of South Sudan, Mr.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“That is why we have consistently expressed our sincere appreciation to the Security Council specifically, and the international community generally, for their steadfast engagement and support. No one who believes in the ideals of human rights and in the prevention of genocide and related atrocities can quarrel with the pleas and warnings made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and by members of the Council. As I have repeatedly stated, our people struggled for decades against discrimination and gross violations of human rights. Ours was a struggle for equality and human dignity, which constitute the foundations for human rights. Those principles should guide us in building our nation.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank both the High Commissioner and the Special Adviser for having visited our country and for giving the current crisis such high priority. I want to assure them, and indeed all the members of the Council, that we sincerely appreciate and genuinely share their deep concerns and commitment to see an end to the violence. As I have previously stated to the Council, while it is painful to listen to accounts of the tragic situation in our country, our response is not to be defensive or in denial. We recognize that the motivation behind the accounts is to help South Sudan address the crisis in cooperation with the international community.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, and members of the Security Council for giving me the opportunity to address the Council on the critically important issues concerning our country. As this is the first time I address the Security Council under the presidency of the Republic of Korea, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, and to assure you of our support and cooperation. I would also like to commend your predecessor for successfully steering the Council during the month of April. My delegation and I have listened with keen interest to the deeply moving statements presented and the concerns raised this afternoon by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and by the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, my successor and younger brother, Adama Dieng, and the members of the Security Council.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“We would, however, urge the Council to continue with some of the other crucial elements aimed at stabilizing the country, as originally envisaged. As I have often said, South Sudan was rendered vulnerable by a war that raged for half a century, and ironically has now become even more vulnerable owing to the current crisis. The country is more in need of international support than ever before. Finally, let me conclude by reiterating our appreciation and support for the work of UNMISS, and the United Nations in general, despite concerns on both sides, which, I believe, can be addressed and resolved through constructive dialogue.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source
“Much of my statement is the result of my engaging with the authorities, be it with the leadership, the President, the Vice-President or the relevant ministers. In fact, earlier today, I spoke with both the President and the Vice-President. My remarks are exactly those that they asked me to convey to the Council. As reflected in the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/158), the Government of the Republic of South Sudan is aware that the Security Council is considering changes to the UNMISS mandate. Given the reality of the conflict in South Sudan, it is of course understandable that the Security Council will revise its priorities and look into focusing the UNMISS mandate on the protection of civilians, human rights and security sector reform.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source
“Despite my appreciation for all that is said by the United Nations about the situation in our country, we appeal to the international community to appreciate not only the democratic freedom of peaceful demonstrations but also the frustration and anger inciting the people, especially when certain actions take place that give them the impression, however mistaken, that those representing the United Nations may be sympathetic to, and supportive of, the other side in the conflict. In saying that, let me emphasize that the United Nations cannot of course take sides. However, misunderstandings in a crisis situation can generate hostile reactions. As I have said before, continuous engagement and constructive dialogue are the way to correct such misunderstandings.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source
“Indeed, the Government of South Sudan deeply regrets the loss of life among humanitarian personnel as a direct result of the heightened tension in the conflict. As I have said, I make these remarks not only as a representative of the Government but also as someone who has engaged with the authorities on all such issues. I note and should say that, during my visit to Juba for a conference of ambassadors, I requested and was granted permission by the President to visit the detainees, both the four still in Juba and the seven in Nairobi. I gained an insight of the extent to which, despite all the sharp differences, there was a profound desire on all sides, at least among the detainees to whom I talked, to end the hostilites as rapidly as possible so as to restore peace, unity and reconciliation.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source
“We cannot, of course, take lightly the anti-UNMISS sentiment that is reflected in the demonstrations across South Sudan and may indirectly have led to some infractions of the status-of-forces agreement. I would like to assure the Security Council that that is not the policy of the Government of South Sudan. The Cabinet discussions and decisions reflect the notion that the United Nations is indeed a principal partner of South Sudan and represents the goodwill of the international community towards our country. Again, I speak not only for the Government but also for the President personally in saying that the Government intends to exert all efforts to calm the situation and to contain the hostile statements and demonstrations.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source
“In crisis there are also opportunities. Since the process of negotiations takes time, South Sudan will probably adopt a two-phased approach. The first phase is to end the violence as soon as possible, along with, of course, providing much needed humanitarian assistance. The second phase will be a more in-depth discussion of what went wrong and how the mistakes of the past can be corrected so as to put the nation back on the path of sustainable peace, development and prosperity, which the people of South Sudan so badly need and deserve. We are deeply grateful to regional leaders and international partners that have assisted South Sudan in having an opportunity to discuss differences and to strategize on the way out of the crisis.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source
“The Government of South Sudan is doing its best, under very difficult circumstances, to prove to its people, and indeed to the international community, that it wishes to see a speedy end to the current conflict that is devastating our country. It is well known that President Salva Kiir is strongly committed to peace, unity and national reconciliation. The Government remains committed to the talks of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) in Opposition and has agreed to the deployment of the IGAD regional force and the monitoring verification mechanism to the affected areas. The SPLM/A in Opposition, which currently controls Nassir, Malakal and Akobo, has, regrettably, not accepted the regional force or the monitoring verification mechanism.”
2014-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7141 (2014) · source