YouSaid · the spoken record

DiCarlo

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1,676
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2008-08-08
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2023-12-18
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un-security-council

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  1. More than half the population is displaced and in need. More than 5 million refugees are uncertain of when it will be safe to return. Hundreds of thousands have paid with their lives. Tens of thousands are detained, missing, tortured. Are we really asking them to pay more? We must collectively work together to ensure the answer to that question is no.

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  2. As we look to the upcoming Group of 20 meeting, where world leaders who can contain this conflict will be present, we stress the need for diplomacy to produce an outcome in Idlib that can create the necessary conditions for the political process to advance. We call on international stakeholders - in particular the Russian Federation and Turkey, as guarantors of the September 2018 memorandum of understanding on Idlib - to exert the efforts needed to end the violence and restore calm. All that is required is political will. As the Secretary-General also stated today, there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis. It was clear at the start and it remains clear more than eight years later: the solution is political. The Syrian people have paid a high price for the failures of the international community to end this war.

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  3. Let us remember the international players involved and the potential for escalation. Over the weekend, Turkey announced that one of its observation posts had been shelled by Government forces intentionally and that it had retaliated with heavy weapons. That was the second such incident in less than a week that impacted a Turkish observation post - defensive positions meant to maintain the lines agreed in the September memorandum. Today Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem assured that Syria did not want to see an armed confrontation between its forces and Turkey. These close military exchanges underscore how Idlib is notjust a humanitarian issue; it also poses a grave risk to regional security.

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  4. But, as we have repeatedly said, counter-terrorism cannot overtake obligations under international law to protect civilians and the obligation to strictly observe the principles of distinction and proportionality. The problem posed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham will need to be dealt with in a more effective and suitable way, one where civilians do not pay the price. That can begin only with the restoration of calm. The Secretary-General, the Special Envoy and I have been pressing for the need for a solution in Idlib in all of our engagements at all levels. We welcome Russia and Turkey's continued efforts to contain the violence, most recently in their working group meeting on 16 and 17 June. However, if a solution is not found, then the consequences will be unimaginable - and not just in humanitarian terms.

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  5. Population centres and civilian infrastructure, including schools and medical facilities, have been attacked, mostly inside the de-escalation zone. It is imperative that we address Hayat Tahrir al-Sham without triggering the humanitarian catastrophe that we see unfolding before our eyes, with hundreds of thousands on the move, being pushed closer to Turkey's border. Despite all this violence, the front lines have hardly shifted, suggesting a stalemate. But if that is the case, it is plainly turning out to be a bloody and quite pointless stalemate with devastating humanitarian consequences that far outstrip any damage done to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Undoubtedly, the situation in Idlib is complex.

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  6. The United Nations understands very well the positions of the guarantors of the Idlib memorandum, an agreement which until a few months ago had delivered relative calm to the people of Idlib. For Russia, the presence of Security Council-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the de-escalation zone is not tolerable. For Turkey, time is required to effectively isolate and address Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's most hard- line fighters. As the Secretary-General said a few hours ago, the situation in Idlib is especially dangerous and, yet again, civilians are paying a horrific price. Air strikes continue. Barrel bomb use and cluster munitions and exchanges of mortar and artillery fire are ongoing, resulting in civilian casualties and massive displacement.

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  7. Ms. DiCarlo: Since I last briefed the Security Council a month ago (see S/PV.8527), violence in north-west Syria has continued unabated as parties on the ground try to advance militarily. Our unflagging efforts to mediate a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people cannot move forward in an environment of open conflict. Our efforts will stall if Russia and Turkey cannot uphold their ceasefire agreement. Our efforts will suffer if members ofthe Security Council, as well as the Astana group and the small group on Syria - many of whom sit around this table today - cannot find a way to work together in common support of the Special Envoy's efforts to implement resolution 2254 (2015).

    2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source

  8. Much progress has been made towards convening a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee. The United Nations continues to consult parties on a package addressing the committee's composition and rules of procedure that would be acceptable to both the Government and the opposition Syrian Negotiation Commission. With a bit of compromise, it could move forward, and that step could help to unlock a broader political process. International cooperation and support of the Geneva process are critical if Special Envoy Pedersen is to realize his mandate. The conflict in Syria is complex but there is a path forward. Let us unite today for the first step to support an immediate de-escalation of the violence in greater Idlib and work towards a political solution that meets the legitimate aspiration of the Syrian people.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  9. Alongside the urgent imperative to end the current violence in north-western Syria, we need to revitalize the United Nations-facilitated political track. We must continue a sustained dialogue with the parties, building trust and confidence. We should work together in support of Russia and Turkey's recommitment to a ceasefire on Idlib. We can then work towards restoring a nation-wide ceasefire and focus on advancing the political road map in resolution 2254 (2015). We need concrete action on the release of detainees and the clarification of the fate of missing persons. Reported estimates of the number of detained and missing since 2011 are well in excess of 100,000 people. The single greatest contribution that could be made now would be the large-scale release of children, the elderly, the infirm and women.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  10. The Secretary-General has called for an urgent de-escalation of the situation and urged the parties to recommit fully to the Russian-Turkish ceasefire arrangements. He has urged the Astana guarantors, in particular Turkey and Russia, to ensure that this takes place. I strongly reiterate that appeal today. The current escalation once again reminds us of the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict. The international community agrees that the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib must be addressed but, with 3 million civilians in close quarters, combating terrorism cannot be allowed to supersede obligations under international law. Special Envoy Pedersen has elaborated priorities for the political process. The Council has expressed support for his efforts.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  11. The aerial bombardment is alarming, including the use of barrel bombs on populated areas. Air strikes, barrel bombs and shelling have damaged or destroyed multiple health facilities and schools in greater Idlib, several of which had been deconflicted with the United Nations. There was also reported shelling from the de-escalation zone into areas under the Government's control, including a rocket strike on the Neirab camp for Palestine refugees. We appeal to all parties to cease hostilities, uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians. We condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in particular medical facilities and schools, and urge the parties to respect the safety and neutrality of health and humanitarian workers.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  12. Yet, outside the patrol hours or patrols areas, attacks from both sides continued and increased significantly in late April. On 6 May, Government forces began a ground offensive, which reportedly included Russian air support, opening two fronts - one in northern Hama and the other in north-east Latakia. As of 15 May, the Government had seized several towns in northern Hama inside the demilitarized zone. Turkey reports that two of its soldiers were injured on 4 May by Government shelling on a Turkish observation post in northern Hama. As the fighting moved closer to the observation post, Syrian Government and Russian strikes were reported in close vicinity to the post. Since late April, this escalation in violence has reportedly killed and injured more than 100 civilians and displaced 180,000 people.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  13. The United Nations has followed with great concern the dangerous intensification of violence in the de-escalation area of north-western Syria, involving Syrian Government forces, their allies, armed opposition forces and the Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Between February and March, we received reports of Syrian Government air strikes resuming on areas inside the Idlib de-escalation area, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stepping up its cross-line raids on Government forces and mutual exchanges of mortars and rockets. We have continued to receive reports of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham launching attacks towards Government areas, including a Russian airbase. On 8 March, Turkey, in coordination with Russia, began patrols inside the demilitarized zone. We welcomed those coordinated patrols, which somewhat de-escalated violence.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  14. Ms. DiCarlo: We are at yet anotherjuncture in the Syrian conflict where civilians are paying the price for a never-ending war. We have been here before: in Aleppo, in eastern Ghouta and in Raqqa. Today it is Idlib, where 3 million civilians are at risk. Until recently the Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding, signed on 17 September 2018, had significantly reduced violence in northwest Syria. However, we now see increasing hostilities on the ground. If the escalation continues and the offensive pushes forward, we risk catastrophic humanitarian fallout and threats to international peace and security. The United Nations therefore welcomes the announcement made on 15 May of a Turkish-Russian working group as a means towards re-establishing a cessation of hostilities in northwest Syria. That cooperation is desperately needed.

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

  15. Finally, I would like to thank EcoPeace Middle East forjoining us for today's debate. Its commendable efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian collaboration around shared environmental challenges are exemplary. I welcome the ongoing commitment by Member States to generously support and bring attention to such initiatives.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  16. As we mobilize to address the critical needs of the Palestinian population, be it in Gaza or the West Bank, we shall not lose sight of the core political issue, namely, the prospect of two peaceful and secure States living side by side in harmony. That imperative compels us all to work with the parties, bring them back to the negotiation table and urge them to avoid unilateral actions that undermine the prospects for peace. We should also work with both sides to establish an environment conducive to a return to meaningful discussions. However, only determined action by the parties themselves can salvage the two-State solution. Otherwise, Palestinians and Israelis will continue to live their lives knowing only conflict, mistrust and fear, rather than the infinite possibilities that would come with ajust and lasting peace.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  17. Also, the remains of an IDF soldier missing since 1982 were repatriated from Syria to Israel after being located with the assistance ofRussian forces. With regard to the conflict in Syria, the Secretary- General's Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir Pedersen, continues his efforts to find a negotiated political solution. He is working with all sides and making steady progress on launching a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee as a door-opener to a wider political process that encompasses the full implementation of all elements of resolution 2254 (2015). He will brief the Council on those efforts tomorrow.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  18. The ceasefire between Israel and Syria has been maintained, with relative calm and low levels of military activity in the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) continued to observe and hear a relatively low level of small-arms firing in the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side. UNDOF assessed that the firing was due to training activities conducted by Syrian security forces. UNDOF also continued to observe the presence of Syrian Arab Armed Forces in different locations in the area of separation, including in the vicinity of United Nations positions. Yesterday, assisted by the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNDOF facilitated the transfer of two Syrian men who had been detained in Israel for a number of years.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  19. UNIFIL concluded that the tunnel crossed the Blue Line and thereby constituted a violation of resolution 1701 (2006). The following day, the UNIFIL Force Commander informed the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Minister of Defence Bou Saab of UNIFIL's findings and requested urgent follow-up. UNIFIL has now confirmed the existence of five tunnels, three of which it has confirmed cross the Blue Line and constitute a violation of resolution 1701 (2006). Turning to the Golan, on 25 March United States President Donald Trump signed an official proclamation recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan. As previously noted by the Secretary- General, the United Nations position on the Golan is clear. It is reflected in the relevant United Nations resolutions, notably, resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981).

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  20. Significantly, Minister of Defence Elias Bou Saab and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun visited the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and southern Lebanon on 24 April, with Minister Bou Saab stating that the Lebanese Armed Forces would increase troop deployment in southern Lebanon. The situation in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line remained calm. On 2 April, UNIFIL chaired a regular tripartite meeting attended by senior delegations from the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces. On 17 April, a UNIFIL team of technical experts assessed the tunnel located south of the Blue Line near the Israeli town of Zarit, the discovery of which had been announced by the IDF on 13 January.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  21. I also take this opportunity to thank Member States that have supported the implementation of the AHLC projects to date and urge others to contribute to this important effort, including through critical financial support to the Programme Management Unit, as well as for the humanitarian response plan. Turning to the situation in the region, Lebanon remains stable, with the continued commitment of political actors to dialogue leading to Parliamentary approval of its long-awaited plan to reform the electricity sector. Discussions continue on the 2019 budget as proposed public sector pay cuts spark protests.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  22. I also welcome Qatar's extension of funding for the United Nations to procure and deliver fuel to the Gaza power plant until June. In a positive development, on 1 April, Israel extended some areas of the Gaza fishing zone up to 15 nautical miles. I welcome this decision and strongly urge that the rest of the fishing zone, which remains limited to 6 to 12 nautical miles, also be expanded. As we have repeatedly stated, at its core the crisis in Gaza is political. Significant progress on the lifting of the closures and advancing intra-Palestinian reconciliation remains essential. I reiterate my call on all Palestinian factions to engage in earnest with Egypt on reconciliation efforts.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  23. The United Nations is also making important progress on the implementation of a package of urgent humanitarian and economic interventions in order to stabilize the situation in Gaza, prevent an escalation, lift the closures and support Egyptian-led reconciliation efforts. Over the past year, nearly $110 million for fuel, health, water, sanitation and temporary employment programmes have been raised. The United Nations and its partners have mobilized nearly $45 million that will allow for the creation of approximately 20,000 temporary j obs in 2019. Since September, approximately $4.6 million in support of the humanitarian response plan have contributed to the delivery of essential drugs and the performance of some 9,500 emergency surgeries.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  24. I would like to turn to the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis in Gaza and begin by highlighting the plight of women. Seventy per cent of all women in Gaza today are unemployed. As a result, female-headed households are more likely to face poverty and food insecurity. Moreover, we know that poverty and lack of economic opportunities are key drivers behind violence against women in Gaza. The United Nations continues to provide assistance to Palestinian women and girls across a broad range of areas, but much more needs to be done to ensure that their needs are addressed.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  25. Despite the austerity measures announced and the recent pledges of support by Arab States, the risk of a financial collapse of the Palestinian Authority is growing. A sustainable resolution of the Palestinian Authority's funding crisis is urgently required. Both parties should address the causes of the crisis through dialogue, implement their bilateral agreements and avoid taking unilateral actions that undermine stability and security for both Palestinians and Israelis alike. I urge the members of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) to use its meeting tomorrow in Brussels to work with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to resolve this crisis, which threatens the viability of the Palestinian Authority.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  26. On 24 April, following the arrest, tying and blindfolding of a 15-year-old Palestinian boy for allegations of stone-throwing, IDF soldiers shot him twice in his lower body as he attempted to escape while still blindfolded. The IDF said that it was responding to massive stone-throwing and that one of the the rioters was shot as he tried to flee after being arrested. In the same period, OCHA recorded 14 Palestinian attacks against Israeli settlers and other Israeli civilians in the West Bank, where Palestinians threw stones at vehicles traveling on roads near Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah. One injury and damage to 13 vehicles were reported. The reporting period also saw a worsening Palestinian financial crisis.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  27. On 27 March, a 17- year old Palestinian paramedic was shot by the Israeli security forces near Al-Duheisha refugee camp in Bethlehem, and later died of his wounds. The shooting occurred during clashes following two arrest operations undertaken by the Israeli security forces in the camp earlier that day. Settler-related violence also continued during the reporting period. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), one Palestinian was killed and 19 were injured or had their property damaged by others. On 3 April, two Israeli civilians opened fire in Nablus, injuring two Palestinians, including a 23-year-old man who died later in hospital.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  28. I also reiterate the call on Israel that lethal force should be used only in response to an imminent threat of death or serious injury and as a last resort. During the reporting period. Palestinian militants fired 30 rockets and mortars from Gaza towards Israel. The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli civilian populations is prohibited by international humanitarian law and must immediately cease. Several incendiary balloons were also launched from Gaza into southern Israel. These must stop. Hamas must also ensure that protests remain peaceful and prevent provocations near the fence, including attempts to breach it. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, three Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli forces, and 63 were injured, including 18 children.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  29. Regrettably, elsewhere the cycle of violence continues. On 30 March, Palestinians in Gaza marked the first anniversary of the Great March of Return protests, which was commemorated by 50,000 Palestinians demonstrating at the perimeter fence. While the vast majority of the protesters remained peaceful, a small number ignored the calls for restraint and engaged in acts of violence against Israel and attempted to breach the fence. During the reporting period, seven Palestinians, including four children, were killed in Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and 1,316 were injured. I reiterate the previous calls by the United Nations that children should never be the target of violence, nor should they be put at risk of violence or encouraged to participate in violence.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  30. Israeli authorities demolished or seized 37 structures, displacing 49 people, mostly on the grounds that they lacked Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. In addition, on 31 March, the Israeli District Court rejected three appeals challenging demolition orders submitted by Palestinian residents of the Silwan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. The situation at Jerusalem's holy sites has remained relatively calm in the past month. I would like to take the opportunity of the overlapping holidays of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to wish peace and prosperity for the peoples of Palestine and Israel, but also to urge sustained calm, particularly in the holy sites, which can be achieved only by respecting the status quo and relevant agreements.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  31. The prolonged absence of a political solution to the conflict has coincided with the steady deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. During the reporting period, Israeli authorities advanced at least 2,100 housing units in Area C settlements and issued tenders for some 950 additional units. One of the plans advanced would retroactively regularize, under Israeli law, the illegal outpost of Haresha by incorporating it into the existing Talmon settlement. Settlements have no legal effect and constitute a violation of international law. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures also continued across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  32. The status quo will lead only to further deterioration of the situation, radicalization on all sides, more suffering and conflict. Before addressing recent developments on the ground, I would like to congratulate Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh on the formation of a new Palestinian Government. I wish him every success and urge all Palestinian factions and political leaders to work together, in good faith, to unify Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian Government. I also want to congratulate the Israeli people on their democratic general election on 9 April. On 17 April, President Rivlin asked Prime Minister Netanyahu to form a new Government. We stand ready to continue working with the new government when it is formed.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  33. We meet today as the United Nations continues to advance efforts to address the continued humanitarian, economic and political crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory. Yet the continuing absence of a political solution to the broader conflict undermines and compounds our efforts. Under the pressure of violence, settlement expansion, unilateral measures, intra-Palestinian divisions and deepening mutual mistrust, the prospects for a just and lasting peace remains ever more elusive. Hopes for the realization of a two-State solution continue to be replaced by the rising fears of future annexation. The possibility of establishing a viable and contiguous Palestinian State continues to be eroded by facts on the ground. The United Nations has repeatedly warned that the conflict cannot be managed in perpetuity.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  34. Ms. DiCarlo: I would like to express condolences for the attacks at the synagogue in San Diego and at the church in Silgadji, Burkina Faso, as well as previous attacks on religious sites in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Our sympathy is with the families of the victims and the Governments in question. The United Nations condemns terrorism in all its manifestations. I should also like to pay tribute, on behalf of the entire United Nations family, to Major General Francis Vib-Sanziri, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Head of Mission and Force Commander, who passed away suddenly on 19 April. His leadership, dedication and enthusiasm were invaluable in commanding UNDOF under difficult circumstances. He will be remembered for his exemplary career in the service of United Nations peacekeeping.

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

  35. It remains incumbent on all parties to demonstrate the necessary political will and to undertake steps that would decrease the current tensions and allow the resumption of constructive dialogue using existing mechanisms and at all levels. The United Nations underlines its commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, in accordance with relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Against the prevailing dangerous trajectory over the past five years, it is our sincere hope that, at long last, a new positive dynamic can emerge to enable an end to the conflict and prevent it from becoming protracted. That is essential for fostering national cohesion and lasting stability in Ukraine, and critical to the maintenance of peace and security in Europe.

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  36. As was noted during that meeting, the United Nations continues to fully support the lead efforts of the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group and the OSCE to reach a peaceful solution to this five-year conflict. Since their signing, the Normandy Four and participants in the Trilateral Contact Group, as well as the Council, have devoted considerable attention to promoting the need for full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Regrettably, progress has stalled. Following the recent election in Ukraine, those efforts need to continue with greater resolve and urgency. We expect all concerned to act in accordance with the Minsk agreements and once again reiterate the need to revitalize diplomatic efforts.

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  37. In its presidential statement of 6 June 2018 (S/PRST/2018/12), the Council again unanimously reaffirmed the centrality of the Minsk agreements. The United Nations expects that the spirit and the letter of the Minsk agreements will be respected by all concerned. To that end, we urge all the parties to avoid any unilateral steps that may potentially undermine the implementation of the agreements and to address concerns through constructive dialogue in the existing negotiation formats. Most recently, on 12 February, the Council had a special meeting focusing on the implementation of the Minsk agreements and on the ongoing conflict (see S/PV.8461).

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  38. According to the decree, the decision has been made "with a View to protecting human and citizens' rights and freedoms, and guided by the universally recognized principles and norms of international law". It was welcomed by the entities in control in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Reacting to this latest development, the Ukrainian authorities strongly protested the decree as an unprecedented interference by the Russian Federation in the country's internal affairs and a violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine contrary to the Minsk agreements. In its resolution 2202 (2015), unanimously adopted on 17 February 2015, the Security Council endorsed the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, calling on all parties to fully implement the measures.

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  39. We also want to point out that the implementation of a lasting ceasefire should be accompanied by the Withdrawal of heavy weapons from populated areas, the disengagement of forces and the protection of civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. Assistant Secretary-General Mueller will brief the Council in detail on the current humanitarian needs and the ongoing United Nations efforts on the ground. As a matter of principle, I want to reiterate that it is essential that the United Nations humanitarian work not be politicized or instrumentalized by any party. Today's Council meeting is also taking place in the context of a Russian presidential decree of 24 April that reportedly makes it possible for the residents of certain regions of eastern Ukraine to obtain Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure.

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  40. The recent election took place in the shadow of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, many of whose residents were unable to exercise their democratic rights and continue to face the daily challenges associated with an active conflict. A lasting and durable ceasefire remains an urgent priority. In that regard, we regret the inconclusive discussions on a new ceasefire recommitment on the occasion of Orthodox Easter during yesterday's meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk. We commend the efforts of the OSCE representatives and join their calls for agreement without delay on this important issue.

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  41. Ms. DiCarlo: On 21 April, millions of Ukrainians exercised their democratic right to choose their next President. We commend the Ukrainian people on the peaceful conduct of the election and take note of the assessment of the electoral process by the international and domestic observer groups, including the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The United Nations, including through its presence in Ukraine, is committed to continuing to work with the Ukrainian authorities and the people of Ukraine, in particular to support the provision of humanitarian assistance, the promotion and safeguarding of human rights and the country's critical reform process.

    2019-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8516 (2019) · source

  42. The Secretary-General has taken note of this development, including Member States' reactions to the United States decision. Let me reiterate the Secretary- General's statement that the United Nations position on the Golan is known and clear. That position is reflected in the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, notably Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981). We hope that the recent developments will not be used as an excuse by anyone to pursue actions that could undermine the relative stability of the situation on Golan and beyond. We will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground and will keep the Council informed, as appropriate.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

  43. On the same day, the Security Council welcomed the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and, through resolution 350 (1974), in accordance with the protocol to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement, established the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. The situation in the Golan remained generally calm until 2011, when fighting between the Syrian armed forces and armed opposition groups began. In 2018, the Syrian Government re-established full control of the area known as the Bravo side, thereby re-establishing a status quo ante. Throughout this period, Israel has periodically stressed the critical importance of the Golan to its security. On 25 March, United States President Donald Trump signed an official proclamation recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

  44. Ms. DiCarlo: During the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, the Syrian Arab Army crossed the 1967 ceasefire line on the Golan, known as the Purple Line, initially gaining territory. In a swift counter-attack, the Israel Defense Forces recaptured the 10st ground and advanced further, crossing the 1967 ceasefire line and occupying a salient portion of Syrian territory. The conflict quickly reached an unstable stalemate, with tensions remaining high for months. Following United States-led diplomatic efforts, on 31 May 1974 Israel and Syria signed the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

  45. As the Secretary-General reminded us on the grim anniversary of the conflict, it is a moral obligation and a political imperative for the international community to support Syrians in uniting around a vision that addresses the root causes of the conflict and forges a negotiated political solution in accordance with the Council's own resolution 2254 (2015).

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source

  46. The United Nations position is determined by the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on that issue. The efforts of the United Nations to facilitate a political process in Syria, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), will continue to fully uphold the principles of Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity. Finally, we welcome the generosity expressed by the donors at the Brussels Conference and their record pledges to support the Syrian people and the wide expressions of support by all attendees for a political settlement for Syria under United Nations auspices.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source

  47. There are no artificial deadlines, but the Special Envoy hopes now to be able to move forward as soon as possible to convene a credible, balanced, inclusive and viable constitutional committee under United Nations auspices in Geneva. We must remain committed to seeking a minimum of 30 per cent women's representation on the committee. The fifth goal is to improve international dialogue and cooperation on Syria. The situations in Idlib, Rukban and Al-Hol, the uncertainty over the north-east and the potential for regional escalation all underscore the need for such continuous cooperation. We must avoid misunderstandings and actions that could escalate matters. In that regard, Secretary-General has taken note of the developments regarding the occupied Syrian Golan.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source

  48. On the constitutional committee, the fourth goal aimed at opening the door to a broader political process, the discussions so far, including with the Government and the opposition, have led to an agreement in principle that a viable launch of a constitutional committee would require a set of understandings to regulate its work. That would need to include understandings regarding the committee's mandate, structure, voting and sharing arrangements; the United Nations facilitation role and assurances regarding the safety and security of all constitutional committee participants. Discussions are also continuing to facilitate the finalization of the middle third list of committee members.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source

  49. We heard about how the conflict has impacted their lives, but also about their strength and resilience in responding to the terrible needs created by the conflict. Such broad-based engagement with all the dimensions of Syrian society helps to strengthen Syrian ownership in shaping its future. Those necessary but difficult discussions are a microcosm of the meaningful engagement required from both of the negotiating parties. The issues affecting Syrians, including obstacles preventing voluntary, safe and dignified returns, must be addressed. A political settlement that meets their needs and legitimate aspirations would help to advance that.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source

  50. Ultimately, the Secretary-General wants these discussions to move from good words to good deeds, see the release of as many detained persons as possible and clarify the fate of missing persons. Progress on that file could build confidence that a new Syria is possible, especially for those who want to return. So many Syrian families have been affected, and they yearn to see the issue meaningfully addressed. On the third goal, engagement continues to ensure that the priorities and voices of a broad range of Syrians, within Syria and across the diaspora, are included in the political process. Most recently, the United Nations heard the diverse voices of the Syrian Women's Advisory Board and Syrian civil society during the third Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria.

    2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source