YouSaid · the spoken record

Dmitry Polyanskiy

lines on the record: 257
first: 2020-04-07
most recent: 2021-05-12
sittings or episodes: 33
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

“Allow me to quote some of the concerns of humanitarian workers about sanctions: “Unilateral sanctions are the main obstacle to the delivery of aid, including medicine, medical equipment, personal protective equipment, food and other S/2020/1257 essential goods. Unilateral sanctions are multi-layered and complicated, they are not transparent and they are not coordinated. Humanitarian exemptions are ineffective, inefficient and inadequate”. I wonder how my Western colleagues would respond to the fact that their sanctions efforts seem to be completely immoral. As for their attempts to write off all Syrian problems as the shortcomings of the Al-Assad regime? They are hardly convincing.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Specifically, that comprises the demand that the Syrian authorities remake the country’s State structure to fit the mould of its donors. In other words, instead of easing the suffering of the most vulnerable among the population — namely, women and children — they are imposing a political bargain on Syria. In parallel, pressure cause by sanctions also continues to increase. I would like to address that specific topic in more detail. On 10 December, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Ms. Douhan, issued an anti-sanctions guidance note for the period of the coronavirus disease pandemic. That document was the result of a two-day brainstorming exercise that Special Rapporteur Douhan held in October with 24 major humanitarian organizations.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“It is also clear that a further 1.2 million Syrians have stated their desire to return home. In November, with Russia’s assistance, Damascus hosted an international conference on the return of refugees. Despite strong opposition and scare tactics by our Western colleagues, more than 20 countries and international organizations took part in the conference, confirming the importance of the international community concentrating efforts in that area. In that context, the issue of the provision of international assistance to rebuild Syria’s destroyed infrastructure is extremely important. We have repeatedly heard the hard-line stance of our Western colleagues in the Security Council regarding conditions for providing such assistance.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“That was confirmed by the recent Security Council meeting (see S/PV.8764) at which the former Director- General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was not allowed to answer specific questions. We are trying to reduce the politicization of humanitarian issues in Syria. Despite opposition from Western countries, we are striving to improve cooperation between the United Nations and Damascus so that all Syrians receive humanitarian assistance, once again in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Life in the liberated areas is returning to normal, which is prompting more Syrian refugees to return home. According to the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in the Syrian Arab Republic, more than 860,000 people have returned to Syria since September 2015.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Many Syrians have been suffering the most inhumane conditions for years on end in the Al-Hol and Rukban camps, in north- east and southern Syria, respectively. However, because of the position of the United States, those problems remain unsolved. Our colleagues the co-penholders on the humanitarian file, due to Euro-Atlantic solidarity, seem to be paying no attention to that human suffering. Russia has done, and is doing, all it can to promote a peaceful settlement in Syria. However, at each step it encounters opposition from the West. Even the chemical weapons issue — on which unique success was achieved in the eradication of chemical stockpiles in Syria — has been turned in the hands of our colleagues into a tool for exerting pressure of the lawful authorities.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“However, since the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015), those sanctions have actually been expanded. One can hardly consider that to be assisting the political process. Another breach of resolution 2254 (2015) is the occupation by the United States of America of a part of Syrian territory and the attempt to conduct yet another ethnicity-based and religion-based separatist experiment in the Middle East.The United States also bears direct responsibility for the deterioration of the environment through the plundering of Syrian national oil resources and for other problems. There has been an increase in diseases, including cancer, among people residing in oil-producing areas. We are also seeing an upsurge in activity by terrorists emerging from sleeper cells of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“As the Special Envoy said, the Syrians have adopted a constructive approach and agreed on a time frame and agenda for the fifth session. That political dialogue itself could have started a year earlier had it not been for direct interference by a number of Western countries, which clearly showed that a peaceful settlement in Syria is not something they are interested in. Members of the Security Council are well aware of all the details of that saga. What do we see today in terms of Western States? They still violate the very first provision of resolution 2254 (2015) — respect for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. After the failed attempt to overthrow by force yet another unwanted Government, our colleagues have moved on to tactics of financial and economic suffocation.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Thanks to the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in the Syrian Arab Republic, it has been possible to stamp out intra-Syrian clashes. Therefore, with our support, the Syrian State and its entities have been preserved and continued to provide services to the population even in a situation of protracted conflict. With the decisive contribution of Russia, Turkey and Iran as guarantors of the Astana format and on the basis of the decision of the 2018 Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, the Constitutional Committee was established. That is the only format for dialogue in which Syrians themselves discuss the future of their own country. We welcome the holding of the fourth round of its drafting committee.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Damascus endured the imposition of sanctions aimed at weakening the capacity of the Syrian military to repel the terrorist threat despite the fact that terrorism threatened the entire region with catastrophe. They literally sought to carve the country into pieces. At the request of the Syrian Government, Russia joined the counter-terrorist efforts. Ultimately, the carcass of international terrorism in Syrian was destroyed. Today the terrorists have only one final stronghold, in Idlib, and also remain active in the north-east. Our Western colleagues are actively engaged in rebranding them, often trying to present the terrorists as a real political alternative to the Syrian State authorities. The country has seen the ceasefire hold for the most part.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“We thank Geir Pedersen and Mark Lowcock for this year’s final briefing on the situation in Syria. Two days from now, 18 December, will mark the fifth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015). What results do we see to mark that date? What has been done by our Western colleagues to foster a political settlement in Syria? Let us recall that in 2015 Western countries still pinned their hopes on the overthrow of the legitimate Syrian authorities by force, at the hands of bandits and terrorists. They were supplied with money, weapons, training and direct military support by external actors. They were taught how to wage media propaganda, film staged videos and do their own rebranding.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Russia, as a member of the Security Council, will continue to work to ensure that the United Nations international assistance results in genuine normalization of the situation in Haiti and the strengthening of its sovereignty and self-sufficiency.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“That is possible only through dialogue based on current legislation, which should lead to elections and increase confidence and support from the general population. If that is not done, the country risks returning to its darkest past, and then recovery and development will be postponed for many years. We call on Haitians to urgently engage in internal dialogue to find a solution to the crisis. The United Nations mission should help with that. Port-au-Prince needs responsible international assistance in order to avoid further division of society and a slide into a humanitarian crisis of a regional scale.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Therefore, we understand the position to those in Haiti who were outraged by the statement by a United States State Department official who threatened consequences for those who disagree with American ideas about democracy. In the United States, for some reason, it is considered normal to insist on elections in one country and to call on politicians to ignore the elections and demand the resignation of the legally elected head of State in another. With such double standards, it is no surprise that the number of crises around the world is on the rise, despite United Nations efforts to resolve them. The complex of problems that has accumulated in Haiti must be urgently addressed, starting with the main thing — political stabilization.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“We see that the proposal to overcome the crisis by changing the basic law of the country received a mixed reception, including from the judicial branch of Government. Significantly, the Haitian Supreme Court refused to swear in the members of the provisional electoral council. Society has split. However, there are those who believe that the time is ripe for changes to the Constitution, and if the Haitians so decide, the United Nations invariably stands for compliance with the current legislation, no matter what country it is. All of this, of course, is an internal affair of the Haitians themselves, who must sit down at the negotiating table and overcome their differences.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Its second wave will soon present a new challenge to the health-care system, the state of which is not difficult to imagine given the deplorable economic situation in the country. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/944) gives us an ambiguous impression. On the one hand, the assessments it contains leave no doubt about the need to extend the United Nations mission to maintain international support in such a difficult period for the country. On the other hand, it is obvious that its key task of assisting in establishing a national dialogue remains unresolved. Haitians run the risk of taking the path of unilateral decisions, and that, as is known, only increases the risks of escalation.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“We are grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Helen Meagher La Lime, for her briefing on the situation in the country and the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The months-long increase in tension in Haiti raises the most serious concerns. The root cause of instability is the lack of progress in the internal dialogue between political forces and society, which has led to the de facto paralysis of the legislature. In turn, that has affected the ability of the State to effectively deal with urgent daily tasks, primarily that of ensuring the safety of the population. As a result, criminal elements have become more active. All this has been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“The idea of a unifying agenda in the interests of creating a regional security architecture is increasingly in demand, especially now, as we witness efforts to artificially increase tensions around Iran. We have proposed several ideas for finding a solution along these lines and here invoke resolution 598 (1987) and the Russian concept of collective security in the Persian Gulf. Recently, President Vladimir Putin proposed another initiative to hold a summit of the five permanent members of the Security Council together with Germany and Iran to discuss situation in the Gulf and the ways to improve it. We invite all the parties concerned to positively consider this initiative as an invitation to dialogue.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“It clearly seems that they lack opportunities to speak on the situation in the region and try to use every possibility to speak on it — a strange posture, given the fact that they recently did not support two initiatives by Russia to hold a Security Council meeting to discuss the situation around Iran’s nuclear deal. In any case, we all know what the origin of the current ongoing turmoil in Iraq was. I will just refer to the well-known position of President Trump, who called the Iraq war “the worst geopolitical mistake of our generation”. At the same time, we are indeed concerned with attempts to escalate the situation around Iran that might have a negative impact on the internal situation in Iraq.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“At the same time, we believe it is necessary for all those involved in the fight against terrorism in Iraq to support the sovereignty of the Iraqi State and coordinate their actions with Baghdad. We reiterate our consistent approach that Iraq should not become an arena for regional confrontation. We support Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are ready to support and encourage Iraq’s continued efforts to build balanced, constructive and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours and throughout the whole region. We note that our colleagues from the United States have once again tried to blame Iran for destabilizing the situation in Iraq, referring to the United States failed efforts to impose an arms embargo on Iran this month.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“We believe that the United Nations can play a supportive role in preparation for the elections under the UNAMI mandate approved by the Security Council. The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the overall situation in Iraq and resulted in multiple economic and humanitarian challenges. It is important that the international community support Baghdad as it develops comprehensive measures aimed at responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, restoring the economy and improving social aspects. As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/792) highlights that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant continues to conduct attacks and remains a threat to Iraq’s security, we are convinced that this challenge can be effectively countered only through the broadest coordination of counter-terrorism efforts.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we encourage the resumption of contacts between Baghdad and Erbil, which should restore mutual understanding and resolve differences, as well as help reach a comprehensive agreement on all outstanding issues, inter alia revenues and resources sharing. We are convinced that further improvement of these relations will help Iraq promote security and effective use of its economic capacity for the good of the entire Iraqi nation. We support the plans of the Government of Iraq to hold free, fair and credible elections next year. As we heard today from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) stands ready to provide electoral assistance to the Iraqi authorities.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert for her briefing on the situation in Iraq. We also welcome the formation of the Government of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi and support its efforts to address long-standing key challenges, which include mobilizing all resources to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and addressing the economic crisis, combatting corruption, implementing administrative reforms and launching a national dialogue with all sections of Iraqi society, fighting terrorism and other goals. We are convinced that a national inclusive dialogue will help overcome internal problems.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“We also reaffirm that any attempt to divert the attention of the international community and put the blame on other regional actors, no matter how big and influential they are, will not lead Palestinians and Israelis to a feasible solution to the current situation.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the international community’s support of the Agency is needed more than ever. In support of the efforts of our Egyptian friends, we call for Palestinian unity and are actively cooperating with various Palestinian representatives to help them overcome the internal split. In conclusion, I would like to stress once again that the only viable solution is one reached by both parties through negotiations and based on the internationally recognized principles. No recipe or plan disregarding — let alone clearly rejecting — that reality can be imposed or become a deal-breaker.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We urge our partners in the Quartet — the United Nations, the European Union and the United States — to intensify their collaborative efforts. We are also ready for dialogue with key regional players, with the facilitation of the Quartet. Apart from those fundamental issues, it is important not to forget about daily challenges — the continuation of settlement activity, the demolition of Palestinian property and eviction of Palestinians, ongoing clashes and the threat of missile launches on Israeli territory. The coronavirus disease multiplied those problems, which can only be overcome collectively. We share the ongoing concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“International cooperation and joint steps must accompany the Middle East peace settlement. At the same time, we note again that the whole range of final-status issues should be resolved in direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. Such negotiations should be launched as soon as possible. As a permanent member of the Security Council and of the Quartet of international mediators, Russia is ready to undertake efforts in the interest of reaching a settlement within the internationally recognized parameters — all the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative — which provide for the creation of an independent, sovereign and territorially contiguous Palestinian State within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The international community, and the United Nations in particular, should help countries to break deadlocks, prevent conflicts and render mediation efforts. Our starting point should be the principle of doing no harm. The Palestinian question is central to the entire Middle East. We have passed the date of 1 July, after which the Israeli Parliament threatened to begin discussing plans for the annexation of the West Bank of the Jordan River. No action has yet been taken, but it is important to understand that the implementation of those plans may close the door for the prospect of a two-State solution and only exacerbate the situation. We see no alternative to two States — Palestine and Israel — peacefully coexisting. In that regard, we reaffirm the call to abandon provocative actions and unilateral steps.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We welcome you, Sir, as President of the Security Council. We thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing, and we listened carefully to Mr. Daniel Levy and Mr. Khalil Shikaki. The situation in the Middle East remains in the spotlight owing to numerous conflicts and crises affecting peoples and countries of the region. Unfortunately, the underlying problems persist. Even more concerning is the fact that generally crises are either provoked from outside or complicated by external interference. That is compounded by the conviction of those who interfere that they know how to solve a particular issue while trying to promote one-sided approaches. The opinions of local populations and tribal, ethnic and religious groups are often ignored. The core principles of international assistance for overcoming crises are being twisted.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Some issues, including combating piracy and the demarcation of the Cameroon-Nigeria border, require close cooperation between UNOWAS and its southern neighbour, the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa. To conclude, I would like to highlight that Russia welcomes Mr. Chambas’ personal commitment and efforts to help countries in West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin to overcome current difficulties. There is no doubt that UNOWAS deserves credit for important achievements in the region.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“Interference in those processes by external players also should be excluded. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) faces large-scale, difficult tasks: promote the resolution of regional crises, participate in political mediation, help to strengthen State institutions, implement the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and coordinate other United Nations presences on the ground. In addition, the efficient functioning of the Office directly depends on how well it coordinates with regional organizations, such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Group of Five for the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin Commission.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“The consequences of coronavirus for West African countries have yet to be assessed, but it is already clear that more and more people will need humanitarian assistance and other forms of support. Despite a number of problems, the developments in the political life of the countries of the region show that, even in the present difficult circumstances associated with the pandemic, the African States and public institutions have managed to cope successfully with their tasks. In this regard, we hope that parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for the second half of 2020 in many countries of the region will be held democratically, transparently and legitimately and with strict respect for national sovereignty, as was the case during the period covered in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/585).”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“We are concerned that the Boko Haram terrorist group has become more active in the Lake Chad basin. We reaffirm our full support to all those who are engaged in a difficult struggle against terrorism in the region. A new and extremely dangerous factor for security and stability in West Africa is the coronavirus pandemic. The disease hits indiscriminately, in both stable and the most vulnerable countries. Social services and schools cease to function and health-care facilities are under tremendous strain. Only those who are interested in further destabilization of the region — terrorists and other disruptive elements — capitalize on this disturbing situation.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and the Coordinator of the Association for Indigenous Peul Women and Peoples of Chad, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, for their briefings. We share the concerns expressed by Mr. Chambas regarding the further deterioration of the security situation in West Africa, especially in the Sahel. The geography of terrorist activity, inter-ethnic and intercommunal conflict, drug trafficking and organized crime is expanding in the region. Extremist ideology is attracting new adherents. Almost every week, we receive reports of the tragic loss of life caused by heinous terrorist activities. Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger have literally become front-line States.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“To conclude, I would like to reassure the participants that the Russian Federation, both as a permanent member of the Council and as a member of the Group of Friends of the Great Lakes Region, will continue contributing to the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the stabilization of the overall situation in the Great Lakes region.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“In principle, we are supportive of the measures being taken to strengthen coordination between peacekeepers and FARDC and enhance the operational capacity of the Force Intervention Brigade. We continue to believe, however, that cooperation on intelligence-sharing should be carried out in strict compliance with the peacekeeping principles and the Security Council’s mandate. We urge the peacekeepers to focus on military reconnaissance and exercise more caution while using other forms of intelligence, especially those relying on special methods of obtaining information.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“We all need to support the Kabila-Tshisekedi tandem for the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We note that the work on a joint strategy for a phased, responsible exit by MONUSCO has slowed down during the pandemic. We should not, however, overdramatize that. We hope that the Mission will soon be able to resume consultations with Kinshasa. All decisions on the exit strategy should be made while taking into account the situation on the ground and carefully considering the priorities of Kinshasa, States of the region and troop-contributing countries. We also note that MONUSCO has started implementing the recommendations contained in the report of retired Lieutenant General Santos Cruz, entitled Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers. We would like to recall our position on the document.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“A national framework policy on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, if prepared, could also play a helpful role. We commend the measures taken by the FARDC and MONUSCO with a view to strengthening their presence in Ituri and deepening coordination in the province. We call upon Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zerrougui to continue her good offices with the aim of facilitating the search for a sustainable solution to the situation in the eastern provinces. In these circumstances, we find it crucially important that, despite persisting tensions, members of the country’s ruling coalition continue to resolve their differences through dialogue and that the coexistence model remain in place. We urge both blocks of the coalition to continue to work along those lines.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“On the contrary, in an apparent refusal to adhere to the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, the Allied Democratic Forces and other armed groups seem to be taking full advantage of the pandemic to step up their attacks against Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and civilians. Particularly concerning is the deteriorating security situation in Ituri province, where the Lendu and Hema conflict, as well as the increased activity of armed groups, are seeing a new surge with a heavy toll on the local population. The situation in Ituri clearly proves the need to broaden support to the disenfranchised combatants under the framework of the appropriate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“We thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), for her informative briefing. We also thank Mr. Jamal Usseni Jamael, civil society representative, for the information he provided. Let me start by expressing our sincere condolences to Indonesia for the attack on a MONUSCO patrol near Beni earlier this week, during which an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed and another was wounded. We ask our dear friends to accept our words of sympathy. We have carefully studied the latest Secretary-General’s report on MONUSCO (S/2020/554) and have to admit with regret that, despite the coronavirus, violence in the eastern provinces has not subsided.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Drug production and drug trafficking are sources of significant financial support for terrorism. We call for all sides to completely eradicate this problem in the country. We are ready to fulfil our obligations by assisting the collective efforts against this threat, including through our active participation in UNODC, as well as the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Needless to say, Afghanistan is at a crucial juncture and needs the full support and attention of the international community, especially against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease pandemic situation. Appropriate regional cooperation and international assistance, as well as the joint efforts of the regional and international players, will remain imperative in order to achieve lasting peace and stability in the country.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“This represents a real threat to the security of both Afghanistan and its neighbours, the countries of Central Asia and Russia’s southern regions. We strongly believe that underestimating this problem is unacceptable. We urge all sides in Afghanistan to take decisive action against Al-Qaida, ISIL, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan and other international terrorist organizations operating against regional countries. We are also intensively monitoring developments regarding the fight against drug trafficking in Afghanistan. In that regard, we support your intention, Madam President, to focus today’s meeting on the counter-narcotics issue. This threat remains a serious concern for the country, as well as for the region and the whole world.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“Their cooperation and assistance are crucial to Afghanistan’s peace, stability and development. In that regard, we emphasize that the Moscow format, which has under its umbrella all key participants, including Afghanistan itself, can play a crucial role. Against that backdrop, the security situation in Afghanistan remains volatile. It is worsened by the activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the country. We fully condemn the recent barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks in Kabul and Nangarhar, which resulted in a high number of victims and for which ISIL-Khorasan claimed responsibility. The continued presence of ISIL S/2020/597 S/2020/597 in Afghanistan is still of serious concern to us.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“Enabling the Afghan parties to find an agreement that is acceptable to all and establishing a sustainable peace in the country are at the heart of our efforts within the troika plus Pakistan, which remains a very important driving force for the peace process in Afghanistan. For that reason, we also actively participated in the four-party virtual conference of the Special Representatives of the Russian Federation, China, Iran and Pakistan on Afghanistan on 18 May 2020 and in the trilateral virtual meeting of the Russian Federation, the United States and Afghanistan on 15 June 2020. We truly believe that the regional actors can and should play their substantive role in promoting the peace process. The regional players and neighbours will undoubtedly be the first beneficiaries of the resolution of this protracted conflict in Afghanistan.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We affirm our principled position that the upcoming Afghan peace process should be inclusive. All efforts should be focused on promoting national reconciliation, which will lead to the end of the long-standing war in the country and the revival of a peaceful, united and independent State, free of terrorism and drug crime. We have no illusions that direct intra-Afghan talks might be complicated and protracted, especially given the different understanding of the future political architecture of Afghanistan by both sides. Russia has always stood and still stands ready to facilitate negotiations.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We have studied carefully the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/549) about the activities and efforts of the United Nations in Afghanistan. The key issue that is on the radar today is the peace process. The Russian Federation consistently supports the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process in Afghanistan. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has rightly mentioned, one of the crucial factors in starting intra-Afghan negotiations — and definitely not the easiest one — is the prisoner releases. We emphasize that this issue remains one of the key preconditions vital for future peace talks. We note several positive steps taken by the Government and the Taliban in that regard and call for the rapid release of the remaining prisoners in the coming days.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Ms. Deborah Lyons, for her observations and assessments of the situation in Afghanistan. UNAMA plays an important role in coordinating international assistance to this country. The Russian Federation supports its mandate and activities. We welcome the first briefing by Ms. Lyons in the Security Council and wish her every success. We have also listened attentively to the assessments of the Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ms. Ghada Fathi Waly. We thank the Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, Ms. Shaharzad Akbar, for her respective briefing.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union, in accordance with the principle of African solutions to African problems. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that the progress made in the South Sudanese peace process was not due to the pressure of increased sanctions on the country nor — in any way — because of unilateral restrictions. Instead, the key factor was the contribution of regional mediators. We therefore expect that the Council, in accordance with resolution 2521 (2020), will soon launch a comprehensive review of the sanctions regime with a view to adapting it to the realities on the ground.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“When evaluating the latest news about intercommunal clashes, Juba is often admonished while the objectively difficult context of developments is often disregarded. South Sudan is experiencing the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which has not spared even the country’s leadership. Outbreaks of violence in South Sudan each happen for different reasons at different times and places, but — most importantly — they do not pose a direct threat of large-scale destabilization. We therefore call for less pressure on Juba and more support for the South Sudanese people in this difficult period. We hope that regional organizations will continue to play a leading role in accompanying the South Sudanese peace process.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“This opens a window of opportunity to calm the situation, removes obstacles to the peace process and creates the necessary preconditions for reducing the level of intercommunal tension. We commend the overall decline in the level of armed violence since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. South Sudanese refugees and internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their places of permanent residence. We link this to the implementation of confidence-building measures and contacts between the protagonist parties on the ground. It is important that they continue to respect the ceasefire. We urge the South Sudanese to strictly adhere to these agreements. We also encourage non-signatories to join the State-building process.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“The formation of new governing bodies and the completion of the pre-transitional period create the necessary conditions for South Sudan to advance towards political stability and national reconciliation, and the successful resolution of urgent tasks of socioeconomic development in the interests of the entire South Sudanese nation. It is important that the parties be ready to overcome disputes through dialogue. We look forward to continuing the implementation of the transitional arrangements as soon as the necessary conditions are in place. We are encouraged by the information that the revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity has achieved an agreement on the distribution of governor posts for 10 states.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source