YouSaid · the spoken record

Emiliou

lines on the record: 50
first: 2014-06-11
most recent: 2016-11-22
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“As such, we believe that the promotion of transboundary agreements on water management and the promotion of water- related confidence-building measures are crucial. Such agreements and measures should be carefully built on provisions that will be for the benefit of all countries concerned, with no winners or losers. They should also be promoted with a sharp focus on ownership by the States or parties concerned. In conclusion, please allow me to reiterate our support for today's debate and to express the belief that it will provide useful guidance as to the further development of this important matter within the United Nations system.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In order to address water-related issues and their links to conflict, there needs to be better understanding of those issues. In that context, we believe that the dimension of water-related issues should be incorporated into conflict prevention, where relevant. We also appreciate the contribution of the Global High- Level Panel on Water and Peace. The protections afforded by international humanitarian law during armed conflict cannot be stressed enough. In that regard, we believe that it is important to further study in depth the interlinkages between conflict, access to water and sanitation, and violations of international humanitarian law in order to enable the better implementation of humanitarian law in those instances. Furthermore, it is our strong belief that water can become a source of stability and peace.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“We welcome the increasing focus of the United Nations on the issues of water and sanitation. Sustainable Development Goal 6, on the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, is a significant step by the international community in putting the issues of water and sanitation at the forefront. The full implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change will have a significant effect on improving current problems of water scarcity and water management. We also recognize the positive contribution of the call to action of the High-Level Panel on Water. Moreover, we support the relevant activities and ongoing discussions within the United Nations aimed at promoting the better coordination and work of the United Nations system in an effort to better address water-related challenges around the world.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Efforts to ensure control over water resources may also become a cause of conflict, as noted in the World Water Development Report of 2015. Cyprus, being surrounded by water and having experienced drought and water scarcity on many occasions throughout its history, has its own extensive experience and views on the significance of good water management for sustainable development and for peace. We have successfully used innovation and technology as a method of addressing water shortages, with a state-of- the-art desalination system, among other things. We stand ready to share our experiences and our lessons learned and to contribute to the cooperation between countries, and, given the interconnection between the Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to the overall implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and would like to add some additional remarks in its national capacity. Allow me first to thank Senegal for organizing today's open debate and for all the initiatives that the country has taken in order to promote dialogue within the United Nations on the issues of water, peace and security. Climate change, the growing world population and urbanization have led to an increase in water scarcity and to problems of access to safe drinking water and sanitation, with significant repercussions on everyday life for people around the world. Water access and management is also affected by conflict, with water- access disruptions, while political exploitation of water issues is not uncommon.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Last but not least, we underscore the importance of African women's enhanced participation in all efforts aimed at maintaining and promoting peace and security and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution and peacebuilding. It is equally significant to consider ways to increase meaningful and inclusive participation of African young people in peacebuilding efforts. I thank you once again, Mr. President, for this important and timely initiative that today's meeting represents, which Cyprus fully supports, both in its national capacity and through its membership in the European Union. Supporting peacebuilding in Africa is a large part of our collective efforts to sustain peace and security and promote development and prosperity for the benefit of all of us.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“As peacebuilding encompasses a wide range of political, development and human rights programmes and mechanisms, it is of critical importance for the international community to assist Africa in its efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/ 1) and promote poverty eradication, social development, national reconciliation and unity through inclusive dialogue and mediation, accountability, good governance, democracy, accountable institutions, gender equality and respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“In this regard, it is crucial for the international community to support multidimensional national and regional strategies, addressing political, security and developmental aspects. Priority should be given to the regional dimension of building sustainable peace, as well as providing a platform to promote the perspectives of regional actors, most notably the African Union. Cyprus welcomes the call made in both recent United Nations review processes on peacebuilding and peacekeeping for greater United Nations cooperation with the African Union, and we firmly believe that such enhanced cooperation could significantly contribute to the prevention of the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“While some States are peaceful, secure and growing, others are in the process of institution- and capacity-building following their emergence from long conflicts, whereas many others remain plagued by various problems such as violent extremism, conflict, poverty and inequality. There is no simple or single answer to these challenges. Based on its own experience, Cyprus firmly believes that nationally-owned processes provide the best responses to existing and potential crises, as national ownership can reflect the interests and needs of local populations. Inclusiveness is also key to advancing national peacebuilding processes and objectives in order to ensure that the needs of all segments of society are taken into account, and we stress that civil society can play an important role in advancing efforts to sustain peace.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Cyprus aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. However, I would like to deliver the following remarks in my national capacity as the representative of Cyprus. First of all, I wish to thank the Japanese presidency of the Security Council for convening today's important meeting and for circulating a very useful concept note (S/2016/586, annex). Africa continues to be the priority with respect to peacebuilding activities. Nonetheless, it is very difficult indeed to talk about peacebuilding in Africa as a unitary object, due to the diverse challenges with which the continent is faced.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“We firmly believe that the 2030 Agenda provides us with a unique opportunity to act together in order to shape a safer, more peaceful, just and prosperous world for ourselves and for our children and future generations.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“At the same time, strong and effective institutions that are transparent, corruption-free, accessible and accountable, along with democratic forms of participation, are essential ingredients for inclusive and sustained economic growth and peaceful and stable societies. Establishing peace, security and respect for fundamental freedoms, and combating discrimination and all forms of violence, are critical conditions for development, but they are also the outcomes of development. Addressing the sources of conflict requires a multidimensional approach that must take into account the interrelated areas of development, human rights, peace, security and the rule of law.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Dealing with the imperatives of peace and security means reaching those who are most vulnerable, including women and girls, children and the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, the internally displaced and indigenous and minority groups. An inclusive society should provide equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their background, and in particular should ensure women's equal participation at all levels, since they play a crucial role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Tolerance and sound democratic governance are the best ways to ensure peaceful coexistence and welfare.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“In order to reverse such worrying developments, we should direct our efforts so that the countries and regions in conflict zones are turned into places in which sustainable development becomes a reality. That can be achieved only by tackling the root causes that have led to this unprecedented situation with its political instability and economic insecurity. The marginalization of communities and groups based on racial, ethnic, social, gender, religious, cultural and/or economic grounds undoubtedly contributes to the destabilization of societies and underlies many conflicts today. Social, ethnic and religious divides have been a critical factor in creating conflict in many regions of the world. Exclusion, discrimination and deprivation are causes of poverty and inequality that threaten social cohesion.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The statement also called for an approach to building a sustainable peace that incorporates and strengthens coherence between political, security, development, human rights and rule-of-law activities, and addresses the underlying causes of each conflict. That vision is now included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/1) adopted in September by our leaders. While, on the one hand, we have adopted an ambitious Agenda, on the other we have been witnessing ongoing turmoil, extremism, sectarianism, civil war and terrorism in many parts of the world, resulting in death, persecution, property dispossession, displacement, the destruction of cultural heritage and forced migration.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Please allow me, first of all, to convey our deepest condolences and sympathy to the people and Government of France at this difficult moment. (spoke in French) We are all Parisians. (spoke in English) Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like, however, to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. In 2001, in its presidential statement S/PRST/2001/5, the Security Council underlined that security and development are closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing, and are key to attaining sustainable peace. Their relationship was recognized as complex, multifaceted, and case-specific.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“International cooperation and effective collective measures to remove any threats to peace lie at the core of our preventive actions, and with the involvement of all actors, governmental and non-governmental, and all other stakeholders, we can help SIDS build resilience and a more prosperous and sustainable life. It is in our collective interest to do so, and it is in the interest of global peace.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“It must be emphasized, in this context, that building alliances and partnerships between SIDS and all relevant actors - including regional organizations, global financial institutions, the private sector and civil society - is crucial in addressing the numerous and diverse challenges of the small island States. SIDS rely on the support and solidarity of the international community. In our national capacity and as a member of the European Union, we support and contribute to the realization of many of the shared objectives of SIDS, including that of addressing climate change globally. Development, peace and security go hand in hand. The sustainable development goals, which our leaders will adopt next September, have clearly established that peace and security cannot exist without development and development cannot be achieved without peace.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Climate change can lead to or intensify structural adversities and increase communicable and noncommunicable diseases. It deepens social and economic disparities, as climate-induced migration illustrates. Cyprus, as a small island State in the Mediterranean, is familiar with those challenges. Our small size, remoteness, limited natural resources - such as water scarcity - render us exposed and vulnerable to many challenges similar to those currently facing SIDS. That is why we have always maintained the view that the interest of small island States can best be served and protected collectively, within the framework of the United Nations.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Following the Security Council's recent Arria Formula meeting on the role of climate change as a threat to global security, especially for SIDS, this debate is an excellent opportunity for SIDS to further contribute to the discussion on how we can collectively address the peace and security challenges related to climate change that small island States have to face. Climate change, as the greatest threat multiplier for global security, can be considered the root cause of many of the various challenges that threaten SIDS and make them socially, environmentally and economically more susceptible. Ecosystems and marine biodiversity are also susceptible to aggressive changes in the environment, something that directly affects coastal and marine resources and, eventually, tourism and fisheries.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Such challenges are, inter alia, lack of human capacity, land degradation, weak infrastructure, food insecurity, brain drain due to migration, organized crime, including the trafficking of drugs, small arms and persons, as well as piracy, and, most importantly, the adverse effects of climate change. The 2012 World Bank report entitled "Turn Down the Heat" warns that if current commitments and pledges are not fully adhered to, a warming of 4Â°C could occur as early as the 20605 and that an associated sea- level rise of 0.51 metre or more by 2100 will threaten the very existence of entire countries and many SIDS. Needless to say, all of those grave challenges have a serious, cumulative impact on the stability and peace of many SIDS.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“The Republic of Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union and would like to make the following remarks in its national capacity. The international community has recognized the particular challenges facing SIDS, especially through the outcome documents of international conferences, such as the Barbados Programme of Action, the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and, most recently, the Samoa Pathway. Their small size, the limited nature of their economies, their lack of capacity and resources, and their geographical isolation and exposure to natural disasters render those States more vulnerable to subsequent threats that adversely affect their economies and societies.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, and your delegation on your successful stewardship of this month's presidency of the Security Council and for convening this open debate. This debate could not have been more timely, as we are approaching the first anniversary of the adoption of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (Samoa Pathway), a blueprint for sustainable development for small island developing States (SIDS), while in September a historic summit will take place here at the United Nations for the adoption of a universal post-2015 development agenda that would call for global action towards inclusive, sustainable development and universal prosperity in a peaceful, safe and just world.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to say that my country joins with all those who fight for the prevalence of the freedom of the press, for pluralism and unhindered access to information and for protecting journalists and their work globally. It is high time to move away from theoretical declarations and to engage in concrete actions.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“It is unacceptable that the majority of assassinations of journalists have yet to be properly investigated and punished. The United Nations, as the embodiment of our fundamental freedoms, values and principles, can also play its part in the global efforts to promote the protection of journalists, freedom of the press and putting an end to the regime of quasi-impunity for the perpetrators of acts of violence against journalists. In that regard, the important role of the Security Council is especially important in engaging actively and standing up against the suppression of the freedom of the media wherever and whenever it occurs.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The horrific terrorist attacks in Paris and Copenhagen, the barbaric beheadings of journalists by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, and the journalists killed while trying to cover a story in a conflict zones show that the threat to journalists and free expression is not an isolated phenomenon but a global one and that, indeed, no place is really safe. It is for this reason that Governments should redouble their efforts and take measures that aim at preventing violence and promoting a safe environment for journalists, in order that they can perform their duties freely and without fear. Attacks against the press should be met with zero tolerance. All acts against the freedom of the media must be investigated swiftly, and the perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“It is indicated that, reflecting the increasingly volatile nature of conflict zones in which journalists are often deliberately targeted, nearly one quarter of those killed that year were members of the international press, which is double the proportion reported in recent years. The majority of the victims, however, still remain local press covering local stories. About 68 per cent of the journalists killed in 2014 covered politics, with the next deadliest beat for reporters being war, at 60 per cent, followed by human rights, at 55 per cent.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“As the Secretary-General states in his synthesis report on the post-2015 development agenda, "Press freedom and access to information, freedom of expression, assembly and association are enablers of sustainable development." (A/69/700, para. 79) The year 2014 was yet another deadly one for journalists around the world. As reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists, a total of60journalists were killed globally in relation to their work, with an unusual proportion of those killed being members of the international press who had crossed borders to cover conflicts and dangerous situations all over the world.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers." It is therefore incumbent upon all Governments to respect the right ofindividuals to hold opinions without interference, and the freedom of the press to collect, distribute, analyze and disseminate information without any kind of interference or fear of violence or persecution. It is impossible to have a genuinely democratic society without freedom of the media. As journalists continue to be imprisoned and killed in the four corners of the globe, it is important to recommit ourselves to this very basic freedom and to foster an independent and pluralistic media, which is prerequisite to democracy, peace and development.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Freedom of information is a fundamental human right, a cornerstone of all the freedoms and values promoted and defended by the United Nations. It is guaranteed by article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and constitutes an essential pillar of any healthy society. The freedom of the press is also enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, in which article 10 provides that "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“As one of the last speakers of the day, Madam President, allow me to commend you on your exceptional stamina and patience. We also wish to thank the Lithuanian presidency for convening this important and timely debate, as well as to congratulate it on the unanimous adoption of today's resolution 2222 (2015), which condemns all violations and abuses committed against journalists and strongly deplores impunity for such acts. 1 would also like to welcome and thank the journalists who came here today to share with us their own personal experiences. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union and Wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. We recall that the call for freedom of information came in one of the very first resolutions of the General Assembly.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“It would be more appropriate if we said that our true collective interest is to support legality and the rule of law on the international stage.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Regrettably, Cyprus constitutes a case in which the principles of the United Nations Charter are still being violated as a result of the continuing Turkish occupation, which raises the question, to this body and to the whole of the international community, as to whether those principles are being adhered to unreservedly and universally or whether they are being diluted by mere declarations of good intentions and selective application, only for the world to eventually revert to a state of anarchy, double standards and the perception that might is right. Cyprus is not asking anyone to intervene in its favour. We are simply invoking international law and legality, because we believe that a key element of our civilization is not primarily the pursuit of our self-interests, but the support of legality.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The United Nations Charter has also been complemented in areas such as maritime jurisdiction via the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the protection of the environment and social and economic development. That in turn has led to the advancement of the rule of law and the further development of customary international law.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The principles enshrined in the Charter ofthe United Nations have been further developed and enriched by subsequent landmark conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, the Rome Statute and its corresponding Kampala amendments, which my country fully supports, have strengthened justice and accountability with regard to atrocities and war crimes.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Cyprus's independence, in 1960, followed a long series of struggles on the part of our people, including their contribution to the victory against Nazism during the Second World War. Although Cyprus was a small country under colonial rule at the time, 10 per cent of its male population volunteered to serve in a British regiment as well as in other Allied armies. Greek and Turkish Cypriots fought and sacrificed together under the flag of ecumenical values such as democracy and humanism.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“I would first like to congratulate China on organizing this timely debate. The Republic of Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union, and would like to make some additional remarks in its national capacity. This year marks the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, one of the most remarkable achievements of the international community, built on the ruins of a devastating war. For countries like the Republic of Cyprus, its foundation has been a source of inspiration in our endeavour to achieve national independence within the context of the anti-colonialist movement of the 1950s and 1960s.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Similarly, an inclusive society is one in which women have equal participation at all levels, as their crucial role in the prevention and resolution in conflicts cannot be doubted. In conclusion, peace and security, respect for fundamental freedoms and combating discrimination and all forms of violence are critical conditions for development; but at the same time there are also developmental outcomes. Addressing the sources of conflict requires a multidimensional approach that must take into account the interrelated dimensions of development, human rights, peace and security and the rule of law. We firmly believe that 2015 will provide us with a unique opportunity to shape a more peaceful, just and prosperous world that will leave no one behind.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“At the same time, strong and effective institutions that are transparent, corruption-free, accessible and accountable, and democratic forums for participation are necessary ingredients for inclusive and sustained economic growth and for peaceful and stable societies. The United Nations is a seminal factor in promoting inclusive development. The Security Council in particular has a unique opportunity to implement inclusive policies because its mandated peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations have a major role to play in rebuilding and developing societies in the wake of conflicts. Cyprus commends the Security Council's efforts to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping operations, which is emblematic of inclusive policies.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“It is the politics of inclusion" (S/PV. 7272, p. 3). Exclusion, discrimination and deprivation are causes of poverty and inequality that threaten social cohesion. Meeting the imperatives of peace and security means reaching out to the most vulnerable, including women and girls, children and the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons and indigenous and minority groups. An inclusive society should provide equal opportunity for every citizen, regardless of his or her background. Equal opportunity, tolerance and sound democratic governance best ensure peaceful coexistence and welfare.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“Social, ethnic and religious divisions have been a critical factor leading to the conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Central Africa and elsewhere. Marginalization gives rise to extremism, which in turn exacerbates existing conflict and risks leading to the radicalization of our youth. The recruitment efforts of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant provide an example of how non-governmental actors can exploit cultural and religious divisions to further conflicts. Inclusion and tolerance can combat such radicalization and mitigate the effect of existing conflict, in addition to preventing conflict in future. For those reasons, we agree with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's statement following the adoption of resolution 2178 (2014): "Over the longer term, the biggest threat to terrorists is not the power of missiles.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“In order to build stable societies that live in peace and security, inclusive development is essential. We all recognize that development and peace are closely linked and mutually reinforcing. There cannot be peace without development, and in the absence of peace, no development can take place. That is why we believe that peace is the key prerequisite in the new post-2015 development agenda, so that it can be transformative and make a real change in the world for societies and people. The marginalization of communities or groups based on racial, ethnic, social, gender, religious, cultural and/ or economic grounds undoubtedly contributes to the destabilization of societies and underlies many conflicts today.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“On behalf of the Republic of Cyprus I, too, would like to commend and thank Chile for convening this important debate on inclusive development and its impact on the maintenance of international peace and security. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier today on behalf of the European Union. In addition, I would like to make some remarks in my national capacity. In adopting resolution 2171 (2014), the Security Council recognized the effectiveness of preventive action in maintaining international peace and security. The Republic of Cyprus believes that a comprehensive approach to conflict prevention requires awareness in tackling the root causes of conflict as well as the implementation of policies for sustainable peace.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“It is essential that our efforts address the root causes of international conflicts and that we undertake solid and tangible steps that will enhance the United Nations collectiveness and reaffirm our joint commitment to upholding and strengthening the principles and values of the Organization.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“In addition to the current Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNFICYP, Ms. Lisa Buttenheim, we will soon have the pleasure of welcoming to Cyprus Major General Kristin Lund, the next UNFICYP Force Commander and the first ever woman to lead a United Nations peacekeeping force. We are certain that their insight will prove decisive in our effort. In this volatile international environment, it is of utmost importance to adhere to the principles of the Charter, specifically to the principle ofrespect for State sovereignty, when deploying peacekeeping operations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“We also consider that the recommendations of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations provide a comprehensive context of specific ideas that correspond to evolving needs. In discussing modern peacekeeping, the need for a broader introduction of a gender perspective in peacekeeping operations and the full implementation of Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security come to the fore. Cyprus attaches great importance to the pivotal role of women in conflict management and resolution with the aim of achieving sustainable peace, and we would very much welcome increased participation of women in peace processes and peacekeeping operations, including in senior roles. In that regard we feel privileged to have two women at the top of the United Nations mission in Cyprus.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Cyprus commends the efforts made so far in that direction and would like to encourage the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to keep looking into possibilities for the expanded use of modern technology. In line with that, we would like to stress the importance of the security of the Blue Helmets and civilian personnel, which is closely associated with the use of upgraded equipment and modern tools. Safeguarding the welfare ofpeacekeepers and providing an upgraded working and living environment should also form part of our priorities. In that regard, we are in favour ofthe idea of extending peacekeeping mandates, when necessary, so that the safety and security of peacekeepers is guaranteed.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“They underline the need for this debate, as well as for our quest for efficiency and modernization to be ongoing. Increased challenges also underline the need for the cost-effective use of resources and the most efficient resource allocation. Those, however, should be in line, and not to the detriment of, the ability of peacekeeping missions to adequately and effectively fulfil their mandate. It is necessary that modern peacekeeping adapt to new needs and challenges, for example by adequately equipping peacekeepers and civilian personnel. Up-to-date technology is a sine qua non for the execution of the mandate of all United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Cyprus can attest, from its own experience, that the maintenance of international peace and security would be precarious without United Nations peacekeeping in many parts of the world. Peacekeeping remains one of the primary tools through which the United Nations fulfils its principal mandate - the maintenance of international peace and security. Peacekeeping has gone through various phases and is now more multidimensional than ever before. That is largely due to the ever-changing nature of conflicts, which have become more internalized and thus more challenging and complex and with more far- reaching effects on regional and international peace and security. The emergence of new challenges requires the collective and organized response of the international community.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Cyprus aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union. I would like to thank the Russian Federation for organizing such an important and timely debate. Cyprus would like to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in peacekeeping missions around the world. Their contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security is invaluable. The year 2014 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). I take this opportunity to extend our deep appreciation and gratitude to the United Nations and its Member States, in particular all those Member States who have contributed troops to UNFICYP throughout the years.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source