YouSaid · the spoken record

Esono Mbengono

lines on the record: 532
first: 2018-02-21
most recent: 2019-12-20
sittings or episodes: 81
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

“These levels of complexity - which go beyond the conflict between two States and include the participation of armed groups, terrorists and organized transnational crime, by land and by sea - make it difficult for States, which bear primary responsibility in such situations, to find sustainable and lasting solutions. That is why the cooperation and support of regional and international organizations, such as the United Nations, are crucial to building and guaranteeing peace and security. For this reason, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea recognizes the important leadership of the European Union in the resolution of conflicts and applauds its cooperation with and support for the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations not only in Europe, but also in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I thank the French and German presidency for having convened this briefing. We also join other speakers in welcoming to the Security Council Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, whom we thank for her informative presentation on cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union. The conflicts and challenges of the twenty-first century require new approaches and perspectives that reflect the growing complexity of existing armed conflicts.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“We support the renewal of the mandate of UNMISS because we continue to believe that it is essential for the country's stability. In conclusion, my Government thanks the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for its the mediation and commitment, as well as the Heads of State and Government of Ethiopia, Kenya, the Sudan and Uganda for their collective efforts to achieve the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, without forgetting the important contribution of the United Nations and the African Union.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“I therefore urge all parties, in particular the Government, to ensure a safer environment for humanitarian personnel, who work tirelessly to provide assistance to the most vulnerable civilians in South Sudan. At the same time, we welcome the fact that some displaced people are already beginning to return to their homes. Equatorial Guinea congratulates the Government of South Sudan and all the stakeholders for having put their country's overriding interests above personal ambition. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, there is no plan B to the agreements in South Sudan, so there can be no going back in the process that has begun. Equatorial Guinea will always stand with South Sudan in those efforts.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“I think that the phrase "silencing the guns" should be familiar because of resolution 2457 (2019), which we recently adopted. We regret the persistence of sporadic fighting between the Government and opposition forces in Central Equatoria, as well as among opposition groups. We also condemn in the strongest terms all sexual assaults against civilians. We urge the parties, above all the Government, to spare no effort to bring to justice all those responsible for those atrocities. We welcome the improvement in the humanitarian situation and encourage donors to continue to support humanitarian agencies. Attacks against humanitarian workers and the personnel of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) are unacceptable.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“We therefore encourage the parties to redouble their efforts to reach a general security agreement for the cantonment and integration of security forces. We understand that the overall situation in South Sudan has improved, as has been acknowledged by the Ambassador of South Africa. However, we would like to remind the parties to the conflict that the time has come to assume their responsibilities and demonstrate the necessary political will for the full and timely implementation of the peace agreement in its letter and spirit, as it has been demonstrated that the only viable way to resolve the situation in South Sudan is through a negotiated political solution among the parties. In that regard, my country hopes that the confidence-building measures that have begun to be put in place will help silence the guns.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Angelina Nyajima Simon Jial, Founder of Hope Restoration South Sudan, for their fruitful briefings. I would also like to welcome the presence of my brother Mr. Akuei Bona Malwal, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the United Nations. The Government of Equatorial Guinea believes that the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, on 12 September 2018, was a significant step forward on the path towards South Sudan's return to peace and stability. For that reason, on behalf of my country, I congratulate the signatories on the spirit of that agreement. Furthermore, we believe that the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity has been an achievement for the peace process.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): In Spanish there is a saying that, no matter how brave one is, one must still be courteous. I would therefore like to add my voice to those of the previous speakers by congratulating, at the outset, all the women in world on this very special occasion, with a special thought for the women of my country. I would like to recall how important this day is, as it makes us remember how important the women in our lives are. Indeed, in my country, Equatorial Guinea, this is a national holiday that is celebrated in acknowledgement of the work that our sisters, wives, daughters and so forth do. Before I focus on the topic under discussion, I would like to thank Mr. David Shearer, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Ms.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at noon.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“We must ensure that the possible withdrawal of UNAMID does not leave behind a power vacuum that could reactivate the conflict. It is important that the zone remain peaceful in order for post-conflict reconstruction to be effective. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Sudan.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“This important programme is now being carried out in the Jebel Marra area. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea urges the Government of the Sudan to improve the security environment in the political framework through the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur with a view to achieving a definitive ceasefire. To that effect, broader support must be given to the political process led by the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. In that regard, we welcome the signing in December of the pre-negotiation agreement in Germany. In conclusion, my delegation congratulates the Sudanese Government, Mr. Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative and Head of UNAMID, and all UNAMID personnel, and calls on them to continue their work to improve the living conditions for the people of Darfur.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that in order to successfully address the root causes of the crisis that continue to lead to acts of violence related to land disputes, mediation and reconciliation efforts are needed with a View to ending the conflict and preventing its recurrence. We note that bringing peace to Darfur would be a firm step towards achieving the shared African aspiration of silencing the guns by 2020. We commend the Government of the Sudan for its support of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and for the efforts it has made in its weapon collection programme. The full implementation of that programme is key both to sustaining the peace currently prevailing in Darfur and to restoring lasting peace to the region.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“However, as stated previously, we remain concerned about the violence that continues to negatively affect the population of Jebel Marra. Indeed, the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is concerned about the still precarious humanitarian situation and the difficulties faced by displaced persons returning to their lands, as well as the persistence of sexual violence. In this context, my country encourages all parties to the conflict to recommit themselves to the political process on the basis of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, and to cease and desist from engaging in deadly clashes, as they continue to cause unnecessary deaths and displacement of civilians. We also call on the countries that host the armed movements to commit to the peaceful pursuit to a lasting solution in the Darfur region.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Equatorial Guinea. First of all, I would like to thank Ms. Bintou Keita for her excellent briefing on the situation in Darfur and for her trip to the area. We also welcome the presence of the representative of the Government of the Sudan at today's meeting. From Ms. Keita's briefing, it should be noted that the overall situation in Darfur has stabilized quite a bit over the past few months. We continue to closely follow the evolution of the situation on the ground and are encouraged by the fact that progress is being made in terms of stability and the positive steps under way. The area has been free of serious violence for several months now, which is further evidence of the advances made with regard to Darfur.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“I thank Ms. Keita for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with article 39 of the Council's provisional rules ofprocedure, I invite Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2019/44, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. I now give the floor to Ms. Keita.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“I new resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on my list. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 11.15 am.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“In that connection and in view of the damage caused by this conflict, we cannot doubt the threat that the Palestinian question poses to international peace and security. Its potential harm cannot be underestimated. The various activities recently carried out by the parties, as mentioned by Mr. Mladenov and Ms. Mueller, are precisely those that the parties must refrain from carrying out as they only exacerbate an already explosive situation. We also ask countries with influence in the area to bring pressure to bear so as to find ajust solution to this long- standing problem. Finally, I reiterate the position of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea in support of any initiative that respects the resolutions of the United Nations and other instruments in force that allude to the creation of two States, based on the pre-l967 borders.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“However, the main Palestinian factions must understand the importance of their collaboration in the management of the Gaza Strip, which in current conditions will always pose a problem for the security of Israel. To that end, we have called for the presence of the Palestinian National Authority, which must do a better job of safeguarding the socioeconomic situation and strive to ensure a secure environment. It is therefore necessary to fulfil the agreements and commitments already made by Fatah and Hamas in October 2017. The tension between Israelis and Palestinians, apart from hindering the reopening of the stalled negotiations between the parties, has also affected the good relations that should exist between the countries of the region, given the prevalence of other, related issues that jeopardize regional stability.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“According to a series of reports, the people lack jobs and have very limited access to adequate services such as health care, education, water and electricity, which has wreaked havoc on the lives of almost 2 million of its inhabitants. In that regard, we associate ourselves with the words of Secretary- General Antonio Guterres, who spoke to the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People on 15 February in Addis Ababa, where he urged Israel "to lift restrictions on the movement of people and goods, which also hamper the efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies". Similarly, we call on Palestinian groups, such as Hamas and other extremist groups, to refrain from all attacks and provocations, which contribute only to the escalation of the conflict.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The TIPH has engaged for over two decades in monitoring and making the necessary efforts to maintain normal living conditions in the city of Hebron, which gave a sense of security to its Palestinian inhabitants. We hope that the Israeli decision will be accompanied by further measures to reassure the Council and the international community about the living conditions of the residents of Hebron and the entire West Bank, who have a right to an atmosphere of respect, calm and tranquillity, in accordance with international humanitarian law. On the situation in Gaza, my delegation welcomes the continued efforts of Mr. Mladenov's team, donors and all partners who have been supporting various initiatives on the ground to improve the life of that Palestinian enclave.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“If that is a long time for those of us sitting here today, it must seem like an eternity for those who suffer and have suffered through it. That is what causes hopelessness and despair and generates frustration among the Palestinians to the point of rioting against Israel, which always responds disproportionately, although we also recognize that it has a right to legitimate self-defence. This prevailing trend dynamic has caused and continues to cause tremendous damage to the parties and to sow hatred in several places in the region. A few weeks ago, we expressed our concern about the unilateral decision of the Israeli Government not to renew agreement on the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), based on the Oslo Accords signed between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Equatorial Guinea. We would first echo those delegations that spoke before us in paying tribute to the late Ambassador Vitaly Churkin on the second anniversary of his death. I should like at the outset to convey our usual thanks for the excellent work that Special Coordinator Mladenov and his team are doing in the Middle East. His briefing today, as on previous occasions, depicts the reality of the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. We also welcome and commend the clear-sighted briefing by Ms. Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator. We are meeting today once again, as we do monthly, to address the Palestinian question, which for 71 years has been debated at the United Nations.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“I thank Ms. Mueller for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, and Ms. Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator. Mr. Mladenov is joining the meeting via video- teleconference from Jerusalem. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Mladenov.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 11.15 am.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“Finally, we encourage the efforts of the Iraqi Government, which in November handed over to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait a number of assets appropriated during the invasion of Kuwait, including books, an archive of Kuwait television video tapes, a sword and a valuable painting. We look forward to the full cooperation of the Government of Iraq in meeting that important requirement. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Iraq.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“We welcome the statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Finance in January, in which he indicates that the central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have agreed to unify customs duties at all border crossing points in the country and eliminate customs checkpoints between the Kurdistan region and the rest of Iraq. Similarly, we welcome Kirkuk's agreement on the resumption of oil exports, as well as the important meetings held in November by the authorities of both parties. All that demonstrates the good will of the political leaders, who are working to unify and integrate all parts of the country.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“We hope that Iraq's rapprochement with neighbouring countries will focus on establishing good cooperation in strategic areas, such as the fight against terrorism, which would facilitate information-sharing among Governments. That would help the Iraqi security services, which remain on alert given that there are still remnants of radical extremists of the Islamic State, who continue to pose an asymmetrical threat in the north and centre of the country. In the light of that situation, it is appropriate that, on the basis of the principles of good-neighbourliness and respect for sovereignty, the Governments of Iraq and Turkey urgently address the security situation in the northern part of the country, which evidently also poses a danger to Turkey.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“We had believed that the easy acceptance of the appointment of the Prime Minister by the main political blocs would facilitate the composition of the rest of the executive branch, submitted to the Council of Representatives. In that regard, and in order to avoid impacting the political and economic reconstruction process that is already under way in the country, it is urgent and necessary for the parties to try to bring their positions closer together in order to facilitate the formation of the Government, the work of which is essential to promoting and advancing the development process. We welcome last November's tour by the new Iraqi President to the countries of the region.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“Barham Salih, in October, who in turn appointed his new Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Adil Abd Al-Mahdi, who presented an ambitious political programme that enjoys much popular support, meets the basic needs of the country and facilitates transparency and the reforms that the country so badly needs. We believe that those events of 2018 represent an important step towards democracy, political stability and the promotion of a sustainable, secure environment for Iraq. In that regard, it is important to highlight the importance of the work of UNAMI, which has always been available to support local authorities in various aspects of the Iraqi State reconstruction process. However, we are concerned about the difficulties being experienced in the process of forming the new Government.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Equatorial Guinea. I would like to begin by joining others in welcoming Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). We thank her for her clear and informative briefing and wish her success in her new responsibility. We have no doubt that her political and diplomatic experience will be useful to the Security Council and UNAMI in making positive progress in the process. She can count on the full support of the delegation of Equatorial Guinea. My delegation congratulates the Iraqi people who, despite the disagreements following the local and parliamentary elections last May, were able to peacefully elect their new President, His Excellency Mr.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“I thank Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Iraq to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2019/78, which contains the twenty-first report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 4 of Security Council resolution 2107 (2013), and document 8/2019/101, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2421 (2018). I now give the floor to Ms.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“The international community must therefore focus its efforts to that end. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We also appreciate the work and efforts of the humanitarian workers on the ground and the support of the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and his team for humanitarian assistance in the region to provide vital aid to the population. In that regard, we call on the parties to take the necessary steps to comply with their international obligations to respect international humanitarian law and human rights. In conclusion, we believe that a solution to the crisis in the region can be achieved only by peaceful means through direct, frank and inclusive negotiations, aimed at a lasting and just solution that will help to strengthen harmonious relations among Ukraine's different ethnic groups. As we have said on other occasions, a sustainable solution to the crisis in Ukraine can only be political.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The path to stability in Donbas is still long but it cannot be achieved if the parties do not show the political will with that first step. In that regard, we call for a ceasefire and urge the parties concerned to respect the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, endorsed in resolution 2202 (2015). We also urge them to continue to make use of the means established to help resolve the conflict, such as the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group and other key actors. Cooperation, efforts and political will are essential to achieving a peaceful and political solution to the crisis. Finally, we appreciate the efforts ofthe OSCE on the ground to uphold the ceasefire and ensure compliance with the Minsk agreements.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We therefore remind the parties that the only way to achieve peace and stability in the region is through the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, which remain the basis for the international community's commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The situation in eastern Ukraine remains a source of concern. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine reports ongoing violations of the ceasefire in the areas ofDonetsk and Luhansk, leading to an increase in tensions and the exacerbation of the situation in the east of the country. Reducing tensions and violence in the region in the east of the country must remain one of the main priorities for paving the way to a peaceful solution to the crisis.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Equatorial Guinea. At the outset, we thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenea, Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Mueller and Ambassadors Apakan and Sajdik of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for their comprehensive briefings. We also thank the delegation of the Russian Federation for requesting today's important briefing on the situation in Ukraine and the commemoration of the implementation of the Minsk agreements, which were signed on 12 February 2015, exactly four years ago, by the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, Russia and France in an effort to end the war in the country. Regrettably, four years later not even one provision of the Minsk agreements has been fully implemented.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Martin Sajdik, Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group. Mr. Apakan and Mr. Sajdik are joining the meeting via video-teleconference from Minsk. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Jenea.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Ukraine to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Miroslav Jenea, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations; Ms. Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; His Excellency Mr. Ertugrul Apakan, Chief Monitor of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine; and His Excellency Mr.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The very high sums disbursed so far for the reconstruction of the country - approximately $109 million - and the alarming figures of the conflict, which include more than 300,000 dead since the beginning of the war, more than 6 million displaced persons in the country, more than 5 million displaced persons around the world, and more than 6 million people suffering from acute food insecurity, among other statistics, demonstrate the horror of the war and the need to put an end to this incessant struggle. In conclusion, as the eighth year of this conflict draws to a close, as has been emphasized, the only way out of the situation in Syria is to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution. This unbearable conflict must end for the sake of the Syrian people and for the future of the region.”
2019-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8454 (2019) · source
“We also urge all the parties to the conflict to urgently guarantee the deployment to Rukban of the humanitarian convoy, including mobile hospitals, in accordance with resolution 2449 (2018). The announced gradual withdrawal of United States troops from Syria should not be a green light for further clashes. Indeed, a Turkish offensive against the Kurdish militia of the People's Protection Units could further exacerbate the war situation. It should be remembered that the priority in both northern and south-eastern Syria is to neutralize all terrorist factions of the Islamic State.”
2019-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8454 (2019) · source
“The Rukban camp, as has been stressed at this meeting, houses approximately 42,000 internally displaced persons, who are de facto hostages of the terrorist factions operating in the area and are now facing very low temperatures and a lack of attention. As Under-Secretary-General Lowcock underscored, because ofthe cold and these difficult living conditions, in just one month eight children died, most of them under the age of four months. More children could suffer the same fate in the coming weeks if they do not receive medical assistance, protection and shelter. Faced with these dire conditions, Equatorial Guinea is pleased to see the process under way to deploy a second humanitarian convoy to Rukban, as recommended by United Nations teams in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/1104).”
2019-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8454 (2019) · source
“Indiscriminate artillery attacks against civilians and civilian targets, regardless of who is responsible for them, undoubtedly lead to an increase in humanitarian needs and reaffirm the need for civil protection. Moreover, humanitarian access to the areas affected by the fighting is still very restricted, and the Government of Equatorial Guinea remains very concerned about the civilians who continue to be trapped in areas controlled by the Islamic State. As Mr. Lowcock once stressed, the fate of millions of Syrians depends on the restraint exercised by the parties. To that end, further efforts are needed to protect the civilian population. There are also ongoing concerns about protection for people who have been moved to displaced persons camps.”
2019-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8454 (2019) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to express its gratitude for the convening of this meeting and to Mr. Mark Lowcock and his entire team for the work they are doing. We assure him once again ofthe ongoing support of the Government of Equatorial Guinea for the activities of humanitarian organizations in Syria, including United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations. While it is true that the active conflict in Syria has somewhat abated, ongoing clashes in the north and south-east of the country continue to cause many casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, as well as large-scale displacements.”
2019-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8454 (2019) · source
“In that regard, UNIOGBIS will again have the opportunity to continue assisting national authorities in implementing their reform programme by providing strategic support and advice on strengthening their democratic institutions. Once the country is politically stable and the long cycle of instability ends, it would be well advised to seriously address the need for sustainable economic development. To that end, it will be essential to continue seeking additional partners to implement social and economic projects initiated by the new Government following presidential elections next year. It is important for Bissau-Guineans to remain united in the difficult and crucial times their country will face in the near future.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source
“We also recommend that the political mission, in particular after its drawdown, continue working closely with key regional actors in support of the institutional reform programme. Elections are by no means a panacea to the country's problems. That is why there is ongoing focus on the need to implement reforms in the areas of security, justice and public administration, including in the education and health sectors. Firm political will and a sense of ownership and identification on the part of national authorities are crucial to that end. In conclusion, the path to restoring stability post- elections will be a very important phase, since it will enable the new Government to build on its reforms.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source
“In addition, we commend the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) and regional and subregional actors, such as the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union and the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau, whose support, through their good offices function, is vital to ensuring that the electoral process is brought to a satisfactory end. We take note of the recommendation of the Secretary-General for a UNIOGBIS drawdown once the electoral process has been completed. After two decades in Guinea-Bissau, we believe that it makes sense to redefine the objectives of United Nations presence in the country.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source
“That led the Government to postpone the electoral census process, which was suspended by decision of the Guinea-Bissau Public Prosecutor's Office, following an investigation into irregularities reported in the process. Nonetheless, Equatorial Guinea takes note of the announcement made yesterday by President Jose Mario Vaz to hold legislative elections on 10 March 2019. It would be advisable for all stakeholders in Guinea- Bissau to refuse to allow the holding of elections to undermine the fragile stability achieved thus far. In that regard, it is essential that the parties concerned continue to examine any initiative that could lead to the implementation of other important provisions of the Conakry Agreement that would contribute to ending the current political crisis.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source