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

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“The main challenge to the consensus-based Government of Prime Minister Aristides Gomes, formed seven months ago, has been to create a political environment that builds trust and is conducive to the holding of free and transparent legislative elections, in particular by updating the electoral register and establishing a new mapping division that, in theory, would enable the Government and the National Electoral Commission to hold elections in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Furthermore, despite the clear desire of the United Nations and other regional and international partners for the legislative elections to be held on 18 November, in accordance with the legal and constitutional timelines, organizing the elections was fraught with difficulties, including a delay in the delivery of electoral kits.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): It is with great satisfaction and enthusiasm that Equatorial Guinea expresses its appreciation for the convening of this meeting, which allows us once again to analyse and share perspectives on the political and institutional situation in Guinea-Bissau. My delegation would like to thank Mr. Taye-Brook Zerihoun, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Ambassador Mauro Vieira for their very relevant briefings. I would like to focus my speech on three vital points. First, we stress the importance of the current electoral process in ensuring a return to political and institutional stability in Guinea-Bissau. Secondly, we underscore the urgent need for far-reaching reforms to move the country forward. Lastly, I will share my views on the post-election period.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source
“Such a large-scale strategic approach clearly reflects the region's partners in the Program's ability to significantly change the socioeconomic situation in the region. In conclusion, we reiterate that the development dimension should not be forgotten in the Sahel because it will serve to sustainably address terrorist threats. We hope that tangible achievements will be made in the coming years and that they will bring about a positive transformation in the Sahel and offer a better future to all of its peoples, without exclusion. It should be underscored that achieving stability and peace in the Sahel will have a positive impact on the entire African continent.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source
“However, we believe that the development dimension must be bolstered so that the peoples of the Sahel can feel truly protected. It is clear that on any of the Sahel borders, specific achievements need to be recorded in terms of bolstering social welfare. That is what the Program must focus on. In this connection, the region's partners must respect their financing commitments. We underscore the importance of the support provided by the European Investment Bank, which, at the G-5 Sahel partners and donors coordination conference held on 6 December in Nouakchott, confirmed its support for the following two areas of action in particular: infrastructure projects and projects related to resilience and human development.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source
“Such endeavours will undoubtedly contribute to mobilizing additional resources for the Sahel and ensure that the assistance provided by the international community is properly coordinated and complementary to the efforts already under way in the countries of the region. For that reason, the countries of the region, in particular those of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), have elaborated and adopted a programme called the Priority Investment Program, which includes some 40 projects directly related to living conditions in the Sahel. We deem the Program very relevant, as, for obvious reasons, much more has been done in the area of security owing to the need to combat violent extremism and negative forces that sow the seeds of despair.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source
“The Sahel region has a strategy that is based on development and security, as is made clear in the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel. The political and security arenas cannot be dissociated from the humanitarian dimensions of development if we wish to build and sustain peace in the region. In this connection, the Government of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the concerted efforts of the United Nations system as a whole aimed at recalibrating the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and further promoting its implementation through a more integrated and cross-cutting approach.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source
“Ibrahim Thiaw; the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Ion Jinga; the World Bank Vice-President for Africa, Mr. Hafez Ghanem; and Mr. Rioux of the Sahel Alliance. In recent years, the countries of the Sahel region have found themselves in the midst of a security crisis following an influx of terrorists and criminal forces of all stripes, and the peoples of the region are finding their very existence under threat. To eradicate that phenomenon, the States of the region, supported by various partners, have waged a battle that has essentially focused on the military aspect. However, we have gradually realized that there is a need to ensure that focus is not only on security but also on development, so as to address the root causes of the instability in the Sahel.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, Equatorial Guinea wishes to thank Cote d'Ivoire for having convened this meeting, which is being held exactly one day after we marked the fourth anniversary of the creation of the Group of Five for the Sahel. There can be no doubt that, since the creation of that institutional framework for coordination and follow-up of regional cooperation, the Sahelo-Saharan countries have done important work in pooling efforts in the areas of development and security in order to expeditiously usher in an area of overall progress and shared prosperity. We also wish to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the presence of, and the detailed briefings provided by, the Special Adviser to the Secretary- General for the Sahel, Mr.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source
“We are certain that both countries have an effective set of tools not only to exchange views about the situation in Syria, but also, and most important, to revitalize the political process with the same aim: to take decisive steps forward towards a political solution to the conflict, in accordance with the objectives of resolution 2254 (2015). Finally, Equatorial Guinea hopes that there will be no further delays in the formation of the constitutional committee and that the stalemate in the negotiations will not lead to the failure of the Astana process. We encourage the incoming Special Envoy to continue exploring all opportunities to overcome the roadblocks to the formation of the committee so that the first meeting can be held early next year, as we have repeatedly stated in the Security Council.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“In that vein, we call on the Special Envoy to continue consultations with the Syrian Government and the co-guarantors in order to come up with a list that enjoys the greatest possible consensus of all parties. The United Nations must continue to play the role of facilitator, with full respect for the sovereignty, unity and independence of the Syrian people. Furthermore, my country's Government believes that cooperation among the main allies of the national parties to the conflict is key to the successful development of Syria. It is clear that this conflict has no military solution, as the passage of time has demonstrated. My Government also wishes to stress the importance of the contact mechanism of the United States with the Russian Federation on Syria.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“It is not inappropriate to say so, as it is an open secret that each party wants its own Government and its own opposition, and yet they want the representatives of civil society to be acceptable to all. It is therefore very difficult to reach an agreement as to who is going to be a part of that section of the Syrian constitutional committee. We hope that the third list of representatives of civil society, agreed upon by the Astana guarantors and presented to the Special Envoy at the 18 December meeting, will not detract from the shared objective of establishing a constitutional committee that is balanced, inclusive and trustworthy, in accordance with the decisions of the Congress of the Syrian National Dialogue held in Sochi and resolution 2254 (2015).”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Although the Republic of Equatorial Guinea stresses the contribution of the Astana guarantors in the framework of this decisive and delicate process, with a view to creating the conditions necessary to prevent violence in Syria, resolve humanitarian problems and contribute to the repatriation of Syrian refugees and the implementation of the political process on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015), we nonetheless recognize that the current stalemate is not benefiting in any way the millions of Syrians who have been suffering from the conflict since 2011. My delegation is aware that the main reason Why the process has become so sensitive is because the problem of each segment of the future committee wishing to promote its own interests.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“As the end of the year draws near, expectations about the convening of the first meeting of the constitutional committee are higher than ever. Although at the eleventh international meeting on Syria it was not possible to make significant progress towards a broad consensus on the formation of the committee, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea took note of the fact that at the meeting held on 18 December, the Astana guarantors agreed to make the efforts necessary for the first meeting of the committee to be held in Geneva in early 2019.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): It is a pleasure to have with us once again the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura. The briefing he has just delivered makes clear that he has spared no effort to achieve the formation of the constitutional committee after four years of strong commitment to the peace negotiations in Syria. I convey to him the gratitude of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea for his four years of important and intensive work in the quest for a peaceful solution to a very complicated conflict. My delegation would underline the importance of ensuring that at the conclusion of his mandate, there will be no interruption in this important task as it is handed over to his successor, Mr. Pedersen.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, this is our desire not only because we are a member of the Security Council but also because of our firm conviction that, through political negotiation, the parties concerned can satisfactorily resolve all the problems, including those relating to the Israeli-Palestinian, Israeli-Syrian and Israeli-Lebanese negotiations, in such a way that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace can soon be achieved in the Middle East.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Therefore, the continued commitment of all parties to resolution 1701 (2006) remains essential for maintaining stability in the region. We also understand that Israel has the right to legitimate defence. The message bears repeating: The Government of Equatorial Guinea wants Council members with the capacity to influence the parties to become even more involved in making decisive progress towards a permanent ceasefire. That must be done by prioritizing not only their interests in the region but ultimately the well-being of the people, who often live under the shadow of war or its looming threat.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“He has maintained contact with both sides at the highest level to maintain clear and credible channels of communication in order to avoid misunderstandings on this sensitive issue. We again urge the Lebanese and Israeli authorities to prioritize their close cooperation with UNIFIL and to use the latter's liaison, coordination and tripartite mechanisms to reduce tension. The responsibility for the security and well-being of the people on both sides of the Blue Line ultimately rests with the Governments of Israel and Lebanon. That is why we believe that, before resorting to force, the priority must be to preserve calm and stability in the region. As has been underscored, the ongoing relative calm that has prevailed along the Blue Line since 2006 is a positive development.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Bearing in mind that the tunnels discovered were excavated from homes in Lebanese villages and that, if the genuine intention of their perpetrators was allegedly to use them to infiltrate Israel and launch offensives against the opposing party, the tunnels clearly pose a threat to the security of both the Israeli and Lebanese civilian populations and constitute a flagrant violation of resolution 1701 (2006), which calls on the parties to uphold a permanent ceasefire along the Blue Line. In that context, my delegation wishes to stress the importance of ensuring stability on the border and the region in strict compliance with resolution 1701 (2006) and in coordination of UNIFIL. We commend the Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL, Major General Stefano Del Col, on his efforts.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“The attribution by the Israeli Defense Forces of the excavation of the tunnels to Hizbullah has sounded the drums of war in Upper Galilee. Tensions are increasing and with them the risk of a miscalculation that could turn into a confrontation between the patrols of the Lebanese army and the Israeli Defense Forces, which are already squaring off against one another in those areas.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Ijoin the delegations that took the floor before me in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and in welcoming the presence of Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix and thanking him for the detailed information he has just given us on the most recent developments concerning the current tense situation near the Blue Line. In view of the confirmation by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) of the existence of tunnels south of the Blue Line and the launching of a large-scale military operation announced by the Israeli armed forces with the aim of destroying several tunnels dug from Lebanon to Israel, the Government of Equatorial Guinea expresses its deep concern about overall stability in the region.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“Likewise, we urge the Security Council not to remain indifferent in the face of the stalemate in negotiations between the parties and to work to implement measures that allow for compliance with its own resolutions. We ask that written reports on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) be published, as was requested by 10 members of the Council. Finally, the United States peace plan that has been initiated by Ambassador Nikki Haley deserves our due attention, as it currently lacks detail. We welcome the plan and hope that it will be fair and convincing in the eyes of the international community. We wish to take this opportunity to pay well-deserved tribute to Ambassador Haley for her leadership during her time here at the Security Council.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“However, in order to achieve a secure and sustained settlement in Gaza, it is important to guarantee a stable security environment, for which we have always demanded the return of the Palestinian Authority. That compels us to join Egypt's actions to promote reconciliation among the Palestinian parties, while bearing in mind that security in the Gaza Strip would help to alleviate the tension with neighbouring Israel. History has starkly taught us that the conflict has no military solution. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea therefore reiterates that the political solution to the Palestinian question must comprise a two-State solution that is negotiated by the parties, within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. The interests of both parties must always be taken into account.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We regret and strongly condemn the heavy exchanges of gunfire between Israeli forces and Hamas militias in November, the magnitude of which caused severe alarm among the population and led to several deaths and infrastructure damage. In that regard, we call on Hamas and other Palestinian organizations in the area to refrain from any provocation against Israel. Likewise, we urge the Israeli security forces to respect international humanitarian law by evaluating their responses to those threats. We therefore call on the parties to respect the provisions of resolution 2334 (2016). We welcome the efforts of the United Nations that, together with its partners and donors, has continued to improve the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza. We hope that such inroads can garner further international support.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The amount oftime that this sad reality has lingered on is completely unjust and could create scepticism in international public opinion about the will and spirit that drives our work of managing peace and security in the Middle East, in particular the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Every year, we advocate new draft resolutions to alleviate the conflict, which is all well and good, but what about the many resolutions that have already been adopted? The history of the conflict has proven that it is extremely difficult to adopt draft resolutions on this matter in the Council, which demonstrates how rational and fair the existing resolutions are. We must therefore all support strict compliance with those resolutions, which, in our opinion, provide a balanced solution to the problem.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is convinced of the important role that the United Nations has always played with regard to the Palestinian question, but also believes that the Security Council and the international community must conduct a deeper moral and political examination of what and how much we are doing and in what way and if we are taking the right approach. Seventy years is too long to wait for the resolution of a conflict that is unrelenting in taking human lives on all sides, keeping millions of Palestinians displaced and hindering the development of Palestinian society, while unravelling the basic livelihoods of some localities, as has been the case in the Gaza Strip.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): I thank Mr. Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his clear and detailed briefing. I would also like to express to him and his team our appreciation and recognition of the continued work carried out and efforts made this year. We encourage them to keep up the same spirit and dynamism in their work next year. Unless there are further insurgencies, I believe that this will be the last meeting on the Palestinian question of this working year. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea is extremely concerned that, despite all the support and effort, we have been unable to achieve any political progress in both the disputes between Israelis and Palestinians and the intra-Palestinian relationship.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“While we note that that would constructively support the African initiative mentioned in the latest report of the Secretary-General, which indicates that the African Union has moved towards the operationalization of the African Peace Fund, African States have in fact contributed $74 million to the Fund so far, an amount that, it is hoped, will reach $100 million by early 2019. In that regard, we hope that the dynamic of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations will find a platform enabling them to step up cooperative efforts with a view to achieving stable and lasting peace in all conflicts throughout the world, in which regional organizations could play a decisive role given their knowledge of local circumstances and their proximity to specific situations on the ground.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, we would like to highlight resolutions 2320 (2016), of 18 November 2016, and 2378 (2017), of 20 September 2017, which emphasize the need to improve the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing for African Union-led peace operations previously authorized by the Security Council, to be financed by United Nations contributions, based on strict case-by-case analyses. In that regard, we see the need for the members of the Council to approve the draft resolution on financing for African Union peace support operations, which is expected to be introduced during the presidency of Cote d'Ivoire.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In order to address the issue of conflict prevention, especially with regard to those conflicts affecting the African continent, Equatorial Guinea deems it of utmost importance to promote economic and social development in Africa, as the lack of sustainable economic management, the disparity among various social classes, gender inequality and extreme poverty are the main factors exacerbating existing conflicts, such as terrorism, transnational crime and drug trafficking. We also deem important the professionalization of women in the areas of diplomacy and preventive mediation at all levels, as well as their consequent integration into all stages of the peace process, as we see such inclusivity as critical to achieving sustainable and permanent peace on the continent.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“On the other hand, although new mechanisms and strategies for the implementation of human rights policies are being adopted, it is necessary to strengthen existing mechanisms so as to ensure that they are respected in the deployment of personnel from troop-contributing countries, as well as to ensure compliance with training standards for African Union peace support operations.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“With regard to transparency and respect for human rights and humanitarian law during peace operations, we believe that it is important to establish mechanisms and measures within missions and organizations that would focus on strengthening policies to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and step up disciplinary responses and corrective action in cases of violation ofthe relevant norms. Equatorial Guinea therefore welcomes the African Union Peace and Security Council's adoption of the draft policy on conduct and discipline for peace support operations and the draft policy for prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse for peace support operations.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“That very same idea was taken up yesterday by His Excellency Mr. Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Equatorial Guinea (see S/PV.8413), when he spoke of the simple and clear equation of cooperation. In that regard, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the signing of the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which outlines closer collaboration, more regular exchanges of information and consultations and coordinated action to promote lasting peace and security in Africa.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Ultimately, conflict resolution in Africa requires greater political harmony between and a well-developed joint vision for the African Union and the United Nations, including improved coordination between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, the development and identification of cooperation modalities, the promotion ofmutual respect and the establishment of an operational decision-making mechanism shared by the two organizations. The African Union and other regional and subregional organizations in Africa enjoy unique advantages and a great deal of experience in resolving critical problems on the continent. The United Nations and other partners are a necessary factor to ensure greater effectiveness in the quest for lasting and beneficial solutions.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“We therefore believe that funding should be stepped up, that mechanisms for voluntary contributions from Member States and other external as well as African sources should be improved, and that the United Nations should provide continuous training to the armies of countries that traditionally contribute military personnel to peacekeeping missions and other countries in need of such training, as well as work closely with missions with regard to promoting sustainable peacekeeping.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The African Union has proved to be a key partner for the United Nations in steadfastly proposing innovative responses, based on the comparative advantage of the rapid deployment of peace missions with strong mandates within the framework of continental and regional agreements, thereby demonstrating the flexibility of the African Peace and Security Architecture and its ability to adapt to constantly evolving security challenges. Africa is an important part of ongoing peacekeeping operations, not only in terms of hosting United Nations missions, but also, and especially, in terms of the military contingents and police units that its countries provide.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“That is all attributable to certain key elements, including their proximity to conflicts, experience and cultural similarity. As they are familiar with local cultures, regional organizations could work more effectively in the area of early-warning and conflict- prevention systems. In the area of operations, the United Nations should provide support in the form of the technical, financial and institutional assistance necessary to carry out large-scale peacekeeping activities.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/678) indicates, that, despite the security challenges and obstacles present in regions affected by active conflict, such as in Libya, the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, the Lake Chad basin and the Great Lakes region, there has been significant progress thanks to the continued economic and logistical support that has been received and to the cooperation among the United Nations, international partners and the African Union with the host Governments of peace missions, regional economic bodies and regional mechanisms, as they enjoy the advantage of superior knowledge of their own region, which makes it easier for them not only to act quickly and prevent conflicts, but also to prevent them from spilling over into neighbouring regions.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Bringing peace to Africa and the comprehensive development of the continent is one of the main of objectives of my country's foreign policy under the leadership of His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. My delegation therefore welcomes this open debate given the importance of strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, which contributes to improving and sustaining peace and security, not only on the African continent, but also at the global level. By holding this debate, we are reinforcing the message underlying the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, which is important if we are to meet the goals set by both organizations with regard to conflict management and prevention.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): The Republic of Equatorial Guinea should like to thank His Excellency Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, and his country for organizing this open debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. We also welcome the presence of Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. We are pleased to see His Excellency Secretary-General Antonio Guterres among us once again, and we welcome also the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jean- Claude Kassi Brou, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States. We convey to all of them our thanks for their informative briefings.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In that regard, my delegation urges the parties to find a political solution through dialogue and negotiations, based on respect for international law, the principles of international relations and the maintenance of international regional peace, security and stability. We emphasize the need for the parties to respect the Charter ofthe United Nations and to resolve their disputes in accordance with existing bilateral and multilateral agreements. In conclusion, we remind the parties once again that a solution to the issue can be achieved only by peaceful means, through direct, frank and inclusive negotiations. In that regard, we urge the parties to exercise the utmost restraint in order to defuse the situation, intensify their efforts and commit themselves to avoiding actions that could escalate tensions.”
2018-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8410 (2018) · source
“That is why reducing tension so as to avoid an escalation of the situation is a top priority at this time and requires the cooperation and resolve of both parties. In that regard, we call on the parties concerned to remain calm and refrain from taking any action that could lead to a further escalation of the situation. We also encourage them to resolve the situation through political and diplomatic dialogue for a peaceful and political solution to the crisis. Given the complexity and fragility of the situation, we believe that it is important to harmonize the efforts of the parties. We therefore believe that only the coordinated and harmonized efforts of the parties involved will guarantee a fair and definitive solution to the situation.”
2018-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8410 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to begin by thank Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for her briefing on the latest developments in the situation concerning the Kerch Strait. On 30 October (see S/PV.8386) and on several other occasions, Equatorial Guinea encouraged the parties to respect the full implementation of the Minks agreements and to refrain from actions that could aggravate and destabilize the situation in the country and in the region. That is why my delegation regrets the recent events in the Sea of Azov with respect to the situation in question, and notes with great concern the escalation of the situation that led to the convening of this meeting. The situation in the Sea of Azov poses new threats to stability in the region.”
2018-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8410 (2018) · source
“The conflict is entering its eighth year. Over those eight years, massive economic and human resources have been mobilized that unfortunately have not allowed for an end to the violence. The reconstruction of the country will be very costly. We must always bear this in mind - the longer we prolong the conflict, the heavier the moral and financial burden will be for the Syrian people.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source
“Along those lines, my Government hopes that the forthcoming international consultations on Syria in Astana, scheduled at the end of the month, will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the need to achieve a lasting solution for Syria in line with resolution 2254 (2015), and, most important, initiate a discussion on the launch of the work of the constitutional committee. In conclusion, Equatorial Guinea is a peace-loving country that has historically enjoyed substantial peace and stability, and that has been made possible by the policies undertaken by the Government led by His Excellency President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. We want every country to have what we have. Equatorial Guinea does not have any economic or strategic interest in Syria. Our only interest is in ending once and for all the suffering of millions of innocent people.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source
“Therefore, we believe that the United Nations should continue its facilitator role, working with unquestionable transparency with regard to building a sound structure for the committee. We reiterate that, in order to ensure the successful work of the constitutional committee, its participants must be willing to renounce partisan interests. As in any successful negotiations, the parties must have the ability to yield, even on certain issues, ifnecessary. On the other hand, the facilitator role of the United Nations is in no way a substitute for the will or sovereignty of the Syrian people. If we succeed in launching the work of the committee, it is essential that no external force interfere or attempt, by whatever means, to influence its decisions, which must be fully sovereign.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source
“The existing difficulties surrounding the establishment of the constitutional committee do not benefit those that, like Equatorial Guinea, want to find a definitive solution to the conflict; rather, they primarily benefit the illegal armed groups - the terrorists who in that situation may see an additional opportunity to not lay down their arms and instead continue to perpetrate acts of violence. In that context, we stress that it is necessary to make significant progress. In order to establish a committee that is representative, inclusive and credible, all ofthe parties concerned must fulfil their obligations. Furthermore, all parties have reiterated in various contexts that the political process in Syria should continue to be led by the United Nations.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source
“It is critical because two months ago we hailed the agreement between Russia and Turkey as a diplomatic success that could enable a ceasefire in the province of Idlib and subsequently pave the way for a possible definitive solution to the conflict. The recent quadripartite summit in Istanbul and the meeting of the small group in London even allowed for an opportunity to not only endorse the ceasefire agreed on by Ankara and Moscow, but above all to insist on the need for the establishment of the constitutional committee, in accordance with the Sochi declaration and resolution 2254 (2015). Let us not deceive ourselves. Terrorists will continue to take advantage of our discord.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source
“Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the convening of this meeting and to once again thank Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura his comprehensive assessment of the latest political developments with regard to the conflict and, in particular, the contentious issue of the establishment of the constitutional committee. The Government of Equatorial Guinea reiterates its gratitude to the Special Envoy for his firm commitment and hard work over the past four years on this situation. As some delegations before me have stressed, we are at a critical juncture.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our call concerning the importance of continuing to work for intra-Palestinian reconciliation, bearing in mind that the exchange of accusations of non-compliance with the commitments in the reconciliation agreement signed in October last year between Hamas and Fatah has called into question its consideration and implementation. However, we hope that the efforts initiated by Egypt and other international partners will achieve the desired results. Lastly, we are grateful for the statements that various countries have made in recent months in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East urging other States to join in that gesture of solidarity.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“We believe that ensuring that all Council members are united on the issue is crucial in that regard, considering the influence and strategic importance of some of its members in the world generally and the Middle East in particular. For its part, Equatorial Guinea would like to reaffirm its position, based on the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, the Arab Peace Initiative, the Madrid peace principles, the Quartet road map and other instruments, that the Palestinian claims are just and that Israel has the right to live in peace and security. We therefore reiterate our support for a two-State solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, based on negotiations between the parties that ensure the two States' safe and peaceful coexistence and harmony with the other States of the region.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source