YouSaid · the spoken record

Esono Mbengono

lines on the record

532

first

2018-02-21

most recent

2019-12-20

sittings or episodes

81

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un-security-council

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1. “Burundi, let us remember, is a troop-contributor to both United Nations and African Union peacekeeping operations, which is another sign that it is a peace-loving country. Equatorial Guinea, as always, understands that a situation such as that in Burundi is an internal affair and must be resolved internally through a frank and inclusive political process of negotiations among Burundians. Political dialogue is the only way out of the situation in Burundi, but we warmly welcome initiatives such as the inter-Burundian dialogue under the auspices of the East African Community, the conclusions of which should undoubtedly help to restore the situation. We believe that it is important for dialogue to resume among the Government, opposition parties and civil society on Burundian soil.”

   2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

2. “President Pierre Nkurunziza's statement in June that he will not present his candidature for the 2020 presidential elections, when he could run, illustrates his goodwill and demonstrates his commitment to his country. We understand that the Burundian Government is actively working to preserve national peace and stability and to promote economic and social development. In that regard, the international community should consider the situation in Burundi in a comprehensive and objective manner, respect the independence of the country in the management of its affairs and provide constructive assistance with a view to preserving peace and development in the region, given the importance of that brotherly country to the entire region. Burundi's stability and development have a major impact throughout the Great Lakes region.”

   2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

3. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, we welcome the presence of President Michel Kafando and thank him for the comprehensive and enlightening briefing that he has just delivered, which was an eloquent presentation of the positive developments that have been observed in Burundi. Following the holding of the constitutional referendum on 17 May, the current situation in Burundi is generally stable, with broad participation and almost three-quarters of the population voting in favour as solid proof of the maturity and capacity of the Government and people of Burundi to resolutely address issues of concern to the country.”

   2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

4. “This Franco-Russian cooperation deserves our full attention and praise, because it shows how, with a little political will, the countries of the Security Council with influence upon the parties to the conflict can, if they so wish, reach an understanding and work to ensure that the conflict is resolved peacefully.”

   2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

5. “Let me conclude by expressing the firm support of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea for the recent joint initiative of the Russian Federation and the French Republic aimed at providing humanitarian assistance to the inhabitants of eastern Ghouta and Douma. This initiative is the result of a coordination meeting between the leaders of both countries held in May, in St. Petersburg, and aims to provide first-aid medical teams for more than 500 people with serious injuries and medical supplies to treat 15,000 minor injuries. This supplements the assistance targeted at meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of eastern Ghouta.”

   2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

6. “Air strikes against schools and educational personnel and the use of schools for military purposes also significantly affect children, increasing their risk of suffering and dying from vaccine-preventable diseases. In order to remedy this situation, the parties to the conflict must consistently abide by their commitment to protecting the rights of children. The information provided by Ms. Gamba is very significant and should induce all parties to the conflict to reflect very deeply. We have said on many occasions that this conflict cannot have a military solution. But even if there is an insistence on not reaching agreement, the parties must at least respect humanitarian law and use force proportionately so as to save the lives of the most vulnerable, that is to say, children.”

   2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

7. “Given this situation of devastation and anguish, Equatorial Guinea cannot but join its voice to those calling for the defence and protection of the rights of children in armed conflict, particularly in Syria, the issue with which we are dealing today. This was made clear with the adoption of resolution 2427 (2018) during the open debate held on 9 July (see S/PV.8305). There is a need to tackle factors such as the lack of humanitarian assistance, which exposes Syrian children to a greater risk of violence and exploitation, including child labour, recruitment and forced marriage. This prolonged conflict has without a doubt had a significant impact on children throughout the country and could cause post-traumatic stress disorder and toxic stress, which can lead to long-term physical and mental damage if not appropriately treated.”

   2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

8. “The continuing airstrikes against medical and educational facilities and personnel in Idlib, the high levels of contamination by explosives in Raqqa, the presence of numerous improvised explosive devices and the significant number of civilians who remain in camps for displaced persons in eastern Ghouta all attest to the precarious humanitarian situation. It is therefore vital that United Nations humanitarian agencies and their partners spare no effort and create synergies to provide assistance to as many people in need as possible, and also that the parties of the conflict guarantee safe, sustained and unimpeded access to inter-institutional humanitarian convoys, in compliance with resolution 2401 (2018).”

   2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

9. “Government forces and local militias, which control much of the country, particularly in the southern region, must step up their presence along the whole eastern administrative border of Suwayda and take provisional control measures with regard to citizens arriving in this area. However, my country's Government wishes to express to the Council its great concern at the situation of insecurity prevailing in the south-west part of the country, given that the clashes, following the implacable logic of military operations, are resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries as well as the massive displacement of civilians, and are also preventing United Nations entities from sending cross-border humanitarian supplies owing to the lack of security.”

   2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

10. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): We welcome the convening of this meeting. I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Special Representative Gamba for their illuminating updates on the humanitarian situation in Syria and the impact of the current conflict on children. We take advantage of this open informative session to condemn in the strongest terms the series of suicide attacks carried out by the Islamic State on the morning of 25 July in many villages of Al-Suwayda province. Those latest attacks, resulting in more than two hundred deaths and a hundred injured, must not undermine the efforts to return to sustainable peace and stability in Syria.”

    2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

11. “Finally, we call on the international community to continue to resolutely support the Government, MONUSCO, the Independent National Electoral Commission and all other parties involved in this process to promote confidence-building measures to guarantee a favourable environment for the holding of peaceful elections and to fully comply with the road map until power has been peacefully transferred in an environment of peace and national harmony. A happy conclusion to the political transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will have positive repercussions for stability throughout the region. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to thank the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its efforts to eradicate the Ebola outbreak and all actors who have contributed thereto.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

12. “Pressure, monitoring and punishments must be brought to bear on those criminal groups to put an end to their crimes. Otherwise, the Security Council will still be dealing with problems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for many years to come, even after the transparent elections of next December. Allow me to commend MONUSCO for the work it has carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for many years and not always in the best of circumstances. We urge all parties involved in this process, including the Government and other political actors, to stay the course of inclusive internal dialogue and refrain from any violent action that could disrupt the process.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

13. “We would also like to underscore the support that can be provided by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). We recognize the States members of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, the African Union, the International Organization of la Francophonie and the Southern Africa Development Community, as well as neighbouring States, in particular Angola, South Africa and the Congo, as facilitators of the political dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout the region. We also call for their cooperation in investigating and combating the criminal networks and armed groups involved in the illegal exploitation ofthe country's resources.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

14. “We also believe that we must not lose sight of or neglect the different possible post-electoral scenarios, and we must adopt the necessary preventive measures in the event of any eventuality. With regard to technical aspects, it is important that the Independent National Electoral Commission be able to function normally and that any technical issue that gives rise to a discrepancy can be resolved satisfactorily. In that regard, we are referring specifically to the use of the voting machines. We welcome the Government's efforts to fully fund the electoral process and encourage it to continue to work and regularly strengthen its cooperation with the Commission so that the funding can be carried out and can effectively contribute to satisfactory elections.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

15. “The Republic of Equatorial Guinea therefore welcomes the observations made in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/655) on the political and technical processes under way for the holding of elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which show considerable progress with regard to technical and legislative preparations for the holding of elections. Our Government commends all the measures taken with regard to the organization of the elections, including the submission of candidates from different political parties and the establishment and extension of deadlines, which reflects the will and commitment of the Government and political actors to carry out the electoral process.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

16. “The measures taken demonstrate the Government's determination to effectively organize inclusive, fair and transparent elections on 23 December. We believe that only through constructive inter-Congolese dialogue will the formation of a Government of national unity lead the country to overcome the tensions we have seen and facilitate the progress of the electoral process, strengthen confidence in and the mechanisms for oversight and implementation for a transparent and inclusive process that allows voter participation under the principle of universal suffrage and the best possible conditions.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

17. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): The Republic of Equatorial Guinea thanks Special Representative Leila Zerrougui for the important briefing she has just delivered. We are also grateful for the presence of Justine Masika Bihamba, the Congolese civil society representative, and for her statement. Lastly, we thank Ambassador Alotaibi for his briefing. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is entering a decisive phase for its immediate future. Equatorial Guinea welcomes the progress that has been made in the political and technical process for the holding of elections in December. This reflects the commitment of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to complying with the electoral calendar established on 5 November 2017 and its commitments with regard to the 31 December 2016 agreement.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

18. “We therefore urge the members of the Council, especially those with influence in the area, to find a formula that will bring the parties to the conflict back to the negotiating table, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions on the subject and the Arab Peace Initiative. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that Palestine has the right to be recognized as a State, just as Israel has the right to live in peace and harmony in coexistence with Palestine and the other States of the region. In short, we believe in the two-State solution.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

19. “In that regard, we applaud the presence of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which, despite its funding difficulties, continues to work to resolve the humanitarian difficulties of Gaza and the Palestinian refugees in general. As we said in our statement of 29 June, peace was the main premise on which the United Nations was created. It is for the maintenance of world peace and stability that the Security Council has been working over the nearly 73 years of the life of the Organization, and it is also for peace and stability that we must be cautious not to allow the Palestinian question to discredit the work that this important body has done for so long.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

20. “However, we would like to call on radical Islamist movements to refrain from any intention to coordinate Palestinian civilian marches, so as to avoid disproportionate adverse reactions, as Israel also has the right to guarantee the security of its citizens. We urge the international community to endorse the arrangement already initiated by Egypt for sustainable intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which not only recognizes the Palestinian Authority as the sole legal representative of the Palestinians in the cause of the self-determination and recognition of Palestine as a State, but also ensures its return to and re-establishment in the Gaza Strip, in order to join efforts to reorganize the life of that populated enclave, especially in the area of security and the development of means of subsistence.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

21. “Noteworthy in that context of violence are the incendiary devices and missiles that were occasionally launched from the Gaza Strip, to which Israel has always responded with strong attacks. A peaceful demonstration is a point of arrival on an open road, and not a point of departure. It appears after other means for finding solutions have been exhausted, during a prolonged period of time that has exceeded the limits for waiting, because the problems are stagnant or getting worse or because damage to property or people is imminent. In compliance with international humanitarian law, whenever a Palestinian demonstration is peaceful, it must be respected by Israel, which must not resort to measures of restraint that threaten the life, integrity and freedom of individuals.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

22. “Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): First, I would like to reiterate my delegation's confidence in the work of the team led by Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General, and to thank him for his presentation and for his valuable and tireless efforts. The past six months have been dominated by massive violence, marked, on the one hand, by Palestinian-led revolts and uprisings, mainly from Gaza, and, on the other, by forces of repression of the Israeli border guards. A crucial event in this period was the Great March of Return, which began on 30 March and lasted until 15 May, during which more than a hundred Palestinians lost their lives and thousands more were injured.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

23. “We are also grateful to the parties, in particular the regional leaders President Kenyatta of Kenya, President Omer Al-Bashir of the Sudan and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, for acting and for the efforts of former President of Mali Alpha Oumar Konare and his contribution. They made it possible to begin this new chapter. We call on them to continue to work with great dedication in order to safeguard that small but great victory. Finally, and no less important, we applaud the release of the 10 humanitarian workers who were kidnapped on 25 April in the vicinity of the town of Yei. They have been transported to Juba safe and sound.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

24. “Despite the most recent developments, it must be reiterated that now more than ever it is important that the parties to the conflict refrain from any actions that could aggravate the situation and take clear steps towards implementing the agreement signed in December 2017. That involves an end to the hostilities, the protection of civilians, access for humanitarian aid and an immediate return to the negotiating table in order to address in detail the outstanding issues. In conclusion, we reiterate the delight of my Government regarding the positive and encouraging news coming from that young and sisterly nation, which we wish and expect to have a great future despite the fact that they must work hard, learning from past lessons.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

25. “The Government of Equatorial Guinea calls on the Government of South Sudan to continue with its usual collaboration with UNMISS, IGAD and the African Union so that together they can reach the ultimate objective of bringing peace and stability to the people of South Sudan, who truly deserve it. We also welcome the joint statement by the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union on the successful signing of the agreement we mentioned earlier. We are certain that the issue will be dealt with on the sidelines of the African Union Summit that is currently under way in Nouakchott, Allow me to emphasize something that we have often said in our statements on this agenda item.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

26. “We reiterate that such crimes must not go unpunished. Additionally, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations presented a fact sheet on violations of the UNMISS status-of-forces agreement, pursuant to which, inter alia, the parties committed to taking all appropriate measures to ensure the security and freedom of movement of UNMISS, its members, associated personnel and property and assets. In the light of that, we must respectfully remind all parties concerned that, in addition to seeking peace, they are obligated to alleviate the humanitarian needs of the population. That obligation can be met only by facilitating humanitarian operations and only when the threats and risks that humanitarian assistance organizations and their brave personnel face are eliminated.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

27. “We cannot but commend those actions, which are undeniably decisive steps in the right direction. Nevertheless, we remain cautiously optimistic, since it is not the first time that the parties come to agreements only to violate them later. We therefore call upon the sense of responsibility of the opposing leaders and remind them that this is a historic opportunity for their people and the international community. We trust that they will rise to the occasion. Moreover, Equatorial Guinea is quite concerned about the contents of the latest reports and briefings on the situation in South Sudan. We emphatically condemn the attacks on UNMISS forces on 4 June in the city of Leer, the recent cowardly attack in Central Equatoria province that killed a noble Bangladeshi soldier and all other attacks mentioned by Ms. Keita.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

28. “The differences consisted in disagreement on how to proceed, but we all had the same goal in mind - for all parties to respect the ceasefire and to return to the negotiating table. Today we can say with a high degree of optimism and certain satisfaction that the goal has been reached. That is why all delegations here today are to be congratulated, since our success is due, in part, to the attention we devoted to this issue and the pressure the Council brought to bear. Equatorial Guinea has closely followed the high-level diplomacy that, over the course of last month, has facilitated face-to-face meetings between President Salva Kiir and Mr. Riek Machar, which have culminated in yesterday's signing of a joint agreement that establishes a permanent ceasefire and sets forth new commitments in some of the most contentious areas.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

29. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me, at the outset, to express my gratitude to Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, for her arduous work in discharging her duties and for her excellent presentation today of the report of the Secretary- General on the situation in South Sudan (S/2018/609). The Government of Equatorial Guinea wishes to once again commend the tireless work and efforts ofthe Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to bring together the opposing parties for a direct and constructive dialogue on peace and stability in South Sudan. Approximately one month ago (see S/PV.8273), the Chamber bore witness to the existing divergence with regard to the situation in South Sudan.”

    2018-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8299 (2018) · source

30. “Although that decision is a regrettable setback to significant progress in the implementation of the Plan, the Government of Equatorial Guinea urges all parties to continue carrying out their responsibilities and obligations, thereby preserving an agreement that has contributed to regional and international peace and security. Iranian authorities must abstain from any activity that could undermine the full implementation of the resolution 2231 (2015). We encourage all parties to the Plan to continue honouring it. Any discrepancy with regard to the implementation of the Plan must be resolved through negotiations. Finally, we wish to stress once again our understanding that the agreement ensures the peaceful uses of the Iranian nuclear programme and helps consolidate the nuclear non-proliferation regime in the region.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

31. “My Government welcomes that achievement, as characterized by the IAEA. Like the Secretary-General in his report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), we encourage the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to conduct an in-depth review of the concerns of the Commission and other States with regard to the use of ballistic missiles. Even though that issue is not covered in the Plan, it affects the overall perception of the Plan, which is key to the effective and efficient implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). On 8 May, President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the Plan and the reimposition of all sanctions that his country had lifted on Iran.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

32. “Almost three years ago (see S/PV.7488), the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), thereby marking a fundamental change in its consideration of Iranian nuclear issues and building a bridge to foster trust in the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian programme. The Government of Equatorial Guinea shares the positive view of the Secretary-General on this agreement in his report (S/2018/602). We also applaud the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in monitoring the agreement, as it has made apparent that the successes and the work of the last 20 years have been worth it. The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown its total commitment, pursuant to the JCPOA, to the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015).”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

33. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, my delegation would like to express its gratitude to Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs; Ambassador Karel van Oosterom of the Netherlands, as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015); and Mr. J 0510 Vale de Almeida, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as Coordinator of the Joint Commission, for their comprehensive briefings.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

34. “Close cooperation among the various humanitarian actors is essential in order to ensure that people in need receive such vital assistance.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

35. “We continue to call upon the parties and those who have influence over them to allow for safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. To conclude, with respect to cross-border operations carried out by the United Nations, my Government is of the view that the provision of humanitarian assistance on a cross-border basis is essential and must be maintained. We support the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report on the review of United Nations cross-border humanitarian assistance (S/2018/617). We are convinced that the observations of the Secretary-General can help United Nations humanitarian entities and their partner agencies further strengthen cross-border operations, as underscored in the report.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

36. “There is no time for a rhetoric of double standards or for ambiguous or fruitless negotiations. It is time for a frank dialogue between the parties and actors involved, giving priority to constructive exchanges and substantive debates, with a view to finding common ground. My Government continues to deplore the worsening humanitarian crisis, as described in the report of the Secretary-General dated 20 June (S/2018/6l9). It is vital that the parties refrain from hindering humanitarian access by the United Nations actors, which is key to assessing the needs on the ground ensure the delivery of assistance to and the protection of civilians.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

37. “In parallel with the Geneva peace talks and the Astana challenges, the Sochi guarantors must continue to work towards the establishment of a functioning representative constitutional committee that brings together members of the Government and opposition groups, with the participation of civil society, in particular women's organizations. We very much welcome the meetings hosted by Mr. Staffan de Mistura on 17, 19 and 25 June with the Sochi guarantors and the so-called Small Group, intended to chart a course to allow for the implementation of the Sochi final declaration and the establishment of the intra-Syrian constitutional committee, facilitated by the United Nations within the framework of the Geneva process and in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015).”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

38. “In that regard, in line with the Secretary-General's press release of 22 June (SG/SM/l9099), we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in that part of the Syrian territory and urge the parties concerned to respect their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. In order to put an end to these military offensives, it is essential that we pool our efforts and create synergies so as to move forward and give priority to the political process being facilitated by the United Nations.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

39. “First, we note with great concern the escalation of fighting in south-west Syria, especially in Dar'a province, which, as the violence increases, is leading to the displacement of hundreds of people and numerous civilian victims. It should be remembered that the south-west region of Syria is an important strategic territory owing to its proximity to the Jordanian border and the Golan Heights, which is why it is necessary to guarantee and respect the zone of detente agreed by the parties in 2017 with a view to reducing violence.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

40. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): As always, it is with great pleasure and satisfaction that we receive the briefing by Mr. Staffan de Mistura. We wish to express our gratitude for his efforts aimed at achieving a political and diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria. As the political situation is closely linked to the humanitarian crisis prevailing in the country, we also want to commend the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, under the leadership of Mr. John Ging, for the enormous task it has undertaken. With regard to the recent developments in the political process, my delegation would like to make the following clarifications.”

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8296 (2018) · source

41. “The search for solutions should never be confused with interference in the internal affairs of countries. The sovereignty of the States in question must always be respected. A poor analysis of foreign situations and wrong decisions have unnecessarily complicated many conflicts facing us today. None of those conflicts has a military solution. We continue to believe that the United Nations must play a fundamental role through all its mechanisms to seek lasting solutions to such issues. Bias and groups have no place in the various conflicts.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

42. “Terrorism has been a common denominator of all the crises, both in North Africa and in the Middle East. In that regard, the international community must remain united and combat that scourge, which has only aggravated the human tragedy in that region. As the Ambassador of Ethiopia emphasized this morning, it is pleasing to note that the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in the region has significantly decreased. The situation in the Middle East and North Africa is not a coincidence but the result of history and reflects structural problems that cannot be explained only by internal situations. Many such problems have been inherited from the past. Resolving the problems facing us requires establishing a more democratic global structure where there are no double standards in the pursuit of solutions.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

43. “It is impossible to contain the humanitarian consequences as a result ofthe lack ofpolitical solutions. What is needed is a political solution that puts an end to that human suffering. The neighbouring countries hosting millions of Syrians deserve our praise. We would also urge the Syrian stakeholders to continue the dialogue, however difficult it may be. Long-term conflicts, such as that of Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq, where the use of weapons has claimed numerous human lives, as well as causing great material damage and forced displacement, must be dealt with under international human rights law. The adoption of local measures of partial and limited scope is not the answer. The solution is consistent and coordinated international efforts. We believe that all such conflicts should be resolved through direct and frank negotiations.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

44. “It is positive to note that the Libyan political actors are now seeking to resolve such problems through a political process, which, we hope, will be successful. The Syrian crisis has also lasted for a number of years, with all its complexities. The suffering must come to an end. The Syrians themselves must be able to find and decide upon the best solution for their country, clearly with the support of the international community, by which I mean the Security Council. As the Secretary-General underscored this morning, everyone's wish is to see a democratic and strong Syria that can fulfil its clear potential in peace. The numbers of people fleeing from such conflicts are becoming increasingly problematic. Today we see how Syrian refugees flee to neighbouring countries and beyond.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

45. “However, the only viable solution is for the parties to sit at the negotiating table and seek a political solution to their differences. That solution means the establishment of two States - one Palestinian and the other Israeli - living side by side in peace. Both parties must respect each other's right to exist. The relevant Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative are the legal instruments that support such proposals. The Libyan crisis, which has already had a negative impact on the southern part of its territory, since its repercussions have further exacerbated the ongoing problems in those areas. There has also been a negative impact on the northern part of the country in the form of migration crises that European countries face today. The worst aspect is the human trafficking that we are seeing.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

46. “However, the Security Council is the most appropriate body to undertake that complex task. The continuation of many of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa is today fuelled not only by the differences of the parties to the conflict but also by the lack of a common position on the part of the international actors with influence in the region. My delegation therefore urges the members of the Security Council to come closer together and to seek common ground so that the Council can facilitate and promote work towards a lasting resolution of such issues. The situation in the Middle East, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has continued for more than 70 years, with all its ups and downs and complexities. We have seen many victims, destruction and so on. So much violence has not led to anything positive.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

47. “The most direct repercussions are seen in human tragedies, terrorist threats, migration crises and so on, which, moreover, also transcend the borders of the areas directly affected. The importance of meetings such as today's lies in the fact that they give us an opportunity to at least recall that such problems exist and that the Security Council, which is mandated to find viable and common solutions to issues, is expected to do its utmost to find lasting solutions wherever peace and security in the world are threatened. I believe that I am right in saying that the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa pin their hopes for peace, security and stability on action by the Security Council. Implementing and achieving a lasting and satisfactory resolution of conflicts may be complex.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

48. “Mr. Esono Mbengono (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to welcome the presence of Mr. Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. We also welcome the presence of the Secretary-General. Equatorial Guinea very much appreciates the convening of this meeting by the Russian Federation because it allows us to analyse the situation in the Middle East and North Africa impartially. The overall situation in the Middle East and North Africa greatly influences the stability and security in other regions of the world. Achieving peace and stability in those regions should therefore become the foremost priority of the international community. The complexity of the situation lies in the fact that it involves political, religious, ethnic and economic aspects.”

    2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

49. “We believe that its current form has been very useful for the country and, therefore, we think it should continue as such. We support the renewal of its current mandate.”

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

50. “My Government commends the efforts of the Secretary-General in conducting the independent strategic review of MINUSMA and agrees with its primary recommendations, namely, to support national dialogue in order to promote ownership of the Agreement by the people of Mali and a strengthening of the nation beyond State reform; to promote a common vision among regional and international actors in support of the peace and stabilization process; and to promote a peace agreement among the Government, the Security Council, the United Nations and international partners under which assistance would be provided in accordance with clear reference points, including with regard to progress, good governance and political reforms. MINUSMA has helped to stabilize the situation in the country.”

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source