YouSaid · the spoken record

Feltman

lines on the record: 838
first: 2012-08-22
most recent: 2018-02-28
sittings or episodes: 59
sources: un-security-council

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“In a statement, President Sleiman denounced the missile attacks on Lebanon and stressed Lebanon's role in hosting Syrian refugees. He stated that Lebanon is working on controlling the border in accordance with the Baabda Declaration, and that the Army and relevant authorities were instructed to take measures to prevent attacks on Lebanon and protect the safety of its citizens. There were reports of three further airstrikes on Lebanese territory on 3, 4 and 11 April by Syrian military aircraft, none of which caused injury. On 8 April, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry raised the issue of the violations of Lebanese sovereignty to the Syrian authorities. On 14 April, two Lebanese civilians were killed and two injured in shelling from across the border in Syria.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“On two occasions, on 2 and 12 April, the IDF fired tank rounds and missiles in what they described as retaliation for gunfire aimed from the Bravo side at IDF patrols across the ceasefire line. Syrian authorities reported to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force that the missiles fired by the IDF on 12 April caused one fatality and injured several members of Syrian security forces. The spillover of the conflict in Syria continues to be felt in Lebanon, particularly in northeastern border areas. On 21 April, at least seven rockets from the Syrian side fell on Lebanese soil in the villages ofDora, Aysh, Sahlat Al-Miyah and the town ofHermel, causing only material damage; no casualties were reported. The Lebanese Armed Forces deployed heavily in the area.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“While awaiting access to the Syrian territory, the experts of the mission are studying the information on the alleged incidents involving the use of chemical weapons provided to them by Member States. They remain ready to deploy to Syria within 24 to 48 hours following the Syrian Government's acceptance of the modality and scope of the mission. The situation in the Golan remains unstable, with sporadic clashes between Syrian armed forces and armed members of the opposition continuing on a daily basis. The military activities in the area of separation have the potential to escalate the situation between Israel and Syria and tojeopardize the ceasefire between the two countries, as has been highlighted by recent incidents.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“As concerns the United Nations fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic, we are still in discussions with the Government of Syria on the scope and modalities of the mission. In line with his authority under General Assembly resolution 42/37 C and Security Council resolution 620 (1988), the Secretary-General intends to ensure that all credible allegations brought to his attention by Member States are considered and, if it is deemed necessary, investigated. The Secretary- General's position is that, at this time, the mission should investigate the allegations about incidents in Aleppo and Horns.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The Security Council also heard detailed presentations on the humanitarian and refugee situation, as well as on sexual violence and children in the context of the Syrian conflict, by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Amos, High Commissioner for Refugees Guterres, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Bangura, and Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict Zerrougui. The meeting provided an opportunity for the Council to hear directly about the challenges faced by the neighbouring countries most affected by the humanitarian spillover of the Syrian conflict, particularly Lebanon and Jordan, in their efforts to accommodate unprecedented flows of refugees from Syria.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The CEC continues to organize the complementary municipal elections scheduled for 1 June 2013 in the West Bank. On the Syrian Arab Republic, I will keep my remarks short, as the Security Council was already briefed in-depth only five days ago by the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria. Mr. Brahimi emphasized the need for a political solution along the lines of the Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex) and warned against the growing militarization and radicalization inside Syria. He reiterated the Secretary-General's call to stop the flow of arms to either side in Syria and called on the Council to consider an arms embargo.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“On 2 April, Khaled Meshaal was re-elected Chief of the Hamas Political Bureau. A day earlier, President Abbas reiterated his position, in accordance with the Doha understanding of February 2012, that he was prepared to lead a technical interim Government, which would prepare for elections 90 days into its term. On 12 April the Chair of the Central Election Commission (CEC) handed a copy of the updated voter register to the Palestinian President and informed him that the CEC is technically ready to organize any election, once so decided. The voter register now includes over 1.8 million electors, both in the West Bank and Gaza, representing over 80 per cent of the total Palestinian adult population, of which 48.2 per cent are female.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The United Nations will also continue to work for the relief of the Gaza population, including by stepping up reconstruction efforts. Demonstrations and sit-ins took place all over the Gaza Strip in front of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facilities on 4 April, protesting against cuts to its cash-assistance programme, which were necessitated by budget shortfalls. Protests grew aggressive when a group of demonstrators entered UNRWA offices and threatened staff members, forcing UNRWA to close its offices until 9 April, thus preventing the Agency from providing necessary assistance to Palestine refugees. Meanwhile, efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation continue. Hamas and Fatah have resumed informal working-level meetings but have not advanced in their discussions.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The same group has previously claimed responsibility for rocket attacks from Gaza into Sderot on 21 March. We continue to strongly condemn the firing of rockets into Israel. Those rockets, which are indiscriminate, are intended to sow fear and cause civilian casualties, and can trigger cycles of violence difficult to stop. We also call on Israel to act with restraint. At the same time, we remain seriously concerned about the impact of Israeli restrictions on the vulnerable civilian population in Gaza. The United Nations continues to support Egypt's efforts to fully implement the ceasefire understanding it brokered between the parties. In that regard, we continue to call for preservation of the calm, with crossings into Israel remaining open and the fishing limit line to be expanded in full implementation of the November understanding.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The off-shore fishing limit has remained reduced from six to three nautical miles since 21 March, well below the 20-mile limit agreed by the Israelis and Palestinians in the 1995 Israeli- Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which remains in force and should be respected. The movement of Palestinians across Erez has been further restricted to humanitarian cases with special permits for several periods since 26 February. In another development, on 17 April two Grad rockets fired from Egypt's Sinai peninsula exploded in open areas ofthe Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat, causing no casualties or damage. The attack, claimed by the Salafistjihadist group, Mujahideen Shura Council, was the first such rocket-firing at Eilat in a year.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“In an alarming development, over the last month, a total of 20 rockets, including three Grad rockets and four mortar shells, were fired from Gaza into Israel and towards the sea, albeit without causing injuries or damage. Explosive ordnance placed along the border fence hit an Israeli patrol, causing physical damages to the vehicles but no injuries during the reporting period. Israel conducted four incursions and two airstrikes into the Gaza Strip. Two Palestinian civilians were injured on 5 and 16 April by Israeli fire while approaching the border fence. In reaction to the shooting of rockets, Israel again closed the Kerem Shalom crossing from 8 to 11 April. Since 26 February, the crossing, which is the only passage for goods from Israel into Gaza, has been closed for 29 out of 56 days.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“Separately, initial approval was granted on 9 April to begin a new construction project in a settlement that is part of occupied East Jerusalem. We are also concerned about the potentially negative impact on Palestinians of the continuing expansion of the Sderot Begin Highway through parts of the neighbourhood of Beit Safafa, occupied by the Israelis in 1967. Such actions are counterproductive to creating the right environment for peace. The situation in Gaza has become increasingly fragile. The calm that followed the ceasefire on 21 November 2012 has been challenged, and there has been little progress on the more substantive underlying issues that formed part of that understanding.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“As compared to the monthly average of 50 demolitions in 2012, 29 Palestinian-owned structures were demolished between 25 March and 23 April 2013, including 16 structures demolished yesterday, leading to the displacement of 40 Palestinians. We remain deeply troubled by the continued developments with respect to settlement activity. Let me reiterate unequivocally the consistent position of the United Nations that settlement activity violates international law. Settlement activity further undermines Palestinians' confidence in the viability of the two-State solution. The Secretary-General is particularly worried about reports suggesting that the Israeli Minister of Housing and Construction has predicted the construction within a year and a half of housing units in the El area of the West Bank.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“Clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians have also continued. A total of 13 Palestinians, including six children, were injured by settlers, and over 600 trees belonging to Palestinians were vandalized. On 7 April, Israeli settlers reportedly spray-painted racist slogans on the walls of two mosques in a village near Bethlehem. In two instances, Israeli security forces arrested a total of six settlers, among them a serving soldier, suspected of involvement in so-called price-tag activities. Palestinian attacks on Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank resulted in ten injuries, including one child and one woman, and extensive damage to Israeli vehicles as the result of stone-throwing. The reporting period registered continued demolitions and related displacements in Area C and East Jerusalem.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“We reiterate that demonstrations must remain non-violent. We also urge the Israeli security forces to show the utmost restraint and to ensure the right of Palestinians to demonstrate peacefully and freely. In all, incursions by Israeli security forces in the occupied West Bank remained at approximately the same level - a total of 303 operations compared to 186 in the previous reporting period. But the levels of violence have nearly doubled, with Israeli security operations resulting in two Palestinian teenagers dead and 724 people injured, including 352 children and six women. A total of 354 Palestinians were arrested, including a number of Hamas and Islamic jihad leaders. Thirty-five Israeli soldiers were also reportedly injured by protesters in the clashes during the period.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“We continue to call for a swift resolution to his case based on humanitarian grounds. The United Nations remains closely involved on the ground, and the Secretary-General has urged that a solution be reached without delay in order to end the prisoners' plight and to preserve calm. We cannot but recall that other fundamental issues incorporated in the May 2012 agreement remain unresolved. Wide demonstrations were also organized throughout the West Bank on the occasion of Land Day on 30 March, but violence was relatively contained compared to previous years. Some 22 Palestinian protesters and four Israeli soldiers were injured on that day. Protests continued against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The issue of Palestinian prisoners has fueled much of the unrest, especially following the terminal illness and death of Maysara Abu Hamdiyeh in prison on 2 April. During the clashes that ensued, Israeli security forces killed two Palestinian teenagers and injured two more with live ammunition at a checkpoint near Tulkarem alter they allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at the checkpoint. The case is under investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and we look forward to a timely and public announcement of its conclusion. We welcome the resolution in the case of Samer Issawi, who has reportedly suspended his hunger strike following a court ruling on 23 April that provides he will be freed to his Jerusalem home after he serves an additional eight months.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“International assistance amounting to close to $1.4 billion will be required to cover the deficit. The most recent meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in March forecasted a worsening economic outlook for the current year, with slower growth rates than in 2012, and a growing financing gap for the new budget should foreign aid continue to decline. The reporting period witnessed a considerable increase in Palestinian casualties, mostly as result of new clashes with Israeli security forces during Palestinians demonstrations that grew violent. On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners Day on 17 April, some 3,000 prisoners went on hunger strike for the day and demonstrations were held in main West Bank cities, resulting in 11 Palestinians being injured by rubber-coated bullets fired by Israeli security forces.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The financial viability of the Palestinian Authority remains at stake, and we continue to call for donors to step up their financial support. The budget approved by the Palestinian Cabinet on 28 March for the 2013 fiscal year reflects fiscal discipline, yet reveals the Palestinian Authority's continued and increased dependence on external aid to cover its expenditures in the short-term. The Palestinian Authority's efforts to expand its tax base and enhance collection will result in increased net revenue of $2.5 billion, and total expenditure will amount to $18 billion, more than half of which is for wages, even with the implementation of a net hiring freeze. This expenditure includes some $350 million planned for development projects, most of them to be financed externally and dedicated to rural communities in Area C.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“We remain committed to working with our Palestinian partners, under the leadership of President Abbas, towards statebuilding and development, and to achieving the long overdue negotiated two-State solution. In an encouraging development Israel and Palestine, with the facilitation of several parties, reached an important agreement on 23 April at a meeting of UNESCO's Executive Board, which allows for an experts mission to the old city of Jerusalem in mid-May. The parties also agreed on the postponement of five resolutions taken by UNESCO's Executive Board. This agreement exemplifies how cooperation and dialogue can be beneficial to all Member States and also conducive to maintaining stability on the ground.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“Of course, much depends on whether the parties have the political will and exercise the bold leadership required to create conditions conducive to the resumption of a political process, despite the considerable differences between them and the risk that events on the ground could overtake new efforts at engagement. In a development of note, on 13 April President Abbas accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Fayyad. The Prime Minister is expected to continue carrying out his functions as caretaker until a new Prime Minister is announced. The United Nations recognizes that Prime Minister Fayyad had to contend with circumstances that kept constraining the success of the statebuilding agenda he led together with President Abbas and which is now, in the absence of a credible political horizon, at serious risk.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“In the margins of the Group of Eight meeting on 10 April, ministers recommitted themselves to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. They further agreed on the need for a major international effort, involving regional parties and the Quartet, to drive the peace process forward. Now is the time for the international community to work in a concerted manner and without delay. During the recent Doha Summit, Arab leaders reconfirmed their intention to send a ministerial delegation to Washington, DC, on 28 April to discuss the peace process.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“Last month's visit of United States President Obama marked an important opening. Secretary Kerry's subsequent trips and continued engagement with the parties and regional leaders demonstrate a serious commitment to breaking the political deadlock. It was in support of these efforts for renewed meaningful talks that the Secretary-General met with President Obama on 11 April. The two agreed that there is at least a window of opportunity for Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations. The Secretary-General reconfirmed the United Nations commitment to supporting, including through the Quartet, a substantive initiative with a defined political horizon to achieve a two-state solution. He spoke to the urgency of making progress towards peace.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“Mr. Feltman: Last week, the Council heard briefings that described in grim detail the tragedy unfolding inside Syria and its dramatic humanitarian consequences in the absence of a political solution that could bring about a new and democratic Syria. This is a moment of increased risk and instability across the Middle East, and there is a need for quick and concerted action to address the humanitarian situation, both inside and outside Syria. Lebanon and Jordan are on the front line and must be supported effectively. Action must also be taken on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The fragile hope triggered by the renewed United States engagement must be sustained and translated into serious efforts on the part ofthe parties. The desire for peace needs to be cultivated by early measures to reverse negative trends on the ground and build trust.”
2013-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6950 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General met with his Special Envoy for the Sahel, Mr. Romano Prodi, on 1 April with respect to the United Nations overall approach to the region, with a focus on what the international community can do to support the people of the Sahel. In closing, let me note again the Secretary-General's satisfaction with the progress made so far in securing Mali's territorial integrity and his commitment to using the tools of the United Nations to promoting, through a Malian-led process including elections, long-term political stability and economic growth in Mali.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Any blurring of the distinction would place severe constraints on the ability of United Nations humanitarian, development, human rights and other personnel to safely do their work. In the same vein, given that the crisis in Mali is part of serious wider regional challenges, it will be essential to coordinate support to Mali within a broader regional strategy that incorporates Mali's neighbours and key partners in the process. The Secretary- General's Special Representative to West Africa, Mr. Said Djinnit, continues to work with countries of the Economic Community of West African States on a shared approach towards the security and political challenges in Mali and beyond. In addition, the regional strategy that the United Nations is leading in developing for the Sahel should be viewed as a complementary and indispensable process.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“They take into account the fact that the United Nations is operating in a new geopolitical context and faces threats that have not been encountered before in a peacekeeping context. The situation on the ground remains fluid, and extremists and criminal elements continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of civilians and United Nations personnel in Mali. The Secretary-General observes that it will be of crucial importance that "clear distinction be maintained between the core peacekeeping tasks of an envisaged United Nations stabilization mission and the peace enforcement and counter-terrorism activities of the parallel force" (S/2013/189, p. 100).”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Under the second option, the bulk of AFISMA would be rehatted under that United Nations stabilization mission. Most of the military, police and civilian components would operate in the north, with a light presence in Bamako. Given the anticipated level and nature of the residual threat, there would also be a fundamental requirement for a parallel force to operate in Mali alongside the United Nations stabilization mission to conduct major combat and counter-terrorism operations and provide specialist support beyond the scope of the United Nations mandate and capability. These two options can be viewed as phases in the gradual process of transition from the current situation to a United Nations stabilization mission deployed alongside a parallel force.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“That option would provide the flexibility for the rehatting of AFISMA to a United Nations peacekeeping operation when the Council decides the conditions are right. The second option involves the establishment of a United Nations multidimensional, integrated stabilization mission under a Chapter VII mandate, alongside a parallel force. In addition to a political mandate, the mission would carry out security-related stabilization tasks, protect civilians and create the conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance. The mission would operate under robust rules of engagement with a mandate to use all necessary means to address threats to the implementation of its mandate. That could include the conduct of operations independently of or in cooperation with the Malian defence and security forces.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Under the first option, AFISMA would be responsible for security, together with bilateral military efforts, in support of the Malian defence and security forces. AFISMA would also have an offensive combat and stabilization mandate focusing on extremist armed groups. The United Nations, in conjunction with other partners, would help build the operational capability of AFISMA through the Trust Fund in support of AFISMA and possibly through a Security Council- authorized logistics support package funded through assessed contributions. In parallel, the European Union would continue to train the Malian armed forces. Support could also be provided to the Malian defence and security forces through the Trust Fund for Peace and Security in Mali.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Under either option, the United Nations would maintain a strong focus on the political aspects linked to the creation of suitable conditions for elections and reconciliation. Under the first option, a United Nations multidimensional, integrated political presence would operate alongside AFISMA. The United Nations would continue its political and human rights activities under a strengthened political mission. The strategic areas of focus under that option would include good offices support for mediation and national and community dialogues, assistance to the electoral process, the promotion of respect for human rights, including with respect to women and children, and support for AFISMA.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“With respect to the security challenges, the report says that a key question is the extent to which the United Nations can or should assume responsibility for security and stabilization, which ultimately will need to serve as an incentive to engage in a viable political process. The report notes that humanitarian actors have raised increasing concerns about the possible deployment of a United Nations force in Mali and the need to retain a clear distinction between the humanitarian and the political/security agendas in order to ensure the impartiality of humanitarian action, avoid threatening the safety of aid workers, and guarantee humanitarian access to all those in need. The Secretary-General has proposed two options for United Nations engagement in Mali.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“As Council Members are aware, the Secretary- General deployed a multidisciplinary exploratory mission to Mali from 10 to 16 March to develop recommendations on options for establishing a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Mali. I will highlight the key observations and recommendations that the Secretary-General has made in his report. One is that the serious and interlinked challenges that confront Mali require the concerted and broad-based efforts of the authorities and people of Mali, together with significant international support. They go beyond addressing security threats and require tackling deep-rooted political, governance, development and humanitarian challenges that are not susceptible to any easy solution.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“United Nations military planners have provided planning support to AFISMA, helped in establishing coordination mechanisms, assisted AFISMA and the Malian armed forces in identifying priority needs, and supported the development of key documents for AFISMA, including operational directives, guidelines for the protection of civilians, rules of engagement and a code of conduct. Planning support is also being provided to AFISMA's police component. The United Nations works in close cooperation with the African Union, ECOWAS and other partners in supporting AFISMA, including through coordination mechanisms in both Bamako and Addis Ababa. Support has also been provided to ECOWAS meetings of chiefs of defence staff, aimed at ensuring the eventual smooth transition from AFISMA to a potential United Nations stabilization force.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“We hope that ongoing security operations, as well as the appointment of the National Commission, will help overcome those difficulties and create the essential conditions for credible elections. We agree fully with the Malian authorities that a legitimate Government reflecting the will of Mali's diverse population needs to be in place by the end of 2013, and we encourage continued consultations among Malian actors to achieve that goal. The Secretary-General is firmly committed to the United Nations doing its part to support that objective. The United Nations has strengthened its support for the planning and preparations for the deployment and operations of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“In our view, the declarations by leaders of the transitional Government not to stand in those elections further demonstrate the authorities' commitment to free and fair elections. Mindful of how much work is required to meet the July deadline set by President Traore, the United Nations has offered its support for the holding of free, fair, transparent and credible polls in keeping with international standards. We encourage all those committed to an inclusive and fair electoral process to help address some of the conditions required for successful voting. Areas of concern include, on the security side, the still volatile security conditions in northern Mali and, on the political side, the absence so far of reconciliation, which limits space for constructive political debate.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“That is an important first step in the restoration of State authority to those regions. According to Malian authorities, that will be followed by the re-establishment ofjustice and security services, as well as other organs of civil administration at the regional and local levels. We are encouraging the Malian authorities to implement a more rapid deployment of civilian authorities, including of the gendarmerie and civilian police. As Council Members are aware, President Traore has indicated the transitional Government's intention to hold elections by 31 July. We are encouraged by President Traore's commitment to moving rapidly toward elections, a fundamental benchmark in restoring the constitutional order in Mali.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“In addition to national dialogue, multiple dialogues need to take place between and within communities and between various actors, including the Malian armed forces. Dialogue and reconciliation efforts must also be linked to justice measures to ensure that there is no impunity for the human rights violations that have been perpetrated. The Head of UNOM, Mr. David Gressly, accompanied by a small team, visited Timbuktu, Gao, Kidal and Tessalit from 29 to 31 March. He met with a wide spectrum of people, the majority of whom expressed a strong desire for constructive dialogue and reconciliation, as well as the demand for accountability for the crimes and abuses committed during the current cr1s1s. Mr. Gressly learned about the return of the Governors of Timbuktu and Gao, with whom he met.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Combat continues with armed groups in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains and in the periphery of some urban centres - Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal. More fighting occurred in Timbuktu this weekend. Humanitarian partners are reporting an increase in criminality around Timbuktu. Armed groups are proving to be mobile in the combat areas, and there have been reported cases of infiltration in urban zones, including Bamako. The continued planting of mines is hampering humanitarian activities, while also endangering civilians. In the interplay between political and security priorities, it is of critical importance to ensure that the security imperative does not detract from the primacy of politics in Mali, in both the short and long term.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“As outlined in the report, there have been significant security improvements in Mali as a result of the French and African military operations alongside the Malian army in northern areas. I want to repeat here the appreciation of the Secretary-General for the rapid and decisive action taken by the French, African and Malian forces. Already by the end of January, State control had been restored in most major northern towns thanks to the efforts of Malians and other African forces, with critical support from French troops. The redeployment of civilian authorities has started in Timbuktu and Gao. Despite the real and significant gains on the ground stemming from the efforts of French, African, and Malian forces, the security situation remains challenging.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Although arbitrary acts of violence against Tuaregs and Arabs have recently decreased, there is still a risk of reprisal against members of those communities who are alleged to be associated with the armed groups. Worryingly, it appears from reports that new patterns of human rights violations have emerged, including retaliatory attacks based on ethnicity. The Human Rights Council appointed a special rapporteur on Mali earlier this month, and UNOM's human rights team is rapidly expanding, with a view to deploying mobile teams to Mopti, Gao and Timbuktu as soon as security conditions permit. In meetings and conversations with United Nations officials, authorities in Bamako have repeatedly stated their commitment to international human rights standards and practices.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Currently, more than 470,000 people are estimated to have fled and sought refuge either in Malian host communities or in neighbouring countries. More than 290,000 people are internally displaced, and about 177,000 are refugees in Mauritania, the Niger and Burkina Faso. Some 750,000 people are in need of immediate food assistance, and 660,000 children are at risk of malnutrition in 2013, including 210,000 at risk of severe acute malnutrition. Access to basic social services is limited in particular in the north; in the regions of Timbuktu and Gao, for example, only 50,000 out of 200,000 pupils have access to education. The United Nations is monitoring the human rights situation, in particular reported serious violations in northern Mali, including summary executions and illegal arrests and the destruction and looting of property.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Strengthening the capacity and legitimacy of the State and the political system at all levels remains a key priority for the United Nations and for political leaders in Mali. The coup d'etat of 22 March 2012 and the crisis in Mali are, in large measure, manifestations ofa crisis of governance that encompasses endemic corruption, weak State capacity to provide basic services and the low level of legitimacy of State institutions and the political system. We hope that a broad and inclusive Malian-led political process can begin to address those long-term challenges that must be overcome for Mali to achieve long-term political stability and economic prosperity. While humanitarian access has improved in some parts of the country, the situation remains highly volatile, particularly in Timbuktu and Gao.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“In that regard, the United Nations Office in Mali (UNOM) is providing good offices aimed at facilitating contacts between the Government and those groups that wish to take part in the search for a political solution to the crisis, while the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa (UNOWA) continues to coordinate closely with and support regional efforts spearheaded by ECOWAS. In my own conversation with Malian Foreign Minister Coulibaly two days ago, I underscored the Secretary-General's commitment to providing appropriate support to the political process, and to the National Commission in particular, which the Foreign Minister welcomed.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“The appointment ofa woman and a Tuareg as vice-chairs of the Commission is consistent with the transitional authorities' repeated assurances that inclusiveness and plurality would be the foundation blocks of the political process moving forward. The United Nations will provide all the assistance it possibly can to the Commission and will continue to support the mediation efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“The most significant development in the political process remains the adoption in January of a road map for the transition, which highlights two priority tasks for the transitional Government, namely, the restoration of territorial integrity and the organization of free and fair elections. The road map also provides for the reform of the armed forces and for dialogue with groups that renounce terrorism and adhere to the unitary nature of Mali and its Constitution. Furthermore, the transitional Government has established the National Commission for Dialogue and Reconciliation. On 30 March, interim President Dioncounda Traore appointed Mr. Mohamed Salia Sokona, a former Minister of Defence, as Chair of the Commission, and Ms. Traore Oumou Toure and Mr. Meti Ag Mohamed Rhissa as its two Vice-Chairs.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“Mr. Feltman: I thank the Security Council for this opportunity to introduce the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in Mali (S/2013/189), as well as to update the Council on some of the most important political and security developments in the country. Ensuring that the United Nations does its utmost to help Mali resolve the complex crisis it faces today is one of the highest priorities of the Secretary-General. That commitment is reflected in the important work already under way on the ground in Mali - whether political, humanitarian or in support of the security process - as well as in the options presented in the current report.”
2013-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6944 (2013) · source
“But it is our view that one cannot expect progress this year without the articulation of a credible political framework to achieve the negotiated two-State solution that we all hope for and that will best serve the interests, rights and aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis alike. This is a time for renewed impetus and political will to end the conflict and the occupation, which has already scarred the lives of far too many Israelis and Palestinians for far too long. We need to act now, first and foremost for the sake of the younger generations. They deserve a future of peace.”
2013-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6926 (2013) · source
“We know that there are negative forces on both sides, such as those who fired today's rocket from Gaza into Israel, who draw strength from stalemate and paralysis. Both sides have a responsibility to marginalize those forces by creating the conditions, including trust, for a successful negotiating process. It is now my hope that the shared sense of frustration will translate into a shared sense of urgency. Given the lack of confidence that, unfortunately, characterizes the Israeli-Palestinian relationship today, we cannot underestimate how difficult it will be to develop a serious and substantial political initiative, with a realistic and not unlimited timeframe, and one that is collectively supported by all stakeholders.”
2013-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6926 (2013) · source
“The eighth anniversary of the assassination of the late Rafik Hariri, on 14 February, underlines the need to achieve justice for past assassinations and attempted ones, including in the past year. Meanwhile, consensus has not yet been reached on a draft law for the Lebanese parliamentary elections scheduled for June. Free, fair and credible elections in a timely fashion are important for Lebanon's stability and continued political advancement. All parties are therefore encouraged to work to ensure that elections take place on a consensual basis within the legal and constitutional timeframe. In conclusion, let me emphasize that it is our strong belief that we need to inject new life in the Israeli- Palestinian political process now.”
2013-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6926 (2013) · source