YouSaid · the spoken record

Feltman

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838

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2012-08-22

most recent

2018-02-28

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59

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un-security-council

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1. “At the same time, we must not allow the airing of bitterness and grievances, however strongly felt, to be a substitute for the constructive, hard work of practical, tangible conflict resolution. With the New Year nearly upon us, we believe that it is important to look forward in the hope that we can work collectively to change the dynamic of impasse to one of real momentum towards a two-State solution. Whatever it may mean in a practical sense, the General Assembly vote last month symbolizes the growing international impatience with the long- standing occupation and a resounding endorsement of Palestinian aspirations to live in freedom and dignity in an independent State of their own, side by side with Israel in peace and security. The year 2013 will be decisive to the peace process.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

2. “UNIFIL maintained its enhanced presence across its area of operations as the Lebanese Armed Forces continued to operate at a lower strength of approximately two brigades and one battalion. Israeli violations of the Lebanese airspace continued on an almost daily basis. On both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there is too much pain and anguish, disillusionment and dismay and - as we saw in the recent violence between Gaza and Israel - genuine fear and frustration. As fellow human beings, I hope we can all feel empathy for both the Palestinians and Israelis, who, in wanting to raise their children to live normal, happy, peaceful lives in viable independent States, are not seeking unreasonable goals.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

3. “During his visit to Lebanon, from 9 to 11 December, the Deputy Secretary-General reinforced to all his interlocutors our strong message of support for Lebanon's efforts to preserve internal stability, unity and dialogue against the difficult backdrop of the Syrian crisis. The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remained generally quiet. There was, however, an explosion on 17 December near the southern village of Tayr Haifa. The nature and circumstances of the explosion are being investigated by UNIFIL in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The increased operational tempo of UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces during the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has since reverted to previous levels.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

4. “The Talkalakh incident sparked a new round of fighting in Tripoli between the Sunni neighbourhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh and the Alawite community of Jebel Mohsen, resulting in approximately 14 killed and over 60 injured. Calm was restored after the Lebanese Armed Forces deployed heavily in the neighbourhoods affected and around the city, following the adoption of a new security plan by the Higher Defence Council on 9 December. Once again, the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces are to be commended for their role in containing threats to Lebanon's security and stability.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

5. “More generally, let me take this opportunity to remind all belligerents that they must respect and ensure the safety and security of all United Nations personnel, associated personnel and humanitarian personnel in conflict zones. The situation in Lebanon remains severely affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Cross-border shelling and arms smuggling continue. Multiple reports suggest that there are Lebanese implicated in Syria's violence, both on the side of the Al-Assad regime and the opposition. This violates the Lebanese Government's dissociation policy and puts Lebanon increasingly at risk. On 30 November, according to reports, approximately 14 Lebanese fighters were killed by Syrian regime forces near the town of Talkalakh in Syria.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

6. “On Monday, Under-Secretary-General Ladsous briefed this Council in detail on the recent report of the Secretary- General on UNDOF (S/2012/897), including on daily clashes between the Syrian army and armed opposition in the area of separation, and several occasions of direct and indirect fire at UNDOF positions or convoys, in particular an incident on 29 November in which peacekeepers were injured. In this connection, allow me to reiterate that the primary responsibility for the safety and security of United Nations personnel in the area of separation and the area of limitation on the Bravo side rests with the Syrian Government. Countries with influence should also impress upon the armed members of the opposition the importance of ensuring the freedom of movement and the safety of UNDOF personnel.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

7. “If nothing is done to change the current dynamic and to move toward a political solution, the destruction of Syria will be the likely outcome. Long-standing fears that the conflict in Syria would seriously threaten the stability and security of Syria's neighbours have intensified. During his trip earlier this month to Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, the Secretary-General heard from all the leaders he met expressions of concern about the possible political and security fallout. In addition to Syria's neighbours, the conflict in Syria has also directly affected the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operation and consequently the ability of UNDOF to fulfil its mandate, as acknowledged in resolution 2084 (2012), which this Council adopted a moment ago.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

8. “While it is important that Syria's neighbours continue to allow those fleeing violence in Syria to enter their countries, helping those countries cope with the situation and address the needs of the refugees must be a priority for the international community. We ask donors to contribute more generously to our efforts and respond to the revised appeal that is launched today. Only about half of what is needed to meet the needs of people inside Syria and the refugees has been received. This is grossly inadequate. As we have repeatedly underlined, the military approach pursued by both sides in Syria comes at a devastating cost in terms ofhuman lives and destruction, and it breeds a serious risk of sectarian and communal strife, radicalization and terrorism.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

9. “Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq now host over 150,000, 145,000, 135,000 and 65,000 Syrian refugees respectively, making Lebanon host to the largest registered number of Syrian refugees in the region. In addition, there is a growing number of Palestinian refugees from Syria present in Lebanon, including 2,000 to 4,000 who have crossed in recent days, mainly coming from the Yarmuk camp. During their recent respective visits to the region, the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary- General witnessed at first hand the dire situation of the Syrian refugees. They thanked the host countries for their hospitality and generosity and pledged to call on donors to lessen their financial burden.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

10. “The Secretary-General, in a statement over the weekend, expressed his growing alarm over that escalation, particularly the reports of sectarian killings in the village oqurab in Hama province and the violence that has engulfed the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus. All parties are failing in their obligations to protect civilians. The Council should remind those engaged in hostilities of their obligations to abide by international humanitarian law and should stress the consequences for those who fail to do so. Valerie Amos briefed the Council in private consultations two days ago on her visit to Syria and stressed the severity of the increasing humanitarian crisis. More than half a million people have fled the violence to become registered refugees in Syria's neighbours and other States.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

11. “The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process remains in close contact with Egyptian authorities, with a view to encouraging progress on all aspects of the understanding with regard to the ceasefire. In particular, we advocate for a further extension of the maritime boundary; unrestricted entry of aggregate, iron bar and cement; and transfers of goods between Gaza and the West Bank, as well as exports to Israel and beyond. In parallel, it is important that tangible means be identified and implemented so as to end weapons smuggling. The United Nations stands ready to assist the parties in all aspects of those issues. In the Syrian Arab Republic, where conflict is now in its twenty-second month, violence and military confrontation have escalated dangerously.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

12. “Israel has legitimate security concerns, which must be respected, and ignoring or dismissing Israel's legitimate security concerns undermines the prospects for a two-State solution. I would like to reiterate that the ceasefire provides an opportunity to address the underlying causes of conflict captured in resolution 1860 (2009). While talks continue in the effort to implement the understanding with regard to the ceasefire, we strongly urge all parties to strictly abide by the understanding, starting with security. The parties must agree on policy changes that address the causes of instability in Gaza and the recurrent eruptions of violence. Such changes must include an end to weapons smuggling and a full opening of crossings.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

13. “The Hamas leader, Khaled Mashaal, visited Gaza for the first time from 7 to 10 December. His visit coincided with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Hamas, an event that was attended by a number of foreign delegations and Fatah. Khaled Meshaal expressed support for an end to the division of Palestinian. The United Nations supports Palestinian reconciliation in the context of the Palestine Liberation Organization's commitments, which remain a central and yet unimplemented element of resolution 1860 (2009). But the United Nations condemns the inflammatory remarks made by Khaled Mashaal with regard to Israel in his main speech and rejects any attempt to promote violence as a way to achieve political goals or deny Israel's right to exist.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

14. “A number of Gaza fishermen were also attacked by Israeli forces while navigating in the vicinity of the new fishing limit of six nautical miles, resulting in one fisherman being shot and injured, over 30 briefly arrested and the damage to, and confiscation of, some Palestinian fishing boats. More generally, the impact of last month's violence has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of some of the Gaza Strip's poorestpeople and left up to 3,000 people in need of emergency shelter support. In terms of humanitarian funding requirements identified by the United Nations and non-governmental organizations partners, $12 to $13 million are required to meet immediate needs just for the remainder of2012. Moreover, at least $70 million are required to kick-start the humanitarian response in the first months of 2013.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

15. “On 12 December, the Palestinian Cabinet announced that the second round of local elections will take place on 22 December, after being postponed owing to the outbreak of violence in Gaza. The calm in Gaza, brokered by Egypt on 21 November, has largely held, but it remains tenuous. Since the last briefing, one rocket has been fired from Gaza into Israel and one Israeli tank shell has landed in Gaza. Israeli security forces conducted two incursions into Gaza. One Palestinian civilian was killed and 37 Palestinian civilians were injured by Israeli fire, mostly while attempting to approach the border fence.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

16. “We are alarmed by the news of the arrest of more than 500 Palestinians in November in the West Bank, which is more than double the number of arrests reported in the September and October briefings. We continue to be concerned about the approximately 4,400 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention centres. Their situation was discussed at an Arab League conference on Palestinian prisoners, which was held in Baghdad from 11 to 12 December. We are particularly worried by indications that some detainees have continued their hunger strikes, despite initial progress after the agreement to end hunger strikes in May. On 2 December, Israeli authorities resumed family visits for Gazan prisoners jailed in Israel.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

17. “Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly expressed revulsion at those events. On 4 December, Israeli security forces detained three Israelis near Hebron suspected of carrying out such attacks. Israeli security forces demolished 14 structures in the occupied West Bank, including the mosque in Al-Mafkara near Hebron. These demolitions resulted in the displacement of 41 Palestinians. In another worrisome development, in the early hours of 11 December, Israeli security forces, in another incursion into the Palestinian-controlled Area A, raided the Ramallah headquarters of three Palestinian non-governmental organizations and reportedly confiscated sensitive materials, including computers and cameras. Three recently arrested members of the Palestinian Legislative Council were sentenced to a six-month administrative detention.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

18. “In another incident, on 3 December near Nablus, a Palestinian allegedly rammed his vehicle into another vehicle carrying Israeli security personnel. According to Israeli reports, the Palestinian then attacked the soldiers with an axe, injuring two. Israeli security forces shot and killed the Palestinian. On 12 December in central Hebron, a Palestinian teenager was shot dead by Israeli forces as he allegedly threatened soldiers. Riots followed and more than 20 Palestinians were injured. Confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli settlers occurred on an almost daily basis, mostly consisting of stone throwing on both sides, resulting in injuries and material damage. So-called price tag attacks vandalized Palestinian assets near Ramallah and Hebron and desecrated a Christian monastery in West Jerusalem.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

19. “In the West Bank, the effectiveness of the Palestinian security forces and their coordination with Israeli security forces were repeatedly tested during the reporting period. Citing security concerns, Israeli security forces increased operations and arrests in the occupied West Bank. From 27 November to 17 December, a total of 182 operations resulted in two Palestinians killed, 159 Palestinians injured and 182 Palestinians arrested, while seven Israeli soldiers were also injured. It is of particular concern that Israeli forces reportedly arrested several members of the Palestinian security forces and intelligence. On 6 December in central Hebron, a confrontation between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian police officers reportedly resulted in injuries to nine Palestinians and the arrest of over 20 Palestinians.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

20. “To that end, the United Nations will continue its active engagement with all concerned. Regional actors and Quartet partners have an important role to play. On 10 December, the Foreign Ministers of the European Union (EU) reaffirmed the EU positions, including on parameters for negotiations, and reiterated that ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a strategic priority. The Arab Peace Initiative also remains a critical supportive framework that should be encouraged and nurtured. The backdrop to those developments is a worsening security situation in the West Bank, a fragile calm in Gaza after last month's round of hostilities, and a shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

21. “In particular, President Abbas has stated that the Israeli announcement related to E-l has crossed what he describes as a "red line". A dangerous stand-off has emerged as a result. Confrontational statements from both sides will only lead the parties further away from achieving the two-State solution that remains their stated commitment. It is vital that the parties avoid negative steps that undermine the situation on the ground and complicate a return to negotiations. In that context, Quartet envoys met in Brussels on 12 December. They discussed ways to help the parties avoid escalation diplomatically and on the ground in the short-term, while also finding a way back to negotiations. It is clear that new impetus must be found for substantial peace efforts early in 2013.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

22. “Its final communique outlined intended next steps, including transferring additional funds to the Palestinian Authority to compensate for revenue lost as a result of retaliatory measures related to the General Assembly vote. The Secretary-General hopes that the Arab States and others that expressed their support for the Palestinian vote in the General Assembly will indeed follow through with tangible, rapid and generous disbursements to help the Palestinian Authority address the needs of the Palestinian people on the ground. The Arab League also expressed doubt about the international architecture for the peace process and announced future consultations with stakeholders in the international community. Palestinian leaders have discussed going beyond the General Assembly vote to approach additional international bodies.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

23. “It comes while the Palestinians already face a dire fiscal situation that puts at risk the considerable achievements made by the Palestinian Authority in recent years under the leadership of President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad. The Palestinian Government has been unable to pay the salaries of its employees. Demonstrations by Palestinian teachers to protest such non-payment took place in the West Bank on 16 December and on the following days. We call on Israel to reconsider its decision and to resume the transfer of revenues without delay. We also stress the importance of Israel and the Palestinian Authority determining through direct talks the resolution of any outstanding financial claims. On 9 December, the Follow-up Committee on the Arab Peace Initiative of the League of Arab States met in Doha.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

24. “On 12 December, Israel's Minister of Finance signed the forfeiture of Palestinian funds in the amount of 435 million shekels - approximately $115 million - which were transferred to the Israel Electric Corporation. While the Secretary-General has noted his appreciation of Israel's willingness in recent months to advance clearance revenues to the Palestinians to address fiscal needs, we believe that this unilateral Israeli decision on the use of Palestinian funds undermines the integrity of the Palestinian Authority. Moreover, the decision of the Government of Israel to withhold Palestinian revenues casts doubt upon Israeli compliance with Paris Protocol provisions related to the full, timely, predictable and transparent transfer of tax and customs revenues.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

25. “If implemented, the plans would represent an almost fatal blow to the remaining chances of securing a two-State solution. These developments add to an increasing number of settlement approvals in recent months. According to reports from non-governmental organizations, there has been a threefold increase in the number of new settler housing units issued for tender in 2012 compared to 2011. Given the clear history ofhow settlements have developed and expanded since the signing of the Oslo Accords, we are not reassured by comments by some Israeli officials to the effect that the announcements are in part only symbolic in nature. We strongly urge the Israeli Government to heed the wide international calls to rescind those plans.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

26. “Following the adoption of resolution 67/19, the Israeli Government announced that it would approve plans for settlement construction of 3,000 housing units in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and, most alarmingly, indicated that planning would proceed on several thousand housing units in the E-l area of the West Bank between Jerusalem and the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim. The Secretary-General has expressed his grave concern and disappointment over those announcements. Many international leaders have done the same. In addition, the Israeli Government decided to expedite the construction of some 6,500 housing units in East Jerusalem that have already been approved, including in Givat Hamatos. Settlement construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, violates international law and is an obstacle to peace.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

27. “Following that important vote, the Secretary-General underlined that the Palestinians have a legitimate right to their own independent State, and that Israel has the right to live in peace and security with its neighbours. There remains no substitute for negotiations to that end, and the vote underscores the urgent need to resume meaningful talks. The Secretary-General, dismayed by some of the language used by various parties on the occasion of that vote, also appealed to all concerned to act responsibly.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

28. “Mr. Feltman: This is the final briefing on the Middle East for 2012. While I spoke to the Council with concern a few months ago about how the world's gaze was shifting away from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is fair to say that recent events have forced it right back into focus. What has transpired in the closing months of this year should remind us, at the very least, just how much the momentum for the two-State solution has slipped and just how hard we should be working in the year ahead to reverse this trend while there is still time to do so. As Council members are well aware, on 29 November the General Assembly accorded Palestine non-member observer State status in the United Nations, which was greeted by peaceful celebrations across the West Bank and Gaza.”

    2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6894 (2012) · source

29. “Finally, a well-conceived and executed military intervention in the north should be conducted as a last resort to address terrorist and criminal elements, and planning should be undertaken for stabilization efforts in recovered areas. Finally, let me say that while there is, for obvious reasons, a strong focus at this time on the international response to the requests of Mali and the region, it bears underscoring that the Malians themselves need to be at the centre of any efforts to restore their democracy to health and fully recover their territory. The Malian leaders must shoulder their responsibilities and work together, inclusively, for the interests of the Malian people and the region. The international community must with urgency do all it can to assist.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

30. “As the Secretary- General indicated in his report, Mali's complex crisis requires a multifaceted and integrated response in which the political, security, humanitarian, human rights and stabilization dimensions are well coordinated and mutually reinforcing, and whose challenges must be seen in the broader context of the Sahel region. As a first step, international support should be focused on supporting the Malian authorities in conducting an inclusive national dialogue aimed at reaching a national consensus on a transitional road map that addresses the full return to constitutional order and the grievances of groups in the north. Secondly, efforts to bring about a negotiatedpolitical settlement with armed groups that have disavowed ties to terrorist groups should continue in earnest.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

31. “With respect to the military option, his report makes clear that the strategic operational framework, which was endorsed by the African Union, provides a good basis for the Security Council to consider the African Union's request for its authorization of the mission under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The Secretary-General's report also encourages additional planning before the actual deployment of any such force. The Malian people, the victims of this crisis, are, understandably, looking to the region and the international community for help.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

32. “As members of the Council are aware, both the President of Benin, in his capacity as the Chairman of the African Union, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission have sent letters to the Secretary-General conveying their views on the report and expressing certain reservations with respect to the approach adopted by the United Nations concerning the authorization of an African-led international support mission for Mali. Both messages call for urgent action to be taken with respect to the authorization of the deployment of the African-led force to Mali. The Secretary-General's position is clear. He shares the sense of urgency about the horrendous crisis facing Mali, and he believes, at the same time, that the international response must be multidimensional and well-conceived.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

33. “Consideration could also be given to the deployment of a peacekeeping operation following the completion of combat operations. The United Nations, drawing on its comparative advantages and international experience, could also support planning in key areas that need to accompany or follow combat operations to ensure a progressive extension of State authority. It is vital that early preparations be undertaken for a stabilization phase so as to prevent a security and administrative vacuum as areas in northern Mali are recovered.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

34. “Both the international support mission in Mali and the Malian forces would need the requisite capacities for carrying out operations against terrorist and affiliated groups in northern Mali. That will require the timely and well-coordinated provision of a significant amount of support by international partners, including general and specialized equipment, logistics and funding. With respect to funding for the proposed force, the United Nations has a limited ability to deliver a support package in the near term to a combat force. Such operations could be supported through contributions by Member States. Once their objectives have been achieved, the Council could consider the option of the United Nations providing a logistics package for stabilization operations undertaken by the force.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

35. “As the Secretary-General has proposed, benchmarks for the commencement of military operations, could include, first, the demonstrated operational readiness of the international and Malian forces; secondly, positive developments in the peace process, including on the part of the leadership in Bamako; and thirdly, the effective training of the personnel of both forces on their obligations under international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. These benchmarks would help address important questions that are intended not to delay addressing Mali's security crisis but to make sure that any military intervention can be successful and in conformity with international standards.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

36. “The early deployment of human rights officers as part ofa strengthened United Nations presence in Mali, as proposed by the Secretary-General, could provide an important capacity for monitoring such compliance and help to ensure accountability. Moreover, the Secretary-General's proposals that the Council request the African Union and the Malian authorities to use benchmarks in determining when military operations would commence, and consider requesting the African Union to report to it on the activities of the international support mission once it is established, would also be helpful in ensuring accountability.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

37. “While the operational aspects are being refined, we envisage that the very existence of the military option can provide useful and complementary leverage to the political process, which remains the priority option for Mali. Should the Council decide to authorize the deployment of the African-led international support mission in Mali, any operations conducted by the force will need to be well planned, coordinated and implemented. Furthermore, if the effectiveness of the operations and their minimal adverse impact on the population are to be ensured, they must be carried out in strict compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

38. “In this regard, United Nations military and police planners have worked closely with ECOWAS and the African Union, in close consultation with the Malian authorities, in developing a strategic operational framework for the proposed African- led international support mission in Mali. Under the framework, an international force would support the Malian defence and security forces in operations to restore the territorial integrity of Mali. There are, however, remaining questions about how the international and Malian forces would be led, sustained, trained, equipped and financed. Moreover, the division of tasks between the forces, command and control, civilian oversight over the Malian forces and timelines are issues that still need to be addressed.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

39. “The support of the international community will continue to be critical in helping the Malians to bridge differences and arrive at a national consensus. It is in this context that the Secretary-General intends to establish a full time United Nations political presence in Bamako, which will be responsible for interacting with key Malian stakeholders on a daily basis under my direction, and who will report to both his Special Representative for West Africa and his Special Envoy for the Sahel. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, a military operation may be required as a last resort to deal with the most hard-line extremist and criminal elements in northern Mali.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

40. “In the meantime, three high-level electoral experts have also been dispatched by the Secretary- General to work with the Resident Coordinator and the United Nations Development Programme to assist the Malian authorities in developing a detailed and realistic operational plan, including a timeline and budget, for the holding of transparent and credible elections. Despite concerted international efforts, the political landscape in Mali remains complex and fragmented. It is critical that the key political actors arrive at a unified vision as soon as possible ifthey are to effectively focus efforts on the main transition challenges, in particular national dialogue and negotiations with the armed groups.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

41. “It is vital that we address transnational Sahel issues as part of the solution to the crisis in Mali. Moreover, in response to a request by the transitional Government, a needs assessment mission was deployed by the Secretary-General to Bamako from 19 to 30 November to make recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges facing the electoral process, including those related to developing a framework for inclusive consultations and confidence-building measures. The assessment mission is finalizing its report.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

42. “Said Djinnit, has significantly increased his political engagement with the authorities in Mali and key regional stakeholders to provide momentum to a Malian-owned political process focused on three main objectives: first, broad-based and inclusive national dialogue aimed at formulating a road map for the transition; secondly, negotiations with armed groups in the north that renounce violence and terrorism; and thirdly, preparations for the holding of elections. The Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Sahel, Mr. Romano Prodi, has also been active on the broader Sahel issues and will host a meeting of special envoys to the Sahel in Rome on 7 December to discuss, inter alia, the United Nations integrated strategy on the Sahel and the division of labour among special envoys.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

43. “Since the adoption of resolution 2071 (2012), the United Nations system, recognizing the urgency and at the direction of the Secretary-General, has intensified and accelerated its efforts in Mali along two main tracks. The first is to give strong impetus to the Malian political process. The second is to support ECOWAS and the African Union in planning for an international force to support the Malian authorities in restoring the territorial integrity of the country, if this cannot be achieved through the political process, and addressing the threat posed by terrorist and affiliated groups. With respect to the first track, the Secretary- General's Special Representative for West Africa, Mr.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

44. “Gross human rights abuses continue to be perpetrated against the population in the north of the country, including cases of summary and extrajudicial execution, sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and torture. Moreover, Ansar Dine has continued its destruction of historical, cultural and holy sites in Timbuktu. On the humanitarian front, over 412,000 persons have been forced to flee northern Mali, half of them crossing the border into neighbouring countries. An estimated 5 million people have been affected by the conflict, the majority of whom are at risk of food insecurity. About 600,000 children under the age of five are facing severe malnutrition.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

45. “Both groups have also reported that Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) backed MUJAO in the clashes. Reports indicated that many civilians have fled from the region of Gao and moved closer to the border of the Niger or the surrounding desert due to the fighting. Twelve civilians have been reportedly killed during the attacks. As further evidence of the increasing insecurity in the north, on 27 November, a spokesman for Ansar Dine announced that the group had wrested control of the town of Lere, south west of Timbuktu, from the MNLA. In the meantime, there are continuing reports ofjihadists and terrorist elements arriving in the north of the country to join with the armed groups. We share the alarm of the Council about the human rights situation in northern Mali.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

46. “According to a communique issued by the ECOWAS mediation following the meeting, the parties agreed on some principles, including the primacy of dialogue, respect for the national unity and territorial integrity of Mali, respect for human rights and the freedom of religion, and the rejection of terrorism and extremism. Our collective sense of urgency derives in part, of course, because the security situation in the north of the country has continued to deteriorate. On 16 November, the MNLA launched an offensive against the Mouvement pour l'unicite et le jihad en Afrique de l'Ouest (MUJAO) in the north-eastern region of Gao. Clashes between the two groups also took place on 19 November in the town of Menaka, near the border of the Niger. MUJAO has since claimed that it has seized control of the town.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

47. “Following talks convened by the Mediator of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Blaise Compaore, on 6 and 16 November in Ouagadougou, two of the armed groups based in northern Mali - the Mouvement national pour la liberation de 1'Azawad(MNLA) and Ansar Dine - have confirmed their participation in negotiations facilitated by him. On the basis of that agreement, President Compaore wrote to the interim President of Mali, Dioncounda Traore', on 21 November inviting him to send a delegation of the Malian Government for a first formal round of talks. On 4 December, the ECOWAS Mediator facilitated a meeting between a delegation from the Malian Government, led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tieman Coulibaly, and representatives of Ansar Dine and MNLA in Ouagadougou.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

48. “The political situation in Bamako has become more complex, especially as a result ofdeep divisions between Malian political stakeholders over how to implement key national priorities. The national dialogue, which is expected to serve as the forum to discuss and agree on the implementation of those priorities, has not been convened due to disagreement over the modalities and objectives of the process. The national dialogue is now scheduled to take place during the second week of December. Even before the national dialogue convenes, regional partners are moving forward to address the pressing need for a viable political process.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

49. “Mr. Feltman: I would like to thank members of the Council for this opportunity to introduce the report of the Secretary-General on Mali (S/2012/894). As requested by the Security Council in resolution 2071 (2012) of 12 October 2012, the report provides an overview of developments in the country since January, and outlines the efforts of the United Nations system, as well as those of national, regional and international actors, in responding to the crisis in Mali and in implementing resolution 2071 (2012). The report also provides recommendations on the way forward. The Secretary-General fully shares the profound sense of urgency of the Security Council and of regional Member States regarding the crisis in Mali.”

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6879 (2012) · source

50. “We must therefore continue to make every effort to work towards the fundamental goal. We now collectively need to rediscover with the parties the determination to forge a credible political path forward. We must not let the urgency elude us.”

    2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source