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

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Both parties have an interest in building on this period of calm to protect the achievements along the Blue Line from regional tensions and to take steps to strengthen the cessation of hostilities. Let me conclude with a reminder that, amid the seismic shifts being felt throughout the Middle East, we cannot afford to be complacent to the persisting deadlock between the Israelis and Palestinians. Despite their apprehensions, understandable in part, neither the parties nor the Council can be impervious to the warning signs of a fading two-State solution. We were all sobered by last month's events in the West Bank. The window of opportunity for taking constructive action to preserve the two-State solution may now be becoming more limited. There is no alternative, sustainable and just solution to negotiated peace.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“In the current regional context, it is in the interest of Lebanon's continued stability that all Lebanese parties continue to exercise restraint and work cooperatively in preparation for the 2013 parliamentary elections. In contrast with the ongoing volatility in the region, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations remained generally calm. The number of air violations and mostly inadvertent ground violations of the Blue Line, however, remained relatively high. Despite the temporary redeployment of units of the Lebanese Armed Forces from the UNIFIL area of operations to address security requirements elsewhere in Lebanon, the level of cooperation between the two forces has remained broadly the same.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Prime Minister Mikati's reaffirmation on 27 September before the General Assembly of Lebanon's policy of disassociation was welcome (see A/67/PV.14). We hope that Hizbullah, too, will fully respect the disassociation policy of the Government in which Hizbullah participates. We also welcome President Sleiman's initiative in the national dialogue on 20 September to present a first vision for a national defence strategy, including in respect of Hizbullah's arms, which participants agreed to consider as a basis of discussion. The next session of the national dialogue is set for November. We hope that all Lebanese leaders will seize the opportunity to overcome outstanding divergences with a view to realizing such a strategy in the national interest.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“After the release on 25 September of a second member of the group of Lebanese pilgrims abducted in Syria in May, nine still remain held. Of great concern are fresh reports suggesting involvement by Lebanese political forces in support of the parties to the conflict in Syria. Moreover, the explosion on 3 October of an arms depot in the Beka'a Valley town of Al-Nabi Shayth, in which three Hizbullah militants were killed and several other people wounded, was also a reminder of the risk posed by the presence of arms held by non-State actors. Lebanese public opinion is deeply polarized regarding developments in Syria. Against that backdrop, it is all the more important that the Lebanese Government and political leaders across the spectrum continue to work to preserve Lebanon's unity and stability.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Despite overcoming a spate of security incidents and tensions over the summer, Lebanon continues to be dangerously exposed to spillover from the conflict in Syria. Areas bordering Syria remain volatile, with regular cross-border shelling, including close to Lebanese villages in the northern region of Akkar, some of them several kilometres from the border. The Lebanese Armed Forces stated that it would not allow any side to use Lebanese territory to draw Lebanon into neighbouring tensions, and reaffirmed its determination to confront any violations of Lebanese territory. However, there continue to be reports of cross- border arms smuggling. On 25 September, for example, a truckload of weapons and military equipment was seized by the Lebanese Armed Forces en route to the Lebanese-Syrian border.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“UNDOF observed an exchange of weapons between groups crossing the border into Syria from Lebanon on 27 September. Deadly incidents involving armed elements from Lebanon and Syrian security forces were also observed by UNDOF in its area of operations on 20 and 29 September. Finally, on 9 October, soldiers from the Syrian Arab Armed Forces fired shots at two members of Observer Group Golan in a clearly marked United Nations vehicle in the northern part of the area of limitation. Syrian authorities were informed and are investigating the incident. Separately, while the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan has remained relatively stable, the Syrian Arab Republic has sent an official letter complaining about several incidents, including injuries sustained by Syrian children from a landmine explosion on 4 October.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We must press all parties to allow unhindered humanitarian access. As winter approaches, we are very concerned at the continued shortfalls in our appeals for funding. As of 11 October, the $348 million United Nations revised humanitarian plan for Syria was only 40 per cent funded. We urge donors to contribute more generously to address the growing needs of over 2.5 million civilians inside Syria, including over 1.2 million internally displaced persons. Those numbers are increasing by the day. Resources are also urgently required to assist the over 330,000 refugees in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. It is important to preserve calm in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operations, where there is a risk of increased tensions, as illustrated by several security incidents since our last briefing.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“And ifit were, it would be at an excruciating cost unlikely to lead to a lasting solution that respects the will of the Syrian people. Our priority remains a political solution, and that is what Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi is trying to help bring about. The Council heard his assessment three weeks ago. He is back in the region as we speak, continuing his discussions with a great sense of urgency and trying to identify the path to a political solution. In his current trip, which has taken him so far to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq and Iran, he is reiterating the Secretary-General's call for a ceasefire and an end to arms transfers to all parties. Despite growing insecurity and significant challenges on the ground, the United Nations continues to expand aid deliveries.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“He has called on the Syrian Government to respect fully the territorial integrity of its neighbours, as well as on all concerned to abandon the use of violence and exercise the maximum restraint. The Secretary-General has expressed his utmost concern at the continuing militarization of the conflict. He has urged the Syrian Government to declare a ceasefire, to be reciprocated by the opposition armed groups. To succeed, that must be a collective effort by all inside Syria, in the region and beyond. All Governments should desist from supplying arms and military assistance to any party in the conflict, some of which may violate Security Council resolution 1747 (2007). After all the deaths and destruction Syria has suffered, it is plain to see that the conflict cannot be won militarily.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture and summary executions, continue unabated. That includes the continued captivity by the armed opposition of Iranian pilgrims abducted in August. The voices ofthe peaceful protests that emerged so proudly last year have receded in the tremor of fighting. Long-standing predictions ofthe conflict spiralling beyond its borders are coming true, as illustrated by the recent escalation along the Syrian-Turkish border, rounds of small arms fire in the occupied Golan, exchanges of fire into northern Lebanon, as well as a surge in belligerent rhetoric. The Secretary-General has expressed his alarm at the heightened tension between Syria and Turkey following a wave of cross- border shelling that resulted in the death of several Turkish nationals, including children.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We note that, in comments reported in the Lebanese media, Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour stated that "Lebanon will definitely assume responsibility for Hizbullah's recent action, because the country is in a confrontation with Israel". The conflict in Syria, now entering its twentieth month, has reached new and appalling heights of brutality and violence. Available estimates, which the United Nations is not in a position to verify, put the number of people killed at more than 30,000. Syrian cities and villages - some of which are part of our world's heritage - are turning into ruins, and archaeological treasures have been looted and destroyed. Such violence is creating fertile ground for terrorism and criminal actions of all kinds.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We welcome the recent approval by the Government of Israel of an additional $38 million worth of project work, including schools, shelters and solid- waste treatment infrastructure, raising the value of United Nations implemented works involving material subject to approval to approximately $400 million since May 2010. Turning to the region, tensions on the border between Israel and Egypt raised concern when, on 21 September, three terrorists attacked an IDF position on the Sinai border, and were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. One IDF soldier was also killed, and another seriously wounded. A worrying development took place on 6 October, when a drone penetrated Israeli airspace in the northern Negev before being shot down by Israeli forces. Hizbullah Secretary-General Nasrallah has since claimed responsibility for that incident.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“On 19 September, the World Food Programme (WFP) transported 1.2 million fortified date bars produced in Gaza to its West Bank school meals initiative. That WFP initiative was the first such delivery from Gaza to the West bank in five years. Those are positive steps towards reinstating commercial transfers to the West Bank. However, much more is required. Lifting restrictions on the entry of aggregate, iron bar and cement would not only enable the growth of private sector but also provide an additional source of revenue for the Palestinian Authority. In the meantime, a steady flow of approvals for works involving dual-use material should be maintained.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We continue to condemn all rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel. The de facto authorities have the responsibility to prevent and stop all such attacks. We also urge Israel to show maximum restraint. We must all work to ensure that calm is realized, the closure regime is lifted and the Palestinian divide ends. Regrettably, there is no new progress to report in ending that divide. Lifting the closure regime in accordance with resolution 1860 (2009) and Gaza's recovery and long- term economic growth remain fundamental objectives of the United Nations. In that regard, we note the recent transfer of an order of school furniture from Gaza to the West Bank commissioned by the Palestinian Authority.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Another serious escalation took place this past weekend when, on 13 October, an Israeli air strike killed a Salafi leader and his assistant, while two civilians were injured. Yesterday, two Israeli air strikes resulted in three Palestinian militants killed and three injured, including two critically. Overall for the reporting period, a total of 72 rockets and mortars were fired into Israel, resulting in some material damage. During the same period, Israeli forces conducted three incursions and 11 strikes into Gaza, resulting in the death of 8 alleged Palestinian militants and 1 civilian, as well as injuries to 5 Palestinian militants and 17 civilians, including 4 children. That latest episode demonstrates the continuing fragility of the situation in Gaza and highlights the vulnerability ofthe civilian population.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Elections will take place in the West Bank only, as the de facto authorities in Gaza have not allowed the Central Elections Commission to proceed with voter registration and related electoral preparations in Gaza. Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu recently announced that he will be presenting a bill to dissolve the Knesset in preparation for early elections. Turning to Gaza, sporadic eruptions of violence were recorded during the reporting period. A serious escalation occurred when, on 7 October, an Israeli air strike killed an alleged militant and seriously injured another, as well as eight civilians. Some 50 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza into Israel the following day.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The United Nations continues to call for a reasonable resolution to those cases and recalls its position that the use of administrative detention must be exceptional and of short duration. Palestinian security forces continued their efforts to preserve law and order in the West Bank. Between 18 and 19 September, they arrested 57 militants affiliated with Hamas throughout the West Bank, which led to the discovery, on 23 September, of a Hamas underground bunker in the village of Urif, near Nablus. Palestinian local elections are on schedule for 20 October. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission has been carrying out preparations in accordance with the local electoral law and calendar. Some 4,700 candidates were nominated, nearly a fourth of them women, and electoral campaigning commenced on 6 October.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Citing security concerns, the Israeli Defense Forces had conducted 226 operations in the occupied West Bank as of9 October, which resulted in 87 Palestinians being injured and 182 arrested. On 25 September, Israeli forces uncovered a weapons cache near Hebron. Almost daily clashes were reported between Israeli forces and Palestinians at the Qalandiya checkpoint. Most injuries took place during Palestinian demonstrations, including against the barrier, which deviates from the Green Line in contravention to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (see A/ES-10/273). Allow me to say that the right of peaceful protest must be upheld and that all protests should be kept strictly non-violent. Demonstrations also took place on 2 October to protest the plight of Palestinian hunger strikers in Israeli jails.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Despite prior coordination, this move resulted in clashes with Palestinians. The status of Jerusalem and the religious sites are sensitive issues that will be fully resolved only in final status negotiations. In the meantime, we strongly urge all sides to exercise restraint and safeguard the sanctity of religious sites. Palestinian attacks against Israelis were, comparatively speaking, on the rise during the reporting period. Four Israelis were injured and material damage was caused. Incidents of stone and Molotov-cocktail throwing at Israeli vehicles travelling in the West Bank were recorded on four occasions. On 10 October, an Israeli was stabbed and injured near the Gush Etzion settlement by a Palestinian, who was subsequently arrested by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The United Nations position remains that settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, whether on private land or elsewhere, is illegal under international law and contrary to Israel's obligations under the Road Map, and should be put to a halt. On five occasions between 27 September and 7 October, Israeli extremists entered the Temple Mount/ Haram al-Sharif compound, intending to perform religious rituals. Clashes with Muslim worshippers resulted in injuries to five Palestinians, while Israeli forces arrested a number of Palestinians and Israelis for violation of visiting regulations and disturbance of public order. Also, on 4 October over 1,000 Israelis entered Joseph's Tomb near the city of Nablus to perform religious rituals.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“However, in recent years, the Israeli military has limited access of Palestinian farmers to their olive groves next to settlements to mitigate the risk of violence. In a particularly disturbing development, approximately 7,000 Palestinian-owned olive trees have been destroyed, damaged or harvested by Israeli settlers since the beginning of 2012. We note that on 4 October, the Israeli police arrested three settlers allegedly involved in so-called price tag activities. We urge the Government of Israel to take effective measures to curtail such acts in the lead up to the harvest season and, more generally, to hold accountable those responsible for violence. Settlement activity continued. Of note, the outpost of Migron was evacuated to a nearby settlement and the outpost is now used by the Israeli Defence Forces.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Indications that plans for six Palestinian localities may soon be published for ultimate approval are also encouraging. Yet further progress to address the planning needs of over 200 Palestinian communities in Area C remains essential. Violence and other sources of tension on the ground make it all the more difficult to overcome the political stalemate. We remain concerned about security in the West Bank. Twenty-nine incidents involving settler violence resulted in injuries to 10 Palestinians, as well as damage to property. The Dormition Abbey in East Jerusalem was desecrated with graffiti on 2 October as part of so-called price tag activities. The annual olive harvest, which has just begun, is an important economic, social and cultural event for Palestinians.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The AHLC also called upon Israel to help facilitate the sustainable growth of the Palestinian economy by taking further steps to improve the movement of people and goods, development and trade and exports in Gaza and the West Bank, including in Area C and East Jerusalem. Such steps ought to include measures to address the lack of adequate planning for Palestinian communities, as well as measures to develop socioeconomic infrastructure, such as support to the agricultural sector in Area C - an area fundamental to the contiguity of the West Bank and the viability ofa future Palestinian State. The United Nations welcomes the recent approval by the Government of Israel of 15 schools and health centres in Area C, and hopes to see similar action in the processing ofthe 32 master plans submitted to the Israeli authorities.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“As we have said before, all those States that verbally support the Palestinian people can demonstrate their commitment in a tangible way by offering financial help that provides the Palestinian people with jobs, services and security. The figures speak for themselves. As of 11 October, the Palestinian Authority had not yet set a date for the payment of Government employees' salaries for the month of September. While recent contributions from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the Netherlands and France are welcome, they do not suffice. A predictable and immediate injection of new funds is required in order to finance the deficit, which is currently projected to reach $1.3 billion by the end of the year.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) meeting of 23 September brought into sharp focus the severe financial crisis that the Palestinian Authority is experiencing as a result of combined shortfalls in domestic revenue, tax income and donor contributions. In his message, the Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations view that the vision of the two-State solution and the institutional achievements of the Palestinian Authority are key elements of stability. Let me repeat today his call for preserving those achievements and for ensuring the Palestinian Authority's fiscal viability by helping to bridge its immediate funding gap.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“At the same time, citing the absence of a political process, President Abbas announced his intention and initial consultations to seek an upgrade of Palestine to non-member State observer status - a move that Israel rejects as unilateral and an impediment to resuming negotiations. We hope that this development can be addressed in a constructive manner, and we remind everyone that a negotiated two- State solution, to which both leaders are committed, must remain the highest priority. We fear, however, that the door for such a solution may be closing before our eyes.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Mr. Feltman: While the world's gaze of concern points elsewhere in the Middle East, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict drifts dangerously in a direction that must be avoided. Both sides maintain their rhetorical commitment to a negotiated peace; however, the creeping realities on the ground and the stalemated diplomacy portray a more worrying situation. Stated intentions to adhere to a two-State solution are not translating into meaningful steps to renewed dialogue on the core issues to be resolved, and this should be a matter of great concern to the Council. We heard a restatement of these intentions during the speeches of both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to the General Assembly on 27 September (see A/67/PV.12).”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The Secretary-General is convinced that the issue of the Sahel requires focused attention and follow-up, and he is still examining how best we can do that. In closing, I call on the members ofthe Council and the wider international community to support United Nations efforts in the development of the integrated regional strategy, as well as to support the humanitarian appeal. I can assure the Council that the United Nations will remain committed to building the capacity of the States in the Sahel to secure peace and stability for the region.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“As part of this consultative process, the Secretary- General intends to host a high-level meeting on the Sahel on 26 September, in the margins of the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly. The key objective of the meeting is to present, in broad strokes, the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel and generate international support for its implementation. It will also take stock of recent developments in the Sahel and examine current national, regional and international efforts to address the multiple challenges confronting the region. In addition, the meeting will aim at re-energizing the international response to requests for assistance by the Governments in the Sahel region and United Nations agencies to meet the most immediate needs of the population.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“In particular, the United Nations is looking at synergies with the European Union in the implementation of its Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel. We are looking at continuing to work with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, and to build upon their plans of action on drug control and crime prevention. We are looking to engage with other subregional organizations and bilateral partners on the implementation of the strategy, including by working with national Governments in the implementation of their own programmes, such as Niger's national strategy on terrorism, security and development or Mauritania's food security and humanitarian strategies.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“It needs to be re-emphasized that the blue-print for the implementation of the strategy should emerge from a process of broad discussions, debate and consensus- building with national and international partners to develop a sense of collective ownership. While the integrated regional strategy for the Sahel will help the United Nations to deliver as one in the region, it is crucial that we acknowledge the importance of coordination with other important partners of the Sahel. The United Nations is looking to work with them in the implementation of the strategy, building upon the initiatives already in place to offer coherent and coordinated international support to the people and States of the Sahel.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“We can assist in developing regional integrated strategies and approaches to counter terrorism and organized crime, including through the provision of expertise on developing legal and institutional frameworks and anti-money- laundering measures. Importantly, we can assist in developing coordinated regional approaches to address the proliferations of arms and weapons and improve border management and cooperation. In implementing all of these actions, the strategy will incorporate a human rights-based approach that encompasses the non-negotiable principles ofrespect for participation, non-discrimination and accountability.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“One of the important strategic areas of engagement where the United Nations may bring added value is the establishment of a forum for regional and international partners to discuss and coordinate their Sahel strategies. We also believe that the United Nations can provide expertise and support the sharing of national- level experiences to create synergies on disaster risk reduction, agricultural production and changing grazing patterns, social safety nets, environmental sustainability and water management. We can promote conciliation, mediation and arbitration, including by strengthening local and regional capacityiesto prevent cross-border tension and mediate local conflicts.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“The strategy will be comprehensive in scope, preventive in nature and respectful of States' international human rights obligations, and will build on existing mechanisms in the region. The strategy is regional because political and security challenges are interconnected, because environmental concerns cannot be geographically isolated, and because building economic resilience is restricted not to communities, but to the ability of the region as a whole to withstand climate and market shocks. As such, the focus of the strategy will be on areas where the United Nations can best engage on regional or cross-border issues and contribute to strengthening regional and subregional cooperation. Engagements will be anchored in national ownership and driven by regional needs, in a fluid exchange with implementing partners and Sahel Member States.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“It is in this context that United Nations regional organizations in Dakar, including the United Nations Office for West Africa, the Regional Directors Team and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator have worked with Headquarters in developing the integrated response strategy for the Sahel. It builds upon the work of the the plan of action and the framework for resilience in the Sahel, which focuses on humanitarian and development challenges and looks at strengthening the resilience of communities in the region. The integrated strategy provides a conceptual framework and strategic priorities to guide United Nations engagement in the Sahel at the regional level, and sets the basis for follow-up consultations with regional organizations, Governments and key actors in the region.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“In view of the multiple recurrent and chronic emergencies the region is facing, it is critical that the international community commit to deal effectively with the underlying structural causes of vulnerability in the Sahel. As humanitarian agencies continue to provide life-saving assistance and address the most acute needs, we will also collectively aim at rebuilding assets, supporting livelihoods, scaling up social protection, and providing access to basic services without any form of discrimination. With sufficient and sustained resources, we will be able to consolidate the gains achieved through this range of interventions.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the international community of the humanitarian plight of the people of the Sahel. The emergency this year is the third of this scale since 2005. More than 18 million people were estimated to be at risk of food insecurity in 2012, and more than 1 million children in the region are at risk of suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Food and nutrition insecurity may ease in October with the first harvest and a subsequent drop in food prices, but many households will continue to feel the consequences of the crisis. Further efforts are required within the current rainy season; for example, we have seen an increase in reported cases of cholera and malaria.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“For the most vulnerable, survival strategies during a severe crisis include selling off assets, particularly livestock, pulling children out of school, reducing the quantity and nutritional quality of food and consuming grain that may be required as seed for the next planting season. While they may save some lives, such strategies compromise the ability of households to rebuild after a crisis and have a life-long impact on children's development. To break that negative spiral, it is necessary to develop programmes that support the households most vulnerable to humanitarian crises so that they can better absorb shocks, rebuild after a crisis and support a longer-term transformation through education and livelihood diversification.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“Coupled with the effects of continued internal armed conflicts, those various threats undermine economic development. Human rights challenges in the region result from a combination of long-standing weaknesses in the rule of law, social exclusion and discrimination. Countries in the Sahel have traditionally suffered from weak national human rights protection systems, with the judiciary often lacking independence or being under-resourced. Accountability is lacking and discriminatory practices against women and minorities are all too common. Too often households and communities do not have the capability to withstand the damaging effects of the multiple climate and market shocks.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“Political uprisings in those countries have been spurred just as much along ethnic lines, including in successive Tuareg revolts in the Niger and Mali and political conflicts in Mauritania. While States have recognized the need to engage with wide sections of the population to heal the social rifts dividing them, it has proven difficult to do so in the context of weak institutions, corruption and marginalization. The challenges in the Sahel are not only political, but also involve the areas of security, humanitarian resilience and human rights. The long, porous borders of the Sahel region present a significant security challenge because they facilitate the activities of transnational criminal and terrorist groups, especially in remote and poorly administered regions. Porous borders also facilitate trafficking in arms, drugs and persons.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“Let me first underline some of the main challenges in the region, which is receiving renewed attention as a result of the complex and deeply worrisome crisis in Mali. The kinds of stress factors tearing today at Mali's social and political fabric are not unique to that country. Politically, the Sahel region has long been characterized by cyclical instability and unconstitutional changes of Government. State fragility is also visible in the economic and social spheres, given the limited capacity of authorities to deliver basic services and institutionalize dialogue. Economically, the Sahel States suffer from extreme poverty, with human development levels among the lowest in the world. Socially, the region suffers from fractures rooted in societal divides in some countries of the region.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“Mr. Feltman: The deep-seated fragilities stretching across the broad Sahel region of Africa are a matter of growing concern to the people and Governments of the region as well as to the broader international community and the Security Council. The threats and challenges cut across borders and disciplines, and their solutions must be cooperative and comprehensive. I am pleased, therefore, to brief the Council today on the progress made in the development of an integrated regional strategy for the Sahel that encompasses security, governance, development, human rights and humanitarian dimensions, as requested of the Secretary-General in resolution 2056 (2012), adopted on 5 July.”
2012-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6836 (2012) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of UNSMIL and particularly the outgoing Special Representative for his commitment, leadership and outstanding service in this critical period for the Libyan people. As noted, a great deal ofwork remains to be done, so as we express our appreciation and bid farewell to Ian Martin, the Secretary-General will announce today the appointment of Mr. Tarek Mitri as his replacement. With the support ofthe Council, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Martin worked tirelessly and courageously in building a strong foundation of United Nations-Libyan cooperation. I am confident that we can count on the Council's strong support for Mr. Mitri and UNSMIL in their work to assist the Libyan people in consolidating and strengthening their democratic transformation.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“An effective transitional justice strategy will help consolidate democracy and rebuild trust in State institutions in order to address crimes of the past while promoting effective truth-seeking processes. As the General National Congress assumes its functions, UNSMIL has begun informal consultations on views regarding United Nations support for Libya's needs based on the principles of national ownership. It appears unlikely that there will be any request for adjustment to the mandate as outlined in resolution 2040 (2012). However, there may be additional requests for support within the mandated areas. UNSMIL and the United Nations country team will continue to use a range of modalities to mobilize a surge capacity of technical expertise to respond accordingly, in line with the mission concept of flexibility.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“While this is a positive step, the Ministry of Justice needs to continue its efforts to implement a more systematic, accelerated approach to the screening of all remaining detainees. UNSMIL continues to urge Libyan authorities to put in place measures to prevent and investigate torture and mistreatment and to devise a prosecutorial strategy to deal with the trials of senior former regime members. UNSMIL is working closely with the Libyan authorities in the area of judicial reform and is assisting in the re-establishment of the prison system, which is essential for bringing all conflict-related detainees under the authority of the Ministry of Justice, an area where progress has been limited.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“These include the destruction on 24 August of one of Libya's most revered shrines in the city of Zliten, in which bombs and a bulldozer were used. Further attacks were reported in Tripoli, Benghazi and Misratah. These attacks elicited strong condemnation from the Libyan authorities, including General National Congress President Mr. Mohammad Al-Magariaf, and from Libya's Grand Mufti Al-Sadiq Al-Ghiryani, who stressed that such attacks had no basis in Islam. The issue of conflict-related detentions in Libya has been particularly salient in briefings and reports to the Council. During August, the prosecutor's office commenced the screening of detainees held in various detention centres in Misratah, leading to the subsequent release of 130 detainees.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“It is clear that the General National Congress expects the new cabinet to move quickly to announce immediate measures to begin to remedy these shortcomings as part of a longer-term national security vision and plan. To assist the Government, UNSMIL is focusing its advisory and coordination efforts on six key interrelated areas: the national security architecture; police reform; defence reform; arms and ammunition management; border security; and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. Accordingly, UNSMIL has increased its advisory capacity and stepped up efforts to strengthen international coordination for support to security sector governance. The urgency with which the security vacuum in Libya needs to be addressed was also highlighted by the spate of attacks on Sufi shrines over the past few weeks.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“In his remarks marking the dissolution of the National Transitional Council, Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil acknowledged shortcomings in addressing these issues, a sentiment echoed by the General National Congress leadership and political leaders. These challenges are manifested by the presence of arms outside State control, lack of clarity and competition over security responsibilities between and within relevant ministries and institutions, and the continued prevalence of armed brigades. In addition to these concerns, border security remains a top national priority in the efforts to combat the smuggling of arms, drugs, human trafficking and illegal migration, as well as the spread of transnational organized crime. Leaders from across the political spectrum have voiced their intention to make security their highest priority.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“The United Nations has encouraged the Libyan authorities to consolidate the knowledge gained from the holding of elections and to preserve an institutional infrastructure to serve future elections. The United Nations has also begun to implement plans designed to increase awareness and knowledge of electoral issues among decision-makers and the public at large. I discussed at the beginning of this briefing the attack against the United States diplomatic facility in Benghazi. This is one example, but not the only one, demonstrating that security is foremost among the challenges and expectations facing the Libyan people and authorities.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source
“This amendment was part of an effort to defuse tensions arising from a perception of marginalization and underrepresentation, mainly in the east, that threatened the security of the national elections. These issues remain a serious concern. The United Nations continues to encourage the adoption of transparent, inclusive and consultative mechanisms to manage the entire constitutional development process. The United Nations is prepared to offer a broad spectrum of support should the Libyans request it, including on the formation of the constitutional commission's secretariat, draft rules of procedure, public outreach and civic education, induction seminars and ongoing substantive expert assistance. UNSMIL has begun efforts to help coordinate support among other international partners.”
2012-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6832 (2012) · source