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

“The Secretary-General was therefore alarmed when militants resumed the firing of projectiles out of the Gaza Strip after the expiration of the lull, frustrating our hopes that the humanitarian pause would be the beginning of de-escalation. It pains us that the much- needed reprieve was so short. Shortly after the rockets fired into Israel marked the end of the humanitarian pause, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the launch of a ground operation into Gaza. To our knowledge, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has so far conducted four ground incursions into Gaza and conducted some 90 air strikes, firing 91 missiles, mostly inside the access restricted area, which has been extended to 3 kilometres. The IDF at the barrier fired some 357 tank shells, while the Israeli Navy fired some 150 shells.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7220 (2014) · source
“Mr. Feltman: As we meet today, the intensification of the violence the United Nations was trying so hard to head offis becoming a reality in and around Gaza. This is all the more dismaying as it comes so soon after signs of hope had emerged, specifically the attempt by Egypt to broker a ceasefire, followed by the United Nations brokering of a humanitarian pause. For five hours yesterday, a temporary ceasefire, mostly respected by all parties, allowed civilians in Gaza to resume some vital activities to sustain their daily lives. The pause allowed workers to start some repairs on essential electrical and water infrastructure. In Israel, civilians were largely spared rocket fire for the same period.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7220 (2014) · source
“While the security, political, economic, social, and human rights issues in Ukraine that should be addressed are indeed complicated, we hope that the shock of the downing of the civilian passenger jet yesterday will prompt a serious and sustained effort to end the fighting and concentrate positively on Ukraine's future.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“The Secretary- General calls on the international community to come together in support of Ukraine, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, and to preserve peace and security for the broader region. We will continue do our part. the Secretary-General is in close contact with world leaders and has asked me to return to Kyiv and Moscow in the coming days in the spirit of his good offices. Establishing a path to peace in Ukraine, as in areas of conflict elsewhere in the world, will require a concerted effort by national actors from across the political spectrum, backed by the strong and unified support of the international community.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General welcomes the intensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by many members of the Council and others in recent weeks with a view to de-escalatingthe crisis. The 2 JulyjointBerlin declaration agreed upon by the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation, Germany, France and Ukraine - similar to the 17 April Geneva statement - provides a clear and constructive way forward. As the declaration underlines, there is an urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire in eastern Ukraine to be agreed and fully observed by all concerned, as well as to secure and effectively control the Russian-Ukrainian border. As the fighting continues, however, we are disconcerted by the apparent lack of tangible progress towards a political solution. A first, critical step would be the immediate resumption of a ceasefire.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“At the same time, we continue to strongly urge the Ukrainian authorities to act with maximum restraint and to make every effort possible to ensure the protection of civilians caught in the fighting. Estimations of the total number of civilian casualties vary, but according to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, there have been approximately 500 casualties so far and 1,400 injured. Furthermore, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that the crisis had displaced some tens of thousands of people as of 11 July. Grievances can and must never justify endangering the lives of those one claims and aims to represent and protect.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“In the same statement, the Ministry also warned that "tensions in the area of the Russian-Ukrainian border have dangerously escalated and may have irreversible consequences, for which Ukraine will be held responsible". According to the Ukrainian authorities, the country's border guard units have reportedly come under continuous attack with rockets and mortars by armed groups. There are also reports that several Ukrainian military aircraft have been shot down over the past weeks, most recently on 16 July. As the Secretary-General has reiterated on countless occasions, armed groups need to disarm immediately and to stop engaging in unlawful and violent acts.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“Earlier this week, a fierce battle was also fought over the international airport in Luhansk, which now appears to be under the Ukrainian Government's control. The situation on and around the border between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is of particular concern. While it is impossible for the United Nations to independently verify these accounts, in recent days a number of fatal incidents and intense fighting have been reported. On 13 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation issued a statement noting that one Russian national died and two were seriously injured when a Ukrainian army shell hit a residential house. Ukraine has rejected this claim.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“Following the 30 June announcement by President Poroshenko of the end of the 10-day ceasefire and the subsequent resumption of security and law enforcement operations in the eastern parts of the country, the fighting between Government forces and armed groups has intensified dangerously, resulting in numerous deaths. According to the Ukrainian authorities, a number of towns, including notably the cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, as well as various smaller villages in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, have been returned to their control. However, relentless fighting has continued particularly in and around the cities of Luhansk and Donetsk, where the armed groups appear to have consolidated their presence.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“The casualties include a professional staff member of the World Health Organization. I was shocked to learn just now that nearly two-thirds of the victims come from the Netherlands, and that there were 80 children on board that flight. We convey our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims. The Secretary-General stated yesterday that there is clearly a need for a full and transparent international investigation. The United Nations is fully ready to cooperate. We have been in touch yesterday and today with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and ICAO has offered to Ukrainian officials its investigative capacity in order to put together an international team. ICAO and Ukrainian officials are speaking today, and the Secretary-General is scheduled to speak with Ukrainian President Poroshenko tomorrow.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“First, with respect to the situation in eastern Ukraine, while the United Nations has at this point no independent verification of the circumstances regarding the tragic crash yesterday of a Malaysia Airlines passenger plane, the Secretary-General is alarmed at what seem to be credible, numerous reports that suggest that a sophisticated surface-to-air missile was used. The Secretary-General strongly condemns this apparently deliberate downing of a civilian aircraft. This horrifying incident serves as the starkest reminder of how dire the situation in eastern Ukraine has become and how it affects countries and families well beyond Ukraine's borders. Nearly 300 innocent people from many countries, some of whom are represented by members of the Council, were killed.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“Mr. Feltman: As we face a rapidly deteriorating crisis in Ukraine that bears consequences far beyond the country's borders, we deeply regret that the glimpse of hope that followed the announcement of President Poroshenko's peace plan, including the unilateral ceasefire and peace talks with the armed groups, has quickly dissipated. In my briefing to the Council today, I will focus on developments in eastern Ukraine, as well as on international efforts towards a peaceful resolution.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“This is a time for renewed impetus and political will aimed at ending the conflict and the occupation that have already scarred the lives of far too many Israelis and Palestinians for far too long. We must work together now to build a better future for the people of the region. On behalf of the Secretary-General, I also want to express our collective appreciation to the Special Representatives and special coordinators of the United Nations, their teams and the United Nations country teams, who are working so heroically and diligently in this region, helping to address the challenges I have outlined in today's briefing.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“All involved should exercise the utmost restraint, respect their mutual obligations and halt firing of any kind across the ceasefire line. We are facing a moment of real crisis that is testing the region in new ways. Negative forces on multiple fronts in the Middle East continue to draw strength by sowing strife and frustrating viable options for a political solution. We should take this as a wake-up call that challenges all of us to work together to restore the prospects for a durable regional peace. In the Israeli- Palestinian context, both sides have a responsibility to exercise maximum restraint in order to contain what has rapidly developed into a critical security situation on the ground, restore calm and create opportunities to return to a negotiating process.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Recent serious incidents along the area of separation supervised by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) are a further grave reminder of the risk of regional escalation caused by the Syrian conflict. Yesterday, approximately 300 metres north of UNDOF position 52, firing from the Bravo side to the Alpha side killed an Israeli teenager and injured three Israeli contractors, including the teenager's father, who were carrying out work along the Israeli technical fence. The Israel Defence Forces retaliated with several rounds of tank fire and again with air strikes in the early hours today. UNDOF personnel in the area went into shelter and were not affected, and UNDOF is currently investigating the incident.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Fourthly, any credible peace process will have to address the question of ensuring accountability for the serious crimes that have been committed by all sides. Fifthly, while a major landmark was achieved today with the removal of the last remaining identified chemicals, finishing the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria remains an imperative. The joint effort of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations has been essential in reinforcing the global norm prohibiting chemical weapons. Sixthly, and finally, the prolongation of the conflict in Syria has created fertile ground for radical armed groups, including those affiliated with Al-Qaida. Recent events in Iraq have demonstrated vividly that the Syrian conflict can have devastating impact on neighbouring countries and far beyond.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Local ceasefire arrangements, however imperfect, are taking place and are enabling us to deliver much-needed aid and to curtail the levels of violence. We should turn those war agreements into peace agreements. Such an arrangement was reached most recently in Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus over the weekend. Secondly, we must do our utmost to protect the human rights, safety and dignity of the Syrian people, 3.5 million of whom are in hard-to-reach locations. The sieges must end and immediate, unfettered humanitarian access across internal front lines and borders must be allowed. Thirdly, we desperately need new efforts to start a serious political process for a new Syria. The Secretary-General will soon name a new envoy, who must be afforded full cooperation and support by all international and regional actors.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The situation in the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and along the Blue Line remained generally calm and stable, despite almost daily Israeli violations of Lebanese air space. Turning to Syria, on 20 June the Secretary-General reiterated his deep concerns about the continued levels of violence and human suffering and destruction in Syria, and I would like to reiterate the six points he offered on Friday as a way to help address the situation in a principled and integrated fashion. Ending the violence is the most immediate priority. It is essential that the flow of arms and fighters pouring into the country be stemmed. In order to achieve that, an arms embargo must be imposed.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“On 31 May, the Interior Minister announced that Syrian refugees who returned to Syria would lose their refugee status in Lebanon. Restrictions on the entry of Palestine refugees from Syria have been reintroduced. The situation in Palestinian camps remains of concern, with an explosion in Ain Al-Hilweh on 19 May, allegedly targeting a Fatah official. Faction leaders have sought to coordinate with Lebanese authorities to address the concerns, especially in Ain Al-Hilweh. In Rome on 17 June, the Government of Italy hosted a ministerial conference within the framework of the International Support Group for Lebanon on support to the Lebanese armed forces. Participants from 43 delegations welcomed the announcement of new assistance to the Lebanese Army and encouraged further assistance in priority areas.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The security situation has remained relatively calm with the implementation since April of security plans for Tripoli and the Bekaa. However, a suicide car bomb at a security checkpoint in Dahr Al-Baidar on 20 June killed a member of the internal security forces. The bombing coincided with an extensive police raid in Beirut's district of Hamra in which several suspects were arrested after security agencies received information about possible new terror attacks, which resulted in raising the state of alert in Beirut and elsewhere. In the past month, there have also been at least five air strikes by Syrian aircraft in Lebanese territory and three cross-border shelling incidents from Syria. More than 1.1 million Syrian refugees are now registered in Lebanon.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Under the current strenuous circumstances, although it will not be easy, the United Nations will continue to deliver assistance to the people in Gaza in close cooperation with the newly appointed ministers. Turning to Lebanon, the constitutional deadline to elect a new President expired on 25 May. Presidential powers transferred to the Council of Ministers under the leadership of Prime Minister Salam, in accordance with the Constitution. Seven parliamentary sessions have been called so far, but the necessary quorum was not achieved. We again underline the urgency for Lebanon's leaders to ensure the election of a President without further delay and stress the importance for the Government meanwhile to discharge its responsibilities effectively.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Following the abduction incident on 12 June and the ensuing rocket firing, the Kerem Shalom crossing was closed from 15 to 17 June but for the transfer of fuel supplies; it has been re-opened fully since 18 June. Since our last report to the Council, there have been no approvals for the resumption of additional United Nations construction projects, and pre-approved work stalled as a result of the crossings being closed. Open crossings, both for goods and people, access to construction material, re-establishing trade links between the West Bank and Gaza, and exports are as urgently needed as ever to kickstart the economy and create job opportunities. Rafah was only open for seven days during the reporting period.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The persisting dire socioeconomic situation as the result of a tightened access regime and continued violence has seriously complicated prospects for the new Government of national consensus in assuming its functions and delivering tangible improvements to the lives of Gazans, which the United Nations had pledged to support. The tension over the payment of salaries is but one manifestation of the immediate challenges as the Palestinian Authority attempts to reunify the institutions. Existing acute de-development indicators remain of concern, including rates of food insecurity at 57 percent, and unemployment at 41 percent, disproportionately affecting youth. Much of Gaza's challenges still require structural solutions, which remain unaddressed.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Another Palestinian civilian died on 8 June from injuries after being shot at by the Israeli Navy on 26 May. A total of 10 Palestinian militants and eight Palestinian civilians were injured by Israeli fire. We continue to condemn indiscriminate rocket firing against civilians as well as any loss of civilian life. We further call on all Palestinian factions to adhere to the calm as per the understandings reached in the lead-up to the unity agreement. Of chief importance is the need to support the Palestinian Authority's efforts to take up security functions in Gaza and to unify the security forces under one legitimate authority.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“We call on all parties to show the utmost restraint regarding the holy compound and to fully respect the sanctity of holy sites of all faiths. In Gaza, the prevailing calm started unraveling, especially following the abduction of the Israeli students. Since our last briefing, a total of 39 rockets and four mortar shells were fired towards Israel. Two rockets exploded at launching sites and 17 dropped short in Gaza, injuring two Palestinian girls on 16 June. Three rockets were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, but four mortar shells and 19 rockets landed in open areas of Israel, including two near the city of Ashkelon, without resulting in injuries. Israel conducted a total of 5 incursions and 38 airstrikes into Gaza, resulting in the death of a Palestinian militant and a seven year-old child.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The United Nations is concerned about the Government-sponsored legislative amendment before the Israeli Knesset that, if adopted, would permit force-feeding and medical treatment of prisoners on hunger strike against their will under certain conditions, in contravention of international standards. The Government-sponsored bill passed its first reading in the Knesset on 9 June, despite strong objections raised by national and international medical and human rights organizations. Tensions also continued around the holy sites in the Old City. Since our last briefing, access restrictions were imposed on several occasions on Palestinians, and clashes between worshippers and Israeli security forces resulted in tens of Palestinians injured and detained, including on 13 June.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Israeli authorities destroyed or seized a total of 28 donor-funded humanitarian assistance items, including on 5 June of a water and sanitation consignment en route to a vulnerable Bedouin community in Al-Ganoub, in the southern West Bank. The Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights remain gravely concerned about the deteriorating health of those Palestinian prisoners on prolonged hunger strikes. Both have repeatedly called attention to the situation of prisoners on administrative detention and reiterated their long-standing position that administrative detainees should be charged or released without delay.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The Israeli authorities have not disclosed yet the findings of their investigation into the deaths of two Palestinian youths on 15 May. Settlement activity, illegal under international law, continued apace with the announcement on 4 June of the issuance of tenders for over 1,400 new settlement units in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, and reports that the Israeli authorities had advanced plans for some 1,000 settlement housing units following Prime Minister Netanyahu's reported decision to unfreeze planning processes for 1,800 settlement units. On 18 June, 172 settlement units were announced in the settlement of Har Homa, between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The demolition of 65 Palestinian structures resulted in the displacement of some 112 Palestinians, including 56 children.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Overall, since our last briefing (see S/PV.7178), Israeli security forces carried out a total of 607 search and arrest operations and detained an estimated 928 Palestinians. Five Palestinians were shot dead, including during search operations for the missing, and 291 injured, including during demonstrations against the barrier and in support of Palestinians in administrative detention. Twelve Israeli security forces personnel were also injured. We are alarmed that there are significant increases in all of those categories since our last briefing. Settler attacks, on the rise during this period, resulted in 18 Palestinians injured, including three children, and damage to Palestinian property. Palestinian attacks, mostly consisting of stone- and Molotov cocktail-throwing, resulted in injuries to seven Israelis.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Reportedly, the Israeli Cabinet also voted to impose harsher conditions on detainees affiliated with Hamas who are in Israeli custody. As the search for the missing youths continues, we call for restraint in carrying out the security operations, in strict compliance with international law and while avoiding punishing individuals for offences they have not personally committed. Detentions included those of reported Hamas affiliates and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, notably Speaker Aziz Dweik, as well as over 50 Palestinians previously released as part of the so-called "Shalit deal". Palestinian security forces continued their work to maintain law and order. Earlier, on 5 June, Palestinian security forces reportedly uncovered and seized in Hebron explosives, knives, flags and military uniforms allegedly belonging to Hamas.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“If Hamas involvement is corroborated, that would indeed constitute a grave development. Search operations by Israeli security forces have extended to the rest of the West Bank, including in major population centres. Israeli authorities also implemented tightened movement restrictions, including prohibiting men from Hebron between the ages of 20 and 50 years from crossing the Allenby Bridge into Jordan, the only international crossing for West Bankers. We are concerned by reports that over 350 Palestinians have now been arrested, many injured and four Palestinians killed, including one minor on 20 June. The rising death toll as a result of Israeli security operations in the West Bank is alarming. We condemn all killings of civilians and call for an investigation into any such deaths.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The Palestinian President added that elections would be organized within six months. On 10 June, Israel elected long-time member and two-time Speaker Reuven Rivlin of the Knesset as the next President to succeed Shimon Peres. The situation in the West Bank - already tense with demonstrations in support of Palestinian detainees - has worsened. In the evening of 12 June, three Israeli students - a 19-year-old and two 16-year- olds - were reported missing. Their abduction has been roundly condemned, including by the Secretary- General, who has expressed his outrage publicly and in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israel blamed the abduction on Hamas, an allegation Hamas has reportedly since denied. We nevertheless find Hamas statements glorifying the perpetrators of that act to be outrageous.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“All these issues, on which the United Nations has pronounced itself unequivocally, can be addressed only if the parties act responsibly and with restraint. Only then can any renewed attempt by the parties to find their way back to meaningful negotiations and to address the much lacking political horizon, in order to avert further escalation, take hold. International engagement and support for that effort should remain unwavering. The reporting period also witnessed significant political developments on both sides. On 2 June, President Abbas announced the formation of a Government of national consensus headed by Prime Minister Hamdallah on the basis of the Palestine Liberation Organization commitments of recognition of Israel, non-violence and adherence to previous agreements.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“Mr. Feltman: I brief today against the backdrop of many unsettling developments in the region. Nonetheless, we should not lose sight of the Israeli- Palestinian issue. With peace negotiations suspended since the end of April and despite the restraint initially displayed by both sides, the situation on the ground has turned highly volatile with several disturbing developments. Intensive search operations in the West Bank for the three Israeli students abducted near Hebron are ongoing with a corresponding increase in violence in the West Bank. The hunger strike by Palestinian administrative and other detainees since 24 April is now in its sixty-first day. New settlement units have been announced. And the fragile calm in Gaza was interrupted by multiple rockets fired at Israel, and the Israeli military response.”
2014-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7204 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General remains committed to helping find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Ukraine and to assisting the country in prevailing over the many difficult challenges that lie ahead. In that vein, he appeals to the international community to use the outcome of the elections as an opportunity to unite in support of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and united Ukraine.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“In a deeply disturbing and alarming development, following the capture of four Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitors on 26 May, today the OSCE headquarters in Kyiv lost contact over several hours with an additional 11 OSCE monitors, who were assumed to have been captured or held by an armed group in Donetsk oblast. Following my phone conversation earlier today with him, the head of the OSCE monitoring mission, Ambassador Apakan, just informed me that the 11 monitors have been released in Donetsk. There is still no news of the four monitors who have been held for the past two days. The Secretary-General is appalled that international staff have again been put in such grave danger. He calls for their immediate release and appeals to all with influence to assist.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“We are aware of video footage purporting to show a United Nations-marked helicopter allegedly being used inside Ukraine. The United Nations is unable to determine the veracity of the images. I would note that the Ukrainian authorities have affirmed to the United Nations that no helicopters with United Nations markings are being used in operations being conducted inside Ukraine. We recall that it is the responsibility of all troop-contributing countries that provide contingent- owned equipment to peacekeeping missions to remove all logos and signage bearing the United Nations name once such equipment has been repatriated to the home country or is no longer used for official United Nations purposes.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“While we are unable to confirm the details, the Secretary-General is concerned by reports of scores of casualties; by suggestions regarding the circulation and use of heavier weaponry in the east; and by allegations of arms, fighters and trucks entering Ukraine. On 22 May, dozens of Ukrainian servicemen were killed and many others wounded in an ambush by unknown armed persons at a military checkpoint in the city of Volnovakha. On 26 May, fierce fighting ensued between Government forces and armed groups when armed militia stormed and attempted to seize control of the Donetsk international airport. Ukrainian forces, after conducting an air and land operation, are now reportedly back in control of the airport, but sporadic fighting continues close to the airport.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General welcomed President-elect Poroshenko's stated intention to engage immediately in dialogue and de-escalation. He affirmed that exercising restraint and reaching out to eastern Ukraine was critical. Despite what we at the United Nations hope will be the beginning of a new chapter for Ukraine, violence rages on in parts of the east, causing loss of life and injuries. Since the last Security Council consultations on the issue, held on 21 May, both Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts experienced a dramatic increase in deadly fighting. As a result, the numbers of casualties and wounded continue to increase on both sides, with civilian causalities reported as well.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“In parts of eastern Ukraine, eligible voters were denied their right to vote due to the seizure or blocking of polling stations, the destruction of electoral equipment, intimidation and violence. The United Nations is deeply concerned by the actions of those who have attempted to derail the elections and prevent citizens from having a say in their country's leadership. According to preliminary results, Mr. Petro Poroshenko won in the first round, obtaining 55 per cent of the vote. This morning, the Secretary-General spoke over the phone to congratulate the President-elect on having received a strong mandate from the people, who expect him to move quickly to steer the country away from political, economic and social instability and towards security, greater prosperity and genuine democratic governance.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“Mr. Feltman: On 25 May, according to reports, slightly more than 60 per cent of Ukraine's eligible voters cast a ballot in the country's early presidential elections. An unprecedented number of national and international monitors observed the polls and concluded in statements that the election, to quote one statement, "was characterized by high voter turnout and the clear resolve of the authorities to hold what was a genuine election largely in line with international commitments and with a respect for fundamental freedoms in the vast majority of the country. This was despite the hostile security environment in two eastern regions". At the same time, the numbers across Ukraine varied considerably, even in areas under full Government control, with lower participation in Odessa and elsewhere in southern Ukraine.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“"The Secretary-General once again calls on those responsible for the capture and detention of OSCE military monitors and accompanying Ukrainian staff to release them immediately, unconditionally and unharmed. "The Secretary-General stresses that a diplomatic solution is the only way out of this crisis and that all sides must redouble their efforts to revive the spirit of compromise displayed during the 17 April Geneva talks." Finally, as I informed the Council in my last briefing, given the deteriorating situation in the country, the Secretary-General has asked me to go back to Kyiv next week. I will also be going to Moscow. In both cities, I will continue to reiterate the Secretary- General's message of restraint and immediate return to dialogue, including direct and constructive dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“I would like to share with the Council key elements of the Secretary-General's statement that is being issued at the same time that we are meeting: "The Secretary-General reiterates his grave concern over the deteriorating situation in regions of east and south Ukraine. Escalating violence and reported further loss oflife in the city of Sloviansk today is a stark reminder of how dangerous the situation has become. Expansion of militia activities and ongoing seizures of public buildings by unidentified armed groups undercut the letter and spirit of the 17 April Geneva statement. He therefore urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and appeals to those with grievances to voice them peacefully, so as to avoid more bloodshed. He calls for all parties to respect fully Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“To that end, we understand that Russian President Putin dispatched a special presidential envoy to assist in the freeing of the hostages. I reiterate the Secretary- General's call to those responsible for their abduction to release them immediately, unconditionally and unharmed. The crisis has also escalated in the Donetsk oblast and in Donetsk itself, where yesterday, on 1 May, self- declared separatists seized the regional prosecutor's office. There have also been reports that the Ukrainian authorities have banned Russian passenger airplanes from flying to Donetsk and Kharkiv. We have also read reports of clashes during a pro-unity demonstration in the southern city of Odessa.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, during the ongoing operations by the authorities two helicopters were shot down overnight, with at least one pilot killed. A number of other casualties have also been reported on the ground on both sides. The total number cannot be completely verified at this stage. The acting Minister of the Interior has stated that a number of roadblocks around the city have been removed, but from the media we understand that tense standoffs continue in parts of and around the city. At the same time, the seven military monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and accompanying Ukrainian military staff being held by gunmen in Sloviansk remain in detention, despite repeated calls for their release.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“Mr. Feltman: Since we last met to discuss Ukraine (S/PV.7l65), on Tuesday, 29 April, although a number of areas in the country remain calm, we have seen a further severe deterioration of the situation in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Recent developments in those areas threaten a further destabilization of the country and the region, as well as the unity of Ukraine itself. In more than a dozen cities in Donetsk oblast and Luhansk, an increasing number of buildings are being held by armed groups. Of most immediate concern is the situation in the eastern city of Sloviansk. That city of 125,000 people in Donetsk oblast has been occupied by armed insurgents since 12 April.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“He is the Council's partner in using his good offices to help bring about a return to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution. In this spirit, he has asked me to return to Ukraine next week. As the Secretary-General stated yesterday, "we must find a way back to the spirit ofcompromise exhibited on 17 April in Geneva. A diplomatic and political solution to this crisis is both imperative and long overdue". Time is of the essence. Let us work concertedly and expeditiously towards peace and stability.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“on the same day, self- declared separatists seized a local Government building in Kostiantynivka, also in Donetsk oblast, while in Donetsk itself a pro-unity rally turned violent when separatist elements reportedly attacked the group with clubs and chains. Also on 27 April in Kharkiv, clashes between about 400 opponents and 500-600 supporters of a unitary Ukraine broke out and resulted in a number of injuries. What I just described are developments that have occurred only in the past four days. These developments should alarm us all. In terms of the role of the United Nations and the international community, the United Nations human rights monitoring mission provides fact-based and publicly available information on the state of human rights in Ukraine. The Secretary-General has continued his high-level engagement with world leaders.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“There are increasing reports of torture, kidnappings and violent clashes. Earlier today, self-declared separatist groups reportedly began an operation to take control of Lugansk. Just a few hours ago, they stormed the police headquarters in the city, opening fire with automatic weapons and throwing stun grenades at police officers still inside the building. Earlier in the day, they seized a number of other buildings, including the regional administration building and the prosecutor's office. The State security building in Lugansk, seized in early April, continues to be under the control of these groups. Yesterday, 27 April, Hennadiy Kernes, the mayor of Kharkiv, was shot in the back by unknown assailants. he remains in critical condition.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“On 25 April, a group of military monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and accompanying Ukrainian staff were captured and detained. Although one monitor has since been released, the rest remain in detention. As the Secretary-General stated yesterday, the United Nations strongly condemns this act and urges those responsible to release monitors and staff immediately, unconditionally and unharmed. I urge all those with influence on this situation to assist urgently in resolving it. Lives are potentially at stake. Groups of militia and armed civilians are increasing in number and springing up in more and more cities across the region, seizing buildings, mounting roadblocks and shutting off whole towns and communities from the rest of the country.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source