YouSaid · the spoken record

Fernandez-Arias Minuesa

lines on the record
28
first
2013-08-19
most recent
2015-06-30
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5
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un-security-council

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  1. “We hope to further deepen that cooperation and help to improve the efficiency and transparency of the work of the Council in the year and a half that remains. Finally, I would wish all the best to New Zealand during their presidency of the Council next month.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  2. “As noted at the Arria Formula meeting that Spain organized at the end of May with the members of the three panels preparing reports on the peace and security reviews, the review of resolution 1325 (2000) should overlap with the reviews of the peacebuilding architecture and peacekeeping operations, and complement both. We need to take a detailed look at the report of the Independent Panel on Peace Operations. My delegation welcomes the inclusion of a separate section on women and peace and security in the report, where some of the contributions that Spain made in our national capacity would be included. In conclusion, my delegation appreciates the close and frank cooperation that we have enjoyed with all the members of the Council throughout these months, as well as with the Secretariat and the wonderful interpretation team.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  3. “Among other matters, we will soon need to consider a revision of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, an issue on which Spain plans to organize a high-level open debate during its Council presidency. The review of resolution 1325 (2000) will be a major priority for us in our two-year term on the Council. I take this opportunity to call for high-level participation in that future debate, to be organized and held in October. I hope that it will add value commensurate with the important goals of that agenda, as the Ambassador of the United Kingdom said just now, while avoiding an excess of rhetoric and a lack of practical implementation.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  4. “I would now like to mention two matters raised by previous speakers. The selection of the next Secretary- General is one of the most important aspects that we will be dealing with in upcoming months. Transparency must be a central principle, pursuant to Article 97 of the Charter of the United Nations. I take this opportunity to encourage greater transparency and inclusiveness in the selection process for the next Secretary-General. Among possible measures is the establishment of a list of candidates and the presentation of candidacies in sufficient time to allow for interaction with Member States. We also feel that it is essential to bear in mind the need for gender balance in the selection of the next Secretary-General.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  5. “I know that time is at a premium, but I believe that we need to strike a better balance in the way we manage our time, because it may seem that the time given to debate a matter can extend for hours at the expense of the time we need to take operative decisions, which we often must take within minutes. On more than one occasion, we have experienced hours of discussion and just 10 minutes on the content of a press release. I also believe that the lack of interaction between Council members and the rest of the membership of the Organization in the open debates is of particular concern. The open debates lose a lot of their meaning in that way because their purpose to provide an opportunity for genuine interaction between members and non-members of the Council on issues that are central to peace and security at any given point in time.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  6. “This is an especially important point because unless the information we receive is timely and specific, it is not always possible to participate thoughtfully in the drafting of Council documents, be they resolutions, press releases or presidential statements. That being the case, it may be paradoxical that elected members, serving just two-year terms, have had less time in training than permanent members to participate in negotiations on various resolutions. That is why we feel it would be worthwhile to introduce a system of co-penholders in which one permanent member would always work with one elected non-permanent member. We also feel that at times there is a lack of proportion between the time taken to explain positions and the time spent actually taking decisions.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  7. “Efficacy, efficiency and transparency are central elements in reforming the Council's working methods, which is of particular importance to my country. That is why Spain has been working with Angola, Chair of the Ad Hoc Group on Working Methods, to organize an open debate on working methods during the Spanish presidency of the Council in October. I would like to relate my thoughts on our experience in the first six months on the Council this year, which also leads me to a few considerations on working methods. One concern is the way in which the penholder system works. Undoubtedly, the quality of the work of the penholders is excellent and allows the Security Council's work to enjoy the necessary continuity and follow-up. However, from the point of view transparency, we believe that there could perhaps be room for improvement.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  8. “First, as elected members of the Security Council, we understand that we must faithfully comply with our commitment to transparency and collaboration with all States Members of the Organization - a commitment we undertook during our campaign for election. Those elected to the Council, like all members in general, have a responsibility to exercise transparency. We reiterate our readiness to work with the entire membership and with civil society organizations with a view to ensuring that the Security Council continues to grow in efficiency and transparency. Secondly, wrap-up sessions like today's can be very useful in improving the Council's working methods. Naturally, the effective work of the Council is not just a prior condition for providing an agile response to crises.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  9. “Mr. Fernandez-Arias Minuesa (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Malaysian presidency on leadership this month. I would also like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this wrap-up session, which we feel is very appropriate because it also allows us to summarize the Council's work during the first half of 2015. For the delegation of Spain, these six months have been the first of our two-year term in the Council 4 the fifth time we have participated as a non-permanent member ofthe Security Council. Spain highly appreciates the convening of such meetings for various reasons, which we would like to highlight.”

    2015-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7479 (2015) · source

  10. “The resolution incorporates practical measures aimed at improving the control of the illicit arms trafficking, management, stockpiling and proper destruction of stockpiles. We have see the image of the soldier laying down his rifle contained in the tapestry hanging in this Chamber as symbolic of the Security Council's work in the fight to free the world from the threat of weapons, specifically small arms and light weapons. We have taken a step in that direction today.”

    2015-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7447 (2015) · source

  11. “Mr. Fernandez-Arias Minuesa (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Spain supported and co-sponsored resolution 2220 (2015) and thanks the delegation of Lithuania for presenting it and for its tireless work leading to the adoption of a timely and positive text. The text is a good complement to resolution 2117 (2013) and keeps the issue on the Security Council's agenda. We view positively the references to the control of arms transfers to terrorist groups and criminal networks, to the protection of civilians and to issues of women and peace and security. We also see as very timely references to the Arms Trade Treaty, which is and has been the most important step taken in disarmament in recent years.”

    2015-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7447 (2015) · source

  12. “It is essential, however, to show unanimity and resolve in our response to situations that call for the Security Council to speak out firmly and in a timely fashion. That has not always been possible this month, as those who have spoken before me have made clear. I wish the greatest success to the delegation of China when it assumes the presidency of the Council in February, and I reaffirm that all members count on our delegation's continuing to build and strengthen the Council's resolve.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7373 (2015) · source

  13. “The Council's mission to Haiti, on which we heard a briefing earlier today (see S/PV.7372), reflected the importance of the Security Council's trips to keeping it up informed and effective on issues on its agenda. We also welcome tomorrow's debate on the protection of civilians. My delegation especially appreciates the focus on the particular vulnerability of women and children in conflict that the presidency has emphasized for the debate. Spain is deeply invested in all questions related to the issue of women, peace and security, the interconnectedness of which we will continue to support and champion at all times. In my delegation's opinion, the overall outcome of this month's work is positive, both because of results achieved and because the Members of the Council have come together in a solid group able to agree on many things.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7373 (2015) · source

  14. “Moreover, we believe that, beyond the calendar marked by mandate renewals and regular consultations and debates, it is essential for the Council to address all issues affecting world security, which constitute a variable geometry, and to use its tools, interactive dialogues and Arria Formula meetings, which we clearly welcome. I wish to express my delegation's appreciation to the Chilean presidency for the ministerial-level debate held on inclusive development for the maintenance of international peace and security, presided over by President Michelle Bachelet (see S/PV.7361). That meeting reminded us that peace has many dimensions and that the Security Council should bear all of them in mind when it confronting an issue or creating or renewing a specific mandate.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7373 (2015) · source

  15. “In that effort of transparency, we will therefore listen to all Members of the United Nations on matters on the agenda of the Security Council, particularly those with a special interest in them. We will promote decision-making that bears in mind the points of view of countries, regional organizations and other stakeholders. This first month during which we have participated in the work of the Council has shown us that it is essential to work in an orderly and predictable fashion, but that it is equally important to have the necessary flexibility to deal with questions that call for our attention. The consultations held on the crisis in Yemen or, yesterday, in the case of Lebanon, where sadly a Spanish Blue Helmet lost his life, have demonstrated the unanimity that Members have always shown in the fight against terrorism.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7373 (2015) · source

  16. “My country is and will be a constant and faithful partner in this work, and we are very aware of the importance and centrality of the work of the Security Council to the entire international peacekeeping and security architecture, as well as the Council's responsibility. It was precisely in order to help maintain peace in the world that we presented our candidature, and we have always borne in mind that in electing us, the Member States of the Organization have entrusted us with that responsibility. Spain champions a Security Council that is open to discussion, seeks to broaden its sources ofinformation, and takes advantage of the work and knowledge of the entire United Nations system.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7373 (2015) · source

  17. “Mr. Fernandez-Arias Minuesa (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting, and to congratulate you on your leadership and the great work done by your team for the development and success of your presidency. At the end of the first month of my country's presence, for the fifth time, on the Security Council, Iwould like to make some general observations at this first wrap-up session in which my delegation is participating. We are pleased to see the good atmosphere of collaboration within the Security Council and the many concrete outcomes we have been able to negotiate and adopt in recent weeks.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7373 (2015) · source

  18. “Spain urges removing all obstacles and resuming negotiations as soon as possible with a view to finding a path towards a solution of this issue.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7370 (2015) · source

  19. “Mr. Fernandez-Arias Minuesa (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Spain welcomes the adoption of resolution 2197 (2015). In spite of differences during the negotiations, the main purpose of the resolution - to renew the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) - has been achieved. Any step taken towards finding a solution to this issue will always have Spain's support. Spain appreciates the commendable work done by UNFICYP. I would also like to reiterate my country's resolute support for the good offices of the Secretary- General through his Special Adviser Espen Barth Eide and his renewed efforts to reach an agreement to bring an end to a problem that has lasted for much too long and is affecting an island that is part of the European Union.”

    2015-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7370 (2015) · source

  20. “It is essential that it provide a follow-up of its referrals to the Court, continue taking steps towards the detailed oversight of the results of fact-finding missions, and explore the possibility of setting up mechanisms such as early- warning systems. Allow me to conclude by saying that my delegation agrees with the reference made by the Secretary- General to the need to devote attention to the issue of reparations for victims. We believe, therefore, that the Security Council should endorse the findings of the commissions of inquiry, ensure their effective implementation and include that aspect in the relevant resolutions.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  21. “The Security Council has a clear responsibility in that regard, given its impact on international peace and security. Spain believes that the work of the International Criminal Court should be strengthened and used by the Security Council as the basis of an international criminal system, especially in those cases where States are unable or unwilling to fulfil their responsibility to prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law. Spain also supports the development of International Criminal Court's principle of positive complementarity and its work to build capacity and help States to accomplish their primary responsibility of fighting against impunity. Over the last few years, the Security Council has taken significant steps to fight impunity.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  22. “Both the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council have engaged in an intense and fruitful debate on those issues that will certainly strengthen the doctrine. I call on the Security Council which has the legitimacy, responsibility and means to guarantee an adequate humanitarian response to take note of those debates and act on that basis. The presidential statement issued following the debate that took place last February (S/PRST/2013/2) reflects that concern and constitutes progress that we trust will be embodied in a future resolution. As we already had the occasion to highlight last February (see S/PV.6917), my delegation considers that the fight against impunity is a fundamental tool in the protection of civilians.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  23. “Those responsible for that, be they States or non-State groups, must know that the arbitrary refusal of humanitarian access can amount to a violation of international humanitarian law, and, as such, be punishable by the competent national and international institutions. Spain believes that humanitarian access should be negotiated with all those who have the responsibility for and the ability to grant it. Criminalizing humanitarian engagement with non-State groups might result in impeding humanitarian access and therefore represents an indirect attack on the civilian population. For the aforementioned reasons, my country considers that the international community must use all available means to fight those situations.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  24. “Access to humanitarian assistance is one of the key pillars not only of humanitarian action but also of compliance with international humanitarian law, since, pursuant to the latter, States 4 and all parties to a conflict - have the obligation to guarantee rapid and unimpeded access to affected populations. As the report of the Secretary-General entitled "Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations" (A/68/84) acknowledges, it is unacceptable that, still today, in certain emergencies, some States and non-State armed groups obstruct humanitarian access through bureaucratic hindrances or violence against humanitarian actors, including medical personnel.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  25. “Furthermore, Spain attaches the utmost importance to the inclusion of international humanitarian law within training programmes for armed forces, and has done so itself, including incorporating fundamental principles of proportionality, precaution and distinction between combatants and civilians, as well as rules on the protection of civilians and specially protected people and the responsibilities and obligations that arise therefrom. The General Assembly has recently approved the Arms Trade Treaty (resolution 67/234 B), which my country has signed and is in the process of ratifying. My delegation is convinced that that legal instrument will have a direct impact on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  26. “The necessary starting point for compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law is a commitment at the national level - the signing and ratification of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, the proper incorporation of their rules into national legislation, the appropriate training of its armed forces and members of the judiciary on the issue, and the promotion of its basic rules within civil society. With that in mind, my country participated at the Oslo Conference and fully supports the initiative of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross aimed at devising mechanisms to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  27. “Spain aligns itself with the statement made by the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. The protection of civilians is a primary responsibility of States, which, to be fulfilled, requires the adoption of measures that will prevent violations, protect victims and ensure that those who have infringed the rules are punished. Prevention, protection and punishment - or, in other words, complying with the relevant international regulations, guaranteeing humanitarian access and ensuring accountability - those are the three elements on which, in accordance with the guidelines provided for today's debate, I will be focusing in my statement.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  28. “Mr. Fernandez-Arias Minuesa (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to express thanks for the statements made by the Secretary-General, the Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director for International Law and Cooperation at the International Committee of the Red Cross. But I would especially like to thank the Argentine presidency for organizing today's debate, particularly as it falls on World Humanitarian Day. I congratulate you, Madam President, for contributing to the consolidation of this issue on the Security Council's agenda following the success of the February and July debates (see S/PV.6917 and S/PV.7003), and ahead of the Secretary-General's report, which I expect we will have another opportunity to discuss again in this forum.”

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source