YouSaid · the spoken record

Gaspar Martins

lines on the record: 1,225
first: 2002-04-23
most recent: 2016-11-23
sittings or episodes: 177
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

“They have brought those situations closer to us within this Chamber, which is an important thing. Angola shares the view that protection is the most effective tool in addressing potential conflict situations. States bear the responsibility for the protection of their civilian populations. The international community has a subsidiary but very important role to play in addressing the very serious problem of threats against civilians in armed conflicts. Let us also be clear that the responsibility-to-protect agenda, on which the protection of civilians is based, should not be used for agendas that run contrary to the very concept of the protection of civilians.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“1 thank you, Mr. President, for coming back to New York. We welcome you here. I also thank the Uruguayan presidency for having convened this open debate on the critical issue of the protection of civilians. We align ourselves with the statements to be delivered by the Permanent Observer of the African Union and by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. We also thank Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson for his briefing and recommendations, as well as Ms. Christine Beerli, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ms. Eveline Rooijmans, Senior Humanitarian Policy Advisor of Oxfam for their respective briefings and for bringing to the Council accounts of real situations that we sometimes just discuss here.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“As such, the modalities and requirements for a ceasefire must be determined, and the necessary pressure applied on all the parties, in order to enable the lifting of all sieges on civilian- populated areas, thereby facilitating the political settlement to the Syrian conflict. That remains the only way to stop the tragedy now afflicting the people of Syria. In that connection, we look forward to hearing the briefing that will be delivered to the Council next Monday by Mr. De Mistura. The people of Syria need adequate responses from the Security Council. It is our duty to respond in order to give peace a chance.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source
“We hope that the preparations of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Steffan de Mistura, for the political talks between the Syrian Government and the Syrian opposition in Geneva, due to start on 25 January, will continue unhindered, and that a political solution to this humanitarian catastrophe can be achieved as soon as possible. With the adoption of resolution 2254 (2015), a commitment was made to accelerate efforts to achieve a ceasefire that would run in parallel to the political process, pursuant to the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex), and move the political process ahead expeditiously.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source
“The eloquent statement made by the Secretary- General yesterday described the situation in Madaya as having reached a shocking depth of inhumanity owing to the suffering to which women and men, including children and the elderly, are subjected. Reports of people dying from starvation or being killed by snipers or landmines while trying to flee amount to war crimes, as the Secretary-General has pointed out. Those responsible for such despicable actions must be held accountable. In the political process, in particular if that process is to succeed, the warring parties must show a genuine commitment to respecting the basic tenets of international humanitarian law and human rights law. They must put an end to the suffering of the civilian population, in particular those trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source
“We commend the outstanding efforts by the humanitarian community, which, against all odds, keeps on working to save lives and provide the minimum necessary comfort to the Syrian people, who are in absolute distress. Our praise goes also to the Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Mr. Yacoub El Hillo, and to the personnel of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, who in the past few days were able to deliver much-needed provisions and medical supplies, including blankets and clothing. We sincerely hope that increased pressure will force the Government and the opposition forces to continue allowing regular and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to all besieged areas in Syria.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source
“Let me start by thanking you, Mr. President, for having organized this afternoon's meeting. Let me also thank Assistant Secretary-General Kyung-wha Kang for her briefing. It is absolutely unacceptable by any standards to allow as many as 400,000 people or more to continue living and dying in besieged areas in Syria. For this reason, we support all initiatives aimed at denouncing such situations in the strongest possible terms and applying the necessary political pressure to decisively end this tragic situation and state of affairs. We warmly welcome the access of humanitarian convoys to the town of Madaya and to other places under siege by rebels in the north-west part of Syria.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7605 (2016) · source
“As things stand now, with the deadly danger of terrorism as a real menace to international peace and security and to the very survival of some of the most affected countries, it is high time for the international community and the main international players to put aside our differences, national egoism and arrogance and work decidedly to build a global coalition to fight and eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as called for by international public opinion. It is our hope that the adoption of resolution 2249 (2015), in the wake of this deadly concerted terrorist act, will serve as a wake-up call for a radical change in attitude by the world's main players.”
2015-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7565 (2015) · source
“The complete eradication of ISIL/Daesh, as well as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups designated by the Security Council, is a top priority for the international community. International terrorism has been showing a highly dangerous capacity to spread its violent extremist ideology through terrorist acts, gross systematic attacks against innocent civilians, violations of human rights and intolerance and hatred of the other for being different on cultural, religious or ethnic grounds. In addition to recruiting terrorist fighters, the heinous crimes committed by ISIL/Daesh also include the destruction of cultural heritage and trafficking in natural resources and cultural artefacts - including crimes at a scale rarely seen since the Second World War.”
2015-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7565 (2015) · source
“Angola voted in favour of resolution 2249 (2015) - submitted by France in connection with the terrorist attacks perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Daesh - in the expectation that it is an important step in the fight against terrorism and for the building for the indispensible global coalition needed if we are to win the war against terrorism. We join the other members of the Security Council in condemning this terrorist movement, which, as the resolution states, constitutes an unprecedented to international peace and security. We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the victims and the families of the heinous crimes recently committed by terrorists.”
2015-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7565 (2015) · source
“Angola has consistently advocated dialogue as a means to diffuse tensions, promote understanding and, ultimately, address the root causes of conflicts. That has been our commitment in return for the support our country received from the United Nations and from which it benefitted during the most difficult years of our recent history.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The nation is stronger and moving towards harmonious development. A lot remains to be done, but the results achieved so far give us hope for a brighter future. In the international arena, Angola has been supporting other countries in conflict prevention and resolution efforts, while sharing its experiences and strengthening its participation in peacebuilding efforts, particularly in the volatile Great Lakes region. The Kimberly Process of diamond certification, of which Angola is currently the Chair, is a concrete instance of multilateral cooperation on the critical issue of natural resources fuelling conflicts. It has played a crucial role in sustaining peace in the country while it turned diamonds from a tool of war into an instrument ofpeace and sustainability.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“One of the measures taken was the granting of a general amnesty to all combatants who accepted the ceasefire and peace agreement. In the Angolan context, this has had major importance in ensuring the lasting peace that has prevailed since 2002. Angola engaged in demining; a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process; and the voluntary collection of small arms and light weapons in order to control their flow. It also established a democratic institution and a legal review process, as well as institutional actors in support of individual and collective freedoms, such as the Ombudsman. After the end of the war, two general elections took place, and in 2017 a new ballot initiative will be held. Angola has a relatively fast- growing economy, plural opinions are expressed, and civil society is making headway.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“On 11 November, Angola commemorated its fortieth anniversary, a day of vital significance in our country, which was embroiled for many years in a military conflict that deeply affected it. The loss of an untold number of human lives and the destruction of the social and economic infrastructure obliged the Angolan people to find ways to stop the war and initiate the process of rebuilding. From this it emerged that a deep-rooted quest for peace was vitally needed to build in Angola a peaceful society for future generations. After the signing of a peace agreement in 2002, Angolans had a strong resolve to address the root causes of the conflict and start a genuine process of fundamental reconstruction and peacebuilding.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Angola shares the belief that a new approach is needed that considers that conflict prevention and resolution as an area of intervention for not only the Security Council but also other United Nations main bodies, namely, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. We further believe that it is only by creating the necessary synergies among these organs that the United Nations will be able to act transversally in addressing conflict prevention, taking into consideration the three pillars: peace and security, development and human rights. The maintenance of international peace and security should focus primarily on conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts aimed at resolving the root causes of conflict and, in so doing, seek long-term solutions aimed at sustaining peace. Let me now share some of our experiences in Angola.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“Angola and Australia are honoured to co-facilitate the intergovernmental phase of that process. The report of the Advisory Group of Experts (see S/2015/490), to which earlier speakers have referred, draws certain conclusions that are relevant to our current debate. The concept of sustaining peace outlined in the report calls for a systemic response from the United Nations before, during and after an armed conflict and for an urgent bridging of the existing silos that impede efficient delivery by our Organization. The report also calls for change in the mindset and perception of conflict prevention by States Members of the United Nations.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The non-observance of due respect for human rights and collective liberties is among the main causes of the outbreak of conflicts that we have seen in the world. Respect for the other, despite political, social and national differences, is the basis for social peace and a sentiment of belonging to a community. To build peaceful societies, the existence of a free and responsible citizenry, aware of its duties, is an imperative, as is a culture of peace, tolerance and the acceptance of the differences inherent in social plurality. The main responsibility for addressing the root causes of conflict lies with State authorities. The United Nations can and should support national efforts to sustain peace and prevent conflict. As we have heard, in 2015 the United Nations is engaged in a process to review its peacebuilding architecture.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The holding of democratic elections; institutions in which citizens recognize themselves; and the primacy of the rule of law are fundamental prerequisites for political inclusion and the building of peaceful societies and a fundamental tool for conflict prevention. Economic exclusion, emanating from the unequal distribution of wealth and a lack of economic opportunities for the citizens of a given country, result, in general, in unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment, culminating in social tension and, frequently, in conflict and violence. When economic exclusion is coupled with an authoritarian political system, those elements combine to trigger conflict, since the political authorities are in general unable to engage in dialogue, hear grievances or engage in seeking the peaceful resolution of conflict.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“It is our conviction that with determination, preventive action and political will, war can be avoided. It is also our conviction that to achieve that goal, we must act first and foremost upon its root causes, which include, principally, political, economic and social exclusion. Political exclusion is expressed by the refusal to extendpolitical representation andthe rightto participate in political life to large sectors of the population or to specific social, racial or religious groups of people inside a country. As political exclusion is unacceptable by any standard, it has the potential to cause dissent, thereby propelling those groups into conflict.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“This is also the year in which the General Assembly has adopted the Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/1), with the international community more than ever aware of the need to strengthen prevention and the nexus between peace and security, human rights and development. In fact, it is universally understood that without peace and security and respect for human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved and our collective commitment, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, of saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war will remain only a dream. Our statement will focus on three issues: the root causes of conflict; the response ofthe United Nations in the context of preventing and addressing conflicts; and, briefly, Angola's experience in conflict prevention and resolution.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“I should like at the outset to thank you, Madam President, for having come to New York to the Security Council to preside over this meeting. Let me also say that this meeting is not just timely but also important, and that the theme of the maintenance of international peace and security, with a focus on peaceful societies and conflict prevention, is definitely what we need at this time. In this landmark year of the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations, important reviews of fundamental normative and operational tools are taking place, namely, peace operations, peacebuilding and the role of women in peace and security.”
2015-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7561 (2015) · source
“The Somali Federal Government and all stakeholders must remain committed to those goals in order to continue enjoying the confidence and support from the international community for the attainment of the goals which involved a great investment to guarantee a better future for the people of Somalia.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Angola takes this opportunity to express a heartfelt tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against the forces ofterrorism, and for the attainment of freedom and, ultimately, for peace in Somalia. With regard to the human rights situation, we deem it particularly important that the Federal Government and the regional authorities ensure strict compliance with international standards and respect for the rule of law in security operations. In conclusion, despite the substantial progress achieved to date, the situation prevailing in Somalia is still fragile. It is up to the international community, particularly the Security Council, to remain vigilant and supportive in ensuring sustainable peace, stability, economic and social development, and respect for human rights and the rule oflaw in Somalia.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“In that context, we are deeply concerned that the Somali Government is experiencing difficulties in paying salaries to the Somali National Army and other security forces. That situation might gravely impair the preparations, readiness and the security and stability of the country in general. Nevertheless, we commend the support that the United Nations Support Office for the African Union Mission in Somalia is providing to the Somali National Army and that of all Member States contributing to the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund established at Somalia donor conference. We also commend the countries contributing troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia and the troops themselves, who are engaged in an extremely difficult mission.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Regarding the fight against Al-Shabaab after the success achieved by Operation Eagle and Operation Indian Ocean, it is Vital to establish State authority in the areas recovered from the terrorists, establish services that benefit the population and, by so doing, remove some of the root causes of support for terrorist groups. In that regard, we welcome the progress made in building the capacities of the Somali National Army and State police forces and in the implementation of the national programme for disengaged combatants, while expressing concern over the lack of sufficient funding for those crucial projects. The National Army and police will be called upon to play a crucial role in securing the elections during the electoral period, when the Al-Shabaab terrorists are expected to try actively to disrupt the electoral process.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“It established benchmarks for the adoption of a new constitution by March 2016, which we hope will be met. The most recent report of the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group on Somalia (see S/2015/801) raises alarming questions related to the misappropriation of resources by the political and business elite, corruption, human rights violations by anti-Al-Shabaab forces, delays in the establishment of vital parliamentary organs, and activities of individuals or groups referred to as "spoiler networks in Somalia". Everything must be done to impede those alleged spoilers to jeopardize the efforts and hopes of the whole nation, especially Somali youth.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the second Ministerial meetingoftheHigh-levelPartnershipForum,the creation of the National Independent Electoral Commission, the Boundaries and Federation Commission and the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. The avowed possibility that a one-person, one-vote election may not be held in 2016 is a matter of concern, and we look forward to the setting up of an alternative electoral ballot method, taking into account the need for inclusivity and the enfranchisement of all Somalis. Inclusiveness and commitment are key issues in the Somali political and constitutional process. The meeting on the constitutional review process recently held in Mogadishu produced a road map for an inclusive and participatory process.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Last year, political tensions between the President and the former Prime Minister resulted in considerable delays in the establishment of vital parliamentarian organs and overall progress in the implementation of the Vision 2016 inclusive political framework. After decades of instability, Angola expects that the political actors will put the highest interests of the State and the people at the centre of their concerns, instead of political agendas. The leaders and the people of Somalia must stand united and remain focused on the country's political priorities, which, in accordance with the national and international consensus, are the preparations for and holding of elections in 2016, to advance the State-building process and fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“The briefings delivered here have provided a better understanding of the progress achieved and of the challenges being faced by the people and the Government of Somalia, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations and international partners, which have joined forces to help to build the new Somalia in peace and in stability. In 2016, Somali is expected to hold elections, which will represent a crucial landmark in the implementation of Vision 2016, the road map established by the Somali authorities regarding the federal and State-building process, the constitutional review and preparations for elections. However, despite the significant progress achieved so far, we must acknowledge deep concerns over the political crisis and tensions among State actors at the highest level.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“I should like, at the outset, to thank you, Mr. President, for having come to New York to preside over this important meeting on Somalia. I wish in particular to welcome the presence of the Prime Minister of Somalia, whom I also thank for having come to New York and for having shared with the Council his vision of the new Somalia. I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing, and the permanent Observer ofthe African Union for participating in this meeting as well. The Angolan delegation welcomes the convening of this debate on the situation in Somalia at a crossroads for the country's future.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“The atmosphere in the Middle East is reaching a boiling point, and we may be engulfed in a conflict that will have global repercussions. To avoid this, we must resolve the Palestinian question as soon as possible by facilitating the creation of a Viable Palestinian State, living side by side with Israel. We need to go beyond the historic raising of the Palestinian flag, which we all witnessed here at United Nations in recent days. This was a significant political statement by the Palestinian Authority, but it is, unfortunately, too little too late, as the events we are now witnessing demonstrate.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“We also welcome the proposed plan for a meeting of the Quartet in Vienna tomorrow. In order to achieve some results, we urge all sides to put an end to the Violence, as it undermines legitimate Palestinian aspirations for statehood and Israel's longing for security. To prevent further territorial expansion and guarantee safety for both the Palestinian and Israeli people, Angola strongly supports the request for United Nations or other international protection for the occupied Palestinian territory, in the interest of preventing further escalation of hostilities. This would be a clear and tangible manifestation of our support for the two-State solution, which we have reiterated several times in this Council.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“Indeed, mechanisms like the agreement between Israeli Defense Forces and the security forces of the Palestinian authorities are less and less viable, since negotiations with Israel no longer offer any realistic prospects for ending the occupation itself. It is therefore the Security Council's duty to overcome our differences, forge a consensus and do our utmost to revive the peace process by setting parameters for negotiations and for a final status agreement. This has been reiterated by several participants in the debate this morning. It is imperative that the peace process be reinvigorated in order to end the occupation and achieve a just and lasting solution on the basis of two States, living side by side and in security. In this connection, Angola welcomes the Visit of the Secretary-General to Palestine and to Israel.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“As we have witnessed in the past forty years, it is usually followed by periodic waves of violence, as is currently observed in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, these outbreaks of Violence, beyond the horrendous consequences ofloss oflife and physical destruction, have always resulted in the additional loss of Palestinian land, increased restrictions and brutal repression against the Palestinians. The most worrisome development in the last few weeks is that both Israelis and Palestinians have abandoned the hope of negotiations for ending the crisis and bringing about a lasting solution to this conflict. The failure of the peace process - which, we have to acknowledge, is a collective failure of the international community - will weaken the mechanisms in place for managing tensions.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“Failure in moving this forward was catastrophic, and the restrictions under which the Palestinians live today are greater than those of 1987, when the first Intifada broke out. We wonder whether the periodic waves of confrontation are not a deliberate long-term strategy by extremist circles in Israel to undermine the possibility of a two-State solution. On one hand, Palestinians face desperate living conditions and increased restrictions on freedom of movement in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. On the other hand, there is ongoing settlement expansion in the West Bank, in violation of international law but endorsed by Israel's authorities, under the protection of Israel's security forces. This reality cannot persist forever.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“We strongly urge the Israeli authorities and security forces to uphold the status quo in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to avoid aggravating tensions and religious sensitivities and causing more resentment. It is always very difficult to put an end to religious wars. They are very costly in human lives. Indeed, the participants in the debate have provided constructive contributions, which, if taken into account, could change the way we address this issue, in particular the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and statehood. In this regard, the Oslo Accords offered a unique opportunity and were a beacon of hope for putting an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“I would like to start by expressing our thanks to Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, and in particular on the Palestinian issue. Based on his briefing, we have to acknowledge the frustration resulting from the prevailing situation and the inability of the international community - in particular the Security Council - to provide a real, meaningful contribution towards a solution for this painful conflict in the Middle East and in Israel. The current dangerous escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians and the tragic loss of life are indeed unacceptable. The recent events in Jerusalem, with escalating tensions around the holy sites in the city, are very dangerous developments with the potential for far-reaching consequences, which should by avoided by all means.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540 (2015) · source
“The process for the Secretary-General's appointment, which includes the Council's close cooperation with the General Assembly, will be a key issue for all Members of the Organization over the next year. It is not acceptable that the Council has been slow to take up the necessary engagement between the Presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council on a matter of such direct importance to all Member States. That is especially relevant given the unequivocal call from the General Assembly, which we have all supported, for dialogue and a more transparent and inclusive process in the decision-making on this specific issue.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“That should include arranging for interactions with the Secretariat, the Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and also with other bodies such as the Peacebuilding Commission whose advisory and early warning capacity are of direct importance to the Council's work. We also need to get more serious about the supporting partnerships and the complementary roles of the United Nations, regional organizations and counterparts, especially the African Union, in preventing and managing conflicts. In that effort, it is also important to improve consultations and coordination with troop- and police-contributing countries, especially in relation to the development and renewal of mandates. The knowledge and challenges that they acquire in the field is an asset that the Council must consider when discussing its mandates.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“We should all feel a sense of ownership over the Council's work, and we should not preclude others from offering their drafting ideas for texts. Wherever possible, we want to encourage changes to the penholdership system. That is an obvious way both to ensure necessary continuity, by including permanent and elected members, and to leverage their relevant expertise, whether that be regional or through their chairmanship of subsidiary bodies or some other source. As today's three briefers made clear, the Council needs to become better at cooperating with other United Nations and regional organs, bodies and offices. One simple way to promote better interaction would be for Council members to respect the role of the presidency in organizing the Council's regular business for the month.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“All Council members need the opportunity to engage and contribute meaningfully. It is a simple request, but in the current Council practice it is the exception, not the norm. Arguably, the very recent introduction of the penholdership system has improved Council efficiency. It ensures that the first drafts of most Council products are prepared by delegations with consistent knowledge and a long background in the issues. But it has also diminished the opportunity for wider Council engagement, especially by the elected members, and has significantly increased the risk of Council products being crafted in a way that serves only the interests of the permanent members. In those respects, the system cuts across the principle of collective responsibility that underpins the Charter.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“The Council's members have to display more discipline and restraint in the range of initiatives considered or taken, many of which absorb valuable time and distract us from real problem-solving and diplomacy and have limited world impact. We also have some distance to go in terms of focus and interactivity in order to ensure that open debates are a useful forum for exchanging views between the Council and the rest of the Organization. They need to be more than a platform for States to record national positions. The veto may not be, strictly speaking,a working method, but it has a significant negative impact - a cascade effect- on the working methods ofthe Council, where elected members are routinely excluded for no reason other than habit. There needs to be a more inclusive process for developing resolutions and presidential statements.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“The Council must throw offsome ofthe constrictions that have cramped even the way it discusses matters, let alone how it makes decisions. While consensus on procedures is a fine goal, it should not be elevated to the point where we have a 15-member veto, not just in the Council itself, but also in its subsidiary bodies, including its sanctions committees. That was never the intention of the Charter. All Council members have a responsibility to find solutions to improve our processes and culture and to work at all levels of our diplomacy. For that reason, we have fostered increased dialogue among the Permanent Representatives on the Council's working methods, including a monthly meeting to discuss how we work together on the issues before us. We also need working methods that produce effective political focus in the Council's work.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“While there are good ideas on working methods contained in the President's concept note (S/2015/793, annex) agreed to by the Council, the dilemma is that they are couched in vague language, are often not implemented, and some Council members even resist implementing them. That reflects the disconnect between the Council's working methods, this debate and the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. The Council will find solutions and improve its performance by adapting its working methods in innovative ways to meet the needs of specific cases, not as a result of the generic work done in the Informal Working Group, although the latter should base its future work on the common points of action from the outcomes of this open debate.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“We share a common wish to make the working methods of the Council and the Council's interactions with other organs of the United Nations, as stated this morning, more effective, so as to better reflect contemporary realities. This annual open debate is about much more than just the working methods of the Security Council. It is about the decision-making culture and the effectiveness of the Council. It also goes to the heart of the Council's performance and accountability to the whole United Nations membership and the Charter of the United Nations. The current crises facing the United Nations and the Council's difficulty in responding effectively to those crises suggest the need for a new approach. Meaningful changes are driven by practice, by taking the initiative and leading by example as much as by rules and procedure.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“At the outset, I would like to commend and thank you, Mr. President, and the Spanish presidency ofthe Council for convening this very timely debate this morning. I also welcome the very valuable contributions by our three briefers, notably the Deputy Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly and the Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council. I am speaking today on behalf of Angola, Chile, Jordan, Malaysia, New Zealand and Spain e six countries from six different regions of the world. We are six Security Council members that are committed to collaboration and to working together on the set ofissues before us today, including my own country as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions of the Security Council.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539 (2015) · source
“The question of sanctions remains very sensitive, and I think that the Council will have to address it with extreme care in order to avoid creating problems rather than resolving them. We believe that the actions of the Council should be in support of the discussions of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which is the main partner of the Security Council in matters related to international peace and security and stability in the African continent.”
2015-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7532 (2015) · source
“The Council needs to continue to keep a very close watch on the parties and listen to their concerns and reservations if it is to be of assistance instead of creating new problems that could create a situation that we would have to address when it comes to the implementation of the Agreement. Our vote today expresses our support for the mission of UNMISS and the troops, despite the differences of views among the members of the Security Council on a number of issues, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, the balance between accountability and reconciliation, the role of the United Nations in the establishment of the hybrid court and the adoption of the new configuration.”
2015-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7532 (2015) · source
“Today we have adopted resolution 2241 (2015) to reconfigure the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), taking into account the signing of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan by the South Sudanese parties and the international stakeholders, in particular the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. This was possible thanks only to the cooperation of all the members of the Council. We voted in favour of the resolution despite the fact that, as we have said, the fragile Agreement just signed is aimed at ensuring a ceasefire and the end of violence in South Sudan. It is not a perfect document, but it is the basis for the current discussions between the parties.”
2015-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7532 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that security sector reform is not the only concern of post-conflict countries, but must be combined with reforms in other areas, including administration, justice, the rule of law and good governance, in order to ensure long-lasting stability.”
2015-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7508 (2015) · source