YouSaid · the spoken record

Gatt

lines on the record: 420
first: 2021-11-22
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 80
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

“Until then, Ukraine has the right to defend itself from Russia’s aggression, as enshrined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. It has the right to rely on its allies to do the same. It has the right to protect its citizens, its borders, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity, just like any other member of the Organization.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“Moreover, Russia continues to weaponize food and undermine global food security, as well as to attempt to deprive Ukraine of its legitimate income by unilaterally withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. We once again urge Russia to fully comply with its international obligations and ensure the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Malta will also continue to fully support the Ukrainian people by providing humanitarian aid and assistance as long as necessary. In conclusion, we once again underscore our conviction that to achieve a just and lasting peace, Russia must immediately cease all hostilities. It must unconditionally and completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“They serve only to escalate tensions and must be condemned. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine keeps deteriorating dramatically, especially now during the cold winter months. The most vulnerable, including children, will continue to bear the brunt of this illegal war of aggression. Hospitals and schools must never be targets. Full access must be granted to the United Nations and humanitarian actors in all territories so that the much-needed assistance can reach those who need it. It is once again clear that Russia is deliberately trying to worsen the humanitarian situation in Ukraine by its intentional and repeated choice of targets.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“It continued to add to the misery that the civilian population of Ukraine has been forced to endure since 24 February 2022. We unequivocally condemn these barbaric attacks on populated areas in the strongest possible terms. We also condemn the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including maternity hospitals, apartment blocks and schools. Let us be clear — attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are deplorable and constitute a blatant violation of international law. We reiterate our full support for the ongoing processes aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice and holding them to account. We are also deeply troubled and concerned about reports that a Russian missile flew through Polish airspace for a few minutes. Such reckless provocations constitute a clear threat to international peace and security.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling this meeting on such short notice. I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his remarks. Malta joined others in calling for this emergency briefing following today’s barrage of missile and drone attacks carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Several cities across the country were targeted, including Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Odesa and Dnipro. At least 30 people have been killed and more than 100 have been injured. Since the beginning of its aggression, the Russian Federation has fired at least 7,400 missiles against its neighbour, an average of 11 per day. Today’s aerial barrage, the biggest since the beginning of the war, resulted, yet again, in the tragic loss of life.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“Malta reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a two-State solution along the pre-1967 borders, addressing the legitimate aspirations of both sides, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“The situation poses a serious threat to regional peace with international repercussions. Continued and escalatory skirmishes along the Blue Line continue to raise tensions. We strongly call on all parties, including non-State actors in the region, to exercise restraint — including in their messaging — de-escalate and respect the norms of international law. The deteriorating maritime security situation in the Red Sea is also of deep concern. Avoiding a regional conflagration is of the utmost importance and must be avoided at all costs. This violence continues to push us away from a political horizon to the conflict.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“We also remain deeply concerned about demolitions, the forcible transfer of Palestinian communities and the resurgence of illegal settler encroachment and violence. Settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian residents and properties are inexcusable and cannot be met with impunity. The continued recurrence of such acts only threatens the viability of a two-State solution, which remains the only path to a lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East. Provocations and increased tensions around the holy sites in Jerusalem is another factor that only serves to exacerbate tensions. The integrity of the holy sites and the legal and historical status quo must be upheld and fully respected at all times. Any act that undermines that is unacceptable.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“Malta urges Israel to exercise utmost restraint, including in the usage of live ammunition and explosive weapons, to abide by international humanitarian law and to prioritize the protection of civilians. In that context, we stress our concern about the recent report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which reports on the use of military tactics, disproportionate force and the imposition of movement restrictions in the West Bank. Those measures impact broad segments of the Palestinian population. We echo the call of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israeli authorities to take clear and effective steps towards ceasing such practices.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“As highlighted by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, most people in Gaza have been displaced on multiple occasions. The civilian population continues to suffer from limited food supplies and lack basic survival items. Forty per cent are at risk of famine. Despite this desperate situation, continued hostilities continue to impede the delivery of aid. In such circumstances, the full implementation of all provisions of resolutions 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023) and the establishment of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire are the only ways to avoid further death and destruction. Malta remains deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank, including the scale of recent Israeli military operations in the West Bank. This threatens to lead to even more violence.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“On several occasions, Malta has unreservedly condemned Hamas’s acts of terror, including the heinous attacks of 7 October. Terror has no justification, and the Security Council must also be clear in rejecting it. We once again call for the safe and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. At the same time, Malta has also reiterated Israel’s right to protect her citizens. However, we continue to stress that it is paramount that any such actions be taken with respect for international humanitarian law. The principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction, proportionality and precaution, must be respected at all times. All parties are obliged to ensure that all measures to protect civilians are taken.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari, Mr. Muasher and Mr. Epshtain for their remarks. They truly illustrate the precarious situation we continue to witness in the region. The catastrophic humanitarian situation and the continued state of hostilities in Gaza are untenable. They are leading to unprecedented levels of human suffering, with thousands of civilians being killed and thousands more injured or maimed. The continued bombardment of the middle of Gaza, including the air strikes on three refugee camps, is especially worrisome. Those attacks come after instructions from Israeli forces for residents from the south of Wadi Gaza to move to middle Gaza. The resulting scenes, including strikes that hit residential buildings in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, are truly harrowing.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9522 (2023) · source
“As we enter 2024, we must become neither complacent nor numb to the challenges and suffering of those in Syria. We must again redouble our political and humanitarian efforts to make sure Syria’s future does not mirror its present.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Their burden is ever increasing, with the cost of basic commodities at an all-time high and humanitarian assistance at an all-time low. As we have heard on many occasions here in the Chamber, shortages of those essentials make women and girls more vulnerable to poverty, violence and exploitation. We regret that despite extensive efforts by the Special Envoy, we have been unable to see the reconvening of the Constitutional Committee, and steps for steps has yet to deliver the much-needed confidence required to tackle the many pressing issues facing Syria. We once again call for a nationwide ceasefire to help create the conditions for progress in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Thirteen years of fighting should indicate that there is no military solution to the conflict. An inclusive political process is the only way forward.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Violence has continued unabated in the north of the country; protests have erupted in the south and Syrian airports remain subject to routine air strikes. Grave violations of children’s rights remain a major concern for Malta, especially with a record number of children internally displaced. As we have heard throughout this year, the root causes of the humanitarian needs in Syria are political. Without adequate, even modest, progress on the political front, we will be unable to progress towards a just, lasting and deserved peace. The stalling of the precious political momentum — seen in the weeks directly after the earthquakes — is deeply regrettable. In such a context of deadly fragility, the burden of political inaction is borne by the people of Syria, those who continue to suffer and face daily indignities.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“We commend the staff of the United Nations, especially of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their diligent work throughout this year. We thank them for their efforts in engaging with the parties to ensure the free flow and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance, both within Syria and across borders at a time when it was needed most. The continued functioning of the crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Bab Al-Rai has greatly supported the aid delivery mechanism at Bab Al-Hawa — a crossing which remains a lifeline to millions in the north-west today. We expect that once again the agreement for the use of Bab Al-Hawa by the United Nations and its humanitarian partners will be extended before its expiration in mid-January and that all aid delivery modalities will remain in place as long as they are needed.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen and Director Doughten for their briefings today. In 2023, Syrians faced the greatest level of humanitarian need since the beginning of the 13-year-old conflict. As we come to the end of the year, the briefers’ sombre reflections remind us that next year must be better. Over the past 12 months, Syrians have had to contend with the impact of multiple devastating earthquakes and aftershocks, a humanitarian crisis, climate shocks and now, major conflict on their border, which threatens to bring even greater violence and turmoil to the region. Despite those compounding political and humanitarian crises, Syrians remain dignified and resilient, losing neither hope nor their voice in demanding a just end to the brutal conflict.”
2023-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9517 (2023) · source
“Malta also remains deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation and the grave human rights violations perpetrated by the regime. They are inextricably linked to the advancement of its programme of weapons of mass destruction and require a holistic approach. According to the most recent estimates, more than 10 million people are thought to be malnourished and in need of emergency aid. The reopening of borders is essential to allow the re-entry of United Nations humanitarian staff and to carry out an urgently needed rapid needs assessment in the country. In conclusion, we reiterate that our collective goal is peace and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. To achieve that, we must act decisively to ensure that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea refrains from further provocations and dangerous actions.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“We can no longer afford that. We again call on the Council to speak with one voice to condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s violation and to call on its leadership to return to diplomacy. We call on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to cease all confrontations, engage in meaningful dialogue towards denuclearization and adhere to its obligations under all relevant Security Council resolutions. It must completely, verifiably and irreversibly abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, return to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the safeguards under the International Atomic Energy Agency and to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“Its nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes threaten international peace and security and gravely undermine the non-proliferation regime. For more than a year, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has continued to advance its nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes at an unprecedented pace. In 2023 alone, it has launched more than 30 ballistic missiles, including five ICBMs. It has conducted three satellite launches, successfully placing one in orbit in November. And it has engaged in technology and arms transfers with another country. All of those are in violation of multiple Council resolutions and the resolution 1718 (2006) sanctions regime. That is what happens when the Council fails to fulfil its responsibilities. Our collective silence and failure to act have emboldened the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Khiari for his briefing. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has violated multiple Security Council resolutions twice in less than 12 hours. On Monday morning, local time, it tested yet another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), reportedly its solid-fuelled Hwasong-18, which travelled for about 1,000 km. That followed its launch of a short-range ballistic missile on Sunday. Malta is deeply concerned about those latest developments. That is why we once again joined others in calling for a meeting of the Council. We condemn the launch in the strongest possible terms, and it is high time for the Council to do the same. The threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea extends beyond threatening stability in the region.”
2023-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9514 (2023) · source
“We also recall the significant logistics support that UNMISS provides, which facilitates the delivery of humanitarian assistance across the country. In conclusion, Malta strongly believes in the pursuit of peace and security in South Sudan. We reiterate our call for the end of inter-communal violence, which disrupts that collective pursuit. We look forward to further efforts in maintaining that objective in order to ensure that the people of South Sudan can turn their hopes into reality.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“We condemn those acts and continue to advocate for human rights reporting and analysis and for support to national authorities in conducting independent and transparent investigations. On top of the spillover from the conflict in the Sudan and the increasing numbers of refugees and returnees crossing the border, South Sudan also faces severe climate-related risks. Climate-induced disasters will further fuel inter-communal violence, leading to more displacement and preventing returns. Malta commends the remarkable work carried out by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in particular in fulfilling its protection-of-civilians mandate and its continued dynamic posture. Its good offices, training, capacity-building and conciliatory measures are crucial in laying the foundations for sustainable peace.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Civic and voter education, and protection against harassment, should be given priority within the framework established to support civil society’s role in the peace process. Those are important elements for ensuring the holding of elections within the timelines set out in the road map. We remain gravely concerned about the incidents of conflict-related sexual violence. We echo the call by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten for preventive and restorative interventions, mental health support and rehabilitation for survivors. Gross human rights violations and abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law by armed groups in the Greater Upper Nile region are also deeply worrisome. Both parties recruited and used children as fighters.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Political leaders must demonstrate tangible progress in completing the critical pending tasks without any further delay. Malta encourages the implementation of transitional security arrangements, the operationalization of electoral institutions and the determination of the precise type of elections. Where the type of elections is concerned, we support addressing relevant issues. Those include an agreed political code of conduct, voter registration and the urgent drafting of a permanent constitution. The visit to South Sudan of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security has informed us of the need for measures to make sure that women can participate safely in the election as candidates, voters and observers.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Haysom for his briefing and welcome the representative of South Sudan to the Chamber. I also thank Ambassador Biang, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan. Malta takes note of the recent political developments in South Sudan, including the adoption of the National Elections Act, as well as the reconstitution of the National Constitutional Review Commission, the National Elections Commission and the Political Parties Council. We regret, however, that only the Political Parties Council met the 35 per cent quota for women members. Furthermore, an acceleration in the pace of the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is clearly needed.”
2023-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9507 (2023) · source
“Ensuring robust victim- and survivor-centred approaches that reflect input from affected communities is also an essential aspect of this work. I also would like to pay tribute to Gabon for its work as Chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. As the President said at the conference entitled “30 Years of the ICTY”, “Against all odds, the Tribunal went beyond developing substance and procedure and helped to create a new legal culture against impunity.” The legacy of the ad hoc tribunals must be this — a culture against impunity.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We join the Mechanism in thanking and commending the 12 enforcement States referred to in the report. The Mechanism and its predecessors have made significant steps in establishing the facts and providing the historical record of atrocity crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. In that context, we agree with the President about the critical importance of making the public records of the ad hoc Tribunals and the Mechanism more accessible. We welcome the Mechanism’s engagement with Rwandan authorities on matters such as increasing access to the archives, as well as the advanced discussions regarding the establishment of an information centre in Zagreb, Croatia. Those are essential steps to combat dangerous denial and revisionism of facts and contribute to reconciliation and healing.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“We acknowledge efforts to build capacities in national jurisdictions, such as the seminars on the prosecution of conflict-related sexual violence crimes for prosecutors from Eswatini and Ghana. The Office of the Prosecutor’s support for domestic law reform is another critical area that can facilitate the effective prosecution of conflict-related sexual violence cases. We also welcome the significant progress made in locating and accounting for the remaining fugitives indicted by International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. We echo the call in the report (see S/2023/566) for the cooperation of States to ensure that the remaining fugitives are brought to justice as soon as possible. Cognizant of the Mechanism’s challenges in enforcement, we express our hope that States who can do so take on enforcement responsibilities.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“While we welcome the Chambers’ progress in the completion of the judicial work, we also recognize the need to continue its work on the enforcement of sentences, preservation of archives, protection of witnesses and, in particular, assistance to national jurisdictions. We assure the President and the Prosecutor of our cooperation in that regard. Malta also fully supports the priorities of the Office of the Prosecutor, with a focus on locating and arresting the remaining fugitives and assisting national jurisdictions prosecuting international crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. By assisting national authorities, the Prosecutor’s office continues to play a critical role in facilitating the rule of law and accountability globally.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“I also thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings on the ongoing work of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). As we await the evaluation of the Office of Internal Oversight Services, ahead of the review in spring next year, we commend the President’s attention to carrying out future planning activities and the focus on the three new priorities announced at the General Assembly in October (see A/78/PV.19). We look forward to constructive discussions on the draft framework of operations to complete the functions presented to us yesterday.”
2023-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9502 (2023) · source
“Meanwhile, Ukrainian children face major disruptions in access to basic-health care services and quality education and continued grave violations of their rights, including forced deportations. We welcome the Ukrainian Government’s commitment to ending and preventing grave violations against children through the development of a prevention plan. We urge Russia to adopt and implement an action plan without further delay. Once again, we also urge Russia to end its hostilities and withdraw its military forces, equipment and proxies from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, on Holodomor Remembrance Day, Russia launched one of its largest drone attacks since the beginning of its invasion, shelling Kyiv and its surroundings for more than six hours. Many civilians were injured, and more than 12,000 households were left without electricity. We unreservedly condemn such attacks. All attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. They are prohibited under international humanitarian law and are completely unacceptable. Wars have a disproportionate impact on women and children, and this one is no exception. Harrowing testimonies of rape and sexualized torture continue to be reported from Ukraine.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“Adding to Russian missiles, drone attacks and shelling, several reports have shed light on Russia’s systematic use of landmines in Ukraine, which have resulted in more than 600 civilian casualties. Against that backdrop, we reiterate that Ukraine has the right to defend itself from this Russian aggression, as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. It has the right to protect its citizens, its borders, its sovereignty and its territorial integrity — just like any other member of the Organization. Over the past weeks, we have seen another escalation in Russian attacks on populated areas across Ukraine, resulting in more civilian casualties.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“Those actions also constituted a serious breach of the Charter of the United Nations and were a direct affront to international law and the multilateral system. Since then, more than 10,000 civilians have been killed, thousands more have been injured, and millions have been displaced — creating another human-made humanitarian catastrophe that continues to threaten global food security. That dire situation persists, and it is having devastating consequences on Ukraine’s population, especially during these cold winter months. The deaths, injuries and level of destruction of civilian objects are staggering. Most civilian casualties continue to be caused by shelling and the use of multiple-launch rocket systems by Russian armed forces in areas near the front line.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“I thank the Deputy to the High Representative of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Ebo, for his briefing. By calling for today’s meeting, the Russian Federation seeks to paint a different picture, based on an alternative reality. It hopes to divert the Security Council’s focus away from Russia’s aggression. It tries to rationalize the unjustifiable. It is yet another cynical attempt to present the aggressor as the victim, and the victim as the aggressor. Yet again, we find ourselves recalling the facts. On 24 February 2022, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion against its neighbour, Ukraine. In doing so, it violated the latter’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and brought war back to Europe.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“A recommitment to a comprehensive peace for the Middle East that prioritizes the two-State solution has never been more critical.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9499 (2023) · source
“That must include safe and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and implementing partners to facilitate the provision of essential goods and services to the well-being of civilians, especially children. The adequate scaling-up of the provision of supplies to meet the needs of the civilian population also remains urgent. Those are critical steps that are needed to save lives and to avoid further devastation and the breakdown of public order. Our diplomatic efforts must be geared towards mitigating the risks of a regional spillover. We must strive to establish a durable foundation of peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike. The parameters for that are well known and have become all the more evident in the midst of this horrific crisis.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9499 (2023) · source
“We continue to reiterate our calls for the release of all hostages immediately, safely and unconditionally, as mandated by resolution 2712 (2023). The full implementation of all provisions of that resolution is now even more critical. While recognizing Israel’s right to protect the population, we emphasize yet again that its military operations must always abide by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. As was also stated this morning, the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers must be prioritized. All parties must comply with their obligations under international law. The severely deteriorating humanitarian conditions within Gaza must be urgently addressed.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9499 (2023) · source
“I begin by thanking the United Arab Emirates for its tireless efforts on the draft resolution (S/2023/970). We deeply regret that the Council was unable to call for an immediate ceasefire, despite the desperate need for one. In his letter to the Security Council invoking Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations (S/2023/962), the Secretary-General conveyed a clear message: the situation in Gaza is untenable and catastrophic, with hostilities inflicting immeasurable suffering and with public order on the brink of collapse. As stated earlier today, Malta remains gravely concerned by the crisis that has engulfed the region since Hamas’s attacks on 7 October. We reiterate our firm condemnation of Hamas’s brutal terror attacks on Israel and its people, including sexual violence and the mutilation of bodies.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9499 (2023) · source
“The potential for opening further conflict fronts must be avoided at all costs. It is vital that a comprehensive resolution of the spiralling crisis include a serious recommitment to peace. That will be achievable only through dialogue and a political horizon that is aimed at holistically addressing both Israel’s security concerns and the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians, including their right to self-determination. Malta reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a two-State solution along the pre-1967 borders, addressing the legitimate aspirations of both sides, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two States living side by side in peace and security, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9498 (2023) · source
“We are deeply worried about the reports of increasingly heavy incursions, restrictions and mass detentions occurring throughout the West Bank, including in refugee camps. The resurgence of illegal encroachment and violence by settlers is also gravely concerning. Settlements are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. We condemn the forcible transfer of the Palestinian community in Zanuta and the recent destruction of its European Union-funded school by Israeli settlers. Furthermore, we are alarmed at the skirmishes on the Israeli-Lebanese border. Malta condemns all violations on the Blue Line, including attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. We call firmly on all parties, including non-State actors in the region, to exercise restraint, de-escalate and respect the norms of international law.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9498 (2023) · source
“Malta has repeatedly and unreservedly condemned Hamas’s acts of terror, including the heinous attacks of 7 October, the attack in Jerusalem on 30 November and Hamas’s indiscriminate rocket fire. Its strategy of embedding itself among civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, and the incidents of sexual violence reported, are reprehensible. There can be no justification for terror, and the Council must be clear in rejecting it. Malta recognizes Israel’s right to protect its people, but any action it takes must be in line with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and necessity. The situation in the West Bank has seen unprecedented escalations in the past eight weeks.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9498 (2023) · source
“Children are yet again bearing the brunt of the hostilities. They continue to be killed or maimed and denied access to health care and education. Thousands have been orphaned. This must stop. The future of an entire generation is being jeopardized. There is no scenario that justifies the denial of aid for 2.2 million people, 80 per cent of whom have been displaced. In conformity with international law, all parties are obliged to ensure that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected. The scaling-up and distribution of humanitarian aid, together with the safety of United Nations and humanitarian workers, must be guaranteed. The only way to achieve those imperatives is through a humanitarian ceasefire.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9498 (2023) · source
“The renewed fighting has brought with it more death and devastation and has added to the extreme hardships of a population under siege. In the past few weeks, a number of United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners have outlined the catastrophe that is unfolding, and the Council must heed their warnings. Inaction is not an option. Civilians in Gaza are lacking the basic means for survival, including food, water and medicine. The health-care system is on its knees. Collapsing hospitals and a handful of facilities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are sheltering more than a million people, and 133 UNRWA workers have been killed. The Agency’s ability to work is at stake. The conditions are compounding serious risks of widespread disease.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9498 (2023) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General for his sobering briefing and emphasize Malta’s full support for his decision to invoke Article 99 of the Charter of the United Nations. The catastrophic situation and hostilities in Gaza are fuelling unprecedented levels of human suffering and threaten regional peace with serious international repercussions. More than 15,000 people have been killed thus far, 67 per cent of whom are women and children. Apart from the implementation of all provisions of resolution 2712 (2023), which include the unconditional release of all remaining hostages, an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is now critical. We are disappointed that the temporary truce achieved a few weeks ago, allowing for the release of hostages and much-needed aid into Gaza, has broken down. The resumption of hostilities in the Gaza Strip is distressing.”
2023-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9498 (2023) · source
“Ms. Gatt (Malta) (spoke in Spanish): I thank Ecuador for organizing this open debate on transnational organized crime and for giving visibility to that important issue.”
2023-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9497 (2023) · source
“We once again urge Russia to fully comply with its international obligations and ensure the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. In conclusion, we underscore once again our conviction that Russia must immediately cease all hostilities in view of securing a just and lasting peace. Most importantly, it must unconditionally and completely withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9494 (2023) · source
“That is exacerbating the worldwide food crisis and inflicting additional suffering on communities that are already grappling with insufficient access to food. As part of the European Union’s response, the solidarity lanes will continue to facilitate transit and export via land routes to world markets, which have enabled the export of more than 57 million tons of Ukrainian agricultural products so far. The security, stability and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea are crucial for sustainable grain exports. There have been threats to attack cargo vessels in the ports of the Black Sea, and incidents involving civilian vessels resulting in casualties occurred last month. Those actions significantly jeopardize the safety of maritime transportation and hinder commercial activities.”
2023-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9494 (2023) · source
“Today one in five Ukrainian families are facing hunger, with agricultural and food producing communities the most affected. Ukraine’s agricultural fields are potentially contaminated with remnants of war making them unable to be harvested. As we have just heard from our briefers, winter will only continue to worsen the dire humanitarian conditions across the country. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, there have been 31 documented attacks targeting facilities crucial to grain production and export in Ukraine. Such actions have caused significant harm to more than 160 civilian infrastructure facilities and destroyed more than 300,000 tons of grain. As a result, the export of Ukrainian grain cargoes to countries of Asia, Africa and Europe has been reduced by almost 3 million tons per month.”
2023-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9494 (2023) · source