YouSaid · the spoken record

Gert Auväärt

lines on the record: 124
first: 2020-04-22
most recent: 2021-05-25
sittings or episodes: 29
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

“I thank Judge Carmel Agius, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for the detailed progress reports submitted to the Security Council and for the informative briefings provided today. Estonia commends the work of the Mechanism and welcomes the continuation of its mandate, which was established by the Council 10 years ago as a small, temporary and efficient structure. We welcome the reappointment of Mr. Serge Brammertz as Prosecutor of the Mechanism, as well as the reappointment of 25 judges and of Judge Carmel Agius as the Mechanism’s President, along with the appointment of Abubacarr Tambadou as Registrar.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“We hope that once the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention resumes in April, it will take appropriate action regarding Syria’s non- compliance with the Executive Council decision and address Syria’s complete lack of cooperation with the OPCW. We also hope that the Security Council will not stand by in the face of clear evidence that chemical weapons have been used by the Syrian regime and that it will take action to uphold its resolutions and the Charter of the United Nations.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Estonia strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Arab Air Force, as the first report of the IIT, issued on 8 April, concluded. Using chlorine and sarin, the Syrian Air Force conducted three chemical attacks in Ltamenah in 2017 in order to suppress the opposition and terrorize its people, with a blatant disregard for human lives and suffering. Estonia welcomed the Executive Council decision of 9 July setting out clear and verifiable parameters for the actions that the Syrian Arab Republic needs to take in order to return to full compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is very unfortunate and worrisome that Syria has failed to take the required steps.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“While we welcome the fact that another round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team and the Syrian authorities enabled three outstanding issues related to the declaration to be closed, there are still 19 remaining — 19 outstanding issues, after six years and 23 rounds of consultations. The fact is that after signing up to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 and taking on the responsibility to declare all of its chemical-weapon stockpiles and facilities, the Syrian regime has failed to do so. It has deliberately concealed its production facilities and used those horrendous weapons on multiple occasions against its own people. Independent United Nations and OPCW investigative mechanisms have found the Syrian regime to be responsible in seven cases.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“The use of Novichok against the Skripals in the United Kingdom in 2018 and this year in Russia against opposition politician Alexei Navalny is a very concerning development. We urge Russia to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and hold accountable those responsible for these crimes. We also urge Russia to conclude the necessary agreements with the OPCW for the swift deployment of the technical assistance mission. Turning now to the eighty-sixth monthly report of the OPCW Director- General (see S/2020/1152), we note with regret that outstanding issues persist relating to Syria’s chemical weapons declaration.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Given that the OPCW and the Security Council share the same objectives of upholding the prohibition of the use of chemical weapons and supporting chemical disarmament, we need to ensure close collaboration in order to move things forward on this file. Let me start by reiterating Estonia’s support for the professional and impartial work of the OPCW Technical Secretariat. We have full confidence in the technical expertise and independence of its investigative mechanisms. It is extremely regrettable that there are countries that deliberately work to undermine the OPCW, thereby threatening to weaken the international architecture combating the use of chemical weapons. That is unacceptable and deeply worrying. We cannot allow the norm against chemical weapons to be eroded and the use of such weapons to become a normality.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“I thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Mr. Fernando Arias, Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), for their briefings. We very much appreciate that Mr. Arias was able to join us today. The regular sharing of information with the Security Council on the OPCW’s activities and investigations is very valuable. We were grateful that during Estonia’s presidency of the Security Council in May, Mr. Arias and Mr. Santiago Oñate, the Coordinator of the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team (IIT), were able to brief the Council regarding the findings of the first IIT report and shed further light on that important investigation.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“In the name of ensuring justice for the victims of crimes committed, we remain expectant and hopeful that by the next reporting period there will be concrete positive steps taken in that direction.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“We further take note of the plans of the Office of the Prosecutor to carry out vital investigative activities in the Sudan at the earliest opportunity and recognize the challenges related to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Estonia calls on the Sudan to follow through on meaningful cooperation with the ICC. In order to ensure implementation of obligations arising from the resolution 1593 (2005), we call on the Sudan to grant the ICC full, prompt and unimpeded access to its territory. We further call on the Sudan to work with the Court to apprehend and hand over the remaining four suspects to the ICC to be tried for crimes committed under the Rome Statute. In conclusion, we see time and time again that in any peace process, the rebuilding of a resilient society needs to include the elimination of impunity.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“We condemn the killing of, and all violence perpetrated against, civilians, especially women, children and displaced persons. That must stop and the perpetrators must be brought to justice. We also hear the concerns of the Darfuri people regarding the impending withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur and we urge the Sudan to step up its civilian protection capacities in order to prevent a security vacuum in the region. We hope that the Sudan will be cooperating closely with the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan to help to build those capacities. We recall the time-tested truth that peace cannot be achieved without justice. We welcome the voluntary surrender of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, in the Central African Republic in June.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“We welcome the signing of the Juba Agreement for Peace in the Sudan on 3 October and the importance that it affords to cooperation with the ICC, including full and unlimited cooperation with regard to suspects for whom ICC arrest warrants have been issued. Estonia further commends the steps taken by the Office of the Prosecutor to enhance dialogue with the Government of the Sudan, in particular the Prosecutor’s visit to the Sudan in October and the Government’s firm commitment — expressed during that visit — to work with the Office in the interest of the victims, as well as the beginning of a formulation of a memorandum of understanding between the Government and the Court. At the same time, Estonia remains concerned about the security situation in Darfur.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“I thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for her report and briefing. Let me start by reaffirming Estonia’s unwavering commitment to promoting respect for international law and the rules-based international order. Estonia reaffirms its full confidence in the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution, and expresses strong support for the work of the Court and its Prosecutor. The ICC has a particular role in eliminating impunity and ensuring justice for the victims of the crimes enshrined in the Rome Statute and has the right to do so without impediment. In the first place, Estonia would like to highlight some of the positive developments that have taken place in the Sudan during the latest reporting period.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“Elections-related violence perpetrated by several armed groups is in direct breach of their commitments under the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, the full implementation of which is the only path towards lasting peace in the Central African Republic. I would like to conclude by noting that the complex and fragile situation in Central Africa continues to be adversely impacted by the destructive effects of climate change. There is no denying that climate change is affecting, and will continue to have effects on, international peace and security. This threat will continue to grow without focused action to tackle it. We commend UNOCA for addressing this issue in the report (S/2020/1154).”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, accountability for violations and abuses must be established in order to avoid the establishment of a culture of impunity, which would only breed more violence. We call for all parties to show restraint and engage in dialogue in order to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the crisis. The role of UNOCA in enabling mediation and supporting the political momentum towards reconciliation in Cameroon is most welcome. Turning to the situation in the Central African Republic, I would like to recognize the efforts made to ensure timely and safe elections.”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source
“Neighbourly cooperation is essential for mitigating the effects of the pandemic while also protecting human rights, enabling an inclusive economic recovery and maintaining regional peace and security. Continued armed attacks by Boko Haram are alarming. Regional security efforts that involve the sharing of intelligence, civil- military cooperation and human rights compliance are essential for combating Boko Haram insurgency. Cameroon continues to witness mounting levels of violence and continued human rights violations and abuses. Particularly tragic have been the attacks against schools and schoolchildren. Correspondingly, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has surpassed 6 million. Estonia condemns attacks against civilians in the strongest terms, including against humanitarian workers.”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Special Representative Fall for today’s informative briefing, as well as to express my appreciation for the work that the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) is undertaking across the Central African region. Countries across Central Africa continue to face serious political, economic and security challenges, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. However, it has been encouraging to witness strong regional cooperation in meeting those challenges. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) regional response strategy adopted by a newly reinforced Economic Community of Central African States is a welcome development, as are the numerous initiatives undertaken to enhance cross-border cooperation — for example, by Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating the importance of ensuring that all counter- terrorism measures are carried out in accordance with international law, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“The arrangements regarding the status and conditions of service of his Office need to be specific to the distinct role of the Ombudsperson. The use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is a recent reminder of the risk of non-State actors gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. The gaps and inconsistencies that persist in Syria’s chemical weapons declaration indicate that the Syrian regime continues to keep unaccounted stockpiles and that there is a serious risk that chemical weapons will again fall into the hands of terrorists. In this regard, resolution 1540 (2004) remains one of the most critical instruments in ensuring that these threats do not materialize.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“With regard to the influences of the pandemic on the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, it is a matter of regret that the format of the meetings is still considered to be informal. That also applies to the CTC and most other subsidiary bodies that conduct their meetings on a virtual platform. We do not see any valid reason that the meetings of the Committees should not be considered formal. When countering terrorism, the standards of due process and human rights need to be respected for the regime to remain effective. Therefore, Estonia reiterates its full support to the work of the Ombudsperson.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“Estonia welcomes the efforts made to integrate human rights, including gender issues, throughout all of the activities of the CTC and CTED. That includes assessment visits and thematic briefings. The Council has recognized the differential impact of terrorism on the human rights of women and girls and their frequent targeting by terrorist groups. This includes sexual and gender-based violence used as a tactic of terrorism. The recognition of the importance of women’s leadership and participation is key in developing strategies to counter terrorism. Estonia commends the patience and flexibility that CTED has shown in finding ways to continue its work and the virtual deep-dive assessment missions despite the pandemic. Let us continue our efforts to implement hybrid working methods that allow the CTC and CTED to continue their mandated work.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“First, I would like to join other Security Council Members in thanking Ambassador Djani and Ambassador Ladeb for their insightful briefings and excellent work as Chairs of their respective Committees. I would also like to thank the expert groups, who, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, have continued to make that work possible, especially the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Group of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). With regard to the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC), let me underline our appreciation for transparency and cooperation as key tools in enhancing and streamlining our concerted efforts to counter terrorism.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“On 6 October, the OPCW confirmed that the substance that was used to poison Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group. We reiterate our call for Russia to investigate the crime thoroughly and in full transparency, bearing in mind Russia’s commitments under the Chemical Weapons Convention. The international community should not tolerate the use of chemical weapons and the concomitant threats it poses to international peace and security. In that regard, Estonia supports the European Union autonomous sanctions regime specifically designed to fight the proliferation of chemical weapons. We hope the Security Council does not remain silent and instead addresses the non-compliance with its resolutions.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1088 (2020) · source
“As to the work of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria (FFM), we note the recent reports regarding incidents in Saraqib and Aleppo. We acknowledge the professional and thorough investigations done by the FFM and their evidence-based results. We remain highly concerned about impunity. It is imperative to ensure accountability and end impunity for each and every use of chemical weapons. We owe it to the victims to bring the perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes to justice. Accountability is equally instrumental for sustaining the global norm against the use of chemical weapons. Let us face it — the global prohibition of chemical weapons is under threat. In recent years, we have witnessed the appalling use of chemical weapons in several places.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1088 (2020) · source
“As we have stressed before, this is not just a technical or theoretical issue, but rather indicates that Syria has not declared and destroyed all of its chemical weapons and their production facilities and continues to pose a threat to international peace and security. Moreover, we learn from the Director General’s monthly report that the Syrian Arab Republic failed to complete the measures contained in the Executive Council’s 9 July decision within the set timeline. We also understand that there was no effort whatsoever to cooperate with the OPCW or even respond to its offer of assistance. A complete lack of cooperation with the OPCW must have consequences, and that must be addressed through appropriate action at the OPCW Conference of State Parties at the end of this month.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1088 (2020) · source
“I thank the High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing. Progress on this file is indeed hard to achieve. The eighty-fifth monthly report of the Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) states yet again that there are still outstanding issues relating to Syria´s chemical weapons declaration. The OPCW Technical Secretariat’s assessment is clear: the declaration submitted by the Syrian Arab Republic still cannot be considered accurate and complete, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, the respective OPCW Executive Council decision and resolution 2118 (2013).”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1088 (2020) · source
“Answering to our Russian and Chinese colleagues on the issue of sanctions, I repeat once again that there is absolutely no evidence that European Union (EU) sanctions are hindering the humanitarian response in Syria. Food, essential goods and medical supplies are not subject to EU restrictive measures. The sanctions target only specific individuals who support the Syrian regime. As such, after nine years of war, the Syrian regime bears the primary responsibility for the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The findings of the Secretary-General’s board of inquiry implied that earlier this year, similarly to other independent investigations throughout this long, well-documented war.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“The fragile security situation is coupled with the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Across Syria, at least 2,500 people have been infected with the virus. As testing remains low, the actual number of infections is probably much higher. It is worth noting that COVID-19 has already directly affected the Syrian political process, as the Constitutional Committee talks were postponed after three cases among the Committee’s members were diagnosed in Geneva earlier this week. At the same time, inside Syria, the people in overcrowded internally displaced persons camps are the most vulnerable to the virus. Estonia requests all parties to allow unimpeded humanitarian access to those areas.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We thank Acting Assistant Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs Rajasingham for his briefing. We also extend gratitude to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and its humanitarian workers, who currently provide aid to 7.2 million people inside Syria. Unfortunately, widespread instability continues to undermine that tremendous humanitarian response. According to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/813), violations of the Idlib ceasefire agreement have increased and extremist armed groups continue to target Turkish-Russian joint patrols. Furthermore, regime-held areas in the southern parts of Syria still suffer from continuing kidnappings and repression. Estonia demands the release of all arbitrarily detained people, especially women and children.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We call on all actors to refrain from any military action, which would threaten the stability of Iraq. Finally, concerning the issue of the missing Kuwaiti persons and property, even though progress has been limited owing to COVID-19 related restrictions, I welcome the commitment of the Iraqi Government to resolving the outstanding issues and the positive contacts between the two countries in this regard.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“The efforts of the new Iraqi Government towards ensuring accountability for violations carried out during the demonstrations are a step in the right direction. Hopefully, those efforts will continue, with the ongoing engagement of UNAMI and relevant United Nations bodies. Although there are no longer violent crackdowns on protests, several worrisome incidents have occurred during recent months, including violence against protesters and arbitrary arrests of journalists, as well as killings of civil society activists. We call on the Iraqi Government to ensure the protection of human rights, including the freedom of expression and assembly, and to hold the perpetrators to account. Regarding regional developments, I would like to stress the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“In order to improve long-term stability and respond to the calls of the people, we urge the Iraqi Government to accelerate structural reforms, including economic reforms, implement effective measures to counter corruption and enforce the rule of law. Furthermore, it is essential to carry out security sector reform and bring all armed forces under State control. It is positive that the Iraqi Government’s programme is oriented in the same direction. We welcome the announcement of elections taking place in June 2021. We look forward to Iraq conducting free and fair elections, with continued electoral assistance by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). We also urge the Council of Representatives to finalize the elections law.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“As pointed out by several speakers before me, Iraq is facing several challenges. The Iraqi Government must act now and develop long-term measures to overcome them. It is crucial that all political actors show national unity and solidarity and allow Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s Government to do all it can to move towards a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Iraq. We call on the international community to show its continuous support to Iraq in these trying times. The efforts of the Iraqi Government to combat the coronavirus disease and mitigate the effects of the economic crisis are welcome and should be supported. However, more attention should be paid to the impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations, including women and children.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“Iran’s destabilizing and malicious activities in the Middle East have been reckless and irresponsible and warrant the full attention of the Security Council. We are encouraged by the willingness of the JCPOA participants and other Security Council members to find a solution that could secure the support of the Council.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We also took note of the letters sent by other JCPOA participants who consider that the United States is no longer a JCPOA participant, and therefore cannot initiate the snapback procedure. Considering that there is no agreement among the JCPOA initial participants regarding the United States status as a JCPOA participant, we support the Security Council presidency in considering the notification as ineffective for the purposes of snapback. However, the Security Council needs to address the concerns regarding the planned lifting of the conventional arms embargo in October 2020. We agree with the United States and with our European partners that the expiry of the arms embargo would have potentially serious consequences for the region and its security.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We call on both parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid escalation of violence, as it would further undermine the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We encourage all Palestinian factions to work towards reconciliation, which would enable them to address common challenges and the needs and expectations of the Palestinian population and is essential in order to reach the two-State solution. We also encourage Palestinians to announce elections. Second statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Estonia to the United Nations, Gert Auväärt We took note of the letter (S/2020/815, annex) sent by the United States notifying the Security Council of significant non-performance by Iran with regard to its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“Estonia strongly calls upon all parties to refrain from any unilateral steps that could undermine the viability of the two-State solution and increase instability in the region. This includes Israel’s settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem, which is illegal under international law. We call on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its announcement of suspending agreements with Israel, including in the area of security. This would be especially vital in the context of COVID-19. We are deeply worried about the gradual increase in violence between Israel and Gaza after a relatively quiet summer. We condemn the firing of rockets from Gaza towards Israel, or any other form of violence targeting civilian population.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We also join the Secretary-General in his hope that this will create an opportunity for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations. Estonia remains committed to a negotiated two-State solution, based on internationally agreed parameters and relevant United Nations resolutions, while taking into account the legitimate aspirations of both parties and Israeli security concerns. Only direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties can resolve the final-status issues and achieve a just and lasting peace. As the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, a need for unity and solidarity is even more important, and we underline the continued importance of cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian authorities to tackle the pandemic.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. During the past months Estonia has repeatedly called for keeping alive the momentum towards peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Hopefully, the recent announcement of the normalization of bilateral relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates will contribute to that end. Estonia welcomes this historic announcement and the role played by the United States in this respect. We believe the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates will contribute as well to the stability of the whole region. It is positive that, along with this agreement, Israel is committing to suspending plans to unilaterally annex areas of the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, we are still far from that point, as was highlighted by the various challenges described by the Special Envoy in his briefing today. Estonia and the European Union remain committed to finding a lasting and credible political solution to the conflict in Syria on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex).”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“These and other similar incidents continue to undermine stability in the northern and eastern parts of Syria. With regard to political developments, Estonia expresses hope that the new round of talks within the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva next week will accelerate the political process, which includes answering the legitimate concerns of the Syrian opposition. However, we note that a new Constitution alone is not enough for solving Syria’s problems. National reconciliation requires much more, including the release of arbitrarily detained people and political prisoners, disclosure of the fates of disappeared and missing people, respect for human rights and free elections. Only after these basic criteria are fulfilled will the situation slowly start to normalize, and refugees will be able to return to the country.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing, which highlighted the various challenges that the country is facing in its tenth year of war. We also join others in wishing quick recovery to Deputy Special Envoy Matar from her injuries. Like many other Security Council members, we are looking closely at the situation in Syria. Despite the fact that the March ceasefire in Idlib is largely holding, we remain concerned about the sporadic clashes taking place in the area, such as the exchange of fire in the past weeks between Turkish and Syrian troops. Furthermore, terrorist threats persist. Just yesterday, a roadside bomb killed several people near Deir ez-Zor. Most likely it was extremists from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant who planted the improvised explosive device there.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“At the moment, the agreement remains the best tool available to provide the international community with the necessary assurances on Iran’s nuclear programme. We do not want to see it collapse and are wary of attempts that might be incompatible with the aim of preserving the JCPOA. This is the reason Estonia decided to abstain in the voting on draft resolution S/2020/797, proposed by the United States. We call on all key stakeholders to explore, together with the United States, constructive options to address the implications of the lifting of the arms restrictions to regional security and stability.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“We agree with the United States and with our European partners that the expiry of the arms embargo would have potentially serious consequences for the region and its security. These concerns need to be taken seriously, and we support the United States’ efforts to address them. However, there is another threat at play that emanates from Iran — a threat that was considerably reduced by the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the adoption of resolution 2231 (2015), endorsing the agreement. It has been Estonia’s consistent position that the JCPOA plays a key role in upholding the nuclear non-proliferation regime and is an important pillar of regional and international security.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Iran’s destabilizing and malicious activities in the Middle East have been reckless, irresponsible and warrant the full attention of the Security Council. The United States has shone a light on an important issue to be resolved. The Secretary-General’s ninth report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2020/531) provides an assessment that points to several violations by Iran of the provisions on arms transfers. We strongly condemn the attacks against Aramco oil facilities and Abha International Airport, which were conducted with Iranian origin weaponry. Estonia therefore fully shares the concerns regarding the planned lifting of the conventional arms embargo in October 2020, as set out in resolution 2231 (2015). Iran’s actions do not support this.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“In that regard, Estonia recognizes the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in providing the membership of the United Nations and the Security Council with updates on the development of the complex relationship between terrorism and organized crime. Those contributions enable us to coordinate comprehensive national, regional and international efforts to stop the fuelling of violent extremism. For its part, Estonia has benefited from insights gleaned at the United Nations in developing a counter-terrorism plan and priorities for 2020-2030. At the regional level, we highlight the role played by European Union agencies, namely, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, in combating all forms of international organized crime and terrorism.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“We welcome Her Excellency Mrs. Marsudi for presiding over this important debate. I note that this week, six years ago, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant unleashed massacres against Yazidi men and women in Iraq. Those atrocities are a vivid example of how terrorism not only poses a threat to international peace and security, but also significantly affects the lives of millions of ordinary people across the globe. Very often, the spread of extremist violence relies on weapons and finances delivered through organized crime networks, as noted in today’s substantive briefings of Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov and Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly. Countering terrorism requires a better understanding of the intricate link between transnational crime and terrorist activities.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“In the international Corruption Perceptions Index, Syria ranks 178 out of all countries observed. Elites in and around the Syrian regime have continued to enrich themselves. At the same time, 6 million people endure displacement within the country. The final issue is lawlessness resulting from warlordism. Rogue military commanders, Shabiha networks, as well as Iranian-linked militias — the presence of all these adds to the insecurity. We see this clearly in southern Syria, where Syrian Government has controls but communal violence, forced disappearances and kidnappings remain widespread to this day In conclusion, the damage to Syria’s social fabric and the collapse of its economy are nothing more than the net result of these factors. International sanctions have nothing to do with it.S/2020/758”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“In the light of recent Council’s meetings, I want to use this opportunity to take a closer look at the socioeconomic situation inside Syria. We note that, mistakenly, the issue of sanctions is also sometimes raised in this context. However, there is no evidence that European Union sanctions in any way hinder Syria’s socioeconomic situation or the humanitarian response in the country. Instead, we must look at the ongoing conflict and the root causes of instability in Syria. First, the war has destroyed Syria’s physical infrastructure. The Syrian regime’s deliberate bombing of civilian facilities over the course of nine years has led to substantial damages in various sectors, including health and education. Furthermore, trust in Governmental institutions remains low.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“We thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Ms. Qaddour for their comprehensive briefings. As a long-time member of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Donor Support Group, Estonia appreciates the Office’s work in mobilizing humanitarian assistance to all people in need. This work is even more important in the light of rising number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Syria. Testing remains low, which means that actual infections are probably much higher. Most vulnerable to the virus are those people in overcrowded internally displaced persons camps across the country. Unimpeded humanitarian access to these areas is crucial for an effective response to the COVID-19 outbreak and people’s needs.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Mustafa gave us detailed descriptions of the situation of detainees in overcrowded Syrian prisons, which further convinced us of the seriousness of the problem. Estonia demands the immediate, unilateral release of arbitrarily detained Syrians, especially women and minors.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source