YouSaid · the spoken record

Gonzalez De Linares Palou

lines on the record: 370
first: 2012-11-26
most recent: 2017-06-21
sittings or episodes: 58
sources: un-security-council

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“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would first like to thank Ms. Sandra Honore for her briefing and her work as Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and of course to welcome our good friend Ambassador Denis Regis of Haiti. I would like to subscribe fully to the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union, while adding some remarks in my national capacity. Spain shares the Secretary-General's vision when he identifies hopeful signs, such as the drop in the numbers of displaced persons and cholera cases.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“I would also call upon the citizens of Afghanistan to persevere in the democratic process with a View to designing and building their common future - as we saw them do in the electoral process last year. Challenges remain, but the achievements are concrete and the capacity ofthe Afghan people in overcoming difficulties has been more than proven. We should not risk any backsliding, particularly in the area of democratization and the rights of men and women in Afghanistan.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, while fully supporting the new authorities in Afghanistan and their citizens, I would like to issue two calls. On the one hand, I would like to call on the Afghan institutions and authorities to continue their progress with the urgency and responsibility that the process deserves in their pursuit to form the national unity Government. We trust that the Government will soon and decisively carry out its announced programme of reforms and that it will reinforce the progress of the past 13 years in the areas of democratization, good governance and human rights, in particular the rights of women. We also trust that the Government will persevere in its efforts to bring about national peace and reconciliation and will continue to work closely with its neighbours in order to address all common challenges.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“Secondly, it underscores the sovereignty, ownership and leadership of Afghans. Thirdly and finally, it recommends that the Secretary-General begin examining the structures and activities of the United Nations in Afghanistan in full consultation and cooperation with the Afghan Government and with all interested parties, particularly the donor community. Spain feels that those three elements form the starting point in this new stage, and we would like to call upon all parties participating in the process to ensure that everyone, acting in accordance with their own responsibilities, will be cooperative, constructive and responsible in their actions. That is what we intend to do. Accordingly, I would like to endorse the statement to be delivered later by the observer of the European Union on the subject. Spain fully endorses that statement.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“There is, however, something that did not change on 1 January, and that is the commitment of the international community to the country and our common desire to continue to support Afghanistan, its institutions and its citizens in the processes I have mentioned. We have just adopted the new resolution 2210 (2015), which extends UNAMA's mandate for an additional year in accordance and in consultation with the Afghan Government. The members of the Council view the adoption of the resolution as a recognition of a new era and as an expression of the support of the international community. I would like to take opportunity to highlight the fact that the resolution includes important changes with regard to previous resolutions. First, it recognizes and reflects an adaptation to the new situation following 1 January.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“That has always been the case, particularly in our bilateral relations. On 1 January, the same day that Spain assumed its responsibility as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Afghanistan began a new stage in its recent history of the past 13 years, and the Council indicated that this is the transformation decade aimed at bringing about economic sustainability and security in the country. Once that transformation is achieved, there will be a national unity Government, which will represent the first democratic transition of power in the country. With those changes, Afghanistan has fully recognized its sovereignty and, in our view, its ownership and leadership of its own process of national reconstruction and economic and social development, including peace and reconciliation between the members of its national community.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by welcoming Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom to the Security Council and by thanking him for his briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and the activities of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I would also like to welcome and thank Ambassador Tanin of Afghanistan for his words. I take this opportunity to express our thanks to the other members of the Security Council for entrusting us with the responsibility of being the penholder on the Security Council's work regarding the situation in Afghanistan. For me and for my delegation, it is an honour that we are very happy to assume, and I can guarantee Spain's firm commitment to Afghanistan.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“For that reason, the agencies of the system should set aside business as usual and rapidly adapt themselves to the new needs of the communities and refugee-hosting countries. Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt in particular are making enormous efforts, for which we must thank them. We must support them not merely in words, but with deeds. The upcoming Kuwait conference, to be held on 31 March, will offer an excellent opportunity to do just that. Ensuring its success would be a way to show that we mean what we say. We owe it to the victims of the Syrian conflict and to the societies that are hosting them at great sacrifice.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“Thirdly and lastly, we must clearly state that the action of the Council and its good offices should not only be extended to the parties to the conflict, but to all actors, including Member States, that can bring influence to bear on the parties. I will conclude, but not without first calling attention to the following point. Some time ago, the Syrian conflict became a regional problem due, among other reasons, to the enormous number of Syrian refugees who spilled over the borders with neighbouring countries. The United Nations system must adapt its priorities. We are clearly facing a humanitarian crisis that has a direct impact on the development of the region as a whole.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“I should like to propose a pragmatic approach aimed at ensuring that the Council's action has a real impact on the ground, so that it can contribute, howsoever minimally, to mitigating the desperation of 12 million people. This approach has three phases that should be rolled out simultaneously. First, we must identify the instruments at the Council's disposal to ensure that the parties to the conflict comply with the exigencies of resolution 2139 (2014). Secondly, it is essential that we determine our priorities. The Secretary-General lays out five areas in which progress is urgently required. Spain believes that those are indeed the areas on which the Council should focus its efforts.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“What concerns me is the continued failure to respect the responsibility to protect schools and hospitals, and that surgical and sanitary material are unfairly removed from humanitarian convoys before reaching their destination. I am concerned that thousands of minors are being recruited to fight, and that the rights of hundreds of thousands of women and girls continue to be systematically violated. What worries me the most is that the Security Council is acting as a passive spectator ofthis situation. In his report, the Secretary-General has said that "the conflict has become business as usual" (S/2015/124, p. 10). It is terrifying to hear such a thing. We have the responsibility to respond, and Spain will do all it can to that end.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“The successive reports of the Secretary- General have duly and fairly recalled the repeated failures to comply with these resolutions. If this type of debate and such reports have a purpose, it is to remind us of the obligations we have assumed. I am not concerned by the fatigue that this could cause. It is a fatigue that I am willing to take on, and that cannot be compared to the suffering of the victims whom we are unable to help. What concerns me is that today, a year after the adoption of resolution 2139 (2014), barrel bombs and mortars continue to be used against civilian populations. What concerns me is that there are still more than 200,000 individuals under siege and used as hostages in Ghouta, Yarmouk, Nubul and Zahraa, and that access to essential services, such as water, continues to be used as a weapon of war.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“Having said all of this, and despite our limitations, there are reasons for hope. Overcoming our differences from last year, we have been able to reach agreement on an essential issue, and have adopted resolution 2139 (2014). One of the objectives of that resolution was that humanitarian aid should arrive as quickly and efficiently as possible to those most in need. To that end, the Security Council adopted resolutions 2165 (2014) and 2191 (2014) . The border crossings were opened and, though limited, they have nevertheless proven to be effective in helping difficult-to-access areas and populations. The aforementioned resolutions contain humanitarian standards to which all parties to the Syrian conflict must comply, and which the international community is compelled to enforce. We know that this is not happening.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“We all know that humanitarian assistance and protection for victims are a moral, legal imperative. However, they are not enough to put an end to the suffering of the civilian population. They will not be enough until the parties involved cease to commit war crimes, abuses and massive violations of human rights and humanitarian law. In that regard, we will never tire of saying that the primary responsibility to protect its own population lies with the Syrian regime, and that all parties are required to comply with the exigencies of international humanitarian law. I believe that we all recognize that the humanitarian dimension, which is absolutely necessary, should not serve as a pretext to Shirk or justify our collective failure to find a political resolution to this crisis.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I thank both Ms. Kang and Mr. Guterres for their briefings. The work they are undertaking, together with the humanitarian personnel of the United Nations and other organizations, with a view to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian population is remarkable and worthy of our respect, admiration and appreciation. Since 2011, 72 humanitarian personnel working in Syria have died, including 17 United Nations staff members. We believe that we owe them, their loved ones and all the victims of this conflict more than words. We are determined to ensure that their sacrifice will not have been in vain and that it serves to bring peace to Syria. All Council members know that the solution to the Syrian conflict is a political rather than military one.”
2015-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7394 (2015) · source
“Our action will be coordinated internationally and our capacities will be integrated within the response plan of the World Health Organization. In conclusion, I wish to pay a heartfelt tribute to all of the victims and those working on the front line against this disease. To Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, I offer our solidarity in the face of the tragedy they are experiencing and our promise and commitment that together, we will overcome the crisis and those countries will find their way back to the path towards the peace and prosperity for which they have been fighting in recent years.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“Unfortunately, maternal and infant mortality rates in those countries are trending upward again, because the related needs are being neglected now that all efforts are focusing on fighting Ebola. We shall continue to provide support towards food and nutritional security in the region and to strengthen health capacities in water and sanitation in the countries that I have mentioned. It is also essential to prevent the spread of the epidemic to neighbouring countries. We intend to scale up our support for national response mechanisms in neighbouring countries, namely, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, the Niger, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria. Furthermore, we will work within the European Union to ensure that it strengthens its action in that area. That will, of course, require additional resources, which we are prepared to provide.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“We are aware of the logistics and training needs and are working to meet them. We also are particularly sensitive to the need for protection. We have been involved in one of the first medical evacuations, of two humanitarian workers, and we now have a detailed protocol that we are willing to make available to the United Nations and interested countries. We also have to share the sad news of the death of the first victim, Father Miguel Pajares, whom I recall with emotion and gratitude for the humanitarian work that he continued through to the last days of his life. With respect to ensuring that the affected States can continue to provide basic protection and health care to their citizens, it is true that the collapse of their health-care systems is causing increases in the numbers of victims of common diseases.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“With respect to providing medical care for those affected by Ebola, it is essential that we increase the number of treatment units, provide medical supplies and deploy specially trained staff. We must also break the contagion chain and develop a communication strategy. That is what we are doing. We have sent tons of emergency medical and health supplies, material for protection, disinfection and isolation, an emergency response unit and experts in water, sanitation and logistics to various medical centres in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Among those who are struggling to alleviate the suffering of the victims, at this point there are some 30 Spanish nationals offering care to persons infected with Ebola. That is a small demonstration of our efforts in working together with many other humanitarian workers of many other nationalities.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“The first is to provide care for those affected; the second is to provide care for those who care for the sick; and the third is to ensure that the medical, social, economic and security institutions of the affected countries do not collapse. To those I would add a fourth challenge; it may be obvious, but I must mention it. We must avoid and prevent the isolation of the affected countries. Marginalization and stigmatization are counterproductive. Not only are they totally useless, but they also delay the response to the epidemic. Spain is particularly alive to this crisis because of its geographic proximity and close links to West Africa. We have a great deal to contribute. We are doing so, and we are prepared to do much more. Let me offer just a few examples of our action in the three areas that I mentioned.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): The Ebola crisis has clearly become more than just a serious epidemic. Given its exponential growth and its impact on public order, the economy and the political situation in affected countries, it has now become a threat to the stability and security in West Africa, with a potential global impact. That fact underlines the timeliness of this debate and of resolution 2177 (2014), which Spain has co-sponsored. Our response must be immediate and coordinated under the leadership of the United Nations and regional organizations, and geared towards supporting the initiatives of the affected States. We welcome the initiative of the Secretary-General to establish an emergency response mechanism. There are three major challenges.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“We shall continue working with other Member States and regional and subregional organizations in strengthening and improving such cooperation, which has already generated many positive results and which we hope will continue to do so in future.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Since my country first participated, in 1989, in a peacekeeping mission in Africa, we have been present in more than 20 African countries. This commitment is currently reflected in our active participation in European Union missions in Mali, Somalia and, more recently, the Central African Republic. Furthermore, Spain has supported the African Union and ECOWAS, both financially and politically, in order to promote the development of their responsibilities in that area. Spain is firmly committed to the essential endeavour of peacekeeping operations, to which regional and subregional organizations contribute effectively.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“We acknowledge and welcome African political, military and financial efforts for the resolution of crises on the continent, including those initiatives taken by the African Union and subregional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States. We support the African Union's resolve to obtain the means and resources necessary to ensure peace and security in Africa through the African Peace and Security Architecture. That determination to assume greater responsibilities must be translated into a greater role for Africa in all decision-making centres. Spain is firmly and actively committed to peace and security in Africa, as this issue affects us directly.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“We will continue to work with other European Union partners to deepen this collaboration. The regional approach enriches our understanding of local challenges and brings us closer to the concerns and needs of the countries and peoples most directly affected by conflict, thus facilitating the adoption and implementation of effective, comprehensive and sustainable solutions. We wish here to express our deep appreciation for the commitment, effort and dynamism shown by regional and subregional African organizations in response to the continent's peace and security-related challenges. Spain favours African ownership and African-owned solutions through the strengthening of African mechanisms and capacities for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“The work of regional and subregional organizations has become indispensable to ensuring a rapid response to difficult situations, so as to meet new challenges and to strengthen local and regional ownership, which is essential to the prevention and resolution of conflicts. We must continue working to deepen and strengthen mechanisms aimed at improving the coordination and complementarity of our actions, with the ultimate aim of increasing their effectiveness and coherence. Dialogue with regional and subregional organizations should be ongoing. Spain is very pleased at the level of cooperation achieved between the European Union and the United Nations, at both the institutional and operational levels, which has produced very positive results on the ground in countries such as Mali and the Central African Republic.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Spain stresses the need for mechanisms that ensure greater efficiency of peacekeeping operations, with robust, clear and appropriate mandates, and, of course, sufficient resources for their discharge. We also deem it important to devote attention to the changing circumstances, needs and challenges faced daily by peacekeeping operations on the ground. In order to achieve this, we support the active participation of the countries and regional and subregional organizations concerned in the debates and decision-making processes on such missions that take place in the Security Council.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I wish first to express the gratitude of the Spanish delegation to the Rwandan presidency for having convened this open debate, which allows us to address an issue of increasing importance, that is, the cooperation of regional and subregional organizations in the crucial work that peacekeeping operations are currently carrying out. Spain welcomes the growing cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in the field of peace and security under Chapter VIII of the Charter. We believe that this cooperation strengthens the collective efforts of the international community to keep and build the peace. These efforts form the basis of such operations, which always operate according to the mandate given them by the Security Council.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Through our development cooperation, which made Afghanistan a priority target; the activities of our provincial reconstruction team in Qala-e-Naw; and our support for the country's security and the training of its security forces, Spain has responded to requests from Afghans and assisted them in their process of nation-building. Many significant challenges remain. Afghans can count on Spain to remain at its side, as always, and support them in their efforts to build a stable, prosperous, democratic Afghanistan that cooperates with its neighbours and remains fully sovereign. I cannot conclude without reiterating Spain's gratitude and support for the role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to date and that it is still expected to play in support ofthe decisions and goals of the people of Afghanistan.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“It is therefore imperative that, with respect to the Constitution and laws of Afghanistan, all existing legal mechanisms be in place to ensure that the will of the people expressed at the polls is respected, and that the entire process be conducted in a peaceful, responsible and transparent manner. For all these reasons, I wish to join Spain's voice to those who have spoke before me in reiterating the call on all actors - the candidates, the voters and the institutions - to maintain to the end the exemplary behaviour they showed in the early phases of the electoral process. For more than a decade, Spain has been strongly committed to Afghanistan and the Afghans.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“The statistics - which reflect a participation rate of approximately 60 per cent in the first round, with a 38 per cent share of female participation - make clear the strong commitment of the majority to the democratic process in the country. We also welcome the commitment to maintaining public order shown by the Afghan National Security Forces during the balloting. It is vital that this process be completed successfully. All political actors and State institutions, particularly the electoral institutions, must show themselves worthy of the brave citizens who, with their overwhelming participation in the elections, bravely and resolutely outlined the future they want for the country - a future of democracy, peace and economic and social progress.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We also commend them for the way in which they conducted the campaign and the voting in the second round, whose counting and legal processes have not yet been completed. These historic elections are critical to the ongoing transition process, and therefore to the future of Afghanistan. They were called to ensure the first democratic transfer of power in the presidency of the Republic, thereby completing the political transformation started 12 years ago by the Afghans, with the support of the international community. It is important to highlight the exemplary behaviour of the Afghan people, who flocked to the polls with courage and resolve, defying the threats of those who sought to derail the ongoing transition.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Mr. Jan Kubis; the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Yury Fedotov; and Ambassador Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, for their statements. My delegation endorses the statement made by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. I wish to add, in my national capacity, a number of considerations for this debate. Spain reiterates its congratulations to the people of Afghanistan on holding the first round of the process to elect a new President of the Republic and new members of the provincial councils.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“As one of the country's main donors, Spain continues and reaffirms its commitment to Haiti's development through cooperation focused, in particular, on access to clean water, which is crucial to the eradication of cholera, education, rural development and the fight against malnutrition. Finally, we would like to express our support and confidence in the high-level talks between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We believe that the high-level bilateral commission is the ideal forum for discussing the common agendas of both countries for their mutually beneficial development.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“In any case, Spain understands that such reflection must go hand in hand with an effective strengthening of the capacities of the Haitian National Police in order to enable it to increasingly assume MINUSTAH's functions. With regard to the judiciary/justice sector, we welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of ex-President Jean-Claude Duvalier as testament to strengthening and developing the rule of law in Haiti. Turning to the humanitarian situation, Spain views with satisfaction the progress noted in the Secretary- General's report with regard to the reduced number of internal displacements. We support the United Nations in its efforts to eliminate cholera in the context of its two-year plan and in support of the Haitian national plan.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“With regard to security, we are pleased at the developments in 2013 as a result of MINUSTAH's remarkable work and the ongoing process of the institutional strengthening of the Haitian National Police. Spain believes that, in the area of security, there must be greater support for measures that foster reform in the judicial and corrections systems, in particular with regard to preventive detention. The results achieved in the security sector encourage us to support the work being undertaken in the training and increasing deployment of the national police force. We support the current process of reflection on the MINUSTAH's future towards a progressive reduction in its personnel. That will allow it, in the medium term, to focus on assisting civilians, in particular in emergency situations.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We call on all political actors to pursue and strengthen that path of dialogue in order to address the country's political agenda in a climate of consensus. We believe that holding the upcoming elections is a fundamental step in Haiti's stabilization, the consolidation of its institutions and the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. We trust that the elections will take place this year. Spain appreciates the efforts of the Club de Madrid's first high-level mission on political consultation/ dialogue, funded by the European Union and led by the twice former President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Cassam Uteem, and the Secretary-General of the Club, the Spanish Ambassador Mr. Carlos Westendorp. The mission's goal is the promotion of dialogue in discussing Haiti's stabilization and political reform.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would first like to thank Ms. Sandra Honore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2014/l62). Spain aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union, and wishes to add a number of observations in its national capacity. Spain shares the Secretary-General's relatively positive evaluation of the political situation in Haiti. We welcome the progress in the inter-Haitian dialogue among the various political actors, namely, the executive and legislative branches and the political parties, fostered by the Episcopal Conference of Haiti.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“The working methods should therefore serve that higher goal; otherwise, they will undermine the political and moral authority of the Council. I will conclude with on a sensitive question related to the topic of today's debate: the use of the veto. Spain supports the limitation of its use. Specifically, we urge that a practice be introduced whereby the reasons for its use be explained when that occurs. More important still, we advocate for members to refrain from its use in cases of serious crimes such as genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity. We therefore welcome the call by France to develop a code of conduct for moving towards that goal. The Council can rest assured that we remain fully ready to contribute to such measures.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Moreover, I would like to highlight as a matter of particular interest the need to continue to promote the following measures: an increase in the number ofpublic meetings; the enhancement of a transparent and inclusive process of negotiation within the Council; an increase in the interaction between the Council and troop- and police-contributing countries; and more time dedicated to interaction and dialogue with regional and subregional organizations. The final goal, as already stated, is to increase the transparency of the work of the Security Council. The work of this organ must follow procedures that contribute to reinforcing its authority as a sine qua non for gaining the support of the entire international community.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We believe that is also a valid option for responding to the growing need for transparency. Spain supports the practice of holding horizon-scanning meetings at the direction of the Secretariat. I would suggest that such meetings, which are held at the beginning of a country's presidency of the Council, be conveniently opened to all Member States. The measures included in your concept paper, Mr. President, have our principled support.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Security Council must be able to react promptly to the most urgent threats to international peace and security. This year we have witnessed an updating of the practice of holding a wrap-up session at the close of the month. As stated by one representative of a Council member, these sessions are like a two-faced Janus, keeping the Council's focus on the recent past in order to draw lessons for the immediate future. We thank Pakistan for resurrecting this practice, which had hardly ever been used until this year. We also heartily congratulate South Korea, Rwanda, Togo, the United Kingdom and Argentina on having continued this practice. In September, the Australian presidency opted for an interactive end-of-month meeting with representatives of States not members of the Security Council.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Maria Cristina Perceval, for the way in which she has led the work of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. The members of the Security Council have committed themselves to implementing the measures contained in presidential note S/2010/507. As we have stated on previous occasions, we are reasonably pleased with the implementation of measures concerning the monthly programme of work of the Security Council, such as the publication of the tentative forecast, the briefings by incoming Presidents or the periodic updates of the programme of work. We are perfectly aware of the fact that, for reasons of urgency, sometimes the most sensitive dossiers must be dealt with in meetings that cannot be announced far enough in advance.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“There is no doubt that the authority and influence of the Security Council would be enhanced if there were more opportunities to include the wider United Nations membership in its work. Spain believes that this objective must be the guiding light for the Security Council's activities. In recent years, progress has been made in increasing the Security Council's permeability. The contributions of such countries as Portugal, Belgium, Japan, Slovakia, Panama, Bosnia and Herzegovina and India have been of great help. Costa Rica, Jordan and Liechtenstein also deserve to be mentioned for the role they have played in encouraging that collective reflection. I also take the opportunity to recognize the Republic of Argentina and its Permanent Representative, Mrs.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): We thank you, Sir, for having convened this open debate on the working methods of the Security Council. As stated in the concept paper that quite rightly guides our debate (S/2013/613, annex), this is an important matter of common interest. The Security Council is a body of crucial importance to the maintenance of international peace and security. It is in everybody's interest that the Council efficiently exercise the functions assigned to it by the Charter of the United Nations. We welcome the awareness of that fact on the part of the members of the Security Council, as reflected in the note by the President dated 28 August (S/2013/515).”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Spanish cooperation plays a leading role in that regard through the plan on gender-sensitive peacebuilding, with a chapter dedicated to gender- sensitive transitional justice and the rule of law. Furthermore, the Office for Humanitarian Action of the Spanish Agency for International Aid for Development has elaborated a guide to address sexual Violence in humanitarian interventions. I will conclude by quoting the words of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who, on the occasion of an expert-level dialogue on the approach of the United Nations on transitional justice, pointed out that peace processes constitute historic opportunities for broadening the goals of post-conflict justice. Spain wants those opportunities effectively recognize women's rights, both in terms of guarantees ofjustice and conditions of peace.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Within that framework, our country carries out various actions within the scope of its foreign policy, cooperation and defence activities in order to guarantee the correct implementation ofresolution 1325 (2000). In particular, I would like to refer to the International Seminar on Gender Perspective and Peace Operations, coordinated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Spain and the Netherlands. The sixth edition of that seminar will take place next November in The Hague. The seminar includes a specific module on the role of women in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes, as well as on the processes regarding security sector reform.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“I would like to highlight specific areas where Spain has participated. They are the High-level Conference on Women's Leadership in the Sahel Region, held in Brussels in April; the work of UN Women through counselling many countries on incorporating women's rights and gender equality in measures being taken to restore peace and guarantee justice in the context of a transition; and the general recommendation that the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women has adopted today on women and conflict-prevention, conflicts and post-conflict. As stated on many occasions, Spain devotes particular efforts to promoting a gender perspective in conflict situations and has had a plan of action on women, peace and security since 2007.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General clearly notes a positive trend in women's participation in mediation processes and the negotiation of peace agreements. However, the inclusion of matters that directly affect women and their rights in such agreements is still insufficient. That is what the United Nations Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice points out in its latest report. The Working Group expresses concern for the fact that the gender perspective is not sufficiently taken into account in transitional processes, which will result in a less inclusive peace. On that count I would like to highlight the initiatives mentioned by the Secretary-General in his report that have promoted the involvement of women in crisis and conflict situations.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Spain has actively contributed to such discussions in many forums in which such questions have been addressed and will continue to do so as long as the effective prosecution of those responsible for such crimes persists as a global challenge requiring urgent and priority attention. With regard to full participation in establishing the rule of law, which means placing women at the centre of the decision-making processes in the post-conflict rebuilding phase, while giving particular attention to justice and security sector reform. Spain believes that that is the only way to end the discrimination that makes women suffer disproportionate violations of their rights during conflicts. It also enhances safeguards to ensure that such discrimination is not repeated.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source