YouSaid · the spoken record

Guadey

lines on the record

490

first

2016-10-25

most recent

2018-12-19

sittings or episodes

90

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un-security-council

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1. “We would like to thank Ambassador Mauro Vieira, Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, and Ambassador Antolio Ndong Mba, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2048 (2012), for their useful briefings on the basis of their engagement with various stakeholders during their recent visit to Guinea-Bissau. We also thank Ms. Elisa Tavares Pinto and all the Bissau-Guinean women for their important advocacy work for peace. We welcome the progress made in resolving the political and institutional crisis in Guinea-Bissau and commend the country's political stakeholders for implementing the 2016 Conakry Agreement and demonstrating their commitment to respecting the country's Constitution.”

   2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source

2. “I would first like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Aristides Gomes, Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, as well as to join other speakers in congratulating Special Representative Jose' Viegas Filho on his appointment as Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea- Bissau (UNIOGBIS) and assuring him of our full support in discharging his responsibilities. We would also like to thank him for his briefing on the situation in Guinea-Bissau and the activities of UNIOGBIS over the past six months. We believe that the mission should be provided with all the support it needs to carry out its mandate effectively.”

   2018-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8337 (2018) · source

3. “We encourage both Governments to expedite the implementation of the agreed memorandum of understanding. It is also important that the Council continue to maintain its unity and enhance its cooperation with the Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as regional and subregional organizations in addressing the situation. We support and encourage the Special Envoy's engagement with the Government of Myanmar and other relevant stakeholders, which aims to build confidence and mutual trust to pave the way for greater cooperation in resolving the situation in Rakhine state.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

4. “In that vein, the rapid and effective implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission remains absolutely vital. We underscore the need for a transparent and independent investigation mechanism to ensure accountability for the alleged human right violations. To that end, we note the initiative undertaken by the Government of Myanmar to establish an independent commission ofinquiry that also comprises international personalities. In that regard, we stress the need to expedite the process in order to ensure reconciliation, peace and stability in Rakhine state. The bilateral engagement between Bangladesh and Myanmar remains very important to ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees. It is in that context that we took positive note of the recent Myanmar-Bangladesh ministerial meeting, held on 10 August.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

5. “Therefore, we underline the need to address the worsening humanitarian situation and the suffering of those who have fled, particularly women and children. Despite the devastating humanitarian situation, the efforts undertaken by the Government of Bangladesh to provide safety and humanitarian assistance to refugees are highly commendable. However, the magnitude and scale of devastation necessitate further financial and logistical support to Bangladesh, the United Nations and the other humanitarian partners that are engaged in this effort. Of course, the complex challenges that Rakhine state is facing need a political solution, which requires a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of the crisis through reconciliation, peace, stability and development.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

6. “Certainly, more needs to be done with regard to the humanitarian situation, accountability measures on alleged human right violations and implementation of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, as well as in many other areas, to bring lasting peace and reconciliation to Myanmar. The memorandum of understanding signed by the Government of Myanmar and two United Nations agencies, UNHCR and UNDP, on 6 June, is a step in the right direction that we hope will facilitate conditions for the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of refugees. It is indeed vital to ensure the swift and full implementation of that agreement. The Council's visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh last May provided the opportunity to witness the condition of the refugee camps, which continues to be a matter of serious concern.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

7. “We thank the United Kingdom for organizing this meeting, and we are pleased to see you, Mr. President, presiding over it. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for being here with us this afternoon and for his briefing on the security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. We also welcome United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Associate Administrator Tegegnework Gettu and the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett, and we appreciate their useful briefings. It is evident that efforts have been undertaken by the Government of Myanmar to try to address the situation in Rakhine state following the visit of the Security Council and the follow-up engagements.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8333 (2018) · source

8. “As the Secretary-General reminds us in his latest report, we all should have only one agenda - to end the continued and enormous suffering of the people of Syria. It is only a Syrian-owned, comprehensive and political solution facilitated by the United Nations that could sustainably end the humanitarian tragedy. Therefore, all efforts should be made to accelerate progress on the political track.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source

9. “The report of the Secretary- General clearly cautions that increased military escalation in that area would not only trigger further massive population movements, but also have catastrophic consequences for civilians in terms of protection and access to humanitarian assistance and basic services. As Idlib is one of the de-escalation zones, we encourage the Astana guarantors - who, we acknowledge, had a meeting late last month - to abide by the de-escalation agreement and find a sustainable solution through dialogue that could protect civilians in that area. The Council - particularly those members that have influence over local actors - should also play a constructive role in avoiding military measures that could have a huge impact on civilians.”

   2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source

10. “In that regard, we stress that safe, timely, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to people in need throughout the country remains indispensable. The protection of civilians and civilian facilities is also critical. In addition to supporting an effective humanitarian response, the protection of aid workers should be afforded special attention. In order to continue need-based humanitarian programmes, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners also require sufficient and predictable funding for the Syria humanitarian assistance response plan. We are concerned that further military escalation in Idlib and surrounding areas, where nearly 3 million Syrians reside, could aggravate the humanitarian crisis.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source

11. “We thank Director John Ging for his briefing. We reiterate our appreciation to the United Nations and its humanitarian partners for continuing to provide life-saving assistance to millions of Syrians in challenging circumstances. We note from the report of the Secretary- General (S/2018/777) that the United Nations no longer categorizes any area in Syria as besieged. In addition, the number of displaced people has decreased significantly, particularly in south-west Syria. While the return of refugees and internally displaced persons in some parts of Syria could be taken as a positive trend, we understand that humanitarian needs remain at a high level. Therefore, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners should be supported by all parties so that they can reach all Syrians in need of assistance.”

    2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source

12. “We also agree on the need for enhanced coordination between the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, as well as among all relevant bodies mandated by the Security Council and the General Assembly in their efforts to support Member States in countering the threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

13. “In that regard, we would like to reiterate that developing countries will continue to face huge difficulties to properly implementing those legal frameworks because of limitations of capacity in various areas. Shortcomings that might be observed are not, by and large, the result of a lack of commitment but rather a lack of the required resources and technical and other related capacities - too many to recount here. Therefore, in addition to forging the necessary cooperation at all levels, the delivery of capacity- building and technical assistance will be critical for the effective implementation of those legal frameworks.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

14. “Enhancing the capacity of countries members of the Group of Five for the Sahel and of the Lake Chad region will continue to be very important in countering terrorists operating in the wider region. That is also why it is so critical that we get the management of security right in Somalia as we embark upon the transition from the African Union Military Observer Mission in Somalia to Somali security forces. The enormous challenge we face in the fight against terrorism should compel us to forge meaningful cooperation at all levels. The full implementation of existing international legal frameworks against ISIL and foreign terrorist fighters by all Member States is vital to strengthening international cooperation.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

15. “Insecurity in the country creates safe havens for terrorists, which, in turn, affects neighbouring countries. According to the report, and despite the lack of concrete evidence, there is a possibility that terrorists in North Africa are directly involved in trafficking in drugs or persons. If proved true, this issue will indeed remain a huge concern. In West Africa, groups such as the Islamic State in Greater Sahara and Islamic State's West African Province, or Boko Haram, are active, while the threat posed by ISIL- related groups and Al-Qaida affiliates in the region continues to be a big challenge. We would like to reiterate that restoring peace and stability in Libya, Mali and the Lake Chad basin is indeed critical to denying terrorist groups safe haven.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

16. “Africa remains highly affected by terrorism and violent extremism. We are seeing what is happening in North and West Africa, the Sahel region and East Africa, where ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates and sympathizers continue to pose serious threats to peace and security. With regard to East Africa, Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaida affiliate, remains a potent threat to peace and security in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. But we are also seeing the emergence of ISIL affiliates operating in Somalia that are controlled and directed from the central command in Puntland, as indicated in the Secretary-General's report. Reports by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development also reinforce those findings and provide useful insights. ISIL in Libya remains a threat to the country and the wider region.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

17. “All of those challenges require the proper implementation of United Nations resolutions and, more important, collaboration and cooperation at all levels among States and non-State entities. We also note from the report the ever-growing threat posed by ISIL and its affiliated fighters and sympathizers and foreign terrorist fighters in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Central and South Asia, and South-East Asia. In that context, the response ofthe United Nations, Member States and other stakeholders to the evolving threats in the areas of countering terrorist financing, ensuring border management and law enforcement, securing international judicial cooperation, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, countering terrorist narratives and engaging communities are all very important.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

18. “The threat posed by terrorism will continue to be a big challenge in the light of what is stated in the report and what we have just heard from the briefings. The report rightly states that the ongoing transformation of ISIL from a territorial entity to a covert network, the activities of its regional affiliates and the threat posed by returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters remain huge challenges. Obviously, returnees and relocated fighters from the conflict zones to other regions now present a considerable threat to international security. These examples show that, although notable progress has been made in defeating ISIL on the battle field, significant challenges to countering existing threats persist.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

19. “As we have been discussing in the Security Council, military pressure has resulted in strategic setbacks for ISIL on the main battleground, and the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/770) rightly states that, starting at the end of 2017, ISIL was defeated in Iraq and was in a headlong retreat in the Syrian Arab Republic. As a result, the flow of foreign terrorist fighters towards ISIL in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic has essentially come to a halt. That has obviously damaged its global propaganda machinery and slowed its sources of revenue. These points have also been rightly underlined by the briefers. Nonetheless, we feel it is only wise not to go overboard and declare victory over terror.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

20. “I would like to express my appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov and Assistant Secretary-General Michele Coninsx for their briefings on the seventh report (S/2018/770) of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ Da'esh) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat. We found the report very comprehensive and informative. We also thank the Secretary-General for making counter-terrorism one of his priorities. I would also like to thank Ms. Cook for her contribution.”

    2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source

21. “On the side of the Government of Burundi, too, we believe that it is important to have an open-minded engagement with the international community in explaining the plan for the election to be held in 2020, as well as the commitment to the spirit of the Arusha Agreement. Finally, we call for the Government to fully cooperate with the three human rights experts mandated by Human Rights Council resolution 36/2, which was presented in Geneva on 28 September 2017 by African countries, including Burundi, in gathering the information so that it could garner the necessary assistance to address the capacity gap critically needed in this area.”

    2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

22. “In the light of the calm security situation and the subsequent progress registered in the country, we believe that the engagement between the international community and the Government of Burundi must be based on a realistic strategy aimed at supporting strong institutions and creating a conducive climate in which gains are consolidated and the remaining political differences addressed, without backsliding into the violence seen in the past. In this regard, the Council should explore new avenues for re-engagement with Burundi. Alleviating the socioeconomic difficulties of the population and addressing the humanitarian situation, inter alia, should be seen as an integral part of such re-engagement.”

    2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

23. “The lack of progress in this regard in the mediation led by the East African Community (EAC) has been a matter of concern. Hence the relaunching of a genuine and inclusive dialogue under the auspices of the EAC and with the support of the African Union and the United Nations, on the basis of the spirit of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement and the Constitution of Burundi, is all the more urgent so as to ensure lasting peace and stability in, as well as a better future for, Burundi.”

    2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

24. “We thank Special Envoy Michel Kafando for his briefing on the current political situation in Burundi. We are very much encouraged by the continued stable security situation in that country, even after the 17 May constitutional referendum. It is also encouraging that the results of the referendum were largely accepted by stakeholders and grievances handled through established legal mechanisms. We believe that the statement made on 7 June by His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, President of Burundi, not to stand for the presidential elections in 2020 is a positive gesture towards the settlement of the political impasse in the country. As we have repeatedly stated, the political impasse in the country can be addressed only through peaceful, inclusive and consensual dialogue.”

    2018-08-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8325 (2018) · source

25. “The attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are worrying, as are the attacks on oil tankers passing through the Bab-El-Mandab Strait, as they have serious implications for the safety and security of commercial ships passing through that major sea lane. We look forward to the discussion on the relevant reports and updates of the Panel of Experts on Yemen on this and other issues at the level of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). Finally, we all agree on the need to find a political solution to the crisis in Yemen and, thanks to the efforts of the Special Envoy, there appears to be a window of opportunity that we must take advantage of to restart serious talks. That is why we also believe that the Council should continue to support him to ensure that his efforts succeed.”

    2018-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8323 (2018) · source

26. “We support his diplomatic endeavours and the negotiation framework that he has laid out, which gives priority to addressing the issue of Al-Hudaydah as a first step to resuming political dialogue. We encourage the parties to continue their constructive engagement with the Special Envoy. Meanwhile, we note that Al-Hudaydah port remains open and operational and that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners have continued to deliver aid. However, the humanitarian situation is still concerning and we are worried by reports on the possibility of a new cholera outbreak due to the escalating violence.”

    2018-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8323 (2018) · source

27. “I would like to join others in taking this opportunity to congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. I would also like to congratulate Sweden on its successful presidency last month. We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths for his useful briefing and his continued diplomatic efforts to facilitate a peaceful solution to the Yemeni crisis. We are also grateful to Director John Ging for his briefing. We commend the tireless efforts of the Special Envoy and his shuttle diplomacy with the parties. It is indeed encouraging that he has been able to have positive and constructive discussions with them. We hope that the upcoming discussions in Geneva will yield positive results.”

    2018-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8323 (2018) · source

28. “As we have been repeatedly stressing, ultimately it is a Syrian-led comprehensive political dialogue facilitated by resolution 2254 (2015) that can address the humanitarian tragedy in Syria.”

    2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

29. “While it is known that all Syrians have been suffering because of the ongoing humanitarian tragedy, children have been among the most vulnerable groups. They have been killed, injured and displaced and have experienced enormous emotional, psychological and physical suffering. We all agree that the future of Syria will be in the hands of today's children. Hence, they should be protected from any violence and be allowed to get humanitarian aid. In that regard, we thank the United Nations and its humanitarian partners for providing children with targeted assistance. However, ultimately it is the restoration of peace that can save and protect Syrian children from their unspeakable agony and allow them to realize their potential.”

    2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

30. “While we express our appreciation to the United Nations and its humanitarian partners for continuing to reach millions of Syrians, as stated by Under-Secretary-General Lowcock, it is critical to ensure quality access, in particular in some areas that have seen a change of control, in order to provide aid to all Syrians on the basis of their humanitarian needs. Access challenges - including the curtailment of cross- border operations due to lack of security assurances in south-west Syria, as stated in the most recent report of the Secretary-General - should be addressed so that safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access can be ensured. Furthermore, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is indispensable to alleviate the suffering of civilians, including children.”

    2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

31. “We would also like to join others in thanking Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock and Under-Secretary-General Virginia Gamba for their briefings. The humanitarian situation in different parts of Syria remains dire due to military operations, including in the south-west. Civilian casualties, destruction of humanitarian facilities and displacement remain alarming, as the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/724) of 20 July explained. We reiterate our call for an end to the hostilities, which are worsening the humanitarian crisis.”

    2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source

32. “Lastly, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our continued support to the full implementation of the Colombian Peace Agreement and to stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of Colombia as they open a new chapter and march towards sustainable peace.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

33. “With regard to the negotiation between the Colombian Government and the National Liberation Army, we are encouraged by the report that the two parties have continued their sixth round of negotiations in order to achieve an improved ceasefire agreement. We urge the parties to engage constructively in good- faith discussions towards reaching a new ceasefire agreement, as well as a permanent peace agreement. We commend Special Representative Arnault and the United Nations personnel in Colombia for all their efforts in support of the Peace Agreement. We also reiterate our appreciation to the countries of the region and other international partners that continue to closely support and accompany the implementation of the Peace Agreement.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

34. “The increasing violence in the conflict zones, the delays in the socioeconomic reintegration of FARC-EP combatants into civilian life, the issue of access to land ownership, the absence or inadequate presence of State institutions in places left by FARC-EP combatants, the continued killings of community leaders, former FARC members and their relatives, as well as other issues highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General, could potentially complicate the tasks ahead in consolidating peace in the country. In that regard, the national pact against violence and killings signed by the outgoing and incoming Presidents, key State institutions and political parties will be instrumental in dealing with the increasing patterns of violence, especially in the rural parts of Colombia.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

35. “We recognize the Constitutional Court's major achievements in reviewing peace-related legislation, including the legislative acts that created congressional seats for the FARC, a land fund and other measures for improving access to land and modifying the National Protection Unit to include former combatants in the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) as close protection officers. Such measures can strengthen hope and faith in implementing the Peace Agreement. We are also conscious of the sensitive issues that still require careful handling.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

36. “As the Secretary-General's report noted, we are very much encouraged by the intention expressed by President-elect Ivan Duque to turn the page on polarization and build a consensus on the envisaged goals of the Peace Agreement. While we are encouraged by his intention to keep the fundamental parts of the Agreement, we would also like to underscore the fact that great caution will be needed when making any improvements to it in order to avoid unintended consequences that could affect the implementation process.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

37. “We congratulate both the Government of Colombia and the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC) for their commitment and such major achievements. We also congratulate the outgoing President, Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, on the courage and commitment he has shown in steering the peace process. While Colombians have continued to show patience and perseverance in the face of the challenges presented by the implementation process, they still face serious problems in making the terms of the Peace Agreement a reality, and the Council should continue to provide all of the necessary support to the Colombian parties in their efforts to handle those challenges and speedily implement the full Agreement.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

38. “We thank Special Representative Arnault for his briefing on the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (S/2018/723). We are pleased that the Vice-President of Colombia, His Excellency Mr. Oscar Naranjo, is here with us today. The first and second rounds of the presidential elections, held on 27 May and 17 June, as well as the congressional election held in March, sent a positive message for all who closely follow the implementation of Colombia's Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, not only because they were conducted in an entirely peaceful and inclusive manner but because they have symbolic significance in opening a new chapter in the country's political history following the end of five decades of conflict.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source

39. “Finally, we would like to welcome the official announcement of the end of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines, and we echo the statement issued by the African Union today commending the Congolese Government for its swift and effective response allowing a coordinated and efficient intervention of all concerned partners to swiftly contain the outbreak.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

40. “The deployment of the additional rapidly deployable battalions, to be based in the troubled Kasai and Tanganyika regions, will be important for strengthening efforts aimed at containing violence in rural hotspots, which may affect the process of elections. In that spirit, we appreciate that the Secretary-General proposed the option of deploying individual police officers, while remaining within the authorized police strength of MONUSCO, which can contribute to the early warning efforts, prevention, mitigation and reduction of potential tensions during the conduct of elections. Such initiative will be effective if implemented together with the national police and local communities.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

41. “The participation of the AU Peace and Security Council in that visit, in line with the agreement reached last week, will send the right signals, and we hope that all the necessary arrangements will be made to make this happen. We appreciate the considerable technical and logistical support provided by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for the preparation of the elections in conformity with the electoral calendar. The role of MONUSCO in support of the electoral process continues to be very important, and we fully support all the efforts of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leila Zerrougui and the United Nations team on the ground.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

42. “Enhancing the coordination of the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the Southern Africa Development Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and other international partners is necessary to ensure more coherent and effective support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially at this critical juncture. In that context, although the planned visit by the Secretary- General and the AU Commission Chairperson to Kinshasa was delayed, we very much hope that it will happen next month. The idea of having the Security Council visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is now being proposed to happen in October, is also very welcome.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

43. “The coming months will be of critical importance for final preparations ahead of the 2018 elections. It is absolutely necessary that all Congolese parties make the necessary compromises with a view to preserving continuous dialogue and the spirit of consensus as the only way to conduct peaceful elections. In that regard, it was necessary that the Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council send a clear and unified message to the Congolese political actors last week through the joint communique adopted at the end of their annual consultation. We believethat the elements of the communique provide a useful framework on how we should continue to handle the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the months leading up to elections in December.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

44. “The Government and all other national stakeholders must continue their efforts to create conditions that are conducive to holding credible and peaceful elections, in line with the 31 December 2016 agreement. We note that the independent auditing report issued by the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) on the voter register confirmed that it was "inclusive, exhaustive and updated, but needed some improvement. We hope that that will help reinforce confidence-building measures. It is also encouraging that the presidential majority welcomed the conclusion of the OIF report. We hope the publishing of the voters' list by the Independent National Electoral Commission will help to overcome the doubts surrounding voter participation.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

45. “We would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leila Zerrougui for her comprehensive briefing and her dedicated efforts on the ground. We also thank Ambassador Mansour for his briefing on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moreover, we thank Ms. Justine Masika Bihamba for sharing her perspective. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a critical juncture, and it is important that the Council have the opportunity to follow up developments with regard to preparations for the December elections. We welcome the progress made in preparing for the elections with the support of subregional, regional and international partners.”

    2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source

46. “But here, of course, in light of the latest developments one finds it difficult to be hopeful about democratic possibilities providing a way out. We believe that everything must be done, no matter how unrealistic it may seem, to reverse the dangerous trajectory and help create a situation that supports the two sides in returning to direct and meaningful negotiations. The sooner that is done, the better it will be for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and indeed the whole region.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

47. “It is only by addressing the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions, that a lasting and durable solution can be found. Our position on that has always been consistent and clear. We fully support the goal of two States living side by side in peace and security as the only viable option. Unfortunately, the same known obstacles continue to work against any prospect for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and the prospect of a two- State solution seems to be an objective of which the possibility is receding. In the meantime, it is our hope that all activities on both sides that will not help but continue to undermine the two-State solution as a viable option will cease.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

48. “The role of partners in scaling up their support is very important to help humanitarian agencies on the ground provide the necessary services to the people of Gaza, and we appreciate those who have done so. The humanitarian situation will not be effectively addressed in the absence of any meaningful progress in the reconciliation process between Fatah and Hamas. That is why we continue to support the efforts of Egypt to restore control of the legitimate Palestinian Government in Gaza and commend its continued efforts to revive the process by holding talks with senior Hamas and Fatah officials. Over the past few months, we have been preoccupied with the human tragedy in Gaza, but the situation in Gaza cannot be looked at in isolation.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

49. “Further escalation of the situation will not help but will undermine ongoing efforts to improve the lives of Palestinians and support the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. Undoubtedly, the humanitarian situation cannot be alleviated unless essential services are fixed, including water, fuel, electricity and heath-care services, and the movement of people, goods and services is eased. We note the discussions that are under way, and we appreciate the continued engagement of the Special Coordinator with the Israeli and Palestinian sides and with regional and international partners to reduce tensions, support intra-Palestinian reconciliation and resolve all humanitarian challenges.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source

50. “I would like to express appreciation to Special Coordinator Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Here we are again, discussing the situation in Middle East and Palestine, but there does not seem to be reason for hope. The deteriorating political, humanitarian and security situation in Gaza remains extremely worrying. The escalation ofviolence in Gaza and southern Israel is deeply concerning, and we want to express our sorrow over the loss of lives, particularly children. It is vitally urgent that all sides exercise maximum restraint, and everything must be done to de-escalate the tension in Gaza to avoid endangering the lives of innocent civilians and exacerbating the humanitarian situation.”

    2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source