YouSaid · the spoken record

Günter Sautter

lines on the record: 115
first: 2020-08-19
most recent: 2020-12-16
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“We reiterate our call on both sides to fully implement resolution 2334 (2016), with all its provisions, that is, not only with regard to settlement activities but also with regard to all acts of violence against civilians, acts of terror, settler attacks, destruction, incitement, provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric. Let me also reiterate Germany’s condemnation of all attacks and threats against Israel by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including the repeated firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel. Intra-Palestinian reconciliation and reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a single, democratically elected Government remain essential for achieving the two- State solution. We therefore hope that parliamentary and presidential elections in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem and Gaza, will take place soon.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“We therefore call on both sides to refrain from unilateral action and recommit to their signed agreements. In this regard, we welcome yesterday’s announcement by the Palestinian Authority to restore cooperation in adherence to those agreements. It is an important step to building confidence. We hope and expect that Israel will also take steps to underscore its commitment to the two-State solution and signed agreements, while seizing the positive dynamics of the normalization agreements in recent weeks. Together with Egypt, France and Jordan, we will continue our efforts and offer our active support in facilitating a path back towards cooperation, credible dialogue and serious, meaningful and effective negotiations on all final-status issues.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, we remind all States to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967, in accordance with their obligations under international law, in particular resolution 2334 (2016). Germany remains committed to a negotiated two-State solution, where two sovereign, democratic and independent States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders on the basis of the 4 June 1967 lines. This is the only viable path to fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis for a life in peace and dignity and with equal rights. And reaching a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also the only path to achieving sustainable peace, security and stability in the Middle East.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“The demolition of Palestinian housing in the village of Khirbet Hamsa Al-Fawqa, in the northern Jordan Valley, which left 11 families homeless in the midst of the coronavirus disease pandemic, is the most recent incident in a worrisome trend of confiscations and demolitions since the beginning of the year. We call on Israel to observe its obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular those set out in the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, in the occupied Palestinian territories and to halt all such demolitions. The suspension of plans to annex parts of occupied Palestinian territories must become permanent. We re-emphasize that we will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“As we have emphasized jointly with our European partners in numerous discussions with the Government of Israel, these steps also weaken efforts to rebuild trust and confidence between Israelis and Palestinians, with a view to resuming dialogue. We call on Israel to reverse these negative decisions and to immediately cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in sensitive areas around East Jerusalem, such as Givat Hamatos, Har Homa and Area E-1. We are also concerned about the increasing seizures and demolitions of Palestinian structures in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our grave concern regarding the publication of tenders for the construction of housing units in an entirely new settlement in East Jerusalem, namely, Givat Hamatos. After the recent decision by the Israeli authorities to advance the construction of more than 4,900 settlement building units in the occupied West Bank, this is another counterproductive move at a critical point in time. Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories remain illegal under international law. They severely undermine the prospects for ending the occupation and for a viable and contiguous Palestinian State within the framework of a negotiated two- State solution, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Let me start by extending our sincere condolences on the passing away of Saeb Erekat. He was a champion for Palestinians’ rights and self-determination and a passionate advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Israel through negotiations. We call on all political leaders in Israel and Palestine to honour Mr. Erekat’s legacy by continuing to actively pursue a peaceful and negotiated two-State solution. Unfortunately, the latest developments and negative trends on the ground imperil the prospect of a negotiated two-State solution on the basis of international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. These developments increasingly entrench a one-State reality.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“We have made this point before — we urge all Member States to execute outstanding arrest warrants. The lack of progress that we see here is not acceptable. Let me conclude by saying that we again call on those Member States that have not yet joined the Rome Statute to consider doing so.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“We call on the relevant authorities to allow the ICC access to those detention centres and to fully cooperate with the Court. The attacks on civilians committed during the fighting constitute a breach of international humanitarian law. It is the duty of the international community to ensure that the perpetrators face consequences for their actions. My last remark is on cooperation between the International Criminal Court and the States Members of the United Nations. Undeterred by threats against the Court, we reiterate our full, continued and steadfast support to the ICC. By lending our full support to the Court and promoting its universal membership, we defend the progress we have made together towards an international rules-based order, of which internal justice is an indispensable pillar.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“It continues to suffer greatly from mines, unexploded ordinance and victim-operated explosive devices left after the fighting. We remain horrified by the discovery of multiple mass graves in Tarhouna. The perpetrators must be found and brought to justice. We therefore commend UNSMIL for providing technical support to the Libyan Government in its investigations. The establishment of an international fact-finding mission to investigate the human rights situation across the country and to document violations and abuses is a welcome development towards accountability and bringing perpetrators to justice. We remain deeply concerned about reports of human conditions in official and unofficial detention centres in eastern Libya, as well as allegations of torture and other serious crimes.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“We appreciate the cooperation of EUROPOL and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) with the Court, the latter being instrumental in facilitating the ICC’s work on the ground. We also welcome Libya’s commitment to justice, and we appreciate its efforts in the collection and preservation of evidence, including with regard to the recently discovered mass graves. We call on Libya to further strengthen its cooperation with the Court. The recent signing of the ceasefire agreement provides a unique opportunity for further cooperation. My third point is on human rights and international humanitarian law. The civilian population is suffering because of the ongoing rise of coronavirus disease cases across the country.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“That was discussed yesterday by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, and we will continue to follow up on this matter. My second point is on the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) with regard to Libya. Nine years ago, the situation in Libya was referred to the Court because of the extremely worrisome security and human rights situation. We commend Prosecutor Bensouda for her unwavering commitment to justice for the victims of atrocities in Libya. We must not let impunity persist. We therefore encourage her to continue her important work, in particular with regard to the situation in Libya. We also welcome the visit of the Office of the Prosecutor to Libya during the reporting period.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“I would like to make four points. The first is on recent political developments in Libya. Foreign Minister Maas said yesterday that the ceasefire agreement signed on the 23 October is “a ray of hope for the people of Libya.” We hope that the same can be said about yesterday’s launch of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunis. It is now important that the Libyan parties abide by their commitments. The Security Council has called upon all Libyan parties to do so, and it is important that now happens. It is equally important that international actors support the ceasefire. The Secretary-General made that very clear in Tunis yesterday. This is also a strong reminder of the commitment of the participants of the Berlin Conference on Libya to comply, namely with the arms embargo, which must now be fully implemented.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“On the reconfiguration of MONUSCO, it is important to ensure national ownership in developing a joint strategy. We need a conditions-based reconfiguration and realistic benchmarks. Security-sector reform must be at the core of that process. The progress made should be secured and close links with new peacebuilding efforts should be allowed.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“MONUSCO remains indispensable in supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular regarding the protection of civilians and in the east of the country. We encourage the Mission to continue in its reform process and to abide by resolution 2502 (2019), as well as the recommendations contained in the report authored by former United Nations Force Commander Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled “Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers”. We note with concern that allegations of five cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by members of MONUSCO were recorded. We stress that these allegations must be properly investigated by troop- and police-contributing countries and the Office of Internal Oversight Services, respectively.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“Therefore, we call on political actors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to engage constructively, and we encourage the Government to continue its work on much-needed reforms in the security sector, the justice sector and the economy. It is important to focus on what needs to be done now. We should not only look towards the electoral year 2023. Strong democratic institutions and respect for the rule of law, for equal and meaningful participation of women in the fight against impunity and against corruption will be crucial. Let me also say a couple of words on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), on the reconfiguration of Mission and on benchmarks. We reiterate Germany’s support for MONUSCO.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The humanitarian situation continues to be alarming, with more than 25 million people depending on humanitarian aid. Once again women and children are being hit disproportionately hard. We urgently call on the international community to support the humanitarian response plan, which is dramatically underfunded at this stage. Germany has so far contributed approximately €70 million for humanitarian assistance measures in 2020, including response measures regarding Ebola and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Let me make some remarks on the political situation and reform efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Even if the country has navigated strikingly well through the Ebola epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic so far, the massive socioeconomic repercussions have to be dealt with.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I would like to make a couple of points on the security situation and the human rights and humanitarian situation. We are concerned about the persistent levels of violence in North and South Kivu and Ituri. The activities of, and attacks by, armed groups, especially the Allied Democratic Forces, must stop. As a consequence, the protection of civilians remains a key challenge. We are glad to see some positive signals, such as a peace pledge in Mahagi territory in Ituri in August. The reported 8 per cent increase in human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence, is of particular concern to us. Almost half of all human rights violations are attributable to State security activists. That number indicates a clear need for reform and for greater accountability.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“All components of the mandate still remain relevant to us, and we, of course, continue to fully support the important work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Helen Meagher La Lime and her entire team on Haiti.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“It is most illustrative of this that the occupancy rate in prisons has risen 338 per cent, mainly owing to rising numbers of pretrial detainees resulting from bottlenecks in the judicial sector. We welcome the support provided by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund in order to achieve a reduction in prison and detention centre inmates in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic. My last point is on the work of BINUH. We reaffirm our continued support for the work of a mission and the 19 United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Haiti that are working and delivering as One United Nations. We are in favour of an extension of the mandate of BINUH, which will be negotiated over the next couple of days.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“In this context, accountability for members of the police forces for their actions is of the utmost importance, as it will make confidence grow in the police as an institution. At the same time, we remain worried that the limited amount of resources provided to the Haitian National Police over the past several years is beginning to erode not only the organization’s operational capacity but also public confidence in the country’s sole functioning nationwide public safety institution. We are also concerned about the growing trend of polarization within the police forces, especially with regard to a violent group of mostly former, but also active, policemen named Fantôme 509. We are also worried about support for a group called “G9 an fanmi”. Major challenges also persist in the justice and corrections sectors.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“We deplore, once again in this context, the scant progress made in pursuing accountability for human rights violations, such as the events in La Saline, Bel Air and Grand Ravine, and the same goes for corruption scandals. We encourage the Government to support the establishment of a standalone Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti to safeguard continued collaboration with State authorities on human rights issues. My third point is on police and justice, on which we see some hopeful developments. We hope that these positive signs of the continued professionalization of the Haitian National Police, in an environment that is becoming even more challenging, will gain momentum.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“This has been a major setback, and we join the Secretary- General’s call to the Haitian authorities to spare no effort to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. On gang-related violence, we remain highly alarmed by the resurgence of this kind of gang activity, which has a long and terrible tradition in Haiti. We are particularly concerned to learn that certain political actors and businessmen have close ties with criminal gangs. We strongly condemn all actions that undermine democratic processes and the rule of law, and we call on all stakeholders to refrain from acts that could contribute to instability. It is important that the Government continue to support the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“I would like to make four points. One is on the political crisis, one on gang- related violence, one on the police and justice sectors and the last point is on the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). I will start with the political crisis. Let me say, first of all, we are disappointed that Haitian stakeholders have still not reached a minimum consensus over a political agenda addressing the root causes of the problems that Haiti has been facing for a long time. We encourage all stakeholders to reach an agreement on the revision of the Constitution, on the implementation of reforms and on a realistic electoral framework for credible and transparent elections. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the assassination, on 28 August, of Monferrier Dorval.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“How is Syria ever to return to sustainable peace if the most serious crimes are not addressed? In this regard, we welcome the initiative made public today by the Netherlands to hold Syria accountable under international law for gross human rights violations and torture, in particular by invoking Syria’s responsibility for torture under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Netherlands has initiated the legal procedures foreseen in article 30 of the Convention Against Torture.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“In the meantime, national jurisdictions in Germany and elsewhere are starting to fill the void caused by the vetoed referral to the International Criminal Court. Two former officials of the Syrian regime’s repression apparatus are currently being tried before a German court in Koblenz. We have reported about this trial repeatedly in the Council. One witness, who was an undertaker in Damascus from 2011 until 2017, recently testified that he had been recruited by the Syrian regime to transport and bury victims of torture killed in prisons, security branches and military hospitals to huge mass graves outside Damascus. He reported that many bodies were mutilated and disfigured. One killed a woman who was still carrying a baby in her arms. What else do we need to hear for the Council to finally unite behind the fight against impunity in Syria?”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“There must be a follow-up to the findings of the report and other S/2020/936 reports, such as those of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Investigation and Identification Team or the Board of Inquiry, which came to similar conclusions with regard to violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Syria. We must not tolerate impunity for the most serious crimes in Syria, and whoever commits crimes against humanity or war crimes must not feel safe anywhere and must be held accountable. The evidence for these crimes in the Syrian conflict is overwhelming, and it should be heard where it belongs — at the International Criminal Court.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“National reconciliation and sustainable peace in Syria will not be possible without truth, justice and accountability for all crimes and atrocities committed during the Syrian conflict. We are deeply concerned by the latest report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/45/31). The report concludes that the practice by Syrian regime forces of enforced disappearance, torture, sexual violence and death in custody amounts to crimes against humanity. According to the report, the Syrian National Army may also have committed war crimes such as hostage-taking, rape, cruel treatment and torture in Afrin and the surrounding area.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“First, the Council should request all parties, in particular the Syrian regime, which holds the overwhelming majority of detainees, to immediately release all arbitrarily detained persons, starting with the most vulnerable: women and children, the sick, wounded and elderly. Secondly, the Council should call upon all parties, in particular the Syrian regime, to allow immediate, unconditional and unhindered access for relevant humanitarian organizations to all prisoners and detention facilities. Thirdly, the Council should urge all parties, in particular the Syrian regime, to inform the families of the fate and whereabouts of the tens of thousands missing and disappeared persons. We will continue to make this point as long as it is necessary. I would also make some remarks on accountability.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“On the release of detainees, this point has been made repeatedly by Germany and I will raise it again today. A key element of resolution 2254 (2015) is the call for the immediate release of arbitrarily detained persons by all parties. We need more and meaningful action on this crucial issue. The members of the Council have a responsibility to protect civilians, defend human rights and seek justice and accountability. Releases from detention are essential for creating the environment necessary for the Syrian parties to make progress in bringing this conflict to an end. Three points are important.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“We need to see serious discussions around a meaningful political process with a view to implementing resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communiqué of 2012 (S/2012/522, annex), including a complete, immediate, nationwide ceasefire. The regime must end its obstructions and it must finally engage. The first step would be for the Syrian regime and the opposition to agree on a date, preferably very soon, and on the substantive agenda for the next session. We hope that Foreign Minister Lavrov used his visit to Damascus last week to firmly underline what is obvious. The conflict in Syria can come to a sustainable end only when the Syrian regime at long last engages seriously and constructively with the Constitutional Committee and the wider political process.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“The third round of the Constitutional Committee took place in Geneva despite the challenges due to the coronavirus disease. We welcome the fact that these talks were held in a constructive atmosphere, but unfortunately, that is the only positive news. I am glad to hear from Special Envoy Geir Pedersen that some common ground emerged, but we are afraid that this is not enough. Yet again, there was no real substantive progress. This is disappointing, but not surprising, given that the Syrian regime demonstrated once again that it is not serious about the Constitutional Committee. The regime instead wants to engage in endless procedural and general discussions. These delaying tactics must finally end.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“Saad Mohseni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MOBY Group, just recalled in such an inspiring way. Such a commitment must be based on the joint understanding that Afghanistan will continue on the path of reform and adhere to international human rights, especially those of women, girls and minorities. I think it is politically important to bear that in mind. Let me finish by asking Mr. Mohseni a question. We appreciate the Government’s commitment to reform the law regarding non-governmental organizations. I would be interested to hear his assessment of the Government’s attitude towards non-governmental organizations and the reform process. I would also like to commend the people of Afghanistan for its progress on press freedom in the country. Afghanistan performs quite well in press freedom indices.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Protecting human rights, safeguarding women’s and children’s rights and promoting sustainable development in Afghanistan will remain important tasks for the United Nations and the international community. That brings me to COVID-19 and the future role of international assistance. We all know that the COVID19-crisis will continue to affect Afghanistan for years to come. Beyond safety and security, Afghanistan needs continued and reliable international assistance to address the immediate humanitarian needs and the long- term economic and social challenges ahead. The 2020 Afghanistan conference, to be co-hosted by Finland and Afghanistan in Geneva, will be a gauge of future support. Continued funding is vital if we want to minimize the risk of jeopardizing the progress achieved over the past 19 years, which Mr.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“We highly recommend that the United Nations play an active role. Let me say a word on UNAMA. We commend the important role that the Mission plays in engaging with conflicting parties and supporting the preparation of negotiations, but also in coordinating international assistance, particularly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Council members should continue to lend their support to this vital Mission. Germany and Indonesia have started engaging with Council members to renew its mandate. I call upon all sides to approach the negotiations with a spirit of cooperation. Let us build on the progress reached in the most recent negotiations of September 2019. The United Nations needs to continue to play an important role in Afghanistan.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“All talks and negotiations need to build on what has already been achieved in the area of human rights, including those of women, girls and minorities. We might witness the start of intra-Afghan negotiations very soon. I listened very carefully to Ms. Deborah Lyons, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), who informed us that we are speaking about days, not weeks. The Security Council should welcome that. The international community must encourage both sides to take constructive and confidence-building steps towards successful negotiations and peace. Germany will continue to support that process in close cooperation with its partners, including our co-penholder Indonesia, as well as Norway, Uzbekistan, Qatar and the United States.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“My first remark is on the recent outbreaks of violence we have seen in Afghanistan. In March, the Secretary-General called for a global ceasefire. In July, the Security Council did the same. We will have a discussion next week in the Security Council on the follow-up. Violence in Afghanistan has once again claimed numerous victims. The persistently high-level of attacks by the Taliban against Afghan security forces, like the current escalation around Kunduz, is diametrically opposed to the creation of an environment conducive for peace negotiations. Recent targeted killings are especially heinous crimes that must stop immediately. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. On the peace process, a negotiated and inclusive political settlement, owned and led by the people of Afghanistan, including the women of Afghanistan, is vital.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“It remains crucial that cooperation between the Government of Iraq and its international partners in the fight against terrorism continue, particularly to prevent a resurgence of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and in the region.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“We encourage both sides to speedily resolve all outstanding issues, including those related to natural resources, revenue-sharing and security arrangements. My fifth and last point regards regional tensions. This has been addressed by several colleagues. We remain concerned by the impact of regional tensions on Iraq and call for continued de-escalation and restraint by all regional and international players. Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and Iraq should be neither dragged into, nor become an arena for, a regional confrontation. Instead, Iraq should be able to enjoy amicable relations with all its neighbours and partners. All differences must be resolved through diplomatic means.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“Systematic attempts to threaten and prevent people from exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and their freedom of expression are unacceptable. We welcome the Iraqi Government’s stated commitment to protect all peaceful protesters, civil society activists and human rights defenders and their fundamental rights. We reiterate the importance of accountability and welcome Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s pledge to end impunity. We are encouraged by the Government’s initial steps to release detainees arrested during the protests and to push forward with investigations. My fourth remark is on relations between Baghdad and Erbil. We welcome the continued dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil and the interim agreement.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“Germany stands ready to support the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq in its electoral assistance efforts during the preparations for next year’s elections. Elections have to be held in a free, fair and democratic manner. Germany, as one of Iraq’s leading donors, stands ready to continue its substantial support to Iraq and to work closely together with the Iraqi Government in addressing the challenges and in building a prosperous and stable Iraq. My third remark is on violence against peaceful protesters and accountability. We remain deeply concerned by reports of ongoing arrests and acts of violence and intimidation against protesters, civil society activists, human rights defenders and journalists. We condemn in particular the recent targeted assassinations of activists in Basrah and Baghdad.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“I would like to make five rather short points. The first one is on the Government of Iraq. Germany welcomes the first measures undertaken by the Government of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. These measures and the declared priorities of Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s Government are in the right direction: they aim to address the legitimate needs and demands of the Iraqi people. It remains important to see a veritable commitment of the Iraqi Government to implement the much-needed political, social and economic reforms. We welcome the first measures on anti-corruption as a positive first step. My second remark is on the electoral process. We note the Government’s announcement of early parliamentary elections for 6 June 2021.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“It flows from this that any decisions and actions that would be taken based on this procedure or on its possible outcome would also be devoid of any legal effect. Let me add that we are firmly convinced that protecting the JCPOA is of crucial importance. The nuclear deal with Iran is not perfect, but it continues to be the international community’s best tool to prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. That is why we defend this agreement, and that is why we continue to demand that Iran return to full compliance with this agreement.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“As the three European members of the Security Council (E-3), we explained our position in a letter to the President of the Security Council (S/2020/839): the United States is no longer a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) participant, and therefore cannot activate the snapback mechanism. The status of the United States within operative paragraph 10 of resolution 2231 (2015) changed when the United States ceased to be a JCPOA participant in 2018. Accordingly, the E-3 firmly believes that the purported notification under operative paragraph 11 of resolution 2231 (2015) is incapable of having legal effect, and so cannot bring into effect the procedure foreseen under operative paragraph 11.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza needs to be urgently improved. What we need now is prudence from all parties and willingness to de-escalate. Second statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations, Günter Sautter I wish to thank you very much, Mr. President, for giving us the opportunity to exchange views on this important matter. I fully subscribe to the remarks that Anne Gueguen just made on behalf of the French Republic. We fully support the President’s view that the purported United States notification is, in legal terms, null and void.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We are convinced that now in particular, at this time of crisis, we need greater willingness to cooperate on both sides. We call on both parties to resume their coordination and cooperation in the fight against COVID-19. We commend the United Nations and its agencies, in particular the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, for their efforts to respond to the humanitarian implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in the occupied Palestinian territories. I would like to say a word on the latest tensions in Gaza. We are concerned about the latest tensions in Gaza/southern Israel, and we welcome the mediation efforts by Egypt and the United Nations. It goes without saying that we condemn the attacks against Israeli civilians from Gaza.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“In that context, we reiterate Germany’s condemnation of all attacks and threats against Israel by Hamas and other terrorist groups, such as the recent rocket attacks and attacks via incendiary balloons. Fourthly, we must keep stressing that intra-Palestinian reconciliation also remains key for achieving a negotiated two-State solution. Gaza and the occupied West Bank must be reunited under a single Government, the democratic legitimacy of Palestinian institutions must be renewed and governance and responsiveness to the needs of the Palestinian population must be strengthened. Allow me a remark on COVID-19 in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. We are concerned about the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our full support for the efforts of Special Coordinator Mladenov in that regard. Together with our European and Arab partners in the so-called Munich format, we stand ready to assist and offer our support in facilitating a path back to dialogue. Secondly, we call on Israel to end the expansion of settlements. Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law. They severely undermine the prospects for a two-State solution by eroding the possibility of establishing a contiguous, independent and sovereign Palestinian State. Thirdly, we call on both sides to fully implement resolution 2334 (2016) with regard to settlement activities as well as all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terrorism, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“Germany remains convinced that a negotiated two-State solution based on international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and the internationally agreed parameters is the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We keep repeating this message because it reflects our strong conviction and firm commitment to the rules-based international order, to the security of Israel as a Jewish and democratic State and to the right of the Palestinian people to self- determination and statehood. I would like to propose four elements on how we can work together to seize the momentum and revive the peace process. First, we need to find ways to resume direct negotiations between the parties. We continue to believe that reactivating the Middle East Quartet would be the best option to discuss the way forward.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We believe that a halt to demolition of residential structures in Area C of the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, as well as approving the construction of housing units for the Palestinian population in Area C, would send an encouraging signal in these times of hardship. We support Israel´s effort to expand regional cooperation and advance normalization with other Gulf States. My second remark is on the agenda to revive the peace process. We should now use the momentum and the positive dynamics to revive the Middle East peace process and to restore a meaningful dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. We want to bring them back on a path towards a negotiated, peaceful settlement. Again, with annexation being off the table, we encourage the Palestinian side to re-engage and present its proposals in greater depth.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source