YouSaid · the spoken record

Heusgen

lines on the record: 867
first: 2017-10-31
most recent: 2020-11-12
sittings or episodes: 144
sources: un-security-council

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“I would like to mention an issue that is very important, even if my colleagues have already raised it: the rule of law. I believe that every effort should be made to strengthen the rule of law. Justice must be strengthened. We must curb corruption, as my Belgian colleague said, and fight impunity. I would also like to echo what my American colleague has just said about the murders of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, which remain unsolved. And there is still sexual violence used by security forces. Also, as my Belgian colleague said with regard to Yumbi, there a real possibility that crimes against humanity were committed there. The rule of law is needed. There must be no impunity for crimes that have been committed.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“I would like to repeat some of what she said because it is extremely important to make men in the military and political forces aware of the issues that need to be addressed in terms of integrating women into the military forces. There are not enough women in the military and police forces. In the elections, as was the case in the past, there were not enough women on the electoral rolls. We really must see to it that more women appear on the rolls in the communal elections and that there be more female observers in local elections. In general, I understood what Ms. Modi said: there is a need for broader civil education to highlight the rights and strengths of women and what they bring to politics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I see that already the President's diplomatic adviser is a woman, for which I offer my congratulations.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Zerrougui also said that the political process remains fragile, which is why I would also like to take advantage of the presence of the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and his delegation to encourage them to continue along that path. It is difficult, but in my opinion that is the only alternative. In that context, let me mention what the briefer from the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo, Ms. Anny Tenga Modi, said. I think what shejust said was very important, and perhaps in his statement the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo could answer some of the Ms. Modi's questions she asked and respond to her demands, namely, for a stronger role for women in the country's political process.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Mr. Heusgen (Germany) (Spoke in French): I thank the French presidency for having chosen two women as speakers - or, in the new French, as "briefers" - which was very encouraging. I would like to thank Ms. Zerrougui for her testimony. As she said, the context is much better than the last time she briefed the Security Council (see S/PV.8318), and I think what she just said is really encouraging. I do not want to repeat everything he has done, but the new President Tshilombo Tshisekedi has taken some good and very important steps. He has opened up the political space, which I think is very important. But Ms.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“I urge colleagues that, when we return to that discussion, which will come faster than we realize, that we take it very seriously and focus on the most important issues on which we shared agreement and agree to leave the marginal issues on the sidelines, so that when we adopt the resolution next time, we give UNAMA the guidance and tools necessary to accomplish its crucial and challenging mission.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“We hope that at that time we will be able to refocus the resolution. There is, however, one message that is very important - and here I turn to the Afghan Ambassador, who was strongly asking for an extension of one year - that this extension of six months does not mean that the United Nations, this organ and the international community are not united in their support for the Afghan people. The commitment remains, and the 15 votes today demonstrate that. I think that this is a very important message that we want to send today.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“We very much lament that such topics as the upcoming elections, the participation of women in the Afghan peace process, the situation of children in armed conflict and the nexus between climate change and security are no longer reflected in the resolution. We have before us a text that really satisfies none of us, but it has UNAMA's mandate at its very heart. Again, we remain united in our commitment to Afghanistan, and that is the most important message. The mandate duration now is only six months. That should be a reminder that our engagement in Afghanistan is much broader than what we have achieved, which is six months of engagement. Also, when we resume discussions in the fall, we will have a chance to reflect the dynamics in the country with regard to the peace process and the elections.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“When Indonesia and Germany - and I would like to pay tribute to the good cooperation between us newcomers as penholders - negotiated the text, we reached a very strong consensus on all substantial issues, including on perhaps the most important one, namely, on the urgency of progress with regard to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Unfortunately, however, issues that have nothing to do with it and are not related to the excellent work and mandate of UNAMA made it impossible to achieve the resolution for which we had originally aimed. I must admit that I really regret that we were not able to overcome those differences.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“The result we just witnessed - 15 votes in favour - was the objective that the co-penholders, Indonesia and Germany, had from the very beginning. It was key for us that we demonstrate today that the Security Council is unanimous in its decision on Afghanistan and on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and that we send a united message to the people of Afghanistan that the Council remains by their side at this time. But I also have to say that resolution 2460 (2019), just adopted, is not the kind of UNAMA resolution that we worked towards as co-penholders over the past six weeks, and it is not the kind ofUNAMA resolution that we have had for the past 17 years.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“There are too many losses, starting with the Budapest Memorandum at the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in which the High Representative herself was greatly involved - she did a great deal towards achieving that agreement, which is a true masterpiece of diplomacy - as well as with regard to what she said about the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. She has our full support. I would like to ask a question about something that is very important to us, namely, conflict prevention. Could the High Representative perhaps indicate where she sees issues or projects where the European Union and the United Nations can perhaps work more closely together to truly preventing conflicts?”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“That is not only because there is the Commission on the Status of Women but it is a very clear German position on the participation of women in negotiations, mediation and conflict resolution. Yesterday we talked about Afghanistan, where it is vital that women truly participate in the talks in Doha (see S/PV.8481). I do not want to speak for any longer but I would just say that for Germany and France, through ourjoint presidencies, one of our aims is as part of our European Union support, thereby highlighting the shared values of France, Germany and the European Union. The second to last point is just to underline what the High Representative said about the disarmament architecture. I think that it is important that we remain engaged on that agenda.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“That would not be possible without multilateralism, as there would be no discussions with North Korea. Of course, I would also like to highlight European Union actions with regard to Africa, which is a crucial issue. High Representative Mogherini mentioned that she attended the African Union summit, which the Secretary-General also attended. I think that is symbolic of the trilateral cooperation - among the European Union, the United Nations and the African Union - that can contribute to resolving issues. As Ms. Mogherini has just said, there must be regional African solutions for African issues. Working together is also important. She also mentioned something that is very important to us, that is to say, inclusive solutions for issues, in which civil society, in particular women, is involved and participates.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“With regard to Syria, for example, she indicated that she supported resolution 2254 (2015) and is participating in the Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region. She mentioned that she supported the efforts of Mr. Griffiths in Yemen. There was a similar overlap with regard to Afghanistan, Venezuela and the Middle East. For example, the European Union also supports the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East at a time of crisis for the Agency. That support is very important in enabling young Palestinians to attend school. The same is true of what she said about North Korea - that the European Union and the United Nations are working together multilaterally to set up negotiations with North Korea.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“Mr. Heusgen (Germany) (spoke in French): It is a great pleasure to see High Representative Mogherini here at the Security Council. None of my remarks run counter to what she has just said. I wish only to repeat that the European Union and the United Nations have the same foundational principles. I think that is quite powerful. We share the same values. I endorse her position at the end of her statement concerning human rights - that the United Nations and the European Union both represent multilateralism, and it is the cooperation that she described that makes the two organizations more robust and lend them credibility. I do not want to repeat what she said, but it was striking to see that the European Union is also active in similar ways on all the issues under consideration here.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“Again, that is not merely an end in itself, it is also a warning that people who commit crimes will always have to be looking over their shoulders, because one dayjustice is going to catch up with them. So, as my colleague from Indonesia said, we in the Council have to do our job. We have an important role to play in clearly communicating our expectations for the peace process and the future of Afghanistan.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“As Ms. Tapesh said, women's human rights must not be compromised in the effort to get to a peace agreement. While this is not an aim in itself, if women and civil society are not included in peace talks, if women's rights are not covered, we are already laying the ground for the next conflict, because the marginalization of parts of civil society, including women, becomes a driver of new conflict. It is very important that the Constitution of Afghanistan, as set up, remains in place, supporting equal rights for women and young people, as well as freedom of the media and civil society, and of religion, including for ulemas. Lastly, Mr. Yamamoto mentioned the importance of transitional justice. Accountability for crimes is key.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Mohib said about the fight against corruption, it is imperative that more progress be made. With regard to the elections, I can only echo Mr. Yamamoto's words. Turning to the peace talks, we would like to applaud all the efforts undertaken. I would also like to mention the talks in Doha. Once again, let me repeat what Mr. Yamamoto said, which is that it is crucial to ensure that the Taliban talks to the Afghan Government. Only Afghans can make peace with one another, and it has to be an inclusive process and an Afghan-led operation. In that context, I would like to commend Ms. Tapesh for her briefing. Women must be included in the peace process in a meaningful way. I would be interested to know how many women are actually sitting around the table in the talks in Doha or Moscow. I would be surprised ifwe get anywhere close to parity.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I would refer to the convincing briefing by Afghanistan's National Security Adviser, Mr. Mohib, on the country's reform process, particularly with regard to good governance, the fight against corruption, gender parity, improving the business environment and the availability of business opportunities. In the context of gender parity, I would also like to welcome the appointment of our colleague Mrs. Adela Raz as Afghanistan's first female ambassador. I have to admit that in the entire time that Germany has been a State Member of the United Nations, it has not progressed that far, but I am sure it will one day. I should emphasize, however, that while it is one thing to have laws and a Constitution on paper, implementing them is something else. The proof of the pudding in the eating, and therefore with regard to what Mr.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“As my Indonesian colleague just said, this is another example where climate change has an effect on wealth and on peace and security. The suffering of the people should move us to act collectively and responsibly so that this pain can end. Germany continues to be very engaged. We are the second largest donor of humanitarian aid and contributor of troops. Our Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, is actually in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, where our German troops are stationed, as we speak, in proof of Germany's commitment to the Afghan people. In his briefing Mr. Yamamoto said that while 2018 was the deadliest year of the past two decades - in other words, since the United Nations has been engaged there - at the same time, 2019 will be a year of unprecedented opportunities, and we must do everything we can to take advantage of them.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“At the outset, I too would like to express my condolences and those of my country to the Ambassador of Ethiopia for the terrible human suffering resulting from yesterday's plane crash, and to echo my Indonesian colleague's words about our own nationals who were among the United Nations personnel killed. So many people died, including members of the United Nations family, who gave their lives for what we all stand for. I would like to thank Mr. Yamamoto for his briefing. We fully support him and his work. Today I want to focus on the fate of the Afghan people. The figures that Mr. Yamamoto gave are truly alarming, especially with regard to the number of civilian deaths, the situation of children who have died or been injured, the ongoing recruitment of children and the overall poverty level, which is nightmarish.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Some have been rescued from the militias, but we hear now that some of them have again been recruited. That must be stopped. We must prevent children from being involved in armed conflict.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“With respect to the implementation of the peace agreement, I can only echo what our American colleague, Mr. Cohen, just said pertaining to the fact that the commitment to the peace agreement has to be very strong. It must be Government-owned. The Government must also allocate funds in its budget to implement the agreement. It must also uphold the ceasefire and establish the hybrid court. With regard to the remarks made by our Russian colleague, I think it is important that the opposition is now in Juba, although Riek Machar is still not there. I believe that the strongest leader of the opposition and counterpart to the President must be present in Juba. Last but not least, I would also like to echo what my American colleague said with regard to children in conflict situations.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Shearer's remarks about support and the increased participation of UNMISS in the peace process, Germany has contributed $5 million to the trust fund that has been set up and we ask delegations around the table to contribute to it. I said that the protection of civilians is important. I find it very encouraging that there is now a drive to motivate civilians to leave the protection of civilians sites. Mr. Shearer is absolutely right. The future is not in protection of civilians sites. Refugees must return in a safe, voluntary, well-informed and dignified manner. The support UNMISS provides in order to give them a chance to see where they must go is exemplary. Such support should also be provided in Myanmar. It should be continued as a main task performed by UNMISS.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Women make up 50 per cent of the population in South Sudan and therefore 50 per cent of those in Government and other groups should be women. With regard the UNMISS mandate, I think that the protection of civilians needs to be at the centre. A total of 1.8 million people or more have had to flee. It is the third largest group of refugees after those from Syria and Afghanistan. They need to be protected. UNMISS should also focus on protecting women from sexual and gender-based violence. I would like to pay tribute to Special Representative Shearer and his work, engagement and dedication and to all peacekeepers. We believe that they need to stay. The mandate should follow the recommendations of the Secretary-General. The mandate is being respected thus far. The freedom of movement of UNMISS is guaranteed. With respect to Mr.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The peace agreement calls for the establishment of the hybrid court for South Sudan. With regard to the issue of participation, I totally agree with the remarks made by Ms. Angelina Jial, who spoke earlier on behalf of civil society. The participation of women is important - not only participation in which they merely sit at the table but one that ensures they are listened to and that their advice is heard. It is not enough that they have a chance to participate. They should be part of the process. The peace agreement sets the quota for women's representation at 35 per cent and that has not been achieved. I think that we should do everything possible to ensure stronger women's participation. I wonder why the percentage is only 35.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“In just one instance, in Bentiu, there were a reported 134 cases of rape. What we heard today, of course, is very positive, with 49 women standing their ground and deciding to testify. I think it is a very good sign that there was accountability and that results were achieved. Of course, that is only a part of it. We must continue our efforts and much more must be done. Germany and Peru, with the participation of the United Kingdom, co-chaired last week the first meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security held on the situation in South Sudan. It was an important sign from the Security Council because it is an Informal Expert Group of the Council. Let me repeat what I think are important elements. With regard to accountability, the mobile court initiative is very good but more has to be done.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Like my colleagues, I too will start by taking note of International Women's Day. I am grateful to my Russian colleague for mentioning Clara Zetkin, who originated the movement. I think it is very timely that we are discussing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the situation in South Sudan today, because the situation of women there remains a nightmare. Our view on the role of women is not limited merely to femininity and tenderness, but also includes a focus on leadership, equal rights and protection. The Chancellor of Germany is a woman, as are our Defence and Justice Ministers. Perhaps one day Clara Zetkin will be successful in Russia, and it will have a woman President too. To come back to the very serious issue of the shocking level of sexual and gender-based violence in South Sudan.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“I would also like to echo what some of those present have said, in particular the representatives of the Dominican Republic and Equatorial Guinea mentioned International Women's Day. In the Chairperson's briefing, he highlighted, among other things, that he also wants to implement the women and peace and security agenda. I wonder if he has concrete plans to include quotas in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. Also, as our colleagues from Equatorial Guineajust proposed, in the mediation talks, the Minsk Group, the 5+2 talks or the Trilateral Contact Group in Kyiv, can the Chairperson push a bit more to promote women's participation?”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Is there a chance that in Transnistria we can also now make progress on the implementation of the political declaration adopted at the OSCE Istanbul Summit with regard to the withdrawal of the illegally present troops? On Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, we would like to support the Chairperson's activities there. Chancellor Merkel just met with the Prime Minister of Armenia and encouraged him to use his broad mandate to constructively engage in the peace process. There again, the OSCE Minsk Group is in the lead, and I would also encourage the same from the Chairperson. Let me finish first by taking the occasion to thank the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea and her delegation for their leadership last month.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“With regard to the Sea of Azov, many have mentioned the violation of international law and the fact that the release of Ukrainian personnel has still not happened. As our Russian colleague mentioned, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission should cover the whole of Ukrainian territory. Could the OSCE employ a ship in the territorial waters of Ukraine to better control the area? So far, there are cars and drones, but perhaps a ship would also be useful. With respect to Transnistria, we welcome the fact that since 2016 there has been a number of concrete developments in the Berlin Protocol, which is a positive point we must highlight. I would like to echo what my American colleague asked.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Similar to the first half of 2013, the majority of the restrictions were in the areas not under Government control - 75 per cent in the areas occupied and under Russian influence. At the same time, the report mentions a number of drones that have been lost, the majority of them over Government-controlled areas. Those are very expensive and their loss is costly for the OSCE member States. I have a specific question in that regard. The report mentions that passage to Novoazovsk, close to the border with the Russian Federation, was denied 54 times. Is there any speculation as to why that was the case? That is a harbour town. Any information on that would be helpful, although the question is probably too specific. When I read the report in the context of freedom of movement, that fact struck me.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“About two years ago, a colleague of the Special Monitoring Mission lost his life because his car ran over a mine in an area not controlled by the Government. Overall, the OSCE has continued to do good work. Our Russian colleaguejust said that the OSCE should step up its monitoring activities, but unfortunately it is all too often prevented from doing that. Last month, the OSCE sent the latest report on the restrictions of the Special Monitoring Mission to all OSCE member States. The report says that in the latter half of 2018, the number of the restrictions on the Special Monitoring Mission's freedom of movement rose. The Mission encountered 720 restrictions and more than a 60 per cent increase compared to the previous six months. The majority of all restrictions were denials of access.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Given that tens of thousands of people have to cross the bridge every day, is there a chance to develop a road map or something similar that we can not only talk about, but actually implement to repair the bridge? The situation there is terrible. Together with France, Russia and Ukraine, Germany will continue efforts within the Normandy format to drive the process forward. We also believe that the Minsk agreements form the basis of that. With respect to the implementation ofthe Minsk agreements, my appreciation of what is happening is a bit different from that of our Russian colleague. I want first and foremost to pay tribute to the important work ofthe OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. Under very difficult circumstances, it does a tremendous job.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“I think that bodes very well for cooperation between the two organizations with a view to ensuring functioning multilateralism. Mr. Lajcak can count on our full support. In his briefing today, Mr. Lajcak also made a point that we believe is key - that his briefing alone will not change anything. It is crucial to ensure that our words today are followed by action. In the same spirit, I was heartened that he cited Ukraine as one of the most important areas of action, the same issue that we mentioned in our 12 February debate (see S/PV.8461) that our Russian colleague highlighted, the question of humanitarian action in the occupied areas of Ukraine and the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska. I mentioned this two weeks ago, and Mr. Lajcak picked up on the same issue without us talking to one another, which demonstrates how important it is.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“I too would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on taking over the joint presidency and presiding over the Security Council for the month of March. We will fully support you in discharging your duties. As we have said previously with regard to our desire for somewhat more interactive discussions, I would like to thank Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), for circulating the elements of his statement in advance, which enabled us to prepare for this debate. His efforts are very much appreciated. I would also like to underline what the President said about Mr. Lajcak being a natural bridge between the OSCE and the United Nations, given his former and current roles.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“I would also like to commend ASEAN's neighbours, in particular China, its largest neighbour, for their role. The representative of China said no pressure should be brought to bear. I would say that China should do its utmost to encourage the Government of Myanmar to do the homework the international community expects it to do. I would like to thank the President of the Council and his team. I will not be long because we would like to go to your party later, Sir. You leave big shoes for the French and German presidencies to fill in March and April.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Those responsible for the terrible crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice, including the military responsible for them. We have to make progress on the issue. The mechanism must be complementary. In that context and because women were especially targeted in such crimes, I fully support the proposal made by our French colleague to have Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, brief the Council on what is being done to alleviate the suffering of the victims. Last but not least, I would like to thank my colleague from Indonesia, a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for all of ASEAN's efforts. I think it is wonderful that ASEAN is active and plays a key role.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“I would like to touch upon one of the activities underlined by the Special Envoy - one which I believe is key - and that is taking into consideration the many ethnic groups in the country in order to establish a sustained intercommunal dialogue. We must strengthen mutual understanding among the various ethnic groups. The Rohingya must be accepted on an equal basis with the other population groups. The hatred that the majority of the population has expressed towards the Rohingya must cease. I come back to what I said earlier today about accountability in Syria. There is no need for me to go into detail. My colleagues from Belgium, the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom have all stressed the importance of accountability.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Under such circumstances, providing proper education to the many children living there is quite a challenge. If they are not educated, they will become radicalized. What kind of generation will grow up there? There are no jobs. We must therefore do everything possible to allow the refugees to return. When I say that we must do everything possible, it means we must have the proper conditions. There can be no alternative to the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the refugees. They must have their legal documents, including those that prove their citizenship, and they must also be able to move around freely.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“He recalled the trip that the Security Council made last year to see at first hand the conflict, the suffering of the people and the situation in Cox's Bazar. We must admit that almost one year later, we have made hardly any progress. I would also echo those who have expressed gratitude to Bangladesh. I would like to thank Bangladesh, through its Foreign Secretary. Bangladesh has a number of challenges in hosting the refugees and the fact that it continues to do so warrants our gratitude. We are afraid that, perhaps in a year or two or three, we will still be meeting to discuss the refugees in Cox's Bazar. We have heard that the situation there is extremely dire. The risk is that those in the camps will radicalize and become more extreme.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“Let me too start by expressing my gratitude for the briefing the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar. I commend her for all her efforts over the past month. As I said earlier today, with regard to the new Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Syria (see S/PV.8475), it is so important that he be in contact with all of the parties involved. From what has been said and what we have heard, I congratulate Ms. Schraner Burgener on building the necessary contacts to open her Office in the capital of Myanmar. As we know, Myanmar is a rather reclusive country. Entering the country and being accepted as a partner is very important. I would also like to recognize the positive steps that have been taken. However, I would like to again touch on remarks made by my Kuwaiti colleague in his intervention.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8477 (2019) · source
“We appreciate his mentioning civil society and that he wants to engage the latter in finding a political solution. My last point concerns the humanitarian situation. Germany is among the largest donors of humanitarian aid. My Polish colleague just mentioned that the European Union (EU) has scheduled another donors' conference for March. The EU is the largest donor of humanitarian aid and will also potentially be a major donor in terms of reconstruction. In that regard, we would have liked to demonstrate to our colleagues in the Security Council what Brussels can do by taking a trip there next month. In any case, I can only repeat what my French and Polish colleagues said, which is that we will participate in reconstruction only with a credible and inclusive political process and transition under way.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“We fully support the decision made by Staffan de Mistura at that time to reject the proposals made by the Astana group concerning the third list. It is very important that, with regard to the constitutional committee, we have a credible, balanced and inclusive committee, because we need that as a basis for the political process. In that context, I wish the Special Envoy good luck in achieving that goal. I would also encourage him, in putting the list, together to ensure that women are represented. Thirty per cent representation would be a minimal amount, as they represent 50 per cent of the population. I think that it should be 50 per cent, but 30 per cent would already be a positive step. We know, after all, that the women and children have suffered most in the conflict and that they have to be represented.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“With regard to confidence-building measures, we therefore have to do more so that additional detainees are released, those abducted are freed and we enjoy further clarity concerning missing persons. With regard to returns, we need those confidence-building measures. People will come home only if they know that there is no torture, that there is no use of chemical weapons, that there will be no forced recruitment and that their homes are not expropriated. Among the priorities that the Special Envoy mentioned, I wanted to highlight the constitutional committee. I think that that is extremely important. I agree with my Russian colleague, who, with regard to the third list, mentioned the unpleasant circumstances of December 2018. Perhaps, we have a different interpretation of that.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Germany is now prosecuting members of the Syrian regime who have been accused of abhorrent crimes. It is necessary that we stop impunity, and Germany fully supports the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. As in other crises and conflicts, no lasting reconciliation will be possible without an end to impunity. Let me also highlight the need at this stage for confidence-building measures. I believe that the Special Envoy mentioned the releases of 42 detainees. The Russian Ambassador also welcomed that. I believe that Russia will continue to exert pressure on the Syrian regime so that there are additional releases.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Let me too welcome the new Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. As our Polish colleague just remarked, his briefing was very clear. He has a very clear methodological approach, and I can only say that we stand fully behind the five priorities he presented. I believe that, on the basis of resolution 2254 (2019) and under United Nations leadership, there is a window of opportunity to find a solution to this terrible conflict. Let me also echo what my Belgian colleague highlighted - that what is key is to gain the confidence of all of the participants, which is the basis for Mr. Pedersen's success. From a German perspective, and as a number of colleagues from Kuwait, France, Belgium and Poland have added, there needs to be a fifth priority - accountability. Reconciliation in Syria will not be possible without accountability.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“We also support the declaration made by the Lima Group, which I wish to quote, "for a process of peaceful transition through political and diplomatic means without the use of force". We therefore renew our call for the restoration of a democratic process and constitutional order through free, transparent and credible presidential elections, and we support Juan Guaido in conducting that process towards a lasting peace, based on democratic values and respect for the rights and freedoms of the Venezuelan people.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“I do agree with my South African colleague and others that we must prevent any politicization of the delivery of humanitarian assistance. That will not lead to anything positive and undermines the safety and security of humanitarian workers. This is a historic moment for Venezuela and we must not leave its people to feel alone. Humanitarian aid must get there, in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Let me briefly turn to the political situation. I simply want to echo what my French and Belgian colleagues said earlier. The European Union, through its International Contact Group, stands ready to provide support. There can only be a political solution and we reject the use of force.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, gave a terrible description of the current situation in the country. I predict - as my Polish colleague has also predicted - that the representative of the Maduro regime will deny what is happening and say that they are not oppressing, that there are no arbitrary detentions, that there are no irregular armed groups and that there is freedom of speech. But they must look into our eyes and say that they know that there are children dying as a result of not having any nourishment; that there is maternal mortality, as the Under-Secretary-General stated; and that there are many people dying from preventable causes. The most important thing now is to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance into the country.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“First, as I mentioned last time, there are 3.4 million refugees across the border, now living in the border areas of Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador, affecting stability, wealth and conditions in those countries. The representatives of those countries will speak later to confirm that having all of those people fleeing Venezuela to their territories is a threat to them. Secondly - and I thought we would have agreed on this - human rights are not solely an internal affair, but rather, and I quote from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations". I would have thought that, given South Africa's background, it would have supported the view that it is very important to respect human rights and that if human rights are blatantly violated, then we must look to address that.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source