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

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

“One month ago, we reminded delegations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and said that there were blatant violations of the Universal Declaration (see S/PV.8452). Yet here we sit, one month later, and the situation continues. The Maduro regime has become even more cynical, and I refer to the example that the representative of the United States used in his statement, in which he said that Maduro is dancing while children and people were dying and suffering because they do not have anything to eat or any medical supplies. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for putting this on the Council's agenda today. I disagree with my South African friend i I think that this issue belongs on the Council's agenda. It is a threat to international peace and security for two reasons.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“I do not want to get into the arguments made by our Russian colleague, but I would have liked to hear more about the activities of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which is in the country.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“With regard to MINUSCA, I would also like to thank all the troops and Blue Helmets for all that they have done and for what they have suffered in very difficult circumstances. The report of the Secretary- General (S/2019/147) mentions attacks in Batangafo and Alindao, in which there were many civilian victims. In that context, I would like to emphasize the importance for the Blue Helmets, in accordance with their mandate, to truly protect civilians, including children, and to combat sexual violence during the Central African conflict. Unfortunately, that is not the only case. There are too many women who have been victims of sexual violence. I would like to thank France for supporting MINUSCA. We have just heard that the show of force by the French troops was significant.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Apparently, there are many rumours circulating in the country. The importance of truly communicating the substance of the Agreement to the entire country is therefore very important. In terms of priorities, the implementation of the agreement is of course essential. However, in our view, the fight against impunity is also of great importance. I believe that to really succeed in a true reconciliation in the country, there must be justice. To that end, the establishment of the Special Criminal Court is highly relevant. I believe that it is vital that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) support the work of the Court and its investigators.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“In that context, as colleagues said earlier, I would to emphasize that there must be an end to child recruitment. Going forward, it is very important to have a robust follow-up process. As Mr. Koen Vervaeke said in his statement, I, too, would like to stress that the follow-up process must be inclusive and comprise all stakeholders, in particular women. In that context, I wish to congratulate the Central African Republic on having a woman Minister for Foreign Affairs. Women and civil society must be a part of the process. My colleague Omar Hilale described in his briefing the strong desire for peace and justice among the population. I think that that is very significant, and I would like to pledge our full support for his recommendations, of which I would like to mention one, namely, communication about the Agreement.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“I also want to commend the cooperation between the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations. I believe that the work that the European Union is doing in training security forces is very important. Cooperation among the countries of the region is also crucial. All of that does indeed represent success for multilateralism. Secondly, as Mr. Chergui stated with regard to the Agreement, we have completed only the first stage. That means that we must now truly move towards its comprehensive and genuine implementation. To that end, as all my colleagues have emphasized, it is very important that there now be a real cessation ofhostilities and for disarmament, reintegration and repatriation to take place. I think that cooperation between the forces and the various armed groups, as well as joint patrols, are also very important.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Mr. Heusgen (Germany) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to acknowledge all of this morning's briefers, and in particular I want to thank Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga for his work and to wish his successor good luck. I would like to begin by underscoring something in Mr. Sma'il Chergui's briefing, in which he said that the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic of 6 February was a success for multilateralism. I would like to emphasize that and the examples he gave of the close cooperation between himself and Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and between the African Union and the United Nations generally. I believe that is extremely important and an example for all of our work in Africa.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Beyond the humanitarian aid, the people must see that the political process will bear fruit, that there will be stabilization in the country and that there will be funds for getting it back on its feet.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“Lastly, with respect to the humanitarian situation, the figures remain horrendous, with 20 million people suffering from malnourishment and 250,000 people's lives endangered, as Mr. Lowcock said. That must change. I also agree with Mr. Meza-Cuadra that, in our work on the humanitarian situation, we must concentrate on women and children and ensure that sexual violence against women be placed high on the agenda. In terms of Geneva, Germany will again pledge substantially, and we call on all partners to do the same. At this stage, I want to join my French colleague in highlighting the peace support facility, to which Germany has already contributed.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“Moreover, with regard to notjust this peace process but all processes, I want to again repeat what I said the last time (see S/PV.8441), it is very important that the interests of women, youth and underrepresented groups be addressed, especially children. I would like to echo and again support what Mr. Lowcock said about the recruitment of youth: what is happening there is unacceptable, and that should also be a criterion for our sanctions work. Everyone around the table has said that there is no alternative but to move towards a political process. That also means that everyone around the table agrees that there is no military solution to the problem, and therefore, instead of investing in arms, we should invest more in responding to the plea by Mr. Lowcock for humanitarian support.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“Griffiths underscored in his briefing, I also welcome the need and objective of engaging in the political process, which is extremely important; we must move in that direction. It is essential for the political process to produce a comprehensive solution. What does that mean? We must ensure that all groups are included in the process. I believe that Mr. Griffiths mentioned that the southern groups have already expressed interest in such a process. In this very complicated country, we must consider all those groups. Some have mentioned that there is a flare-up of some conflict in the Hajjah governorate. I believe that it is paramount for all underrepresented groups to be part and parcel of the political process, and that their interests be taken into consideration.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“Having listened to everyone's statements, I believe we really have a consensus around the table, which is a very positive thing. I too would like to thank Mr. Lowcock, Mr. Griffiths and General Lollesgaard for their untiring engagement, and we welcome the progress that has been made, including with regard to the exchange of prisoners. While of course we are not there yet, those efforts must continue in order to make this process irreversible, as our French colleague just said. We must move towards the next round and work to ensure that all the remaining bureaucratic obstacles are overcome. Mr. Lowcock cited several concrete examples as to how that could be done. Demining must also be stepped up so that we can actually access the food that is in the Red Sea Mills. As Mr.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source
“I heard the pleas from both the Ukrainian Ambassador and our Russian colleague - at length - to consider the 4 million people in Donbas. To hark back to what some of our briefers, particularly on humanitarian issues, said earlier, why is it not possible to do something practical and, after this meeting, send a message home and say that tomorrow in the Trilateral Contact Group, with Ambassador Sajdik, they are determined to work on fixing the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska. If they could do just that one thing - engage there and get the bridge done, which I believe the International Committee of the Red Cross is ready to do it immediately - and demonstrate some political commitment and compassion for the people, we really will have achieved something during these three hours.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The Normandy format remains committed to the agreements and we want them to be successful. We are therefore ready to work on the issue, not least for the benefit of the people who are suffering terribly.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“I do not understand why it is not possible to have an agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the Stanytsia Luhanska pedestrian bridge, which was mentioned by all of the briefers. There are reports about the situation there and how old people have to cross it. I would ask the Ukrainian Ambassador, in View of his statement, to make a commitment that everything will be done to ensure that the bridge again becomes operational. The exchange ofprisoners and hostages, which was possible at the end of 2017 with 300 people, should be possible now. The essential infrastructure should be spared and repaired, as mentioned previously. The Minsk agreements have been severely criticized and there is every reason for such criticism because the original sin occurred in their implementation. Nonetheless, it is the only show in town.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The mandate for it was proposed by Russia and states that United Nations peacekeepers should protect the Special Monitoring Mission. I think that is a joke; for it to have free access and be able to move around freely would require just one phone call from the Russian President. We are ready for the United Nations, but it has to have a serious mission. Let me briefly turn to the worst outcome of what happened in Ukraine - the humanitarian situation in Crimea and Donbas. Ursula Mueller painted a terrible picture of what is happening there: many dead, injured, sick and impoverished and families separated; industry more or less destroyed; mines flooded and huge environmental risks. I think what should be done now is to consider the humanitarian issues.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Russian-supported elections on 11 November last year again demonstrated that Russia is not ready to adhere to the Minsk package. There is distrust in Ukraine but, nevertheless, the Rada adopted a number of important of very important elements of the Minsk agreements. There was a first reading of the constitutional amendments on decentralization. The law on the special status and the amnesty law were adopted. They are all key elements. It was extremely difficult to convince the members of the Rada and receive the necessary support. Germany, together with France, will continue to be active and to support in the Normandy format all efforts to broker a ceasefire and reach a solution. We are also ready to support the idea of a United Nations mission, which was discussed.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“And that is, in a way, the original sin committed when it comes to the implementation ofthe Minsk agreements. Together with my French colleague at the time, I visited Ukraine several times. We went to the Rada and spoke with the members of Parliament about adopting laws and so on. The scepticism was very palpable. There was no trust that Russia would do its part after having committed the original sin of not honouring the ceasefire. We have seen no withdrawal of heavy weapons to date. Ambassador Apakan also highlighted that, with regard to the section of the Minsk package pertaining free access to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, it is in particular in the occupied territory of Ukraine where the Monitoring Mission does not have free access.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The Russian army wanted to have it as late as possible. The members of the Normandy format, in particular the non-Russians, insisted on an early ceasefire. In the end, the ceasefire was agreed on the morning of 12 February 2015, following some back and forth between Mr. Zakharchenko and Mr. Plotnitsky, who signed the agreement. It was set to start on 15 February at midnight. I agree with Vassily's logic: you have to see the package of measures in sequence. The first paragraph stipulates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire as of 15 February 2015. The ceasefire never happened, because the Russian military was actually right and they were unable to reach Debaltseve at the time stipulated in the agreement. It took them several days to arrive. Instead of having a ceasefire, Russian troops continued until they finally occupied Debaltseve.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Subsequently, in a decree issued in May 2015, President Putin banned reports about the death of members of the Defence Ministry in peace time. That is how the situation was handled in Russia. Let us now turn to Minsk and the historical circumstances. I do not know if it is a privilege, but I was in Minsk and in negotiations for approximately 16 hours. There were several items on the agenda. I will recap some of them. The key element at that stage was the issue of the ceasefire. Russian troops were advancing in Donbas at that time. They went beyond the lines stipulated in the previous Minsk agreement and attempted to occupy the city of Debaltseve, which is a cross point for roads and trains and of strategic importance. The main discussion was focused on when the ceasefire would take place.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Russian soldiers were directly involved, both in the occupation of Luhansk and of Donetsk. There is a Russian television documentary that clearly states that, on 23 February 2014, President Putin ordered the security services to retake Crimea. Crimea is still occupied. Donbas is still occupied - by "little green men"- and its fate lies in their hands: Russian soldiers. In 2014 and 2015, when it became increasingly clear that many Russian soldiers had been killed, there was a great deal of criticism on social media in Russia. Then, in August 2014, Russia banned the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers of St. Petersburg and declared it a foreign agent. There were many complaints about Russian soldiers engaged in Donbas.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We have seen what has happened since then with regard to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and what that means for disarmament worldwide and for the rules- based international order and international law. Our Russian partners continue to violate international law. The Treaty between the Russian Federation and Ukraine on Cooperation in the Use of the Sea of Azov is the most recent text in which it is clear that the freedom of navigation is guaranteed. Ukrainian soldiers - marines - who relied on the freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov, are imprisoned to this day, which is a violation of international law. Over the years, our Russian friends have said - and Vassily has said - that it was an internal coup to overthrow the Government. However, we must be aware of the fact that it was a Russian invasion.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Nebenzia that direct meetings are actually taking place in those working groups, and that is where the discussions with the different parties to the conflict are being held, or should be. When I heard that our Russian friends had put this subject on the agenda, I did not feel uncomfortable either, in fact quite the contrary. Exactly four years after the signing of the Minsk agreements, I believe it is quite right that we should discuss the situation. But that is not the only anniversary of note right now. In particular, this year we are marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Budapest Memorandum. For those who do not know what that is, it was signed in 1994. At the time Ukraine still had nuclear weapons, and it gave them up in exchange for Russia's guarantee of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Listening to Ambassador Nebenzia, I was left with the impression that it was Ukraine that had invaded Russia, not Russia that invaded Ukraine. At the outset, I would like to thank all the briefers - Mr. Jenea, Ms. Mueller, Ambassador Apakan and Ambassador Sajdik. I would particularly like to thank Mr. Apakan for his five years or more of work with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. What the monitors have accomplished in extremely difficult circumstances over those years is incredible. I would also like to thank Mr. Sajdik, who once again expressed his commitment to the Minsk process, the Trilateral Contact Group and the working groups. I would like to remind Mr.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The only way that Serbia will enter the European Union is if the normalization dialogue is successful and by recognizing Kosovo. By travelling to various countries to encourage them to withdraw their recognition of Kosovo, he is shooting himselfin the foot. I still do not understand the logic of it because I have always believed that Serbia wanted to join the European Union. Lastly, with regard to the Brussels dialogue and the Brussels Agreement, nothing in the Agreement mentions border adjustments, border changes or territory swaps. Germany does not think that such ideas contribute to a solution. We believe that such efforts are risky and could destabilize the entire region.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“At the same time, with regard to Serbia, the President of Serbia has launched a very good initiative to create a free-trade zone in the Balkans. Not allowing Kosovar products into Serbia is at variance with that initiative. With regard to the Serbian initiative, in his intervention Mr. Dacie mentioned that there have been 13 withdrawals of recognition. From reports, I also know that Ivica Dacie has travelled to some ofthose countries. He has made some beautiful trips to the Caribbean and the Pacific islands, but I do not understand the logic behind that. The Kosovo declaration of independence was recognized by the International Court of Justice as being in conformity with international law. There is an independent Kosovo.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Tomorrow, Germany will host an Arria Formula meeting on that issue and on the very important question of accountability. Let me briefly turn to the normalization dialogue. We think - and both briefers have stated - that the European perspective is very important. Special Representative Tanin also said that the European perspective is very important for Kosovo. I do not understand how the issues that have been discussed are in conformity with the European perspective. First of all, with regard to the Kosovo Government, we look forward to Kosovo becoming a member of the European Union and to the removal of tariffs and trade barriers. Tariffs on products from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are at odds with the European perspective and I would urge that they be removed.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Therefore, in our opinion, it is time for a strategic assessment of UNMIK and we should align the Mission to the situation on the ground. As I said, many or all of the tasks can be taken over by other institutions. I would like to highlight one point in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/102) that we find very important. It is that Kosovo has made significant progress in recognizing the survivors of conflict- related sexual violence. We welcome that survivor- centred approach as a positive example for others in the region and beyond to follow. We believe that it is very important that we look at the victims of violence, in particular women, in the various conflicts on the Council's agenda, from South Sudan to Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We always see that women are the victims and we must take care of them.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Nonetheless, we have it. Therefore, I do not see the importance of having such discussions, in particular on UNMIK, here in the Council. I would like to thank Mr. Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and his team for their work and for the briefing. I listened very carefully to what he said. Unfortunately, he also stated that there are many antagonistic gestures and many things that can and should be improved. He pointed to the work being done and we very much support the person-to-person contacts, youth exchanges and the participation of women and empowerment of women leaders. That is all very important. We believe that it can all be taken over either by the Kosovar institutions themselves or by other international organizations.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“As we sat around the table to discuss the programme of work on Monday, I wondered why you, Sir, were so insistent about convening today's debate on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We have already heard 46 minutes worth of statements. It has been very repetitious; much of it we have heard before. I think we have found a very good solution for reducing the amount of discussion we have around the table on the issue. I would subscribe to everything that my colleague of the United Kingdom, Ms. Pierce, has said with regard to developments in the country and only reiterate that Kosovo has made considerable progress since 2008. With respect to dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, we have the Brussels dialogue, facilitated by the European Union, although it is not making the kind of progress we want.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“They include challenging humanitarian situations, high numbers of displaced people, the surge in terrorist activities and the devastating effects of climate change on the livelihoods of millions, only to name a few of the root causes. In conclusion, the topic of mercenaries serves as a very good example of the urgent need for the Security Council to move towards a more thematic, preventive and cross-cutting discussion on threats to international peace and security. The root causes of violence and conflict deserve the focused attention of the Council, and we remain committed to their presence on the agenda.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“I also want to mention last year's General Assembly resolution on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, which now serves as a good point of reference and stresses "the importance of addressing the socioeconomic dimension of youth unemployment, as well as facilitating the enhanced participation of youth in decision-making processes" (General Assembly resolution 72/31], para. 32). Lastly, in line with our strategic focus on prevention, the importance of which the President of Equatorial Guinea mentioned, we must address the conditions that are conducive to mercenarism in the Central African region and beyond.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“We also must prevent abuse, strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as promote transparency, the principle of the rule of law and effective regulation of the commercial military and security providers. In that context, I would also like to highlight the international code of conduct and the Montreux Document, the adoption of which was actively supported by Germany, and we encourage all States and stakeholders to align themselves with those documents. Sixthly, we must provide a secure space in which young people can work peacefully towards their own future, thereby reducing the appeal of mercenary groups as an employer for disillusioned youth. We can build on efforts that have already been undertaken, such as the SDGs, as I already mentioned.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“That must explicitly include instances where mercenaries act at the direction of a State. Fifthly, on private military and security companies, they must be distinguished from mercenary activities. Many of those companies follow legitimate objectives. But I would like to return to what Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat clearly said earlier, that private military and security companies pose many challenges. A number of colleagues around the table also mentioned concrete cases, including the representatives of France, Poland and the United Kingdom. We have to make sure that private military and security companies follow legitimate objectives.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“With respect to sanctions specifically, designation criteria exist within the United Nations that can serve as the basis for the listing of individuals involved in mercenary activities, including, for example, criteria related to human rights violations. Fourthly, on accountability, we must ensure that human rights violations and abuses committed by mercenaries are duly investigated and that those ultimately responsible are held accountable. I am very encouraged that, for instance, the Foreign Minister of Cote d'Ivoire, who I would like to welcome here, also underscored the importance of punishment. Our Russian colleague also mentioned the importance of prosecution. We need to enhance the capacity and responsiveness of national and international criminal justice systems and national and regional human rights mechanisms.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“That plan is also part ofthe AU's Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative, which we applaud. Germany strongly supports all activities in that context. We are working with the African Union to cut the flow of arms into areas of conflict, improve control over arms and ammunition in fragile States and train a new generation of experts to take the lead in arms control. We therefore very much look forward to the discussion to be held at the end of your presidency, Mr. President, on the subject of silencing the guns. We also look forward to supporting you, Sir, and lending our support to your activities with a view to adopting a draft resolution on the issue. Thirdly, I would like to underline the role of sanctions and expert monitoring as a concrete response to mercenary activity.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“Security sector reform, capacity-building and training are, in our View, key instruments for progress. Secondly, with regard to non-proliferation and disarmament, weapons and ammunition are the hard fuel of conflicts, and their illicit flow is certainly an important source for mercenaries. Non-proliferation and disarmament are therefore important elements in the strategy to stop mercenary activities. Under the leadership of the African Union (AU) and in close cooperation with Africa's subregional organizations - such as the Southern African Development Community, the Economic Community of West African States and the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States - a continental plan of action for the control of small arms and light weapons was developed.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“In his statement, the Secretary-General made a very strong point of reminding us that the monopoly over the use of force should reside with national Governments, and not with mercenaries. We should enable State actors and security forces to effectively provide security for the population throughout the entire territory, while of course respecting human rights and the dignity of individuals. We need strong, capable security institutions that follow the rule of law. We need to strengthen the security sector arrangements through various initiatives, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which was also highlighted by my United Kingdom colleague, United Nations regional envoys and, more broadly, regional and subregional cooperation.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“In looking at the root causes, we see that one of the main reasons for joining a mercenary group is the lack of economic alternatives and opportunities, especially for young people. In addition, the lines between mercenary groups, organized crime and terrorist groups are blurred. I believe that we have to be honest and admit that any solution to this challenge will not be found overnight. There are no easy solutions to the problem of mercenaries in Africa. That is why we need to take a more nuanced and long-term approach. From Germany's perspective, there are six potential strategies for addressing the problem. The first involves enabling State actors and security forces.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, referred to the "scourge of mercenaries" in describing and summarizing their activities. I believe that that is absolutely the right description and, as we have heard in the discussion around the table so far, there is strong unity among Member States. Everyone recognizes that not only do mercenary activities pose a threat to regional stability and security in Central Africa but they also represent a symptom ofbroader trends in conflict situations - they are exacerbated by, and are closely linked with, trends related to terrorism, violent extremism and national organized crime, including trafficking in weapons.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. I wish you and your team good luck in the coming months. Let me also commend you, Sir, on the initial statement that you delivered and the very concrete example of your own country and how mercenaries have threatened its security. I would also like to thank the Dominican Republic for its accomplishments as the previous President of the Security Council in January and to commend the representative of the Dominican Republic for the statement on mercenaries that he just delivered, which included an impressive list of the behaviour of mercenaries, in particular towards women and children, which he aptly described as "barbaric". Mr.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“I do not want to prolong the meeting. I would just like to respond to my Russian colleague. Unfortunately, in his intervention he did not respond to any of my comments on the serious human rights violations. He mentioned that 22,000 demonstrators took to the streets in France, but not that more than 3.3 million Venezuelans fled their country because of the situation.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Until then, there is only one credible and legitimate institution, that is, the National Assembly, which was democratically elected. That is why Germany supports the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido', as the representative of that institution, and his call for new elections in order to re-establish constitutional order in Venezuela. Germany, along with the United Kingdom and France, expects the holding of free, transparent and credible elections. If such a step is not announced within eight days, then we are ready to recognize Juan Guaido as interim President. Germany will not leave the Venezuelan people alone.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“We call on all stakeholders to respect the Venezuelan Constitution and the National Assembly. That is the only democratically elected institution, the constitutional powers of which must be respected. On President Maduro and his election: he was not freely elected. To quote the Organization of American States (OAS), "we do not recognize Mr. Maduro as the legitimate President of Venezuela." The OAS also called the Maduro election day an "infamous day for democracy in the Americas". A further quotation from the OAS stated that "there can be no democracy without elections, but Maduro showed that elections can be held without democracy." In conclusion, we urge all parties to refrain from the use of force. We call for the organization of free and fair elections, with international observers and all candidates allowed to run for office.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Let me repeat what the High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, said yesterday. She urged the Venezuelan authorities to exercise restraint and respect everyone's fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression, issuing a reminder that excessive and disproportionate or indiscriminate use of force is clearly and unequivocally prohibited under international law. I would also like to support what Ms. Bachelet demanded, and what Ms. DiCarlo said at the beginning of this meeting, which is that the violent deaths that have occurred over the past days must be the subject of independent and impartial investigations. Given the massive violations of human rights and the threats to international peace and security, it is right that the Council discusses this. What needs to be done?”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Article 25, paragraph 1, of the Declaration states: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services." Sadly, at this moment we have to say that does not hold true for the people of Venezuela, where a box of pills costs more than the monthly minimum wage, and baby formula costs more than two months' salary. Protesting against such an impossible situation can land a person in jail in Venezuela. We also heard the reports coming out of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights about the detentions that have taken place during the past few days, as well as about the deaths of more than 20 people.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Let me recall what led to this massive movement of refugees: it is the severe violation of international law, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms continue to be violated. This is a situation where women and children in particular are most affected. The Russian representative mentioned Roosevelt. Let me come back to Eleanor Roosevelt. She inspired the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“We have the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia here, who will say later on what the situation means for his country. The same holds true for Brazil. I think we should really commend those countries for what they are doing: hosting the people who have fled their country because the living circumstances are what they are in Venezuela. Germany stands in solidarity with Venezuela's neighbours. They bear the burden of receiving the displaced population in dire need of shelter and humanitarian assistance. Germany commends their tireless efforts and commitment to providing a safe haven for those who seek refuge from the catastrophic humanitarian conditions and the lack of food and health services in Venezuela.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Although far from the region, he clearly said that preventive diplomacy is something that we have to put on the agenda of the Security Council. That was also said by our colleagues from Peru and France. There is a potential threat to international peace and security, and it is right, with regard to conflict prevention, that the Security Council deal with this issue. In the statement made by the representative of Russia, I did not hear anything about the South American countries that are suffering right now. We have heard the figures, and I would like also to thank Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. We have heard the figures about the impact of the crisis on the region. More than 3 million Venezuelans have fled their country. Peru is taking care of 700,000 refugees.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Germany very much appreciates the fact that this item is on the agenda today. With respect to what my Russian colleague said at the beginning of this meeting - that this item was put on the agenda by the United States - I want to remind him that this item was put on the agenda by the South American countries in the Council - Peru and the Dominican Republic - and the United States. It is therefore not only the concern of the United States. Rather, it is clearly also the concern of the countries in the region. Moreover, with regard to the question of whether this issue is a threat to international peace and security, the Russian representative probably heard the statement by the Ambassador of Kuwait.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source