YouSaid · the spoken record

Hoxha

lines on the record: 1,795
first: 2014-02-19
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 264
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

“Otherwise they would only hear about the fictional Ukrainian genocide in Donbas, which never happened; about Ukraine attacking Russia, which never happened; or about Russia winning the war, which is not happening. The protection of civilians should remain a top priority. Yet, as bombardments intensify, fuelled by the anger caused by the heroic Ukrainian resistance, we are also worried about the destruction of cultural heritage. Indiscriminate bombardments have already destroyed architectural ensembles in Kharkhiv and risk inflicting irreparable damage to Ukraine’s wider cultural heritage. Such heritage is a testimony to the past, as well as a vector of peace for the future, which Russia is assaulting. Let me conclude with the cry of a woman, Oleksandra, living in Kharkhiv. It was last week and I do not know whether she is still alive.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“With the latest measures taken by the Parliament, authorities in Russia have shut down foreign broadcasters, whose work has become impossible under the law that criminalizes independent reporting in the country. The last major local independent broadcasters, the Dozhd television network and Echo Moskvy radio station, were shut down last week. We know from our own terrible communist past that attacking freedom of information in that way is the first sign of a dictatorship. When a Government is afraid of its own people, it has a fundamental problem. Russian citizens have the right to know why their country attacked its neighbour, they need to be informed about the actions of their army against the people of Ukraine. Mothers must know why their sons are dying and Russians deserve better than doctored propaganda.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“The Russian side must stop ignoring the appeals of international humanitarian organizations, in particular the International Committee of the Red Cross, to cease fire in order to create safe conditions for the departure of civilians and wounded, without discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality or migration status. Differentiation among people, on any grounds, especially on the basis of race or ethnicity, is legally unjustifiable and morally and ethically unacceptable. There is a devastating bloody war on the ground, but there is another nasty war in the background. The latter concerns information. We remain worried about developments within Russia itself with regard to freedom of information.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“Russia’s actions are a gross violation of the Geneva Conventions and are classified as a war crime under the Rome Statute. It must be made clear that if anyone in Russia thinks that what they are doing in Ukraine is a rendezvous with history and that they will get away with atrocities and crimes against humanity, they must think twice. There will be accountability. Albania was among 38 countries to refer Ukraine to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. We fully support his work to gather proof and document crimes committed to present them to the Court. It is therefore urgent to open secure humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of medicines and food.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“The escalating aggression in Ukraine has been terrifying, especially for children. Tens of thousands of children have seen their daily lives and routines shattered. Thousands are separated from their families, in shock and desperate for safety. That is what Russia is doing. I therefore have some very simple direct questions. What in the world can justify exposing children to such extreme violence and unbearable levels of fear and anxiety? Where is the humanity of a great nation? Where is the responsibility of a great Power? Where are the commitments of a permanent member of this organ? Does international humanitarian law continue to have any meaning for Russia today? The answers lie under the blood of innocent Ukrainians.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“Even diplomatic representation is not spared, as happened today with our own honorary consulate in Kharkiv. The huge humanitarian needs across the country are multiplying by the hour. Hundreds of thousands are without safe drinking water because of damage to system infrastructure and many have been cut off from access to other essential services like health care. More than 1.5 million people are on the move, searching for shelter and safety, including in neighbouring countries. Families have been walking long distances in freezing temperatures to find shelter, most of them in neighbouring countries. Half of them are children. We applaud the way in which Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Slovakia have responded in welcoming and sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced people. They must not be left alone.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“In less than two weeks, Russia has managed to create out of nothing and for no reason the fastest and largest mass refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War. We were told that the so-called special operation — the domestic nickname and the new Russian definition for aggression — would not target civilians. In reality, civilians are assaulted and trapped under the rubble. Toddlers are sheltering in cellars and subway tunnels, and as we saw last week, nuclear power plants are under the threat of deliberate or accidental attacks. Fuelled by anger, owing to the heroic Ukrainian resistance, the civilian population, civilian infrastructure, residential areas, schools and hospitals — everything, as we heard — have become a target.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“I thank Executive Director Russell and welcome her to the Security Council. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for his sobering and painful briefing. In addition, I thank them both for everything that they and their teams are doing in meeting as far as they can the huge and increasing humanitarian needs in Ukraine. Today marks the twelfth day of the unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine — the war of choice — that is becoming a world obsession. As in every day of this senseless war, Ukraine and its brave citizens find themselves in the well-known sickening inevitability of every conflict. Civilians are killed, children are traumatized and women are suffering.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8988 (2022) · source
“For the purpose of accountability, we support the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in investigating and documenting crimes committed. As Dag Hammarskjöld famously said, the United Nations was not created to take humankind to heaven but to save it from hell. It falls upon the Council to do what it can and what is needed to save Ukraine, its people and the whole of Europe from the hell to which Russia is headed with its relentless aggression.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“It is important for the nuclear power plant to continue to be operated by its regular staff. We are very concerned about the reports from the operator that the situation remains difficult. We call on Russia to end its aggression, withdraw its troops from Ukraine, halt the use of force near any nuclear power plant, and any civilian infrastructure in general, and respect article 56 of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions. Attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes a crime and perpetrators must and will be held accountable. We welcome the establishment by the Human Rights Council of an international commission of inquiry to investigate war crimes committed in the aggression against Ukraine. Evidence must be gathered, documented and presented to the courts.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“We welcome the quick response of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IEAE) and the reassurance that we heard from Director Genera Grassi, with regard to operationalizing its Incident and Emergency Centre for a full response, owing to the gravity of the situation. They should be given urgent and unhindered access to verify and monitor the conditions and ensure that all safeguards are in place, as the situation remains very challenging. The Russian occupiers must immediately allow unfettered access for emergency service to the plant and whatever else is needed. We urge the IAEA to continue working closely with Ukraine with a view to providing maximum possible assistance to the country as it seeks to maintain nuclear safety and security in the current difficult circumstances.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“Thankfully, the huge blaze at the site of Europe’s largest nuclear power station was quickly extinguished, yet we remain gravely concerned, and it is alarming that Russian forces have captured the nuclear power plant. Russia’s grip on a plant that provides more than one-fifth of Ukraine’s electricity is a serious cause of concern that could have huge repercussions for civilians and Ukraine’s economy. Fighting at the plant or any other disturbance could cause a potential nuclear disaster or radioactive damage and have irreparable consequences for Europe’s environment. It is difficult not to recall the dreadful images of Chernobyl.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“All developments of the major geopolitical crisis, artificially created by Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine, indicate unmistakably that it is headed towards further escalation. The adoption of General Assembly resolution ES-11/1 by an overwhelming majority just two days ago told Russia that it could not take the world hostage. Unfortunately, that loud call by the world asking Russia to stop its aggression has not been heard in Moscow, and Russia remains defiant and is stubbornly descending into an abyss. The world was alarmed late last night by the news of the fire at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power station, caused by Russian shelling.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo , and we are happy that we could listen to Director General Grossi. I would like to reassure him of our full support in his efforts. Ten days into the so-called special operation — which, in reality, is Operation How To Invade Your Neighbour — and in the middle of a large-scale human tragedy, we are running towards an overall catastrophe, first, for Ukraine, as well as for Russia and, as we see every day, with serious implications for Europe at large. Thousands have been killed, including at least 2,000 civilians. According to United Nations reports, approximately 12 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and 1 million have already fled the country — the fastest and largest mass exodus of people in complex situations in decades.”
2022-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8986 (2022) · source
“As Prime Minister Rama announced last week, we are happy to shelter Ukrainians who have been forced to flee because of the war. Albania is participating in the wide array of sanctions recently adopted by the European Union and will close its airspace to all Russian operators except for flights conducted for emergency and humanitarian needs. We are working to provide assistance in the form of military and hospital supplies to Ukraine. The decisions and actions made in the coming days will directly affect the lives of millions of people. What is happening in Ukraine should not happen anywhere. We need peace, not war. We need friendship, not aggression. We will continue to stand with Ukraine.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source
“We support a strong and reinforced presence of the United Nations and humanitarian partners on the ground. We support ensuring safe, protected, unimpeded access for humanitarian workers and their deliveries to areas affected by conflict. Our message is clear. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected; security and access for humanitarian efforts must be guaranteed; safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and its people should remain a priority; international humanitarian law and international human rights law, in particular, the four Geneva Conventions and their first Additional Protocol, must be upheld; and human rights violations and other crimes must be documented for the purposes of accountability. We commend all the countries that are hosting refugees.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source
“Women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are currently the most in need. As the aggression goes on, civilians everywhere in Ukraine are terrified of what awaits them, wondering when rockets will fall on their roofs and in what other ways this absurd war will affect them. International law is clear about the fact that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes a serious crime and its perpetrators must be held accountable. There is no justification for this war, just as there is no justification for the destruction of bridges, the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and the launching of missiles in residential areas. We are happy to hear that despite the hostilities, the United Nations operation in Ukraine has expanded.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Griffiths and High Commissioner Grandi for their startling updates on the catastrophic situation unfolding in Ukraine. Russia’s unprovoked aggression is causing an unprecedented humanitarian situation in Ukraine on a scale that Europe has not seen in decades. We all know the toll of war. In every conflict, it is the civilian populations that bear the worst of the consequences and pay the highest price. Conflicts mean innocent victims, destruction, displacement, refugees and severe human suffering, and those who initiate conflicts know that. As we have heard, the situation is alarming. Mr. Grandi mentioned the staggering numbers of hundreds of thousands of people on the move in and out of Ukraine, and all of it happening in just a few days.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8983 (2022) · source
“We remain convinced that the early conclusion of the investigations into the use of chemical weapons in Syria will enable the Council to more effectively support the Syrian people in their quest for a peaceful and better future.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“We are waiting for the planned meeting between the OPCW Director-General and the Syrian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to take place as soon as possible. If we must wait months for such a meeting take place, what does that say about everything else? We demand the full and unconditional cooperation of the Syrian authorities with the OPCW Technical Secretariat and reject any effort to discredit or politicize its work. Syria does not have the right to decide on the rules of procedure and is not entitled to decide on the selection of inspectors. Albania reiterates its strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by any actor under any circumstances and believes that the Security Council must maintain its strong and clear message on upholding the international ban on chemical weapons.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“To date and following the numerous reports — the current one is the hundredth — there is no reason to believe that Syria’s chemical weapons programme has been destroyed. The briefing that we have just heard this morning reinforces the certainty that the chemical weapons and their components in Syria have not been placed under international control. The most recent OPCW report (S/2022/76, annex) continues to assess that, at this stage, owing to identified gaps, inconsistencies and unresolved discrepancies — precisely the same ones that were clearly indicated before, which I will not quote, as the report is clear on that — the declaration submitted by the Syrian Arab Republic on 17 January cannot be considered accurate and complete in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“Mr. Hoxha (Albania) (spoke in French): I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. We have just heard once again, unfortunately and not surprisingly, the overwhelming evidence of a deliberate lack of cooperation on the part of Syria to respond to the clear requests in resolution 2118 (2013). We commend the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its Technical Secretariat to shed light on the irrefutable use of chemical and biological weapons in Syria. Paragraph 7 of the resolution requires Syria to accept personnel designated by the OPCW by providing immediate and unfettered access necessary for carrying out their duties. That is not the case and we regret that.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8982 (2022) · source
“Albania believe that the text supports an inclusive, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process, as well as the work of the mandate of the Special Envoy. We look forward to the full implementation of this resolution to further guarantee more security for Yemen, its people and the whole region.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8981 (2022) · source
“Albania welcomes the adoption of resolution 2624 (2022), which we supported. We commend the penholder, the United Kingdom, for the excellent work on the text and congratulate the members of the Security Council on the outcome. We welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), which I am honoured to chair, and of the Panel of Experts on Yemen. We welcome the call for a nation-wide ceasefire, for which we have repeatedly been calling. We welcome the clear and outright condemnation of terrorist acts by the Houthis on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They must not be tolerated, and the perpetrators should be held accountable. The resolution emphasizes that there is no military solution to the current conflict in Yemen. That is our firm position.”
2022-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8981 (2022) · source
“Russia must be stopped in its attempt to break the international rules-based order and replace it with its will. All Member States, especially the small ones like mine, which constitute the majority of United Nations Members, must remember that international law, rules and the Charter are their best friend, their best army, their best defence and their best insurance. Russia’s actions undermine them. It is time to learn from past mistakes, not repeat and perpetuate them. Russia can at any moment come back to reason, stop the war, recall its invading troops and return to talks — but they must be genuine talks for peace, not for surrender or capitulation. But that requires lucidity, courage and wisdom, not threats of an apocalypse. As we said last Friday, this is no time to remain idle or look away. It is time to stand up.”
2022-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8980 (2022) · source
“Albania voted in favour and welcomes the adoption of resolution 2623 (2022). Formally, this short text is of a purely procedural nature, but its significance is of historic proportions. Last Friday (see S/PV.8979), a veto tried to lock the United Nations at a time when we need it most. That is no longer the case. The five lines of the text we have just adopted open the big doors of the place where the world meets — the General Assembly — to speak out and condemn an unprovoked and unjustified pure act of aggression. The General Assembly emergency session is all about condemning an unprovoked war. It is all about upholding the Charter of the United Nations. It is about sending a clear and iron-clad message of what is acceptable and what is not, including to the Russians citizens who need to listen to the world and hear it.”
2022-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8980 (2022) · source
“It is already facing worldwide condemnation. As we heard, it will face sanctions and restrictions, such as the suspension of its rights today in the Council of Europe. But it will not be able to destroy European security, nor will it be able to set back the world. We will continue to stand with Ukraine and as Prime Minister Rama announced today, Albania, in its tradition, is ready if needed to shelter Ukrainians fleeing the war. In conclusion, let me reiterate that Albania supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“We deeply regret the decision of the Russian Federation to veto draft resolution S/2022/155. The Security Council lost a precious opportunity to show the world its unity, power and usefulness. Instead, it was blocked — it was taken hostage. We are disappointed, but not surprised. This is not the end of our efforts. We will continue to work with the Member States of the United Nations, those who stand for rules and not chaos and those who base their relations with others on respect and not contempt. We continue to condemn this aggression and call for ending this senseless war. Russia may inflict damage, kill people, overthrow a legitimate Government and try to destroy Ukraine, but as history teaches it will never be able to kill freedom. Instead, Russia will be held responsible for the consequences of its actions.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“This is a day that will be long-remembered for one single aspect: our children — the succeeding generations — will know who stood up for respect for human life, international law, rules and solidarity with Ukraine, so that children, young girls, women and men — human beings — may live their lives free and in peace and dignity. And they will remember who did not. This is not a moment to look away; it is a moment to speak. We call on the members of the Council to support the draft resolution in order to say no to aggression; to say no to an unprovoked war; and to say no to the domination of a country by a more powerful one.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“It also calls for the facilitation of humanitarian assistance to those in need in Ukraine — and their number is growing by the hour — and urges continuous efforts to respond to the humanitarian and refugee crisis that Russia’s aggression has created. The draft resolution echoes the call of the Secretary-General publicly addressing President Putin that, in the name of humanity, he bring his troops back to Russia. It echoes numerous similar calls around the globe at the highest level to stop the war. It is the minimum that we can do. We owe it to Ukraine — a Member of the United Nations — and to its people and the world. This is not just a defining moment for the Council.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“It is a permanent member of the Security Council — to which the world has given power and trust to decide on peace and security — that has decided instead to dominate and inflict death. With its unprovoked aggression, Russia is not only inflicting untold pain and causing an unprecedented humanitarian situation in Europe; it has stained the Charter of the United Nations with innocent blood. It is burying the Charter under the rubble of destruction in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine. We must say no. It is not too late to stop this madness. Albania and the United States, together with many partners, have presented draft resolution S/2022/155, which condemns Russia’s actions and underscores that it must immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and withdraw its forces. It calls on Russia to abide by the Minsk agreements.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by stating that my delegation subscribes to the statement just made by the Ambassador of the United States. We have been called here today to express clearly and loudly where our States stand, individually and collectively, with respect to international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations to which we have agreed, as well as the international norms that we have collectively established to govern our relations as independent and sovereign countries, peace-loving nations and responsible international actors. As we speak, Ukraine is being bombed and people are being killed. A country in Europe is being destroyed by a more powerful country — its neighbour — that has decided it wants to turn back the clock of history.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8979 (2022) · source
“The release of all political detainees, a complete halt to attacks on civilian areas and full accountability for crimes committed are important preconditions for rebuilding the process that can move Syria along the right path towards its future.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source
“We reiterate our full and unreserved support for the Special Envoy in his incremental approach to bringing the relevant parties together to put Syria back on track. We remain anxious to seek and create actionable results that can pave the way for a free and democratic Syria. We look forward to the next meeting of the Constitutional Committee and to a sustained process for making progress on the participation of women. We continue to believe that free and fair elections, held under a new constitution that reflects the will and aspirations of the Syrian people, constitute the path to opening a new chapter for Syria.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source
“The Syrian regime, which bears the primary responsibility for the massive suffering inflicted on the Syrian people and the perpetuation of this deadly status quo, also bears primary responsibility for the practically non-existent progress towards a political resolution of the conflict. We support a Syrian-owned and -led process, but we also strongly believe that efforts to rehabilitate the Syrian regime should not precede but should rather follow real and tangible progress towards a genuine transition in Syria. Rewarding the regime without any acceptance on its part of responsibility to overcome the status quo will only embolden it in its refusal — as we have seen — to engage in good faith with the opposition and its ability to continue to undermine the political transition with impunity.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source
“It should be expanded so that at the next meeting or those that follow in the months to come, we do not get the same picture, or a worsening one, of frightening neglect and disrespect for human life. Syrians need everything. They need food and all the help they can get to survive, but most of all they need peace, hope and prospects. That is why the key to this issue is a political transition process, without which no progress can be made towards the normalization of life in the country in general, including the humanitarian situation. There can be no alternative to the full and expeditious implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). Delays and derailments will only make a horrible situation worse.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source
“Let me thank Special Representative Pedersen for his briefing. We also welcome Assistant Secretary-General Msuya to the Security Council and thank her for her briefing. I will be brief because I have a feeling that I am likely to be repeating myself. No one needs reminding of the unbearable suffering of the Syrian people under the current stalemate and, as we heard today, the tragic, persistent and worsening humanitarian situation. Every month, as we hear about the overall depressing picture in Syria, we ask ourselves how many more helpless millions of people must go hungry and how many victims and children have to freeze to death for the Council to use its power to upend the current status quo. We have highlighted before that cross-border access is of paramount importance, and I reiterate that.”
2022-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8978 (2022) · source
“Let me reiterate — Russia will be held responsible for the consequences of an unprovoked war entailing the loss of human rights, for causing unbearable human pain and for opting for destruction when we need development, for bringing death where we are in desperate need for hope, for choosing to become an outlaw when we need cooperation. Russia will bear historical shame and blame and the consequences of invading a neighbouring country and attempting to destroy European security. Let us unite and make sure that it will not succeed.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We could not end this meeting without noting that we had feared and anticipated for days is happening. Explosions are reported in Kyiv and several other cities in Ukraine. The masks have finally been taken off and tanks are in. As we speak, Russia is implementing its plan and attacking a neighbour, to whom it has decided to deny existence, freedom, land, dignity and life. We call on all the Members of the United Nations to rally in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to stand with Ukraine and its people, to condemn firmly and unequivocally this aggression, to stand for peace, rules and international law and to take whatever measures they deem necessary to show the aggressor that its actions will bear consequences.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“I would like to convey to him and the Ukrainian Government and people that, at this most critical moment of their history, they are not alone, and we stand firm and in full solidarity with them for their right to be free and chose who they want to be.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“If they choose to continue to execute their plans, as every indication points to, they will bear not only the consequences of the war, but also the historical blame and shame of invading a neighbouring country, when its responsibility as a big country and a permanent member of the Security Council calls for it to work and help preserve peace and security, not torpedo it. We reiterate our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders and territorial waters. In conclusion, I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine at this meeting.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We repeat the same call on Russia to stop, to reflect, to reverse its illegal decisions, to withdraw from this senseless madness, to de-escalate and not to push on towards the precipice. Several mechanisms are in place and various proposals have been made, including by President Zelensky, whose calls remain unanswered. Diplomacy is like hope. It dies last, but, if it is to work, it must be seized, not ignored, as the Secretary-General said earlier. We call on our fellow members of the Security Council to rally in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia has been warned repeatedly that it will be alone in this foolishness and that it will be responsible for the innocent lives lost, including possibly Russian lives, and for the destruction caused in the heart of Europe in the twenty-first century.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“This is a confrontation between Russia and international law and the Charter of the United Nations that it deliberately has chosen to ignore — a confrontation between a hegemonistic vision and a rules-based world order. It is not about Russia’s concerns; it is about Russia’s appetite. The Ukrainians are facing another aggression just because they dare to exist, because they have chosen to be independent and because they have opted for democracy. This is a dark hour not only for Ukraine, but for the entire international community, as we witness with trepidation the progression of a pure act of aggression, carefully planned and cold-bloodedly executed. We called and hoped for a backdown of the Russian Federation from this senseless destructive and self- destructive action.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“This is the fourth time that the Security Council is meeting on Ukraine in a matter of weeks. Every time we meet, the reality on the ground confirms bit by bit what some of us have been anticipating. Russia has been saying one thing and doing the opposite. We were told that troops were retreating when their number has only increased. We were told to stop the hysteria since troops were in Russian territory. That is no longer the case. They are invading a neighbour, unprovoked with false pretexts, false narratives and fabricated news. Every development that has unfolded in the past 48 hours confirms to us and the world that Russia’s concerns have nothing to do with its security, that its anxieties are not linked to NATO expansion and that this issue is not a confrontation between Russia and the West.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8974 (2022) · source
“We welcome the easing of some restrictions on Gaza, but more needs to be done to reverse that negative trend and create the basis for a political resolution to the conflict at large. The situation on the ground and periodic flare-ups of violence remind us that the current status quo is unsustainable. The Council should redouble its efforts to create conditions that are conducive to starting meaningful negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. A negotiated settlement in accordance with international law is what is needed to open the path to peaceful coexistence and the enjoyment of equal rights by all.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“We reject, in the strongest terms, all forms of hatred and violence directed against Israelis or Palestinians, especially civilians, who want to live in peace and dignity. Violence, no matter where it originates from, should be condemned and properly dealt with, as it can lead only to further violence. We condemn, in the strongest terms, rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups. Such indiscriminate attacks against civilians can never be justified. We respect and support the right of Israel to defend itself. We also recognize that a fundamental change is needed to improve the political, security and economic situation across the West Bank and to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza in particular.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“We find encouraging and welcome the continuation of high-level contacts between the Israelis and the Palestinians, most recently in a meeting between Minister Lapid and Hussein Al-Sheikh. Such meetings are critical for the creation of a climate conducive to opening a political horizon for peace. We call for more engagement between the parties to foster the climate of trust that is vital for the resumption of negotiations and to make peace a reality. We see no alternative to the path of dialogue and negotiations to resolve the long-standing conflict. We believe that settlement activities and the resulting violence exacerbate the conflict and endanger the prospects of a viable Palestinian State.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. I would like to reiterate Albania’s position in support of a just and sustainable resolution of the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians based on a negotiated two-State solution, with two democratic States living side by side in peace and security and full respect for the equal rights of Israelis and Palestinians. Over the years, the Security Council has laid down the legal framework for the peaceful resolution of this conflict. We encourage and commend all efforts and initiatives that seek to implement this framework and end the conflict. We regret and oppose all unilateral actions that slow down or prevent the peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2022-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8973 (2022) · source
“It is yet another reminder of how important is to show unity in our determination to establish and maintain peace in the world by tackling the systemic causes of violent conflicts before they erupt. Now that it has met its international obligations, Iraq can make full use of its revenues to benefit its own people by addressing the severe economic challenges that the country is facing. Iraq’s stability is vital for the wider region. We cannot wait to see it thrive, flourish and provide high and higher standards of living for its own people.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8972 (2022) · source
“We would also like to take this opportunity to commend Kuwait for its cooperation in good faith with Iraq, including its willingness to suspend compensation payments during the height of the war against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham. And we want to express our appreciation for efforts made by other States and stakeholders to fulfil the mandate of the Compensation Commission. This occasion should also serve as a reminder of the catastrophic costs of war — costs that are borne by several generations. It is an example that should serve as a lesson of how important it is to show resolve and leave no stone unturned in efforts to prevent conflicts, discourage illegal acts of aggression and end wars, as well as showcase a case study of successful post- conflict recovery and reconciliation.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8972 (2022) · source