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

“No matter where we live, it requires that we never deviate from our shared norms as solemnly enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There are many good examples to recognize and follow. I will take the one I know the best: the situation in my own country, Albania. Home to various religious communities, including Muslims, Orthodox, Catholics and Jews, it is a place where living in mutual respect has been a significant aspect of the society for centuries. It has embraced and cherishes a culture of acceptance and respect for different religions, with interactions that take place in a spirit of harmony, with shared cultural celebrations, intermarriages and cooperative community efforts.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Citizens who understand the unity-diversity nexus and act accordingly do not materialize out of thin air; they are educated. That is why we need to invest in quality education and critical thinking as a shield against hatred, violence and extremism in all its forms. A successful approach also requires good and transparent governance, development, the rule of law, human rights, equality, accountable institutions and justice for all. It requires genuine effort and dedication. It is a society-wide challenge in every country. It requires an inclusive approach that includes religious and community leaders playing a critical role. Let us not forget and let us be clear: fighting intolerance cannot and must never be used as an excuse for curbing freedoms and justifying repression.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“We know now that the biggest mistake we can make is to take things for granted. The task before us is to build a common front against hatred, xenophobia, racism and genocide deniers and to sanction all those who undermine social cohesion, foment violence or endanger peace. It is not easy, and there are no quick fixes. We just need to be alert, stand up and respond to all forms of disinformation and act quickly, because misinformation, distorted reality and conspiracy theories always fly faster. We need to create an environment that is conducive to a vibrant civil society and an independent media to scrutinize and dismiss falsehoods and strategies of hatred and those who benefit from using them. The recognition of diversity requires vigorous citizenship education.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“Da’esh, to name the most brutal and despicable form of intolerance, has been defeated, but its ideology and appeal have not disappeared. The political weaponization of diversity, the us-versus-them mentality, neo-Nazis or supremacists and the singling out of people, including migrants, by their ethnicity, create deep social fractures and undermine trust between different groups. They may serve to justify attacks, and in the worst case, as during the Holocaust, to annihilate those unwanted. What may be social, economic or political grievances could be quickly and easily turned into religious or inter-ethnic conflicts, which most often result in bloodshed. If anything, the genocides in Srebrenica and Rwanda have taught us how easy and quickly hate and propaganda can turn people, neighbours and friends of different origin into enemies.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“The rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia, and of hate-filled intolerance of diversity, including against LGBTIQ+ people, in various forms of communication, including through the Internet and social media, should be a concern for all of us, not only because it manifests an absence of compassion, humility, respect and acceptance of the others, but also because it always leads to tensions and violence. We are all born free and must feel equal, despite origin, social class or ethnicity, the colour of our skin, the God we worship, our gender or the choices we make in life. Everyone wins when we see diversity as a richness and not as a threat. If unattended, hatred can have detrimental effects in a society, but it becomes deadly when it is weaponized to gain, exercise or retain power.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“While we cherish diversity, powerful countervailing forces, those of old inspiration and those with new tactics, try to use — or better, misuse — diversity as a cause to harm, hate, discriminate against, oppress and dominate. It is one of the major challenges of our fast-evolving times. Where we see a paradox to be treated and cured in the prevalence of divisions and mistrust as societies are becoming more multi-ethnic and multi-religious, others see an opportunity to score goals. We are deeply concerned about the alarming increase in bigotry, hate speech and discrimination based on religion, belief, race, ethnicity or gender. Radical discourse and hate speech have become mainstream as if they were the new normal.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank you, Madam President, and the United Arab Emirates for convening us to discuss this important topic. I also thank the Secretary-General and His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, as well as Archbishop Gallagher and Ms. Ibn Ziaten for their valuable insights. Diversity is a fact of life and one of the most amazing features of human civilization. Over centuries, we have learned to accept it not simply as an inevitability, but rather as an asset — a strength. With more and better education and increased human mobility in an increasingly interconnected world, we believe that diversity constitutes a strong bond that binds humans, united in our distinct cultures, histories, religions, philosophies and orientations. Regrettably, not everyone sees it that way.”
2023-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9346 (2023) · source
“As Secretary Kerry said earlier, in clear terms, it is about keeping promises, with everyone doing their part. We may choose to continue debating among ourselves, kicking the can down the road, but the price we will pay will only be higher, especially for our children and the generations to come.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“In that spirit, Albania joined the statement presented this morning by the representative of the United Arab Emirates on joint pledges on climate, peace and security, on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Gabon, Malta and Mozambique. The goals have been set and the road map is clear: the world must remain united in efforts to reduce carbon emissions; we need to reach carbon neutrality by 2050; we need to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C; we need to increase funding. That is the path. That is our lifeline. The urgency of the climate crisis demands that we unite around a common cause, transcending political divisions and partisan differences. The risks posed by climate change to peace and security, prosperity and well-being are multiple, and the magnitude and immediacy of the challenges require action now.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“Failing to recognize the profoundly disruptive effect of climate on the security landscape will not be the solution, and ignoring this existential threat should not be the way ahead. For us, there is no doubt that it is an acute matter of collective security in a fragile and increasingly interdependent world, including, as we heard, for the United Nations peacekeeping operations, which remain underprepared and ill-equipped in the face of growing challenges. I would like also to underline the disproportional impact that climate change has on women and girls in conflict zones and beyond. Climate and environmental action and disaster risk reduction need to be gender- responsive, value and promote women, girls and youth as agents of change, and directly address the risks they face.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“This can lead to increased migration, both within countries and across borders, straining social and political systems. Let us not forget: an increase of less than two feet in sea level alone would put at risk the very survival of populations on many Pacific islands. Climate change can contribute to political instability and conflict. In regions already struggling with poverty, weak governance and ethnic tensions, climate-related impacts can amplify existing grievances. Disruption of livelihoods, water scarcity and food insecurity can fuel social unrest and increase the risk of violence and terrorism. The very nature of the interconnected world means that events in one region have the potential to affect others. The Security Council cannot remain indifferent to the security implications of climate.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“It is already hitting some regions hard, but it does not stop at any border, and it will not spare any corner of the world. Despite the warning bells incessantly ringing, there is not yet agreement on the need for the Security Council to address climate change and its impact on our security. This is not a mere environmental problem, nor is it simply a development issue. Science tells us that this is not a recurring hazard. We humans, thanks to our behaviour, are to blame. It is a profound and dangerous disruption with serious security implications, and it generates consequences that reach to the very heart of the security agenda. Rising sea levels, desertification and extreme weather events can displace large numbers of people from their homes.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“Last year, which ranked among the hottest on record, the World Health Organization estimated that Europe, one of the most developed parts of the world, saw 15,000 heat- related deaths, compared to 6,701 deaths globally from terrorist attacks. Millions across the globe lose their lives. Climate change is already causing famine, displacement, unrest and instability. It can exacerbate grievances and increase the risk of insecurity and violent conflict when its impacts interact with social, political and economic stresses to compound vulnerabilities. In this Chamber, we are used to discussing a range of threats in different countries and various parts of the world. Yet climate change is the most existential threat to our continued existence on this planet.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“We thank the United Arab Emirates for calling this meeting as a genuine effort to keep this issue on the Security Council’s agenda and explore concrete ways to contribute to promoting resilience in the face of multiple vulnerabilities and growing humanitarian needs and security threats caused by climate change. I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, President Santos Calderón and Ms. Kadry for their briefings. Last week, heavy and dangerous smoke from Canadian forest fires was all over the city and the east coast. It alerted us to the connection between climate change and the increased number and severity of wildfires worldwide, one of the consequences of the climate breaking down. Millions of people are already suffering the devastating consequences of climate change, with floods, droughts and suffocating heat.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345 (2023) · source
“We further praise the focus on young people, who have great potential and are another important player in peacebuilding efforts, but also in taking a stronger and leading role in mitigating the climate crisis. The experience of other areas and regions has shown that harnessing the energy, creativity and ingenuity of people without distinction is indispensable in order to craft solutions that are responsive to the real needs of people — solutions that meet their aspirations for a dignified life, social and economic progress, human rights, fostering democracy and achieving sustainable development in the entire Arab world.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“We remain convinced that the only way forward to lasting peace in Syria is the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) and a serious Syrian-led transition towards a free, democratic and prosperous Syria for all Syrians. The Arab League has an important role to play, including in supporting efforts to maintain open for as long as it is needed the three cross-border points to maintain the critical lifeline for millions in need. Let me conclude by welcoming the particular focus of the League of Arab States on combating all forms of violence against women and girls, which goes hand in hand with the need to strengthen the political, social and economic empowerment of women.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Syria was recently reintegrated in the League of Arab States. We remain sceptical that the regime will reciprocate the good intentions of the League by responding promptly and in good faith to meet the demands put forward by the League. I hope we are wrong, but experience has shown that the stubbornness of the regime to continue its stance of total denial, while sitting on a mountain of crimes, with the hope of escaping accountability, remains unchanged. But we should not forget the deliberate use of sarin and chlorine gas against innocent civilians; the deliberate targeting of civilians through indiscriminate bombing, barrel bombs and the shelling of residential areas; the widespread use of torture and extrajudicial killings and more than 130,000 people whose whereabouts remain unknown.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“We welcome the participation of President Zelenksyy in the 2023 Arab League summit, held in Jeddah, which represents a recognition of the worldwide devastating consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, not least in relation to food security. Libya remains at a crossroads. Albania supports the efforts of Special Representative Bathily to enable national elections in Libya through a comprehensive approach and inclusivity. The only response to the current deadlock that can meet the aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy is the holding of free, fair and transparent elections to restore legitimacy. Albania welcomes the adoption of the resolution 2684 (2023), on enforcing the arms embargo, which remains crucial for advancing peace and security in the country and the region.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“It should be fully exploited to reduce and end the pervasive cycle of violence, which nowadays leaves little place for anything else, much less real hope. Only a solution with two States for two people, with Jerusalem as shared capital, will bring lasting peace to Israelis and Palestinians. We are encouraged by the developments and positive dynamics in Yemen. All parties must seize the opportunity created by combined efforts from the United Nations and its Special Envoy and the regional actors, Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, to work for lasting peace through an inclusive Yemeni process. We also praise the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council in that regard. Every effort towards inclusive solutions will help alleviate the humanitarian crises and pave the way towards the economic recovery of the country.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“The ongoing spiralling violence in the Sudan, the troubling lack of perspective for a much-needed political horizon in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the ongoing quagmire in Syria and the stalemate in Libya represent only some of the enormous challenges that urgently require solutions. The Abraham Accords marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the Middle East, and have contributed to regional stability by fostering new relationships and alliances, opening new avenues for diplomatic engagement, dialogue, economic cooperation and development and creating a more stable environment in the region by countering common threats. We want to believe that the Accords have the potential to positively impact the Israeli-Palestinian peace process by creating a more conducive environment for peace negotiations.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Regional organizations are the first in line to respond to challenges affecting their area by promoting security cooperation among their members. Millions of people across the Arab region continue to suffer from old and recent conflicts, all of which create an ever-growing demand for the United Nations and the Arab League to leverage their combined strength and respond to the most pressing needs, in particular, in addressing humanitarian challenges resulting from conflicts, terrorism and other security threats, natural disasters, climate change and the refugee crisis.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Ms. El Omrani for their briefings. Albania welcomes this high-level meeting on the cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States and thanks the United Arab Emirates for organizing it. We also welcome the Emirati Minister of State, who is presiding over this meeting. We underline the value of ever-closer cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League in addressing the many serious challenges in the region. Joint efforts only increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of peace initiatives and promote sustainable solutions. A world affected by multiple security and political challenges needs effective multilateralism, strong partnerships and new mechanisms for cooperation.”
2023-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9343 (2023) · source
“Whoever thinks that such acts, like others before it, despite their dire consequences, will affect the spirit of Ukrainians and deter them from fighting to defend and liberate their country should think twice, because, in all this, Ukraine is right, and Russia is wrong. That is why the international community will continue to help Ukraine and its people to defend themselves, their freedom and their dignity. There is only one way to put an end to the consequences of this war and that is the complete withdrawal of all Russian troops from the internationally recognized border of Ukraine and engaging in sincere talks on finding solutions through diplomacy. Anything else would be perpetuating what we have seen so far — madness.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“Did they not do everything to destroy power installations last winter to leave entire cities without electricity and heating, with the deliberate intention of forcing into submission civilians, families, women and children, girls, the elderly, the disabled and everyone actually or of leading them to freeze to death? What is there to say about the 2,600 schools and more than 1,250 health facilities destroyed or damaged already? This is not about who speaks first; this is not about who speaks louder. This is about truth, rules, laws and accountability. And the international law is clear: deliberate attacks on critical civilian infrastructure amount to war crimes. The perpetrators directly or indirectly involved in such acts must be held accountable.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“The world scientific community is still waiting for proof of the biolaboratories producing combat birds and armed mosquitoes and of the spread of pathogens using migratory birds and bats. They are nowhere to be seen. Everyone remembers the high alerts issued on the non-existent Ukrainian dirty bombs and so on. Therefore, the simple question we have is: why would then the destruction of the dam be otherwise when we have witnessed, day and night, that Russia has not spared any effort in inflicting as much damage as possible to the civilian and critical infrastructure in Ukraine?”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and other credible reports have concluded otherwise. Did we not hear endlessly that Russia never attacked civilians? The 20,000 Ukrainians killed or wounded and those millions uprooted from their homes were an exception. Did they not say that Russia never forcefully deported children to give them up for adoption in Russia? The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Moscow Mechanism have proved otherwise and reached different conclusions. The world witnessed in disbelief a room full of people laughing in New Delhi when the Russian Foreign Minister claimed that Russia is defending itself from a war launched by Ukraine. One hundred and forty-three countries of the United Nations just do not buy it.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“As we all know, there are two parallel wars going on — Russia’s war of choice, which is killing civilians, committing crimes and destroying an entire country, and its propaganda war, which it is waging in trying to fool the world through a totally biased and intentionally distorted narrative despite the serious recurrent issue of credibility. Let us have a closer look. How many times did we hear in January and February last year that Russia had no intention of attacking Ukraine, until it shamelessly did? How many times have we heard, including in this Chamber, that everything happening since February 2022 is solely and entirely the fault of Ukraine, which, we know, it is not? How many times have we heard that the despicable crimes committed in Bucha were staged?”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“Under-Secretary-General Griffiths has already given us an initial grim picture, not to mention that, as a result, the cooling procedures at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant may be seriously affected, as well. Ukraine has directly accused Russia of the destruction. We just heard Russia claiming the opposite. As the Secretary-General stated earlier this morning, the United Nations has not been able to independently verify the facts but has clearly established that this is yet another catastrophic consequence of Russia’ aggression in Ukraine.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Griffiths for his briefing. Here we are once again with dreadful news coming from Ukraine. A huge hydroelectric dam in the temporarily Russian-controlled part of southern Ukraine was blown up, unleashing a significant amount of water, now flowing freely through the dam and the hydroelectric power plant. You do not need to be a scientist to be able to anticipate its huge consequences. Estimating the damage caused to, and the destruction of, civilian property will require time, and experts already warn that it will definitely have extensive, negative and long-term ecological and environmental consequences, not only for Ukraine but for neighbouring countries and regions as well.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“What is needed are talks, through good-faith diplomacy, to ensure a full, transparent, comprehensive and irreversible end to weapons of mass destruction, ballistic and nuclear programmes. That is the only way to help North Korea become a normal country and start developing and progressing. The Security Council can help in that respect but only if it decides to speak with one voice and deliver a united and clear response.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“It is failing to reassure neighbouring countries, including the people of Japan and the Republic of Korea. And it is failing to fulfil its core duty and responsibility. It is eroding its own credibility. Finally, it is failing to explain to the wider United Nations membership how the continued, open and defiant disregard of multiple Security Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is contributing in any way to peace and security. It is therefore time to speak up and unite around “enough is enough”. The people of North Korea do not need more weapons, the region does not need more provocations and the world does not need more dangerous escalations.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“If the Council continues to tolerate the indefensible actions of North Korea now, it will be even harder to react and act later. Unless that is our real goal, we should break this deafening silence. We reiterate that by its inaction, the Security Council has conveyed to the warmongers in North Korea that for them actions have no consequences. We should not wait for the worst to happen to do something that may prove to be too little, too late. Through its inaction on the matter, the Council is failing to make the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s regime understand the limits of its unacceptable policies and behaviour. It is failing to help open an avenue of negotiations, which is the only way to properly address and contribute to resolving the crisis.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“It is only seeking provocation, destabilization and escalation, including by announcing that it will soon proceed to another satellite launch. Fourthly, every time the Council is prevented from taking action, the regime feels more empowered to continue on the same path. As we have seen in the course of the past two years, the recipe is working. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea shows only increasing disregard and contempt for the Security Council and its decisions because it feels protected — and because it is indeed protected. That is utterly wrong, and it goes against what the Council stands for. We regret that the voice of a majority of the members of the Council calling for a clear and strong reaction to the illegal, unprovoked and reckless actions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to be ignored.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for the update. I will make a few quick points. First, Albania strongly and unreservedly condemns the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regime two days ago, the sixth of such attempts and the first since 2016. Secondly, while the launch failed, it is just another escalatory step by Pyongyang and a brazen violation of numerous Security Council resolutions. I will not enumerate them all, because there are simply too many. Thirdly, with its egregious and reckless behaviour, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continues to openly defy the United Nations, the Security Council, the international community as a whole and the established norms and rules.”
2023-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9336 (2023) · source
“That is why we reiterate our call on Russia to end the war, withdraw its troops from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and start sincere talks for a peaceful solution. Any initiative aimed at reaching just and sustainable peace must show full respect for international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the General Assembly. We do not need to wait and hope for a roll of the dice to bring luck. We need to ask, insist, work and expect Russia to see reason.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“The proposals presented today by Director General Grossi could be a good basis for ensuring the protection and safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and specifically the Zaporizhzhya power plant, and we have full confidence in the IAEA’s ability to facilitate their implementation. But the root of the problem will remain unresolved until Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine’s nuclear facilities and transfers their control to the legitimate Ukrainian authorities. That alone will offer the best guarantee for the protection and safety of nuclear power plants in Ukraine. Russia’s military has no business at Ukraine’s power plants. It has no business in Ukraine.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“Ukrainian personnel operating at the plant under Russian occupation must be able to perform their important duties without restrictions, threats or pressure, and supply networks must be restored to ensure the stability of the plant’s six reactors. As Director General Grossi said earlier, the general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhya plant remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous, undermining the seven essential pillars of nuclear safety and security, as defined by the IAEA. It is therefore imperative to protect the plant to prevent the risk of a serious nuclear accident, with catastrophic consequences for the population and the environment.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“The intentional weaponization of a nuclear plant is wrong and dangerous. There is no other case in history — I repeat, none — when a nuclear plant has been used as a shield to protect military troops and hardware, as Russia is doing. The absurd and dangerous situation highlights the need for urgent international regulation governing nuclear power plants in our time, and we hope the IAEA will tackle the issue. In the meantime, we call on Russia to implement the resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors without delay so that the competent Ukrainian authorities can regain full control of all nuclear facilities located within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, including the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“Like other questions related to the war of choice in Ukraine, those have so far remained unanswered except through propaganda and a distorted narrative for domestic use. We know that since the facility’s occupation began its normal activity has been severely disrupted, and in no fewer than seven cases it has lost all external power for several hours, creating an extremely precarious nuclear safety and security situation for a major disaster. Professionals have long warned that on-site diesel generators cannot cool each of the six reactors in the long term. And as long as the current situation continues, the risk of major escalation is real — a clear and present danger. Albania strongly condemns Russia’s illegal seizure and militarization of Ukrainian nuclear power plants by Russia.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“I thank Director General Grossi for his briefing and his new proposal. Albania appreciates the professionalism, objectivity and impartiality of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and considers the role of the Agency central to the non-proliferation regime. We support its continued efforts to secure the protection of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine and occupied Zaporizhzhya, we have asked some very basic yet fundamental questions. Under what rights and rules has Russia occupied and taken ownership of a key piece of the power generation infrastructure of another country? By what logic has Russia militarized the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe?”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“Ending impunity for serious crimes by ensuring that their perpetrators are held accountable for their violations will therefore lay the foundations for reconciliation and a future that is different from and better than the terrible past in Syria.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We sincerely hope that the new development will help create a new impetus and the conditions for the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015), so that we can see the start of a Syrian-led transition towards a free, democratic and prosperous Syria for all Syrians. In our view, it will require that the regime commit seriously to political reforms, take responsibility for war crimes, ensure the safe return of some 6 million refugees and the dismantling of a drug- producing and smuggling network that has turned Syria into a narco-State, with serious regional implications. That will help the country and its reconstruction. We continue to believe that justice and rights are indispensable to ensuring lasting peace in Syria and everywhere.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We deplore the impasse in the Constitutional Committee and the regime’s apparent lack of good faith regarding enabling the political transition that Syria desperately needs, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), which after nearly a decade remains unimplemented, despite the tireless efforts of the Special Envoy. A few weeks ago, Syria was readmitted to the League of Arab States. We would like to believe that the regime will see it not as a concession, or as acceptance that its scorched-earth strategy in the war has worked, but rather as a hand extended by its Arab neighbours to all of the Syrian people.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“Its sole aim is to provide closure for all Syrians who have remained without news about their loved ones, and whatever their cases may be, to provide those loved ones with a dignified burial. Those are matters that we should all agree on, and we should never succumb to the temptation of scoring political points off the backs of the aggrieved. We all know that the Syrian tragedy will continue to unfold before our eyes if there is no proper, genuine and inclusive political process. The root cause of all the suffering in Syria is political and can be alleviated only by a just and lasting political solution.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We urge the Syrian regime to keep the crossings open for as long as they are needed. We believe that the cross-border authorization for Bab Al-Hawa remains indispensable to securing humanitarian access and providing life-saving aid to more than 4 million people in north-west Syria. More than 130,000 Syrians arbitrarily deprived of their liberty have been forcibly disappeared. Albania has continued to highlight that critical issue in the monthly discussions in the Security Council, asking for concrete action on it. We welcome the draft resolution being submitted to the General Assembly on the establishment of a new institution to determine the whereabouts of the missing. We call on all States Members of the United Nations to acknowledge the purely humanitarian character of that initiative and to refrain from any form of politicization.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“It comes as no surprise that fewer than 1 in 10 Syrians want to return to Syria voluntarily nowadays. As we heard, Syria’s humanitarian demands are the biggest in the world, and the situation is worsening, including in the aftermath of the earthquake. We commend all the donors that are providing indispensable aid. We are in awe of the tireless efforts of local and international relief workers — and Ms. Aveline gave us a taste of what it takes to help Syrians nowadays — who pursue their noble mission of assisting everyone wherever possible in Syria and providing them with a lifeline, especially women and children. The extension of the border crossings at Bab Al-Salam and Al-Rai until August is clear recognition of the vital need for unfettered access for humanitarian aid to all Syrians.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms. Mudawi and Ms. Aveline for their remarks. We are now well into the thirteenth year of the tragic Syrian conflict. More than 500,000 Syrians have been killed, half of the country’s pre-war population is displaced, and credible reports indicate that 90 per cent of Syrians are now destitute and much of the infrastructure destroyed. As we heard, the economy is in shambles. Millions of Syrians need urgent assistance, with hundreds of thousands of them living in makeshift tents. Over 100,000 people are still unaccounted for, forcefully disappeared, detained or missing. Violence, including from terrorist groups, has not stopped. Despite their precarious conditions, millions of refugees must now cope with another anxiety: the spectre of a forced and undignified return to Syria, a country disfigured by conflict.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9333 (2023) · source
“We cannot not say it enough — a solution with two States, for two peoples, with mutual recognition and Jerusalem as their shared capital, will ensure that both sides, Israelis and Palestinians, can live as neighbours in safety and security and enjoy freedom, dignity and justice. Peace is needed and peace is possible. But it will never come as a surprise, and it will not fall from the sky. It requires courage, vision, leadership and trust between the parties for it not to be and remain, as it looks now, a Sisyphean task.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“We welcome the efforts of Germany, France, Egypt and Jordan to restore the political horizon for a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East and their commitment to working with all the parties for a resumption of a credible political process. We also commend all the efforts in advancing and expanding the Abraham Accords. The security, economy and good-neighbourly relationships between the countries in the Middle East are beneficial to all. In that context, I would like to reiterate Albania’s full support for a negotiated and just two-State solution within the 1967 borders. Any and all efforts leading to it are positive and welcomed. A comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians with a safe and secure Israel and a viable, independent and democratic Palestine is the only way forward.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source
“The commitments made in the Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh meetings are clear about what the parties should be doing in good faith to prevent escalation and take useful measures for a peaceful settlement between the Israelis and the Palestinians. We call on the parties to abide by those commitments and to refrain from actions that undermine the prospects for peace. In that context, we reiterate our position that settlements and outposts are illegal under international law and that their advancement is an obstacle to a two-State solution. The indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including the destruction of homes, schools and property, are deplorable and should be properly investigated.”
2023-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9328 (2023) · source