YouSaid · the spoken record

Hunter

lines on the record: 302
first: 2018-08-29
most recent: 2022-05-17
sittings or episodes: 53
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

“The operational and security challenges in the Central African Republic are formidable by any measure. The scope of MINUSCA’s mandate is daunting. In fact, a recent evaluation of MINUSCA by the Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network noted that MINUSCA has the most complex of all peacekeeping mandates. In that context, we urge that attention be paid to ensuring full staffing for MINUSCA leadership positions, particularly as we enter this critical election period. Unfortunately, despite many efforts by the Mission to prevent it, we still see far too many instances of MINUSCA peacekeepers engaging in sexual exploitation and abuse. Those abuses are unacceptable. They destroy lives, they erode public trust in the United Nations and they undermine the credibility of peacekeeping.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“While we were disappointed that voting for Central African refugees was not included in the amended electoral code, the United States will continue working with the Government and our international partners to ensure the success of the upcoming elections. Thirdly, I will touch on the challenges that the Central African Republic is facing because of COVID-19. This pandemic has affected the country’s economy, and further economic difficulties lay ahead. That is why the Trump Administration has provided more than $13.6 million in COVID-related emergency assistance as part of nearly $120 million in humanitarian assistance in 2020. We encourage others to join us and do more to support the country’s struggle against this pandemic. The United States recently concluded a four-week virtual monitoring and evaluation review of MINUSCA.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“Secondly, I want to stress the importance of free, fair, inclusive and transparent elections in December. Those elections will be an opportunity for Central Africans to demonstrate the strength and resilience of their democratic institutions as they choose their Head of State and National Assembly representatives. We are encouraged by the United Nations efforts to ensure that women are both on the ballot and registered to vote. We encourage the Government to keep up that momentum to ensure the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in the elections. Local elections, which have not been held since 1988, will also be an important gauge of the success of the decentralization initiatives adopted by the National Assembly.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we call on the Central African Republic’s neighbours and other facilitator countries to acknowledge their responsibilities and work with the Government to put in place functioning border controls, re-establish legitimate commerce and stop the flow of weapons into the Central African Republic. We also urge the Government to demonstrate its commitment to fighting impunity by expeditiously standing up and implementing justice mechanisms, including the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation and the Special Criminal Court. The United States will continue to help in those important efforts through our assistance in developing the country’s security and judicial institutions. All Central Africans deserve access to justice.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“First, on the implementation of the peace agreement, the United States calls on all political actors inside and outside the Government to respect the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. The peace accord was not signed with any one political party but by the sovereign Government of the Central African Republic. With the support and good offices of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the Government has made significant progress in fulfilling the peace agreement’s commitments.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“I thank the Special Representative for his briefing today, and I also thank the briefers from the African Union and from the European Union. The Central African Republic has faced significant difficulties in the past year. That includes challenges responding to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the arduous work of implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic, as well as preparing for a free, fair and democratic election. However, as we said during the 1 October high-level meeting on the Central African Republic convened by the Secretary-General, the United States remains a strong partner, ready to support the country and to foster its potential. Today I will focus my remarks on the three challenges most directly affecting the Central African Republic’s future.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“That briefing will provide an opportunity for candid discussion about how these agreements could serve as a springboard to break the deadlock on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. We encourage the members of the Security Council to embrace the opportunities presented by the Abraham accords, and we hope they will join us in publicly supporting these historic breakthroughs.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Despite those achievements, however, Palestinian terrorists fired a barrage of rockets on 15 and 16 September, just as Israel and its new Arab partners were commemorating their historic peace deals. We deplore and reject such violence, which has only brought misery and suffering for far too long. We now call on Palestinian leaders, who owe it to their people to reject violence, to embrace the opportunities for broader peace that the Abraham accords offer, and to work with Israel to resolve their long-standing issues. We hope that other Arab States can build on the accords while also encouraging the Palestinians to hold direct talks with Israel. Tomorrow, along with the United Arab Emirates, we will be co-hosting an informal briefing with Security Council members to discuss these peace agreements.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“He built trust with our regional allies and reoriented their strategic calculus by identifying shared interests and common opportunities, moving them away from a vested interest in perpetuating the same old conflicts. Instead of just talking about peace month after month, Security Council meeting after Security Council meeting, the United States led the way through action, and we achieved tangible results. We began this year by laying out the President’s vision for peace — a comprehensive, fair and realistic plan for Israel and the Palestinians to live peacefully, side by side. The Abraham accords will allow further exploration of that vision. Both the vision for peace and the Abraham accords demonstrate the commitment of the United States and Israel to peace, prosperity and security throughout the Middle East.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Now we have achieved two in a single month’s time, and we are hopeful there will be more to follow. To commemorate those breakthroughs, President Trump hosted a historic signing ceremony on 15 September at the White House, where the Israeli Prime Minister and the Foreign Ministers of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords Declaration. Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have committed to the exchange of embassies and ambassadors, as well as cooperation in a broad range of fields including education, health care, trade, energy and security. President Trump’s leadership, vision and expertise made this momentous event possible.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Last month, the United States began by highlighting the most significant step towards peace in the Middle East in over 25 years — the agreement to normalize relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (see S/2020/837). For the second month in a row, we are pleased to draw the Council’s attention to yet another momentous step on the path towards peace in the Middle East — on 11 September, Bahrain and Israel agreed to normalize relations. President Trump’s bold diplomacy and rejection of the old conventional wisdom enabled him to broker these agreements — the Abraham accords — the first such agreements between Israel and Arab countries since 1994. I want to emphasize what President Trump highlighted about those agreements: in Israel’s entire history, there had previously been only two such agreements.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“I will lead off today by offering our condolences to the people of Kuwait for the death of their Amir, Sheikh Al-Sabah. The Amir was a peacemaker in every sense of the word, and we are grateful for his years of dedicated service to the people of Kuwait and to making the region a more stable, prosperous and peaceful place. His leadership during Kuwait’s two years on the Security Council were particularly noteworthy and appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers today are with the people of Kuwait and his family. I thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing today. As always, we appreciate his hard work and that of his team in addressing this issue.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Of course, we would have serious concerns if, contrary to our understanding, UNAMA were to interpret resolution 2543 (2020) to mandate UNAMA to support the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) illegitimate investigation against United States personnel. The United States reiterates that it is not a party to the Rome Statute and has consistently rejected ICC assertions of jurisdiction over United States personnel. We will not tolerate any attempts to subject Americans to the ICC’s jurisdiction. The United States remains committed to the promotion of accountability, but the ICC and parties to the Rome Statute must respect the decisions of the United States and other countries and not subject their personnel to the ICC’s jurisdiction, consistent with the respect of sovereign prerogatives.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“The United States commends the penholders for the cooperative spirit in which they led this process and specifically both the Ambassadors for their personal commitment and their teams’ personal commitment to the future of Afghanistan. We thank them both. The United States remains deeply committed to Afghanistan and to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lyons’ work and leadership at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). As the Mission sustains support to the people of Afghanistan during this pivotal period in the country’s history, and as the parties embark on peace negotiations on a political solution to end the conflict, the United States supports the objectives of promoting accountability in Afghanistan and addressing Afghanistan’s legacy of large-scale human rights violations and abuses.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“We will continue to provide important humanitarian and development assistance to the people of Guinea-Bissau. The United States supports a free and independent press as essential to democratic Government. We were deeply concerned by the acts of vandalism committed against Radio Capital FM and note the statement of 29 July by the group of five international partners of Guinea-Bissau, strongly condemning those acts as an infringement upon the rights of the Guinea-Bissau people to freedom of expression and freedom of the press. We further encourage the Government of Guinea-Bissau to remain vigilant in the fight against drug trafficking. The United States will continue to stand with the people of Guinea-Bissau as they create a stronger and better future for themselves and their children.”
2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to raise concern in a country where cases among health-care workers have been rising at an alarming rate in recent days. It is of paramount importance that the Government of Guinea-Bissau continue taking affirmative measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. The international community is here to support, but the local authorities must assume a leadership role. The United States is committed to supporting the efforts of the people of Guinea-Bissau as they work to end the cycles of violence and instability that have overwhelmed the country for far too long. To that end, we desire a positive and constructive relationship with the new Government of Guinea-Bissau — one based on respect for human rights, the rule of law and true democratic governance.”
2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source
“As UNIOGBIS continues its phased drawdown and prepares to transfer tasks to the United Nations country team and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel at the end of its mandate in December, the United States would like to commend the Special Representative and the men and women who have worked with her to support both the Conakry Agreement and the full implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) six-point road map for solving the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau. We laud UNIOGBIS for its work to help strengthen capacity, promote the rule of law, consolidate constitutional rule and enhance cooperation and coordination with the African Union, ECOWAS and other international partners. We truly thank the Office.”
2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source
“The United States is particularly appreciative of the efforts of the Special Representative and her team to execute a comprehensive and sustainable transition of the mission’s responsibilities to the United Nations country team and other United Nations organizations working in West Africa. Such efforts are vital to ensuring that support for the people of Guinea-Bissau does not falter.”
2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source
“I want to first join my colleagues in condemning the attacks in the Niger and expressing our condolences to the victims and their families. We thank Special Representative Sori-Coulibaly for her comprehensive briefing. On behalf of the United States, I would like to express our gratitude for her leadership of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) during this very difficult period. I would also like to thank the other briefers for their fantastic information. Guinea-Bissau faces a wide range of challenges. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has brought new negative economic effects and has further complicated the political landscape.”
2020-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8754 (2020) · source
“However, we would also urge all Council members, especially those providing bilateral security assistance, to work cooperatively with the friends of the Central African Republic to support the strengthening of State institutions in a transparent and coordinated way and to ensure that the December 2020 elections are free, fair, peaceful, transparent and inclusive. The Central African Republic needs unambiguous and coordinated support at this sensitive time.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source
“That is why many of our Governments, either bilaterally or multilaterally, including through the European Union and its Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic, have provided technical support to the Government to help it to improve its storage, management and tracking of weapons by both military and internal security forces, including any new weapons that may be brought in as a result of today’s easing. We strongly support the return of the mandate cycle to 12 months, and we are hopeful that this will give the Government more time to achieve necessary progress on the benchmarks, which we strongly encourage. In closing, the unanimous vote to adopt today’s resolution is indeed a positive step for the Council. Our Governments wish to thank the Permanent Mission of France for its sustained efforts to reach consensus.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source
“Despite those concerns, we voted in favour of the resolution in response to the request from the Government of the Central African Republic. Our Governments want to see consensus and concerted action on this file, given the importance of stability in the lead-up to elections later this year. We have been and will continue to be collaborative partners with the Government of the Central African Republic. We strongly oppose any measure or action that would weaken the Government of the Central African Republic, provide support to armed groups or misrepresent the responsible actions of the Council.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source
“Without better management and tracking of the weapons brought into the country, we are concerned that changes in the sanctions regime will significantly increase the risk of the proliferation of rocket-propelled grenades, both within the Central African Republic and within the region. Rocket-propelled grenades are a common weapons system that can be easily stolen and smuggled if not properly stored. The widespread availability of small arms increases the lethality of conflicts in the region, and we remain committed to combating that scourge, including through the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative. We urge the Government of the Central African Republic to take responsibility for ensuring effective control of all the arms it receives, acting to prevent any risk of proliferation.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source
“We welcome the Central African Republic’s continued efforts to make further progress on key benchmarks pertaining to security sector reform, programmes for the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation of former fighters and the management of weapons and ammunition. We strongly encourage the Government of the Central African Republic to intensify such efforts, including in close coordination and cooperation with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and other international partners.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source
“I am delivering this explanation of vote on behalf of the United States of America, Germany, Estonia and Belgium. We join the rest of the Council in the unanimous vote in favour of resolution 2536 (2020) today, which renews the sanctions regime in the Central African Republic, as well as the mandate of the Panel of Experts. Our Governments hope that the extension of the sanctions regime, especially the territorial arms embargo, will keep pressure on the armed groups that undermine peace and security in the Central African Republic by threatening its elected Government and its people. It is an important element to accompany the Government of the Central African Republic on its way towards stability and peace.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8750 (2020) · source
“Finally, we urge Member States to support ongoing Committee measures and sanctions designations and to implement fully resolution 2498 (2019), which outlines the arms embargo provisions and, importantly, places a ban on IED components. We must continue to work together and employ all available tools to ensure peace and stability in Somalia and in the region to achieve a better future for all Somalis.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“The United States continues to support the arms embargo so as to prevent Al-Shabaab and other actors from accessing weapons and related materials. We emphasize that the arms embargo does not prevent the Federal Government of Somalia from obtaining the military equipment that it needs; the embargo requires only that arms shipments follow the required notification process for transparency and tracking purposes. Effective enforcement of the 751 sanctions regime requires the Committee to act expeditiously on the nomination of individuals. When Member States identify and nominate individuals engaged in the arms-trafficking and illicit charcoal trade, the Committee should act quickly on such nominations. We urge the Member States that have placed holds to lift them immediately so that those individuals may be properly sanctioned.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“Disrupting and ultimately eliminating sources of financing for these groups is crucial in this fight. Addressing the issue of financing and other ongoing threats will require close cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia, international partners and members of the Panel of Experts. The United States is committed to working with our partners and Member States to utilize the 751 Somalia sanctions regime to its full extent and reduce Al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct attacks. This includes providing technical assistance to counter the financing of terrorism, support in tackling the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and capacity-building to help the Somali security forces secure and properly manage their conventional-weapons stockpiles.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for your briefing and for your contributions as Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia. The United States is encouraged by the coordinator of the Panel of Experts’ recent travel to Somalia and meeting with the national security adviser to the President. We hope that the visit will serve as a building block to re-establish important information-sharing and constructive working relations between the 751 Committee and the Federal Government of Somalia. This positive step comes at a critical time, as Somalia continues to suffer from a lack of overall security and faces significant humanitarian challenges. Al-Shabaab, the Islamic State in Somalia and other actors continue to threaten the peace and stability of Somalia and the surrounding region.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“The United States therefore once again reiterates our strong support for the efforts of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in helping to reach a political solution to the conflict. We call on the parties to exercise restraint and work to de-escalate tensions so we can maintain prospects for peace.”
2020-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8732 (2020) · source
“For the first time, the Council has mentioned the FSO SAFER oil tanker in one of its resolution. This addition reflects the international community’s deep concern about the chance that the tanker could rupture, causing an environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea. The United Nations has teams ready to inspect the tanker and help repair it, but the Houthis have not provided access to the vessel. Today’s resolution makes clear that the United Nations needs access and needs it now. Finally, the United States stands by the United Nations efforts to provide assistance in Yemen. We encourage relevant entities to utilize the sanctions exemption in the provision as appropriate to ensure that their important work is carried out in compliance with the Security Council’s efforts to promote an end to this conflict.”
2020-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8732 (2020) · source
“We hope that this information will help Member States and private companies exercise greater vigilance over the transfer of these items to Yemen. We also call on all Member States to help the Panel in collecting this information, which could ultimately bolster sanctions implementation. The resolution also rightly calls out abuses by the Houthis against the Yemeni people. The Panel of Experts has reported on a horrific campaign of sexual violence against women orchestrated by the Houthis. Today’s resolution condemns these crimes. The Council also once again demands that the Houthis stop interfering with the work of the United Nations and other aid organizations, whose work is vital to keeping Yemenis alive. By mixing their own interests with humanitarian aid, the Houthis are putting the lives of the Yemeni people at risk.”
2020-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8732 (2020) · source
“Last week, we discussed how the United States Navy interdicted an additional 358 Iranian-made missiles and other weapons components likely on their way to the Houthis. The shipment was yet another example of attempts to smuggle a new Iranian surface-to-air missile system that the Panel of Experts reports on for the first time in its final report in January. Not only does Iran continue supplying weapons to the Houthis, but it is also increasing the sophistication of these weapons. Iranian weapons are deeply undermining the process for peace and we must call them out for it. This resolution also requests that the Panel of Experts prepare information on commercially available goods that find their way into ballistic missiles, UAVs, explosive boats and other weapons.”
2020-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8732 (2020) · source
“In its recent annual report, the Panel of Experts on Yemen concludes that the Houthis continue to receive weapons that have “characteristics similar to arms manufactured in the Islamic Republic of Iran” (S/2020/70, p.2). That is not a new finding. For years, Yemen Panel, together with the United Nations team monitoring resolution 2231 (2015), has reported on the Houthis launching ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are Iranian designed. The Houthis did not just conjure up the ability to launch advanced weapons hundreds of kilometres into Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring States. Iran has smuggled these weapons to the Houthis and in the process violated the Council’s targeted arms embargo on the Houthis as well as the Council’s arms embargo on Iran. Moreover, Iran’s violations continue.”
2020-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8732 (2020) · source
“I too want to thank the United Kingdom for preparing this timely and important resolution in such an inclusive and a transparent manner. The United States voted today in favour of resolution 2511 (2020), extending the Council’s sanctions against the Houthis and others responsible for the conflict in Yemen. These sanctions support the United Nations efforts to find a political solution to this war and they help us hold spoilers accountable. All Member States have an obligation to implement these sanctions in full. However, the reality is that one Member State continues to blatantly defy its obligations under the sanctions regime.”
2020-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8732 (2020) · source
“We call on President Farmajo to end the Somali National Army offensive in Gedo and for both President Farmajo and Jubaland President Madobe to commit to dialogue and reconciliation. Finally, we remain concerned by the continuing humanitarian emergency in Somalia, compounded by the severe locust outbreak affecting the region. With more than $1 billion required for relief aid in 2020, we underscore the need for timely, reliable and more equitable humanitarian assistance and encourage other Governments to join us as we pledge ongoing humanitarian aid for Somalia.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Greater rapprochement, dialogue and compromise will be necessary on all sides to ensure Somalia’s security, stability and prosperity. We commend the President for his outreach to leaders of member states, including recently to Somaliland President Abdi, and hope that it will lead to a broader reconciliation process. The deployment of SNA troops to a politically motivated offensive in the Gedo region of Jubaland is unacceptable and diverts resources from the agreed road map for security operations. It is imperative that the Federal Government and federal member state security services focus on combating Al-Shabaab rather than engaging in armed conflict with each other to resolve political disputes.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“It is imperative that the Federal Government work to address those challenges as soon as possible. We commend the President for appointing a new generation of Somali National Army (SNA) leadership focused on reforms, and we urge their full implementation. We also commend the work of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia and its support of AMISOM. We call for further accountability, efficiency and transparency in its operations. The key to progress on all those fronts is improved cooperation and coordination between the Federal Government and its member states. The United States is deeply concerned that dissension between them has increased in recent months, and we have continued our outreach efforts to the Federal Government and presidents of the member states.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We support the ongoing efforts of AMISOM’s leadership and look to the Somali security forces and institutions to undertake the reforms and development that will enable them to assume responsibility from AMISOM, following the benchmarks and timeline of the Somali transition plan. At the end of February, AMISOM will draw down 1,000 peacekeeping troops, which is a critical step in this process. Efforts to build capacity within Somalia’s security forces, which give them the ability to hold areas freed from Al-Shabaab are tremendously valuable, and we extend our appreciation to Somalia’s partners on the Council that are working to build those skills. Limited resources, institutional challenges and resistance to reforms continue to undermine Somalia’s ability to generate new forces and take on additional responsibility for security.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We extend our deepest condolences for those killed and injured in recent attacks in Mogadishu and Kenya, and we reaffirm our commitment to working with our partners to use all means to defeat those terrorists and extremists. Since the Council met on this issue in November (see S/PV.8671), Somalia’s armed forces and police have taken positive steps towards ownership of national security. We welcome the progress Somali security forces and AMISOM have made against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle, but the operation has stalled. The Government must find a solution to generate capable forces and not allow reversals of recent security gains. We should acknowledge that the transition of security responsibilities to the Government of Somalia, which must remain a top priority, is behind schedule. AMISOM will not remain in Somalia forever.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Recent elections in Jubaland, South-West state and Galmudug had their flaws, but we are encouraged that many candidates refrained from violence and demonstrated commitment to a peaceful, negotiated reconciliation process. We are troubled that some electoral models under consideration for 2020 and 2021 are not practical, could exclude key communities or might provide a pretext for delaying the elections. We urge the Federal Government and federal member states to work together to keep elections on track this year and agree on a practical model for peaceful, timely, inclusive and credible elections. Al-Shabaab remains a deadly and destabilizing force within Somalia and across the region.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The recent announcement by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund that Somalia is eligible for debt forgiveness is a significant step towards faster economic growth, more grants and investments, increased Government revenue and expanded services for its citizens. In order to ensure progress on debt relief, we urge the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states to agree on financial accountability and revenue-sharing principles. Looking to elections planned for this year, we recognize that Somalia is in a difficult phase in its journey towards democracy, with previous elections marked by limited participation, clan quotas, corruption and threats of violence.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Swan for his briefing today. The United States deeply appreciates his commitment to advancing security, stability and development in Somalia. I also thank the other two briefers for their presentations today. This year is a critical year as Somalia seeks the economic growth and development promised by debt relief, inclusive peaceful and credible national elections and progress towards the transfer of security responsibilities from the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to those of Somalia. While those developments each hold tremendous promise for the Somali people, realizing them will require the full commitment of the Government and the people of Somalia. We congratulate Somalia on its commitment to implementing fiscal reforms towards debt relief.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The United States is also concerned by the drug trafficking and transnational organized crime that threaten stability in Guinea-Bissau and in the broader region. We welcome the opportunity to work with UNIOGBIS and with the people of Guinea-Bissau to prevent the spread of these destructive operations. We recognize that UNIOGBIS is facilitating valuable programming in support of counter-trafficking efforts in Guinea-Bissau, and we underscore the need for the United Nations to continue this important work, even as UNIOGBIS draws down and the United Nations country team assumes additional responsibilities. We continue to support the proposal of the Secretary- General to conclude UNIOGBIS by the end of 2020 and are pleased to hear that the schedule for withdrawal remains in place.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“As a friend and as a partner, the United States looks forward to working with the President-elect to help the country carry out its reform agenda, advance peace and security, address corruption and narcotics trafficking, strengthen democratic governance, and spur economic growth and development. We also look forward to continuing to work with the Special Representative, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), the African Union, the European Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and the Economic Community of West African States on these shared priorities. Each has played a critical role in moderating Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“I thank the Special Representative for her briefing and her tireless efforts to further peace and security in Guinea-Bissau. We also extend our thanks and a warm welcome to Ambassador Costa Filho as he takes up his new role here in New York. The United States commends Guinea-Bissau for having held peaceful first-round and run-off elections in December, with the help of the international community. Free, fair and transparent elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and we are encouraged by how far Guinea-Bissau has come in empowering its citizens to choose their own leaders. No matter the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling, the United States will continue to support democratic institutions and the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“In the 2014joint declaration, the community leaders described the status quo as unacceptable. We agree and believe that this holds true today. The resolution is the unanimous expression of the Council's support for the leaders to take the political risks necessary to engage meaningfully and with a sense of urgency. We that hope it spurs political progress that will reunify Cyprus and bring about a sustainable peace for all Cypriots. We also look forward to the Secretary-General's next report on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), including his recommendations for how to further encourage the sides and all involved parties to respect UNFICYP's mandated authority in and delineation of the buffer zone in an effort to defuse tensions.”
2019-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8586 (2019) · source
“The United States is disappointed by the lack of progress in the two years since the Conference on Cyprus, but we believe that a settlement remains achievable. The leaders of the communities must demonstrate the political courage and will to transform their words of readiness into action and engage in a United Nations-facilitated process. We know that the ultimate settlement will require more than just the agreement of the leaders of the two communities. Direct contact between the sides does not implicate issues of recognition, but should be encouraged as a way to rebuild trust and improve the public atmosphere to prepare the communities for a future settlement. To that end, we also look forward to renewed progress in supporting women's participation in the settlement effort.”
2019-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8586 (2019) · source
“I thank the United Kingdom for its efforts in reaching consensus on resolution 2483 (2019) and also in producing a more concise resolution, in line with the Security Council's agreement to reduce text in resolutions. The United States believes that this new mandate sends an important message from the Security Council to the sides and relevant parties that the leaders of the communities must work with a sense of urgency to resume fully fledged negotiations that will fulfil the hopes of the Cypriot people to reunify Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council resolutions. We also believe that the mandate makes clear that peacekeeping missions must support political solutions and cannot substitute for an active political process.”
2019-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8586 (2019) · source
“While visiting a migrant centre in the border town of Cucuta on 14 April, Secretary of State Pompeo and President Duque heard personal stories of hardship from Venezuelans who had fled their homeland owing to severe shortages of food, medicine and basic consumer goods. To date, more than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their homeland owing to Maduro's senseless cronyism and wanton violence. The peace in Colombia provides a stark contrast to the situation in Venezuela. After more than 50 years of violence, the Colombian people have entered an auspicious new chapter in which future generations will no longer have to experience the hardships of armed conflict. The United States stands firmly with Colombia to further strengthen its peace gains.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source