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

“As the Council is aware, in January the United States and the Taliban reached an agreement in principle that any comprehensive peace agreement must address four interconnected issues - counter-terrorism, the presence of foreign troops, an intra-Afghan dialogue leading to intra-Afghan negotiations, and a permanent ceasefire. Regarding terrorism, we have made progress and may soon be in a position to conclude a draft text outlining the Taliban's commitments to ensuring that Afghan soil is never again used for international terrorism. Of course, we have to be mindful of the implementation and enforcement of those counter- terrorism commitments.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Representative Yamamoto for his remarks today. Under his leadership, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to provide vital support to Afghanistan. I also want to thank Ms. Samar for her informative briefing today. The United States is committed to sustainable peace in Afghanistan that ensures that it will never again be a platform for transnational terrorism. Special Representative Khalilzad is working in close coordination with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah and other Afghan leaders, as well as Special Representative Yamamoto and Security Council members. Special Representative Khalilzad looks forward to briefing the Council soon. Today I would like to update the Council on the progress that has been made towards peace.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The United States therefore reiterates its calls on all parties, including Russia and the Syrian regime, to abide by their commitments outlined in the September 2018 Sochi memorandum of understanding to end the violence, avoid a large-scale military offensive, return to a de-escalation of violence in the area and allow for unhindered humanitarian access to address this humanitarian disaster. The Security Council and the Syrian people cannot accept anything less.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“Reconstituting the 2018 Sochi agreement ceasefire is also essential for the safety of medical workers and humanitarians, and the continuation of the United Nations ability to freely implement cross-border aid deliveries throughout all agreed border crossings, and in accordance with resolution 2449 (2018). The United States and our partners are steadfast in our position that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict: not to the conflict in Idlib any more than to the conflict in Syria more broadly. The United States is determined to see a lasting and immediate return to the Sochi agreement ceasefire in order to protect civilian lives and preserve the current ceasefire lines while the United Nations pushes ahead to implement the political transition outlined in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“The Al-Assad regime and its allies have used those ceasefires to seek a tactical military advantage - to acquire ammunition, reposition forces and send in reinforcements - while it has ultimately, every time, resumed its brutal offensives against civilian populations and moderate opposition groups, which have resulted in mass displacement, civilian casualties and restricted humanitarian access. The United States is gravely concerned that, absent an immediate and full return by all parties to the 2018 Sochi agreement ceasefire line and the immediate restoration of the de-escalation agreements, the humanitarian conditions in Idlib and north-west Syria could soon surpass the international community's ability to conduct a robust humanitarian response.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“The United States stands with our NATO ally Turkey in calling for the preservation of the 2018 Sochi agreement ceasefire as agreed by Russia and Turkey last September and confirmed at the Istanbul Summit in October. Furthermore, the United States strongly supports Turkey's efforts to de-escalate the violence. It is essential that the parties restore the September Sochi ceasefire line. Over the past four years, the Russian Federation has announced at least 10 ceasefire agreements that it has gone on to violate or disregard despite the risk to civilian lives and humanitarian conditions on the ground.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“However, as we just heard from the United Nations, this latest ceasefire appears already to have broken down, and the Syrian regime is showing no signs of stopping its offensive push into Idlib, in clear violation of the 2018 Sochi agreement reached between Turkey and Russia. Reports of Al-Assad regime forces shelling Turkish positions in the Idlib demilitarized zone resulting in the injuries of Turkish soldiers are alarming. The United States is gravely concerned about the threat that this offensive poses to Turkey and Turkish military forces. Such acts are increasing tensions and the threat of a wider escalation ofthe conflict, which would ultimately put millions of Syrian civilians at risk inside Syria.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Under- Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings today. The United States position on the humanitarian situation in Idlib is simple: we need to see a full and immediate de-escalation of violence by all sides, and in particular the Al-Assad regime forces and the Russian Federation in and around Idlib province. The regime's military escalation is unacceptable and poses a reckless and irresponsible threat to the security and stability of the region. We were hopeful that the Russian Federation's announcement on 13 June of a ceasefire between Turkey and the Russian Federation would bring a reprieve to the civilians of Idlib.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“Finally, the United States expresses our appreciation to all the Force Commanders and for the continuing service and sacrifice of their teams around the world.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“First, what are the ways in which host countries have rebuffed the good offices of the United Nations country team and attempted to restrict freedom of movement and access that our briefers might like to highlight for the Council today? Looking at the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the Transitional Military Council recently stated its intention to withdraw all armed forces from team sites formerly operated by UNAMID. To whom will these sites transition, and how would this transition be expected to take place, logistically? For the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, we know that the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have different views on the issue of host country consent. What types of challenges has the mission faced that stem from that issue directly?”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“Separately, host countries must embrace the strategic goals of the United Nations, the peacekeeping missions and the work of the United Nations country teams. Without the host country's understanding and acceptance of the goals and assistance provided by the United Nations, the completion of a Security Council mandate cannot be achieved. Host countries must cooperate with the United Nations and the peacekeeping missions deployed in their country. Without that cooperation, peacekeeping missions will never achieve their goals or the Security Council mandates contained in our resolutions. With all of this in mind, I would like to ask a couple of questions.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“More accountable missions deliver better on their mandates and increase the credibility of United Nations Blue Helmets around the world. Resolution 2436 (2018) makes it very clear that the Security Council needs better information on peacekeeping performance in order to make better decisions. From training and capacity-building to ensuring accountability for underperformance, we cannot fix what we do not know about. We can no longer accept a business-as-usual approach of not talking openly and honestly about our own shortcomings. We welcome the Secretary- General's commitment to implementing an integrated performance policy, but much more must be done. We will continue to work with our partners towards the full and speedy implementation of resolution 2436 (2018).”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“For peacekeeping missions to effectively implement their mandates and successfully support political efforts to achieve stability and a durable peace, they must have the full cooperation of the host countries, and mission personnel must have complete freedom of movement within their area of operations. While the Security Council must not renounce its role in the maintenance of international peace and security mandated by the Charter of the United Nations, we have seen that missions face a significantly larger number of challenges in achieving their mandates when host Governments choose to obstruct them. The United States has championed peacekeeping performance in the A4P initiative and through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2436 (2018). A key aspect of ensuring good performance is the accountability of peacekeeping missions.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“We thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and the Force Commanders for their briefings, as well as for their service. Today I will focus on the two issues of host- country cooperation and peacekeeping performance. The consent of the parties is indeed one of the core principles of United Nations peacekeeping operations, but underlying that principle is the parties' commitment to a political process. We have seen an inextricable link between the two, as reflected both in the Secretary- General's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative and the United States' own peacekeeping principles. Peacekeeping operations must support the achievement of political solutions, and peacekeeping missions must have host-country cooperation. The two go hand in hand.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source
“Finally, we note our continuing support for resolution 2303 (2016), in which the Council requested that the Secretary-General report on the situation in Burundi every three months. We are concerned by the United Nations failure to submit timely reports as requested by the Council.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“We also urge the Government of Burundi to address persistent and reliable reports of illicit arms transfers, combatant recruitment and armed group activity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that are tied to Burundi. Now is the time for all of the parties to the 2013 Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region to live up to their commitments of non-interference in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries and to deny support or safe harbour to armed groups. The Great Lakes region has a chance to transform into an interconnected hub of peace and prosperity. By resolving its domestic political crisis and strengthening its respect for human rights, Burundi could play a central role in that effort.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“With this continuing displacement in mind, we call upon the EAC to reinvigorate talks. It is important that all parties commit to the EAC-led process and reach an agreement ahead of the 2020 elections. Civic and political space is critical to free and fair elections. Unfortunately, continued reports of human rights violations cast a shadow over Burundi and its electoral preparations. Extrajudicial arrests, beatings, intimidation and kidnappings, especially by the Imbonerakure ruling party youth wing, pose a grave threat to the country's peace and security. A free press is indispensable to democracy. We urge the Burundian Government to respect freedom of expression and to allow journalists to operate independently without fear of violence or a forcible shutdown because of their reporting.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“I thank all of the briefers for their remarks today. We particularly welcome African Union Commissioner Chergui's perspective and vision for possible ways forward, which he outlined this afternoon. The United States has been disappointed by the lack ofprogress since the twentieth ordinary Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC), on 1 February. It does not appear that any steps have been taken by regional leadership since the Council's last meeting on Burundi in February (S/PV.8465), even though Burundians continue to flee the country under political pressure. The Office ofthe UnitedNations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that, although 8,253 Burundian refugees were assisted in returning voluntarily from January to April, during that same time period another 2,569 people fled Burundi for the first time.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“The peace agreement addresses important drivers of conflict, and its implementation will have a positive impact on the lives of Malians. We must expect political courage from stakeholders on all sides to work together, break the status quo and achieve real and lasting positive changes.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“Lastly, regarding performance, the political and security realities demand that MINUSMA focus its efforts on the peace agreement and on the centre. This mandate must streamline its tasks to enable MINUSMA to do that effectively. It must request that the Secretariat increase its effectiveness in repatriating and remediating poorly performing troops and work to provide MINUSMA with capable, flexible forces with minimal caveats. The mandate must set paradigms in that regard so as to ensure that MINUSMA receives adequately trained and equipped troops. The Security Council must have the political will and vision to adjust mission mandates as a result of fact-based analysis. We cannot allow another year to pass and be no closer to seeing progress on the core political and security tasks ofthe agreement.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“Nevertheless, we expect the Government to do all it can, as soon as it can, in the centre to be the enduring security and governance solution there and for all of Mali. Thirdly, it is essential to focus on the long- term transition, or else remain in a reactive posture. MINUSMA'S collaboration with the country team on the integrated strategic framework was an important step in that regard, but this mandate should further empower the civilian and military leadership of MINUSMA to begin identifying a plan for the Mission's transition and departure and for other capable entities such as the United Nations country team, the Government of Mali, the Malian security forces and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel to assume a greater role in political, security and stability tasks.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“Considering the stark realities of the political and security dynamics in Mali, the new mandate must achieve four key objectives: pressure, balance, transition and performance. First, we must continue to apply pressure on the signatory armed groups and the Government to implement the peace agreement. One way to do that is by strengthening the Council's tools to respond when signatory parties fail to meet the key benchmarks in a mandate. Additional pressure can and should be applied to ensure that inaction and obstruction have specific and concrete consequences. Secondly, the mandate must augment MINUSMA's single strategic priority to support implementation of the agreement with a second strategic priority that will adequately address the worsening security situation in the centre, focused on stabilization and the protection of civilians.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“Four years after signing the agreement, it seems as though the parties and the Government are always on the verge of a new understanding or a road map that will lead to progress on the agreement's signature political and security tasks. As we have said before, the status quo is not acceptable. At the Council's March meeting (see S/PV.8497) and in the presidential statement (S/PRST/2019/2) that followed, the Council made clear its dissatisfaction with the signatory parties' performance on the benchmarks in resolution 2423 (2018). The renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is our opportunity to demonstrate that frustration and make changes based on evidence and analysis. It is also an opportunity to show the world that the people of Mali deserve better.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“That is a sharp increase from the 43 civilians killed in intercommunal violence during this reporting period last year. Additionally, 148 peacekeepers have been killed in hostile action since the establishment of the peacekeeping mission. The United States pays tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price and to all the soldiers, civilians and their families who make sacrifices daily in order to bring peace and stability to the people of Mali. We offer our condolences to the families of the most recent victims. In addition to hearing how things continue to grow worse, we hear how there is little progress between the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups in implementing the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“We thank Special Representative Annadif for his briefing today and we welcome Foreign Minister Drame to the Council today. We very much look forward to working with him and with Mali's new Government. Every quarter, we sit in this Chamber and listen to how the security situation in the centre of Mali continues to deteriorate. We hear how violence against civilians surpassed the previous quarter's reports. We hear how attacks against United Nations peacekeepers and international forces remain the norm and we hear worries about how such volatility is spilling over and destabilizing other Sahel countries. In this reporting period alone, 333 civilians were killed in intercommunal violence, with the latest massacre being the deadliest incident in Mali since 2012.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“One way to do that is by joining ECCAS and the United Nations injoint visits to engage all Cameroonian actors in supporting dialogue. Finally, we look forward to the strategic review of the mandate of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) later this year. We anticipate further discussions with Special Representative Fall and his staff in order to ensure that UNOCA's mandate is focused on the most pressing challenges in the Central African region, while coordinating strategically with other United Nations offices operating there as well.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“The international community will support the Government of Cameroon in its efforts to open an inclusive dialogue with the separatists, and we encourage the Government to consider those options. Likewise, we strongly urge those supporting the separatist cause, particularly those living in the diaspora, to join talks without preconditions. We urge the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to play an even stronger role in promoting peace and security in Cameroon through dialogue. Our colleagues frequently remind us of the AU's leadership role in conflict prevention on the African continent, and we urge AU leaders to play a constructive role in trying to find a solution to the current political impasse that is causing this humanitarian crisis.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“In late January, the Government arrested Maurice Kamto, the leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, and hundreds of his followers, following peaceful demonstrations, and on 1 June arrested more than 100 party members as they attempted to hold a peaceful march. Many of them remain in pretrial detention on dubious charges. We call on the Government to move trial proceedings for political detainees to civilian courts and to respect fair trial guarantees, in accordance with Cameroon's obligations under international law. We welcome the Prime Minister's visit to the North-West and South-West regions to talk about the ongoing crisis with the parties affected, which we view as a very positive step. We welcome President Biya's instruction to speed up the decentralization mandated by the 1996 Constitution.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“We urge all the parties to refrain from such abuses, and the Government of Cameroon to hold all responsible accountable through transparent and fair trials. We thank the United Nations and representatives of civil society for their brave reporting on the status of human rights, and call for all the parties to cease actions that could hinder human rights reporting in the two regions. The Government of Cameroon's recent decision to deny entry to a researcher from an international non-governmental organization is regrettable. We are similarly concerned about the increasing restrictions on political pluralism.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“However, we must underscore that for those efforts to be successful they must adhere to the humanitarian assistance principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. The international community, with the support of the Cameroonian Government, should continue implementing a coordinated and robust humanitarian response. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2018, the United States Government has contributed over $87 million to provide humanitarian assistance to host communities, internally displaced persons and refugees in Cameroon. That aid is critical, but it is effective only when we have access to the vulnerable populations. The human rights abuses and violations in the affected regions are also worrying. The continued reports of attacks on civilians, including extrajudicial killings, are extremely troubling.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“We have heard disturbing reports of armed groups and Cameroonian authorities obstructing humanitarian aid delivery by establishing road checkpoints, ceasing supplies, demanding bribes and detaining personnel. Bureaucratic impediments and movement restrictions further exacerbate the situation. That must stop now. We call on all parties to enable unhindered humanitarian access to deliver life-saving assistance to all those in need and to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We welcome the Cameroonian Government's development of an emergency humanitarian assistance plan and coordination centre for the ongoing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by joining my colleagues in congratulating Kuwait as it assumes its presidency of the Council. I thank Special Representative Fall for his briefing today and for the efforts he undertakes, which continue to play a central role towards strengthening the political, security and economic conditions of the countries of Central Africa. In Cameroon in particular, his work to promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis in the North- West and South-West regions is of singular importance. The United States remains gravely concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in Cameroon. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimated in April that 4.3 million people in Cameroon - roughly 17 per cent of the population - need humanitarian assistance.”
2019-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8538 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, the United States remains committed to peace and security for Abyei and the region, and looks forward to working with the Council and the parties to ensure that UNISFA is adapted to the current political and security environment.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, the United States calls for a civilian leadership component within UNISFA. That civilian leadership component could further facilitate engagement among the parties to create space for a political resolution. Those recommended changes will appropriately reconfigure UNISFA to better suit the security and political environment on the ground. Finally, regarding the Secretariat's reporting on UNISFA's performance, the United States calls for improvements in the quality and quantity of information provided to the Council, in line with resolution 2436 (2018), which mandates clear detailed and standardized reporting across all United Nations peacekeeping mission.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“In continuation of the initiative of the Secretary- General to recommend the reconfiguration of UNISFA for the upcoming mandate renewal, the United States supports further advancing the efforts that this organ made in the fall of 2018. First, the United States calls for a reasonable reduction of uniformed personnel in UNISFA. The improved security environment and positive bilateral developments between the Sudan and South Sudan must be reflected in UNISFA force levels and composition. Secondly, the United States calls for increasing the number of police relative to troops in UNISFA. As the Secretary-General has observed, a reorientation towards a police-style mission is needed to ensure that UNISFA continues to fulfil its primary role in protecting civilians and reducing predominantly criminal threats.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“Taking advantage of recent trends to resolve border issues at this time would promote stability in the region and could be an easy win for the AU and the nascent governments in Juba and Khartoum. InNovember2018 , the SecurityCouncilunanimously agreed in the UNISFA mandate that the improved security situation in Abyei necessitated adjustments to the peacekeeping mission (see S/PV.8400). The United States notes with disappointment that the troop reduction and increase in police that was agreed upon by the Council and the parties have not yet been implemented. We call on the Sudan to provide visas to the incoming United Nations police without delay and on Ethiopia to withdraw peacekeepers, in line with the current mandate.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“While the political situations in Khartoum and Juba remain fluid, the warming relations between the Sudan and South Sudan and a stabilized security environment indicate that there is great potential for those two countries to capitalize on shared interests along their border and work together to resolve border disputes. While we commend the African Union (AU) for its engagement in and support for addressing outstanding border issues, we note that the Council has not received a status update on the African Union's efforts despite repeated requests to the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. Sustained political engagement by the AU on the Sudan and South Sudan's border issues is essential to ensuring that the two countries remain committed and engaged on resolving these issues.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“I thank the Under-Secretary-General and the Special Envoy for their briefings. The United States welcomes Mr. Onanga-Anyanga to his role and very much looks forward to working with him. The United States is pleased to see that the Secretary-General's recent report on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) noted that the security situation in Abyei is generally calm. We welcome the expanding economic activity, including cooperation on the development of oil resources in the border region, and appreciate the commitment between local populations to preserve peace. The United States would like to extend particular thanks to Ethiopia for its contributions to UNISFA. Without Ethiopia's efforts, the generally positive trend of developments in Abyei would not have been possible.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8519 (2019) · source
“Those ongoing consultations between the Personal Envoy, Morocco, the Frente POLISARIO, Algeria and Mauritania, which aimed at achieving a realistic, practicable and enduring solution for the Western Sahara, are crucial to laying the groundwork for a negotiated settlement. As we have said before, United Nations peacekeeping operations must support political solutions, and we will continue to assess the performance ofthe United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara against that principle. We express our full support to Personal Envoy Kohler and his team. We stand ready for his briefings to the Council as he deems appropriate. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Western Sahara, Colin Stewart, and the members of MINURSO for their efforts.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“As the Council has clearly stated today with this mandate, it is crucial that the parties and the neighbouring States cooperate more fully with each other and build additional trust, which is needed to achieve a political solution. We believe that the Council's close attention to this issue been instrumental to the political progress made over the past year. In December, Morocco, the Frente Popular para la Liberacion de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de Oro (Frente POLISARIO), Algeria and Mauritania met under United Nations auspices in Geneva for the first direct talks since 2012. In March, the delegations met again and began in-depth discussions on how to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“We are pleased with the Council's strong statement of support for the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General for Western Sahara, Horst Kohler, to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that would provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We are disappointed, however, that some members of the Council still chose to abstain in the voting, despite our sincere efforts to underscore the Council's unity towards the ongoing political process. With this mandate renewal, the United States sought to maintain the Council's focus on that political process. The Security Council's objective should be to advance a timely and mutually acceptable political solution.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“It is a war that has succeeded only in provoking conflict and leading to poverty and hopelessness, while hampering the ability of the international community to help. I think we all know the answers to those questions. The future of Gaza cannot be addressed and the people of Gaza cannot be helped in any meaningful way until Hamas is no longer in the picture, or makes the necessary choices for stability and eventually peace. The United States appreciates the work of EcoPeace, which is dedicated to fostering a community approach to water and energy security, despite a very challenging environment. I think we can all agree that this model of regional cooperation should be replicated to lay the groundwork for peace.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“A large part of why these projects are so successful is because they focus on what is best for the communities. And while we hear a lot about Israel's responsibilities, the real culprit depriving the communities of a better life is Hamas. The work of non-governmental organizations like EcoPeace is all the more challenging in Gaza because of Hamas' insistence on placing its own interests ahead of those of Gaza's residents. Would Hamas ever permit local communities to band together to form energy-producing cooperatives free of its control and profit-taking? Would Hamas ever allow Israeli desalinization experts to work side by side with people in Gaza? And, more broadly, will Hamas ever cease the needless attacks on Israeli communities and stop its morally bankrupt war at the expense of the Palestinian people?”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“We agree with EcoPeace Middle East that the road to stability in the Middle East will be paved by regional cooperation on many levels, and water and energy security are certainly essential for peace in the region. It is indeed heartening to hear that Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians are working together - sometimes even making a splash, as Gidon said - to address the shared challenges in energy and water. The EcoPeace Water-Energy Nexus project is a great example of this cooperation. It harnesses Jordan's potential as a large-scale renewable energy provider and utilizes both Israeli and Palestinian expertise in desalinization. The success and sustainability of projects such as this clearly demonstrates that Israelis and Palestinians can and do work together at the community level every day to improve their lives.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“Finally, we are concerned about the fact that in the light of the sanctions reducing the regime's access to hard currency, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is expanding its global efforts to conduct cyberthefts to make up for its export-revenue losses. We estimate that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea could be earning hundreds of millions of dollars through those activities each year. All States are vulnerable to that increasing trend, and must do more to protect themselves and prevent the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from undermining the Council's sanctions.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8507 (2019) · source
“We are very concerned about the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continues to unlawfully obtain refined petroleum products unhindered in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, despite having exceeded the Council's cap last year by more than seven times. We are also concerned about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's increasing smuggling of coal to sell in nearby countries in East Asia unhindered. All States, especially those in the Asia-Pacific region, must enhance their vigilance and proactively counter the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's illicit activities in and around their territorial waters, using all authorities provided by the relevant resolutions.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8507 (2019) · source
“The United States is pleased to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts under Security Council resolution 1718 (2006) so that it can continue its important work to strengthen the Democratic People's Republic of Korea sanctions regime. The full and comprehensive implementation of resolution 1718 (2006) is critical to achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. As such, we call on all States to proactively engage the Panel to support its investigations of sanctions violations. We also urge all States to fully implement all their obligations and work with other States to counter the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's increasingly sophisticated trends in evading sanctions, as stated by the Panel in its latest report (see S/2019/17l).”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8507 (2019) · source
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a State party to the Rome Statute and, as recalled in resolution 2463 (2019), has consented to the Court's exercise of jurisdiction. We understand that MONUSCO's mandate with respect to the ICC will be limited to working with the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in circumstances in which all the relevant States have consented to the ICC's activities. The United States remains a leader in the fight to end impunity and continues to support justice and accountability for international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We respect the decisions of those nations that have chosen to join the ICC and, in turn, we expect that our decision not to join and not to place our citizens under the Court's jurisdiction will also be respected.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8498 (2019) · source
“In that connection, we refer to the United States policy on the ICC, as announced by the White House on 10 September 2018, as well as to Secretary Pompeo's announcement on 15 March regarding visa restrictions on Court officials in furtherance of that policy. In particular, the United States reiterates its continuing and long-standing principled objection to any assertion of ICC jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not parties to the Rome Statute, including the United States and Israel, absent a referral by the Security Council or the consent of such a State. We also wish to reiterate our serious and fundamental concerns with the ICC Prosecutor's proposed investigation of United States personnel in the context of the conflict in Afghanistan.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8498 (2019) · source
“The mandate also emphasizes the important role that MONUSCO can play in the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. If requested, MONUSCO can provide security assistance to responders providing life-saving support. Perhaps most important, thanks to its emphasis on strengthening Congolese institutions within existing resources, the Council has given MONUSCO the mandate to work closely with the Congolese authorities to provide technical assistance and build capacity in areas of strategic importance, such as security, the rule of law and the management of natural resources. Those efforts are critical to the long-term success of MONUSCO and the eventual transition of responsibilities to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We note that resolution 2463 (2019) contains references to the International Criminal Court (ICC).”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8498 (2019) · source