YouSaid · the spoken record

Hunter

lines on the record

302

first

2018-08-29

most recent

2022-05-17

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53

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un-security-council

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1. “MONUSCO's new mandate also prioritizes the safety and well- being of the Congolese people. Through its focus on the protection of civilians, stopping sexual and gender-based violence and preventing violations and abuses committed against children, the Council has ensured that the Mission's fundamental responsibility is to support those who have suffered from conflict, instability and violence for far too long. Today's resolution includes new language on peacekeeping performance to help ensure that MONUSCO is composed of the best-performing civilian and uniformed personnel. As a result, we expect to see improvements in MONUCO's implementation of its mandate to neutralize armed groups and prevent conflict, including through disarmament and mediation.”

   2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8498 (2019) · source

2. “The United States strongly supports the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and is pleased to have voted in favour of resolution 2463 (2019) today. We thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Zerrougui and her team for their stewardship of MONUSCO at an important moment in the country's history and commend their engagement in support of the Congolese people. MONUSCO's new mandate seeks to align the Mission with the new Administration's priorities - tackling corruption; increasing transparency; fostering accountability; improving security throughout the country, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; improving human rights practices; and providing opportunities for all Congolese people.”

   2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8498 (2019) · source

3. “As we said yesterday, to allow the Golan Heights to be controlled by the likes of the Syrian and Iranian regimes would be to turn a blind eye to the threats emanating from a Syrian regime that engages in atrocities and from Iran and terrorist actors, including Hizbullah, seeking to use the Golan Heights as a launching ground for attacks on Israel. For decades, the residents ofthe Golan Heights have been subject to the same administration and governed by the same laws as the rest of Israel. The President's statement on the Golan reflects a recognition of the unique circumstances that led us to deem it appropriate to recognize Israeli sovereignty at this time. To be clear, the United States supports the goal of a secure and lasting peace between Israel and all its neighbours, including Syria.”

   2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

4. “Turning to the Golan specifically, we briefed the Council yesterday that on 25 March, President Trump signed a proclamation affirming that the United States recognizes that the Golan Heights are part of the State of Israel. That announcement does not affect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, nor do we believe that it undermines the UNDOF mandate in any way. UNDOF continues to have a vital role to play in preserving stability between Israel and Syria, most importantly by ensuring that the area of separation is a buffer zone free from any military presence or activities other than those of UNDOF. This decision is of critical strategic and security importance to the State of Israel, and the United States believes it can contribute to stability.”

   2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

5. “There is no chance for peace between Syria and Israel if Hizbullah is present in the area of separation. Hizbullah has demonstrated that it is willing to risk its fellow Lebanese people in attacking Israel, and we believe that it has no qualms in risking the lives of the Syrian people as well. As we have said before, the United States strongly supports and affirms Israel's sovereign right to self-defence. The United States welcomes the mission's progress in returning to its Bravo side operations. Recent events make clear that Syrian armed forces activities on the Bravo side go beyond those agreed to in the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. The United States encourages UNDOF and Observer Group Golan to resume inspections in the area of limitation on the Bravo side as soon as practical given conditions on the ground.”

   2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

6. “The United States and the Council cannot accept Syria's efforts to establish its presence in the area of separation as a new norm. Therefore, the United States calls on the Russian Federation to use its influence with the Al-Assad regime to compel the Syrian forces to uphold their commitment to the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and immediately withdraw from the area of separation. Syrian military activities in and around the area of separation have triggered misunderstandings and hostilities with Israel that have put UNDOF peacekeepers in harm's way. The freedom of movement and safety of UNDOF personnel are of the utmost importance and must be ensured by the Syrian authorities. The United States is also alarmed by reports of Hizbullah's presence in the area of separation, which further heightens the potential for hostilities.”

   2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

7. “I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Under- Secretary-General Lacroix for their briefings today. The United States is concerned by the Secretary- General's reports of the continued military activities and presence of the Syrian armed forces in the area of separation. The mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)is crystal clear. There should be no military activity of any kind in the area of separation, including military operations by the Syrian armed forces. The daily presence of the Syrian armed forces in the area of separation diminishes the buffer zone that is essential for reducing tensions between the parties and keeping the peace. It is a Violation of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement and threatens the 1973 ceasefire.”

   2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8495 (2019) · source

8. “We fully support the independence of the Panel and call upon the Government of the Sudan to cooperate in this respect. The United States encourages all Member States to cooperate with the Panel of Experts on the Sudan and fully implement our obligations pursuant to the arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban measures. We also call upon Libyan warring factions to cease their cooperation with Darfuri armed groups. We will continue to encourage the Government of the Sudan, the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minawi faction to build upon the recent agreement on a negotiations framework and to make progress towards a cessation of hostilities and a political agreement. We also call on the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid faction to engage with the joint chief mediator and to engage within a peace process.”

   2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source

9. “The resulting human rights violations and abuses, indiscriminate shootings, looting and destruction of property are unacceptable, and we call upon all parties to cease hostilities. While the decreasing financial and logistical support from South Sudan to Darfuri rebels is encouraging, we are concerned by reports of growing support from Libyan groups to Darfuri armed groups. Furthermore, reported acts in defiance of the arms embargo by all armed groups and the Government of the Sudan serve to underscore the need for greater attention to the implementation of the sanction regime's arms embargo. The United States is concerned by Panel reporting that the Government of the Sudan is interfering with the independence of the Panel by mandating Government participation in Panel meetings with non-Government interlocutors.”

   2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source

10. “We also urge the Government to ensure that a fully independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of protesters take place as soon as possible, followed by accountability for any excessive use of force. With regard to the report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2019/34), we note with concern the continued clashes between the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction (SLA/AW) and Sudanese Government forces. We are most concerned with the Sudanese armed forces response to the SLA/AW hit-and-run attacks with large-scale military operations aimed at driving the group out of the area. That fighting has resulted in a significant number of causalities on both sides, as well as new displacement, humanitarian crisis and human rights abuses. And across Darfur, women and girls continue to be subjected to conflict-related sexual violence.”

    2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source

11. “Enhancing human rights protections and practices is one of the six key areas of mutual concern prioritized in the phase II framework for bilateral engagement between the United States and the Sudan, which was agreed to last year. We welcome the commitment ofthe Sudan to making progress on that issue, among others. In that regard, we note our deep concerns about the Sudanese Government's response to the recent protests in the Sudan, which resulted in a significant number of deaths and serious injuries as well as the arbitrary detention without charge or trial of a number of political activists and protesters. We urge the Government to fully respect the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and release all journalists, political opposition leaders, activists and any other protesters arbitrarily detained.”

    2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source

12. “It is imperative that the Government of the Sudan investigate and hold accountable those responsible for such crimes. The Sudan sanctions regime allows for the designation of individuals who commit violations of international humanitarian law or international human rights law, or other atrocities. As Special Representative Patten recommended, the Panel of Experts on the Sudan should be provided more resources to investigate crimes of sexual violence and tasked to do so in the areas of Jebel Marra, including Nertiti, where several incidents were recently reported. While significant work remains to address this ongoing problem, we appreciate the Sudanese Government's engagement with the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and we urge the Government to continue cooperating with her in future.”

    2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source

13. “I thank Ms. Joanna Wronecka for her briefing today on the important work undertaken by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan, and for her commitment to the work of the Committee. As always, she has our continued support. The 24 October briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, to the Sudan Sanctions Committee underscored the ongoing problem of sexual violence by State and non-State actors in the Sudan and the continuing need for international attention on the issue. The Special Representative's reporting that perpetrators of sexual violence include members of the Sudanese armed forces and police as well as armed non-Government militias is alarming.”

    2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source

14. “We look forward to hearing more about the Government of Mali's plans for utilizing the newly integrated armed group fighters to secure northern Mali. We are frustrated and disappointed that more is not being done to quickly implement the provisions specified in paragraph 4 of resolution 2423 (2018). In October, we made it very clear (see S/PV.8376) that resolution 2423 (2018) demands that signatory parties must show significant progress, or face changes to MINUSMA after the expiration of the mandate. We repeat that today. There is more to be done.”

    2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source

15. “Every civilian, peacekeeper and security force member killed and injured underscores the need to fully implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and swiftly implement the provisions of resolution 2423 (2018). The United States recognizes that some progress has been made since the presidential elections last summer. We commend the establishment of 10 district-level interim administrations and greater coordination between the Government and the signatory parties. We also commend the accelerated disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and integration process of the Operational Coordination Mechanism elements in Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu. However, we understand there have been some issues regarding living conditions and next steps for those units.”

    2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source

16. “In addition to those attacks against the United Nations mission, we continue to witness heinous acts of violence against civilians and security forces, especially in the centre of the country. The United States strongly condemns the terrorist groups and the so-called self- defence groups for that growing violence. While we welcome the Government's efforts to address the deteriorating security situation in the centre, we call on the Government of Mali and MINUSMA to hasten their efforts to protect civilians, work to end intercommunal conflict and quickly hold accountable and bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts.”

    2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source

17. “I thank Assistant Secretary-General Keita for her briefing today. I would also like to thank Foreign Minister Camara for participating in today's meeting. Sadly, this has been a very difficult reporting period for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Over the past three months, the Mission saw two peacekeepers killed and 42 injured, and three contractors killed and nine injured. That is a sobering reminder to those of us in the Chamber that MINUSMA remains the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world. The United States recognizes the risks that the soldiers and civilians of MINUSMA face, and we pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price and to all the soldiers, civilians and their families who sacrifice daily to bring peace and stability to the people of Mali.”

    2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source

18. “We hope that in the days to come, Iranian missiles or misdeeds do not shatter the promise of peace and bring us back to where we were before. But if that does happen, the Council may come to regret that omission.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source

19. “Iran violates international law with impunity, sending weapons and associated material to the Houthi in contravention of the arms embargo provisions set out in resolution 2216 (2015) and a violation of resolution 2231 (2015). These weapons pose a grave threat not only to peace and security, but also to the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. With a view to seeking clear accountability, the United States has spoken out in this Chamber against Iran's malign activities. It is long past time for every other member of the Council to do the same. While we voted for the draft resolution put forward by our friends the United Kingdom, we regret that it does not call Iran to account for its destructive agenda in Yemen.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source

20. “We call upon all parties to give priority to the rapid, safe and comprehensive delivery of humanitarian assistance to millions of suffering Yemenis. But just as the parties have responsibilities, so too does the Security Council. When the Council speaks, we must do so clearly and credibly, accurately reflecting the facts on the ground and with the courage to address those who choose to fan the flames of conflict. We had hoped therefore to include a clear condemnation of the Iranian regime for its role in prolonging this war. The Council must not allow Iran's nefarious activities in the region to disturb this welcome yet fragile agreement, which so many have worked so hard to achieve.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source

21. “This text places a tremendous obligation on the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to act in good faith, engage and compromise, and give the Yemeni people a lasting peace. We are grateful to Martin Griffiths and his team and to Sweden for doing the hard work and providing the support that resulted in this much-needed pause. We all have hard work to do in the coming weeks, and we will embark on this endeavour with a newfound determination. The United States fully supports the Sweden outcomes and their implementation by the parties, and we look forward to the Secretary-General's forthcoming proposals on how the United Nations will play its role to support the commitments the parties made in Sweden.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source

22. “The resolution also makes a clear demand on all parties for unhindered humanitarian access and adherence to international law. It calls for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. These demands are important, and we urge the parties to adhere to them. We also hope for rapid progress on stabilizing the economy and removing any bureaucratic impediments to the delivery of vital humanitarian and commercial goods. Like the Stockholm agreements, this resolution is an important step, but it is only an initial one. Our overriding priority remains implementing the agreements to enforce the ceasefire and oversee a redeployment of forces in Hudaydah. We will be watching closely. Success depends on the parties living up to the obligations agreed to in Sweden.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source

23. “We gather to vote on resolution 2451 (2018) today in order to address the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen and to endorse the Stockholm agreements. The United States remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and maintains the firm conviction that the best hope of resolving the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis is a political solution, taking the Stockholm agreements as an important first step. The resolution empowers the United Nations and its Member States to start the vital work of implementing those agreements. We continue to call on all involved in the conflict to allow unfettered access and safe passage for humanitarian workers and to facilitate the entry into and movement through Yemen of fuel, food, medicine and other supplies needed to save lives.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source

24. “We also agree with the sentiment expressed in the strategic assessment that, given the significant investment that the United Nations has made in Guinea- Bissau over the past two decades, the utmost care must be taken to design a transition process that maintains the gains achieved and identifies the appropriate parts of the United Nations system that are to assume any remaining tasks. We reiterate the need for stakeholders to take the right action and put the people of Guinea- Bissau first, which entails the immediate rescheduling and holding of the critical legislative elections.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

25. “While further detailed discussions will be required in the Security Council prior to the February mandate renewal, we support in principle the concept of a three-phase drawdown and the transfer of tasks from UNIOGBIS to the United Nations country team. What is clear is that for that transition to be possible, Guinea-Bissau's electoral process must be credible and must proceed on schedule. Furthermore, Guinea-Bissau must avoid a return to extended political gridlock.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

26. “Domingos Simoes Pereira, who is the leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, and other stakeholders to follow through on their pledges to foster unity, continue the implementation of the Conakry Agreement and hold the elections without delay. The United States also welcomes the Secretary- General's strategic assessment of UNIOGBIS. We appreciate that that report provides a frank assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the work of the United Nations in Guinea-Bissau over the past several years. We also appreciate that the report ties its recommendations for the reprioritization of tasks and options for a future United Nations presence to conditions that must be met.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

27. “However, like our partners in the region and the international community, we are very concerned over recent events in Bissau, specifically the actions of the public-order police and the blocking of visiting technicians seeking to access the technical support office of the electoral process headquarters. We note that, despite those actions and the ongoing delay, a frustrated and disappointed public has shown patience, and the pre-election environment has remained relatively calm. However, that should not be construed as passive acceptance. We urge President Vaz, Prime Minister Gomes, Mr.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

28. “Let us be clear - that has to end now. We appreciate the recent announcements that have set a date for the elections. However, we are greatly concerned that the date set is well beyond the January time frame set by ECOWAS. It is critical that there be no further delays or slippage for the legislative elections. Furthermore, we expect that the presidential elections will and should take place separately and as scheduled in summer 2019. Following the apparent improvement of the country's political situation this spring, Guinea-Bissau's partners and friends have provided the necessary support needed to prepare for and hold the elections. We are pleased by the progress and voter registration that has been observed over the past several months.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

29. “The Council addresses intractable issues every day; however, in Guinea-Bissau, we have before us a problem for which there are immediate and tangible solutions. This spring, after waiting through nearly four years of self-inflicted political gridlock, Guinea- Bissau's frozen Government appeared to thaw, but only after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took the bold step of sanctioning 19 spoilers of the Conakry Agreement. At that time, the President of Guinea-Bissau had appointed a consensus Prime Minister and scheduled legislative elections for 18 November. Given registration challenges, that date was delayed. And while we understood the logistical challenges that prompted the delay, the country's leaders have once again been capitalizing on a stalled process for their own selfish political objectives.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

30. “I thank Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun and Ambassador Vieira for their briefings on the situation in Guinea- Bissau. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2018/1086) on the strategic assessment of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea- Bissau (UNIOGBIS). We look forward to discussing that assessment with our Council colleagues as we negotiate the Mission's future next February. Today, we are having yet another Council meeting on the situation in Guinea-Bissau instead of focusing on the future of the country and the welfare of its people. We are faced with another self-imposed political wound and a delay in the implementation of the Conakry Agreement.”

    2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8438 (2018) · source

31. “Their progress, combined with the support efforts of bilateral and multilateral partners - all working in a complementary fashion with the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel - will be critical to realizing the vast potential of the region and its peoples.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

32. “We will continue to work closely with all partners to coordinate our contributions of much-needed equipment, training and technical advice to G-5 Sahel member States to fill the prioritized capability gaps of the Joint Force. Nevertheless, security responses alone will not solve the problem if there is no progress in addressing the political, environmental, development and humanitarian challenges in the region. Only by promoting good governance, addressing the root causes of instability, creating economic opportunity, respecting human rights and enhancing security can the States in the region make sustainable progress towards addressing those challenges.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

33. “By way of example, in the Niger, USAID is engaging women and young people in community dialogues and local decision-making to prevent violent extremism from taking root in vulnerable communities. By engaging women across their many roles as mothers, teachers, civil society actors and business leaders we can focus resources more constructively to address the drivers of violent extremism, combat radicalization and keep our communities safe. On security, the United States commends the G-5 Sahel member States for operationalizing the G-5 Sahel Joint Force to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime - a primary contributor to regional instability. The United States strongly supports the Joint Force in its efforts to establish lasting security.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

34. “In addition, women business owners create a multiplier effect in their communities. They are more likely to hire other women and to reinvest in their communities and their families. Women and youth often face high barriers to accessing commercial activities, including finance - such as legal and regulatory environments, educational gaps and social and cultural norms. The United States is actively engaged in addressing those issues in the Sahel. For instance, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is working to build stronger connections in the Sahel between the programmes it funds in food security, health, micro-enterprise and community development.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

35. “The efforts of the United Nations to attract and align international support for priority challenges in the Sahel is crucial. In particular, we should continue to support priorities and activities that are Africa-driven. We therefore commend the recent success of the G-5 Sahel donor and partner coordination conference in Nouakchott on 6 December, with its focus on each of the four pillars of the G-5 Sahel - security, governance, resilience and infrastructure - and towards the projects of highest priority, greatest cross-border impact and maximum chance of success. A key component of American efforts to support resilience in the Sahel is to provide women and youth with access to economic and civic empowerment. Women are the world's safest borrowers, as they pay back microloans at a rate of 97 per cent.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

36. “In the face of all of those challenges, the United States continues its multisectoral partnerships with the Governments and societies of the countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) to bolster stability and security by providing them humanitarian, health, agriculture, governance and development assistance. The United States provided more than $460 million in the 2017 fiscal year in development and humanitarian assistance to programmes in the G-5 Sahel countries. All of our support seeks to complement the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the creative partnerships envisioned in its Support Plan. We particularly appreciate the emphasis on unlocking the potential of the private sector in the Sahel as an additional way to harness the power of youth in a positive way.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

37. “We thank all of the briefers today for their presentations and for their work to advance peace and development in the Sahel. We share the Special Adviser's assessment that the Sahel is an important and culturally diverse region filled with potential, but that its people today face a daunting set of challenges. We also agree that competition over natural resources in the region, exacerbated by natural disasters including desertification and drought, contribute to the instability that we see today. We are particularly concerned by the increasing unrest in the central Sahel, driven by the scarcity ofresources. Those communities are increasingly seeing those disputes through an ethnic lens, and each side brands the other as the enemy.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8435 (2018) · source

38. “Let me be clear - there will be no reconstruction money. There will be no legitimacy for the regime. There will be no facilitation for returns of refugees. That will not be discussed or even considered until we get the political process moving. The United States remains firmly committed to the blueprint for a political solution to the Syrian conflict, agreed by resolution 2254 (2015), in order to achieve peace and stability in Syria. We look forward to working with the United Nations and with the incoming Special Envoy Geir Pedersen to create a permanent and peaceful end to the conflict.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

39. “However, there are increasing indications of a potential military escalation in Idlib, despite the fragile ceasefire held together by the Turkish-Russian creation of a demilitarized zone. Any military escalation in Idlib would be reckless and catastrophic for millions of people and for the stability of Syria's neighbours. We are at a crossroads that will define the end of the Syrian conflict. If Russia and the regime do not help form a legitimate, credible and balanced constitutional committee before the end of the year, we should all place that failure squarely at their feet. The United States is ready, with our allies and partners in the small group, to focus on supporting United Nations- led efforts to reinvigorate a political process. We also would work to further isolate the regime diplomatically and economically.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

40. “The Astana group has failed thus far to convince the Al-Assad regime to accept the United Nations balanced list of members for the constitutional committee, which would have allowed the committee to move forward. A committee that is not balanced or representative of the Syrian people, including the opposition, cannot be considered legitimate. Progress towards a political solution to the conflict, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), is urgent, given the situation in Idlib. Idlib's 3 million civilians have been able to live in relative peace, thanks to Russian and Turkish efforts to de-escalate the violence and keep pressure on the regime to not launch an offensive.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

41. “In no way was the Syrian regime to be given a veto over the membership or procedures of the committee. Russia agreed that the United Nations would have the authority to manage the committee in order to receive the imprimatur of legitimacy from and attention of the Council as a credible Russian contribution to peace in Syria. For 11 months, Russia's so-called Sochi initiative has produced nothing but a stalemate. We are now just 11 days away from the end of the year and are rapidly approaching the Syrian regime's and Russia's last chance to follow through on that commitment. In recent months, the United States, members of the Council and the small group on Syria have worked tirelessly to support Special Envoy De Mistura's efforts to launch a credible and balanced constitutional committee.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

42. “And the first step towards the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) is the creation of a new Syrian constitution. In January, the Russian Federation, in close consultation with the United Nations, published the Sochi declaration. The declaration called for the creation of a constitutional committee in Geneva, led by the Special Envoy, as a contribution to reinvigorating United Nations efforts to implement resolution 2254 (2015), which had stalled from a lack of genuine participation by the Al-Assad regime. The Sochi declaration made it clear that the constitutional committee's 150-person membership would have equal representation among the regime, the Syrian opposition and independents, and that its scope of work, schedule and voting procedures would be determined by the Special Envoy.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

43. “As we have said, we will use all instruments of our national power to press for a withdrawal of Iranian- backed forces and, most importantly for today's meeting, the United States will continue to advance a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis in a way that honours the will of the Syrian people and is consistent with resolution 2254 (2015). We will continue to work together with our allies to fight terrorism. The United States will also work with like-minded States, the United Nations and the Syrian opposition to seek a diplomatic end to this conflict. There is only one internationally agreed road map for achieving those goals. It is a political solution to the Syrian conflict, in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

44. “I thank Special Envoy De Mistura for his briefing. On behalf of the United States, I express our sincere gratitude to him for his four and a half years of service as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. We greatly appreciate the tireless effort that he has put into that work and his efforts to bring peace and stability to Syria. We wish him all the best. The United States also looks forward to maintaining a close and constructive relationship with his successor, Mr. Geir Pedersen, as he assumes his role as Special Envoy. The United States remains committed to the permanent destruction of Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and other terrorist groups in Syria and around the world.”

    2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source

45. “Also in Benin, we provide training and equipment to the national police to stem drug trafficking across Benin's land borders and waterways. The United States also supports training in evidence-based best practices for officials who work on drug use prevention, treatment and recovery services throughout the African continent. Only last week in Nairobi, we supported a major international drug- demand reduction workshop, with the participation of more than 40 African nations. In conclusion, the United States remains committed to fighting the drug epidemic globally, including in West and Central Africa. We look forward to working with the Security Council, the region and our partners to strengthen our communities, protect our families and deliver a drug-free future for all.”

    2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8433 (2018) · source

46. “In Liberia, the State Department is spending $2.4 million in support of a transnational organized crime project to promote intelligence-led policing and investigations, interdiction and seizures of illicit drugs, organized-crime prosecutions and capacity- building for security and law enforcement agencies. The initiative, in partnership with UNODC, has already led to increased drug-related interdictions and more than 90 arrests associated with transnational organized crime. In Benin and Togo, the State Department has invested over $4 million since 2012 to build the capacity of magistrates to prosecute drug trafficking and related cases through mentorship, technical assistance and collaborative training sessions.”

    2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8433 (2018) · source

47. “In the Gulf of Guinea, we support the 2013 Yaounde process to address illicit maritime activity. Partnering with INTERPOL, United States assistance to that regionally owned framework includes nearly $3 million to assist maritime law enforcement agencies in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. We support the efforts of those countries to investigate maritime-based organized crime, improve information sharing, strengthen maritime interdiction and investigation capabilities. The United States Africa Command also partners with those countries to support maritime training and operations such as the Obangame Express exercise and the African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership.”

    2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8433 (2018) · source

48. “The United States International Law Enforcement Academy programme delivers specialized courses for criminal justice officials from West and Central Africa on counter-narcotics, anti-corruption, financial crimes and border security, among other related topics. Through three of its facilities, including the United States West Africa Regional Training Center in Ghana and the United States International Law Enforcement Academies in Botswana, we have trained more than 2,100 criminal justice officials in 2018 alone. In Ghana, the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs supports Ghana's police service with $1.7 million to launch drug law-enforcement units in four new strategic regions to strengthen its capacity.”

    2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8433 (2018) · source

49. “In that regard, we applaud the Economic Community of West African States for its regional efforts to address drug trafficking, organized crime and drug abuse through its regional action plan on illicit drug trafficking, organized crime and drug abuse in West Africa for the period from 2016 to 2020. We also commend the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its drug-control and anti-crime technical assistance in Africa and throughout the world. Today, I affirm the commitment of the United States to also tackling that challenge. The United States is investing significant resources in West and Central Africa to counter drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. I will mention briefly a few of those important efforts.”

    2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8433 (2018) · source

50. “My country is certainly not immune to that threat, as we, too, are facing a devastating opioid crisis of unprecedented scale. The threat is a global one, and no one country can or should have to face it alone. In response to the challenge, President Trump announced the Global Call to Action on the World Drug Problem on 24 September. Endorsed by more than 130 countries, the framework calls on countries to reduce drug demand, cut off the supply of illicit drugs, expand treatment and strengthen international cooperation. We urge all countries to work towards fulfilling that important initiative because we know that successfully confronting the challenge will require the efforts of every country in the world.”

    2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8433 (2018) · source