YouSaid · the spoken record

Imnadze

lines on the record: 240
first: 2013-08-06
most recent: 2022-03-08
sittings or episodes: 35
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

“Let me also mention a number ofj oint water projects that have become an instrument for restoring trust between the war-torn communities. A vivid example of that successful practice was the project aimed at improving the security of the Zonkari reservoir. That project allowed Georgian authorities to ensure a safe and sufficient water supply for the villages situated in the occupied region. With the mediation and financial support of international partners, notably the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Georgia carried out rehabilitation projects aimed at ensuring drinking-water supply and the functioning of irrigation systems in conflict-affected villages across the occupation line. Those efforts demonstrate that water has a significant potential for confidence-building.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“To that end, the sustainable utilization of water resources has been set as a priority, and national legislation on water management has been brought into full compliance with the internationally recognized principles of integrated water resources management. Many villages across the occupation line in Georgia have suffered from water shortages following the 2008 foreign military intervention. The occupation forces have cut drinking-water supplies and blocked irrigation channels originating in the occupied Tskhinvali region. Villagers have been unable to carry out their agricultural work, which is the main source of income in those areas. We have managed to resolve the problem by constructing alternative trunk canals and building the necessary infrastructure.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“The scarcity ofwater resources and questions of access, management and exploitation have the potential to be used as triggers and methods of war. We need to address those questions in both security and development contexts. The linkages between Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 16 are particularly relevant. We recognize the significance of transboundary cooperation to restore and prevent the degradation of damaged aquatic ecosystems. Over the past several decades, Georgia has concluded a number ofagreements with neighbouring States regulating the management of water resources and has participated in numerous regional projects aimed at developing ecologically sound and rational water management.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“I, too, would like to join the previous speakers in congratulating and thanking the Senegalese presidency for organizing this important debate on water, peace and security, which marks the first time that the issue has been formally considered in the Security Council. We appreciate the briefings that we have heard. Of particular interest to us were the conclusions presented on the second meeting of the Global High-Level Panel on Water and Peace, held in Senegal this year, and the proposals voiced in connection with advancing hydro-diplomacy. Georgia aligns itselfwith the statement made earlier by the delegation of the European Union. I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity. Water is indeed a vital resource and fundamental pillar of development and security policy.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“We hope that the measures undertaken by my Government that I mentioned will serve as an example of best practice when it comes to a prompt and effective response to cases of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse. We also encourage other countries to do the same as, we believe that only through such an approach can we produce a sustained change in dealing with the scourge of sexual exploitation and abuse in conflict situations.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Georgia officially requested the engagement of all the relevant parties in the investigation process by assigning respective points of contact on the ground. In June 2016, the team travelled to Bangui for the on site phase of the investigation, conducting inquiries and interviews with alleged victims in close cooperation with the EU, MINUSCA and UNICEF. United Nations agencies acknowledged that the team was highly professional and exemplary. Materials collected during the visit to the Central African Republic are being carefully studied. So far, preliminary investigation data reveal no sign ofGeorgian soldiers' involvement in the crimes committed. Should the results of the investigation prove them innocent, Georgia would appreciate acknowledgement by the relevant United Nations bodies.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Having condemned any violence against local civilian populations, the Georgian Government created an ad hoc inter-agency investigation team, involving not only the representative of the Office of the Prosecutor and the Minister of Defence, but also experts on human rights and child protection services, as well as psychologists. The team established direct communication and worked Closely with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the Executive Director of UNICEF, the European Union Military Committee, as well as the Legal Director of Medecins sans frontieres.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Georgia is fully committed to a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping and to ensuring the full accountability of perpetrators, by responding to alleged crimes in a survivor-centred manner. It was precisely with that approach that the Georgian Government and the Georgian armed forces reacted immediately to the allegations voiced by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in January with regard to the sexual abuse cases involving minors by members of foreign military forces in the Central African Republic.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Our strong commitment is well reflected our the national action plan on women and peace and security, and Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt a separate policy document on this very important topic. Georgia shares the view that effective conflict prevention must start from an understanding of the broad and deep insecurity that permeates women's lives prior to conflict and the ways that pre-conflict structural inequality can facilitate violence and insecurity, as stated in the global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). At the same time, we need to address the current challenges in peacekeeping in a comprehensive and transparent way that acknowledges the centrality of the protection of civilians.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“We all know that 20 per cent of my country's territory remains under illegal foreign military occupation and that hundreds of thousands of Georgian internally displaced persons and refugees who are victims of ethnic cleansing are denied the right to return to their homes, while the fundamental rights ofwomen and girls inside the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions in South Ossetia continue to be neglected. My Government spares no effort to develop and implement higher standards for the full protection of women's rights. We fully recognize the benefits of enhancing women's leadership and participation in decision-making in conflict resolution, prevention and management processes.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“Georgia aligns itself with the statement made earlier by the delegation of the European Union (EU). I would like to make the following comments in my national capacity. We welcome this annual debate of the Security Council on women and peace and security and the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We also welcome the report (S/2016/822) of the Secretary- General. One of my country's persistent concerns relates to the implementation of this resolution in conflict- affected territories.”
2016-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7793 (2016) · source
“As aftermath, 20 per cent of my country's territory remains under illegal foreign military occupation following waves of ethnic cleansing. We should all learn from such examples. Therefore, Georgia believes that the right to the veto should be restricted under the following circumstances: first, when a decision of the Security Council aims at preventing crimes against humanity, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and genocide; and, secondly, when a Permanent Member is involved in the conflict under consideration, and, therefore cannot exercise its rights impartially. In conclusion, let me once again express our firm support for this process. We participated in the previous discussions, and we are determined to continue to contribute to this very important process.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Given our own experience, we already formally endorsed - and here I also want to reiterate our full support for - the joint French-Mexican proposal with regard to the use of the veto in the Security Council, as well as the initiative introduced by Liechtenstein on a code of conduct with regard to Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. When I said our own experience, I do not mean a theoretical exercise but an actual and unfortunate fact - when a permanent member of the Security Council, while being a party to a conflict, with a single-handed veto, terminated the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia. We faced a paradoxical scenario that, when a security presence was most needed right after a full-scale war, the United Nations withdrew.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“We very much hope that inthe coming months, in accordance with the statement by the President, the Informal Working Group intends to work towards a comprehensive document in the form of an updated presidential note S/2010/507 that would consolidate all decisions on working methods, with the fuller participation by the broader membership in relevant discussions. Georgia believes that a more focused and succinct discussion in the open debate format must be viewed as an important tool in improving and democratizing the working methods ofthe Security Council. A meaningful streamlining of the working methods should also imply the reform of the use of the veto, the modalities and decision-making principles of the Security Council and more accountability before the General Assembly.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Let me also join other to express our gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. We all agree on the need to streamline the working methods, but the years that have passed since 2007, despite some progress, have shown the many difficulties in achieving convergence ofMember States' positions to overcome the structural shortcomings of the Security Council vis-a-vis the emerging global threats and challenges. A more expeditious arrival at a comprehensive package is absolutely necessary, whereas further delay will continue to put the Council at further risk of becoming either inadequate or dilatory in responding to existing or emerging global challenges and threats to international peace and security.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“On 5 June, an inter-agency investigative team, set up at the initiative of the Defence Minister of Georgia, left for the Central African Republic to carry out investigative activities on the ground. Also, in response to a Secretariat request, the Government of Georgia presented the candidature of an officer, on a gratis basis, to serve with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, whose focus would be on the legal issues surrounding the sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by international peacekeeping forces. In conclusion, let me reiterate Georgia's full support for efforts to make peacekeeping more effective and more human-centred, with its primary focus on the responsibility to protect the civilian population.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Peacekeeping Force, which served as the security component for the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia on the ground, clearly lacked the trust and confidence of Georgians in the area, as it was staffed exclusively by Russian military personnel. On many occasions, they triggered, or were directly involved in, grave violations of the peace arrangements, including severe human rights abuses against the local Georgian population and other incidents. Eventually, the CIS Peacekeeping Force was turned into an occupation force by the Russian Federation in violation of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Georgia is fully committed to a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeeping personnel.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“A permanent fear for one's life, the installation ofbarbed-wire fences in the middle of yards and farmland, illegal detentions, restrictions on the freedom of movement and the prohibition of education in one's native language - all of those illegal, illegitimate and arbitrary actions constitute the dire reality of life in the occupied Georgian territories. Based on our own experience, we believe that peacekeeping operations should not be staffed predominantly by representatives of any one single State, and never by the military ofa State that is a party to the conflict, or is heavily involved in the particular conflict.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Against that background, the civilian population residing in the occupied Georgian territories are deprived of minimal safeguards for their safety and are stripped of their fundamental rights and freedom. The recent brutal murder of Giga Otkhozoria, a Georgian internally displaced person from the occupied Abkhazia region, who was shot dead while crossing the occupation line, is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of the situation. It also underlines the necessity of establishing international security and human rights monitoring mechanisms on the ground.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Georgia experienced the unfortunate termination of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia, which played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Abkhazia, Georgia by the single-handed veto of a Security Council member in the spring of 2009. That irresponsible action created a dangerous precedent in United Nations peacekeeping. Since then, no adequate replacement for the dismantled international presence has been created in Georgia. While the European Union Monitoring Mission continues its duties, the tireless efforts to seek an independent, neutral and effective international presence on the ground for the purpose of peacekeeping has proved to be unsuccessful so far.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“While the Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, including through the establishment of peacekeeping operations, in recent years we have experienced several unfortunate cases when the Council has failed to exercise its mandate to ensure the effective and efficient protection of the civilian population. In that regard, we once again welcome and fully support the French proposal on the suspension of the veto power in cases of mass atrocities. In 2014 Georgia also joined the supporters of the code of conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, initiated by Liechtenstein.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Throughout the decades, the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians through its statements, resolutions and various peacekeeping operations. As peacekeeping missions have grown in numbers, size and scope, the United Nations has made increasingly concerted efforts to put civilian protection at the heart of those operations. Nevertheless, with rapidly changing circumstances throughout the world, renewed efforts are urgently needed for peacekeeping to become more efficient in terms of its humanitarian and human rights dimensions, which means protecting civilians first.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Unfortunately, the most flagrant Violations of human rights occur in the circumstances surrounding armed conflict, wherein innocent civilian populations, especially women and children, constitute the overwhelming majority of victims. Today the urgency of the situation is further exacerbated by unabated international terrorism and violent extremism, tragic developments in the Middle East and unresolved conflicts in many other regions throughout the globe, including my own. We believe in the centrality of the protection of civilians in all United Nations peacekeeping mandates. The safety of the population must be viewed as a critical component for stability, security and sustainable peace.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Georgia aligns itself with the statement just made by the observer of the European Union delegation. In my national capacity, I would like to add the following. First, let me express my gratitude to the French presidency, in particular to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, for convening this debate and presiding over it at the beginning. I also thank the Secretary-General and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their valuable contributions. I would like to extend our special thanks to the President of the Central African Republic for his insightful comments and to congratulate him and the people of the Central African Republic on their remarkable progress towards achieving sustaining peace and functioning State institutions.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate our commitment to further contribute to our joint international efforts to prevent and combat conflict-related sexual violence and human trafficking.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Georgia shares the view that, as stated in the global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), "[e]ffective conflict prevention must therefore start from an understanding of the broad and deep insecurities that permeate women's lives prior to conflict, and the ways that pre-conflict structural inequality can facilitate violence and insecurity." With the aim of raising awareness among peacekeepers, the Ministry of Defense of Georgia has included gender-related issues and United Nations resolutions in special training courses for peacekeeping predeployment. The topics cover violence against women, prevention and protection in operations, a gender perspective in reconnaissance and peace operations and general fulfilment and consideration of the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Women in the occupied territories continue to suffer from grave violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the freedom of movement and the right to education and other civil, social, economic and cultural rights. Worldwide, including the Middle East and West Africa, conflict and post-conflict situations often provide favourable conditions for human trafficking and sexual violence. In order to prevent sexual violence against women, special attention needs to be paid to prevention.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“As an illustration of our strong commitment, in 2012 Georgia adopted its national action plan on women and peace and security for the period 2012-2015 and became one of the first countries to have a separate policy document on that important topic. Gender-specific violence is part of the bigger picture related to conflict and insecurity. In that regard, let me draw the Council's attention to the human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied territories of Georgia, which represent black holes where no international monitoring mechanisms are allowed to operate or have access to. Unfortunately, protecting women's rights continues to be a serious challenge as well.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We welcome the recent report by the Secretary- General on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2016/361) as well as the statement by the President of the Security Council of December 2015 on human trafficking (S/PRST/2015/25), which identifies the link with sexual violence and stresses the need to deter, detect and disrupt trafficking in persons, in particular by violent extremist groups. We look forward to the Secretary- General's report on progress in better implementing existing mechanisms to counter trafficking in persons. The Government of Georgia spares no effort to develop and implement higher standards for the full protection of women's rights. We fully recognize the benefits of enhancing women's leadership and participation in decision-making in conflict-resolution, prevention and management processes.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“In October 2000, the Security Council adopted landmark resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. It plays a crucial role in our joint efforts, together with the follow-up resolutions addressing the same topic, including resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013), and the most recent one, resolution 2242 (2015). Although resolution 2242 (2015) does not explicitly talk about the trafficking of women and girls, it does acknowledge that acts of sexual and gender-based violence are part of the strategic objectives and ideology of terrorist groups, used as a tactic of terrorism and as an instrument to increase their power.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Georgia aligns itself with the statement just made by the observer of the European Union. I should like to make some additional comments in my national capacity, but at the outset let me first thank the French presidency for having organized this important debate and also thank Ms. Bangura, Ms. Giammarinaro and Ms. Davis for their statements earlier this morning. Sexual violence in conflict is one ofthe most serious human rights violations that we deem to be a threat to peace and security. Effectively combating violence against women and girls and protecting women's rights and fundamental freedoms has become a key issue in the maintenance of international peace and security. Much has been done at the global level in order to increase the protection of women in conflicts.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Georgia's resolve and determination to further engage with our partner countries and international organizations with the common objective of reducing threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“In December 2015, Georgia, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of the Philippines, as the Co-Chairs, established the United Nations Group of Friends on CBRN Risk Mitigation and Security Governance. It is aimed at promoting various CBRN-related topics in the United Nations by actively engaging with the Member States and the United Nations Secretariat. The Group will help to integrate the CBRN component in the international security architecture and foster regional and subregional cooperation on CBRN challenges. As we held our second meeting at the ambassadorial level in April, we once again encouraged other States participating in the European Union's Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative to join the Group.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“The perpretrators were apprehended by the Georgian authorities, and the international community has been duly informed about that. Full compliance with the obligations under the relevant international arrangements - such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention, resolution 1540 (2004) and so on - must stand out as the top priority for the international community. In that regard, I would like to remind the Council that, in cooperation with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, the Government of Georgia organized high- level side events in October 2014 and again in 2015 on topics related to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) risk reduction.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Those areas, like black holes, could serve as a safe harbour for terrorists and other radical extremist groups that could potentially destablize the security situation in the entire region, while the seaports in the occupied areas could also be used for transporting foreign terrorist fighters. The occupied regions of Georgia, like any other grey zones throughout the world where legitimate national and international mechanisms are nonexistent, have also been used for various illegal activities, including the smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials. In that connection, I would like to remind the Council that over the past years, there have been a number of attempts at smuggling nuclear and radioactive materials through the occupied regions.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“We have undertaken certain technical measures to tighten border control, including strengthening document security. Georgian law enforcement uses cameras, United Nations sanctions lists, terrorist watch lists and advance passenger name records on commercial flights at ports of entry, all of which helps detect potential terrorist movement. Georgia has adopted a strategy and action plan for combating money-laundering and terrorist financing. The Government established the Interagency Commission on Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions to coordinate the Government's immediate compliance with resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001). But despite the progress achieved, the Russian- occupied territories of Georgia continue to represent a major challenge for the Government of Georgia in its efforts to combat terrorism.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“In a technological age, recruitment no longer requires face-to-face communication. Da'esh terrorists are using modern encrypted networks, which poses a huge obstacle to law enforcement agencies in the process of combating terrorism. No single State can have full access to the relevant data. To counter those challenges, Georgia has significantly streamlined its procedures for intelligence-sharing, and our special agencies have demonstrated the good practices of successful international cooperation. We added new articles to the criminal code, criminalizing participation in international terrorism and recruitment for membership in a terrorist organization. We also amended existing terrorist articles in accordance with the provisions of relevant international treaties and best practices.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“At the outset, allow me to join previous speakers in congratulating the Egyptian presidency of the Council and expressing gratitude for convening today's debate. Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union earlier today. In addition, I would like to make some comments in my national capacity. The violence and brutality inflicted by terrorists on humanity is of grave concern. Egregious attacks on innocent civilians in different parts of the world make it obvious that terrorism - one of the most pressing challenges for the contemporary world - has become transnational and cross-border by its nature. The situation in the Middle East overtly demonstrates how inhumanely terrorists can abuse the opportunities opened by modernity, modern technologies and growing globalization.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to assure the Council of Georgia's continued commitment to the international community's sustained efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the Great Lakes region, with the meaningful participation of all interested actors at the local, national, regional and international levels.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“I would like to recall that an auspicious turning point in the consolidation of peace and stability in the region was the signing, in Addis Ababa on 24 February 2013, of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region by 11 countries and four important regional and international institutions, and the Security Council's subsequent adoption of resolution 2098 (2013). The full implementation of both the Framework and resolution 2098 (2013) will help to stabilize the situation on the ground and, more important, pave the way for addressing the root causes of the cycle of conflict in the countries of the Great Lakes region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“The following year, Georgia continued to participate in the ongoing EU-led missions in the Central African Republic and Mali. As a participant in the world leaders' summit on peacekeeping last September, we continue to look for ways to enhance our support to United Nations peacekeeping. We find it encouraging that the Pact on Security, Stability and Development, adopted in Nairobi in 2006 at the second Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, clearly outlines four major areas of cooperation in the region - peace and security, development and good governance, economic development and regional integration, and humanitarian and social issues.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Despite the fact that 20 per cent of my country's territory remains under illegal foreign military occupation, and that hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons and refugees from Georgia, victims of ethnic cleansing, are denied the right to return to their homes, we as a country are committed to international peace efforts across the globe. Georgia has extensive experience as a contributor to international security and stability, including on the African continent. In 2014, a Georgian military contingent took part in the EU-led operation in the Central African Republic, whose aim was to support regional and international efforts to restore stability there and to promote a political transformation process.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“We also believe in the importance of the Organization's peacebuilding activities in the region, and as a member of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission, we fully support the Commission's dedicated efforts to help to improve the situation in the Great Lakes region, including through sharing our own experience of reforming State institutions. We would like to take this opportunity to commend the Angolan delegation, in its capacity as a co-facilitator with Australia, for its important role in the ongoing negotiations for comprehensive General Assembly and Security Council draft resolutions related to the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“In that context, we would like to reiterate our full support for the steps taken by the Security Council and the international community, and we commend the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union for their efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation on the ground, while maintaining full respect for the political independence, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States Members of the United Nations. Peacekeeping continues to be one of the most important activities of the United Nations. It is a significant mechanism paving the way for sustainable security, peace and development in States trying to overcome crisis and destabilization.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“We believe that a transition from fragility to stability and from conflict to peace in the Great Lakes region is fully attainable, but only with strong and inclusive national ownership, vibrant cooperation between the countries of the region and a long-term commitment to, and collaboration with, that region on the part of the wider international community, including the United Nations. As those critical conditions are secured, they will ensure that development accelerates and local communities enjoy the full benefits of the extraordinary human, material and natural resources of the Great Lakes region. The political instability and conflicts in the region have a considerable international dimension, and therefore require a concerted effort to promote sustainable peace and development.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Angolan presidency for convening this meeting, whose topic underlines the importance of ensuring peace and security in the Great Lakes region. I would also like to thank today's briefers - the Secretary-General, his Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, the African Union's Commissioner for Peace and Security and the representative of the World Bank - for their valuable contributions. Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the obseraver of the European Union (EU), and in my national capacity I would like to make some brief comments.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Pursuant to those laws, a new wave ofso-called passportization is being carried out that will further deteriorate conditions for the Georgian population living in the Gali district, who will not be eligible for the proper identity documents and will therefore face hardships regarding their property rights, their rights to work, their freedom of movement across the occupation line and residence. This dangerous process can potentially become the grounds for another wave of ethnic cleansing against Georgians. In conclusion, let me once again stress that Georgia remains a strong advocate of the principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We all should take more tangible and resolute steps towards the realization of our common goals of achieving world peace and strengthening international security.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“It has signed so-called comprehensive alliance treaties, providing for full mergers in every public domain and the open delegation of all powers to the Russian Federation, and installed barbed-wire fences and other artificial obstacles along the occupation line that divides families and communities. That chain of events reflects a policy aimed at the de facto annexation of Georgia's regions. The recently adopted so-called laws regulating the status of foreigners and entry into the regions constitute yet another discriminatory act against ethnic Georgians, restricting their fundamental rights and freedoms and further isolating the occupied regions of Georgia.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“We have been consistently committed to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution of the conflict with the Russian Federation. We greatly value the international discussions in Geneva and will continue our constructive participation in that key format, established for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, in good faith. Over the past few years, we have redoubled our efforts to normalize relations with Moscow in order to create an environment conducive to confidence-building and conflict resolution. The results, however, have been limited to economic and humanitarian areas. Despite our constructive approach, the Russian Federation has concluded dozens of so-called treaties and agreements with the occupation regimes, which provide a pretext for its continued illegal military presence.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Regional security is being deliberately challenged by Russia's ongoing aggression against Georgia. In its bid to change the geopolitical situation in the so-called near-abroad, including Ukraine, the Russian Federation has gone as far as to redraw European borders by using aggression, occupation and annexation, at the cost of the lives of many innocent people along the way. Another testament to that fact is the situation in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia. The aggression against my country that started in the early 1990s culminated in 2008 in a full-scale invasion, followed by illegal recognition - by only three countries - of the so-called independence of the occupied regions. For its part, Georgia has continued to dedicate itself to a peaceful and constructive approach.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source