YouSaid · the spoken record

Jürgenson

lines on the record: 525
first: 2020-01-10
most recent: 2022-06-02
sittings or episodes: 106
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

“Its actions have left more than 27,000 people wounded and over 14,000 dead, including the 298 passengers on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17, which was shot down by a Russian BUK missile system. Moreover, Russia’s initiatives — such as conducting illegal elections, conscripting Ukrainian citizens into the Russian army and pursuing the illegal passportization of Ukrainian citizens — all run counter to the spirit of the Minsk agreements and further obstruct the settlement in Donbas. Let me recall that there is a 400-kilometre uncontrolled border between Ukraine and Russia. That uncontrolled section is a gateway for the free flow of weaponry and military personnel. Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose numerous threats to international peace and security.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“We condemn the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and the occupation of certain territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine by the Russian Federation clearly violates the fundamental principles of international law. It violates paragraph 4 of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the Helsinki Final Act. The Minsk agreements remain the basis for a political resolution to the conflict in Donbas. The Russian Federation, however, has continued to breach the Minsk agreements on a regular basis since they were adopted, as we have also witnessed today. It has breached, in particular, the first point of the Minsk agreements — to end the interference and ensure a comprehensive ceasefire.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“I am grateful to Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her important and comprehensive briefing, as well as to the Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairperson-in-Office, Ms. Heidi Grau, and the Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (SMM), Mr. Halit Çevik, for their updates on activities on the ground. Six years since Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine began, we regret that Russia has not acknowledged and reversed its actions. Estonia reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I welcome Deputy Foreign Minister Kyslytsya to our meeting today. I wish to begin by thanking the Russian representative for calling for this briefing today, after having witnessed yet another attack in Luhansk oblast by Russian-supported armed formations. Weapons that were prohibited by the Minsk agreements were used, leading to casualties. It is a grave violation of the Minsk agreements and an unfortunate display of Russia’s disregard for its recommitment to the ceasefire during the Paris meeting. However, let us not forget that this is only one chapter in the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine that has continued for the past six years.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“We support the efforts of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in that regard. We also urge the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council to overcome the obstacles in implementing the Riyadh agreement, which is crucial in order to move towards a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“We welcome the announcement of an agreement on a large-scale exchange of prisoners, as stated by the prisoner-exchange committee last Sunday. That would be an important humanitarian measure and a step towards implementing the Stockholm Agreement. We also welcome the beginning of mercy flights from Sana’a. We urge the parties to allow those flights to continue so that Yemeni patients can receive the treatment that they need. Hopefully, such much-needed confidence-building measures may also contribute towards the resumption of formal political talks with the participation of the Yemeni Government. It is clear that the solution to this conflict can only be political. We call on the parties to begin discussions on a comprehensive political solution under the auspices of the United Nations without delay or preconditions.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“Intimidating humanitarian workers, obstructing their work and even arresting aid workers must stop immediately. It is extremely worrying to hear from the aid agencies and donors that they may be forced to scale down or stop aid distribution in certain areas. An indication that the Houthi authorities would cancel the 2 per cent tax on every humanitarian project would be a step in the right direction, as such a tax is contrary to the principles of humanitarian aid. It is also increasingly worrying that United Nations officials have not been granted access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker. Access must be provided to prevent an environmental disaster in the Red Sea. Despite those mostly negative tendencies, I am nevertheless glad to also hear about a few positive developments.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“Both those issues — the hostilities and the dire humanitarian conditions — need to be addressed as a priority without any further delay. We are extremely worried about the continuing attacks on civilian infrastructure. There can be no justification for bombing hospitals, as recently happened in Al-Jafra and Al-Saudi, leaving 15,000 people with limited access to medical care. In addition, the air strike in Al-Jawf province last Saturday killed at least 31 civilians. Such indiscriminate attacks are a clear breach of international humanitarian law. We call on all parties to the conflict to continue to make the protection of civilians a priority. Secondly, the continuing restrictions on distributing humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people are another breach of international humanitarian law.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings on the political and humanitarian situation in Yemen. I also thank Ambassador King for her briefing as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). The situation in Yemen remains deeply worrisome. Unfortunately, during the past month the security situation in Yemen has deteriorated owing to another round of hostilities at the northern frontlines. We call on all parties to the conflict to ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities. The violence is causing further suffering to the Yemeni people, who are already facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Thousands more families have been forced to flee their homes.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“Estonia supports the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Sori-Coulibaly and the planned activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), including the phased drawdown as set out in the current mission’s mandate. It is very important that while the mission is planning for the transfer of its tasks to the United Nations country team, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and other partners, a holistic approach to peacebuilding activities be taken. The Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund can play an important supportive role in this regard.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“We welcome the timely and decisive engagement of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union at the end of last year to prevent the deterioration of the political situation in Guinea-Bissau and support their continued engagement in the matter. The participation of women and youth in reform processes and peacebuilding activities is of crucial importance. We are glad that a high level of participation of women in the electoral process was achieved and urge the Government of Guinea-Bissau to further integrate and implement gender aspects in its policies.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the briefers for their insightful overviews of the latest developments in Guinea-Bissau. We were encouraged to see that the presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau were held in a generally peaceful atmosphere. However, we urge the parties to refrain from using inflammatory rhetoric and also using potential tensions in society for their own political gains. It is important that the final confirmation of the results of the 2019 presidential elections be announced soon. There is a clear need to create conditions for trust between the political actors and to move forward with the necessary economic and social reforms.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“We are concerned about the continuation of Israel’s settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory. in violation of international law. Annexation of any parts of the West Bank would be in contravention of international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. It is crucial that all parties refrain from acts of violence, terror and incitement. An escalation of violence would be negative for all sides and further undermine the prospects for a solution to the conflict. We also reiterate our commitment to the security of Israel.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“Estonia’s position on the Middle East peace process remains unchanged. The only way to reach lasting peace is through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of both parties. We remain committed to a negotiated two-State solution that meets both Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations to statehood, based on the 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps, as may be agreed between the parties, and that respects the internationally agreed parameters and relevant resolutions. Recognizing that there are sensitivities related to several issues yet to be resolved, we urge all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any unilateral actions that could further aggravate the tensions and undermine the viability of the two-State solution.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Secretary- General António Guterres for his statement. I also thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. Estonia welcomes all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the long-lasting Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We welcome the United States initiative aimed at reviving the peace process, which has been stalled for years. It is essential that the European Union and the United States work together as closely as possible on this complex issue. We call on Israel and Palestine to take steps towards resuming direct and meaningful negotiations to resolve all permanent status issues, including issues related to borders, the status of Jerusalem, security and the refugee question, with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“We owe it to the victims to ensure that crimes will not go unpunished. We further welcome progress made by UNITAD to collect, preserve and store evidence of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. In conclusion, let me reiterate that all measures against terrorism must be taken in compliance with international law, including humanitarian law and human rights law. Let me also reiterate the fundamental role of the United Nations, including the role of the Security Council, in the fight against terrorism. Estonia will continue to engage resolutely in multilateral efforts to combat that global threat.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“At the same time, accountability measures must comply with international law and fair trial standards, including by ensuring the highest standards of witness and victim protection. Member States operating in conflict and post- conflict environments often face significant challenges in obtaining evidence to bring ISIL to justice. In that light, Estonia fully supports the establishment and the work of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD).”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We also do our share to address the root causes of instability by reducing poverty and the marginalization of certain groups and promoting gender equality. For example, our aid activities are focusing on Syrian refugees living in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. We are teaching them information technology skills and entrepreneurship and offering psychological support. Thirdly, restoring justice and ensuring accountability remain an essential part of countering terrorism. It is our duty to deny impunity for terrorists. Combating impunity for the most serious crimes under international law enables reconciliation in society and helps to prevent the resurgence of terrorism.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Security operations must go hand in hand with addressing the root causes of radicalization and terrorism. One without the other is not enough and will not reduce threats and instability. Although Estonia has been untouched by terrorism directly, we know that no State is immune to the threat. We take seriously our responsibility to stand side by side with the global community in the fight against ISIL and its affiliates. Estonia contributes both in terms of sharing the responsibility to take military action and contributing in the humanitarian area. Currently, Estonia contributes to counter-terrorism operations in different regions, and our troops are currently stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and Mali.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“I would like to focus on three elements that Estonia considers vital in the fight against terrorism: the priority of cooperation, the value of a two-sided approach and the importance of accountability and justice. The importance of cooperation cannot be stressed enough. Terrorism is a global phenomenon, and no State can address it alone. The experiences of the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other regional organizations in counter-terrorism cooperation confirm that notion. Member States bear the primary responsibility to stand up to terrorism. However, at the same time, Estonia encourages and supports the engagement of other stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and academic and religious organizations. Secondly, in countering terrorism Estonia supports a two-sided approach.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“I fully share the assessment made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2020/95) and agree that, despite the progress made in fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the transnational threat of terrorism remains acute and ISIL and its affiliates remain at the centre of it. We share the concern raised in the report concerning the Sahel region, which has experienced a devastating surge in terrorist attacks on civilians and military targets in recent months. As we have learned from the past and as the Secretary General’s report points out, terrorists are quick to adapt to changing situations and exploit vulnerabilities. Therefore, we must continue our efforts to tackle the threat, and the United Nations system has a central role to play in that regard.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): Before delivering my statement, I would like to express my full support for, and solidarity with, the Permanent Mission of Tunisia and our dear colleague Ambassador Moncef Baati. Let me start by joining my colleagues in thanking today’s briefers. I also would like to express Estonia’s support for the outstanding work that they are all doing. I am especially glad that we had a chance to hear from the civil society representative about the situation and challenges on the ground. I thank all our briefers for their collaboration. Estonia strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and considers it a significant threat to international peace and security.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Syria is not only the presidential palace in Damascus but also the thousands of tents of ordinary people in Idlib. So, besides the representatives of the Syrian regime, we also hope to hear the voices of other Syrian parties here in the Council more often. We will work closely with Council members to achieve that goal. Let us not forget that the political process, and more precisely the Constitutional Committee, have in it an equal number of representatives from both the Syrian authorities and the legitimate opposition. Finally, the solution to the Syrian crisis can only be political through a genuine political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015). That must start with a nationwide ceasefire and guaranteeing unhindered access for humanitarian aid to all those in need.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“Stopping the violence is the simple precondition for a meaningful dialogue. However, the continued military operations by the Syrian regime and its allies harm that prospect and undermine the trust of the Syrian people towards the Council, where we sit right now. Indeed, no one is denying that there are radical elements in Idlib but that does not justify indiscriminate attacks against a civilian population. The deliberate targeting of schools, hospitals and other protected civilian infrastructure is a violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Accountability mechanisms, such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, supported by the General Assembly, are crucial in that regard, as they help to collect evidence of such crimes.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“Nevertheless, we already heard from the briefers that the large-scale offensive in Idlib province has resulted in both the loss of 1,300 lives and the displacement of more than 700,000 people in the past four months. Is that really a ceasefire? At least six Turkish soldiers were killed in an artillery attack by the Syrian army on Monday. Is that what can be called a de-escalation? Estonia joins those countries here today that are demanding a nationwide humanitarian ceasefire to stop the unfolding catastrophe. The reason for that is not only the immense human suffering that the indiscriminate and disproportionate bombardment of the Syrian army and Russian aeroplanes bring to the Syrian people. It is also because of the intricate link between peace and the political process, which resolution 2254 (2015) highlights.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): First, I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary- General Lowcock for their briefings from the United Nations side. It is clear that the ceasefire agreements established by the Astana format have unfortunately failed. Instead of peaceful life, the de-escalation areas have turned into war zones, with daily bombardment from the Syrian regime and Russia. In that light, we remain extremely concerned about the possible full-scale military confrontation of Turkish, Russian and Syrian regime forces on the ground. That is why we will be glad to hear today our Turkish colleague in the Chamber inform us about the recent developments in detail.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“We call on all parties to fully cooperate with the Minsk Group mediators and to refrain from destabilizing activities and rhetoric.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“We stress that more political will is needed to enhance those substantial discussions in order to achieve tangible results. Estonia supports the efforts of the OSCE Chairperson, his Special Representative and the Mission to resolve the Transnistrian conflict in Moldova. A peaceful, comprehensive and lasting settlement must be reached, while ensuring the stability, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, within its internationally recognized borders. We call on the Mission to continue to monitor the situation in the security zone and to report regularly on the incidents taking place there. Finally, we support the OSCE Minsk Group’s work in spearheading the efforts towards resolving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) remains the only international presence on the ground, and we deplore any action to prevent its work. Furthermore, we recall that the EUMM’s mandate covers the whole territory of Georgia, including its regions of Abkhazia and South-Ossetia. We strongly support the OSCE Chairperson’s efforts on conflict resolution and underline the urgent need for a meaningful cross-dimensional OSCE presence throughout Georgia’s full territory, which would considerably help the OSCE in the Geneva international discussions, the incident prevention and response mechanisms and the implementation of confidence-building measures. We regret that the Geneva international discussions, on its core topics of security and stability and humanitarian issues, remain challenging.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“We call on Russia to fulfil the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 and its subsequent implementing measures of 8 September 2008 and withdraw its military forces from Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions without delay. In addition, we are deeply worried about Russian military exercises, infrastructure reinforcements and borderization activities in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement on conflict-affected populations is an example of such actions. They further divide Georgian communities and create hardship, frustration and fear among local populations. We urge Russia to cease such destabilizing actions in Georgia.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“More than 3,000 of them are civilians and in excess of 30,000 have been wounded since the beginning of the conflict. Military and financial support for the armed formations responsible for that has to stop. The de-occupation and effective return of Ukraine’s territories are part and parcel of the most efficient way to restore regional security. I would like to ask Prime Minister Rama the following question. How, in practice, might the OSCE and the Security Council assist in pushing for the steps needed to resolve the conflict? Estonia also reiterates its deep concern about the Russian military build-up in Georgia’s occupied regions, which is in violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“International human rights monitoring missions and human rights non-governmental organizations must have access to Crimea, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions. We are deeply concerned about the fact that the security situation in Donbas has become more volatile. A 400-kilometre uncontrolled section of the Ukrainian- Russian State border remains free to flows of weaponry and personnel, which makes the conflict even more tense and fragile. We call on Russia, as a party to the conflict, to fully implement the commitments of the Minsk agreements, including those undertaken at the Normandy Four Summit in Paris on 9 December 2019. That includes the establishment of a full and comprehensive ceasefire for a situation that has recently worsened and has led to more civilian casualties. More than 13,000 people have been killed.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“The Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) remains the most reliable source of information on the situation on the ground in Ukraine. It is therefore regrettable that the restrictions posed on the SMM’s freedom of movement have persisted in non-Government-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine, thereby hindering the Mission from fully implementing its mandate. More so, attempts to threaten, intimidate and harass SMM personnel, as well as those targeting and damaging SMM assets, including unmanned aerial vehicles, are deplorable. They are grave violations of international law and of OSCE obligations. We condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and the military aggression in eastern Ukraine.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): First, I thank the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Prime Minister Edi Rama, for his comprehensive briefing on the priorities of the Albanian chairmanship and for his clear focus on the need to comply with the OSCE’s norms, principles and responsibilities. That is the basis for security and stability in the entire OSCE area, as well as for conflict resolution. To achieve that, global and regional organizations need to work hand in hand. We need strong cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations. Estonia stands strongly for the free and independent work of all OSCE mechanisms and institutions and recognizes that more political support is needed for that.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“A number of new capacity-building projects have launched since then in support of small arms control in the Western Balkans, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, among other regions, in cooperation with United Nations agencies and regional organizations. Estonia is committed to preventing and curbing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We welcome today’s discussion and urge all countries to join in strengthening the implementation of existing commitments and obligations in the field.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“We call on all States to implement the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument. Estonia also continues to champion the universalization and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. We believe that, when the Treaty is effectively and widely implemented, it has great potential to contribute to more responsible and more transparent international arms transfers. Finally, regional efforts and initiatives are essential and should be encouraged. In 2018, the European Union adopted its new strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“Estonia welcomes the focus on gender in the Secretary-General’s report. It is important to increase awareness that armed violence affects women and men differently. As the Secretary-General’s report notes, sexual and gender-based violence is often abetted by armed intimidation. We welcome the report’s recommendation to consider including the small arms issue in the women and peace and security agenda. It is equally important to improve the role of women as participants and decision makers in addressing the proliferation and misuse of small arms in disarmament and arms control programmes and policies. Adherence to, and ratification of, key international instruments in this area is of crucial importance.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“It is clear that the threats posed by the illicit transfer, excessive accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons touch upon many country-specific and thematic topics on the Council’s agenda. For that reason, Estonia supports the further mainstreaming of the issue in all relevant discussions in the Council’s work. There are already some good practices in place. We note an example in the report of the Secretary-General, with reference to resolution 2454 (2019), in which he links the assessment of weapons and ammunition management to the review of arms embargo measures. We also support the inclusion, in the mandates of United Nations peace support missions, of assistance for monitoring arms embargoes and supporting Government actions on small arms management.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“The widespread availability of such weapons continues to cause loss of life, violate human rights, fuel conflict and hamper humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping efforts. Just last month, UNICEF published a report on the situation in central Sahel. The report shows that the recent surge in armed violence and attacks in the region against communities, schools, health centres and other public institutions have had devastating impacts on civilians, especially children. Thousands of children have been forced to flee their homes and cannot go to school or receive basic social services. It is not possible to sustain or build peace and increase development in the Sahel, as well as in other parts of the world, if we do not address the misuse of and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Under- Secretary-General Nakamitsu and Mr. Spleeters for their informative and insightful contributions. Their briefings reaffirm that the Council should maintain its focus on this matter and that there is a need for concerted action. As the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2019/1011) regretfully confirms, the illicit trade, diversion and unauthorized use of small arms and light weapons continue to impede peace, security and sustainable development. Small arms are relatively cheap. They are easy to construct, maintain, operate and conceal. For those reasons, small arms are often the weapons of first resort in civil wars, terrorist attacks, organized crime and gang warfare.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“We think that cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN could be further strengthened to maintain peace and security and accelerate prosperity for the 650 million people in the region.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“We encourage both parties, ASEAN and China, to implement the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety. We count on ASEAN to play an active role in settling international disputes through peaceful means and in providing necessary support to its member States to address the root causes of crises. We note the recent order of the International Court of Justice indicating provisional measures for the protection of the Rohingya in Myanmar. We expect Myanmar to duly comply with the Court’s order and report back on measures taken within the timeline indicated by the Court. In conclusion, we express our support for ASEAN Community Vision 2025: Forging Ahead Together.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“We recognize ASEAN’s interest in promoting cybersecurity and welcome the important steps that it has taken to build a rules-based cyberspace, including the implementation of the 11 voluntary, non-binding norms of responsible State behaviour contained in the 2015 report of the Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (A/70/174). Global digital cooperation is needed to address the emerging non-traditional, cross- sectoral threats to peace and security, and we welcome ASEAN’s efforts to enhance cooperation with the relevant United Nations bodies to combat the threats that emerge from cyberspace. We welcome the efforts of ASEAN member States to advance discussions with China on a code of conduct on the South China Sea.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“Further, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, we support deepening United Nations cooperation with regional and subregional organizations in order to ensure more effective conflict prevention and mitigation. We acknowledge ASEAN’s commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. Today’s challenges are global in scope and nature and must be tackled jointly. Multilateral cooperation is key to contributing to the regional peace and security. We commend ASEAN’s work on addressing emerging non-traditional security issues, such as climate change. As climate change is the most serious challenge in the near future, we need to accelerate that work.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the Secretary- General for his excellent overview. I warmly welcome the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and thank him for his comprehensive briefing on cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations. Let me also congratulate Viet Nam on assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN this year. ASEAN has played a significant role in providing peace and enhancing security in the South-East Asia region and globally for 52 years. We support ASEAN’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the wider Asia-Pacific region, as well as to resolving disputes peacefully, which includes full respect for legal and diplomatic processes.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“The Syrian Government holds eight times more prisoners than other groups and parties combined — eight times more. In that light, it is clear that equal prisoner exchanges are not sustainable for the long-term. What is instead required is a unilateral release of arbitrarily detained people, especially political prisoners, women and minors. Such an act of unilateral release would help to restore the trust of Syrians in State institutions, send a positive message to Syrians abroad and support the political process, as well as the work of the Constitutional Committee.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“Fortunately, resolution 2254 (2015) is rich in means to enhance the political process. In that regard, we also want to underline the crucial role of confidence-building measures that can give the political process more substance. Ordinary Syrians, as well as Ms. Matar, have highlighted the issue of arbitrarily detained and missing people. Syrians, both within the country and abroad, want to know the fate of their friends and relatives and are demanding the release of those who have been arrested without any just cause whatsoever. We recognize the Astana format working group for its efforts in the mutual release of detainees, and we welcome the announcement of a joint committee with the United Nations. However, equal exchanges are not sufficient, owing to the disparity in the number of detainees.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“The apparent deadlock is a direct result of the Syrian authorities’ unwillingness to commit themselves fully to the political process, as set out in resolution 2254 (2015). Instead, Damascus has gradually distanced itself from the provisions of the Council, despite the continuous efforts of the Special Envoy, who was in Syria just today. There are those who insist on not setting artificial deadlines to the work of the Constitutional Committee. However, let us be absolutely clear: no deadlines should not mean no results. No deadlines cannot mean no results. We use this opportunity to ask our Syrian colleagues: What can be done to bring Damascus to the negotiations table to actually seek a comprehensive solution? If undermining the work of Constitutional Committee continues, then we must be ready to look at other pending issues.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): First of all, let me thank Deputy Special Envoy Matar for her briefing, which, among other things, also mentioned the concerns about military operations in Idlib province in the north-west of Syria. As we said this morning (see S/PV.8707), Estonia joins those countries calling for an immediate ceasefire in Idlib and across Syria. In looking at the Constitutional Committee, it is clear that challenges surrounding its work are growing. Little — not to say no progress — has been made since last month’s briefing in this Chamber (see S/PV.8696). We are four months into the Committee’s meetings, but even a proper agenda is yet to be agreed on. Is that really progress that would satisfy the Syrian people or the Security Council?”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“These are highlighted by the fact, that in January alone, two murders and three attempts to kidnap children have been reported in Al-Hol camp. Similar issues apply to the southern parts of Syria, despite getting less media attention. Waves of assassinations and kidnappings threaten renewed violence in the area. Finally, the solution to the Syrian crisis has already been well-articulated in the resolution 2254 (2015). A nationwide ceasefire, followed by a meaningful political process, would enable the international community to engage with the Syrian authorities and bring on the reconstruction of the country full swing. Unfortunately, that road map to peace remains neglected by those in power in Damascus.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source