YouSaid · the spoken record

Kariuki

lines on the record: 832
first: 2021-08-16
most recent: 2023-12-19
sittings or episodes: 199
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

“There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 11.40 a.m.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“The safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers is vital, and we echo the Secretary-General’s call for the relevant authorities to investigate and hold those responsible to account. Lastly, we would like to express deep concern at the outbreak of violence in Agok, during which two humanitarian workers were killed and activities suspended. The United Kingdom urges all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law and allow humanitarian actors to deliver aid to those in need in all parts of Abyei without hindrance. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of South Sudan.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“To this end, we repeat our call on the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan to remove the operational obstacles that limit UNISFA’s ability to implement its mandate in full. We also remain concerned at the continued restriction of UNISFA’s freedom of movement, including on vital border-monitoring activities. We call on both countries to remove restrictions on the freedom of movement of UNISFA and urge the Government of South Sudan to allow the re-operationalization of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism headquarters in Gok Machar. We also join our fellow Council members in expressing concern over the two armed attacks on UNISFA forces during the reporting period.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“We therefore urge both countries to organize a further meeting of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, and we echo the Secretary- General’s encouragement for the African Union to intensify its mediation efforts in order to help facilitate such efforts. Turning to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), we are glad to see that the rotation of troops is almost concluded. We commend the dedication of the Ethiopian peacekeepers in their work to support peace and security in Abyei over the last decade. It is our hope that attention can now return to the full implementation of UNISFA’s mandated tasks and improving the lives of citizens in Abyei who continue to suffer.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. Let me begin by thanking our briefers, Mr. Lacroix and Ms. Tetteh. I wish Ms. Tetteh all the best in her new role. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of the Sudan and South Sudan, and I commend the two countries for their improved bilateral engagement, including the mutual support for their respective peace processes. The United Kingdom is encouraged by the latest joint session of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism and the Joint Border Commission, held in October. However, it is regrettable that such positive developments have not led to tangible progress for ordinary people in Abyei or to an agreement on a political solution for the region.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“I thank Ms. Tetteh for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of South Sudan and the Sudan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Jean- Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; and Ms. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa. Mr. Lacroix and Ms. Tetteh are joining today’s meeting via video-teleconference. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2022/316, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei. I now give the floor to Mr. Lacroix.”
2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source
“Ms. Gërvalla-Schwarz has asked for the floor to make a further statement. Likewise, I respectfully ask that she make this the concluding statement.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I respectfully request that he make these his concluding remarks.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“There are still requests for further statements. Let me encourage participants to keep their statements concise in the interest of time. The representative of Serbia has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Finally, I would like to emphasize the United Kingdom’s renewed commitment to peace and security in the region, including through our Prime Minister’s appointment of a Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Sir Stuart Peach. We fully support the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, facilitated by the European Union (EU), under EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák. Now is the moment for both parties to engage in the dialogue in good faith, honour their dialogue commitments, be open to compromise and creativity, and avoid actions or rhetoric that could reduce prospects for a comprehensive and sustainable normalization agreement that benefits the people of both countries. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“We note, however, perceptions in some quarters that the Kosovo Serb community’s concerns and views sometimes go unheard. The recent decision on voting in Kosovo in Serbia’s elections is an example. We encourage the Government to refocus its efforts to meet its constitutional duty to integrate minority communities and address their concerns. We are concerned by the increase of dangerous rhetoric in Kosovo and the region leading to security incidents. The deployment of fighter jets to the Kosovo border in September is an example of that. Reports of the United Kingdom supplying anti-tank missiles referred to by the representative of the Russian Federation are baseless, but to be clear, the United Kingdom supports Kosovo’s right to develop its own armed forces.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Kosovo’s democracy and institutions continue to show their maturity. In this context, we must condemn last weekend’s violent attacks against the Kosovo police, who represent and protect all of Kosovo’s citizens. We congratulate the current Government of Kosovo on its first year in office. In particular, we welcome the renewed commitment to prioritizing the rule of law and fighting corruption, including through legal reforms and anti-corruption initiatives; the Government’s continuing commitment to addressing the legacies of the 1998-1999 conflict, including through commissions for missing persons and victims of sexual violence; and Kosovo’s ongoing international contribution, through its support to the evacuation from Kabul and the humanitarian response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. Let me begin by congratulating Special Representative Ziadeh on her appointment and by thanking her for her briefing. We welcome the opportunity new leadership provides for an improved relationship with the Kosovo Government and a fresh look at how the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) can adapt to serve the current conditions in Kosovo. We encourage continued constructive engagement among the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General, UNMIK and the Kosovo Government. UNMIK has played a vital role in the incredible progress Kosovo has made since resolution 1244 (1999) was adopted in 1999. But conditions on the ground are unrecognizable from 1999, and a review of UNMIK’s role and responsibilities is needed.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2022/313, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. I now give the floor to Ms. Ziadeh.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Serbia to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Nikola Selakovič, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 12.05 p.m.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“However, we believe that it is only through elections and a return to constitutional, democratic rule that long-term reform can be driven forward, with the support of partners. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting those most in need in Mali, and we provided more than $16 million in humanitarian aid in 2021. However, the mobilization of resources by the international community must also be accompanied by unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access, including in those areas that are hardest to reach. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Mali.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“Only last month, United Kingdom peacekeepers came under fire from a Malian armed forces’ helicopter. We look forward to receiving the outcome of the United Nations investigation into that concerning incident as soon as possible. We were deeply saddened to learn that three Egyptian peacekeepers were killed last month in improvised explosive device attacks. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. On the political transition, the United Kingdom continues to support the Economic Community of West African States’ dialogue with the Malian authorities regarding a revised timeline for elections so that the sanctions can gradually be lifted and attention turned towards election preparations. We recognize the sincere desire of many Malians for substantive reform.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“Just as the presence of Russian mercenaries drove an increase in human rights violations and abuses in the Central African Republic last year, we fear we are now seeing the same in Mali. This underlines the extent of Russia’s malign activity globally, which serves to damage efforts to address peace and security in contexts beyond Ukraine. With the threat to communities in Mali growing, it is vital that MINUSMA be able to carry out its human rights tasks. We thank MINUSMA for its continued efforts to investigate, document and report on all allegations. We encourage the publication of human rights findings in full and at the earliest opportunity. We note with concern the increasing restrictions imposed by the Malian authorities on MINUSMA operations. MINUSMA’s freedom of movement and its status-of-forces agreement must be respected.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“Like other Security Council members, the United Kingdom is horrified by reports indicating that hundreds of people were killed in Moura last week following a counter-terrorism operation carried out by the Malian armed forces with the alleged involvement of the Wagner Group. This needs an urgent, transparent and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice. The Government must grant MINUSMA full access to Moura without further today. The latest reports from Moura follow a clear trend in a surge of human rights abuses since the Wagner Group deployed to Mali, as also highlighted in the deeply concerning Human Rights Watch report in March. We know that, as of early 2022, around a thousand Russian mercenary personnel have been stationed across Mali.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. I want to start by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wane for his remarks today and, through him, pay tribute to all members of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), whether civilians or in uniform, serving the United Nations in Mali. I also want to thank Ms. Samaké for her briefing. Her words are a clear reminder of the invaluable contribution women make, including in societies affected by conflict and poverty. We must ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the pursuit of lasting peace. I also welcome the representative of Mali to our meeting.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“I thank Ms. Samaké for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Mali to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. El-Ghassim Wane, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, and Ms. Bouaré Bintou Founé Samaké, President of Women in Law and Development in Africa in Mali. Mr. Wane and Ms. Samaké are joining this meeting via video-teleconference. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2022/278, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Mali.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“We do not usually make explanations of vote on resolutions adopted by consensus. But in this case, I want to thank Security Council members for their support in the adoption of landmark resolution 2628 (2022). I want to pay tribute to the troop- and police-contributing countries that served in the African Union Mission in Somalia and all those that paid with the ultimate sacrifice. I want to thank in particular those partners — the Somali Government, the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union — that contributed to developing the proposal for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and to continue the transition in the fight against Al-Shabaab. And finally, I want to pay tribute to my team and all the experts who worked tirelessly to get us to where we are.”
2022-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9009 (2022) · source
“We hope that the early restoration of a credible, civilian-led transitional Government can create the conditions for much-needed economic reforms and for international support, including debt relief, to resume. Instead of calling on the international community to provide economic assistance, let us instead call on the Sudanese stakeholders, especially the military, to reach the sustainable political agreement needed to enable the resumption of such support. In conclusion, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Sudan’s journey to democracy and the realization of the Sudanese people’s calls for freedom, peace and justice. As a Council we should remain focused on these aspirations and support the process facilitated by the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“We urge the authorities to allow protest without violence, lift the state of emergency and release political detainees, journalists and activists. The political crisis and actions of the military have contributed to delays in implementing the Juba Peace Agreement, leading to further violence and marginalization in such areas as Darfur. A regrettable consequence of the coup is the economic hardship and increasing humanitarian need across the country. The United Kingdom has a strong track record in providing economic, humanitarian and political support to the Sudan. Let us be clear. It is the actions of the military that have led to the pause in international economic support.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union (AU), in particular the efforts of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Perthes and AU Special Envoy Lebatt towards the next phase of talks, with the aim of restoring the transition. There is a great opportunity to end the political crisis. We are encouraged by the consensus on issues like the need for a civilian cabinet, justice and accountability, and the role of women in the transition. We urge all parties, including the military, to engage fully and in good faith in the next phase of talks. We deplore the loss of life at least 88 persons since the coup began. These people were killed while calling for freedom, peace and justice — something that thousands of Sudanese people continue to do, despite the threat of violence.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“The military seized power on 25 October, claiming that the civilian- led Government was failing to deliver on key aspects of the transition. In the five months since, the suffering of ordinary Sudanese people has increased. They continue to face violence, including, as we heard, sexual violence; human rights abuses; economic hardship; and humanitarian crises. The civilian-led Government inherited enormous challenges in 2019. Despite difficulties encountered in the transition, the Sudan was on a path to a more peaceful, prosperous and stable future. Regrettably, the coup has put these gains at risk, including with respect to economic reform, the peace process and human rights. It is our sincere hope that there can soon be a return to such progress.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Representative Perthes for his briefing and commending his and his team’s continued efforts in challenging circumstances. Before focusing on the situation in the Sudan, I wanted to note the concerns raised by the Government of the Sudan in its letter to the Council of 22 March. The United Kingdom fully supports the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) to monitor and report on the situation in the Sudan, including in the area of human rights, as mandated by the Council. For the appropriate support to be provided by the Mission, it is essential for UNITAMS to be able to provide a full and balanced representation of the situation in the Sudan in its reporting. Since we last discussed the Sudan (see S/PV.8948), there has been little cause for optimism.”
2022-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9006 (2022) · source
“Ceding legitimacy to Al-Assad’s unreformed, unrepentant and unreliable regime for nothing in return, will undermine efforts to end the conflict and, instead, prolong the suffering in Syria. Finally, on the Syrian Constitutional Committee talks taking place in Geneva this week, we encourage all parties, especially the Syrian regime, to meaningfully participate. Urgent progress is needed, and we urge the regime’s backers to redouble their efforts to find a way forward.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“It is essential that international law is respected and that any refugee returns are voluntary, safe and dignified. It is a sad fact that as long as the conflict continues, humanitarian aid will continue to be vital for millions of vulnerable Syrians. That is why the United Kingdom is clear in its position and commitment to the cross- border mandate, under resolution 2585 (2021). The Council must be prepared to act and support the renewal of the resolution in July. In the meantime, we call on all parties to fulfil their international obligations and ensure access to humanitarian aid. The United Kingdom continues to oppose engagement with the Al-Assad regime in the absence of behavioural change.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“We urge Council members to continue to call for a nationwide ceasefire, unhindered access to aid and conditions for the safe return of refugees. We commend Geir Pedersen for his continued efforts to facilitate a sustainable resolution to the conflict. He has our full support. After more than a decade of conflict, the Syrian humanitarian situation remains bleak, with 14.6 million Syrians requiring humanitarian assistance — more than 80 per cent of the population. In addition, 6.8 million Syrians are registered as refugees and 6.7 million are displaced within their own country. Our hope is that Syrian refugees will eventually be able to return to their homes. But we agree with the United Nations judgment — conditions do not currently allow this.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen, Under-Secretary-General Griffiths and Assistant Secretary-General Zaki for their briefings. Last week marked the eleventh anniversary of the Syrian conflict. We commend the Syrian people, who courageously and peacefully took to the streets to demand freedom, political reform and a Government that respects and upholds human rights. The Al-Assad regime met those demands with a brutal assault against them that continues today. This year’s anniversary coincides with the appalling Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s inhumane and destructive behaviour in both conflicts is deplorable. As we have said many times, there can be no military solution to the Syrian conflict. We continue to support the United Nations-facilitated, Syrian-led political process outlined in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“During our own presidency year, we will work closely with them to ensure that the commitments made at the twenty-sixth session are delivered. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has contributed to a bleak humanitarian picture. As the Secretary-General has said, for Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, the Sudan and Yemen, their breadbasket is being bombed. Ukraine alone provides more than half of the World Food Programme’s wheat supply. We therefore hope that Arab League leaders will continue to support all efforts, including in the General Assembly, to bring an end to this war.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“We urge both sides of the current impasse to accept the offer from Special Adviser Stephanie Williams to facilitate a dialogue. For, as Libya lurches between political crises, it is the Libyan people who suffer most. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to facilitate a path to the elections that the Libyan people are waiting for. I would also like to highlight our collective role in tackling catastrophic climate change, which we know is a driver of conflict, and, in particular, the role of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as they take on their presidencies for the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, respectively.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“We therefore welcome the League’s continued suspension of Syria’s membership and urge against normalization with Al-Assad. In Yemen, 7 million Yemenis are now on the brink of famine. We therefore call for generous humanitarian funding and welcome the United Nations Special Envoy’s consultations. We also condemn the ongoing Houthi terrorist cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including the reprehensible attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure last week. We must also remain steadfast in our commitment to a two-State solution based on the 1967 lines. To end the conflict, we need both to address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and to safeguard Israel’s security. In Libya, there was a real risk of escalation that could unravel the hard-won ceasefire and threaten stability.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Ms. Alaqil for their briefings. Regional cooperation has a vital role to play in conflict prevention. We therefore welcome cooperation between the United Nations and the Arab League and thank today’s briefers and the United Arab Emirates for convening today’s meeting. We also welcome the imminent adoption of the draft presidential statement on cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. Sadly, war and conflict continue to scar the region. The Syrian conflict, for example, has left 14 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Al-Assad’s regime bears responsibility for this tragedy, as it continues to obstruct peace efforts.”
2022-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9001 (2022) · source
“Attempts to shut down oil production are concerning and are only to the detriment of the Libyan economy and its people. Libyan public institutions are there to serve the whole of Libya and should be empowered to do so. In conclusion, Libya is at a crossroads. There is a real risk of dangerous escalation that could unravel the hard-won ceasefire and threaten Libya’s stability. It is now incumbent upon all of us to facilitate a path to the elections that the Libyan people are waiting for.”
2022-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8996 (2022) · source
“We support the efforts of Special Adviser Williams to mediate between the House of Representatives and the High State Council in order to establish a constitutional basis for elections. Libya’s political leaders must set aside narrow interests and engage seriously to address the underlying conditions that prevented elections from going ahead in December. While Libya lurches between political crises, it is the Libyan people who continue to suffer from a lack of proper service delivery, an unstable economy and fragile security. Thirdly, we call on all Libyan parties to protect the independence, integrity and reunification of public institutions. The National Oil Corporation should not be politicized and must be able to fulfil its duties without interference.”
2022-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8996 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Ambassador Tirumurti and Ms. Shuaiter for briefing the Security Council today. Tensions in Libya have risen since we last met on this subject (see S/PV.8952). Today’s discussion is therefore particularly timely. I will make three points. First, I would like to echo the Secretary-General’s call for de-escalation. All actors, internal and external, should refrain from any moves that could undermine stability or deepen divisions in Libya and threaten to undo the hard-won progress achieved over the past two years. The United Kingdom strongly supports Special Adviser Stephanie Williams and urges those on both sides of the current impasse to accept her offer to facilitate dialogue. Secondly, as we heard today, 2.8 million Libyans have made their aspiration for elections clear.”
2022-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8996 (2022) · source
“The evidence from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification and from today’s briefing is clear — Yemen is experiencing drastically deteriorating food security. As 7 million Yemenis risk starvation in 2022 and the number of those in famine-like conditions is expected to increase fivefold, the Yemen pledging conference convenes tomorrow in need of $4.27 billion. The United Kingdom calls on all donors, including those in the region, to step up. Finally, I would like to end on a hopeful humanitarian note by welcoming the signature this month of the memorandum of understanding between the Houthis and the United Nations regarding the transfer of oil from the FSO SAFER tanker, as Mr. Griffiths briefed us. That is an important step. We must now all act together in support of the initiative.”
2022-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8995 (2022) · source
“It is important to highlight that resolution 2624 (2022) was also clear in its support for the continued maintenance of humanitarian access and commercial imports of food, fuel and other essential civilian commodities into all Yemen’s ports. The Council has not targeted humanitarian activity or trade. Resolution 2624 (2022) also called for the immediate return of all United States and United Nations staff to their families and for Houthi withdrawal from the United States Embassy. The United Kingdom strongly condemns the detention in February of an additional United States staff member. We also call for the Houthis to release British national Luke Symons. As we have heard from Mr. Griffiths today, across Yemen the conflict continues to have a devastating human toll.”
2022-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8995 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their valuable and sobering briefings today. The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the launch of Mr. Grundberg’s consultations with the parties this month. We commend his inclusive approach, which invites the views of a wide range of Yemenis. We encourage all parties to engage constructively, in line with their obligations under resolution 2624 (2022). I would like to thank Council members for their efforts in the adoption of that resolution. It imposed, for the first time, an arms embargo on the Houthis as a whole, and explicitly denounced the Houthi terrorist group. That is vital as we witness continued cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including last Thursday’s attack on a Saudi oil refinery.”
2022-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8995 (2022) · source
“As colleagues listen to the Russian statements during this meeting, I ask them to consider who we should believe. Should we believe the State, with a track record of using chemical weapons, that has denied and deflected questions about attacks by its clients, the Al-Assad regime, whether in Khan Shaykhun, Ltamenah or Saraqib, or should we believe the independent, impartial international organizations that have conducted rigorous investigations, attributing responsibility based on clear evidence? The Council has heard enough lies about chemical weapons from the Russian Federation. We must stop pretending that the Al-Assad regime is acting in good faith. We should stand up for the rules that we have all agreed, look those who break them in the eye and hold them to account for their actions.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“The parallels with Russian action in Syria are clear. Regrettably, the comparison also extends to chemical weapons, as we see the familiar spectre of Russian chemical weapons- related disinformation raising its head in Ukraine. Russia has a long history of deflection, denial and obstructive behaviour when it comes to chemical weapons. In 2017, President Putin claimed that the Khan Shaykhun attack — for which the expert and impartial OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism found the Al-Assad regime responsible — was staged by the West. Russia has offered more than 40 different narratives about the chemical weapons attack its military agents carried out in Salisbury four years ago. We have seen nothing but obfuscation and falsehoods in relation to the Novichok attack on Alexei Navalny.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. Just 10 days ago, we discussed Syria and its chemical weapons in the Council (see S/PV.8982). It was clear then that Syria remained uncooperative. The serious outstanding issues on its chemical weapons declaration, which include the fate of thousands of chemical munitions and hundreds of tons of chemicals agents, remain unresolved. The terms of resolution 2118 (2013) continue to be breached. We therefore call on the Syrian regime, as we do every month, to cooperate with Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and return to compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. In the 10 days since we last met, Russia has continued its war of aggression against Ukraine, besieging cities, killing civilians indiscriminately and forcing millions to flee in search of safety.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“With an estimated 2 million people expected to be acutely malnourished in 2022, the crisis is set to become yet more severe unless the humanitarian response improves. For its part, South Sudan’s Government must reduce interference in humanitarian activities and remove illegal checkpoints and other bureaucratic impediments to humanitarian delivery. In conclusion, the United Kingdom would like to reiterate its calls on South Sudan’s leaders to deliver on their commitments and foster the conditions for holding free and fair elections.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“They are also against the letter and spirit of the peace agreement. The human rights situation in South Sudan is also deeply worrisome. The continued crackdown on civic space, including harassment of human rights activists, the detention of journalists and restrictions on freedom of speech and association, are unacceptable. We also remain deeply concerned about the harrowing reports of violence, killings and the continued use of sexual violence by the parties to the conflict, including the deeply disturbing reports of sexual violence in Tambura. As Ms. Williams Yuyada said earlier, the perpetrators must be held accountable. We call on the Government to South Sudan to fulfil its responsibilities with respect to its people. Lastly, I would like to highlight our serious concern about the urgent humanitarian crisis.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source
“We have each welcomed the positive steps taken during this time, including on national and state governance, and today we welcome the adoption of the constitutional amendment bill. Once again, however, we recognize that progress remains woefully slow. We should not forget the human price of those delays. It remains our sincere hope that the full implementation of the peace agreement will deliver positive change to the South Sudanese people. Of particular concern is the continued lack of progress on the unification of forces and their redeployment. We echo the Secretary-General’s concerns over defections and subsequent violent clashes between different armed factions across the country. Such incidents perpetuate division at a time when the need for unity is greater than ever.”
2022-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8987 (2022) · source