YouSaid · the spoken record

Kelly Craft

lines on the record: 426
first: 2020-03-31
most recent: 2021-01-20
sittings or episodes: 61
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“As just outlined by Ambassador Abarry, we remind all armed group actors and their business associates that sanctions under resolution 1533 (2004) remain in place. We view appropriate, targeted and effective sanctions as an essential tool against actors and entities that undermine the peace and security of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The path to sustainable peace will require political solutions to localized conflicts, as well as improved governance. We were encouraged by the initial surrender of more than 450 Nduma défense du Congo Rénové fighters in August, and would urge more progress on the Government’s disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of the Force de résistance patriotique de l’Ituri armed group. But sustainable peace can take root only when accompanied by broader political and economic reforms.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“These new units, together with the increase in the number of military staff officers and new intelligence capabilities, will equip the Mission to enable it to more effectively counter the threats that have contributed to the devastating death toll this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As President Tshilombo Tshisekedi said during his remarks to the General Assembly last month (see A/75/PV.5), boosting the Force Intervention Brigade’s operational capacity can help to stop asymmetrical attacks on Congolese civilians living in insecurity for more than two decades now — two decades too long. We also welcome the President’s call for increased efforts by international actors to dismantle armed group networks.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“Our Ambassador to Kinshasa, Michael Hammer, travelled to North and South Kivu last week to meet with key officials and civil society to assess how the United States-Congolese partnership can benefit local people. With more than 1,300 civilians killed in attacks in the first half of 2020 alone, it is clear that the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) would benefit from additional operational support. The United States supports the Organization’s efforts to add three new Quick Reaction Force units to the Force Intervention Brigade.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Zerrougui for her briefing today. I would like to express my appreciation to Ambassador Abarry for his update on the status of the important work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States is deeply troubled by rising levels of violence in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, which were characterized by clashes between armed groups; tit-for-tat militia attacks against civilians, including many women and children; and the continued brutal campaign of the Allied Democratic Forces. We must use all the tools at hand to work towards the peaceful resolution of historic drivers of conflict and an end to impunity. This is a policy priority for the United States.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“It is long past time for Haiti’s stakeholders to resolve their prolonged political impasse, build strong institutions and enact necessary reforms. The United States will continue to stand with Haiti as it works to build a secure and prosperous future. And, again, our thoughts and prayers are with President Moïse at this time.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“We also note the enhanced cooperation between BINUH and the United Nations country team over the past year. It is essential to continue these coordinated efforts, and the country team’s distinct areas of expertise and responsibilities, to ensure the most effective United Nations support for Haiti. Just a year ago, I met with President Moïse and a cross section of Haiti’s political and economic leaders to discuss a path forward. And I must tell Council members that, on Saturday, I felt cautiously optimistic during my conversation. And, just to be very transparent, if members do not know, the President’s father passed away on Sunday. And due to the death of his beloved father, the meetings with the opposition parties will be delayed for four or five days.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“But as the Secretary-General’s report notes (S/2020/944), the Government of Haiti’s performance in limiting the impact of the crisis has been laudable. We commend the Moïse Government for its implementation of the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan, and we pledge to continue assisting the Haitian people to fight this pandemic. To date, the United States has committed over $16 million in combined assistance to support Haitian efforts to fight COVID-19 and transferred ownership of 37 ventilators to the Haitian Government to assist in its efforts. As we approach the end of BINUH’s first year, we affirm the essential role of the good offices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and BINUH’s vital work in the service of good governance and reform.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“I conveyed to President Moïse that the United States remains committed to working with the Haitian National Police to strengthen its capacity to disrupt armed gangs and violence and to provide citizen security. We recently reprogrammed $5 million in assistance towards anti-gang efforts and will provide additional advisers to the Haitian National Police to help address human rights and police conduct concerns. However, the Haitian National Police continues to face budgetary constraints and increasing operational pressures. Without timely and sufficient funding and a long-term commitment from the Government of Haiti, the Haitian National Police cannot effectively fulfil its public safety mandate. Haiti continues to face the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as we all do.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“We urge the Haitian Government to protect its most vulnerable citizens by implementing a comprehensive anti-gang strategy to undermine support for gangs and hold the perpetrators of violence and their accomplices accountable. Haiti’s justice system has taken no concrete action to prosecute human rights abuses in recent months, and the lack of accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses reinforces an environment of impunity. The assassination of Monferrier Dorval, on 28 August, was an attack on civil society and on all of those working for a better future in Haiti. We call on the Government of Haiti to investigate and prosecute those responsible, and we will continue to advocate for the strengthening of the rule of law in Haiti.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“The United States continues to encourage the Government of Haiti to take the necessary steps to organize these overdue legislative elections and to exit the current period of rule by decree. While the Haitian Government’s announcement of the members of the Provisional Electoral Council was a necessary step in that direction, there is much more work to be done, including the approval of an electoral law, an electoral budget and an electoral calendar. The people of Haiti deserve peace, prosperity and stability, which can come only through partnership between a Government responsive to its citizens and a functioning legislature. We are deeply concerned, as is President Moïse, that armed gangs continue to violate the human rights of residents of vulnerable communities throughout Haiti and have displaced hundreds of families.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“I am pleased to welcome today Foreign Minister Álvarez Gil of the Dominican Republic. And I thank Helen Meagher La Lime for her comprehensive update on the situation in Haiti, both today and during our meeting on Friday with Sancho and Laura. I thank her as well for the work she and the team from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) have undertaken in support of stability and reform in Haiti. The United States — and I personally — remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders in the service of a secure and prosperous Haiti. During my conversation on Saturday with President Moïse, I urged him and the Government of Haiti to hold legislative elections as soon as technically feasible in order to re-establish Haiti’s Parliament.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“This pandemic spares us little time to absorb its lessons, but we must try to do so, nevertheless. The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt by all of us and must be a source of unity, not division. Each of us must commit to working together in transparency and in good faith. The United States — the Trump Administration — will continue to lead the way, as we always have done. We remain firmly committed to a safer and more secure world.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“That reputation lies in tatters today after the WHO assisted in the Chinese campaign to withhold cooperation and lie to the world. To this day, the world’s scientists still do not have a complete understanding of the origins, characteristics and spread of the virus — an understanding that only the Chinese Communist Party can provide. Going forward, the international community must place accountability and transparency at the centre of our efforts to address threats to global health. Its lack of independence, transparency and accountability is why President Trump made the decision for the United States to withdraw from the WHO and why we will continue to call for reform of the organization while we shift our global health resources to support other, more credible partners and more credible countries.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“The actions of the Chinese Communist Party prove that not all States Members of the United Nations are equally committed to public health, transparency and their international obligations. This fact should deeply trouble all of the responsible nations of the world that are working in good faith to defeat COVID-19 and keep future pandemics from emerging. We must all recommit to the full and rapid sharing of public health data with each other; that is essential from both a containment perspective and a moral perspective. Equally troubling is the danger posed by corrupt international organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) was for many years considered a centre of science over politics and of data over bias. That is why the United States was always the single-largest funder.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms terrorist organizations that have taken advantage of this difficult situation to escalate fighting and violence, and we call upon State sponsors of terror, most notably the Islamic Republic of Iran, to finally and completely cease funding and arming terrorists around the world. As President Trump clearly stated in his speech before the General Assembly on Tuesday, to chart out a better future, “we must hold accountable the nation which unleashed this plague onto the world: China” (A/75/PV.4, p. 17). The Chinese Communist Party’s decision to hide the origins of this virus, minimize its danger and suppress scientific cooperation transformed a local epidemic into a global pandemic. More importantly, those decisions have cost hundreds of thousands — hundreds of thousands — of lives around the world.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“As we continue to mobilize resources, we must also reinforce the Secretary- General’s appeal for a global ceasefire as expressed in resolution 2532 (2020), with the understanding that legitimate and necessary counter-terrorism efforts will continue. Faithfully implemented, ceasefires would provide a necessary respite for women, children and men on the front lines of violence and conflict, who are therefore particularly vulnerable to the virus.S/2020/953 Unfortunately, early signs show a slipping of compliance in conflict zones, and many countries are in fact now experiencing an escalation of violence.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“The United States has contributed more than $900 million to the United Nations response, by far the most of any country to date, and let me just name the most recent contributions of a few of those countries: the Niger, $4.6 million; South Africa, $8.4 million; Indonesia, $5 million; Viet Nam, $9.5 million; and Tunisia, $600,000. However, as our spending continues to outpace available resources, it is not sustainable for any country or handful of countries to meet the lion’s share of the growing needs. The Trump Administration will continue to catalyse the international response to this pandemic, and we encourage others to join us by devoting greater resources to common objectives.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“That has meant huge investments in treatment and care, as well as activating a nationwide vaccine-development effort. Those actions have saved countless lives and hold the prospect of bringing the pandemic to a swift end. To date, we have also allocated more than $20 billion to benefit the international response, including commitments for vaccine development, therapeutics and medical infrastructure. This funding, provided by generous American taxpayers, is saving lives in more than 120 countries around the world. In addition, we are actively supporting the Secretary-General’s call to provide resources for the United Nations response.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“Having said that, I intend to make my remarks today responsible and responsive to the content of the topic at hand today. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) remains a threat to the daily lives and livelihoods of billions around the world, and every life lost, every family harmed, every school closed and every business shuttered is a reason for sorrow. We, as a global community, must continue the battle and keep our sights focused keenly on the return of better days. The United States has been unrelenting in its efforts to combat COVID-19, both at home and abroad. As President Trump noted in his address to the General Assembly at the general debate at its seventy-fifth session (A/75/PV.4, annex II), our nation launched the most aggressive national mobilization since the Second World War to address the pandemic.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“I thank Secretary-General Guterres and President Issoufou for hosting this important conversation. You know, shame on each of you. I am astonished and disgusted by the content of today’s discussion. I am actually quite ashamed of the Security Council, in particular the members of the Council who took this opportunity to focus on political grudges rather than the critical issue at hand. I can only say “my goodness”. Moreover, I am disappointed on behalf of the people you are trying to reach, by squandering this opportunity for political purposes. President Trump has made it very clear that we will do whatever is right, even if it is unpopular, because — let me tell members of the Council what — this is not a popularity contest.”
2020-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/953 (2020) · source
“If the process does not work out the way it should, in which all of Syria’s citizens are properly represented, Syria will only know a future of conflict and the region will continue to suffer.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“Our pressure campaign will continue until the Al-Assad regime makes the strategic shift from its goal of a military solution, at the expense of the Syrian people and in defiance of the international community, to engaging constructively in a political solution. There will be no reconstruction funding, no diplomatic recognition and no sanctions relief from the United States of America until the full implementation of the political process outlined in resolution 2254 (2015) is irreversibly under way. There is only one way forward for the Al-Assad regime to escape total collapse and instability. Al-Assad and his supporters must heed the calls of the Council, must adhere to a nationwide ceasefire and must engage seriously on the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“This also extends to changing the regime’s relationship with Iran — a relationship that destabilizes the security of Syria’s neighbours and threatens Syrian civilians as Iran sends soldiers, weapons and money to prop up the Al-Assad regime. The United States triggered the resolution 2231 (2015) snapback mechanism to keep the existing arms embargo in place and reimpose sanctions. With fewer United Nations arms restrictions, Iran will be emboldened to transfer even more weapons to Syria, putting more civilians and the Syrian political process at risk. The United States will be unrelenting in our pursuit of a credible political process that addresses the root causes of the Syrian tragedy and fundamentally changes the Al-Assad regime’s behaviour.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“The Syrian people will not know peace and Syrian refugees will not willingly volunteer to return to Syria and fulfil their legitimate aspirations until they are assured that the Al-Assad regime has changed its behaviour towards the Syrian people. The policy of the Trump Administration is not dependent on Al-Assad as a person. The Syrian regime is more than that one person; it is a vast network of security services, the military and corrupt businessmen, all of whom contribute to the suffering of the Syrian people. Without fundamental reform, the regime will continue this bad behaviour regardless of who is in charge.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“There is a de facto ceasefire now in place in Syria, apart from internationally supported operations against United Nations-designated terrorists. It is crucial for S/2020/936 S/2020/936 the political process that all parties acknowledge formally and publicly this reality and endorse a nationwide ceasefire. Five years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 2254 (2015) as the road map for a peaceful political transition to address the underlying causes of the deadly conflict. This remains the central goal of the United States of America and the reason we are deeply committed to the United Nations-led political process for a political transition.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“The calls by the Secretary-General and Special Envoy Pedersen for the declaration of a permanent nationwide ceasefire in Syria are key to lasting peace in Syria, but such a ceasefire is yet to be achieved. A key component of the 5 March Turkish-Russian ceasefire arrangement, and of ceasefire arrangements for Idlib before it, was a commitment to reopen the M4 and M5 international highways to commercial traffic. Since 5 March, the joint Russian-Turkish patrols concluded three full patrols along the M4 highway out of 25 attempts, and the road is still not open to civilian or commercial traffic. This important step towards implementation of the 5 March ceasefire arrangement should move ahead as soon as possible.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“We encourage Special Envoy Pedersen to take all measures to facilitate the parties’ efforts, consistent with the United Nations terms of reference, and we urge the Syrian delegations to agree on the agenda and timing of the next session and continue regular meetings until the end of the year. Although the parties have a long way to go in realizing a legitimate political process facilitated by the United Nations, we must have progress in the immediate term. These efforts will provide the basis for a new, post-war Syria characterized by a nationwide ceasefire, a new constitution, and United Nations-monitored elections that represent the will of the Syrian people.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“It is time to redouble our efforts to support Special Envoy Pedersen to ensure that progress is achieved at the next round, when the parties must move beyond previous discussions of first principles and directly address constitutional reforms. This is the clearest path to the new Syrian constitution that the international community, including the Russian Federation, agreed to in 2015 when we voted in favour of resolution 2254 (2015). A new constitution is the clearest path to any free and fair elections in the country that the international community can embrace.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“Those benchmarks were: a substantive discussion among the Syrian parties on specific constitutional reforms; meeting for longer than a few symbolic days, to ensure a substantive discussion of reforms could occur; and a schedule of future meeting rounds for the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, the latest round did not result in a substantive discussion of the constitutional reforms; nor did it produce an agreement on a schedule for future meetings. This was a missed opportunity to advance the political process. We acknowledge that the respective Syrian delegations travelled to Geneva in good faith to participate in the meetings. This is a positive step. Moreover, we understand the constraints faced by the United Nations and the Syrian delegations due to COVID-19. But now is not the time for inaction or to lose hope.”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, and I also thank Geir Pedersen for his briefing. He and his team did an exceptional job navigating the uncertain and challenging circumstances during last month’s third round of Constitutional Committee meetings. The United States appreciates his hard work and also thanks the Swiss hosts for helping safely address the challenges posed to the meetings by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During the Council’s last Syria political meeting before the start of the Constitutional Committee, I outlined three specific benchmarks that we had hoped the Committee would reach during the third round of the meetings (see S/2020/823, annex XIV).”
2020-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/936 (2020) · source
“Surrounding nations and neighbours also deserve credit for their constructive role in supporting refugees and humanitarian assistance that has been instrumental in so many Afghan lives. Together, we must all continue to support Afghanistan for a better future for the Afghan people.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Finally, as members in the Council are aware, we are in the midst of negotiating a new UNAMA mandate. As the intra-Afghanistan negotiation process begins, we must ensure UNAMA’s mandate is especially clear and robust during this pivotal moment in history. All of us must display discipline and the political will to focus the mandate on the core issues that will support the Government and the people of Afghanistan in achieving peace. The United States seeks a sovereign, unified and democratic Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbours. Let me again express my appreciation to the United Nations and other international partners for their support in strengthening Afghanistan’s democratic institutions and in support of the peace process.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile, the Trump Administration continues to follow through on its long-standing commitment to Afghanistan through the provision of critical humanitarian aid, recognizing that Afghanistan’s humanitarian crises serve only to compound one another. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2020 alone, the United States has provided nearly $99 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. In addition to the $99 million, the United States has provided more than $24 million in humanitarian assistance and roughly $35 million in development assistance to support the response to the coronavirus disease pandemic in Afghanistan. I would like to take this moment to thank the men and women of our military and humanitarian workers who have been killed or wounded trying to help Afghanistan build a better future.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Women’s leadership in the region is nothing new. Look at Indira Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto. We have to be thankful for the progress that has been made, however much more needs to be done. Women make up four out of 21 members of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s negotiating team, and we firmly believe that these women must have the opportunity to be heard. That is why we are appalled at the recent attempted assassination on the life of the negotiator Ms. Fawzia Koofi. We strongly condemn this attack and hope that it will not deter Afghan women from continuing to speak out courageously and with conviction about their country’s future.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“The United States has spoken clearly on what will happen if these rights are not maintained: No current, or future, Afghan Government should count on international donor support if that Government restricts or represses the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women and girls. I would like to pause for a moment to say something that I truly believe needs to be said: It is utterly cruel and incomprehensible that we have to be excited about something that should be a given. Why in the world have Afghanistan’s women been so marginalized? It could be argued that, if women had participated fully in their country’s development, Afghanistan would have not been held back for so long and would not be facing such a difficult path today. Since when do women have to justify their role in humankind? Do men negotiate their place?”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Delays in implementing the May political agreement between President Ghani and Mr. Abdullah threaten progress on the peace process and governance reforms, as well as the Government’s response to the coronavirus disease. An inclusive and unified Government is needed to serve the interests of all Afghans at this critical moment. Another necessary component of a prosperous and secure Afghanistan is the meaningful participation of women in the peace process. Their essential role goes beyond addressing the issues that uniquely affect them. Their participation is vital to achieving economic progress and stability in Afghanistan, and that is why it is critical that their rights be protected and advanced.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“The United States condemns that and all acts of terrorism, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family, his friends and everyone affected by those explosions and killings. We urge all sides to move swiftly to deny spoilers the opportunity to shake the faith of those demanding peace now, when Afghanistan is closer than ever to advancing its peace process. President Ghani’s decree paving the way for the Government’s release of members of the Taliban, following the brave decision of the Loya Jirga, allows for the next steps of the peace process to occur and for intra- Afghan negotiations to begin soon. The United States is encouraged by the Afghan Government’s recent decision to finalize the make-up of the High Council for Peace and National Reconciliation and to fill the majority of its Cabinet positions.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Lyons for her briefing and for her leadership in guiding the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in support of peace, human rights, women’s empowerment and economic development in Afghanistan. I also thank Mr. Mohseni for the work that he has done to promote freedom of expression in Afghanistan. I would like to begin my remarks by commenting on the string of recent targeted attacks in and around Kabul. Those attacks are reprehensible and must end immediately. They erode the safety and security of Kabul’s residents and workers, and they threaten the efforts of those working towards peace. For example, among the individuals targeted and killed in recent weeks was Mr. Abdul Baqi Amin, a scholar and an activist firmly committed to peace.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“We must capitalize on these recent positive developments and ensure that UNSMIL is as effective and efficient as it can be and that its leadership structure reflects this goal. Reforming UNSMIL now gives us the best chance to capitalize on battlefield changes to bring about a permanent political settlement and reinforce the Berlin process. The United States believes the peace process will succeed in the country, but only when the outside parties to the conflict stop fuelling the conflict and support the United Nations-led peace process, so the opposing leaders reconcile and come up with a peaceful power-sharing agreement that represents the wishes of the Libyan people.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“Accountability for human rights violations and abuses committed by all actors is key to strengthening the durability of a political solution, so that Libyans see a genuine path to reconciliation and justice. The Security Council should consider ways to hold those who commit violations to account, including possible sanctions. We reiterate our strong support for Acting Special Representative Stephanie Williams and commend her and UNSMIL’s leadership in facilitating a comprehensive political process and confidence-building measures. As we begin discussions on UNSMIL’s mandate renewal, we must not waste this opportunity to ensure that UNSMIL is fit for purpose going forward.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“We believe finding a demilitarized solution beginning with Sirte offers a practical way forward to build confidence on the ground. There is no place for foreign mercenaries or proxy forces in Libya, including the Wagner Group, a Russian Ministry of Defence proxy, which is fighting alongside, and in support of, Libyan National Army forces. The United States remains appalled by reports of mass graves in Tarhouna. We welcome the appointments of three members of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya. The Fact-Finding Mission will assist in holding accountable those who have committed human rights violations and abuses and deter further violations and abuses.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“To be clear, the United States opposes all foreign military interference in Libya, supports United Nations-led negotiations toward a sustainable ceasefire and backs an immediate return to a United Nations-facilitated political process. We have said it before and we say it again — There is no military solution to the conflict in Libya. All actors involved in the conflict should abide by the commitments they made in Berlin and immediately suspend military operations, halt the ongoing transfer of foreign military equipment and fighters to Libya and allow local authorities to respond to the coronavirus disease pandemic. We urge Member States to continue to share information with the Panel of Experts on Libya with regard to potential arms embargo violations. We must make progress towards a lasting ceasefire.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“This initiative by Libya’s leaders is a positive, courageous step forward that we all should collectively support. Respect for Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should remain the international community’s guideposts. We oppose any scheme purporting to divide Libya, occupy it or foist an external political settlement on Libyans. Libyan parties must drive the solution, which will best be reached through inclusive, United Nations- led political negotiations aimed at national elections. But a political solution will remain elusive as long as foreign backers on both sides continue to fuel the conflict.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“I congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency this month. I thank in particular Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Williams for her commitment to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the people of Libya. Libya is at a critical juncture. With UNSMIL and international partners, we welcome the 21 August declaration by Libya’s Prime Minister and Speaker of the House of Representatives calling for a ceasefire, demilitarization, the resumption of oil sector operations and a return to United Nations-facilitated political talks. These Libyan statements represent the hope of the Libyan people that their leaders will turn away from the violence and forge a peaceful political solution that rejects continued foreign interference and preserves Libyan sovereignty.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“We hope that the United Nations will seize the tools that we have provided in this mandate, and we hope that the Council and the Government of Lebanon will redouble their efforts to ensure that UNIFIL is fully able to discharge its mandate. If, however, today’s action does not trigger necessary improvements, including improved access for UNIFIL and steps to diminish the vast and growing Hizbullah arsenal of weapons, Council members must be prepared to take further action when the mandate comes up for renewal next year.”
2020-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/857 (2020) · source
“The United States also stood firm on the question of UNIFIL’s troop ceiling to ensure that it aligns more appropriately with the reality on the ground. The reduction of the ceiling from 15,000 troops to 13,000 is an important step towards rightsizing a mission that has for years been overresourced given the limits on its freedom of movement and access. While this is tangible progress, the United States believes that there is much more to do. Be assured that in the coming weeks and months, the Trump Administration will be closely scrutinizing this mission to ensure these improvements are effectively implemented.”
2020-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/857 (2020) · source
“Hizbullah’s influence over the Beirut airport and the port of Beirut is another self-evident concern. Arms continue to flow across the border between Syria and Lebanon in violation of resolution 1701 (2006). Today’s resolution takes important steps towards rightsizing and improving the effectiveness of the UNIFIL mission, and explicitly calls for the Government of Lebanon to facilitate UNIFIL’s “prompt and full” access to its mandated territory. These improvements will spotlight those actors in southern Lebanon who blatantly obstruct UNIFIL and who put the UNIFIL peacekeepers and the people of both Israel and Lebanon in harm’s way. Through this mandate, we also secured a commitment by the Secretary-General to provide a plan for implementing recommendations to fundamentally enhance the mission.”
2020-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/857 (2020) · source
“The terrorist group is responsible for the death and injuries of far too many Israelis, Syrians, Lebanese and Iraqis, and its terrorism has stretched from South America to Europe and Africa. The United States has supported UNIFIL since its inception in 1978 because the Force has reduced tensions between Israel and Lebanon. However, the Trump Administration has been deeply concerned these past years about UNIFIL’s overall inability to contain the Hizbullah menace. We are not going to allow this to stand. The Council must join us in confronting this. Israeli soldiers were fired upon across the Blue Line as recently as two days ago. Israeli communities live under constant threat, and Hizbullah weapons installations within Lebanese towns subject civilians to danger.”
2020-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/857 (2020) · source
“The United States is committed to an effective and accountable United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission and supports resolution 2539 (2020), adopted today, with that goal in mind. Today’s action is an important step in that direction, and I applaud my French counterparts for working diligently with us towards this outcome. Today we halt a long period of Council complacency on UNIFIL and the growing and destabilizing influence of Iran and its client, the terrorist organization Hizbullah. For decades, Lebanon and its army have been intimidated and overpowered by Hizbullah, whose fighters and politicians pledge allegiance to Iran’s supreme leader.”
2020-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/857 (2020) · source
“Let me just make it really, really clear. The Trump Administration has no fear of standing in limited company on this matter, in light of the unmistakable truth guiding our actions. I only regret that other members of the Council have lost their way and now find themselves standing in the company of terrorists.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source