YouSaid · the spoken record

Khoshroo

lines on the record: 413
first: 1994-03-02
most recent: 2019-03-28
sittings or episodes: 60
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

“While a country's inherent right to resist foreign invasion and occupation must not be equated with terrorism, it is clear that in order to uproot terrorism, occupation and invasion must come to an end. If unchecked, terrorists and occupiers will evolve into a coalition. In fact, that has already happened: Israel supports terrorists in Syria in various ways, including by healing the injuries of their terrorist sisters and brothers.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Some countries use both counter-terrorism and terrorism as a foreign-policy tool, for example by designating adversaries as State sponsors of terrorism, which is done exclusively for political motives and therefore has no legitimacy. That is also the case with regard to the unilateral labelling of certain popular political parties in other States as terrorists. The irony is that those who have adopted such policies are those who have created certain terrorist groups and, based on their own short-sighted national interest, have delisted known terrorist groups and given them safe haven. They even continue to support groups that the Security Council itself has designated as terrorists. Finally, we must not forget that foreign invasion and occupation are the main factors in creating grounds conducive to terrorism.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Even now, terrorist groups such as the Al-Nusra Front in Syria, in addition to enjoying the political and military support of certain countries, are receiving significant financial contributions. These facts alone show not only that the existing standards are not efficient enough, but also that many countries have not implemented them at all, as one of the briefers pointed out earlier. Interestingly, however, for clear political reasons, those countries have never been listed by the institutions that set the standards. If they are not held accountable, they will be emboldened to continue financing terrorists. The fact is that counter-terrorism activities are effective only when double standards and selective approaches are avoided and all States cooperate fully and responsibly.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“To that end, Iran has enacted a national strategy for countering terrorist acts and a number of laws that include preventive measures on the financing of terrorism. The latter is addressed in several bilateral agreements as well. Iran also has an active financial-intelligence unit. Preventing and combating the financing of terrorism requires the genuine political will of all States as well as efficient international standards. For several years, Da'esh received large amounts of petrodollars and other financial donations. It also derived considerable revenue through the looting and sale of Iraq and Syria's cultural properties as well as by exporting their oil.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“I thank the delegation of France for organizing today's open debate and the briefers for their input. Terrorism is a real threat, and the recent terrorist attacks in New Zealand have shown once again that no country is immune to this pervasive evil. Combating it requires a comprehensive preventive approach, which means that the root causes of terrorism should be addressed first and foremost. From this perspective, it is extremely important to prevent and combat the financing of terrorism. As a victim of terrorism and as a country that has lost more than 17,000 of its citizens to terrorist attacks, Iran is determined to continue combating terrorism in all its aspects, including financing.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source
“Iran will continue implementing its commitments proportionate to the benefits it receives. The world community should strongly condemn and reject the United States sanctions, not only in word but also in deed. That would be an action of pragmatic support for international law and multilateralism”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“For the first time in the history ofthe United Nations, the United States - a permanent member of the Council, with veto power - is penalizing nations across the globe not for violating resolution 2231 (2015), but rather for abiding by it. The world should not allow the United States to pursue its unilateral, arrogant and self-centred policy, which focuses on continuing to reorder the world order to be founded on power, not law. Additionally, the United States shamefully avoids implementing the recent International Court of Justice order issued, unanimously asking for the immediate removal of United States sanctions. The JCPOA's conclusion and Iran's compliance with its commitments, as confirmed by 12 International Atomic Energy Agency reports, is our contribution to multilateralism. That was commended globally.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“We need such an annual forum to discuss emerging challenges to multilateralism, the latest of which is the doctrine of withdrawal from international instruments and institutions by a member of the Council. That, among others, has resulted in its withdrawal from the Human Rights Council, UNESCO, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA is the result of intensive negotiations to peacefully resolve a manufactured crisis. It was endorsed unanimously by resolution 2231 (2015), which was drafted by the United States. The United States withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of unilateral sanctions four days ago appallingly violate resolution 2231 (2015) and only defy international law.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“To solve global problems, multilateralism is not only one option; it is the only option. It is an option, but not optional. When multilateralism is challenged by bold illegal unilateral actions, we must preserve it, address its threats and promote its relevance and effectiveness. That is essential for a rules-based international order. International law and effective international institutions with universal membership, such as the United Nations, are the core elements of multilateralism. Therefore, in order to preserve and strengthen multilateralism, the United Nations should act decisively. That is how we can make the United Nations relevant to all people. We fully support the NAM. proposal to designate an international day of multilateralism and diplomacy for peace.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“I sincerely thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. I also thank you and the Secretary-General for your valuable input and align myself with the statement made on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Multilateralism is an approach to addressing global challenges collectively, pursuing international common goals and goods cooperatively, upholding international law solemnly and applying it to all nations equally. True multilateralism is founded on inclusion instead of exclusion; cooperation in place of confrontation; equality rather than inequality; the rule of law instead of the rule of power; pursuing the common good and long-term objectives of all States, not the short-sighted goals of only one State; and resolving differences peacefully and justly, not violently and unfairly.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“That is why we believe that the world should continue to support the realization of Palestinian rights and reject any further occupation, aggression, oppression or intimidation. In order to comply with this meeting's agenda, I have been focusing only on the question of Palestine. We will make a further statement later to respond to the irrelevant claims of the United States representative.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“The United States unconditionally shields Israel against any of the Council's measures. One example of that is its veto of 44 of the Council's draft resolutions on Israel. In practice, the United States has rendered the Council completely ineffective with respect to Israel, which has therefore been emboldened to commit all four of the core international crimes, wage more than 15 wars, occupy Arab countries' territory, invade all of its neighbours without exception, attack other countries in the region and beyond and possess every kind of weapons of mass destruction. The list goes on. The question that is now before us is whether there is any option, besides taking international action, for holding both the United States and Israel accountable for all of their wrongdoing and for depriving Palestinians of their inalienable rights.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“Because in Israel's view, Palestinians have no rights - no right to assembly, to expression, to protest, to return, to establish their own State or even to life, and because Israel is addicted to cruelty, crime, death and destruction. With those realities before us, let us review what the Council has done to protect the rights and lives of Palestinians. During the past seven decades, it has adopted more than 300 resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis and related issues, the most recent being resolution 2334 (2016). In previous meetings, almost all Council members have said that Israel has violated that resolution. Of course, that is only one of the more than 300 Council resolutions that Israel has violated, and it is the symbol of an international outlaw.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“They are protesting the systematic violation of their inalienable rights over the past 70 years, the occupation of their land, the decade-long inhumane siege of Gaza, the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital by the United States, the racism shown towards them and its recent legalization in Israeli law, the demolition of their homes and the construction of Israeli settlements. They want to return to their ancestral lands, their own homes, villages and cities, and to establish their own State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. But why is Israel killing them? It is killing them merely because they are Palestinians, whether they are children, women, farmers or fishermen.”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“I am sincerely grateful to the Bolivian presidency of the Council for convening this meeting and would like to warmly congratulate it on Bolivia's exemplary leadership of the Council. I also want to thank today's briefers. I align myself with the statements delivered earlier by the representatives of Venezuela, on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, and Bangladesh, on behalf of the Organization ofIslamic Cooperation. The situation in Palestine continues to deteriorate. In the wake of new Israeli crimes, the number of Palestinian protesters killed is more than 200 and the number of injured more than 22,000. Why are they protesting?”
2018-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8375Resumption1 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, with regard to the allegations of the United States representative, I must stress that they reflect onlly endeavours to cover up the failure of United States polices in Syria. The meeting rose at 12.40p.m.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“That will undoubtedly contribute to the ceasefire and national dialogue and accelerate the reconciliation process; it is also critical in advancing a Syrian-led and Syrian- owned political process. The right to determine the future of Syria belongs exclusively to Syrians. To that end, cooperation towards establishing and launching the work of the constitutional committee is critical. While Syria is passing through a critical stage in defeating terrorists and regaining its unity and territorial integrity, the international community should stand firm in breathing new life into the country. As the Islamic Republic of Iran supported Syria in defeating terrorists, it will play a constructive role in bringing peace and prosperity to the country.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“As during the Tehran summit, the three leaders expressed their strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. That will enable Syria to restore its control over other parts of its territory. Like any other State, that is its inherent right. The international community should welcome that agreement and positively contribute to its implementation. We hope that the agreement - within the framework of the positive and successful Astana process and in continuation of the recent Tehran summit and diplomatic efforts by Iran - will quickly help end disasters for the Syrian people and cleanse the country of violent elements, while taking into account humanitarian concerns. Once again, we stress the need for the return of all refugees and internally displaced persons.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“Stopping violence and bloodshed, while eliminating terrorism in the area, is one the most basic and principled positions in Iran's foreign policy. As President Rouhani stressed during the Tehran summit, combating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach by taking into account all aspects of that unpleasant phenomenon. From that perspective, the fight against terrorism in Idlib is an integral part of the mission of restoring peace and stability to Syria, but that fight must not harm civilians. The Russian-Turkish agreement is a step in the right direction. It is in line with the determination expressed by the Presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey in Tehran to continue cooperating with a view to eliminating all terrorists, while taking into consideration the humanitarian aspects.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“I would like to begin by expressing our condolences to the Russian delegation over the loss of Russian lives in the recent tragic events in Syria. I would also like to express my thanks and appreciation to Mr. De Mistura and Mr. Lowcock for their efforts, as well as their briefings today. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the agreement between Russia and Turkey to create a demilitarized buffer zone in the governorate of Idlib in Syria. The Sochi agreement is the result of intensive, responsible diplomacy over the past few weeks in Ankara and Damascus, followed by the Iran-Russia-Turkey summit in Tehran. The agreement is based on the Astana process principled approach and spirit in creating de-escalation zones in order to reduce the possibility of civilian casualties, while fighting terrorism.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“While Syria is passing through a critical stage in defeating terrorists and regaining its unity and territorial integrity, the international community should stand firm in breathing new life into the country. As the Islamic Republic of Iran supported Syria to defeat terrorists, so will it play its constructive role in bringing peace and prosperity to the country. Finally, with regard to the references made to my country by the representative of the United States, I should reiterate that Iran was invited by Syria to fight terrorists. However, the United States military operations in Syria are illegal and an act of aggression. They are against the Charter of the United Nations and should come to an end.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“Against that backdrop, the Presidents stressed the need for, and their resolve to cooperate in, advancing a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process. The right to determine the future of Syria belongs exclusively to Syrians. To that end, cooperation towards establishing and launching the work of a constitutional committee is critical. Parallel to such efforts, conducive conditions should be prepared for the safe and voluntary return of all refugees and internally displaced persons. That will undoubtedly contribute to the ceasefire and national dialogue and accelerate the reconciliation process. To that end, convening an international conference on Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons is important.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“From that perspective, the fight against terrorism in Idlib is an integral part of the mission of restoring peace and stability to Syria, but that fight must not hurt civilians. Likewise, improving the humanitarian situation by facilitating rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all Syrians in need was highlighted. Those will be guiding principles with respect to ongoing efforts to combat terrorists in Idlib. Precisely for that reason, the Presidents underlined the utmost importance of separating terrorists and the armed opposition groups that joined, or will join, the ceasefire regime. Another concrete message of the Tehran summit was that the Syrian conflict can end only through a negotiated political process.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“Another clear and strong message from the summit is that the Presidents are determined to continue their cooperation in eliminating all terrorists, including Da'esh, the Al-Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida or Da'esh, which have been designated as terrorists by the Council. Of course, that must be done while preventing civilian casualties. That is why the Presidents reaffirmed their determination to work towards protecting civilians. As President Rouhani stressed at the Tehran summit, combating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach by taking into account all aspects of this unpleasant phenomenon.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“As a victim of chemical weapons itself, Iran condemns in the strongest possible terms any use of such weapons by anyone, any time and anywhere. At the same time, we warn against any attacks, including under the pretext of the alleged use of such weapons by the Syrian Government. At a time when Syria has destroyed all of its chemical weapons under international supervision, such allegations are mere fabrications in an attempt to use force against it, and any such attempt would only further complicate the situation.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“I would like to express my condolences to the families and friends of the victims of terrorism today. The recent tripartite summit in Tehran took place at a critical juncture. The Presidents of Iran, Russia and Turkey, pleased with the contribution that the Astana format has made to peace, security and stability in Syria, discussed the way forward to durable peace in the country. They conveyed a clear message through theirjoint statement, reaffirming their continued strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, which are every State's inherent right, and Syria is no exception to that. They should be strictly respected by all. The three Presidents rejected all attempts to create a new reality on the ground under the pretext of combating terrorism. That explicit and clear-cut message must be heard.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“Therefore, awareness of its usefulness in the peaceful settlement of disputes should increase. In order to be effective, mediation should be conducted in an objective, transparent and neutral manner. As an essential element in enhancing trust among the parties concerned, that is largely dependent upon the independence, impartiality and integrity of the mediators. The exclusive purpose of the mediator should be to facilitate a process towards a just and comprehensive conclusion and help the parties to arrive at a solution themselves. In conclusion, I pay tribute to the former Secretary- General, the late Kofi Annan, who held roles as mediator. He, as Foreign Minister Zarif of the Islamic Republic of Iran has said, was an unwavering champion for peace, justice and therule of law.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“If left unchecked, that alarming trend will further tarnish the credibility of the Organization and of the Council, thereby eroding the rule of law and leading to disorder. Among the Charter provisions requiring proportionate, smart and astute application, one can refer to the application of Chapter VII on the functions of the Council. The Security Council has been increasingly, excessively and expeditiously resorting to the functions set out in Chapter VII, as if there were no other provisions in the Charter. As a result, in some cases, the sovereign rights of States as well as human rights have been seriously violated. Therefore, Chapter VII must be invoked as intended - as a measure oflast resort - if necessary. Mediation is one of the less-explored opportunities provided by the Charter.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Despite acceptable progress in both directions, we have had failures that need to be rectified; There are instances of uneven implementation of laws that require adjustment, and there are opportunities that need to be explored. For instance, on the eve of this century, a country was invaded by a permanent seatholder of the Security Council - occurring in total disregard of the Council and in blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Not only is that same Power now pursuing a policy of withdrawal from international organizations and agreements - thereby jeopardizing the sanctity of international treaties - but it also openly invites all Member States to either disobey a specific resolution of the Council - I refer to resolution 2231 (2015) - or face punishment.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“I thank the United Kingdom, as President of the Security Council, for organizing this open debate. I align myself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the briefers for their valuable inputs. Mediation, an essential tool in the settlement of disputes, should be seen in the larger context of promoting the rule of law at the international level. One of the pillars of the Organization is that international relations must be ruled by law instead of power. Accordingly, under the Charter of the United Nations, States have two complementary obligations: first, to refrain from the threat or use of force, and, secondly, to settle their international disputes by peaceful means.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Adopting a selective approach in such cases is tantamount to betraying the most vulnerable people - children - whom this process is designed to protect.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report indicates, the killing of Yemeni children continued unabated, most recently in an airstrike on a wedding in July, during which at least seven children lost their lives. The policy of deliberately killing children as a war tactic is utilized by Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS). The aim of such a policy is to put maximum pressure on adversaries. The most notable cases are the mass killing of children by Israel in Lebanon in 2006, by ISIS in Syria in 2013 and by Saudi and Emirati forces in Yemen in 2018. We call for accountability for any war crimes against children anywhere, be it in Palestine, Yemen, Myanmar or elsewhere.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The situation of children in Yemen, where, according to UNICEF, more than 2,200 children have been killed and nearly all children are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, is at best comparable only to the situation of Palestinian children. Saudi and Emirati forces, which seek only a military solution in Yemen, are responsible for the continuation of that conflict. Creating a separate category for the so-called improving violators in the Secretary-General's reports last year (S/2017/821) and this year, due to well-known political considerations, did not help to halt their brutality perpetrated against Yemeni children or change the realities on the ground.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Failing to do so will only embolden Israel to kill more children. That situation is the result of the Council's failure to meet its relevant responsibilities due to the use of the veto power by the United States, which thus extended unconditional impunity to the Israeli regime. Despite all the atrocities it has perpetrated against Palestinian children, the Israel Defence Forces has unfortunately never been blacklisted in the reports of the Secretary- General. We hope that the 2018 report will put Israel at the top of the list of violators of the rights of children in armed conflicts. That will bring accuracy, credibility and impartiality to that list.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The Secretary-General's report (S/2018/465) once again shows that, unfortunately, the scale of violations is alarming in many places, especially in the Palestinian occupied territories and Yemen. Throughout 2017, a large number of Palestinian children continued to be killed, injured, arrested and detained by Israeli forces. The exponential increase in the level of such violations during peaceful protests this year puts the Israeli regime at the top of the list of global child-killers. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutality of the Israeli forces against Palestinian children. Such acts are clear manifestations of war crimes and crime against humanity, and they are carried out with total impunity. They must come to an end and their perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking the President of the Security Council, the Swedish Prime Minister, for organizing this open debate. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2018/465) and appreciate the valuable inputs from the briefers. A large increase in violations against children in 2017, as reported by the Secretary-General, is alarming. It serves to underline the need for redoubling our efforts to prevent the emergence of new conflicts. If we cannot protect children today, we will fail in preventing conflicts tomorrow. In turn, that means we will face a vicious circle of increases in both the number of conflicts and the loss of children's lives.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Sustained ownership and partnership with the Afghan Government are needed in order to utilize the best potential of UNAMA and the United Nations system to deliver the necessary services in priority areas, as requested by the national Government. As always, I would like to conclude my statement by expressing Iran's solidarity with the fraternal people of Afghanistan and by reassuring them of our full support in their challenging endeavour to achieve peace and prosperity in their country.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Any attempt to disrupt that vital project will play into the hands of those Who do not want peace and progress for the Afghan people. We need unconditional international support for such innovative projects. We believe that special attention should be paid to combating the interlinked sources of insecurity and instability in Afghanistan, particularly the production of, and trade in, narcotic drugs as a major source of income for terrorists, extremists and illegal armed groups. Accordingly, the international community must support the relevant international and regional projects and activities, especially the tripartite initiatives by Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, to fight the menace of narcotics. We continue to support the dedicated work of UNAMA and United Nations agencies in providing reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“As we approach the elections in Afghanistan and take into account the role that successful elections could play in strengthening the political institutions and national unity in the country, improved security conditions become more relevant and essential. Iran also attaches great importance to promoting regional cooperation in support of peace, stability and development in Afghanistan. We welcome the continued work of the joint committees entrusted with formulating a comprehensive framework agreement for bilateral cooperation. We hope that will soon lead to the agreement's conclusion, ensuring sustained and increasing cooperation between the two countries. The ongoing efforts in the port of Chabahar will have a significant impact on promoting trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“We also welcome the recent positive developments in relations between our two neighbours Afghanistan and Pakistan. We hope they will continue and that the relations will be further strengthened. Terrorism and extremism are not only a threat to Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries, but also to regional and international peace and security. Counter- terrorism efforts must be given the highest priority. In the same vein, supporting Afghanistan's counter- terrorism measures advances regional and international peace and security. In that regard, we believe that the growing threat ofDa'esh and its affiliates in Afghanistan should not be underestimated.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“As a neighbouring country, Iran has been steadfast in supporting and promoting Afghanistan's security and stability, as well as its socioeconomic development, which are all very closely interlinked. Our support for the Afghan National Unity Government is unrelenting. We welcome any progress on the path to an Afghan- owned and -led peace process leading to lasting and comprehensive peace. It is in that context that Iran welcomes and participates in the Kabul process for peace and security cooperation and similar processes to help bring peace and security to Afghanistan. Iran welcomed the recent temporary ceasefire announced between the Government and the Taliban, as well as the Government's good faith efforts to ensure its continuation.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank the Russian presidency of the Security Council for organizing this meeting, Ambassador Saikal of Afghanistan for his statement and Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr. Yamamoto, for presenting his report (S/2018/539). Unfortunately, as the report indicates, security continues to remain Afghanistan's major challenge. Improving its security is one of the main requirements for long-term stability and socioeconomic development. In order to confront that challenge, the National Unity Government of Afghanistan needs the robust and sustained support of the international community. That is of the utmost importance ifwe are to establish lasting peace and stability in that part of the world.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The objective of a strong region, as opposed to the quest for hegemony and the exclusion of other actors, is rooted in recognizing the need to respect the interests of all stakeholders. Any dominant effort by one country is not only inappropriate but also essentially impossible. Indeed, those that insist on following such a path create instability. As inheritors of the richest civilizations, the countries in the Middle East and North Africa region should stand tall. We can solve our own problems among ourselves and secure a better future for all our children without outside interference and patronage, both of which come at a heavy price to our collective dignity, as well as our future development.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“As our participation in the Astana and International Syria Support Group meetings shows, we support any initiative that can help to achieve an end to that conflict. The Astana format, of which Russia, Turkey and Iran are guarantors, has developed into an effective instrument for a joint platform to fight terrorism and to contribute to peace and stability in Syria. The hostile statements of certain States that we hear these days, including today, are actively perpetuated by those that desperately need to create an imaginary enemy in order to sell their arms and embark on an arms race in the region. They have nothing to do with peace and security in the Middle East. The Islamic Republic of Iran views the establishment of a regional dialogue forum in the Persian Gulf as the best way to resolve regional crises and to create a stronger region.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Since the beginning of the ongoing tragedy in the Syrian Arab Republic, Iran has always called for a peaceful solution to the conflict based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, as well as the right of the Syrian people to determine their own political future. Time and again, Iran has reiterated that there can be no military solution to the situation in Syria. As such, we have always adhered to a genuine Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process in order to achieve peace and national reconciliation. While the United States and its regional allies continue to pursue their narrow and short-sighted goals in the region, Iran and Russia have made great sacrifices to combat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and other terrorist groups throughout the region.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Acts such as deliberate attacks on residential areas and civilian targets, imposing a humanitarian blockade, using famine as a war tactic and denying access to international relief agencies are all war crimes and are punishable under international humanitarian law. The international community and the Security Council should hold the Saudi regime accountable for those criminal acts. It should intervene effectively to end the senseless military operation, including the ongoing attack against Al-Hudaydah - the lifeline of basic humanitarian aid to millions of needy people in Yemen - establish a ceasefire, ensure the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance and restore peace and stability in the country through an intra-Yemeni dialogue on national reconciliation without preconditions.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Other crises in the region, such as those in Libya, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, are all examples of crises being stoked through invasion, illegal foreign intervention, terror, extremism and violence. Such problems have persisted and deepened due to the failure of the international community to carry out its responsibilities by addressing the root causes and the erroneous actions of outsiders. The situation in Yemen represents a very serious threat to regional and international security and is another breeding ground for terrorist groups. The war of aggression of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and the numerous war crimes committed by it directly threaten peace and security.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The impunity that the regime there has enjoyed for so long would not have been possible without the support of the United States. There are other major contributing factors. All of these foreign interventions and occupations, and all the efforts to manipulate the people of the Middle East and North Africa, have resulted in a climate of instability that is a breeding ground for terrorists and extremists. Groups that initially received support from certain States and parties within and outside the region to fight for them eventually turned into monsters, threatening their supporters and creators. As a result, terrorism and extremism are much stronger and more widespread in the Middle East and North Africa region today following the many invasions by the United States and its allies.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The Israeli regime and its incremental, aggressive and expansionist policies, along with its behaviour towards its neighbours, continues to be the main threat to regional peace and security. While the Palestinian territories and the Syrian Golan Heights have remained under illegal occupation by Israel, the regime has launched more than 100 strikes in Syria and Lebanon. Israel's recent mass killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza are the most recent expression of an old pattern that the Israeli regime has followed for the past 70 years. The illegal announcement regarding Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the transfer of the United States Embassy to that city is another example of a policy that serves only to exacerbate the problems in the Middle East and North Africa and throughout the Islamic world.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“In-depth analysis of all the causes of conflict and war in the region over the past few decades shows that in most cases, a common denominator emerges - foreign intervention, foreign interference, foreign occupation or a combination of the three. Even in the rare cases where a conflict has internal causes, it is manipulated, escalated and prolonged by the illicit interference of Powers in the region or various countries outside it. The Israeli occupation of Palestine is at the centre of all the conflicts in the Middle East. That injustice has continued for more than 70 years and has been intensified by Israel's aggressive expansionist and apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and the region generally.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source