YouSaid · the spoken record

Kobler

lines on the record: 436
first: 2011-12-06
most recent: 2017-06-07
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“I am convinced that a positive vote could have taken place on 22 February had the leadership of the House of Representatives shown the resolve and determination to put the Government of National Accord to a vote. I have therefore written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives to register the will of the democratic majority and formalize its endorsement of the Government of National Accord. Failing such recognition and a positive endorsement by the House of Representatives by early next week, Libyans have to go on. I intend to reconvene the Libyan Political Dialogue to explore the way forward in line with the Libyan Political Agreement. Libya cannot be held hostage by minorities in the House of Representatives and the General National Congress.”
2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7640 (2016) · source
“The House voted to endorse the Libyan Political Agreement in principle, which was good news, but it requested the Presidency Council to nominate a new and smaller Cabinet. After days oftireless deliberations, on 14 February the Presidency Council finalized a new list of candidates for a streamlined Cabinet. A few days ago, on 22 February, the House of Representatives met to consider the Presidency Council's second Cabinet. However, its session was interrupted by a minority of parliamentarians who opposed the vote and resorted to threats and intimidation, preventing the majority from freely expressing its vote. Nonetheless, this majority gathered 100 signatures in support of the endorsement of the new Cabinet and its programme.”
2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7640 (2016) · source
“The overwhelming majority support the formation of a Government of National Accord that would effectively address the existing threats. The overwhelming majority want and deserve peace now. Some of those who are politically responsible on both sides, however, still refuse to listen to the voices of the Libyan people and pursue their own narrow political interests. In my most recent briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.7577), I promised to broaden the basis of support for the Libyan Political Agreement. My colleagues, myself and the international community have persistently reached out to those who are opposing the Libyan Political Agreement. However, until now we have been unable to convince them to go the way of peace and unity. On 15 January, the Presidency Council presented a Cabinet for approval by the House of Representatives.”
2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7640 (2016) · source
“It is with a very heavy heart that I begin my briefing noting that the humanitarian situation in Libya has deteriorated further, against the background of poor funding for the humanitarian response plan. Libya is a country of 6 million people, with significant resources, but across the country 2.4 million people are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. More than 40 per cent of the health-care facilities in Libya are not functioning. Over 1 million children under the age of five are at risk of being affected by a vaccine shortage. Some 1.3 million people are food insecure. It is now imperative that Libyan political actors take responsibility, in the higher interest of the Libyan people, to stop the human suffering. The overwhelming majority of the Libyan people are in favour of the Libyan Political Agreement.”
2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7640 (2016) · source
“Mr. Kobler: First of all, let me congratulate Angola on taking up the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. The members of the Council have before them the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2016/182) on the activities of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which details the work ofthe Mission over the past six months. The process towards a democratic transition has continued to achieve a number of milestones, but at the same time remains very precarious. Two weeks ago, on 17 February, Libya marked the fifth anniversary of the 2011 revolution. However, five years on, the current political and military vacuum is allowing terrorist groups and criminal networks to establish deep roots. It must be said in all clarity that Libya today has no effective State institutions.”
2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7640 (2016) · source
“Their support to the Libyan political agreement will be the first step on Libya's road to peace, security and prosperity.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Libyans have a unique opportunity before them. The time has come to make peace. It is unlikely that there will be other opportunities without inflicting further suffering and hardship on the Libyan people. I wish to take this opportunity to assure all Libyans that the door will always remain open for those who wish to join the road to peace. Once the agreement is signed, we will immediately assist in broadening the basis of support for the new Government, which should ultimately be based in Tripoli. Through engagement with the militias, political parties, tribal elders and civil society, we will advocate for acceptance of the Libyan political agreement. I appeal to the sense ofpatriotism and statesmanship of Libya's leaders to give consideration to Libya's higher national interests and the long-term welfare of the Libyan people.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“First, there is the hope that the Council will unequivocally support the outcomes of the Libyan political dialogue and the Libyan political agreement. That would send a clear message to all those whose narrow agendas continue to stand in the way of peace. Secondly, every effort must be made to ensure that technical support to the future Libyan Government of national accord is visible, tangible and sustainable in order to ensure that it can deliver quickly. Thirdly, concerted efforts will need to be exerted to address the humanitarian situation and the terrible plight endured by the civilian population. Fourthly, I cannot overstate the threat posed by Daesh. Mobilizing international support to assist Libyan authorities to take decisive measures to combat, contain and eliminate the imminent danger is a must.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“The past two days of deliberations, which in part were attended by Tunis-based Ambassadors and Libyan envoys from Egypt, Italy and the United States who travelled to Tunis, revealed that Libyans expect the Council's support and the support of the wider international community. Such support is indispensable to help them forge peace through unity. In that regard, the forthcoming high-level ministerial conference, to be hosted in Rome by Italy and the United States, will provide an opportunity for the international community to speak with a strong and united voice in support of the Libyan political agreement. It is with the Rome conference in mind that I also wish to convey, on behalf of the Libyan dialogue participants, the following four key points.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Many dialogue participants referred to the imminent danger of Daesh expansion. In thinking over their options, the plight of Libya's civilian population featured prominently in the deliberations of Libyan political dialogue participants today. Yesterday, the world marked the International Human Rights Day. But for many in Libya, yesterday marked yet another day of chaos, fear and hardship. Libya's civilian population, including children, bears the brunt of gross human rights violations. Many civilians continue to be victims of arbitrary killings and violent attacks. Much of Benghazi, the cradle of the 17 February revolution, is today a wasteland. Hundreds of thousands of its inhabitants have had to flee their homes. The city's infrastructure and Vital facilities lie in ruin.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“In that regard, I wish to take this opportunity to call directly on the leadership of the General National Congress to allow me and my colleagues to land our airplanes in Tripoli and in other cities in Libya to freely interact with whomever we deem necessary. We can only fulfil our mandate if we have free access to all people responsible for security, particularly in Tripoli. Critically, the participants in the political dialogue highlighted the urgency - the time factor. Libya is in a race against time. Its very social fabric, national unity and territorial integrity are directly endangered by the forces of extremism and terrorism, the likes of Daesh, which are actively consolidating and seeking to extend their influence beyond areas under their immediate control.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Thirdly, there was an agreement on the need to move forward with the immediate endorsement and signing of a Libyan political agreement. The participants in the political dialogue, some 40 courageous men and women who take considerable risks to put the interest of Libya above their personal interest, decided to publicly announce 16 December as a target date for the signing of an agreement. Fourthly, there was a unanimous call on all political and security stakeholders to create a conducive environment to enable a future Government of national accord to assume its responsibilities in the Libyan capital without threat or intimidation. All underlined the need for collective agreement on the necessary security arrangements to facilitate that.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“In the face of the continued inability of the House of Representatives and the General National Congress to move forward with the formal endorsement of the outcomes of the Libyan political dialogue, I convened a new round of Libyan political dialogue to discuss the way forward. The two days of deliberations in Tunis, which concluded earlier today, culminated in the agreement on a number of key points. First, a political settlement should be achieved on the basis of the Libyan political agreement negotiated within the framework of political dialogue facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Secondly, notwithstanding the legitimate concerns of some of the parties vis-a-vis elements of the agreement, there would be no reopening of the text.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Across the country, 2.4 million people - of whom 435,000 are estimated to be internally displaced, in addition to several hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants - are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. Basic items of daily use and necessary medications have become scarce in many hospitals. Criminality and lawlessness have reached endemic levels in the south. Extremists and terrorist groups continue to expand their spheres of influence. Decreasing oil revenues and rapidly depleting financial resources are accelerating Libya's economic decline. But in the face of all that, Libyans are overwhelmingly united on one key point: Libya cannot, and should not, wait any longer for peace to come.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Today, along with the Libyan dialogue participants, I met with the President of Tunisia, who also expressed his deep concern regarding the risk of Daesh rapidly consolidating its influence within Libya and the danger it poses to Tunisia and the wider region. I have no illusion about the difficult realities that confront us in Libya. The two institutions at the centre of the political conflict in Libya are beginning to show dangerous signs of internal fragmentation. The military conflict, particularly in Benghazi, continues to exact a heavy toll on the civilian population, adding further to the existing humanitarian situation.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“I have also met with the respective leaderships of the House of Representatives in Tobruk and the General National Congress in Tripoli. I have also had the opportunity to hold extensive consultations with countries in the region and beyond. I travelled to Algeria, where I had the privilege of meeting representatives of all of Libya's neighbouring countries, as well as to Egypt, France, Italy, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from all, inside and outside Libya, and for their invaluable insights into the complexities of the Libyan political and security landscapes. In all those countries, there is a growing sense of alarm at the prospect of a spillover of the terrorist threat from Libya into neighbouring countries.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Mr. Kobler: First of all, let me congratulate the United States on taking up the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. I wish to thank you, Madam, for giving me the opportunity to address the Council so soon following my appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya. There have been important developments with respect to the Libyan political dialogue process since my predecessor last briefed the Council on 5 November (see S/PV.7550). Since assuming my duties approximately three weeks ago, I have endeavoured to ensure a seamless transition from my predecessor and continuity in the Libyan political dialogue process. I am fortunate to have met, in such a short period, a wide array of political leaders, civil society representatives, tribal elders, as well as women and youth leaders.”
2015-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7577 (2015) · source
“Allow me to warmly thank the Congolese people for the hospitality that they have always shown us as guests in their country. I have great admiration for their strength and deep aspirations for peace and progress. The seeds of a stable, secure and resilient Congo have already been planted. I will be following their journey from afar with the hope that we will see them bloom and prosper in the years to come. It was an honour to serve the United Nations.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“We have the duty and responsibility to ensure that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is secure and stable, and that the progress that has been achieved thus far will not be lost. Allow me here to commend the perseverance and resilience of the Congolese who have witnessed the horrors of war, the women who have suffered the horrors of violence and the children who have lost their innocence at the hands of brutal combatants. They are the reason why MONUSCO stands firm and calls for the respect for human rights. They are the reason why we are calling for a gradual drawdown, and not a hasty one, of the Force. They are the reason why our civilian, police and military staff are working tirelessly in the pursuit of peace.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“Allow me also to thank all military, police and civilian colleagues in MONUSCO in the United Nations country team for working to fulfil our promise to the people of the Congo. The friendship of the team was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my professional life. (spoke in French) For the past two years, I have travelled throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have actively tried to listen to all segments of Congolese society to truly understand and respond to the people's expectations. I met with representatives of women's and youth organizations, villagers in markets, former child soldiers and many others whose lives have been forever altered by war. They are a daily reminder of the thousands of people who are counting on us.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“I wish to thank the Security Council for its unwavering support and for giving the Democratic Republic of the Congo the attention it rightly deserves. I also want to express my gratitude to Headquarters colleagues, in particular Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Mr. Herve Ladsous and his team for the continuous support and valuable guidance in difficult times. To Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leila Zerrougui for her commitment and tireless efforts in getting children out of the hands of brutal armed groups. For Special Representative Zainab Bangura for her engagement and support to the Mission in stopping the scourge of sexual violence and easing the pain of thousands of women and girls victims in the Congo.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“To bolster private investment, foreign direct investment and Congolese investment, we must spare no efforts to ensure continued stability, security and the rule of law. The engagement of the team of the special envoys has been crucial throughout my tenure. I thank all colleagues for their unwavering support. At the end, because this is my last meeting, allow me to mention one important topic beyond MONUSCO'S mandate. This is my deep concern about the degradation of the environment and the deforestation of the Congolese rain-forest. The Democratic Republic of the Congo's natural resources are a blessing. The country's unique natural heritage must be preserved for future generations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Africa and in the world.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“They break that fundamental trust that people have in us. To echo the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy, I, along with the Force Commander and the Police Commissioner sensitized thousands of civilian and military peacekeepers in the last weeks. Moving forward, prevention and accountability should become ingrained in our modus operandi. The implementation of the Addis Ababa agreement needs to be invigorated. Key reforms in the security sector, police, justice and corrections are essential for the long-term stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The lack of good governance, the absence of State authority, is one of the root causes of the conflict. I commend my colleague Special Envoy Said Djinnit for his work, in particular I wish the private sector investment conference early next year plenty of success.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“Achieving our shared goal of a gradual withdrawal, without jeopardizing the gains already attained, will require further structured discussions between the Government and the United Nations and the broader international community. The Secretary-General has taken note of the Government's position in the context of the strategic dialogue and has indicated readiness to have a fresh look at the achievements presented by the Government. I thank the Congolese Government for its support and its faith in MONUSCO. I am confident we will resolve the remaining problems in a constructive spirit. The United Nations weight partly lies in the values that it upholds and defends on a daily basis. Sexual exploitation and abuse cases not only tarnish our reputation, but also add to the suffering and burden of the most vulnerable populations.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“The United Nations commitment to the people of the Congo, however, remains steadfast, as MONUSCO's exit strategy hinges on continued tangible progress on the ground. We cannot and must not exit hastily. The strategic dialogue between the United Nations and the Government is a forum specifically created to discuss and jointly agree on a progressive reduction of the Mission in the context of a mutually agreed exit strategy. Regrettably, our most recent joint assessment revealed that the security situation has not improved or even deteriorated in 21 territories out of 28 territories affected by armed conflicts. Based on resolution 2211 (2015), I have proposed to the Congolese Government a three-phase process that would set in motion MONUSCO's exit strategy.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“Neutralizing the FDLR in eastern Congo remains the single most important political/military objective. The only efficient solution to address the security situation is joint MONUSCO-FARDC operations. In my most recent briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7484), I urged President Kabila to give the green light forjoint operations. Unfortunately, the green light has not yet been given. I again call on the President to instruct the FARDC to resume cooperation, which produced so many positive results in the past. Only united can we ensure sustainable peace. Only united can we ensure that women and men attend to their fields. Only united can we ensure that children go to school. MONUSCO has to gradually withdraw and exit from the Congo.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“Nearly 12,000 FDLR ex-combatants have been repatriated over the past 12 years, but the last mile is always the most difficult. I welcome the criminal convictions and long prison terms recently handed down against two FDLR leaders by a court in Germany. I was particularly gratified by that court's designation of the FDLR as a terrorist organization. There is no question about it; still 1,100 FDLR elements continue to carry out numerous acts of murder, rape, mutilation and cruel treatment, among other crimes. They have been oppressing the residents of eastern Congo for years. We must put an end to this reign of terror. I welcome the joint declaration of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo of 24 September that they will cooperate in the eradication of the FDLR.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“We are indeed looking forward to seeing the Congolese forces taking over more and more of these crucial responsibilities from us, and we will remain available to support such a progressive, even tentative transfer. Further West in the Beni area, however, the population continues to experience the anguish of armed conflict. The figure of 440 terror victims in one year alone speaks a clear language. The ADF is far from being defeated. I must admit that we should have done better. One victim is one too many. But still, through active patrolling and proactive action, we have prevented numerous killings. The existence of the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) remains one of the most important hindrances to peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“However, the brave combat of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) and the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping forces have resulted in the gradual return of 80,000 refugees since early 2014. I have seen a revitalized town centre with a flourishing market and vibrant economic activity. And the one consistent message I heard repeatedly during my visits is that MONUSCO's presence remains critical. But this is ultimately not sufficient. It is the State that is needed to provide protective, judicial and administrative functions. FARDC and police capacity is still limited in the territory due to a lack of resources and personnel.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“In the past two years, the M-23 has been militarily defeated, but military success alone is not durable. M-23 eX-combatants still sojourn in camps in Rwanda and Uganda. All efforts towards reintegration on the basis of the Nairobi Declaration have not succeeded thus far. This is a time bomb that must be urgently defused. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) has been weakened while the area of its activities has shrunk. Last month, I Visited Kamango, a town not far from the Ugandan border. For years, the town was terrorized by the ADF. Close to 120,000 people - 90 per cent of its population - fled out of fear for their lives in 2013, turning Kamango into a ghost town.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“In some islands of stability in the east, the State has demonstrated its ability to enhance the presence of the army and police, while a justice system is being established and basic services are delivered. In some parts of the east, displaced persons are gradually returning home. However, the population remains wary of a fragile peace that still needs to be consolidated. As a consequence, many Congolese continue to call on MONUSCO to protect them. I am proud that the performance of the force has improved in recent years. This is due to the relentless efforts of the Force Commander and his Deputy. Foot and night patrols are now routine activities of the force. Though preventive action is difficult to quantify, I have no doubt that our presence and our early-warning mechanisms regularly protect the most vulnerable populations.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“On 29 September, the Human Rights Council in Geneva expressed its concerns regarding the state of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; where more than 2,200 human rights violations affecting 5,400 victims have taken place this year so far. Half of these abuses were committed by State agents. Despite repeated calls, there has been only limited progress in bringing senior perpetrators to justice. I turn now to the situation in the east. When I first arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August 2013, Goma was still recovering from the takeover by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23). In August 2015, I flew into a newly renovated airport in Goma with a major international commercial airline. The slow return of investors is a sure sign of improving stability and security in the city.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“I appeal to the authorities to decisively and immediately address open questions related to the sequencing of the electoral calendar, while respecting the constitutional deadlines; the electoral budget; and the update of the voter registry to include eligible individuals who turned 18 since the elections of 2011. Nothing should be done to impede the timely holding of legislative and presidential elections in November 2016, as foreseen by the Constitution. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) will continue to play its good offices role in support of all political stakeholders and the people of the Congo. The human rights situation warrants our attention as well.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“The conduct of peaceful, timely and credible elections in November 2016 would send a clear message to the world that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a nation that respects its Constitution, a nation keen on a peaceful transition of power, and a nation that will consolidate peace. I am, however, concerned by the increasing number of human rights violations related to the electoral process, particularly violations of freedom of peaceful assembly. Reducing political space ahead of the elections will undermine the credibility of the electoral process. I urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take all necessary measures to ensure that the legislative and presidential elections slated for November 2016 are transparent, credible and inclusive.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“(spoke in English) At the end of my more than two years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I depart with a feeling of satisfaction and pride, but also with a sense that our mandate has not yet been fulfilled. I cannot say with certainty whether the progress attained is sustainable or whether the specter of violence can erupt again and reverse what has been achieved so far. The political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is increasingly marked by the electoral process. Political tensions are running high ahead of the 2016 elections, and that will have an impact on the security situation, on the strategic dialogue and, ultimately, on the fulfillment of our mandate.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“At the outset, I should like to convey my warmest congratulations to Spain on its accession to the presidency of the Security Council. My mandate as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is approaching its end. It is therefore an honour for me to present the Secretary-General's report (S/2015/74l) for the final time, to inform the Council on the latest events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to present an overview of what we have achieved and what remains to be done. Today, I would like to address three specific issues: the domestic situation and the electoral process, the security situation in the east, and the strategic dialogue.”
2015-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7529 (2015) · source
“They have truly demonstrated tremendous courage in actively engaging and pursuing the Forces de resistance patriotiques de l'Ituri over the past weeks. This is precisely this type of peacekeeping that the Force Commander and I have always advocated for. But even more importantly, this engagement is what the population and the Government expects from us. I thank the Council for its continued and unrelenting support. We are all witnesses to a momentous moment in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The seeds of a stable, secure and resilient Congo have already been planted. It is my hope that we will see them flourish in the coming years.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“In this context, it is a pleasure to congratulate Mr. Ibrahima Fall on his appointment as the African Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region and Mr. Thomas Perriello as the new United States Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa. This strong team of envoys for the Great Lakes can indeed accompany the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the times ahead. By tradition, I always conclude by thanking the national and international staff of the United Nations for their commitment to securing a better future for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, I wish to commend the performance of the troops of the Ituri brigade for their achievement in its protection mandate.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“That visit underlined the importance of good governance in the mining sector, focusing further on the arms embargo and fostering cooperation between MONUSCO, the sanctions Committee and the Group of Experts. Lastly, I have been monitoring the situation in Burundi very closely as the country has descended into violence over the past two months. As of today, over 140,000 people have fled into neighbouring countries, including 12,800 to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I highlight those events to remind us again of the importance of respecting the Constitution and of creating the necessary political space for a national consensus around elections. The implementation of the national, regional and international commitments of the Addis Ababa agreement requires the joint efforts of the international community.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“I welcome the efforts of Special Envoy Said Djinnit to organize an investors' conference in Kinshasa in February 2016. I invite national and international partners to invest in the young people, whose future should be not be hindered by high unemployment rates and a lack of opportunities. The fight against armed groups will not be sustainably successful if questions of economic development and employment are not addressed. In this context, I want to highlight the visit of the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ambassador Dina Kawar, and her delegation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2015.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“The sooner armed groups are eradicated and State authority is restored, the sooner more troops can be reduced. In conclusion, allow me to touch briefly on a number of other important issues facing the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. As I mentioned earlier, economic opportunities are vital for peacebuilding. When it comes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, there is one often-repeated truth - its natural riches could easily provide the Congolese population with what they want. Yet, despite abundant resources, a considerable growth rate and the availability of untapped resources, such as agriculture and human capital, the Congolese remain one of the poorest people in the world. The fall of commodity prices and investors' concerns about the stability of the country ahead of the elections are worrying signs.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“While the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo would like to immediately suggest a further reduction, we would rather have a phased and structured approach along the lines of the provisions of resolution 2211 (2015). We all agree that MONUSCO must progressively leave the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. We have, in fact, already begun the drawdown. Of the 2,000 troops earmarked to be reduced under the current mandate, 1,420 have already been repatriated, and other units will follow very soon. It is our common understanding that once we depart, peacekeeping forces do not have to return. The timeline for our departure should depend on the progress on the ground. The sooner the Government and MONUSCO join forces, the sooner armed groups will be eradicated.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“I am very pleased that the talks are progressing in a spirit of mutual confidence and trust. In May, teams composed of MONUSCO staff and Government officials conducted joint missions in 29 territories across the 4 conflict-affected provinces. Armed with detailed questionnaires and following jointly agreed methodology, the teams travelled through most of the remote areas to obtain a first-hand understanding of the security situation prevailing in the east. They did not look for hearsay, academic analyses or reported facts. They wanted and reported on the reality on the ground as they saw it. Their findings are now being discussed with the Government and will serve as a basis for drawing joint conclusions on how and when we will eventually leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are still differences on that issue.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“These consultations, however, should not delay the presidential and legislative elections that are to be held in November 2016, as foreseen by the Constitution and resolution 2211 (2015). The strategic dialogue between MONUSCO and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo began in March. Since then, we have met at the highest levels with a common purpose in mind - setting in motion a gradual, mutually agreeable exit strategy and reinvigorating our sincere collaboration on issues of security, elections, human rights and communications, which are areas lying at the very heart of our mandate. I wish to thank the Government, and especially His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Raymond Tshibanda, for engaging with us so actively on the dialogue and for working tirelessly on this process.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“I see four significant difficulties that must be overcome to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process that meets the expectations of the Congolese population. First, a budget is urgently needed. Secondly, the electoral calendar has to be realistic. Thirdly, the voters' registry needs to be updated to include, for example, young adults who have reached voting age since the last elections in order not to disenfranchise the young population. Fourthly, as in any elections, political space must be given to the opposition and civil society. I welcome President Kabila's initiative to reach out to a wide range of stakeholders to find a way to ensure consensus on the electoral process.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“We are united in purpose; let us also reunite in action. The electoral process is at the core of the political discussions in Kinshasa. Peaceful and credible elections are the most reliable litmus test for any democracy. Elections alone are not a guarantee for stability, but the absence of credible elections is increasing the risk for instability. In November 2016, the Congo will hold presidential and legislative elections. The imperatives of resolution 2211 (2015) are crystal clear. A transparent and credible electoral process must be ensured, while respecting the Constitution and the electoral calendar. However, the responsibility for credible elections ultimately lies with the Government.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“Since October 2014, 327 civilians have lost their lives in terrorist attacks, and two of our Tanzanian peacekeepers paid the ultimate price in the course of their duties. However, in the past week, MONUSCO'S robust patrolling by 156 personnel and the United Nations police engagement in monitoring and advising nearly 900 Congolese policemen has probably prevented even more carnage. Nevertheless, I call on the Government to join forces, to work hand in hand and to provide the Congolese population its basic right to security and safety. Waiting is simply not an option. Every day we wait, more Congolese women cannot tend to their fields out of fear of being raped. Every day we wait, more Congolese villagers are forced to pay illegal taxes. Every day we wait, more Congolese children are recruited into armed groups, exploited and abused.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“As a result, the population has been dragged into another cycle of violence. In Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territory - the theatre of anti-FDLR operations - insecurity is again on the rise. Incidents of targeted killings, rapes, armed robberies and abductions for ransom are becoming more common. United Nations staff and humanitarian relief workers have also been targeted. Regrettably, the paralysis of anti-FDLR operations has cascaded into other fields of operation. The repercussions on the ground ofthatparalysis are tangible. In Beni, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continues to instil fear in the hearts of a defenceless population. I continue to stress that we must not underestimate the Islamist nature of the ADF.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“However, in many parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the population remains at the mercy of a number of armed groups. In early February, our support to joint operations against the FDLR were put on hold. Since then, the Congolese Government has elected to pursue those operations unilaterally. The suspension of joint cooperation by the FARDC goes beyond the original question on human rights. We have revised the human rights due diligence policy and are looking for ways to resume cooperation within the framework of our - and the Government's - commitment to human rights. Despite the FARDC's progress in dislodging the FDLR from some of its strongholds, the Congolese army is finding it difficult to consolidate its hold on liberated areas. Today, the FDLR is returning to some of its previous strongholds.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“Allow me to commend the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the cooperation between MONUSCO forces and the FARDC in the operations against the FRPI. The results of the partnership clearly strengthen our commitment and determination to combat the threat represented by the armed groups. (spoke in English) While success in neutralizing the FRPI is possible, joint operations against the FDLR in North Kivu, South Kivu and Katanga have been at a standstill now for five months. However, we need to overcome the current impasse that has stalled our joint efforts against the FDLR. I have repeatedly highlighted an undeniable fact, that is, the Congolese Government has made great strides over the past 10 years in restoring security.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source