YouSaid · the spoken record

Koenders

lines on the record: 182
first: 2007-04-17
most recent: 2017-01-10
sittings or episodes: 15
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 appreciate the opportunity to speak here today on behalf of the Netherlands and the Dutch people. Today we recall the tragedy of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-l7, which occurred a little over a year ago. We mourn all 298 men, women and children on board on that flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. Today is also the day that the pursuit ofjustice is called for. On the 17 July, at the memorial service organized by the families of the victims, I saw once again how deeply this tragedy has wounded so many people in the Netherlands and in many other grieving nations. One hundred and ninety-six Dutch citizens were killed. Innocent men, women and many children. Many more families and friends were left behind in despair and are wondering why. Why them?”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7498 (2015) · source
“The international community should be unanimous in impressing on the armed groups that are signatories or adherents to the Preliminary Agreement of 18 June 2013, particularly the Mouvement national de liberation de l'Azawad, that their grievances can be addressed and resolved only through peaceful and political means. (spoke in French) The United Nations will continue to support the parties concerned in their process of reconciliation and political dialogue, and hopes that inclusive peace talks will start as soon as possible, in order to repair the damage to the social tissue inflicted by this crisis, including during the past few days. We are unreservedly committed to continuing our support for this process and other key elements of our mandate in Mali, including development, capacity-building and institutional reforms.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“The people of Mali will be the first to suffer, as they have all too often been in the past. Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson called President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita yesterday to convey his extreme concern about the recent violence. Mr. Eliasson stressed the importance of following a political path in order to resolve the current crisis. While he acknowledged that the recent fighting in Kidal has unleashed a strong and understandable emotional reaction among large parts of the population, he appealed for calm and stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions. The priority for tomorrow is to revive the political process.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“That is essential to prevent northern Mali from slipping into a spiral of violence that risks pulling the country back into the state of crisis that put it on the Council's agenda and that could destabilize the entire subregion. We must call on all concerned to take concrete action now to help to de-escalate tensions and avoid any further provocation. The Mouvement national pour la liberation de l'Azawad must hand over the Governorate and the administrative buildings as soon as possible. The cantonment process must move forward, and the peace initiatives taken recently, including through the appointment of a High Representative, Mr. Modibo Keita, should proceed without delay. More violence will breed only further violence and risk reversing the progress made so far.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“The restoration of the State in northern Mali is essential to achieving a solution to the underlying causes of the Malian conflict. The acts of the armed groups in Kidal against the Governorate and the Malian State forces are thus totally unacceptable. Indifference is not an option; the people suffer when the violence continues. In order to prevent any further loss of life, particularly among the civilian population, it is crucial that political initiatives be made an urgent priority, as provided for in the Ouagadougou Agreement and requested in resolution 2100 (2013). (spoke in English) The priority today is to pull Kidal back from the brink of renewed confrontation. It is imperative that every possible action be taken to avoid further violence.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“These serious incidents, occurring during an important visit by the Malian Head of Government, have highlighted the political and security challenges in Mali that the United Nations has identified over the past few months and again very recently in the context of the strategic review of MINUSMA. In particular, they reveal how complex and difficult it will be to restore State institutions in the North of the country and how urgent it is that progress be made at the level of the political process. In accordance with resolution 2100 (2013) and the Ouagadougou Preliminary Agreement of June 2013, the United Nations remains deeply committed to effectively restoring the sovereignty and authority of the Malian State over its entire territory, including - indeed, above all - in Kidal.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“The Security Council and the international community, from which 43 countries are contributing men and women peacekeepers to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), have not been spared. In the past few days, two Blue Helmets and 21 police officers from MINUSMA were wounded in Kidal as they supported the Malian armed forces and gendarmerie in accordance with their mandate in the days preceding and during the visit of the Prime Minister and his delegation to the northern region. We wish them a speedy recovery.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to address the Security Council following the violent incidents that have rocked Kidal over the past few days, particularly on 16 and 17 May. We regret the loss of lives resulting from these events, and we especially condemn the acts of violence, including those committed by Malian Government forces. In these difficult times for Mali, I would like to reiterate our deepest condolences to President Keita and the families of the victims executed in Kidal. The perpetrators of this hateful crime must be identified and brought to justice as soon as possible, with the support of the international community. These acts of violence by armed groups are a violation of resolution 2100 (2013) and the Preliminary Agreement of 18 June 2013.”
2014-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7179 (2014) · source
“There are signs of hope that Mali can overcome its multifaceted crisis; we should not, however, underestimate the risks and difficulties of the road ahead. The Malians faced a deep crisis with direct consequences for security in the Sahel region and globally, which continues to require our focused attention.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“The United Nations strategy for the Sahel and the various mechanisms established to support its implementation are steps in the right direction. However, the proof of the strategy rests on the willingness of the countries concerned to own and implement it in a concerted and operational manner, as well as on its positive impact on the livelihoods of the population as a whole. The successful negotiations to reach a final peace settlement in Mali and the effectiveness of development spending - which should be discussed in Bamako next week as a follow-up to last year's Brussels conference - are interrelated; they illustrate the close nexus between development and security in the Malian case and should be recognized as such. We will soon discuss issues related to the possible renewal of the Mission's mandate.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“Faced with continued considerable threats to the Malian population, the Government is continuing to hold grass-roots consultations, in particular in the North, and intercommunity meetings, including in collaboration with the Government of Niger. These clashes are stark reminders of the fragility of the social fabric and the importance of fast-tracking the reconciliation process and strengthening the presence of national and international forces on the ground, as well as launching the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme. Above and beyond all this, the problems of Mali are embedded in the Sahel region and require regional support and coordination to be effectively addressed. I remain worried about the food-security situation in the country, and call on donors to heed the humanitarian appeal.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“The most effective way to root out all extremism from communities is to win the hearts and minds of the local population. That will require concerted national efforts, with the international community's support, to ensure the establishment of an effective and efficient administration that can implement critical rule-of-law, human-rights and recovery programmes that foster reconciliation and community cohesiveness. I am deeply concerned about the intercommunity clashes in the northern regions. The sheer violence of the recent incidents involving Tuareg and Peuhl communities that resulted in 40 casualties in Gao is worrying. MINUSMA has deployed forces and human rights teams to establish the facts and discourage further violence.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“The window of opportunity for consolidating and sustaining peace and stability in Mali is wide open, but it may close unless the sustained commitment of all stakeholders is upheld, with the support of the international community. This is all the more important as the security situation in the northern regions remains very fragile, as illustrated by the shellings in Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal, and the increased activity of terrorist groups. I strongly condemn this morning's incident in which a peacekeeper was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device during an international visit. Not only does this negative trend have an impact on the situation in Kidal and elsewhere, it can also thwart efforts towards early recovery and development.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“(spoke in English) Mali has made significant strides and the support of the international community has been critical to that. I particularly applaud the cooperation, under the aegis of the United Nations, with the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and other key partners. That cooperation must continue in order to ensure the appropriate support for ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability. At this critical juncture, the multiplication of international facilitation initiatives should lead to synergies and build trust between and among the parties, provided the initiatives are closely aligned with the ongoing United Nations-coordinated efforts on the ground towards inclusive talks.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“The forums in Bamako and in the North, as well as the recent informal workshops, have been positive developments in the peace process. However, I deplore the lack of consistency and the refusal of some armed movements to take the opportunity offered by these informal discussions to advance the peace process. The peace train has left the station for good and there can be no turning back. For the next stages of the ongoing peace process, the stakeholders in the preliminary agreement must be resolved to participate in a constructive and inclusive process without preconditions, since the ongoing informal discussions must move towards inclusive formal talks. To that end, it is essential that the armed movements strengthen their internal cohesion and their respective positions. Time is passing; there are no more excuses.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“They also reiterated their call to all armed movements to submit to the cantonment and participate in the search for a peaceful settlement of disputes, in the framework of an inclusive national dialogue. In the meantime, we have begun to identify the priority cantonment sites for the armed movements. However, the responsibility for the implementation of the general principles on cantonment lies with the parties, with the support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the international community to ensure supervision and the integrity of the process. It is essential that all sectors of Malian society, including women and young people, continue to actively participate in all efforts to define the next steps in the process of re-establishing peace and security.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“In that context, the commitment to an inclusive political dialogue remains the top priority and must start as soon as possible on the basis of a timeline accepted by all parties. Also, it is important to agree a road map that is acceptable to everyone, which absolutely must be translated into concrete actions by the Government, the movements and civil society, with the support and involvement of the United Nations and the international community. The general principles for cantonment are laid out in a consensus document that serves as a reference in the ongoing peace process. Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States welcomed the signing of those principles at the recent conference held in Yamoussoukro and urged all signatories of the preliminary agreement to ensure its full implementation.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“It is a great pleasure and honour to address the Security Council today. I would like to give the Council an overview of the political and security situation in Mali, the progress made since my briefing on 16 January (see S/PV.7095) and the challenges ahead. The Malian people have continued to show their determination to move forward through the inauguration of the new National Assembly and the gradual return of the public administration in the northern region. The establishment of a new Government has given new impetus to the peace process under way. Furthermore, the President of Mali has just announced the appointment of former Prime Minister Modibo Keita as high representative for inclusive talks in the framework of the preliminary agreement.”
2014-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7158 (2014) · source
“Mali is at a crossroads, and the international community should continue to actively support ongoing national efforts to steer the country in the right direction and avoid relapsing into the old habits that gave rise to the unprecedented crisis over a year ago. In that sense, the real work in Mali is only just starting. That work remains fraught with risks and takes place in a volatile regional setting. I would like to thank the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the European Union and other international partners for their commitment to addressing the Malian situation and for their support to MINUSMA. Our common efforts can make an important difference.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“The 5 November 2013 meeting hosted by the Government of Mali provided an opportunity to hear the concerns and priorities of the countries of the region themselves and enhance coordination, which is also necessary, among regional and international partners, including the international financial institutions. The journey to stability is long and at times difficult. I have been in Mali now for six months and, everywhere I turn, I am reminded of the rich cultural history of its people. I can confidently say that there are no obstacles that the Malians cannot overcome. However, it requires patience and strong determination.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“We have also initiated a number of projects with the Trust Fund for Peace and Security in Mali, including the electrification of Kidal and the cantonment of armed group elements. The needs are great and the resources limited. I am extremely thankful for the continuing support of the international community in that respect. The challenges facing the Sahel region are numerous and cannot be tackled in isolation. The joint regional visit by the Secretary-General, the African Union Chairperson, the European Union Commissioner for Development and Presidents of the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank in early November was a positive step in that direction.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“The crisis that Mali encountered in 2012 was too serious for us all to continue to do business as usual. We need greater alignment of foreign aid with Malian priorities in the context of even stronger Malian leadership, and it should be relatedto the start of inclusive talks. That could be done by defining a framework of mutual accountability, mutual responsibility, enhanced transparency and collective commitment to results. People in both the south and north of the country need to feel that things are changing and see a peace dividend and visible improvements in their daily lives, such as education for their children, greater access to health care, water and electricity. To date, MINUSMA has approved 13 quick-impact projects in Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, for a total amount of more than half a million dollars.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“For its part, MINUSMA will continue to carry out important work in the areas of human rights and other protection activities, including combating sexual violence. Those tasks constitute a centrepiece of the overall mandate to protect civilians that the Security Council has given us. Meanwhile, it is imperative for the Malian authorities and the international community to fulfil the mutual commitments undertaken during the high-level donors conference for the development of Mali held in Brussels on 15 May 2013, which were reiterated in Bamako on 7 November. The follow-up donors conference planned to take place next month in Brussels will be an important milestone for Mali. We must ensure that the international community fulfils its pledges. At the same time, it is obviously not about providing a blank check.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“I mention that because we simply must do better in 2014, as the severe situation also has a direct impact on the chances for peace in Mali. Let us not forget that during the crisis, families in the south provided shelter to countless relatives from the north who were fleeing the conflict. While we focus our efforts on supporting the Government in addressing immediate challenges in the north, it is important to bear in mind that the crisis has affected all Malians, including those living in the southern part of the country, and they should be supported accordingly. As the country gradually moves towards greater institutional stability and in spite of the security challenges, the Government should quickly implement the priorities defined by President Keita. The international community stands ready to lend its support.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“Many local health-care centres in the northern regions have been rehabilitated, more than 1 million people have benefitted from access to drinking water and more than 217,000 acutely malnourished children have benefitted from life-saving care programmes provided by the Malian Government and humanitarian actors. Yet it is important to underline that very significant and daunting challenges remain for 2014. Almost half a million people remain displaced within Mali and in neighbouring countries, and at least 800,000 people are in need of immediate food assistance. Another 2.4 million people remain moderately food insecure, and their situation is at risk of worsening during the upcoming lean season. To date, the 2013 consolidated appeal for Mali has received only 55 per cent of the amount required.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“It is therefore essential that the international community continue to back without delay efforts to accelerate the generation and deployment of the remaining MINUSMA units in the north of the country. The Security Council's support and that of the Member States to secure the necessary enablers and force multipliers in a timely fashion is promising and remains essential as we carry out the strong mandate the Council has entrusted us with to contribute to a secure environment for the people of Mali. Considerable progress has been made on the humanitarian front, and we would like to commend the leadership and efforts of the Government of Mali in strengthening its capacity to support humanitarian operations. More than 145,000 children have been able to return to reopened schools in Gao and Timbuktu.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“The terrorist threat has always been at the core of our concerns. An upsurge in terrorist activities confirms those concerns, which we have consistently shared with the Security Council. An effective stabilization of the northern regions requires cooperation both politically and on the security front, with the contribution of MINUSMA and the national and international partners involved. (spoke in English) MINUSMA presently counts with 5,488 military personnel out of the projected 11,200, 71 individual police officers out of the projected 320, and 883 formed police unit elements out of the projected 1,120. The security challenges and the expectations of the population are enormous.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“Despite the considerable efforts undertaken by Mali and MINUSMA in the areas of defence and security, which have allowed for a gradual return of the Administration and certain populations in the north, I would nevertheless underscore that the security situation remains volatile. The difficulty of the situation should not be underestimated. We firmly condemn the resurgence of terrorist attacks. We would recall that such attacks, perpetrated mainly in the Kidal region, led to several deaths and injuries among the civilian population and the Malian army. In addition, four peacekeepers and two French journalists lost their lives there. We reiterate our condolences to the bereaved families, and in particular to the Governments of Senegal and Chad, which are the troop-contributing countries concerned.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“MINUSMA is currently establishing a coordination group to support all those processes and their planning and to guarantee the consistency and coordination of the contributions of international partners in the framework of supporting the processes of cantonment, DDR and SSR in Mali. In more general terms, we would urge the Government to set up as quickly as possible a cooperation framework in line with the provisions of resolution 2100 (2013) and the preliminary agreement in order to support dialogue and negotiations. MINUSMA, together with the international community, will help the Government along those lines.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“However, with the elapse of the 60-day time frame before the start of inclusive talks, it is important that signatory parties to the agreement come to terms as quickly as possible on the principles, the conditions and the format of a process of inclusive talks that would allow for all the political and security aspects to be addressed, as provided for by article 21 of the preliminary agreement and paragraph 4 of resolution 2100 (2013). In the same context, the cantonment process should be sped up in order to get a genuine process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform (SSR) under way.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“Key steps on the reinstatement of national sovereignty were taken, in particular the exchange of prisoners and the vacating of the governorate building and the radio station in Kidal, which was accepted by the signatory parties of the preliminary agreement. We would also welcome the progress made by the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee and the Mixed Technical Commission on Security in implementing the provisions of the preliminary agreement.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“All those aspects are very closely linked and require the sustained attention of the Security Council. Progress on each of those elements is necessary in order to succeed in a regional context that remains, I have to say, fragile and perilous. The time has come to make headway on that composite agenda, given that delays could jeopardize the achievements that have been realized. With respect to the implementation of the preliminary agreement of 18 June 2013, some confidence-building measures have already been initiated to bring about reconciliation. On the one hand, the Government organized a series of inclusive consultations, such as the States-General on the decentralization and the national conferences on the north. Regional conferences were also conducted in Gao.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“In the coming months, therefore, Mali will have to take advantate of this unique opportunity, with the support of the international community, in order to tackle the complex root causes of the multiple crises that the country has experienced. It must lay down a lasting basis for peace and reconciliation and again become a stable partner for guaranteed regional security. That requires that the inclusive talks with the communities of the north and the signatories to the preliminary agreement begin without further delay; that the road map and a framework agreement that includes the United Nations and the international community be established; that the State re-establish itself and that basic services operate again across the country; and that security sector reform and the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration take place.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“The year that has just ended was decisive for the Malian people. Despite the challenges, they demonstrated their will and determination to move forward after the serious and multifaceted crisis that the country experienced in 2012. In that way, it was possible to organize free and transparent presidential and legislative elections throughout the country, enabling Mali to reaffirm its territorial integrity and a return to constitutional order. The country's President, His Excellency Mr. Boubacar Keita, clearly set out the priorities for the stabilization and economic rebuilding of the country. In that regard, he gave priority to national reconciliation, the fight against impunity and corruption, security sector reform and the strengthening of institutional capacities and development, in particular in the northern regions.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“It is a great pleasure and an honour for me to address the Security Council today. The third report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Mali, which is before the Council (S/2014/1), follows up on resolution 2100 (2013), of 25 April 2013, which established the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Today, I wish to give members an overview of the political and security situation in Mali, the progress made since my briefing last October (see S/PV.7043) and the challenges that lie ahead. At the outset, allow me to convey to you, Mr. President, and to members of the Council my best wishes for the new year. I also take this opportunity to welcome the new members of the Security Council and to wish them every success in their deliberations.”
2014-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7095 (2014) · source
“They can count on the support of the international community in their search for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing their country. Those solutions can come only from them. I also thank the African Union, ECOWAS and other international partners for their commitment to addressing the Malian situation and for their respect and support for MINUSMA.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“The new authorities are dealing with numerous challenges that must be addressed urgently in order to enable Malian men, women and children to live in security and to benefit from peace dividends. I remain concerned about the fragile security situation, notably in the North. Progress on the political front is key in that respect, and I urge all actors and parties to refrain from acts of provocation and violence that could easily jeopardize the gains achieved so far. I encourage them to formulate a transparent and agreed-on road map for inclusive talks without hesitation and as a matter of priority. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the people of Mali on the journey they have begun so splendidly.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“I have mentioned the wake-up call of the security risks. The Mission lacks critical enablers, such as helicopters, for facilitating rapid deployment and access to remote areas to ensure the protection of civilians. Troop generation must accelerate. I call on Council members and troop - and police-contributing countries to do their utmost to promote the rapid deployment of additional enablers and battalions to Mali in order for MINUSMA to discharge its mandate speedily and effectively. Enablers are also particularly important within the context of our security and logistical support for the forthcoming legislative elections, and in the light of the risks of asymmetric threats.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“As we move forward, it is important to avoid repeating the errors of the past and to address the root causes of the challenges facing Mali, which also include the manner in which international partners have traditionally provided political and financial support. The time may be right for a critical reassessment of our engagement. We may consider forging a new compact or new deal between the Government and the donor community, on the basis of an agreed set of key priorities and a clear accountability framework, that will lead the country and international actors towards a more transparent and focused partnership, combating bad governance and corruption and with Mali in the driver's seat. While the United Nations is striving to support the Malian Government and people, we are faced with a number of severe challenges.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“However, international support for the humanitarian emergency in Mali has been timid, with the humanitarian appeal funded at 37 per cent, or $177 million out of $477 million required, leaving a gap of $300 million. With this month marking the start of a new school year, needs in the education sector are particularly pressing. The near-collapse of the Malian State last year was not a mere coincidence. The country has been facing recurrent crises for the past few decades. Nor should we lose sight ofthe regional dimension ofthe Malian crisis; we must make progress in implementing an integrated Sahel strategy.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“Despite such security challenges, which are an important wake-up call for the Security Council, I can assure the Council that the overall improvement of the situation in Mali has also opened up new prospects for the country's recovery and longer-term perspectives. But Mali's development and humanitarian needs remain daunting. I am shocked by the country's malnutrition levels. Scores of displaced people and refugees are returning home, and an action plan for the northern regions for the next few months has been developed by the United Nations development and humanitarian country teams to guide the international response to the most urgent humanitarian and early recovery needs.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“The human rights situation, including violations of sexual rights, remain of concern in spite of a decrease in violations particularly in the north. Our human- rights teams continue to register cases of abuses and violations committed by all parties. They include illegal arrests and detentions by the Malian defence and security forces, extrajudicial executions and pervasive impunity for various actors. On 24 September, the MNLA released 30 individuals it had illegally detained in Kidal. I will ensure that our work in the human rights area receives all necessary attention, and we will continue to underline the need for an end to impunity so that justice may prevail.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“On 7 October, shells were fired at the city of Gao. The Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa claimed responsibility. In addition to the security threat from armed groups and terrorists, which mainly affected the northern regions, the authorities had to contend with tensions within the armed forces. On 1 October, sustained gunfire was heard in the garrison town of Kati, the stronghold of General Sanogo, approximately 30 kilometres from Bamako. The mutineers were peacefully neutralized following a strong stance by the Minister of Defence and an address to the nation by President Keita. Yet that incident is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to quickly and effectively re-establish discipline and the chain of command in the armed forces and to undertake security sector reform in earnest.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“The pursuit of tactical operations by the parallel French forces, along with the gradual increase of the Malian forces and the strategic deployment of MINUSMA in some localities, positively impacted the overall security situation in northern Mali. However, the effective stabilization of the northern regions remains challenging partly due to the complex nature of the conflict, including the threat of asymmetric attacks by extremist elements, which should not be underestimated. On 28 September, a vehicle laden with explosives attempted to enter a Malian Defence and Security Forces camp in Timbuktu. The attackers detonated the vehicle at the entrance of the camp, killing four individuals, including the driver and passenger, and injuring many more. On 30 September, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for the attack.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“That clears the way for coordinated dialogue so that the parties to the conflict and the Malian nation may overcome the causes that led their country to division, so that the past will not happen again. (spoke in English) The recent and worrying security incidents in Mali are, in my view, also an important wake up call. After a period of calm, which facilitated the holding of the presidential elections and the cantonment of armed groups in Kidal, increasing tensions and acts of provocation resulted in clashes throughout the month of September in various localities in the north. There is a need for a wake-up call.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“The Mouvement arabe de l'Azawad also endorsed that decision. Since then, we have increased our contact and the number of meetings, making use of my good offices with the representatives of the armed movements in Kidal and Ouagadougou. All those efforts have helped to ease the situation and led to the return of the signatory movements within the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee. For its part, the Government called for the efforts under way in order to reach a lasting settlement to the crisis in the north, including the upcoming organization of the States-General of the decentralization and the establishment of the north. It is important to note that the Government has implemented confidence-building measures. It released 23 prisoners and announced the lifting of several arrest warrants.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“On the ground, the Mouvement national pour la liberation de l'Azawad (MNLA) and the Haut Conseil de l'Azawad continue to occupy the governorship and the public radio station, the Office of Radio and Television of Mali, in Kidal, despite the calls by authorities for their return. The return of basic services in Kidal is becoming urgent. The issue of cantonment sites and the coordinated deployment of Malian forces also remain on the agenda. I organized two meetings of the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee since the adoption of the agreement. However, during the second meeting, held on 18 September, representatives of the MNLA and the Haut Conseil de l'Azawad announced the suspension of their participation, citing the non-implementation of confidence-building measures, in particular the release of prisoners.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“The authorities announced the holding of the first round of legislative elections on 24 November, with a second round scheduled for 15 December. That would allow the establishment of a new Parliament and, ultimately, the conclusion of the electoral cycle. However, it is important that all political parties and stakeholders be involved in discussions on the holding of those elections in order to achieve an inclusive national consensus. In addition, in order to maintain a peaceful and secure environment, the full implementation and adherence of the signatories to the preliminary agreement is crucial.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“President Keita, by forming his Cabinet, has already sent a strong signal by creating a ministry in charge of reconciliation and the development of the northern regions, and we have the honour to have the Minister in the Council today. He also said that reconciliation and security would be the immediate priorities of the Government. Despite those advances, it is clear that the real work is just beginning. National reconciliation, the implementation of the preliminary agreement, the holding of legislative elections, the launching of inclusive peace talks to address the root causes of the Malian crisis, the restoration of the authority of the State, the consolidation of security throughout the territory, progress in the fight against corruption and bad governance are priorities .”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source
“The implementation of the agreement has moved forward, in particular with regard to beginning of the process of the cantonment and the adoption of confidence-building measures, particularly in terms of measures to facilitate the start of a gradual return of the State administration and the army in the north. MINUSMA accompanied those processes by strengthening its presence on the ground. We opened offices in Kidal, Timbuktu, Gao and Mopti. That is where we want to fully play our role with the communities and the people of Mali. Those developments are positive signs for the restoration of peace and security in Mali. The inauguration ceremony of the new President in the presence of several Heads of State demonstrates that Mali is back in the concert of nations.”
2013-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7043 (2013) · source