YouSaid · the spoken record

Korneliou

lines on the record

25

first

2017-05-25

most recent

2018-06-25

sittings or episodes

4

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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

1. “At the same time, it is of the utmost importance to address the serious challenges faced by Syrian refugees and the neighbouring countries hosting them. We also deplore all efforts to eliminate ethnic, Christian and other religious minorities in the Middle East. Cyprus, with a long- standing history of peaceful coexistence of various religious groups, stands ready to contribute to the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Lastly, we condemn the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq and across the region. The cultural heritage originating from the cradle of our civilization should be protected. Cyprus is therefore at the forefront of efforts to that end.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

2. “We have to strengthen our efforts aimed at stability and reconciliation and not allow ISIL or other radical groups to exploit political instability once again. A solution to the Israeli-Palestinian question will have an undeniably positive ripple effect on other regional crises and in the battle to combat the threat of violent extremism and terrorism. We maintain our principled position and support for a just and comprehensive settlement based on a two-State solution under international law and pursuant to the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Regarding Syria, we fully support the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, which are aimed at driving the political process forward. We remain committed to a unified, sovereign and independent Syria without any foreign occupying forces.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

3. “Once again, the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law show the way forward and not unilateral actions that endanger international peace and security. We have followed closely the developments in the Middle East and North Africa region - a region that has been shaken by unprecedented unrest, turmoil and conflict. The tide of upheaval has now begun to recede, but serious challenges remain, notably in Yemen and Syria. The coming months will be defined by post-war transitions, peace talks, ballot boxes and reconstruction. In any case, a military solution is not an option and adherence to international humanitarian law and respect for the need to protect civilians are indispensable. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has been defeated, but it remains a threat.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

4. “Cyprus, along with Greece, as mentioned by the Permanent Representative of Greece, have established trilateral partnerships with our neighbouring countries: Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. This cooperation is founded upon our adherence to international law and a rules- based international order as the bedrocks for peace and prosperity for all countries and peoples in the region. We look forward to embracing our neighbours who support these principles. In the same context, we have concluded agreements on the delimitation of our maritime zones with Egypt, Israel and Lebanon. This has allowed us to develop a programme of hydrocarbon exploration in our exclusive economic zone.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

5. “Let me also echo the Secretary-General's call on the Security Council to increase its support and encouragement. We should not forget that the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations. It should therefore be clear that anachronistic mechanisms of guarantees and the presence of foreign troops in a post-settlement Cyprus are inconsistent with our efforts to reunite our country and become a normal State, as the Secretary-General eloquently put it. Cyprus straddles Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and has close historical and cultural ties with the countries of the region.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

6. “These principles serve as a benchmark for what we accomplish in our efforts to uphold international law. They are the barometer of what we generally perceive as just and viable. Allow me to refer briefly to my own country, Cyprus, which is a test case in that region. We have stated time and again that, if the rules of international law had not been violated, the Cyprus problem would not have arisen, and if these rules were applied today, the problem would be solved in the interest of all parties concerned. There is no other option but to continue our efforts to reach a negotiated solution under United Nations auspices. In this context, we welcome the Secretary-General's intention to send a senior official to conduct in-depth consultations with a View to a meaningful resumption of the political process.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

7. “At the outset, I wish to commend the Russian presidency for organizing this timely debate, and to thank you, Mr. President, for giving us the opportunity to participate. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. I wish to make the following remarks in my national capacity. As you, Mr. President, rightly mention in the concept note (S/2018/524, annex), the Middle East is among the regions in the world most afflicted with old and new persisting crises. Unfortunately, too often we have seen the law of the jungle prevail over the principles of international law. The international community must collectively uphold its responsibility to reverse this course by adhering to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”

   2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source

8. “That said, peacekeeping operations should not be used as leverage in any peace process, since they are meant to serve as the means through which the United Nations and the international community persevere in their efforts aimed at preventing the outbreak of conflicts and ensuring stability, even more so in the absence of a political process. We have a shared responsibility to remain committed and to ensure that, in the name of peace, our collective efforts will be put on the right track.”

   2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

9. “It is of paramount importance that the strategic reviews are rigorous, evidence based and conducted in close consultation with the host country, as was recently the case with UNFICYP. In conclusion, let me highlight that peacekeeping plays an indispensable and catalytic role in ensuring the necessary stability and security on the ground, which, in turn, enables and facilitates the political process. Peacekeeping operations are in place to contribute to the creation of conditions that are conducive to political processes, which could lead to viable solutions that would address the root causes of the conflict by restoring law and order, based on international law.”

   2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

10. “That is vital, given the fact that we sometimes run the risk of losing sight of the actual purpose that peacekeeping should serve. Peacekeeping operations must have sound, realistic and robust mandates. When a peacekeeping operation has been deployed after the Security Council has established the existence of a threat to international peace and security, that peacekeeping operation ought to have the support necessary to be able to respond to that challenge for as long as the abnormality continuous. That is the very essence ofpeacekeeping. Peacekeeping operations should continuously undergo modernization and renewal in order to adjust to contemporary needs and challenges. While acknowledging the wider need to undertake reviews of the peacekeeping operations, we have to take into consideration the specificities faced by each operation.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

11. “For my country, a discussion on this specific topic in the Security Council is first and foremost a reminder of our obligation to reiterate our utmost appreciation and to pay tribute to the United Nations, the Security Council and the countries that have contributed troops and resources to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). As a country that has relied on United Nations peacekeeping, we are all the more conscious of our responsibility to do our share in the collective effort to give the Blue Helmets the means to effectively deliver the mandates entrusted to them by the Security Council. Even if the term "peacekeeping" is not explicitly provided for in the Charter of the United Nations, it should not escape our attention that its foundations are enshrined in Chapters VI and VII of the Charter.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

12. “At the outset let me congratulate you, Mr. President, on having organized this timely debate and commend you, Sir, on your presidency. We thank the Secretary-General for his presentation and express our full support to his efforts to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping. Our thanks also go to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Director of the Groupe de recherche, d'etude et de formation femme-action for their contributions. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity.”

    2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source

13. “Recognizing the need to review peacekeeping operations on a regular basis in order to optimize their effectiveness and efficiency, the Government of Cyprus gave its consent to resolution 2369 (2017), adopted in July, which provides for a strategic review of UNFICYP within its existing mandate. Preserving the mandate is a prerequisite acknowledged by the Security Council in that resolution, since the situation on the ground remains unchanged. In that regard, we expect that the strategic review will take place in close cooperation with the host country, the Republic of Cyprus. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Cyprus' commitment to work with all States Members of the United Nations for an enhanced peace architecture that will ensure increased effectiveness with optimal use of all available tools and resources.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

14. “Cyprus remains committed to reunification, as any alternative to that does not serve the interests of the people of Cyprus, Greek-Cypriots and Turkish- Cypriots alike. We are ready to do our utmost in order to overcome the deadlock and pave the way to a comprehensive settlement that will at last reunify Cyprus as a viable, functional State, in line with Security Council resolutions, international law and the European Union acquis. We are most grateful to the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts and his personal involvement, and for the Security Council's strong signal of unity and support.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

15. “Thirdly, any review of peacekeeping operations should be guided by the situation on the ground. Fourthly, objectivity and impartiality are key principles in ensuring the credibility and efficiency of the United Nations. It is certain that the situation in Cyprus and prospects for peace would now be much worse had it not been for UNFICYP's continued presence and the United Nations involvement throughout the years. As long as Cyprus remains under illegal military occupation, with the presence of thousands of heavily armed troops rendering the occupied area one of the most densely militarized areas of the world, it is clear that UNFICYP's presence will be absolutely necessary. At the same time, the United Nations remains the forum through which a settlement can be achieved, and it should be at the forefront of all efforts.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

16. “Since the 19605, Cyprus has continuously benefited from United Nations involvement, with the aim of achieving peace and the reunification of the island, through the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the good offices mission of the Secretary-General. UNFICYP is an example of an effective peacekeeping operation. Its continuation is indispensable for as long as a settlement to the Cyprus problem has not been found. First, based on Cyprus' long-standing experience, the most important priority is to stop the conflict and to ensure it does not erupt again. However, bringing about sustainable peace and preventing conflict are equally important. Secondly, addressing the root causes of the conflict should serve as the basis for United Nations involvement.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

17. “The 2015 reviews, which were focused on peacekeeping operations and the peacebuilding architecture, were all inspired by the urgent need to strengthen the coherence of the United Nations system as part of renewed efforts to effectively address new threats and challenges to international peace and security. Cyprus agrees with the common patterns that emerged from the different reviews and supports the call of the Secretary-General for a comprehensive, modern and effective operational peace architecture that encompasses prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and long-term development - the peace continuum, adapted to the unique circumstances of each conflict or country.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

18. “I would like to start by congratulating the Egyptian presidency of the Security Council for organizing today's important and timely debate. Cyprus aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity. For more than 70 years, the United Nations has responded to evolving peace and security challenges by developing and adopting a wide range of tools and instruments. Today it continues to contribute greatly to the consolidation of peace and conflict prevention.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

19. “This shortcoming is to a large extent a result of the gap in many missions between resources and mandates, yet another pertinent issue in the light of ongoing discussions on the financing of peacekeeping operations. In concluding, let me underline that strengthening the ability of the United Nations to respond to people undergoinghardshipremainsourfundamentalchallenge.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source

20. “Even though due to the help of UNFICYP the Turkish side allowed certain minor improvements in the lives of the enclaved, their living conditions remain deplorable and unchanged. This conclusion is fully in accord with the findings of the European Commission of Human Rights and of the European Court of Human Rights, which examined the plight of enclaved as part of the fourth inter-State application of Cyprus against Turkey. The report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (see S/2015/446), released in 2015, observed a growing gap between what is expected of peace operations and what they deliver, particularly recognizing this gap in the area of the protection of civilians.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source

21. “According to an agreement reached between Greeks and Turkish Cypriots in 1975, the Turkish side undertook to give the enclaved Greek Cypriot population every form of help to enable them to live a normal life, including facilities for education and for the practice of their religion, as well as medical care by their own doctors and freedom of movement in the north. In practice, the Cypriot enclaved were subjected to constant harassment. Their living conditions since 1974 and despite the aforementioned agreement can be demonstrated by a simple recount of their numbers. In July 1974, after more than 100,000 Cypriots were forced to flee their homes, a significant number amounting to 20,000 have remained enclaved in the occupied part. In 43 years, this number has diminished to only 403.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source

22. “Cyprus endorses the concept of encompassing the whole spectrum of peacebuilding activities, from contributing to a return to normal conditions and thus providing secure environments, to monitoring human rights and facilitating the implementation of peace agreements. The protection of civilians in conflict should not be seen merely as a duty deriving from explicit peacekeeping mandates but as a mission-wide task extending to the whole spectrum of peacekeeping operations in a specific context. Let me give one example from a peacekeeping mission. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) - hosted in my country for the past 53 years - is not explicitly mandated to protect civilians but is performing important tasks in this field.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source

23. “It deplored the long-term consequences of such attacks for the civilian populations and health-care systems of the countries concerned and demanded an end to impunity for those responsible and respect for international law on the part of all warring parties. The protection of civilians must be at the core of the Security Council's agenda, not only in connection with peacekeeping missions explicitly mandated to protect civilians, but as an integral part of a comprehensive approach encompassing all aspects related to prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding and the promotion of international peace and security.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source

24. “Beyond human loss, the consequences extend to the separation of families, the destruction of communities and of cultural heritage, deprivation of education and health care, displacement and alienation of peoples from their ancestral lands and the continuous migratory outpouring in search of shelter and a safe future. It is extremely alarming that more than 2,500 targeted attacks have been carried out in the last four years against patients and health-care workers. Echoing the need for urgent action, Cyprus co-sponsored resolution 2286 (2016), by which the Security Council strongly condemned attacks on medical personnel in conflict situations today.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source

25. “At the outset, allow me to commend you, Mr. President, for having organized this open debate. Cyprus subscribes to the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following in its national capacity. The Charter of the United Nations puts the people at the vanguard of the Organization's purpose and vision. A peaceful and safe world is the principal yardstick of our collective failure or success. Civilians are the primary victims in most of today's armed conflicts. They are being indiscriminately killed or injured and often deliberately targeted. The data indicate that more than 90 per cent of those killed or injured in populated areas are civilians.”

    2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source