YouSaid · the spoken record

Kuzmin

lines on the record: 337
first: 2008-06-05
most recent: 2023-03-07
sittings or episodes: 60
sources: un-security-council

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

“As a rule, militants blatantly flout the norms of international humanitarian law and, in general, the principles and rules of human conduct. Terrorism can be countered only through joint efforts. In order to do that, we must reject double standards and to stop exonerating — either politically or through terminology — those who profess the tenets of extremism and terrorism. The importance of unfettered delivery of humanitarian assistance in zones of armed conflict is indisputable. At the same time, the goal of creating conditions conducive to the work of humanitarian organizations and medical staff should not in itself be used as an excuse for States to fail to uphold their obligations to counter terrorism.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“That is the basis of the security, neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian work. In this context, I note that the concept being actively promoted in the United Nations — the so- called humanitarian space — raises many questions. At its core and hidden behind eloquent slogans is, in essence, a desire to grant humanitarian workers some kind of immunity in agreeing upon and carrying out their work. In practice, that could lead to a disregard for sovereignty in the initiation and management of humanitarian assistance. That is the polar opposite of the principles of the aforementioned General Assembly resolution 46/182. The humanitarian situation in territories controlled by terrorists and their associates is of particular concern. The task of protecting humanitarian staff in such territories has become considerably more difficult.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“However, we have recently witnessed a dangerous trend in a number of countries bearing the brunt of armed conflict in which the Governments of affected States have been accused of deliberately blocking humanitarian access. Without providing explanations or bothering to try to understand what is going on, many donors believe they have the right to dictate their will to sovereign States and threaten them with investigations. We remind our colleagues that all humanitarian activities must be carried out in strict compliance with the guiding principles on humanitarian assistance set out in the annex of General Assembly resolution 46/182. A key principle is the consent of the State to the provision of assistance and subsequent coordination with that State of every step taken in the framework of humanitarian operations.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): I am pleased to welcome you, Mr. Minister, as President of the Security Council. I would like to thank Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Mohammed, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Mardini, and Ms. Grosjean for their informative and substantive briefings. The theme of today’s discussion is truly multifaceted. Of course, we condemn unlawful actions committed against humanitarian workers and advocate providing them with unhindered humanitarian access, subject to the consent of the host Government. Time is often of the essence in the success of humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering and often to save lives.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The position of the Russian Federation regarding the work of the International Criminal Court has not changed.”
2021-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8791 (2021) · source
“We will carefully monitor the state of health of the defendant, and we expect the appointment of an independent medical expert to assess the advisability of transferring the defendant to the facilities of the Mechanism in Arusha as well as his capacity to stand trial. At the same time, we hope that the Mechanism will complete its work within the projected time period for the court proceedings and will indeed refrain from artificially dragging them out.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“In resolution 2529 (2020) , the Security Council specifically adopted a position on this point. Nevertheless, the Residual Mechanism does not consider it a good idea to report to the Council on how these rights are being ensured. We did not find any information on the current state of health of Ratko Mladić, including his degree of convalescence after his operation. A full independent examination and certification, including whether he has retained his cognitive function, has still not been conducted. We strongly insist on this kind of examination being conducted. Last year, the case against Félicien Kabuga was added to the docket of cases of the Residual Mechanism.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“We are now witnessing once again the promotion of the thesis of Belgrade’s alleged lack of cooperation with the Residual Mechanism on the contempt of court case. I just want to remind everyone that the case itself is indirectly linked to questionable accusations against the Serbian politician Vojislav Šešelj, who spent over 11 years — imagine that, 11 years — in United Nations jails operated by the ICTY while awaiting an acquittal. Wherever there is a lack of justice and coherence, there is also a lack of trust. What, then, is the solution to this situation? On cases of contempt of court, there is the well-known position that France adopted on the Hartmann case. Russia attaches great importance to safeguarding the rights of individuals under detention, including the right to medical assistance.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“That was done despite the request of Karadžić and his lawyers, who justifiably pointed out that the life and security of the convicted Serb would be under threat in that country. As we know, there has already been a case in a British jail of a knife attack in which one of the former Serbian military commanders, Radislav Krstić, was wounded. The leadership of the Residual Mechanism and the Government of the United Kingdom now bear the full responsibility for the life and health of Radovan Karadžić. We will carefully monitor the protection of his rights. Unfortunately, the ICTY and the Residual Mechanism have not been instrumental in reconciling the diverse Balkan community. The reason for that is a shortage of fairness in the verdicts issued, where one side of the conflict is bashed while the wrongdoings of the other side are hushed up.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“Was anyone held responsible for the murder and wounding of thousands of civilians, including journalists, in the attacks on Radio Television Serbia and the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade? Why has the ICTY, an entity with jurisdiction to act, become blind and deaf to certain crimes? Why did it prefer to turn a blind eye to the evident crimes of Kosovar Albanians? Now their cases are being handled by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. The ICTY has gone down in history as an instrument of revenge rather than an instrument of justice. The Residual Mechanism inherited the negative attributes of its predecessor. Recently, President Agius endorsed the decision of the transfer of the former leader of the Bosnian Serbs, Radovan Karadžić, to serve his sentence in Great Britain.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“Soon it will be 30 years, almost a third of a century, in which we see a biased and costly machinery of justice in The Hague methodically grind the lives of the participants of the war in the Balkans — a war that has become a tragedy for hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Croats, Bosnians and members of other ethnic groups; a war that destroyed a once unified State — Yugoslavia; a war that highlighted quite clearly how vulnerable international law is. How easy it was for NATO States to trample the Charter of the United Nations with complete impunity and begin military operations in a third country. Was anyone held responsible for the massive air strikes against civilian targets, including within Belgrade’s city limits and in other major cities?”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The cheer and enthusiasm of Judge Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz in reporting on the achievements of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals was palpable. What haste in sharing with us the news of the conviction of another high-ranking Serb. The publicized verdict against Ratko Mladić is the continuation of a politicized approach adopted by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It has become a vivid stain on the reputation of the Residual Mechanism.”
2021-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8790 (2021) · source
“The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2546 (2020). The meeting rose at 10.10 a.m.”
2020-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8763 (2020) · source
“I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2020/876, which contains the report of the Secretary-General pursuant to resolution 2491 (2019). The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Belgium, China, Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Viet Nam”
2020-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8763 (2020) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2020/957, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.”
2020-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8763 (2020) · source
“I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Abdou Abarry, Permanent Representative of the Niger, for his service as President of the Council for the month of September. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Abarry and his team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. Maintenance of international peace and security Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2491 (2019) (S/2020/876)”
2020-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8763 (2020) · source
“I presume that the representative of Germany has a big problem with information sources. We are very well aware why he so painstakingly conceals them. I assure the Council that Russia will continue to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law. The representative of Germany has highlighted on several occasions that the Russian Air Force is using effective systems to verify its targets, which rules out the possibility of striking civilian facilities.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“The representative of Germany probably knows that, facing certain pressures, the United Nations established the so-called Board of Inquiry to investigate a series of incidents that have occurred in north-western Syria, but the Board has actually refuted the accusations of strikes by the Russian Armed Forces on civilian objects, including schools. We held a special press conference on this topic at the United Nations on 16 September 2019, at which we provided evidence. We also circulated as an official document of the Security Council the materials resulting from this investigation by the Russian Ministry of Defence that clearly and firmly refuted these accusations. Unfortunately, it has become a regular practice to trust unverified, clearly false data. We call such information fake.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): I have asked for the floor again in connection with the statement made by the representative of Germany, in which he said that Russia and the Syrian regime continue their bombing. I would like to ask his purpose in making such accusations. Because he has not been working at the United Nations very long, he may not know that, here in the Security Council, we must comply with the norms of diplomatic politeness and etiquette. We do not call the Government of a sovereign State a “regime”, at least not here. With regard to the accusations, the United Nations is often subject to attempted abuse and manipulation aimed at promoting narrow political interests.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“The coronavirus disease pandemic has rendered the situation in the region even more complex, heightening the distress of the population, including children. In that connection, we reaffirm our full support to all of those who are fighting a tough battle against terrorism in the region. We are certain that even given the limitations resulting from the epidemic, African States and public institutions will be able to successfully overcome the challenges before them. The work done by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and cooperation with the African Union and other regional organizations should make this possible.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Throughout the war, housing, hospitals and schools have greatly suffered, and the task now is to rebuild those facilities. Given the start of the school year, we should pay particular attention to rebuilding schools and ensuring that children have access to education. To that end, we need the necessary school equipment, which has been regularly sent to Syria as part of Russian humanitarian aid. Russia shares the concerns on security in the Sahel. In that region, terrorist activity and inter-ethnic and intercommunal conflict are increasing, as is drug trafficking and organized crime. Armed groups openly resort to barbaric methods of warfare, deliberately targeting civilian objects, including schools. It is children who suffer from this situation.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, the presidential statement does not reflect one of the most relevant aspects of the agenda on children, that is, their repatriation from conflict zones. Recently the Russian Federation evacuated another group of Russian children from the Syrian conflict zone. We call on all Member States to step up their efforts to repatriate children who find themselves in conflict zones. Children should not suffer because of the unlawful terrorist activities of their parents and guardians. How a State treats its children shows how civilized that State is. Syria, including with the support of the Russian Federation, has weathered the fight against international terrorism and against those who hatched the plan to destroy the Syrian State.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“We are in full agreement with the efforts of States to protect civilian objects, including schools, from unlawful armed attacks. We are heartened to see that existing norms of international humanitarian law provide us with an answer to the question of which buildings are civilian objects and which are military, and under which circumstances. It is important that this statement be unequivocal on that account. It is necessary to respect universal norms of international humanitarian law and work on the basis of generally accepted international legal tools. The Safe Schools Declaration is a political initiative by a small group of countries and does not yet enjoy universal support.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Fifteen years ago, the Security Council adopted its flagship resolution 1612 (2005), through which the members of the Security Council unanimously showed their determination to protect the most vulnerable people in any armed conflict, that is, the children. In resolution 1998 (2011), the Council stressed in particular that it is unacceptable to attack the most important civilian objects: schools and hospitals. Since then, the situation of children who, by accident and against their will, find themselves in situations of armed conflict is subject to continuous monitoring by the Security Council and its specialized Working Group. We hope that the presidential statement adopted today (S/2020/PRST/8) will enable us to strengthen the protection of children and respect for international law, particularly international humanitarian law.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): I would like to express our gratitude to the delegation of the Niger for having taken the initiative to convene this important meeting. We would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Gamba de Potgieter; the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Fore; and the other briefers for their Contributions to today’s discussions. The succession of never-ending armed conflicts and the alarming information that we receive periodically about civilian casualties, including children, are proof of the relevance of the topic of today’s meeting.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Gamba, at the request of the Security Council, has crafted voluntary guidance, which should undergird the efforts of the United Nations and its Member States both in addressing reintegration issues and, on the whole, incorporating child-protection issues in conflict resolution and post- conflict recovery. Our hope is that, with this new mechanism, there will be more examples of the successful reintegration of child combatants, addressing the plight of children in conflict and improving the protection of children. Our overall efforts in the Security Council should foster progress to that end, for the benefit of children and our future.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“More than 150 Russian children have already successfully been evacuated from Iraq and Syria. Just a few days ago, the Russian ombudsman on children brought 26 children out of Al-Hol refugee camp. Another nine children will be brought back to the motherland in the very near future. These efforts are ongoing. Today a number of States are beset by armed conflict and are making meaningful efforts in this regard. Their positive example should serve as inspiration for others, yet they need support from the international community in the form of respectful, constructive dialogue in a manner that fully upholds the principles of State sovereignty. The Special Representative, Ms.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“This is an area where different state actors, civil society and international organizations can cooperate successfully and effectively, while complementing each other’s efforts. The Russian Federation fully understands the importance of reintegrating children affected by conflict. Of course, the priority here is our citizens, who, by a twist of fate, have found themselves in an exceedingly difficult situation. Since 2018, the Russian Federation has spared no effort to ensure the return of Russian children from battlegrounds in Iraq and Syria and to ensure their ongoing rehabilitation. Many of those minors are trapped in prisons alongside their mothers, under investigation or having had prison terms of varying lengths handed down for participation in terrorist activities the ranks of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“In various countries around the world engulfed in hostilities, children continue to endure brutal violence. Terrorists do not shy away from using even small children and bringing them into their ranks. Systematic recruitment of minors, denial of access to education and violence against children have become commonplace. The international community must not tolerate this situation. The hostages of terrorists’ criminal activities also include their own families, their wives and children, who are stigmatized and discriminated against by society. No children caught in that devastating maelstrom should be marginalized by society. They have the right and should become full members of society once again. Their rehabilitation and reintegration is a crucial aspect of the children and armed conflict agenda today.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Belgium for its initiative to convene today’s meeting. We also thank His Majesty King Philippe for his encouraging and powerful statement, and Their Majesties for their efforts in the area of child protection. We further thank the Secretary-General and the briefers for their contributions to today’s discussion. The topic of child protection is of paramount importance to the Russian Federation. We attach great importance to the activities of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. It is a unique mechanism, currently headed by Belgium, which, for 15 years now, has facilitated more effective protection of children in conflict and has helped ensure accountability for violations and prevent future violence.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“We believe that the report on the threat of ISIL should not fail to focus on the question of manpower, material, financial and weapon support for terrorism. The document under discussion today mentions the issue of supplying military equipment to terrorist organizations only in passing. Meanwhile, terrorist groups in the Middle East and Africa continue to receive weapons from external sponsors. We call on all responsible States to immediately stop all illegal arms transfers and to not play into the hands of radical elements under the pretext of facilitating myriad incarnations of the so-called moderate opposition.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Russia has consistently opposed granting various groups the right to protect areas where fighters are being held, and especially to decide their fate. Unfortunately, some countries prefer to distance themselves from resolving the issue of bringing to justice their own citizens who fought in the ranks of terrorists in Syria and Iraq. Patronage and connivance, against the backdrop of impunity, fuel the unacceptable increase in terrorist activity, as we are seeing today in Idlib. Family members of foreign terrorist fighters who are illegally present in Syria and Iraq and who are not suspected of involvement in terrorist activities must be expeditiously repatriated to their countries of origin and citizenship. Terrorists need to be duly punished.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We presented tried and true figures and facts, compiled by the Russian military personnel present in Syria. The threats that have arisen will indubitably be eradicated. To date, the international community faces another pressing issue, namely, what is to be done with foreign terrorist fighters and their families. We are convinced that justice for terrorists must be carried out in national jurisdictions, based on the principles of the inevitability of punishment and proportionality vis-à-vis the crime committed. International cooperation in that area must be rooted in full compliance with the relevant provisions of universal counter-terrorism conventions, including the principle of extradite or prosecute.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we support the work of the United Nations and its specialized agencies, inter alia, to counter terrorist and extremist propaganda and combat the financing of terrorism. Unfortunately, however, we continue to observe attempts to pander to terrorists and to use them for geopolitical purposes. We believe that this approach is both reckless and pernicious. Such games entail disastrous consequences in specific countries and persistent violations of freedoms and human rights. For some reason, it is only after tragedy strikes and casualties climb into the thousands that people take note of and consider the situation. At yesterday’s Security Council meeting (see S/PV.8715), we addressed in detail the reasons for the recent resurgence of terrorist activities by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We are already enduring the fallout of the collapse of statehood in Libya in West Africa and the Sahel-Sahara region. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/95) flags the issue of the Al-Hol camp in Syria and the plight of those detained there. We have repeatedly stated, and are ready to reiterate, that there is and can be no order wherever Syrian sovereignty is violated. Without cooperation with the legitimate authorities, there is no way to solve counter-terrorism, humanitarian and human rights issues. We are confident that the efforts of the international community must be aimed at preventing the resurgence of ISIL and the emergence of a new driving force for the terrorist internationale.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“ISIL-Khorasan remains a key factor in the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. ISIL activity in that country is fuelled by, inter alia, foreign terrorist fighters with combat experience in Syria and Iraq. We see in the group’s continued presence in the country the threat of terrorist activities spilling over into central Asian States. Our priority is the application of the Security Council’s counter-terrorism sanctions regime to individuals and organizations that are a part of or directly linked to the Afghan branch of ISIL. ISIL terrorist activity in Libya poses a threat. The situation is further compounded by the fact fighters are being redeployed to that area from Idlib province in Syria. Absent a normalization of the situation in that country, stabilization of the security situation in the region is virtually impossible.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Mr. Voronkov and Ms. Coninsx for their detailed analysis of the situation regarding the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We express our support for the activities of the entities they head and the plans and initiatives being developed in the area of counter-terrorism. We also thank Ms. Mona Freij for her statement. We concur with the Secretary-General’s assessment of the threat posed by the ISIL. The members of that terrorist organization maintain their footholds in Syria and Iraq, have transformed into an extensive underground network there and continue to build capacity in other regions, specifically in Afghanistan, West Africa and the Lake Chad basin. They are also trying to infiltrate and establish a presence in the Asia- Pacific region.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We hope that a dialogue with the Sudanese authorities will help to create the right conditions and determine the parameters for subsequent international support to the peace process in Darfur. The challenges that Darfur is now facing are related to peacebuilding rather than peacekeeping. The time has come to concentrate on Darfur state's restoration and economic development, and that should be the priority now. As for the activities of the International Criminal Court regarding Darfur, we have read Prosecutor Bensouda's most recent report. Just as before, we have seen no progress in its work and our views and approaches therefore remain unchanged.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“With regard to the state of affairs in Darfur, we are seeing a noticeable improvement in the security situation and a certain degree of normalization on the humanitarian front. The general dynamics have not changed in the areas that the Blue Helmets had already withdrawn from. And most importantly, no negative security trends have emerged. The sporadic clashes in the Jebel Marra region between Government forces and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Abdul Wahid group, which is still the main spoiler for the peace process, do not change that assessment. In that connection, we believe it will be essential to continue with the phased drawdown and withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“Mr. Kuzmin (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would first of all like to note that the signing of the Interim Constitutional Declaration has been an important step on the path to stabilizing the situation in the Sudan over the long term. We want to point to the mediation efforts of Ethiopia and the African Union in the negotiation process, which were a practical embodiment of the notion of African solutions to African problems. However, we must give due credit to the people of the Sudan themselves, who were able to overcome their differences and reach agreement against a backdrop of unrelenting external pressure whose purpose was not to help the parties get down to negotiations but merely to manipulate the political landscape in Khartoum to suit their own narrow interests.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8691 (2019) · source
“We call on all States to strengthen multifaceted counter-terrorism cooperation with the countries of the region that is not limited just to resolving intercommunal disputes or substituting such efforts with abstract speculation about the threat of violent extremism.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we attach great importance to the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel in the region. In addition, we support the decision adopted at the Niamey summit by States members of the Economic Community of West African States to invest up to $1 billion in improving the situation in the region. Russia is closely monitoring the situation in West Africa and the Sahel. We are already providing a number of countries with relevant military and technical assistance and training for military and police personnel.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“We believe that the only way to effectively counter the threat of terrorism is by avoiding double standards based on a comprehensive approach, combining both robust law enforcement and multifaceted preventive activities. We are convinced of the need to further coordinate the efforts of both Africans and the international community to combat terrorism in the Sahara-Sahel region. To that end, we support the efforts of the States of the Group of Five for the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin to deploy forces to combat terrorism and organized crime. It is necessary to effectively counter the expansion of extremist ideology, to tackle head on pressing socioeconomic problems, to strengthen State institutions and to foster a culture of respect for human rights.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“If the sponsors of such an approach to preventing violent extremism really want to demonstrate its effectiveness, let them first try to delegate law enforcement functions to non-State actors on their territories. We doubt that this will enable them to resolve the pressing issues of the proliferation of xenophobic and neo-Nazi ideas and the resurgence of right-wing extremist organizations calling for violence against those of other races, ethnicities and religions. In the meantime, selective activities for the prevention of violent extremism with a focus on developing countries appear to be a tool for political manipulation.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Working directly with civil society and circumventing the Government, which lies at the heart of the approach to preventing violent extremism, in our view sets the stage for interference in internal affairs, including in order to provoke so-called colour revolutions or their like. Let me stress that we do not dispute the idea in itself of harnessing civil society in conjunction with strengthening the law enforcement counter-terrorism component. However, that capacity should be used in line with the characteristics and traditions of the State without undermining its leading role in counter-terrorist activities based on international legal norms rather than certain rules of the world order.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Instead of honestly answering the question as to why a power vacuum has developed in certain countries of the region and from where terrorists receive such weapon stockpiles, our Western partners seek to indulge West African States with all kinds of programmes based on their one-sided approach to preventing violent extremism. In the absence ofa universally recognized definition of violent extremism enshrined in international law, we call on our partners to avoid language that has not been agreed, including new terms such as "homegrown violent extremist organizations".”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“It is important to adopt a balanced approach that takes into account the full range of issues that give rise to terrorism, including external interference, as clearly demonstrated in Syria and Libya, for example. West African States are compelled to reap the fruits of the collapse of Libya's statehood as a result of NATO's intervention. We believe that, without the normalization of the situation in that country, namely, Libya, and we are told this by Africans themselves, it is virtually impossible to bring about lasting stability in the region.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Unrestricted migration flows, which allow terrorists to capitalize on economic difficulties and recruit new members, the collapse of arms control systems, and in some cases even the failure to establish them, and the ongoing cross-border smuggling, including of narcotics, have enabled terrorist groups to have a robust resource base. Today some countries are seeking to prove to us that conflicts between farmers and nomadic herders have become the primary reason for the upsurge in violence in the region, as we have seen in the concept note for today's meeting. It is not the reason for but the consequence ofwhat is happening. In general, we do not agree that the real root causes of terrorism in Africa are linked only to domestic economic and political issues.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Almost weekly we receive tragic reports about the deaths of dozens of military personnel or civilians at the hands of criminal gangs in a country of the region. The States ofthe Gulf of Guinea are also at risk of destabilization. We share the concerns of other members of the Security Council that Al-Qaida, Boko Haram and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham have strengthened their presence on the African continent. Of particular concern is the establishment of the Islamic State in West Africa, which has consistently proclaimed the goal of building a global caliphate in the countries of the region and is actively engaged in terrorist activities at the junction of the borders of Cameroon, Nigeria, the Niger and Chad.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“In that connection, I would like to thank Mr. Chambas and Mr. Chergui for their detailed briefings on the experience they have accumulated and the evaluations of the situation that they have developed based on the policies of the bodies that they head. The Russian Federation would like to express its sincere condolences to the people and the Government of the Niger for the deaths on 10 December of more than 70 Nigerien soldiers as a result ofa terrorist attack on a military camp near the border with Mali. We hope that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be found and duly punished. We affirm our full support to Niamey in its fight against the threat of terrorism. The terrible events that took place in the Niger unfortunately confirm the further deterioration of the security situation in that part of the continent.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source