YouSaid · the spoken record

Lacroix

lines on the record: 1,191
first: 2006-08-31
most recent: 2023-11-14
sittings or episodes: 115
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

“Lastly, Major General Uba, Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, will talk about the drawdown ofa peacekeeping operation, which, as everyone knows, is the case for our operation in Liberia.”
2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source
“Lieutenant General Mgwebi, Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will address the Challenges of conducting military operations in a peacekeeping operation. Major General Menon, Head ofMission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, will talk about the challenges of a mission that does not fall under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations but is known as a Chapter VI mission. Lieutenant General Keita, Force Commander of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, will address the challenges of robust peacekeeping. We recently had the opportunity together to directly witness those challenges.”
2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source
“As you know, Sir, yesterday another two of our peacekeepers from Chad were killed in northern Mali, following other incidents both in Mali and in other countries. Sadly, I also had the occasion to attend the ceremony that paid tribute to the five peacekeepers who were recently killed in the Central African Republic. They accordingly deserve that we pay tribute to them, but they also deserve our best efforts to ensure that our peacekeepers are afforded the best possible conditions in which to discharge their mandates and protect the population, which they must serve now. Without any further delay, I would suggest giving the floor to the four Force Commanders. Each of them will shed light on the specific aspects of their respective missions.”
2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: At the outset I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting with the Force Commanders of our peacekeeping operations. We have the pleasure of welcoming the Force Commanders to New York this week for our annual conference. This occasion is an opportunity for very useful and valuable exchanges with them. I think that it is particularly relevant and important to hold this meeting under the authority of the Secretary-General and in line with the orientation that has been provided to us. We are stepping up our efforts to make peacekeeping more efficient and effective. Before deferring to the Force Commanders, I would like to express to them, their officers and soldiers our gratitude for their service, and I would like in particular to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers under their command.”
2017-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7947 (2017) · source
“Finally, in the light of the prevailing political and security situation, MINUSMA continues to adjust its priorities and posture, within the existing mandate, in order to provide the best support. We will revert in due course if any adjustments to the MINUSMA mandate are required, in particular in our next end-of-mandate report.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“We are also continuing our efforts to deploy other capabilities, including transport and attack helicopters, among others. (spoke in English) In conclusion, there are at this stage three important points. First is the need to continue to strongly encourage the parties to redouble their efforts to accelerate the implementation of the peace agreement and to clarify the next steps once the interim period expires in June. Secondly, we need to address the scourge of international and transnational organized crime and its impact on the peace efforts. On this particular aspect, the Security Council has already expressed its intention to consider targeted sanctions against spoilers. We believe that it is time to consider establishing such a sanctions regime.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“We are also pursuing our mobilization efforts with contributing countries, exploring innovative partnerships and concepts in order to fill our operational gaps. If we are still unable to deploy the 2,049 military personnel and 480 police personnel authorized by resolution 2295 (2016), there are very real prospects for progress and we are determined to do our all to ensure that they materialize as quickly as possible. The deployment of the rapid reaction force of the United Nations Operation in cote d'Ivoire to Mali, originally planned for February, should take place between May and October. As for the logistics combat battalion, Sri Lanka will deploy a company in July and Egypt will deploy three companies between the months of July and December.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“Complementarities and opportunities exist between peacekeeping efforts and the regional initiative of the G-5 Sahel, and we will try to articulate them with our partners. In the immediate future, MINUSMA will strengthen support for the Malian armed forces and the implementation of the reforms envisaged in the field of defence and security. In that context, MINUSMA will continue to play a major political and security role, particularly as one of the main providers of stability in the north and part of the centre of the country. To that end, MINUSMA is taking the necessary steps to adjust its priorities and posture according to the stakes and progress made on the ground, in accordance with its mandate, while taking into account the security of its staff and the objective of providing the best possible support.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“The delays in the peace process and the often insufficient presence of State authority provide an opportunity for the enemies of peace to satisfy their economic interests. This situation is untenable and must cease. Given the cross-border nature of these networks, a regional approach is needed. We welcome the efforts of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) to set up a regional force, with a first step of strengthening cross-border cooperation. We are exploring how we can effectively support this initiative so that it contributes positively to the work of MINUSMA and the French Force Barkhane. However, let us not lose sight of the need to include peace-stabilization efforts in the framework of the peace agreement.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“In addition, the centre of the country remains the scene of intense tensions fueled by extremist groups that, defying the authority of the State, carry out targeted assassinations and force the closure of schools in some localities, depriving children of educaiton. In response to this situation, the Malian authorities have drawn up an integrated security plan for the central regions, which I welcome. This multidimensional approach is necessary and welcome, and MINUSMA will continue to support it. In the background, cross-border criminal networks remain very active. The revenue generated by this illicit trafficking are a financial boon for terrorist groups operating in northern Mali.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“I also want to pay tribute to the memory of the French soldier in Operation Barkhane, who lost his life yesterday. As the Council knows, a new partnership, bringing together the most active terrorist groups in Mali, was created under the banner of Al-Qaida and under the leadership of Iyad ag Ghali, the leader of Ansar Eddine. Da'esh, meanwhile, is slowly making its presence known in the Sahelo-Saharan strip. This convergence of threats is particularly alarming in a context in which the presence of the State is weak and sometimes even non-existent, and in which the implementation of the peace agreement still has to be translated into tangible results on the ground.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“Longer- term institutional and security reforms are needed, in particular with regard to the future of the reconstituted national army. This lack of clarity in the institutional framework hampers efforts on the ground and is not conducive to building a climate of trust between the parties. This situation is leading to a splintering of the security and political landscape and further complicates our work for peace. Therefore, it is more important than ever for MINUSMA to vigorously pursue its political role and support the peace process. The security situation remains worrying. Attacks by terrorist groups continue and are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In that regard, I want to pay tribute to MINUSMA and in particular to the troops who have lost their lives while serving this operation.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“We hope that the progress made during these five days will serve as a basis for the drafting of a charter for peace, unity and national reconciliation and will enrich the process of constitutional review in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation. However, with the 2018 elections looming on the horizon and despite of the advances over the past few months, we cannot ignore the significant delays sustained and the fragility of the gains that have been made. Overall, the implementation of the Agreement is still slow. The national strategy on security sector reform is also not yet finalized. The criteria for integrating the combatants from the signatory groups have not yet been determined and the eight cantonment sites built by MINUSMA remain empty.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“In addition, it is key that we clarify the duration of these interim arrangements in view of their late start, as well as the status of dissident groups vis-a-vis the Coordination des mouvements de I'Azawad (CMA) and the Platform within the framework of the monitoring mechanism. The Malian authorities have indicated to us that these issues are being discussed. In this sense, the National Accord Conference, which ended on Sunday, 2 April, was a unique opportunity to bring together the various segments of the Malian population, as well as the signatory parties. Despite the delayed participation of some key actors, such as the Coordination of the Azawad Movements and the political opposition, Malians from various regions of the country were able to speak to each other for the first time since the crisis began in 2012.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“After Gao, Kidal and Menaka, the Agreement Monitoring Committee announced the day before yesterday the establishment of interim authorities in Taoudenni and Timbuktu by 13 April. These developments point to the gradual return of State authority in northern Mali as a result of interim arrangements, and MINUSMA, through its good offices, is doing everything in its power to help parties achieve tangible results on the ground. We must, however, ensure that the new authorities and joint units are provided with adequate resources to fulfil their political and security responsibilities and that basic services are quickly made available to the people.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“Herve Ladsous, to visit Mali and speak with its authorities, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita; the members of the Government, including Minister Abdoulaye Diop; the international mediation team, led by Algeria; and the staff of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the United Nations country team, who are doing remarkable work under difficult conditions. As underscored in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2017/271), which was submitted to the Council last month, positive progress has been made in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation. Despite the despicable attack on the camp of the Operational Coordination Mechanism in Gao on 18 January, the operationalization ofjoint patrols in Gao have been taking place since 20 February.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: I thank you, Madam President, for welcoming me to the Council for the first time. (spoke in French) It is with great pleasure that I address the Security Council for the first time since my appointment at the head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. In this regard, I wish to pay tribute to my predecessor, Mr. Herve Ladsous, for his devotion and untiring efforts to the benefit of peace. Council members may rest assured that I will take up the challenges that have been entrusted to me with determination and conviction, and it is with great candour and transparency that I intend to work with the Security Council. About two weeks ago, I had the opportunity, together with Mr.”
2017-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7917 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, I reiterate France's full commitment to fighting sexual violence against women. The Council can rest assured of our full commitment to that issue within the Security Council in the months to come and of our resolve to pursue our efforts to strengthen the role of women in conflict prevention and settlement and in rebuilding peace in the context of the follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000), which we will be discussing shortly and concerning which there remains a great deal to be done.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“France endorses the concept of creating a commission to investigate and advocate the most effective mechanisms for prosecuting those who commit sexual violence. The commission's competence should be limited to sexual violence, and its work coordinated with peacekeeping operations mandated to counter sexual violence. In that respect, we would be interested to learn more about the criteria that led the Secretary-General to propose that we focus initially on three geographical situations. We are ready to discuss that and should like the Secretariat to explain how it foresees extending that mechanism in its future phases. The third and last proposal that I wish to highlight is that of appointing an official to lead the fight against sexual violence throughout the entire United Nations system. We strongly endorse that proposal.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“We are ready to play an active role in any initiative to promote Security Council action on those recommendations as soon as possible. For our part, we believe that the implementation of the following proposals, referred to by the Secretary-General in his statement, is of special importance. First, the Secretary-General should submit to the Council an annual report on the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008). We invite him to formulate proposals on the modalities for the Security Council's consideration of measures taken by parties to a conflict to meet their obligations, including in the fight against impunity, and its identification of appropriate steps in response. Secondly, a commission of inquiry should be established.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Pursuant to the commitment it made in resolution 1820 (2008), the Security Council must systematically consider the relevance of including sexual violence among the triggers of sanctions during the establishment or revision of the committees' mandates. When the criteria are met, it will be up to the committees' experts to raise the matter. In that regard, we recall the role of France, alongside the United Kingdom, Belgium and the United States, in the inclusion by the sanctions committee on the Democratic Republic of the Congo of the names of four members of the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda on the list of those targeted for individual sanctions. France welcomes the set of recommendations proposed by the Secretary-General to strengthen our action against sexual violence.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“They must engage in dialogue with the parties to armed conflicts, and their components - primarily gender and human rights advisers, as well as special representatives of the Secretary-General - must take every opportunity to make the parties aware of their obligations in this area and to encourage them to change their behaviour. We hope that the parties' response to the issue, or lack thereof, will be reflected in the Secretary-General's next report so that we can be better informed and assess to the best of our ability the international community's action and progress with respect to the scourge. France welcomes the work undertaken by the sanctions committees on the matter under consideration today.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“The extension will allow the Security Council and the international community to focus greater attention and response on this widespread phenomenon, which targets girls in particular. In his report (S/2009/362), the Secretary-General notes that many interesting initiatives have been undertaken to address the gravity of the situation. We must strengthen those initiatives and ensure the dissemination of good practices. The role of peacekeeping operations is essential in that respect, and I welcome the presence here of female police officers deployed in those operations. To the extent possible and necessary, peacekeeping operations must develop ambitious strategies to address sexual violence.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Earlier this week, the Council noted with satisfaction that judicial procedures had been launched against those individuals and that they had been removed from their command duties. That is an important message in the fight against sexual violence and impunity. The United Nations and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo played an important role in achieving that outcome. The Council will continue to monitor the matter closely. France also welcomes the significant institutional progress that was achieved two days ago with the adoption of resolution 1882 (2009), which, inter alia, extends the reporting and monitoring mechanism of resolution 1612 (2005) to sexual violence committed against children, regardless of whether or not child soldiers are involved.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“The United Nations has a special and critical role to play in responding to this phenomenon. In many instances, it has specific tools to assist national authorities in supporting the victims of sexual violence, prosecuting and trying suspects, and arresting those who are guilty of such crimes. The Organization also has the responsibility to encourage relevant authorities to act to that end. At the initiative of France, the fight against sexual violence was a high priority of the Security Council's annual visit to Africa in May. Because we believe in the value of deterrence in the struggle against impunity, we argued with the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for five officers accused of perpetrating sexual violence to be brought to justice.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Mr. Lacroix (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the United Kingdom for having taken the initiative of holding this ninth open debate on women and peace and security. I would also like to welcome the Secretary-General here today and to thank him for the presentation of his first report on implementation of resolution 1820 (2008). More broadly, we welcome his determined commitment to this issue. My delegation, of course, completely supports the statement that will be made by the Permanent Representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. The Secretary-General's assessment of sexual violence is, unfortunately, definitive. Sexual violence is widespread and often systematic, and is sometimes even used as a weapon of war in several regions and in many situations on the Council's agenda.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“We are convinced that, under resolution 1844 (2008), the Security Council can provide a clear, realistic and effective response to the situation in the Horn of Africa. However, we must also take fully into account the border dispute between Djibouti and Eritrea. In conclusion, I wish to reassure the Special Representative of the Secretary-General that we fully support his efforts and that, in this delicate situation, his role as coordinator of the activities of the United Nations and the international community is as necessary as ever. Naturally, we support the action of the African Union and welcome the involvement of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“I recall that, at the most recent meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the European Union reiterated its willingness to develop a comprehensive approach towards Somalia in which the fight against piracy is an important component. Lastly, I would like to underscore the importance of the political dialogue. The Transitional Federal Government signed a reconciliation agreement with the Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a group a month ago. I am delighted by the spirit of openness shown by Minister Omaar in his statement, and France encourages the Transitional Federal Government to continue in that direction. I would now like to turn briefly to the issue of sanctions. France has begun to actively engage in the discussions taking place within the Somali sanctions committee.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“For its part, France contributed to establishing four of the AMISOM. contingents that, in a recent sortie, demonstrated their ability to help the Transitional Federal Government not only to hold its positions, but to push back the extremist fighters. We welcome the prospect of the imminent deployment of a sixth battalion, provided by Burundi. Thirdly, my delegation encourages the United Nations to continue, as it is bravely doing, its assistance activities, in spite of the dangers. The European Union has extended Operation Atalanta by a year. Counter-piracy operations are crucial, particularly to protect the World Food Programme convoys, and we would not underestimate the risk that the attacks may resume in strength once the weather is again favourable to the pirates.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“More specifically, my delegation has identified four tracks for action by the international community. First, extending concrete support to the Somali National Security Force is essential. This very morning, France began to train Somali troops, chosen by the Transitional Federal Government, in Djibouti. Djibouti, for its part, is doing the same. The European Union is considering the possibility of establishing a security force. At the most recent meeting of their General Affairs and External Relations Council, the ministers for foreign affairs of the European Union decided to send an exploratory mission to the region in August. Secondly, it is vital that we maintain and strengthen our support to AMISOM, and my delegation pays tribute to the action of Uganda and Burundi in that regard.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“Since the beginning of the year, 30,000 people have succeeded and, unfortunately, 300 have died in that attempt. In that context, as many speakers before me have said, the international community has a very important role to play in helping the Transitional Federal Government to change the situation in its favour. The promises made in April at the Brussels conference must be kept. I recall that the European Commission is to provide â‚¬60 million to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and â‚¬13 million to the Rule of Law and Security Programme. We have taken careful note of the information in the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/373) on the logistic support package to AMISOM. It is of course essential that we give the soldiers our full support and remain mindful of their needs.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“My delegation notes with concern that, since the attack of the rebel groups on 7 May, fighting is continuing in the countryside and in Mogadishu. The day before yesterday seven civilians were killed in the capital, Al-Shabaab fired a mortar at a parliament session, and foreign fighters continue to fight within the ranks of the fundamentalists. Of course, every day that the situation continues, the suffering of the population increases. Over 3 million people now depend on humanitarian aid, while the attacks launched by Al-Shabaab on United Nations agencies, which we strongly condemn, are hampering United Nations activity. Moreover, more and more people who have lost hope are trying to reach Yemen across the Gulf of Aden aboard smugglers' boats.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“Mr. Lacroix (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, my delegation would like to thank Mr. Ould Abdallah, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his briefing, and Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, and Ambassador Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, for their presentations. First of all, I would like briefly to comment on the situation that has been described. As Minister Omaar pointed out, it is now clear that the radical groups cannot overthrow the Government militarily, but that they are continuing their attacks nevertheless and creating a very detrimental situation of insecurity and violence.”
2009-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6173 (2009) · source
“In conclusion, I should like once again to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and to pay tribute to his work and that of his team and to welcome the strategic work plan set out in the Secretary-General's report, which we regard as particularly suited to the objectives and the situation.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“With respect to the internal political process in Chad, we welcome the progress made in implementing the 13 August 2007 agreement, in particular thanks to the finalization of the electoral code, the establishment of a National Independent Electoral Commission and the adoption of a law on the status of the opposition and on political parties. The launch of the census is an essential step in preparing for elections. It is a noteworthy development, and we hope that this positive momentum will continue. In the Central African Republic also, it is essential that the peace process continue. In particular, I should like to mention the importance of continuing the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“In the Central African Republic, the increase in ethnic tension has also led to increased insecurity. We welcome the way in which MINURCAT is carrying out its mandate, and in particular its assistance to humanitarian workers during the 6 June and 21 June attacks. We encourage MINURCAT, in collaboration with the Chadian authorities, to continue its activities to end human rights violations and, in particular, to end the recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups, as well as sexual Violence. Finally, the third challenge: There is a need to continue to encourage the various parties to participate in the political process in good faith. First and foremost, it is essential that Chad and the Sudan rejoin the Dakar process and resolve their problems as neighbours.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“First, the tension characterizing the relations between Chad and the Sudan is very worrisome. We call on both countries to honour their commitments and to refrain from any provocation and any action that could lead to an escalation. In particular, all violations of territorial space and all support for rebel groups must cease. Moreover, greater efforts must be made to combat banditry in Chad and the Central African Republic. Attacks against humanitarian personnel remain very numerous. The figures in the Secretary-General's report on this are very worrying. I reiterate that 150 attacks have been reported in five months, and I would also recall that members of the DIS are also being attacked, as shown by the deaths of three of them, in April, May and June respectively.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“In order to ensure the best possible functioning of the DIS, it is also important that there be the best possible coordination and cooperation between it and MINURCAT and, in particular, that MINURCAT provide the necessary logistical support to the DIS. Good synergy between those two components is essential not only so that the DIS can carry out its mission, but also for the credibility of the United Nations as a whole, in particular in the eyes of the Chadian authorities. The second challenge on which I would like to briefly comment is the protection of populations and humanitarian workers in a security context that remains very uncertain. As indicated in the report of the Secretary-General, the security environment in Chad and the Central African Republic remains tense.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“It is also essential that the United Nations respect the commitments undertaken with Chad concerning the time frame for rebuilding airport infrastructure, as well as the commitments undertaken with the European Union. With regard to the Detachement integre de securite, we are pleased that its full deployment has been possible, that it is providing security in 12 refugee camps and in certain towns in eastern Chad and that it has been providing escorts for many humanitarian convoys - according to the report of the Secretary- General before us (S/2009/359), 2,600 between October 2008 and May 2009. However, we are concerned by certain disciplinary problems regarding the conduct of several DIS personnel, about which we should be vigilant.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Thus far, the transition from the European Union-led military force to MINURCAT has been proceeding fairly smoothly, thanks in particular to the progressive nature of the withdrawal of the European contingents, the efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the efforts on the ground to ensure good coordination among all the parties. However, as Mr. Angelo said, it is essential that MINURCAT's deployment accelerate and be completed. To that end, we call on all States to confirm their commitments or undertake new ones. For its part, France has announced that it will maintain a logistics battalion in addition to its support detachment for the Togolese battalion in Birao and the more general support provided through Operation Epervier.”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“Mr. Lacroix (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I should like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Victor Da Silva Angelo, for his very detailed and comprehensive briefing. The situation in Chad and the Central African Republic continues to pose many challenges for the Security Council and for the United Nations as a whole. I should like to comment briefly on some of them. First, it is important to complete the deployment of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) and to ensure the proper functioning of the Detachement integre de securite (DIS).”
2009-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6172 (2009) · source
“We note with great hope the intentions expressed by the new United States Administration. We must now move tangibly towards peace, and France is resolved to play its full role to that end.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“In the context of the regional approach, we also believe that the time has come to move forward on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks of the peace process. The elements to which I have referred will, at this critical juncture for the Middle East, determine progress towards the necessary resumption of negotiations on a peace agreement on the basis of the principle of land for peace, the resolutions of the Security Council and the Arab Peace Initiative. The international community and the Security Council must be fully committed, because the situation in the Middle East is of urgent concern to us all. France and the European Union have repeatedly shown our readiness to assist in facilitating negotiations to the maximum possible extent and to consider guarantees for a possible new agreement.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“While talks to achieve inter-Palestinian reconciliation face myriad challenges, we continue to support the Egyptian mediation efforts. Of course, the countries of the region have an important role to play. At the appropriate time, we will be prepared to work with a Government of national unity that respects the basic principles of the peace process and agrees to resume negotiations with Israel leading to a two-State solution. Moreover, we continue to lend our full support to the Arab Peace Initiative, which must be part of a comprehensive and lasting solution in the Middle East. Any step taken or gesture made by States of the region to demonstrate their commitment to lasting peace, which necessarily involves good-neighbourly relations with Israel, is to be encouraged.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“We call for the immediate opening of checkpoints, in particular to facilitate access for humanitarian assistance and the resumption of economic activity. Beyond the issues of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, we believe that such closures will perpetuate the political status quo in Gaza. In addition to those efforts, we continue firmly to call for the unconditional and immediate release of Gilad Shalit. My third and final point involves inter- Palestinian reconciliation and the role of neighbouring States. The Palestinians must speak in a single voice if the peace process is to resume. There can be no peace agreement with a single party representing the Palestinian people, or a viable Palestinian State without Gaza.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“Beyond their humanitarian and human consequences, such measures will also help the Palestinians and their authorities to meet their responsibility to strengthen the foundations of their future State. In that regard, the Palestinian Authority must pursue its efforts to strengthen the security sector and ensure the rule of law. The pitiless fight against terrorism must also be an ongoing priority. With regard to the situation in Gaza, the consolidation of the ceasefire, encompassing the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009), remains a priority. Resolution 1860 (2009) defined the main parameters of a permanent ceasefire, including the opening of crossings and the establishment of mechanisms to end the smuggling of weapons. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is most disturbing.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“As President Sarkozy has recalled, by complicating the prospects for establishing a Palestinian State, settlement activity does not contribute to Israel's security but will, contrarily, only increase the dangers. The authorities of France and the European Union have sent that very clear message to the Israeli authorities. The second requisite development on the ground involves freedom of movement and access. That applies not only to Gaza, on which I will have more to say, but also to the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The lifting by the Israeli authorities of some major obstacles to movement, in particular in Nablus, is an important move that must be followed up. All measures aimed at restoring a normal life for the Palestinian people must be encouraged.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“The task now is to determine how successfully to engage the various stages leading to that objective. Those stages are many, difficult to complete and varied. I shall refer to the three principal stages. First, daily living conditions must be improved so that the people do not lose all hope. That will require the implementation by the parties of their Road Map obligations. In that respect, the Israeli authorities must cease all settlement activity, the destruction of homes and other evictions in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The issue of settlements is, of course, critical, and we welcome the stress placed by President Obama on that point.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“Recent incidents in southern Lebanon remind us of the importance of the full implementation by all parties of resolution 1701 (2006). We reiterate our full support for the work of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Any attack on UNIFIL is unacceptable, and it is important and even essential that the parties cooperate fully with the Force. I turn now to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Rarely if ever has there been such international consensus on the nature of a solution to the conflict - the establishment of a viable, independent and democratic Palestinian State living side by side with Israel within secure and recognized borders. The statements of the Israeli Prime Minister on that specific point represent a first and welcome step, as the ministers for foreign affairs of the European Union stressed on 15 June.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source
“Mr. Lacroix (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I wish to thank Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing and to welcome him to the Security Council. Naturally, France endorses the statement to be made by the Permanent Representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. To begin, I would like briefly to refer to the Lebanese dossier before the Security Council. France welcomes the success of the legislative elections held in Lebanon on 7 June, which represents a new, positive step for that country and its democracy. We hope that the renewed dialogue will be continued and help Lebanon to pursue the unity, stability and reform sought by its people.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171 (2009) · source