YouSaid · the spoken record

Lamek

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605
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2013-08-06
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2017-04-13
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un-security-council

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  1. would greatly benefit from their swift implementation, beginning with the appointment of a Force Commander, while the United Nations should once again review the modalities for logistical support in order to provide better-adapted and more effective assistance. We therefore call on the African Union and the troop-contributing countries to work together to improve the work of the Mission, in line with its mandate. I would add that an effective military fight against Al-Shabaab also requires exemplary conduct on the part of AMISOM. troops in terms of respect for human rights law and international humanitarian law. A military intervention can be successful only if it is supported by the Somali people.

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

  2. In that context, in order to mount an offensive, AMISOM. must continue to improve its effectiveness and functioning, thereby bringing the maximum pressure to bear on the terrorist organization that is Al-Shabaab. AMISOM. contingents must act in a cohesive manner and with a single, clear chain of command, including shared planning and execution and with better information-sharing among the various contingents, which has not always been the case. Resolution 2124 (2013) already called for such qualitative improvements - an appeal reiterated in resolution 2234 (2015). The declaration by the troop-contributing countries adopted at the Djibouti summit on 28 February takes up those varous points. AMISOM.

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

  3. The fight against Al-Shabaab is a collective one. I would like to commend the courage and commitment of the personnel of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in combating that criminal organization. I would particularly like to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the latest attacks. France, through the United Nations and the European Union, remains fully committed alongside the troop-contributing countries in those efforts. With a View to continuing to consolidate the progress made over recent years, we must do more in four areas. First, AMISOM, which is in the front line of the fight against Al-Shabaab, in accordance with its mandate, must conduct offensive operations in the fight against that terrorist organizationThe situation on the gournd is complex and the enemy adapts its strategies as circumstances evolve.

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

  4. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Michael Keating, and the Permanent Observer of the African Union, His Excellency Ambassador Te'te Antonio. I would particularly like to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, His Excellency Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has honoured us with his presence today. I also thank him for the encouraging news that he shared with us. The information provided by the President is important given the worrying news from Somalia over the past month. Al-Shabaab has been degraded, which is good, but the terrorist organization remains active. Combating Al-Shabaab is a fight against one of the many manifestations of terrorism, and everyone knows that fight is very close to our hearts in France.

    2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source

  5. However, our responsibility in the Council is to do everything to ensure that that commitment be as relevant and effective as possible. The challenges that Haiti is encountering and the expectations of its people mean that we must take the necessary decisions. Haitian political stakeholders must be fully aware of that fact today.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  6. However, France is also working to combat food insecurity and sanitation issues, given the resurgence of cases of cholera in 2015. On that point, France fully supports the efforts to that end undertaken by the Haitian authorities with the support of the United Nations, and has contributed to several projects on the ground in that area since 2010. France echoes the call of the Secretary-General for the international community to strengthen its engagement on that theme, including financially. We must do more as an international community to eradicate cholera in Haiti once and for all. The support of the international community and the commitment of the United Nations remain more important than ever in Haiti.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  7. France is a longtime friend of Haiti and was one of its first partners in development assistance, both bilaterally and through the European Union. The President of the French Republic recently recalled the priority of our commitment to Haiti and announced, during his visit in May 2015 to Port-au-Prince, a bilateral contribution of €50 million for the education sector over the next five years. We remain concerned about the many challenges facing the country, in particular in terms of child protection. At the request of the Haitian authorities, the French President announced in May 2015 the launch of an ambitious bilateral cooperation programme for Haitian young people in general and for the Haitian education system in particular.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  8. We welcome the ongoing strengthening of the Haitian National Police, as demonstrated by its ability to control recent events successfully and with relative autonomy. We support the continuation of discussions on the future of MINUSTAH, based on the recommendations of the Secretary-General announced in his latest report (S/2016/225). We look forward to the presentation of those recommendations before the current mandate expires in October. To that end, we believe that it is important to underscore that the resumption of the mission-reconfiguration process cannot be delayed indefinitely by the current political stalemate, because that might jeopardize the United Nations capacity to best respond to the needs of the Haitian people.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  9. It is by recognizing this new reality that we will be able to deliver the most effective assistance possible to the Haitian people. Long-term security and stability in Haiti depend above all on the Haitian authorities shouldering their responsibilities and on the island's sustainable development. France is pleased to note that the security situation is generally stable. According to the latest statistics issued by the United Nations system, the homicide rate in Haiti is now among the lowest in the region. While the situation remains precarious, due to the political tensions raised by the interruption of the electoral cycle, these tensions have been managed competently by the Haitian security forces.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  10. The Election Observation Mission of the European Union has concluded that, despite some irregularities, mostly due to the inadequate training of election officials, there was no significant alteration of the outcome of the first round of presidential elections. Nothing therefore precludes the results proclaimed by the Provisional Electoral Council from forming the basis for the organization of the second round. More than 11 years after the creation of MINUSTAH, the conditions on the ground have changed significantly, as has the form of the United Nations presence that the country needs. We have gradually moved on from a peacekeeping situation to a context in which the United Nations contribution is needed in development assistance and the building of a robust State of law.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  11. We call on all Haitian political actors, including the Provisional President, to do their utmost to make that happen and to ensure the restoration of constitutional order as soon as possible. Everyone must demonstrate responsibility and restraint and comply with the spirit of compromise of the agreement of 5 February. It is particularly important that the necessary measures be taken to enable the conclusion of the electoral process in accordance with the agreed timetable. The timely operationaliztion of an inclusive transitional Government confirmed by Parliament, as well as the reactivation of the Provisional Electoral Council, are essential and urgent steps in that regard.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  12. More than ever before, Haiti needs stable institutions that are vested with democratic legitimacy so as to be able meet the many economic, social and humanitarian challenges the country faces. The Haitian people must also be able to see that the choices they make through the ballot box are properly reflected and respected. France has taken note of the inter-Haitian political agreement of 5 February. It is a compromise in the right direction that prevents a vacuum of governance and lays the foundations of a continuation of the electoral process. The success of the agreement remains nonetheless closely linked to the effective implementation of all its provisions as soon as possible.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  13. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I too thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her comprehensive briefing, and reassure her of the full support of France for her work on the ground. I endorse the statements to be delivered by the observer of the European Union and the representative of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. I will address three points in my statement: our strong concern over the interruption of the ongoing electoral process; our desire to revive consideration, in due course, of the reconfiguration of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH); and France's support for the development of Haiti. France is deeply concerned over the interruption of the electoral process in Haiti and by its resulting uncertainties.

    2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source

  14. In conclusion, allow me to praise the work of all United Nations personnel in Afghanistan, who are working under especially difficult circumstances.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  15. In this fragile context, the international community must continue to support Afghanistan as it moves towards greater stability, prosperity and democracy. The conferences in Brussels and Warsaw later this year will offer many opportunities to reaffirm that message. While Afghanistan continues its political and security transition, the support of the United Nations, in particular for the Government, remains essential, especially to make it possible for the people to benefit from Government programmes and international assistance. The resolution we have just adopted this morning reiterates the UNAMA's central role, which embodies the will of the international community to continue to support Afghanistan. We attach great importance to the United Nations continuing to be availed of the means necessary to achieve that goal.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  16. It is essential that the authorities and Afghan civil society continue to mobilize to fully implement the national action plan on women and peace and security adopted in 2015 in line with resolution 1325 (2000) by establishing appropriate financing mechanisms. It is also vital for the Afghan Government to continue to implement its commitments in the area of protecting children in armed conflict arising from the 2011 and 2014 action plans. The recent conclusions drawn by the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict will provide a useful road map for Afghanistan and the United Nations in that area. The response to those challenges will be important in the creation of the conditions for the voluntary and sustainable return of Afghan citizens who have sought refuge outside the country, which the Government has made one of its priorities.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  17. A high level of corruption persists, which stifles the development of legal economic activities, while constituting a major public health issue. Important steps have been taken since the Government took office, including the adoption of a national action plan. Those steps must be maintained and strengthened, with the assistance of the United Nations. In that context, we welcome the call of resolution 2274 (2016), which was adopted today, to review, in close consultation with the Afghan Government, the United Nations role in supporting the fight against the illicit economy, including drug trafficking, and in encouraging international cooperation. Finally, the situation of women and children remains worrying.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  18. At the political level, it is essential to maintain the Government's unity in a context fraught with tensions. The effective relaunching of the peace process by way of the offer made to the Taliban to hold direct talks - as well as through electoral reform, a more active fight against corruption and the relaunching of the economy, which has been hit by a severe crisis leading to hundreds of thousands of Afghans illegally emigrating to Europe - are all areas in which expectations are particularly high. The illicit economy, and in particular drug trafficking, are major impediments to the security and development of Afghanistan. This trafficking, together with the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, is the main resource for the armed insurrection.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  19. The year 2016 began with positive signals, which included initiatives that could lead to a peace process and recent nominations to the High Peace Council and the Ministry of the Interior. However, the Afghan Government has many substantial challenges before it - and they are substantial indeed. At the level of security, the conflict continues to spread, the level of violence unfortunately remains very high and civilians are the main victims. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces have on the whole managed to maintain control of the situation on the ground and to counter some of the acts of terror in the large cities, despite severe tactical, logistical and organizational difficulties. In that context, the Government should not let up in its efforts, with the support of its international partners, to build its capacities.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  20. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for his briefing. I also thank Ambassador Saikal of Afghanistan. 1 associate myself in advance with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. Ayear andahalfafterthe beginning ofthe transition, Afghanistan has fully entered the transformation decade. The Government has demonstrated its will to move forward under often difficult circumstances. In that regard, I reiterate France's support for the Afghan Government to encourage it to continue its efforts undertaken since September 2014. France continues to stand alongside Afghanistan, particularly within the framework of the friendship and cooperation treaty.

    2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

  21. Lastly, Iwould like to end on anote of encouragement and thanks for the tens of thousands of soldiers and police officers, from the United Nations or elsewhere, who are not implicated in the allegations and who put their lives on the line in order to save others. They should know that we do not wish to stigmatize them for the actions of others; on the contrary, we want to assure them that they can continue to do their work with the effectiveness it needs.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  22. That is why it is essential to act at this level as well, especially as those organizations are often key partners of the United Nations in peacekeeping operations. Thus we call on the African Union - which incudes countries that contribute troops to the United Nations and through its own missions acts both both upstream and downstream of the Blue Helmets - to strengthen its cooperation with the United Nations in these matters. This public debate marks a movement for peacekeeping operations from which there is no turning back. They can no longer close their eyes and remain silent about sexual abuse. Today the Concil speaks publicly in order to break the silence and the stigmatization that burdens the victims so as to send them a message of hope.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  23. Jane Holl Lute. We warmly welcome her appointment. Regarding the fight against impunity, France deploys, as requested by the Secretary-General, national investigation officers within its contingents in order to respond rapidly to allegations. Furthermore, as soon as allegations were reported in the Central African Republic, French justice opened judicial proceedings to shed full light on the situation. Justice must be carried out ifthese allegations are confirmed, in a way mindful of the fundamental principles of the law and with respect for the independence of the judiciary. Zero tolerance must also be applied at the regional level. Regional organizations are not, unfortunately, spared allegations of sexual abuse.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  24. It is the responsibility of every State to take the necessary steps to prevent sexual abuse and also to bring to justice those suspected of such abuse. That is what we do in France. With regard to prevention, our security forces in France are systematically vetted regarding their history in terms of respect for human rights, in keeping with the policy required by the United Nations. Our security forces are also systematically trained on the protection of human rights and the fight against sexual abuse before deployment. France intends to strengthen its training and prevention system within the framework of its security forces. France is also pleased to announce that it will contribute to the financing of the office of the Special Coordinator on improving the United Nations response to sexual exploitation and abuse,special Ms.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  25. Unfortunately, among the civilian personnel of the United Nations programmes and agencies there have also been cases of sexual abuse, including by those who tend to the needs of the most vulnerable - refugees and displaced persons. That is why France calls for stepped-up vigilance and efforts to increase, through adapted infrastructure and means, the protection of these populations, often marked by extreme poverty and extreme weakness and are traumatized by the violence of conflict. We owe special protection to women and chilren, who are the first targets of various acts of abuse, violence and exploitation in camps and sites for refugees and displaced persons. Zero tolerance must begin with its application at the level of the United Nations, but zero tolerance applies at the national level as well.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  26. A number of them have already been implemented; others are still being considered in other forums. These exchanges, this momentum, are positive and are encouraging with regard to the future of peacekeeping operations. The zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse must apply at all levels. First, at the level of the United Nations, it must apply on the ground. In peacekeeping operations, several operational measures will make it possible to change the daily lives of the local population: the repatriation of units suspected of sexual abuse, the appointment of focal points within peacekeeping operations to prevent sexual abuse, and efforts to improve support for victims. All these steps will contribute to changing the culture and reality of peacekeeping operations. However, zero tolerance does not concern only the Blue Helmets.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  27. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and for his efforts and measures to combat sexual abuse within the United Nations. France welcomes his determination and exemplary mobilization to take all the necessary measures to prevent and fight sexual exploitation and abuse in the United Nations. Sexual abuse committed by Blue Helmets, both military and police, but also by United Nations civilian personnel and international forces that do not operate in the United Nations command, is unacceptable. That is why France supports the Security Council draft resolution on sexual abuse under consideration. It is also why France supports the efforts of the Secretary- General aimed at further strengthening the zero- tolerance policy through concrete proposals.

    2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source

  28. Finally, I take this opportunity to reiterate our support for the European Union Rule of Law Mission, which provides daily support for the rule of law and security in Kosovo. I should like to conclude by recalling once again, as our colleague from the United Kingdom has just done, our wish that the Council finally review its timetable for consideration of this issue given the continued progress on the ground, particularly concerning the consolidation of Kosovar institutions and the bilateral dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  29. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) also has an important role to play in this area. I would be grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General if he could tell us about the measures planned for the implementation of recommendations in this area by the UNMIK International Human Rights Working Group, in particular regarding the prosecution of those responsible for violations and compensation for victims. Consolidating the rule oflaw also means combating radicalization in all of its forms. France welcomes the unconditional commitment of Kosovo in this area both at the local level and in the context of the international coalition against Da'esh.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  30. This is a clear reflection of the determination of Kosovo to implement its commitments in the area of the rule of law. It is now important that all components of these Specialist Chambers begin operating according to the planned timetable and that the Kosovar authorities cooperate fully, so that prosecution of those responsible for the crimes denounced in the Marty report can begin. Continued work on the question of disappeared persons is also of great importance. The signing of a cooperation agreement on the exchange of information between Kosovo and Montenegro is a step in the right direction. Relaunching the dynamic of the Serb- Kosovar joint Working Group on this topic, however, is urgent. We hope that this work will benefit from the recent appointment by Pristina of the head of its delegation, which we welcome.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  31. We regret the behaviour of some members of the opposition on this occasion. Despite tensions, Kosovo authorities should seek to maintain dialogue and continue to listen to the people. Internal reforms are essential if citizens' prospects for the future are to be restored. The implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement should lead in this direction by creating favourable conditions for necessary changes. Continuing wholehearted efforts to consolidate the rule of law in Kosovo must more than ever remain a priority. This pertains first and foremost to the combat against impunity. The ratification last week by Kosovo of the headquarters agreement signed with the Government of the Netherlands to set up the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague is a bold step forward that we welcome.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  32. France calls on those responsible for these unacceptable acts to play the game of democracy and press their claims within the framework of existing institutions and in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution. Violence and hate rhetoric have no place in the society to which the overwhelming majority of Kosovo citizens aspires. They jeopardize the progress achieved by Kosovo patiently for over 10 years on the path of building an independent, modern and democratic State. We salute the professionalism and restraint by the Kosovo Security Forces and the mediation efforts carried out by the authorities in Pristina. We assure them once again of our full support. The election of the new President was an important and necessary step in the proper functioning of institutions.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  33. We expect, however, that all commitments undertaken in the framework of agreements concluded under the auspices of the European Union to be implemented without delay, including on the creation of the association of Serb-majority municipalities, which recently received a favourable opinion from the Constitutional Court of Pristina. This is a key element of the dialogue. The normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina remains generally a prerequisite for their respective progress on the path of European integration. The political situation in Kosovo is worrying. The current disruptions of the functioning of the Assembly are absolutely unacceptable, as are violence and other acts of intimidation against politicians.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  34. The recently holding of a new meeting of Serbian and Kosovar Prime Ministers in the presence of the High Representative of the European Union is a further demonstration of the commitment of Belgrade and Pristina for the process of bilateral rapprochement. Further progress has been made on this front in recent months. Integration of nearly 400 Serbian civil protection agents in various Kosovo institutions is a significant and symbolic step forward likely to strengthen the integration of the various communities in the country. Progress under way with respect to harmonizing diplomas, freedom of movement, air and rail integration will also have concrete positive impact on the everyday lives of Kosovar and Serbian citizens. We welcome this.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  35. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): I too thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the comprehensive briefing on the situation he gave us from Pristina. I also thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacie, and the Ambassador of Kosovo, Ms. Vlora Citaku, for their statements to the Security Council. I would like to address three points: our support for the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, conducted under the auspices of the European Union; our firm condemnation of the violent methods of some opposition parliamentarians; and our ongoing commitment to the strengthening of the rule of law in Kosovo. France welcomes the continuation of the political dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo under the auspices of the European Union.

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

  36. We hope that today's debate and discussions on the General Assembly draft resolution will contribute to this objective shared by all.

    2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source

  37. Finally, with regard to financing, we welcome the activities ofthe Peacebuilding Fund. It is also is essential to maintain the voluntary nature of contributions to continue to ensure genuine transparency and monitoring of the commitments of the Fund. However, it must also be acknowledged that the efficacy of peacebuilding is not merely a financial issue. From that perspective, it is important to emphasize efforts to coordinate on the ground the work of the United Nations in the area of peacebuilding, as well as with international financial institutions. In that regard, the role of the Resident Coordinator must be supported and strengthened. France is particularly committed to strengthening United Nations efforts in the area of peacebuilding.

    2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source

  38. Similarly, regular visits to the Great Lakes region organized by the Swiss chairmanship of the Burundi configuration are particularly useful and welcome, to the extent that they operate in the framework of excellent complementarity with initiatives taken by the Council to find a solution to the crisis in Burundi. It is equally important to ensure that the Peacebuilding Commission organizes its work in the most effective way possible to ensure flexibility in reviewing records and also to focus in its meetings on operational and concrete issues. From that point of view, I would like to congratulate the Swedish Ambassador for his work in that area during Sweden's chairmanship of the Commission. I also congratulate the Ambassador of Kenya on his election as head of the PBC and wish him every success in his chairmanship.

    2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source

  39. In addition, in some cases the Peacebuilding Commission plays a much appreciated advisory role vis-a-vis the Security Council, including through field visits by its members. The work of the Commission must be guided in that direction so that it can effectively support the Council's work. For example, we appreciate the role played by Morocco as Chair of the Central African Republic country-specific configuration and its efforts to support the financing of elections and the Special Criminal Court. Such projects are concrete and assist in the stabilization of the Central African Republic, as decided by the Security Council in coordination with transitional authorities, but their implementation requires monitoring and support that only the Central African Republic country configuration can effectively provide.

    2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source

  40. For France, that improvement needs to be structured around the following points. First of all, we must ensure that the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) fully complements and supports Security Council efforts. That is key to ensuring a fully coherent message from the United Nations on the different situations of which we are seized. For example, the Peacebuilding Commission could play an important role in maintaining political mobilization on specific situations, and thus could assist in the implementation of actions undertaken. In that regard, the Peacebuilding Commission can help mobilize the partners involved in implementing Council resolutions, such as donors, the United Nations system and the international organizations.

    2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source

  41. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): I should also like to begin by thanking Ambassadors Kamau, Skoog and Rosenthal for their respective valuable contributions to this debate. Peacebuilding is an essential subject, and we all agree on highlighting its importance. We are also in full agreement that the United Nations needs to do more in this area. In that regard, today's open debate is a very relevant and timely topic. The report (see S/2015/490) of the Advisory Group of Experts on the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture, issued in June 2015, includes a number of interesting proposals. The draft resolution on the peacebuilding architecture that is currently being debated in the General Assembly is also an opportunity to improve United Nations action in this area.

    2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source

  42. The action of the Sanctions Committee and the Monitoring Group is a game changer, and France guarantee its full support as they continue their work.

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

  43. We note the fact that the Monitoring Group found no evidence that Eritrea is participating in the financing or support of armed groups in the Horn of Africa. Nevertheless, we believe that conditions have not yet been met for the lifting of sanctions, as requested by the authorities of Asmara. We await frank and sincere cooperation on their part with the sanctions committees, particularly on the matter of Djibouti prisoners. This is the first stage of a gradual evolution of the sanctions regime. We do not understand what the Government in Asmara has to hide or what is stopping it from fully cooperating with the Monitoring Group. The international community, the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union have invested much for peace and stability in Somalia.

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

  44. Al-Shabaab and certain other individuals continue to finance their own activities through various types of trafficking, helping to destroy the country a little more every day and diverting financial resources to their own profit. These flows and this traffic must be identified and halted. Arms trafficking is, of course, a major factor of destabilization. We cannot overemphasize the importance of the arms embargo and of the need to ensure its scrupulous implementation, as well as the important role of the Somali Government in following up the flow of weapons. On all of these points - and this is hardly a comprehensive list - France welcomes the high- quality work undertaken by the Monitoring Group and encourages it to continue along this path. I wish to say a final word on Eritrea.

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

  45. It is worrisome to read that, in certain places, Al-Shabaab is enjoying the support of local populations in launching its attacks. Our shared goal is to continue relentlessly the fight against that terrorist group, but military action is not enough. As it is the world over, hearts must be won to rally people on behalf of stabilization and reconstruction projects for Somalia, rather than the morbid objectives sought by Al-Shabaab. Thirdly, I wish to make a few comments on sanctions, because the sanctions regime is a decisive tool in supporting the political process and the fight against Al-Shabaab. The work of the Monitoring Group is decisive in that respect. Threats to the fragile process in Somalia are genuine. There are many who are interested in perpetuating war. They need to be identified and punished.

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

  46. The recent fighting that bloodied the city of Galkayo demonstrates the fragile nature of progress in the protection of civilians and national reconciliation. We must remain vigilant and continue to work with the Somali authorities for the implementation of these agreements and the ongoing commitment of all in stabilizing Somalia. On the military front, we welcome the courage and commitment of the soldiers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali security forces leading the fight against Al- Shabaab. Al-Shabaab is on the decline, economic activity is increasing, and these are encouraging signs. However, that terrorist group is far from being vanquished. We pay tribute to AMISOM. soldiers and Somali citizens who lost their lives in the latest attacks.

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

  47. Mr. Lamek (France) (spoke in French): France, like others, pays tribute to former Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who was a great leader both of the United Nations and la francophonie. His passing fills us with sorrow, and we extend our condolences to his bereaved friends and family. I thank the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea. I wish to make three points. On the political front, we welcome progress made with the adoption of the Mogadishu Declaration of 16 December, as well as the agreement on the electoral model for 2016. As underscored by the Group of Experts, these agreements are tenuous. The electoral reform has not been concluded. In many provinces, local and political rivalries impede discussions on the federal model.

    2016-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7626 (2016) · source

  48. Sanctions are primarily a political tool at the disposal of the Council to assist it in upholding its responsibility to safeguard international stability and security, which means that we must be all the more demanding with respect to the effectiveness and smooth functioning of the regimes that we establish.

    2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source

  49. As for the rest of the Council's activities, the election of new members earlier in the year will allow for better upstream preparation. As penholder on numerous sanctions regimes in Africa, we have always been and remain available to the chairs of the committees as they take up their functions along with the Secretariat, which plays an essential role. We read with interest about the work of the Like-minded Group and that of the High-level Review of UnitedNations Sanctions. Many of the recommendations seem useful to us, namely, that of continuing to ensure fairness, to which we are committed nationally as well as in our capacity as a member of the European Union.

    2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source

  50. We believe, for example, that the panels of experts mandated for the various sanctions regimes produce very valuable reports, the publication of which should not be called into question. We are also in favour of convening meetings with countries subject to sanctions regimes and the countries of the region, in particular neighbouring countries, because we hope that such meetings will allow for a better implementation of sanctions. The field Visits of chairs of sanctions committees, where possible, are also useful in promoting better understanding of sanctions regimes by the countries concerned. We know that chairing subsidiary organs is an important responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the non-permanent members of the Security Council.

    2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source