YouSaid · the spoken record

Lavrov

lines on the record: 2,533
first: 1994-09-23
most recent: 2023-09-20
sittings or episodes: 322
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

“If our absolute priority and sincere wish is to immediately put an end to the violence and provide humanitarian assistance to the civilian population, then at this stage we should not be talking about who started the conflict, but rather discuss realistic and feasible approaches that would allow us to achieve a ceasefire as a priority. From the outset our approach has been clear and consistent, aimed at finding an early solution to the Syrian crisis without violence, through Syrian-led inclusive political dialogue and the implementation of long-due reforms.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Making hasty demands for regime change, imposing unilateral sanctions designed to trigger economic difficulties and social tensions in the country, inducing the opposition to continue its confrontation with authorities instead of promoting dialogue, and calling for support of armed confrontation and even for foreign military intervention are all risky recipes for geopolitical engineering that can only result in the spread of conflict. There is no doubt whatsoever that the Syrian authorities bear a huge share of responsibility for the current situation. But one should not ignore the fact that for a long time now they have been fighting not unarmed men, but combat units, including the so-called Free Syrian Army and extremist groups, including Al-Qaida, which have recently committed a series of murderous terrorist acts.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“We believe that the Secretary-General should bring clarity to the matter by invoking the 2008 Joint Declaration on United Nations/NATO Secretariat Cooperation. Thirdly, interference from the outside using brute military force increases the threat of the illicit spread of arms, thus jeopardizing the stability of the region. We will need to take serious decisions regarding the situation in Syria. It remains a cause for grave concern to Russia and the entire international community.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“First of all, whatever goals might be set in any given situation, they cannot be achieved by misleading the international community or manipulating Security Council decisions. Otherwise, the credibility of the Council is diminished and trust among its members eroded, which undermines the ability of the Council to take decisions in the future. Secondly, those organizations or countries that take it upon themselves to implement Security Council mandates must give a full account of their actions to the Council. That also applies to NATO, which, as all members know, offered to secure a no-fly zone in Libya, but in reality engaged in massive bombings. It is sad that there has as yet been no investigation following up information about civilian casualties caused by those bombings.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“The priority is to ensure that the changes are peaceful and democratic and that fundamental freedoms, human rights and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, including, of course, the rights of Christians, are respected. We follow with empathy the process of democratic State-building in Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco; the efforts of the Government of Yemen to stabilize the situation in combating terrorism; and the efforts of the transitional Government of Libya to restore normal life to the country, prepare for elections and disarm insurgent groups. We are providing valued humanitarian assistance and stand ready to help in economic recovery. For all members of the Council, the international dimension of the continued Arab Spring is of primary interest. We believe that we can already draw some conclusions.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The transformation processes that have agitated the Middle East and North Africa reflect the understandable aspirations of the peoples of those countries, which deserve our support, for a better life, increased opportunities for self-expression, participation in political life and greater economic and social benefits. Those processes are still far from over, and it is difficult to make clear predictions about their prospects, since sometimes they are accompanied by painful civilizational, ethnic, religious, economic and political rifts that create problems in terms of regional security. The goal for the international community is to help ensure that those transformations do more good than harm to the Arab world.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Russian peacekeepers participate in the operations in the Middle East, various regions of Africa, Kosovo, East Timor and Haiti. Our helicopter units have been deployed as part of the United Nations missions in Sudan, Chad and the Central African Republic. Russia provides tangible material, technical and transport support to United Nations peacekeeping operations and conducts training of civil police officers from various regions of the world, including from African countries. This policy is supported by our annual contribution to the Peacekeeping Fund in the amount $2 million. Russia will continue to increase its practical contribution to the peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities of the United Nations.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“This would ensure a systemic and professional military expert assessment of peacekeeping activities. In the light of the upcoming drawdown of operations in Chad and East Timor and the downsizing of operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, it is especially important to develop effective exit strategies. Such strategies should help to optimize costs and to focus efforts and existing resources on creating conditions favourable to strengthening political settlements, preventing the recurrence of conflicts and ensuring effective post- conflict peacebuilding. Additional attention should be given to the question of how peacekeeping and peacebuilding mandates can be rationally combined and how and when to engage the Peacebuilding Commission, the United Nations specialized agencies and regional organizations.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“Such dialogue helps us to develop more realistic mandates, adequately assess existing resources and ensure appropriate control. In that respect, we consider the practice of inviting to Council meetings the commanders of military contingents of peacekeeping operations, which we introduced last month during the Russian presidency in the Security Council, to be of particular use. The Russian proposal to further intensify the activities of the Military Staff Committee remains relevant and has enjoyed a positive response from a growing number of States. It provides for the further development of practical cooperation between the Military Staff Committee and the Security Council, the Secretariat and all interested Member States, in full compliance with the United Nations Charter and its Article 47.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“Fourthly, modern conflicts require complex strategies and comprehensive solutions based on the unity of objectives; the predictability of material, technical and financial support; the effective combination of military and civil stabilization efforts; and close coordination, taking into account regional contexts and the optimal involvement of the potential of regional organizations pursuant to Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter. It is important to avoid duplication of efforts and, even worse, rivalry. Based on this understanding, we promote cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We welcome and fully support regular dialogue between the Security Council and countries contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“It is well known that the prevention of conflict situations is considerably less expensive than solving them subsequently. To this end, active support should be extended to the United Nations Regional Centres for Preventive Diplomacy, relevant regional organizations and associations that provide assistance in the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prevention of transborder threats to security. Thirdly, the success of our peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa, Haiti, East Timor and elsewhere hinges on our ability to take the interests and priorities of the host party into account. No assistance of the international community should be imposed.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“It is important that the Council further improve existing mechanisms to ensure its more effective and prompt response. The experience of settling a number of crisis situations points to a number of basic conclusions. The first and the most important conclusion is that modern conflicts cannot be resolved by force. They should be resolved first and foremost at the political and diplomatic levels through the involvement of all parties in dialogue and negotiations, with none being isolated. We all witnessed in August 2008 the result of unilateral disruption of agreed peacekeeping formats and reliance on force. Secondly, we should spare no effort, material or intellectual, for the early prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of United Nations potential in the area of preventive diplomacy and mediation.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Let me thank the delegation of Turkey and President Giil personally for convening today's meeting of the Security Council. In recent years, the United Nations and many regional and subregional associations have done tremendous work in the prevention and settlement of crisis situations and post-conflict rehabilitation. Having confronted global and transborder challenges and threats to international stability, such as the proliferation of mass destruction, terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime, we are now working on new, more effective mechanisms to ensure international and regional stability. In accordance with the United Nations Charter, the Security Council is taking the lead in these efforts.”
2010-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6389 (2010) · source
“"The Security Council supports the proposal of the Russian Federation to convene, in consultation with the Quartet and the parties, an international conference on the Middle East peace process in Moscow in 2009." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2009/ 14. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 12.55 pm.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“"The Security Council further calls upon the parties to fulfil their obligations under the Performance-Based Road Map, refraining from any steps that could undermine confidence or prejudice the outcome of negotiations on all core issues. "The Security Council calls on all States and international organizations to support the Palestinian Government that is committed to the Quartet principles and the Arab Peace Initiative and respects the commitments of the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Council encourages tangible steps towards intra- Palestinian reconciliation, including in support of Egypt's efforts, on this basis. It calls for assistance to help develop the Palestinian economy, to maximize the resources available to the Palestinian Authority and to build Palestinian institutions.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“"The Security Council encourages the Quartet's ongoing work to support the parties in their efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. "The Security Council reiterates its commitment to the irreversibility of the bilateral negotiations built upon previous agreements and 24 obligations. The Council reiterates its call for renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the vision of a region where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“After consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council stressed the urgency of reaching comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Vigorous diplomatic action is needed to attain the goal set by the international community - lasting peace in the region, based on an enduring commitment to mutual recognition, freedom from violence, incitement and terror, and the two-State solution, building upon previous agreements and obligations. "In this context, the Security Council recalls all its previous resolutions on the Middle East, in particular resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003), 1850 (2008), 1860 (2009), and the Madrid principles, and the Council notes the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Le Luong Minh, Permanent Representative and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“I now give the floor to Her Excellency Susan Rice, Permanent Representative of the United States of America and member of President Obama's Cabinet.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“I now give the floor to His Excellency The Right Honourable Mr. David Miliband, M.P., Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“I now resume my function as President of this Council. I welcome His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to this meeting, and I give him the floor.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“Work towards this goal should not be hampered by emotions. The next step in our common efforts will be the Moscow conference on the Middle East. There is broad 09-33303 international consensus in favour of that forum, as enshrined in Security Council resolutions and the decisions of the Middle East Quartet. During the course of the preparation of practical aspects of the Moscow conference, we are of course taking into account the views of the main stakeholders - the Palestinian, Israeli, Syrian and Lebanese people. With their support, for which we are grateful, the date and substantive part of the Moscow forum have been agreed. The conference stands to make a substantial contribution to the overall settlement of the Palestinian question and to bringing peace, security and stability to all peoples and Governments of the Middle East.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“The restoration of Palestinian unity on the basis of the platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization and adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative are the only keys to meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and to progress in the Middle East peace process on the basis of the proposals arrived at by the Quartet in the context of the United Nations. In accordance with the aforementioned considerations, we have prepared a draft presidential statement, which we propose to adopt as an outcome document of today's meeting. I would like to thank all our colleagues, who have made substantial contributions to the agreed text. We, along with the entire international community, have the responsibility of ensuring the viability of the peace process, promoting its rapid resumption and ensuring that it is acceptable to all.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“It is essential to achieve clear compliance by the Palestinians and Israelis with their commitment to fighting terrorism and violence and to avoiding any unilateral action to prejudice a final status settlement, including the cessation of settlement activities and ensuring freedom of movement for the Palestinian population in the West Bank. A great deal will depend on the success of the inter-Palestinian dialogue. The relevant efforts by Egypt should, in our View, continue to enjoy the full support of the international community.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“Together with resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), other relevant Security Council resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference and the Road Map, the Arab Peace Initiative has become an integral part of the basis for building a new Middle East - a Middle East in which there will be no place for occupation or terrorism, but in which mutually beneficial and respectful cooperation between sovereign States and equal peoples will prevail. It is clear that the path towards this objective will be a difficult one. The focus of our attention should be the situation in the region.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“It is of primary importance that the political process not be relaunched from the baseline, but that it should benefit from the available decisions of the international community and the agreements and understandings already achieved between the sides. That is why one of the most pressing tasks is to reaffirm the international legal basis for the settlement of the Palestinian question, first and foremost on the 2 basis of the two-State principle, which will lead to an independent, viable Palestinian Government, living side by side in peace with Israel. Of special importance, we believe, is the support expressed for the Arab Peace Initiative at the recent League of Arab States summit held in Doha.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“In December 2008, the Council held a ministerial meeting at which it adopted resolution 1850 (2008), in which we unanimously expressed our understanding that progress towards the establishment of peace and stability should continue and that it should be comprehensive, cover all negotiating tracks, and be based on commonly accepted decisions and principles anchored in international law. However, an alarming negotiating vacuum has arisen as a result of well-known causes, including the eruption of violence, the Gaza crisis at the beginning of the year and the elections and the extended time it took to form a new Government in Israel. I believe that, in the current circumstances, the most important thing is the rapid resumption of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. I should now like to make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation. First and foremost, I should like to express my gratitude to all my colleagues who have accepted our invitation to attend today's meeting. My special gratitude goes to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and other representatives who have come from their capitals, as well as, of course, to the Secretary-General for his personal participation in today's meeting. The Security Council last met in today's format not long ago.”
2009-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6123 (2009) · source
“This is referred to specifically in resolution 1838 (2008), which states that peace and stability, the strengthening of State institutions, economic and social development, respect for human rights and the rule of law are all essential to establishing the conditions to completely eliminate piracy and armed robbery in the coastal waters off the coast of Somalia. It is also clear that a long-term solution is possible only if there is a 3 comprehensive political settlement in Somalia, with assistance from the African Union, the United Nations and the international community as a whole. We expect that the resolution we have just adopted will help, in practical terms, to that end.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“The new resolution we adopted today is an important decision, reached at the request of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, whose representative is here with us today. But we should not forget that piracy and armed robbery at sea is just the tip of the iceberg of the problems facing Somalia today. The problem is hardly likely to be resolved by force alone. We have to work actively to achieve social, economic and political stabilization in Somalia, so as to undermine the material base of the pirates.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“Much work is being undertaken by the International Maritime Organization, whose expert and intellectual potential will be increasingly in demand. We support the proposals to establish some machinery to coordinate the actions of the international community to end the threat of piracy, as reflected in the resolution that we have just adopted. Unfortunately, in most cases so far the pirates have gone unpunished. To a significant extent, this is the result of the inadequate development of legal and practical procedures for holding the pirates to account. We call for a more active use of international legal instruments to ensure the security of shipping and for further improvement to legal regulations in this area, taking into account, of course, the specifics of each situation.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“In October 2008, the Russian Navy became involved in international efforts to 08-65219 combat piracy off the coast of Somalia under resolution 1816 (2008), acting together with the military vessels of other States. Over 30 Russian and foreign ships have been escorted safely through the most dangerous part of the area and several pirate attacks thwarted. Our escort ship Nyeustrashimy will soon be leaving the region, but our presence will be ensured by other Russian naval ships, which will, of course, continue working with partners to combat piracy. We welcome the fact that, in response to the appeal of the Council to unite efforts to combat piracy, a large number of States and organizations have responded. We would highlight the active position of countries in the region and the European Union.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“The problem has recently been the focus of attention in the Council, which has already done a fair amount in that direction. In addition to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international legal instruments, there are resolutions that provide a legislative basis for action to ensure the security of shipping in the region and send a strong signal to Members of the United Nations regarding the need to become actively involved in solving that very complex problem. It is important that the new Council resolution be based on current international law and not be designed to change it. For Russia, as a maritime Power, safe shipping is of priority importance. Our citizens have already suffered from piracy.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): In this twenty-first century, the international community finds itself obliged to take up new challenges and to deal with old ones, such as piracy. Judging by all accounts, the pirates of the twenty-first century are well organized and equipped. Their actions are increasingly bold and their demands outrageous. There are almost daily reports of new ships being seized. Piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia is a serious threat to the life of seafarers and ship passengers and detrimental to the security of shipping. It makes it difficult to provide international humanitarian aid to Somalia and leads to serious economic losses for many States. All that demands that we, members of the international community, act resolutely.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“Along with our partners, we will take every step necessary to ensure that the international meeting on the Middle East that has been scheduled for 2009 in Moscow marks as an important step forward. We shall also work to ensure that it serves to accelerate the process to reach an agreement, which is the goal of the draft resolution before the Security Council today.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6045 (2008) · source
“Members of the Quartet, meeting at Sharm el-Sheikh with President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, became convinced that the negotiators have shown those qualities. We expect that those who will continue the negotiations in the future will also demonstrate those important qualities. Of course, progress is impossible without the active support on the part of the international community. Today's meeting demonstrates that such support will in fact continue to be extended to the parties as they aspire to peace. Russia will make its contribution to the collective efforts to ensure peaceful and sustainable development in the region. Only by working together and by respecting the internationally recognized legal basis can we achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peaceful resolution.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6045 (2008) · source
“In that regard we have in mind, of course, primarily the security situation, not allowing any terrorist acts, ending settlement activity and lifting the blockade and restrictions on movement. The draft resolution also underscores the crucial need to allow the Arab Peace Initiative to work effectively. It is especially important in the present circumstances to restore the territorial and political unity of Palestinian national administration as quickly as possible. That is essential for strengthening the Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and for ensuring the viability of future final arrangements in the framework of that dialogue. The Israeli and Palestinian parties face a very complex problem. It requires political will and certainly courage.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6045 (2008) · source
“We have a serious task before us today, namely, to strengthen the continuity and irreversibility of the political process through a resolution of the Security Council and give that approach the strength of international law. The adoption of the draft resolution before us will, of course, not guarantee that the situation will evolve only in the right direction. Much will depend on whether it is possible for Israelis and Palestinians themselves to develop and foster the necessary preconditions to move ahead successfully. Of particular importance are the draft resolution's provisions calling for the full implementation by both parties of their obligations under the Road Map.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6045 (2008) · source
“Mr. Lavrov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Today we are adding an intermediate element to an important stage in the very detailed work that has been done in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations since last year's meeting at Annapolis. The process has not been easy, and many factors have significantly complicated it. But the fact that the parties have begun in earnest to address the major issues for them is in fact 08-65213 a real step forward. We must secure and continue that momentum towards peace. It is also essential to ensure continuity and to continue the negotiations while building on what has been achieved. The Quartet of Middle East mediators participating at yesterday's meeting all expressed those same views, as did representatives of the League of Arab States during contact, in New York.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6045 (2008) · source
“We actively participate in international assistance to Africa, including our support to enhance African peacekeeping capabilities. Russian personnel are involved in practically all United Nations peacekeeping operations on the continent, and we are sending specialists in other areas as well. We will continue to provide multilateral support to help Africa resolve its problems, as we have close and friendly partnerships with African countries.”
2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source
“I agree with those who have spoken today who believe that another important step was made in the peacekeeping efforts on the African continent. The Security Council has decided to establish a multidimensional joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping operation in Darfur. We believe it will contribute to restoration of peace and order in the long-suffering province of the Sudan and normalize the situation around the Sudan. The next step in this line is to deploy operations in Chad and the Central African Republic. We welcome the initiative of the European Union in this regard. As a permanent member of the Security Council and as a member of the G-8, Russia is contributing to the resolution of African conflicts, based on political and diplomatic means.”
2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source
“Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of illicit armed groups, strengthening of State governance, security sector reform, development of democracy and the fight against poverty, corruption and the illicit use of natural resources are the core elements of the peace process. The resolution of these issues is the focus of the decisions taken by the African Union and the United Nations, which should be consistently implemented. We support a more active and responsible role of African States in advancing these goals. It is important that the countries that have emerged from conflict do not slide back into crisis. Meaningful assistance to such countries in this respect must be provided by the Peacebuilding Commission, which should complete its institutionalization as soon as possible and focus on fulfilling its mandate.”
2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source
“I wish to join in thanking you, Sir, for the initiative to holding today's meeting of the Security Council on Africa. Conflicts on the African continent bring untold suffering to the population, hinder the transition of African States to sustainable social and economic development and pose a serious threat to regional and international security. Russia supports the joint work of the United Nations and the African Union aimed at preventing and settling conflicts on the African continent. Special focus should be given to addressing chronic political and socio-economic problems that are further aggravated by new threats and challenges. We support a more active and responsible methodology for conflict resolution and advancing the goals of national reconciliation based on agreements between the conflicting parties.”
2007-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5749 (2007) · source
“The conference is essential as a starting point for the process of negotiating a Middle East settlement on all interrelated tracks. We must not forget that it was the Security Council that originally adopted the resolutions that form the basis of the process aimed at a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East. Our first obligation is to help begin the practical work to achieve that objective.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“From our contacts with the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic, we have the impression that Damascus is interested in establishing a lasting peace in the region. Finally, I should like to emphasize once again that we have a favourable view of the League of Arab States initiative to begin preparations for the convening of an international conference on the Middle East. Russia has always supported that idea, as President Putin noted during his visit to the region in 2005. We understand that it will not be easy to implement this initiative, but we must make progress as soon as possible in our collective efforts to resolve of one of the most complex problems of our day. The conference must be carefully prepared for; it must not be reduced to just a one-day event consisting only of speech- making.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“We consider Israel's lifting of the air and sea blockade of Lebanon to be an important step. In addition, we welcome the deployment of units of the regular Lebanese army to southern Lebanon and the continued deployment of a strengthened United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. It is essential that the withdrawal of the Israeli army be completed in the coming days, as scheduled. We are all concerned by the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Russia will provide Lebanon with assistance in the form of engineering and sapper units of the Russian army to restore the infrastructure. Preparations are well under way for their deployment, which will occur at the end of the month. The Syrian track, long dormant, must also be brought back to life.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“At the same time, it is important that the Palestinians clearly understand the link between their steps to accommodate Israel and progress towards a settlement. We hope that the international community will support the head of the Palestinian Authority as the leader of the Palestinians, including by providing economic assistance to the Palestinians and releasing sources of financing. Given the extremely complex humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, that is very important. With regard to the Lebanese track, things are generally headed in the right direction, although the situation remains fragile. The implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) continues and must be completed. That clearly means that, among other things, all Lebanese political forces must be involved, including Hizbollah.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“We believe that a leading role must be played by the Quartet of international mediators. At yesterday's ministerial meeting of the Quartet, we took a decision to reinvigorate the work of the Quartet's special envoys and ministers with Israel, the Palestinians and leading Arab countries. We also welcome Kofi Annan's initiative to return James Wolfensohn to his Middle East team. We believe that Mr. Wolfensohn's considerable experience will help in resolving the Palestinians' social and economic problems. We are convinced of the need to continue to provide robust support to the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas - whose presence in this Chamber we welcome - in his efforts to establish a government of national unity on a platform reflecting movement towards the Quartet principles.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source
“The release of Palestinian prisoners and of the kidnapped Israeli soldier would create the conditions necessary to help resolve the humanitarian crisis. Despite the complexities of the situation, we do not consider it hopeless. We continue to believe that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict holds the key to the fate of the region. It is obvious that as long is the conflict remains unresolved, the region will serve as a breeding ground for extremism, producing an ever growing number of hot spots, and not only in the Middle East. Opportunities exist for finding political solutions to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We need to take advantage of those opportunities, in particular because the basic programme of action is well known: the road map endorsed by both parties to the conflict.”
2006-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5530 (2006) · source