YouSaid · the spoken record

Lucas

lines on the record: 1,853
first: 1997-08-28
most recent: 2016-12-19
sittings or episodes: 261
sources: un-security-council

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“In that regard, we hope that Cairo and Moscow initiatives to mediate talks between the opposing parties will continue, and that we, along with Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, will carry on applying the necessary pressure on all parties involved to lay down their arms and conduct meaningful discussions about the future of Syria.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“The opposition representatives rejected the plan unless it was linked to a comprehensive solution based on the June 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex). We firmly believe that the political track must involve both the Government and the opposition, keeping in mind that ending the suffering of the Syrian population is paramount. At these meetings, we must do more than repeat ourselves about the necessity of finding a political solution to this conflict. It is time to act decisively and coherently to show the Syrian people that the international community, and the Security Council in particular, have their best interests at heart. As Ms. Amos remarked, it is absolutely necessary for the Council to take bold measures to advance the cause of peace in Syria.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“The plight of the Syrian people is tragic indeed, and the international community could and should do much more by intensifying its efforts to attain real unity of purpose in brokering a political situation to the Syrian conflict. The international community has an inalienable responsibility to prevent the conflict from dragging on indefinitely, find specific ways to bring an end to the violence and human rights abuses, and to launch a Syrian-led political process leading to a transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and enables them to determine their own future independently and democratically. It is regrettable that the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to negotiate a cessation of hostilities in Aleppo have so far been unsuccessful.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“Many Syrians were involved in Sunday's tragedy off the coast of Libya, adding an even more tragic dimension to the plight of Syrians who were forced to undertake an adventure by travelling thousands of kilometres in search of peace and freedom from war and want, only to meet death in equally horrific circumstances. The violence in Syria is growing worse; 440,000 people remain in besieged areas. We witnessed the tragedy of the Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk, where water is being denied to the inhabitants, as are electricity and other basic necessities and services. The warring parties have a complete disregard for the lives of men, women and children and the basic tenets of international humanitarian law.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“Those terrorist organizations are well funded and have very sophisticated networks for recruiting vulnerable men and women. Unfortunately, Syria has become a primary battleground for terrorists of many kinds, whose barbaric and criminal methods of war and terror add a terrible dimension to the conflict and have the potential to impede any political and just settlement. At the present stage of the Syrian conflict, among the 7.6 million people who have been forced to flee their homes, including the 3.9 million who have fled to neighbouring countries in North Africa, are extremely vulnerable individuals. Eventually, many of them may be susceptible to recruitment by the terrorist networks. Thousands of these refugees are attempting to reach Europe, where they seek asylum to start a new life, an endeavour not always easy to accomplish.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“We commend the efforts and solidarity of Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt for receiving so many Syrian refugees and for their support to those communities. However, the spillover affect of the Syrian conflict is a critical issue that must be urgently addressed, as it has the potential to destabilize those countries and the entire region. The presidential statement (S/PRST/2015/ 10) adopted today is clear on that critical issue and on the need to support those countries' efforts in favour of the Syrian refugees. As mentioned yesterday during the very important and timely debate on new and violent extremism (see S/PV.7432), armed conflicts and poverty have devastating effects on the psychological well-being of young people and are breeding grounds for violent extremist groups to spread their ideas of hatred and intolerance.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“In fact, the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2015/264) portrays a situation of tragedy that raises serious doubts whether Syria will be able in future to stand again as the relevant Arab and Middle Eastern country we once knew. As reported this morning by the briefers, the dire situation in Syria is heartbreaking. Millions require humanitarian assistance. There are internally displaced persons in Syria and refugees in neighbouring countries and all over the world. Many countries continue to contribute generously to the humanitarian effort in Syria. The fact is that the Syrian crisis is the largest humanitarian emergency in the world. Providing emergency humanitarian assistance to 12 million people is an unsustainable effort.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“We thank Jordan for convening this meeting. We are grateful to Ms. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Mr. Antonio Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Ms. Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme; and Ms. Angelina Jolie Pitt, Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and thank them for their briefings. We were deeply touched by their remarks regarding the tragic plight of the Syrian people. The Government of Angola remains deeply concerned by the lack of progress in reaching a settlement to the conflict in Syria. We are especially worried about the widespread conflict and the high level of violence throughout the Syrian Arab Republic.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“It is in this sense as well that Luxembourg has been working, together with Bulgaria and Panama and the Group of Friends for Children and the Sustainable Development Goals, with the support of UNICEF, to ensure that the post- 2015 development agenda fully takes into account the specific needs and potential of children and young people in general.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“On the contrary, we must acknowledge them as agents of change and as actors in building peace and development. We must give young people the opportunity to show their potential by promoting their full participation in the life of society. It is in this spirit that Luxembourg is committed, at the level of the Peacebuilding Commission, to supporting the Guinean authorities in their policy aimed at promoting employment and the socioeconomic reintegration Organizationf young people and at building an inclusive society. Our development cooperation policy has a special focus on education and vocational training for young people.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“To counter the rise of violent extremism and prevent the exploitation of young people, it is essential, in our View, to invest in the development and well- being of youth themselves. For although we must avoid oversimplifying reality, the lack of prospects and economic opportunities, including the lack of access to employment that young people are faced with, undeniably contribute to creating a breeding ground for the radicalization of young people. The link between violent extremism and economic and social problems goes back to the broader link that exists between security, development and the respect for the rule of law and human rights. As the Secretary-General underscored this morning, we must avoid reducing youth to a simple potential security risk.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“A mentoring and awareness-raising network has been established in close collaboration with the educational and penitentiary structures of our country, religious communities and with the full support of the Red Cross Society. The concept paper (S/2015/231, annex) circulated by the Jordanian presidency ahead of this debate properly identifies the main root causes that lead to youth radicalization. Young people seeking a sense ofidentity and of belonging to a social group are particularly vulnerable to the phenomenon. The feeling of exclusion as a precondition for radicalization has been eloquently described this morning by Mr. Neumann and is clear in the number of young people who leave Europe to fight alongside Daesh other extremist terrorist organizations.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“First, as our Prime Minister said at the Security Council meeting (see S/PV.7272) devoted to the fight against foreign terrorist fighters, in September 2014, we must intensify our efforts to prevent radicalization, which could lead young people to terrorism, and to counter violent extremism. In Europe, the European Commission has put in place a radicalization awareness network that works at the local community level. In its capacity as President of the Council of the European Union, which it will exercise in the second half of 2015, Luxembourg will ensure the follow-up to the implementation of the European Union strategy aimed at fighting radicalization and the recruitment of terrorists. At the national level, our relevant agencies are implementing a strategy for the prevention of extremist radicalization.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank Jordan for having taken the initiative of convening this open debate under the presidency of His Majesty Crown King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein. The Secretary-General, Mr. Peter Neumann and Mr. Scott Atran illustrated the importance of this debate by identifying the role of youth in the fight against Violent extremism and promoting peace. We welcome the fact that the Security Council has given this issue the attention it deserves. Luxembourg fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. I will make a few comments in my national capacity.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, more than 20 years have elapsed since the Israelis and Palestinians were near to a comprehensive peace settlement through mutual concessions and political will for both peoples to live together side by side in freedom, peace and security. It is our conviction that, by assuming a leadership role, a united Security Council will be able once again to put Israelis and Palestinians back on the track towards peace and to make the decisive contribution that we believe it can provide to the attainment of peace in Palestine and the entire Middle East. After the collapse of the American mediation effort, we do not foresee another framework for negotiations. It is up to the Security Council to step up decisive efforts and to assume its responsibilities as the main organ in charge of international peace and security.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Moreover, such policies destroy the social and political fabric of Palestine, put the Palestinians in an extremely dire situation and pave the way for extremists who seek the worst and are bent on sabotaging any developments towards peace. Like the Palestinians, Israel must be prepared to make far-reaching compromises and concessions to the Palestinians and to the international community, if a settlement for peace is to be achieved under the auspices of the Security Council. It is fundamental that the Security Council deepen dialogue with Israel, that it gives full assurances to the parties as an honest broker and that its members extend firm international guarantees for Israeli and Palestinian security in a peace settlement.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The maintenance of the status quo, with the Palestinians confined to refugee camps and subject to permanent humiliatation, without prospects for a breakthrough for a political settlement, can be a recipe for a disaster of unthinkable proportions - while the regional and international situations deteriorate dangerously. The Security Council should make Israel understand that the policies of occupation, settlement expansion and collective punishment of the Palestinians are counterproductive and raise formidable obstacles for the launching of a peace process for the establishment of a viable Palestinian State and for mutual understanding, acceptance and reconciliation.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The framework of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security seems possible to achieve if the international community, and in particular the Security Council, assumes its duty and works to make a reality of resolutions, declarations and the array of decisions adopted over the years on the two-State solution. In the event that the Security Council finally decides to push forward the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Palestinians must be prepared for difficult choices, which include reaching real and meaningful unity among them, making painful but unavoidable concessions at the negotiating table, putting and end to the culture of hatred and being politically and psychologically prepared for reconciliation and full recognition of the State of Israel.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Angola, as a non-permanent member, is ready to support any initiative that the Security Council might adopt in order to ensure such leadership, and it would be our greatest achievement if, during our mandate, the Council should take positive steps in that direction. The Palestinian people are the victim ofan historical injustice, subject to being refugees and a people under occupation. We deem the maintenance of such a situation as totally unacceptable. The Islamic world perceives it as collective humiliation, which breeds the current trends of extreme radicalism and terrorism. The Palestinian people deserve nationhood status.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“We believe that the great Powers, being invested with special privileges in the Security Council in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, have the capacity to do so. Those privileges, which in our view should be upheld not for mere national interests but instead for strengthening world peace and security, confer on the great Powers responsibilities of leadership that should be applied in order to make a meaningful contribution to resolving the Palestinian question. It is our conviction that, with the evolving situation in the Middle East, ifthe Security Council is to remain relevant it must assume in the Palestinian question the statutory leadership role entrusted to it.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“It is our conviction that only a united Security Council has the required influence to assume a leadership role in bringing the parties to the conflict to the negotiating table, mediate the attainment of the necessary concessions, and provide the guarantees needed to advance towards a political and comprehensive solution. International public opinion despairs over the hesitations and lack ofpurpose that the Security Council has demonstrated over the years on this extremely sensitive issue. The great Powers in particular should commit their leadership in the Security Council by pushing the parties to the conflict and the entire international community to uphold a solution to the Palestinian question.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“In that sense, and following the collapse of the United States mediation effort, we are of the view that the Security Council, as the organ upon which the international community has conferred the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, should uphold its responsibilities and apply all its political power, influence and prestige to seeking a comprehensive solution to this painful conflict, which is dangerously harmful to the entire international community.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Over the years, the international community has been called on - to no avail - to play a role in the search for a solution to the Palestinian question, given the impossibility of Israelis and Palestinians advancing towards any meaningful dialogue by themselves and without external assistance.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“It is our understanding that the question of Palestine and the ensuing conflict are the main stumbling blocks to social and political development in the Middle East and a breeding ground for the most radical forms of extremism and terrorism spreading through the region and beyond. We have now reached a critical point, and finding a solution to the Palestinian question is an absolute necessity. The main actors in this tragedy should be aware that what is happening in the Middle East might shape a future of horror, since the present already presents a very grim reality. Against such a backdrop, we intend in this statement to address three straightforward messages to the main actors in the Palestinian question: the international community and the Security Council in particular, the Palestinians and the Israelis.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to you, Sir, and express our gratitude to you for presiding over this very important debate. We thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing, and we shall concentrate our attention on the Palestinian question. There is an international consensus that a settlement and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would be a decisive development for the attainment of greater stability in the Middle East and for the easing of tensions that are the cause ofimmense harm to the peoples of the region. There is also an international consensus that a two-State solution is the only viable basis for a comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian question and for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Finally, the Council should act with determination to ensure that the presumed perpetrators of systematic acts of sexual violence and those in the chain of command should be handed over to justice, including through referral to the International Criminal Court those situations in which such acts are committed. I am thinking particularly of the case of Syria. With regard to the concerned Member States, they must respect international law and fight against impunity. It is incumbent upon them to show that they take women's autonomy seriously by integrating them into negotiations and conflict resolution processes, by making the issue of sexual Violence an integral part of peace agreements and by reforming their security and justice sectors. It is up to the international community to support those efforts.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The Council should also ensure that sexual violence becomes an integral criterion for designation within all the relevant sanctions committees, and those committees should ensure that the names of presumed perpetrators of acts of sexual violence are systematically entered on their lists. Resolution 2206 (2015), adopted on 3 March, is a positive example in that regard, insofar as it defines the fact of committing acts of sexual violence against civilians, especially women and children, as a criterion for designation to be monitored by the new Canctions Committee on South Sudan.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The violence to which women and girls are exposed in times of conflict - in particular sexual violence - is exacerbated by the structural weaknesses of societies during times of peace. That is also the reason that we must pay particular attention to the warning signs of conflict. In fact, conflicts are generally preceded by a noticeable rise in human rights Violations and violence towards women. Allow me to mention some of the tools that the Security Council should use, in our view, to protect civilians from acts of sexual violence. The Council should continue to integrate the provisions of its resolutions on women and peace and security in all its decisions, including resolutions and presidential statements of regional purview.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Yesterday we observed the sad anniversary of the abduction in Chibok, Nigeria, of hundreds of high school girls, who were subsequently reduced to slaves by Boko Haram. We condemn in the strongest possible terms those savage acts, which have also been documented in two recent reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The inclusion of such gruups in the annex to the report of the Secretary-General is amply justified. What makes resolution 1325 (2000) so noteworthy is the coherence with which it addresses the situation of women in the context of conflicts and questions of peace and security, proposing that prevention and protection are two sides of the same coin.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The Council has adopted at least seven resolutions on the matter, including the landmark resolution 1820 (2008), while the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflicts, presented in 2013 during the sixty-eighth session at the initiative of the United Kingdom, has been endorsed by more than 150 Member States, including Luxembourg. However, despite those efforts, the scourge of sexual violence is far from having been eradicated. Just the opposite is true. As the Secretary-General's report (S/2015/203) notes, disquieting new tendencies have appeared. The emergence of violent extremist groups such as Daesh and Boko Haram has aggravated an already difficult situation for women and girls in the areas concerned.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Allow me, at the outset, to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Zainab Bangura, as well as the representative of civil society, Ms. Hamsatu Allamin, for their briefings and for their daily commitment. I am grateful to the Jordanian presidency for convening this important open debate. Luxembourg aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Ever since the Security Council recognized, 15 years ago, that women were disproportionately affected by conflicts and that this had consequences for reconciliation and peace processes, the response of the international community has been remarkable with respect to legal norms.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The Permanent Observer of the African Union and the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe, speaking on behalf of SADC, will elaborate on what both organizations are doing in that regard. Finally, it is crucial to prevent new such crimes and to hold perpetrators to account. Victims should be encouraged to speak out and to report violence, and their voices should be heard and respected. As we celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we look forward to the 2015 high-level review, which will enable us to make an assessment of the progress made and the ongoing challenges in the implementation of the Council's women and peace and security agenda.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, the other United Nations decisions that we fully support stress the importance of, inter alia, increasing the number of women in peacekeeping missions and police units with a view to countering stigma and threats of reprisal against survivors; including specific actions to prevent conflict-related sexual violence in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes; and ensuring the mainstreaming of a gender perspective in conflict resolution and peace processes. At the regional and subregional levels, the African Union and SADC have made the protection of women's rights apriority, and have adopted measures to tackle the issue of conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure women's participation in the prevention and resolution of conflicts in Africa.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“We must ensure that all peace, security and conflict mediation processes explicitly recognize the need to prevent, respond to and reduce crimes of sexual violence; promote women's full participation in all political, governance and security structures, as well as in all decision-making processes; ensure that national military and police doctrine is in accordance with international law so as to enable a more effective-prevention and response to sexual violence in conflict; and support the deployment of national and international expertise to build national capacity to hold perpetrators to account and to improve the response to and support for victims and their access to justice.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a better international response in addressing women's and girls' specific vulnerabilities. Eliminating conflict-related sexual violence is key to addressing the root causes of gender inequality and changing the mindset of perpetrators, victims and society at large. Some progress has been achieved in the struggle since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). The Security Council has assumed a leadership role in this regard by stressing the need for a more systematic monitoring of sexual Violence in armed conflict situations. It is now imperative that the United Nations continues developing appropriate response mechanisms to counter such a scourge. The General Assembly's important Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict made recommendations, among which we highlight the following.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Additionally, through sexual Violence, extremist groups terrorize communities into compliance, displace populations from strategic areas and generate revenues through trafficking, the slave trade and ransoms. The United Nations has been pointing out that States bear the primary responsibility for the protection of the civilian population, particularly women and children, in times of peace or conflict. The Secretary- General stresses the vulnerability and increased risks endured by refugees and displaced women and girls, who face additional difficulties due to their limited access to resources and services, such as education and health care, including comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, and to training and sources of revenue.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“As the Secretary-General points out in his latest report on this issue (S/2015/203), 2014 was marked by continuing human rights violations and crimes against the integrity of women and girls in conflict situations, including abductions, labour exploitation, forced marriages, human trafficking and sexual slavery. As referred to in the report, sexual Violence perpetrated by State actors, or armed groups associated with States, is a matter of concern in many countries and territories where the rape of women and girls is used as a weapon of war and a tactic of terror. Women and girls are targeted by terrorists and armed groups linked to violent extremism as trophies of war, with the aim of humiliating and destroying entire communities, especially through ethnic cleansing, by changing the demographic composition of those communities.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The delegation of Angola aligns itself with the statements to be delivered by the Permanent Observer of the African Union and by the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). We commend the presidency of Jordan for convening this open debate on the critical issue of sexual violence in conflict situations under the agenda item "Women and peace and security". We praise the Secretary-General and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, for their leadership and long-standing commitment to the defence and protection of victims. We also thank Ms. Hamsatu Allamin for her valuable contribution to this debate. Sexual violence in conflict situations is one of the most egregious forms of human rights Violations.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“We are greatly concerned about the growing number and scale of attacks by Al-Qaida terrorists, a deadly danger for the future of peace and stability in the country. We now appeal to all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations and support United Nations mediation efforts conducive to reinstating the transitional political process for a future of stability and peace in Yemen.”
2015-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7426 (2015) · source
“My delegation voted in favour and fully supports resolution 2216 (2015), whose necessity was dictated by the Houthis' unilateral actions that jeopardized what seemed to be a promising transitional political process in Yemen. It is our hope that the resolution contributes to a meaningful peace process in the country and to solving the major humanitarian crisis there. We praise Jordan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for their efforts in bringing about the Security Council's adoption of this resolution for a political solution based on the GCC's Initiative, which remains the only framework for the re-engagement of the political process. We expect that the spoilers are treated as the resolution disposes.”
2015-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7426 (2015) · source
“Angola fully supports the non-proliferation nuclear arms regime, and we condemn any activities aiming at the development of nuclear weapons. We will continue to support the ongoing negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran, and we are hopeful that both sides can come to an agreement by the deadlines that have been set. We fully recognize Iran's right to develop a nuclear energy programme strictly for peaceful aims, medical research and energy production purposes and that there will be no pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, which could have serious repercussions for the Middle East and pose a serious threat to international peace and security.”
2015-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7412 (2015) · source
“We therefore hope that all parties agree on the remaining outstanding issues of the broad technical framework for Iran's nuclear programme by the deadline of the end of March. It is undeniable that the sanctions are having a negative effect on Iran's economy and its people, and we hope that a deal can be reached soon in order to lift some of those crippling sanctions. Although Iran has evolved its commitment to reach an agreement on a comprehensive solution, the sanctions regime is still in force and must be respected, as must the Committee's commitment to its implementation. We therefore encourage the Iranian Government to engage with the Committee and respond to the Committee's requests, which have thus far received no answers.”
2015-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7412 (2015) · source
“We thank Ambassador Roman Oyarzun Marchesi for presenting the quarterly report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We congratulate the Spanish delegation and the Panel of Experts on the work done thus far. We are pleased that no incidents have been reported over the past three months concerning the implementation of resolution 1737 (2006), and we sincerely hope that there will be no setbacks in the effective implementation of all relevant resolutions. We welcome the joint statement of the P5+1 foreign ministers, in which they agreed that substantial progress had been made with Iran on key areas of the Joint Plan of Action, and welcome the commitment of all parties to continuing negotiations towards finding a comprehensive agreement.”
2015-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7412 (2015) · source
“We also acknowledge the sustained commitment of the international community to Afghanistan. However, we must recognize that a long, hard and rocky road still lies ahead if Afghanistan is to achieve stability and peace. The fulfilment of the benchmarks detailed in the Secretary-General's report is a complex and demanding task that requires strong commitment by the Afghan people and authorities and by the international community, including the United Nations Mission in the medium term and, most probably, the long term, if the Afghan people are to secure social progress, freedom and lasting peace.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“A number of regional initiatives within the framework of counter-terrorism financing, on countering drug trafficking and on trade, commerce and investment show how Afghanistan is effectively committed to a process of regional cooperation and to consolidating the country's role as a full and rightful member of the international community. Finally, countering narcotics - a critical area given that violence and crime stem from narcotics and it serves as a main financial source for the Taliban and the terrorists - decreasing poppy cultivation and increasing narcotics control, and, concurrently, the increase in licit agriculture, are key policies to be pursued by the Afghan Government. In conclusion, we acknowledge the remarkable progress achieved by the Afghan people after the demise of the despicable Taliban regime.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“With Afghanistan taking leadership and ownership of its national affairs, the partnership within the international community is intent on translating coherent support to Afghanistan, improving the coordination and the alignment of donor funding with national priority programmes. Regional cooperation with sustained effective regional coordination in support of progress, peace and stability is another fundamental element in the new era Afghanistan is entering. We take note of the remarkable development of regional cooperation, the holding of important summit conferences and their outcomes.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“The ability of the Afghan authorities to conduct the electoral process in 2014 was an important event, to be coupled with further electoral reforms, the development and empowerment of anti-corruption institutions, the strengthening of the transparency of the civil service and the establishment of a credible judicial and penal system. Respect for human rights, in line with the Constitution and international law, protecting civilians, improving the situation of women and girls, reducing the number of incidents and the lawful use of force to combat impunity are crucial processes for the attainment of sustainable peace in Afghanistan. Economic and social development is a key purpose of a Government's policies, supported by the international community, in order to promote sustainable economic growth.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“Reintegration and reconciliation through the development of national dialogue and regional engagement to foster a political environment conducive to peace is another policy objective to be met. The reintegration of a relatively large number of anti-Government elements, the efforts to counter the fundamentalism that fuels violence, the call to the Taliban to join the peace process, the pledge by President Ghani Ahmadzai to focus on establishing peace and other important political initiatives give the hope that the Afghans might be entering a new and decisive phase of their lives. Governance and institution-building, the extension of State authority throughout the country and the establishment of democratic, legitimate and accountable institutions are other crucial policy objectives.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“Among those benchmarks, the first and foremost is security - with the creation of sustainable Afghan security institutions capable of ensuring the stability and protection of the people of Afghanistan. From the lessons learned in Iraq with the collapse of the Iraqi armed forces at the hands of terrorists from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) upon the withdrawal of the American forces, it would be wise to consider a review of the timeline for the drawdown of American troops, which appears to be happening. NATO's Resolute Support Mission, which will provide training, advisors, and assistance to the Afghan security forces, is an element of the confidence-building measures aimed at strengthening the security situation in the country.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“The political agreement of 21 September and the establishment of a Government of national unity were a fundamental break-through in Afghan political life and a confirmation that political compromise is possible and relevant for the country's progress in achieving stability and, ultimately, peace. The Afghan leadership and ownership of the political process is based on the fulfilment of the benchmarks outlined in the Secretary- General's report, the attainment of which is vital in order to safeguard against the loss of all that has been achieved through the great and sustained efforts and investments by the Afghans and the international community.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source