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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“We therefore welcome the fact that the presidential statement adopted today (S/PRST/2013/12) reiterates the call made in the 17 June presidential statement on children and armed conflict (S/PRST/2013/8) for regional organizations to include the protection of children in their policies, programmes and planning activities and to assign child-protection specialists to their field missions. In this area as in others, the United Nations and regional organizations can make a difference by working together in a complementary manner. As a founding Member of the United Nations, the European Union and many regional organizations on the continent of Europe, Luxembourg is a strong supporter of the cause of cooperation and regional integration.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“The contribution of regional and subregional organizations and agreements to the protection of children affected by armed conflict is undeniable, with the regional cooperation initiative led by the African Union against the Lord's Resistance Army being a good illustration. In general, the increasing involvement of regional organizations in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions poses challenges for child protection, in particular with regard to the rules of engagement and the conduct of operations.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“We hope that the same fruitful cooperation will soon be established between the United Nations and the African Union to resolve the crisis in the Central African Republic, following the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to create an African-led international mission support to that country. Before I conclude - while much more could, of course, still be said with regard to the importance of United Nations cooperation with other regional organizations, in particular the League of Arab States - allow me to address a topic that is close to our heart, that is, the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“With the African Union Mission in Somalia, significant territorial gains have been made over the past 12 months. Since 3 June, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia has provided integrated support to Somalia while strengthening the strategic partnership and collaboration with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in all areas related to the consolidation of peace. In this context, we look forward to the results of the upcoming joint review of AMISOM. We welcome the intention of the African Union to work closely with the Secretariat in the context of that review.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“On 1 July, the transfer of authority from the African-led International Support Mission in Mali to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali was the culmination of a close and fruitful cooperation between the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations. The combined efforts of these organizations have contributed to stabilizing the political and security situation in Mali and opened the way for the holding, on 28 July, of the first round of the presidential election that is to conclude the political transition in the country. On the other side of the continent, in Somalia, the combined efforts of the United Nations and the African Union have opened a new page in the history of that country.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“The synergies between the United Nations and the European Union in the theatre of operations where they work side by side are significant, whether in Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia or now in Mali. It is also on the African continent that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is the most developed. Whether it is to finally pacify the Darfur region of the Sudan or to normalize relations between the Sudan and South Sudan, the United Nations and the African Union are working hand in hand. We attach importance in this regard to the Security Council's ongoing strong support for the mediation undertaken by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“The Security Council has rightly recognized the role and contribution of regional and subregional organizations in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in accordance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter. It is clear that strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is not only desirable but also necessary. Luxembourg welcomes the long-standing cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union. This cooperation now covers the entire spectrum of response to international crises, from immediate crisis response, humanitarian action, peacekeeping and peacebuilding to development beyond the European continent.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I wish to thank the Argentine presidency for having organized this open debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. The presence of President Fernandez and the participation of many ministers bear witness to the importance of the subject we are discussing today. I thank the Secretary-General and representatives of the Union of South American Nations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the African Union and the League of Arab States for their edifying opening statements. Luxembourg fully subscribes to the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union.”
2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source
“We simply cannot be content to thank those neighbouring countries for their generosity and continue to approach this issue as if it were one of a mere temporary humanitarian emergency. Even if a political solution in Syria were to emerge tomorrow, it would still be the case that the Syrian crisis is going to have a long-term impact on its neighbours, particularly Lebanon. The international community must come up with an adequate response to it. I venture to hope that, if only on humanitarian issues, the Council will be able to emerge from its silence and take up its responsibilities.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“It is high time to show solidarity with the Syrian people. It is high time to consider the best way to respond to the appeals of Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos. As we see it, it is vital that the Security Council reinforce the demands of the humanitarian actors on the parties to the Syrian conflict by addressing issues related to bureaucratic obstacles, transporting medical supplies, opening routes for humanitarian access and trans-border and front-line access for the affected populations. The same applies to support for Syria's neighbours, which, as has been highlighted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Antonio Guterres, are dealing with a influx of refugees without precedent since the genocide in Rwanda.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Last week, at my delegation's request, the Security Council had the opportunity to hear harrowing revelations of the humanitarian situation in Syria and the countries of the region affected by the crisis there (see S/PV.7000). What is there to say, other than that the distress of the Syrian people has reached unimaginable proportions? There are 6.8 million Syrians in need of aid and 1.8 million who have fled their country. More than half of those affected are children. Regardless of the political efforts being made - specifically the Russian- American initiataive for the holding of the "Geneva II" conference - which we support and which, we hope, will enable an eventual political solution to the conflict to be found, it is the Council's duty to concern itself with urgent needs and the humanitarian imperative.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The use of missiles and cluster bombs, the possible use of chemical weapons, the systematic imposition of states of siege, forced displacements, torture, sexual violence, violations and abuse against children, 100,000 deaths - perhaps by now 150,000 - the toll after more than two years of brutal repression makes the blood run cold. Human rights in Syria are being trampled on. Violations of international humanitarian law are multiplying. The list of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed daily continues to lengthen. In the face of such horror, I will never tire of repeating here that the Security Council should refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The peace talks must now resume, and the way to take the steps that will lead to the implementation of a two-State solution must be determined on a basis of clear parameters and a timetable that, we hope, will enable conclusions to be reached within a reasonable space of time. The time has come to take the necessary difficult and historic decisions that coincide with a vision of the long-term interests of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. With its European Union partners, Luxembourg is ready to continue to contribute actively to the efforts under way, in close cooperation with the key stakeholders, the Quartet and the countries of the region. There can be no security in Israel without a contiguous and viable Palestinian State, and no security in the region without peace in every country in the Middle East. I now turn to Syria.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The announcement, on 19 July, of an agreement in principle to relaunch direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians is, at last, a significant step forward on that path. As others have before me, I would like to commend the commitment and determination of the United States Secretary of State. My Minister had the opportunity yesterday to congratulate Mr. John Kerry personally during his exchange of views with the European Ministers for Foreign Affairs. We also commend the political courage and sense of responsibility shown by the Israeli and Palestinian authorities in agreeing to return to the negotiating table. We all know that this initiative may be the last chance; we cannot let it go by. The consequences would be tragic.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Coordinator, Mr. Robert Serry, for his very relevant briefing and his continued commitment to peace in the Middle East. I would also like to thank the Permanent Observer of Palestine and the Permanent Representative of Israel for their statements. Luxembourg associates itself fully with the statement to be delivered later in this debate by the observer of the European Union. My remarks will focus on the Middle East peace process and Syria. For month after month we have reiterated the urgent need to see the emergence of a contiguous and viable Palestinian State, living in peace and security side by side with Israel.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“To conclude, I insist on the need for the Security Council to continue to give this matter all the attention it deserves. Journalists shoulder the responsiblity for protecting the truth. The Council should shoulder its own responsibility by guaranteeing their protection.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“We await with interest the compilation of best practices that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was charged with compiling, in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. Luxembourg supported those endeavours and will continue to do so. We take this opportunity to encouarage greater cooperation among Governments, international organizations, civil society and representatives of the media. It could also be interesting to develop cooperation at the level of ombudsmen and national human rights institutions, as was recommended by the international conference on the safety of journalists held in Warsaw on 23 and 24 April 2013.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Considerable efforts have been made in recent years in the United Nations with respect to the protection of journalists. In April 2012, the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination adopted the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, initiated by UNESCO. The Plan of Action must be fully implemented. Adequate follow-up must also be given to Human Rights Council resolution 21/12, adopted by consensus on 27 September 2012, on the importanace of the safety of journalists as a fundamental element of freedom of expression.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“But our condemnation alone is not enough. We must act to ensure that journalists enjoy in practice the protection to which they are entitled by virtue of international humanitarian law. Resolution 1738 (2006) is very clear: journalists in periods of armed conflict must be viewed as civilians and as such must be respected and protected. The Council invoked that principle in the presidential statement it adopted on 12 February (S/PRST/2013/2). I appeal to all parties to armed conflicts to take all possible measures to ensure respect for and protection of journalists in accordance with international hunaitarian law. In cases of violation, States are responsible for ending impunity and for bringing to justice those responsible for violations.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Those are unprecedented numbers. As we have already been reminded this morning, 10 days ago in Somalia the journalist Liban Abdullahi Farah was killed on his way home from work. He was the sixth member of the press to be killed in Somalia this year, which makes that country one of the world's most dangerous for journalists. According to the International Press Institute, 54 journalists have been killed to date in 2013, many of them in Syria. In light of that disturbing increase, the reports of the Secretary- General on the protection of civilians should devote a specific section to the issue of the safety and security ofjournalists, as mandated by resolution 1738 (2006). We condemn in the strongest possible terms all attacks, physical and otherwise, that deliberately target journalists, as well as all other forms of intimidation.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Luxembourg fully supports the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. In the globalized, interconnected world to which we belong, information reigns supreme. Journalists are its primary transmitters. A free press is always the sign of a lively democratic society; by the same token, its absence is a sure indicator of authoritarianism. New technologies have multiplied the number of useful sources of information available to journalists; they have also accelerated the transmission of information. In times of armed conflict, the role ofjournalists takes on yet another dimension. Their work contributes to making it possible for the world to know. But the journalistic profession is increasingly accompanied by mortal dangers. Last year, according to UNESCO, 121 journalists were killed and more than 200 were jailed.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): This is the first time since 2006 and the adoption of resolution 1738 (2006) that the Council has met for an open debate on the protection of journalists. I would like to thank the American presidency for taking the initiative to organize this debate, at a time when the number of journalists killed in the exercise of their profession has reached an alarming level. The testimonies we have been offered speak volumes about the situation of journalists in periods of conflict and about the risks to which they are exposed. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kathleen Carroll, Richard Engel, Mustafa Haji Abdinur and Ghaith Abdul-Ahad for sharing with us their experience on the ground. I also thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Eliasson, for his presentation.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“By choosing that path, the new Iranian authorities will contribute towards giving real substance to the dialogue with the international community and will pave the way for a long-term diplomatic solution that we all wish to see.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“That is the principle that prevailed on 26 and 27 February in Almaty with the resumption of dialogue between Iran and the E3+3, led by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. At the previous public briefing, on 6 March, we were pleased by the fact that that February meeting was able to initiate a new cycle of negotiations (see S/PV.6930). Today, we regret that the subsequent meetings were not fruitful, following Iran's refusal to engage on the proposals put on the table by the E3+3. In conclusion, we urge the Iranian authorities -which have just changed at the presidential level - to take the opportunity being afforded to them to finally agree to positively follow up on the E3+3 proposals. We ask them to participate constructively in the negotiating process under way.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“Those developments cause us grave concern, which we ask the Iranian authorities to dispel by discharging all of their international obligations in accordance with the provisions contained in Security Council resolutions and those of the IAEA Board of Governors. Only in that way will confidence be re-established. At the same time, I would like to reaffirm Luxembourg's attachment to a negotiated solution based on the principle of a two-track approach that opens the way for dialogue while demanding that the Iranian authorities commit to providing substantial answers to the questions concerning the ultimate purpose of their nuclear programme.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“We strongly deplore the fact that negotiations with a view to concluding an agreement on those issues are being bogged down and that the issue of access to the military site at Parchin in particular remains pending. Added to that is the fact that Iran, in violation of its international obligations, is continuing the construction of its heavy-water reactor at Arak, is continuing to increase its capacity to produce enriched uranium by installing new centrifuges at the Natanz site, and is pursuing enrichment activities at Natanz and Fordow, thus increasing its stockpiles, which far exceed the country's apparent needs.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“However, helping the Sanctions Committee to effectively fulfil its role as a guarantor of the implementation of Security Council resolutions means contributing to protecting the international community from the dangers that might threaten it. We take note with renewed concern of the conclusions of the latest report (GOV/2013/27) of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), published 22 May 2013, on the implementation of the safeguards agreement within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It is a cause for concern that Iran continues to fail to work as it should with the IAEA with a view to defining a structured approach leading to the required verification and resolving outstanding issues regarding the possible military dimensions of its nuclear programme.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“We welcome the publication of the report as a Security Council document and we strongly advocate in favour of seeing the recommendations contained therein followed up with action. Thanks to the final report, it clearly appears that behind the increasing number of reported incidents and the various circumvention techniques used is hidden a sophisticated system of persistent violations by Iran of the decisions by the international community with respect to it. In my delegation's view, a prompt and concrete response from the Sanctions Committee is needed where violations of sanctions regimes have been clearly shown. Not reacting, prevaricating or ignoring the gravity of the violations committed means that we are shirking our responsibilities, and risk losing our credibility.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Like others, I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing and for his effective chairmanship of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). The quarterly report that he has presented today shows that the Committee continues to do important work in support of Security Council resolutions in a context of ongoing concerns with respect to the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Luxembourg is also grateful to the independent Panel of Experts established under resolution 1929 (2010) for the vital support it provides to the work of the 1737 Committee. We welcome with satisfaction its final report (see S/2013/331, annex), which is well documented and meticulous from a methodological point of view.”
2013-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6999 (2013) · source
“Finally, in the fight against impunity and to end sexual violence related to conflict, it is important for the Council to continue to discharge its responsibilities, provide concrete follow-up to its decisions, adopt, if necessary, targeted measures to increase the pressure on perpetrators, and systematically inscribe the alleged perpetrators of sexual Violence on sanctions committee lists, taking into account the information provided by the Special Representative in this regard. Resolution 2106 (2013), which we havejust adopted, is important in that repsect, and Luxembourg is proud to be a sponsor. It sends a clear signal to all parties who commit sexual violence that the Security Council will not relax its attention to these acts. Impunity will not prevail.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In such circumstances, under the principle of complementarity, international criminal justice must fulfil its supplementary role. My delegation applauds the efforts made in this regard by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The actions and proceedings before the ICC have clearly helped to strengthen the fight against impunity. I recall in this context that the issue of a second arrest warrant against General Bosco Ntaganda includes counts of crimes against humanity, rape and sexual slavery. Bosco Ntaganda is now in The Hague being tried for his crimes, thanks to the cooperation of Member States that have contributed to his transfer to the ICC. This is critical matter, and I reiterate the call on States to cooperate with the Court in accordance with their respective obligations.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“States must likewise assume their responsibilities by taking the steps necessary to incorporate into their national legislation provisions criminalizing sexual Violence and excluding amnesty laws for the most serious crimes, including sexual Violence. The international community, for its part, must continue to support national authorities in their efforts to fight impunity. At the United Nations, the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict can play a particularly useful supporting role in this regard. But we must be clear - whatever the reason, many countries in post-conflict situations do not have and will not have in the medium term a legal system capable of judging, with all the guarantees of fair justice, the perpetrators of these crimes.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We all know that regardless of cultures and backgrounds, cases of sexual violence are not always reported, either because the survivors fear being ostracized or because they fear for their lives or those of their relatives, or for both reasons at once. We must therefore make every effort to ensure protection for Victims. It is also important to protect the human rights advocates who struggle daily to make the survivors heard. A crime that is not denounced and documented is a crime that can never be prosecuted and will never be the subject of reparations. National courts are primarily responsible for prosecuting and trying the perpetrators of sexual violence associated with armed conflict.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Both restorative and punitive, justice can play a prevention role in terms of future conflict by deterring potential perpetrators from committing crimes. By the same token, justice must enable victims to gain recognition for wrongs they have experienced, and thereby facilitate the process of remembrance and reparation, eventually leading to reconciliation and peacebuilding. As the representative of a victims organization in Guinea once said, "before turning the page, we must read the page". Unfortunately, at present the vast majority of victims are deprived of this basic right and the vast majority of the perpetrators of these crimes do not answer for their actions. That is inacceptable.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“It is important that the Council reiterate today its most firm condemnation of sexual violence. That abject and cowardly war tactic ruins the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and girls, as well as of many men and boys, who become not only the powerless witnesses of the harm inflicted on their spouses, mothers, daughters and sisters, but also, with greater frequency, direct victims of sexual violence. Sexual violence in armed conflict is indisputably a subject directly linked to international peace and security, as underscored in resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), and today's resolution 2106 (2013). The fight against sexual violence in conflict is complex undertaking requiring various levels of action, including combating impunity, which is especially important.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank you, Sir, for having organized this important open debate on sexual violence in armed conflict. Its focus on the fight against impunity and on the crucial need to ensurejustice for survivors is, in our opinion, particularly appropriate. I also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary- General for his statement, and Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura for her remarkable work as Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Finally, I welcome the contribution of Ms. Jane Adong Anywar, of the NGO Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice, and Ms. Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. My delegation fully aligns with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“In that context, it is most important that UNAMA keep its Office for the Protection of Children open in order to effectively help the Afghan authorities in implementing the action plan and generally speaking in the efforts to protect children, as well as to allocate the necessary capacities and expertise in line with the provisions of resolution 2096 (2013). In conclusion, Iwould like to express my delegation's strong support for United Nations efforts to help the Afghan Government in combating the increasing poppy cultivation. The efforts required of the Afghan Government need the international community's firm backing. The United Nations and the Security Council in particular must remain committed in that regard.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The Afghan Government is responsible for upholding this commitment. We also share the strong concern of the Secretary- General regarding the 25-per cent rise in civilian casualties during the reporting period. We most firmly condemn indiscriminate attacks perpetrated against civilians. As 2014 approaches, many tasks remain to be completed, but Afghanistan has one major advantage in meeting its challenges - the youthfulness of its population, of whom 65 per cent is under 25 years. This human capital must be nurtured and protected. In particular with respect to children, we believe that the ongoing support of the United Nations and the Afghan Government is necessary to reviving the dynamic created on 30 January 2011 with the signing of the action plan against the recruitment and use of children in the Afghan security forces.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“We note the announcement made on 18 June in Doha on the opening of a Taliban office, and we hope that this will be a platform for peace negotiations and a democratic Afghanistan. Aware that inter-Afghan reconciliation also depends on the support of neighbours, we recall the important role of regional players in ensuring a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. The third challenge is in the area of human rights. The stability of Afghan society will also hinge on the extent to which the fundamental rights of civilians are upheld. Important measures have been taken in that regard, but much remains to be done. Greater commitment was undertaken in Tokyo last year and recalled in resolution 2096 (2013) on the the full implementation of the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“That is why we call on the Afghan Government to implement an adequate electoral framework as quickly as possible, including the adoption of an electoral law, the appointment of the head of the Independent Election Commission, the establishment of an impartial body for the management of complaints, and guaranteeing the independence of the Commission. It also means guaranteeing the participation of women in the elections in line with the commitments undertaken a year ago in the agreed Tokyo Framework. Another decisive step forward is national reconciliation. If it is to succeed, the peace process must be borne on the shoulders of Afghans themselves because only inter-Afghan reconciliation will pave the way for a sustainable end to violence.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Beyond security matters, today's discussion is an opportunity to take a look at the political dimensions of the transition process. I should like to focus my statements on three major challenges to be tackled to ensure a successful political transition. The first challenge is the presidential and provincial elections of 5 April 2014, when it will be vital for the successful political transition that the legitimacy of the election results not be questioned. This means ensuring credible and transparent elections that are open to everyone.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jan Kubis, for his briefing today, as well as for his activities undertaken as the Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Tanin, for his statement. Luxembourg fully endorses the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. The international community's attention is turned towards late 2014, when Afghanistan will assume full responsibility for its territory and its sovereignty. The process leading to the full transfer or handover to the Afghan forces for security is strewn of obstacles, but a decisive stride forward was taken this week with the Government's taking control of security in all districts of Afghanistan.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“My country will continue to support our partners' efforts, particularly in Africa, aimed at an equitable distribution of resources, which is indispensable for just and lasting peace. I would like to thank the President for placing this subject on the Council's agenda, and we regret that no agreement was reached on a draft presidential statement, despite the efforts of the presidency.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“For its part, the African Union adopted its Africa Mining Vision in 2009, which promises "equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to underpin broad-based sustainable growth and socioeconomic development." African leaders who are prepared to implement the vision in their respective countries deserve our full support. We also welcome the commitment of civil society, particularly in areas of conflict, for the formulation of transparent and responsible policies. Finally, Luxembourg welcomes the trend in the discussions of the High-level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which accords central importance to peace, the creation of effective, transparent and responsible institutions for everyone, and the fight against inequality.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“However, such voluntary initiatives by themselves are insufficient; hence the importance of having a legal framework in place to ensure that extractive industries make public all information relating to amounts paid to national Governments. European directives on accountancy and transparency follow that approach. We also welcome the declaration adopted yesterday by the Group of Eight stressing that transparency must be the catchword for State revenue and land transactions and that minerals must be extracted from legitimate sources, not pillaged from conflict areas.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Such an integrated and coherent approach should also be taken into account when drawing up sanctions regimes. We feel it would be appropriate for the sanctions committees, and the panels of experts assisting them, to exchange information on how to best cooperate actively on those matters. Finally, good management of natural resources is a national priority for countries that are on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). We feel that greater interaction between the Council and the PBC country configurations would be appropriate. We welcome the progress made towards greater transparency under such voluntary initiatives as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative or the United Nations Global Compact.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“The same could be said of support given to States to help them strengthen their capacity to manage public finances and combat corruption, using the framework of United Nations special political missions and integrated offices. Close coordination with all relevant actors in the field - namely, the United Nations, the international financial institutions and other international partners - is necessary in that regard. A coherent approach would make it possible to strengthen the capacities of the State to prevent the loss of revenue needed for the development of the country, which could result from illegal mining operations or from dishonest accounting practices. In order to prevent conflicts, the Council should give priority to such issues when it establishes or renews mandates.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“In order to effectively combat instability and violence in countries rich in natural resources, it is essential to use a comprehensive approach that links instruments of preventive diplomacy, sustainable development, responsible trade and security that respects human rights. The Security Council has an unquestionable role to play in that process. Among the tools available to it are, first and foremost, United Nations missions. In our view, giving support to States, depending on the situation, with a View to combating armed groups and criminal networks that profit from the illegal exploitation of natural resources is most relevant.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“I also thank former Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his briefing and his leadership on improving equity in the extractive industries in Africa. Just as intra- or inter-State competition for natural resources can be a cause of armed conflict, so their illegal exploitation and commercialization can often help to finance and prolong those same conflicts. At the local level, conflicts between communities and mining enterprises can lead to violent encounters, whether over issues of property rights or sharing in the benefits of the exploitation of resources. At the national level, revenue losses from such exploitation can mortgage development dividends and thus undermine the possibility of achieving lasting peace.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to condemn as strongly as possible this morning's attack on the United Nations compound in Mogadishu, and to express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of that cowardly attack. I would like to thank the British presidency of the Security Council for choosing the subject of the prevention of conflict and natural resources for this debate, - a highly pertinent topic, as the Council's work regularly demonstrates. My delegation associates itself fully with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like to thank Deputy Secretary-Genera Jan Eliasson, Director General of the World Bank Caroline Anstey and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rebeca Grynspan for their briefings.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982 (2013) · source