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

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

“Rebuilding has moved forward thanks also to the activity of the MINUSTAH military engineering units and the many quick-implementation projects led by the Mission. Thanks to the combined work of MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police, characterized by greater information-sharing and an increased number of joint operations, the security situation has stabilized. On the political front, the President and the elected Government have been able to take up their functions. However, as the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/139) notes that, over the past six months, the stabilization process has encountered many difficulties. The country again suffered serious damage in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The socioeconomic situation continues to be characterized by poverty, which affects three-quarters of the population.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Allow me also to thank the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nigel Fisher, for his briefing to the Council and for his commitment at the head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), whose significant work we commend. Luxembourg associates itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. Over the three years since the tragic earthquake of January 2010, Haitians have begun the long and difficult reconstruction of their country with the support of the international community and the United Nations. Significant progress has been made. The number of displaced persons living in camps has decreased by 77 per cent.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Indeed, that is an essential element in the Council's ability to support and follow up the activities in the area of protecting children. In conclusion, Luxembourg would like to reiterate its full support for the mandate of UNAMA, which we have just renewed today. It is an ambitious mandate, one that will serve the Afghan people and testify to the will of the international community to stand beside the Afghan people.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We are also concerned by the violations and other serious abuses against children, in particular the continuation of attacks against schools. In contrast, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Afghan Government in the implementation of the action plan against the recruitment and use of children in the Afghan National Security Forces, signed on 30 January 2011. It is important that UNAMA continue to effectively support the Afghan authorities in the implementation of that plan, and that it devote the capabilities and expertise required by the Council to that end. Along the same lines, we welcome the appeal to the Secretary-General that he continue to give special treatment to the matter of children in armed conflict in his reports to the Council, in line with the pertinent resolutions.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“In terms of national reconciliation, we support the initiatives of the High Peace Council, and we welcome the regional dimension that efforts at reconciliation have taken on in recent months. Human rights is the third, and final, point I would like to address. Let us not forget that Afghanistan is first and foremost a country of more than 30 million people who yearn for a normal life for themselves and their families, including respect of their fundamental rights. In that context, we welcome the important place that is made in the mandate of UNAMA for human rights in general, and for the rights of women and children in particular. With regard to the rights of children, we are very concerned about the continued recruitment and use of children by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups, inter alia, to commit suicide attacks.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“Pride of place in that ownership effort must go to the electoral process and the process of reconciliation, both led by Afghans. With regard to the preparations for the elections, we join the Secretary-General's call in his report urging the parties concerned to adopt a constructive attitude in order to avoid a deadlock, whose consequences would be severe. More generally, as noted by several speakers this morning, it is important to ensure broad participation and to put in place a credible and transparent electoral mechanism, so as to ensure that the outcome of the elections is widely acknowledged and accepted by the population. In that regard, it is essential that women can safely participate as voters and candidates alike in the upcoming elecctions.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“The substantial assistance from the international community will bear fruit only if there is a shared commitment to implement the commitments made at the successive international conferences of recent years. In parallel, Afghanistan must continue its efforts in the areas of the rule oflaw, democratic elections, the fight against corruption, combating drug trafficking, and respect for human rights. That brings me to the second point. Whatever may be the extent of the support of the international community, the genuine key to success is ultimately in the hands of the Afghans themselves. Their political will will be crucial. That is why we fully support the goal of transition so as to enable the Afghan people to take charge of their own destiny gradually by assuming responsibility for security and reconstruction.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“In the area of development cooperation, we particularly support the work of the World Food Programme in Afghanistan. Based on a multi-year commitment, we also contribute to the Afghanistan reconstruction funds administered by the World Bank. We also contribute in the European context. The European Union and its member States annually grant Afghanistan more than â‚¬1 billion in development aid. Luxembourg has participated in the International Security Assistance Force since 2003. We committed ourselves at the NATO Chicago Summit to continue our substantial contribution to the financing of the Afghan National Security Forces, with an annual contribution of up to $5 million. Lastly, through the European Union, my country also participates in the training of the Afghan police.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“I shall address three points, namely, the commitment of the international community, the key role of the Afghan authorities and, finally, the protection of human rights in Afghanistan. In renewing UNAMA's mandate today, we rightly acknowledge the long-term support of the international community for Afghanistan. The planned withdrawal of international troops by the end of2014 should not lead to a withdrawal of the international community. Instead, we must move towards a renewal of our commitment to help Afghanistan achieve its transformation into a stable and democratic society. The international community must stand with Afghanistan during that critical period. Luxembourg has chosen to do just that by adopting a holistic approach that combines the tools of diplomacy, development and defence.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/l33) and for his comprehensive presentation to the Council this morning. I also wish to thank his Special Representative, Mr. Jan Kubis, for his work as Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We welcome the commitment and dedication of UNAMA's staff, who, in demanding conditions, perform crucial work competently. Lastly, I would like to thank Ambassador Tanin for his very illuminating presentation on the priorities of his country. Luxembourg associates itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union by its Special Representative for Afghanistan.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“At that time, a proposal was put on the table that sought to establish trust and to provide true substance to the dialogue. If accepted, that proposal should allow for progress towards a long-term solution on the basis of compliance with the resolutions ofthe Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. We hope that the Iranian Government will positively view the proposal made in Almaty and that the follow- up meetings planned for 18 March at the technical level and for 5 and 6 April at the political level will finally allow for a positive dynamism.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“On the contrary, it has continued to develop its enrichment capacities by using new-generation centrifuges at the Natanz site. Continuing heavy-water projects and refusing the IAEA access to the Parchin site are just are worrying. In such conditions, it is difficult to know the exact nature of Iran's nuclear programme. That in no way helps to create a climate of trust. While calling on Iran to comply with its international obligations and to fully clarify the nature of its nuclear programme, Luxembourg nevertheless reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated solution based on the dual-track approach. That is why we are pleased about the talks between Iran and the E3+3 on 26 February in Almaty, facilitated by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“The credibility of the appeals to Iran, insisting on its effective cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also depends of the effective implementation of the sanctions regime. Iran will regain the trust of the international community only by fully cooperating with the IAEA. Iran must therefore clarify the numerous outstanding issues and allow the IAEA inspectors to test the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. Regrettably, the IAEA's recent report does not enable us to believe in Iran's readiness to uphold its international obligations. In contravention of the resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors, Iran has not suspended its uranium enrichment and processing activities.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“The quarterly report of the 1737 Committee considers the various aspects of its work with regard to restricting Iran's ability to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile capability for military purposes. It is important that the Committee continue on that path and we fully support its efforts along those lines. In that regard, we note with concern the recent report of the Panel of Experts, which unequivocally decides that Iran violated the provisions of paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010) in June 2012 by launching ballistic missiles in the context of a military exercise. We believe that the report must be followed up. The Committee must respond. The same applies to the weapons intercepted on 23 January off the coast of Yemen. In the light of the outcome of the inquiry under way, the Committee should ensure an appropriate follow-up.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Like my colleagues, I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for presenting the quarterly report on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). I would like to assure him of my delegation's full support in carrying out his functions as Chair of that sanctions committee, which is at the heart of the non-proliferation regime. We also thank the Panel of Experts for their invaluable assistance to the Committee's work. Its role is crucial in ensuring that the sanctions measures adopted by the Security Council be fully upheld. My country had the opportunity to host the Panel on 6 and 7 February during a working visit to Luxembourg.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“In that area as in others, the European Union and the United Nations can make a difference by working together and in complementarity. Luxembourg pledges its continuous support to strengthen that partnership.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“We welcome the joint press statement on that subject issued by the High Representative and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflicts, Ms. Leila Zerrougui. For 10 years now, the European Union has taken a stance on children in armed conflict. The European Union and its member States can promote the protection of children in armed conflict through political dialogue and cooperation measures. Luxembourg particularly welcomes the European Union initiative to allocate its Nobel Peace Prize money to projects devoted to child victims of war. In particular, that initiative will help to revive hope among Syrian refugee children in Iraq and the children displaced by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by providing them with access to basic education.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“We of course support the efforts made by the European Union as a member ofthe Quartet, along with the United Nations, the Russian Federation and the United States, to foster a resumption of direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians. If there is an area where close cooperation and engagement have added value, it is there. When the talks resume - which we hope will happen soon on the basis of a structured framework and the parameters indicated by the High Representative - the parties will require appropriate international support and determined commitment on the part of all key stakeholders. Finally, allow me to highlight a subject that is dear to our hearts - the protection of children in armed conflict. Yesterday we celebrated the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“At the start of the week, as was noted, Mr. Al-Khatib once again called upon the Syrian authorities to follow up on their initiative to talk with the aim of ending the bloodshed. We hope that the Damascus authorities will respond to that request for dialogue extended by the head of the Syrian National Coalition. As the High Representative mentioned, it will be necessary for the European Union and the United Nations to continue to work hand in hand at the political level and to provide assistance to the affected populations in Syria and in neighbouring countries. I would like to add a comment on the peace process in the Middle East.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“The European Union is actively committed also in the Middle East, playing a key role in the efforts of the international community with respect to the nuclear programme in Iran. Europe maintains a firm attitude in that regard, while calling for diplomacy and dialogue. We therefore welcomed the announcement that negotiations will resume between Iran and the E3+3 in Almaty on 26 February, after several months of interruption. Like the High Representative, we express the hope that those discussions will lead to significant progress towards achieving a negotiated solution. In Syria, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate day by day. A protracted conflict will lead only to the destruction of the country. Every effort must be made to promote a negotiated political settlement of the crisis.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“Also in 2011, the European Union developed its Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel. In recent months, the international community's attention has rightly focused on Mali to respond to the multifaceted crisis affecting that country. The European Union and the United Nations are dynamically engaged politically, militarily and financially to respond to a situation that threatens regional and international peace and security. In the next few months, the synergy between the European Union training mission in Mali and the stabilization mission to be established under the auspices of the United Nations will be crucial. Beyond the crisis in Mali, it is now urgent that the United Nations also develop an integrated strategy on the Sahel.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“In Somalia, the significant support of the European Union relates to those three areas. Since its launch in March 2007, the European Union and the United Nations have supportedthe African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). To date, the EU has contributed more than â‚¬400 million to pay the salaries of the Green Helmets and the Mission's operations in Nairobi through the African Peace Facility. AMISOM's contribution to security in Somalia is inestimable, and for now remains essential. In the medium-term, it will be up to us to decide how the international community will support Somalia in order to ensure that the Somali National Security Forces - which are supported by an EU training programme - will be able to assume responsibility for their country's security.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“The European External Action Service and the United Nations Secretariat maintain continuous contact. Our joint actions now involve all aspects of responding to international crises, in particular emergency crisis management, humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping and peacebuilding and development. Allow me to echo the High Representative in highlighting two examples that illustrate the synergy of efforts undertaken by the European Union and the United Nations in Africa - in Somalia, in the regional context ofthe Horn ofAfrica, and in Mali, in the regional context of the Sahel. Since 2011, the European Union has developed its Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa, which emphasizes the need to link security, the fight against poverty and good governance.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“In the words of the Charter of the United Nations, those values include "faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small". The United Nations and the European Union have the same goal of promoting peace. Each represents a peace project born of the same desire to protect future generations from the scourge of war. This third presentation to the Council by the High Representative, following those of 2010 and 2011, clearly shows that the European Union remains a reliable partner of the United Nations. The 27 members of the European Union contribute more than one-third of the ordinary and peacekeeping budgets of the United Nations. The European Union and the United Nations closely cooperate at Headquarters and on the ground.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this briefing. I join previous speakers in welcoming Mrs. Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and I thank her for her briefing. As a European, I fully subscribe to Ms. Ashton's statement. I assure her ofmy country's full support in the Council, in the context of her mandate, to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations in promoting international peace and security. As a founding member both of the United Nations and the European Union, Luxembourg appreciates the values shared by the two organizations.”
2013-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6919 (2013) · source
“For its part, Luxembourg emphasizes on the necessity to deploy in the field, in every situation where it is necessary and in sufficient numbers, women protection advisers and child protection advisers. Their contribution is indispensable for the work of the United Nations. Luxembourg fully supports them in their difficult task.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to condemn the use of explosive weapons, including cluster munitions, in densely populated areas. According to data collected by non-governmental organizations in 2012, at least 25,000 civilians died or were injured by the use of explosive weapons in such areas, with 42 per cent of civilian victims of explosive weapons being children. To conclude, I would like to pay tribute to the personnel serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations, who are working every day to protect civilians against all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. In order for United Nations operations to fulfil their mandates effectively, we have the responsibility to provide them with the resources that they need.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Apart from the principle of accountability and from humanitarian access, which I have already referred to, it is necessary to address three core challenges, namely, enhancing compliance by parties to conflict with international law, enhancing compliance by non-State armed groups and strengthening the mandate for the protection of civilians of United Nations peacekeeping and other relevant missions. As far as respect for laws and norms is concerned, we must respond to the challenge posed by the rising number of attacks and other acts of interference targeting specifically health-care personnel and infrastructure, a trend which has been well documented, notably by the ICRC. We are also deeply concerned by attacks against teachers and education infrastructure and the use of schools for military purposes and the recruitment of child soldiers.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“We appreciate the efforts made to that end by the United Nations, first and foremost by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and by other humanitarian actors, such as the ICRC. However, all too often, unfortunately, parties to conflict restrict humanitarian access. We see it in Syria today, but also in the Sudanese states of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, where aerial bombardments coupled with the prohibition of cross-border humanitarian operations are trapping the civilian population. The recommendations made by the Secretary- General in his 2012 report (S/2012/376) to improve the protection of civilians in armed conflict remain entirely relevant.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Local and national strategies must strengthen and be strengthened through international mobilization" (A/51/306, para. 317). Today our conscience is revolted, but children continue to be recruited to go to war and they are the first victims of war, in Syria, but also in northern Mali, in Darfur, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Central African Republic and in other crisis situations. As Chair of the Council's Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, Luxembourg commits, with the other members of the Council, to do everything it takes to fight this scourge. Effectively protecting civilians in armed conflict is not possible without improving access to humanitarian assistance. It is necessary to ensure full, free and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Today, 12 February, we observe the international day against the use of child soldiers. In 1996, in her landmark report (see A/51/306), Graca Machel made a powerful call to action, which I would like to echo here: "It is unconscionable that we so clearly and consistently see children's rights attacked and that we fail to defend them. It is unforgivable that children are assaulted, violated, murdered and yet our conscience is not revolted nor our sense of dignity challenged. This represents a fundamental crisis of our civilization. The impact of armed conflict on children must be everyone's concern and is everyone's responsibility; Governments, international organizations and every element of civil society. Each one of us, each individual, each institution, each country, must initiate and support global action to protect children.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“It is for that reason that Luxembourg has supported the Human Rights Council's establishment of the independent international commission of inquiry on the human rights situation in Syria. It is also for that reason that we support, together with many other States, the initiative of Switzerland requesting the referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC). In general terms, setting up international commissions of inquiry or fact-finding missions or referrals to the ICC have a preventative and dissuasive effect. The appropriate use of those measures by the Council can strengthen the protection of civilians. When a situation is referred to the ICC, the Council must, however, ensure effective follow-up, as well as give the Court the necessary resources for it to be able to do its work.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“It confirms the Council's commitment to protect civilians in armed conflict and strengthens the normative framework. Luxembourg fully endorses the statement that will be made on behalf of the European Union. At the most recent open debate of the Council on the protection of civilians, in June 2012 (see S/PV.6790), I focused on the tragic situation in Syria. Since then, the conflict in that country has become even more serious, with the Syrian civilian population as its first victim. The High Commissioner has recalled the staggering number of victims. When civilian populations are slaughtered on such a scale, when international humanitarian law and international human rights law are violated on such a scale, the principle of accountability must be upheld.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Luxembourg thanks the Republic of Korea for having organized during its presidency this open debate on a topic that is very dear to all of us, the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for their very informative presentations. One conclusion is clear: despite all efforts by the international community, notably the Security Council, the situation remains alarming. We must and can do better. I welcome therefore the draft presidential statement prepared for this debate under the leadership of the delegation of the United Kingdom.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Luxembourg therefore supports the Swiss initiative to send a letter to the President of the Security Council calling on the Council to refer to the ICC the situation that has prevailed in Syria since March 2011, without exception and without distinction as regards the alleged perpetrators of those crimes (S/2013/19, annex). That request has been supported by 58 States from every region of the world. We will remain committed to ensuring that that appeal for accountability does not go unheard.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Those crimes cannot go unpunished. Those responsible for the atrocities committed in Syria must be held accountable for their acts, without distinction of any kind. This accountability applies first and foremost to the national authorities. The international justice system has a complementary role to play in intervening where there is a refusal or inability to act at the national level. Syria clearly has not responded to the appeals of the international community in that regard. Luxembourg believes that, in the absence of a credible, fair and independent system of accountability, the International Criminal Court (ICC) must be seized of the situation.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Otherwise, the list of atrocities will, alas, continue to grow. We reiterate our full support to Mr. Brahimi's efforts to achieve a political outcome to the conflict as soon as possible. We must give him all the necessary support to allow him to make progress along that path. We owe that to the people of Syria, who are the victims, above all, of the intransigence of the authorities who are clinging to power. Luxembourg stands shoulder to shoulder with the Syrian people in their courageous fight for freedom, dignity and democracy. As Ms. Pillay emphasized last week, and as already stated by the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, human rights violations are increasingly prevalent in Syria. An increasing number of such actions could be qualified as war crimes or crimes against humanity.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The extent of the crisis is such that substantial financial resources will be necessary to meet the needs identified in the United Nations humanitarian aid plan for Syria and the region. The donor conference to be held on 30 January in Kuwait City must mobilize those resources. Luxembourg has, to date, made humanitarian contributions of â‚¬2 million to assist persons impacted by the Syrian crisis and is planning on announcing a substantial additional contribution on 30 January. It is, however, as much a political emergency as a humanitarian one. In the end, the humanitarian challenges will only be resolved through a negotiated political outcome to the crisis. Syria must undertake a political transition process that meets the aspirations of all Syrians. That is the only way to restore peace in Syria and protect the security of the region.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The figures speak for themselves. After almost two years of conflict, over 60,000 people have died in the fighting. Over 4 million people are directly affected by the crisis and need humanitarian aid, while the continued hostilities and the current winter conditions compound the situation further. Now more than ever, humanitarian access must be ensured. We hope that Ms. Amos' visit to Syria will enable progress to be made in this respect, including with regard to essential assistance from neighbouring countries. The international community, for its part, must do all it can to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations and to provide support to the neighbouring countries of Syria - Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq 4 which are generously and selflessly hosting the displaced Syrian population.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“All the necessary support must also be given to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its activities in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, the Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon. According to UNRWA reports, the 525,000 Palestinian refugees in Syria are among the minorities most affected by the current conflict in Syria, with 80 per cent of them are dependent upon UNRWA for access to basic social services. I now turn to the situation in Syria. During the Council's consultations on 18 January 2013, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Valerie Amos, described the tragic situation in Syria, where human rights are trampled and humanitarian distress has reached unbelievable levels.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Luxembourg appeals to Israel to promptly unblock, in keeping with the Paris Protocol, the transfer of fiscal revenues that it receives on behalf the Palestinian Authority. On a bilateral basis, Luxembourg contributes â‚¬500,000 annually to the Palestinian Authority. That contribution is in addition to the significant contributions of the European Union, to which Luxembourg, as a member of the European Union, also contributes. The European Union announced just last week the disbursement of â‚¬60 million to help the Palestinian Authority pay wages and pensions during the first quarter of 2013. We call on other donors, in particular the countries of the region, to show their solidarity. Otherwise, the viability of the Palestinian Authority and the process of establishing State infrastructure will be seriously jeopardized.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“In the Council, and as a member of the European Union, Luxembourg will do all it can to provide both parties with all the support they need to identify and accept a compromise that, when all is said and done, will necessarily be painful but necessary. The countries of the region have a crucial role to play in that respect. We believe that an important part of the equation leading to a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will also involve reconciliation between the Palestinians, under the leadership of President Abbas. In that context, we welcome the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt. Allow me to add a few words on the subject of the unprecedented financial crisis that the Palestinian Authority is experiencing currently.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Whatever Government is formed after yesterday's elections in Israel, we hope that Israelis and Palestinians will act promptly and agree on the modalities for the immediate resumption of direct talks. On the basis of such an agreement, and in the context of a credible framework that is structured around clear parameters that lays out the basis for negotiations and that is itself based on a precise timetable, the negotiators can then agree on new and significant efforts to achieve peace. For such a resumption of negotiations to occur, appropriate international support will be necessary, as will decisive commitment from all key participants, including the United States.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“What can be said about the statements that refuse to grant Israel the right to security, or even the right to exist, except that they are a way of preventing peace - as if after almost 65 years of conflict, against all odds, there is any kind of hope of resolving the conflict by avoiding genuine dialogue? How do we relaunch the peace process? The basis for ajust and lasting peace in the Middle East has been laid out many times. We are all familiar with the terms of that equation. The time has come to take bold and concrete measures to achieve peace. The negotiations between the parties must finally be resumed. Only negotiations will make it possible to deal with the root causes of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Implementing those projects would seriously undermine the prospects for a negotiated settlement of the conflict by jeopardizing the chances for a viable, contiguous Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two States. Against that backdrop, tensions have increased alarmingly in the West Bank. The extremists on both sides mutually feed off their reciprocal and provocative acts. What can be said about the situation, except that such radicalization is a godsend for those seeking to prevent the dying peace process from reviving?”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“That is evident in the continuing increase in the number of settlements, in violation of international law; the repeated withholding of the transfer of Palestinian tax revenues; and the proliferation of provocative statements made by extremists from all sides. Luxembourg is very concerned about the decisions taken by the Israeli authorities following the granting to Palestine by the General Assembly, on 29 November last, of the status of non-member observer State. Like its partners in the European Union, Luxembourg is deeply troubled by Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and particularly by the projects in the E-l area. We are firmly opposed to this.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I should like to thank Mr. Robert Serry, the United Nations Special Coordinator of the Middle East Peace Process, for his very comprehensive briefing, as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Observer State of Palestine and the Permanent Representative of Israel for their respective statements. Luxembourg fully endorses the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. I will begin with the peace process in the Middle East, before moving on to Syria. The situation is troubling. Recent developments in the Middle East have given rise to great uncertainty.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Luxembourg strongly condemns any attack on United Nations peacekeeping personnel. I conclude by expressing Luxembourg's deep gratitude towards all peacekeeping soldiers, police and civil workers who do indispensable work, often under very difficult circumstances, in implementing the mandates entrusted to them by the Council. We honour the memory of those women and men who have given their lives executing their duty in the service of the United Nations and the cause of protecting international peace and security.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We are pleased that the draft resolution to be adopted today (S/2013/27) highlights the essential role played in United Nations missions by advisers for the protection of the most vulnerable populations, especially children. Their roles as advocates, facilitators, advisers to heads of missions, information officers and monitors are critical components for the protection of children. The Council is right to underline the importance of deploying qualified and experienced peacekeepers, with all the necessary skills, including language skills, and who respect the Organization's zero-tolerance policy with respect to misconduct. Sexual exploitation and abuse must not be tolerated. On the other hand, every measure should be taken to ensure the safety and security of deployed personnel.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“It is clear that no lasting peace can be achieved unless we address the root causes ofa conflict from the outset. The crises in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa make that evident every day. In our view, including all sectors of a population, in particular the most vulnerable groups, such as women, in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is the best way to prevent, in both the short and the long terms, the resurgence of the frustrations that can reignite a conflict. Luxembourg has therefore contributed to the efforts of the Department ofPeacekeeping Operations to increase women's participation in political processes, especially in Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Timor-Leste.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source