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Maes

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204
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2011-11-09
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2023-07-14
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34
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un-security-council

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  1. All the parties concerned must now speedily implement the commitments made in Geneva. The work of verifying the implementation of the agreement, which will be done in close coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will be critical to proving Iran's good faith and its desire to reach a definitive and comprehensive agreement. With respect to the role of the IAEA, we welcome the joint statement signed with Iran on 11 November, prior to the Geneva interim agreement. The statement creates a framework for cooperation for verification activities to determine the exact nature of the Iranian nuclear programme.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  2. The first is that every party involved has had to show courage. The agreement is good and balanced, and in order to reach it, concessions had to be made on both sides ofthe negotiating table. That ability to compromise should be welcomed. It bodes well. The second lesson is that the dual approach has borne fruit. That approach, one that Luxembourg and its European partners have always advocated, favours the path of diplomacy while taking a firm stand against any refusal to hold a dialogue. The change we are witnessing should encourage us to continue with the dual approach in the various non-proliferation issues before us. Although it opens up considerable possibilities, the Geneva interim agreement is only a first step. We have seen enough false starts in the past to know that we must remain vigilant.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  3. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the Permanent Representative of Australia, Ambassador Gary Quinlan, for his presentation of the quarterly report of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), and to congratulate him on the way he has run that important Committee with the support of his team. The interim agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme concluded in Geneva on 24 November sets a new course. We welcome that development, which seemed unthinkable less than a year ago. We also commend the energy and efforts of the High Representative of the European Union, Ms. Catherine Ashton, who has played a central role in the conduct of negotiations between Iran and the E3+3. The interim agreement has two encouraging lessons for us.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  4. Let me conclude by acknowledging the very positive development represented by the adoption, on 22 September by the Libyan General National Congress, of the law on transitional justice. That text was long overdue. It contains, among others, provisions relating to the rights of and compensation for victims and the identification of responsibilities for the crimes of the past. It is our hope that the implementation of the law will be swift and will facilitate the process of national reconciliation.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  5. However, that does not excuse us from remaining vigilant in ensuring respect for fundamental freedoms. We therefore note with concern the report published on 1 October by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on torture and mistreatment in detention centres. The Libyan authorities have recognized the seriousness of the problem, and we have no doubt they will implement the recommendations contained in the report, in particular concerning the transfer of prisoners to detention centres controlled by the State, in order to make a definitive break with the dark practices inherited from the Al-Qadhafi regime. We also support, along with Prosecutor Bensouda, the idea of a periodic review of the implementation of the law criminalizing torture that was adopted in April.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  6. The Libyan authorities have the ultimate responsibility to ensure respect for the rule of law in their country. However, the current situation of major insecurity is a serious obstacle to achieving that goal. We therefore call on the Libyan authorities to do more to create a favourable security environment, for there cannot be real justice or genuine freedom without security and stability also being guaranteed. For the memorandum of understanding on the division of labour between the Court and the Libyan authorities to be properly implemented, it is important that the Office of the Prosecutor be able to move unhindered throughout Libya. The international community must stand with Libyans to help them meet the twin challenges of security and national reconciliation.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  7. In that regard, we must welcome the fact that Libya has always complied with the procedures of the Rome Statute when it has raised objections of inadmissibility in the SaifAl-Islam Al-Qadhafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi cases. With regard to the latter case, the Court's Pre-Trial Chamber handed down a judgement on 11 October, while a decision has yet to be issued in connection with the Al-Qadhafi case. We trust that the Libyan authorities will respect the final decision of the Court on the case of SaifAl-Islam Al-Qadhafi case. We are confident that they will appropriately follow up on the rejection of the request for suspensive effect of the requirement to surrender Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi to the ICC and will deliver the accused to the ICC pending a definitive decision of the Court on the admissibility challenge.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  8. For that reason, like previous speakers we welcome the fact that the Libyan authorities have reiterated their willingness to cooperate with the Court by signing a cooperation and burden-sharing memorandum of understanding on new investigations and prosecutions with the Office of the Prosecutor at the beginning of the month. That is a promising develoment and an example to be followed by other countries, some of which are calling into question the very principle of their cooperation with the Court. We are confident that the Libyan Government will do its utmost to ensure the effective implementation of that important agreement. We understand and respect the fact that the Libyan authorities wish, in some cases, to try individuals accused of committing crimes that fall under the Statute of Rome on their territory.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  9. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Ms. Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for her sixth report pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) and for her briefing today. Let me reiterate our full support and appreciation for her work. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya, Mr. Dabbashi, to the Council. Luxembourg is a firm advocate of the International Criminal Court. We think that justice and peace are complementary and that the fight for the rule of law and against impunity is of fundamental importance. In that regard, we believe that the ICC Prosecutor and her Office have a real role to play in Libya at a time when the country is laying the foundations for its new State.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  10. To conclude, Luxembourg reaffirms its support for MINUSTAH's adaptable consolidation plan for the stabilization of Haiti, which has been developed jointly with Haitian authorities for the period 2013-2016. It is important for MINUSTAH to focus its attention on the main tasks that can be achieved within a reasonable amount of time. We welcome the ideas and thought processes under way to pursue MINUSTAH's mid-term reconfiguration. While we wait for the proposals that will appear on that subject in the next report of the Secretary-General, my country remains in favour of renewing the mandate of MINUSTAH for one year, until 15 October 2014.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  11. Of course, strengthening the Haitian National Police must go hand in hand with professionalism. In that regard, we are worried by cases of the police resorting to excessive force. The humanitarian situation in the country also remains worrying. One and a half million people are suffering from severe food insecurity, including a significant number of children under 5. The cholera epidemic, which has cost more than 8,000 lives, is continuing to ravage the country. We welcome the initiative launched last December by the Secretary- General aimed at eliminating cholera in Haiti. The international community must assist the affected populations. For its part, Luxembourg remains actively committed to helping Haiti overcome the challenges of the humanitarian situation and those associated with rebuilding the country.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  12. In spite of the commendable efforts of MINUSTAH's group on the protection of children, much violence, including sexual Violence, is still being committed against children. We noted with concern the mention in the Secretary-General's report of cases of child slavery. On a more positive note, we would like to note that the security situation has remained relatively stable. We can see a reduction in civil unrest and major crime. The Haitian National Police is growing stronger, and the police force has improved its services, specifically in terms of ensuring security in the four departments that MINUSTAH military forces have now left. We should also welcome the more effective recruitment of cadets in order to achieve the goal of recruiting 15,000 police officers by 2016.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  13. We fully support the assertion made by the Secretary- General in his report (S/2013/493) that any consensus on the issue of elections must be accompanied by the identification of major legislative priorities to promote the strengthening of institutions, protect investments and ensure respect for human rights. The establishment of the rule of law has only been moving forward slowly, and the system of justice lacks independence from political power. In his report, the Secretary-General rightly mentions the need to bring an end to the climate of impunity. The case that is under way against former President Jean-Claude Duvalier represents an important test in that regard. It is also necessary to strengthen respect for human rights, specifically by protecting as well as possible vulnerable groups.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  14. That action must be followed up by determined action on behalf of all political actors to see that elections are held as soon as possible. Luxembourg supports the efforts of MINUSTAH to assist with the electoral process, including the goal of greater participation by women in the electoral process. Given the scale of the challenges that need to be confronted, it is essential that Haiti, with the support of the international community, create a system of governance that is effective and inclusive and capable of meeting the needs of Haitians. The stalemate between the executive and legislative branches cannot continue.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  15. However, we are also aware of the many difficulties that the stabilization process continues to face. In order to remedy that, priority must be given to holding, as soon as possible, free, regular, credible elections that are open to everyone. The establishment of the transitional college of the Permanent Electoral Council on 19 April was a step in the right direction. We also welcome the establishment, on 24 June, of a joint taskforce made up of representatives of the transitional college, MINUSTAH, the United Nations Development Programme and of various ministries that have been charged by the Prime Minister to accelerate preparations for elections. We welcome the fact that the path towards elections and the draft law was submitted yesterday by President Martelly to the Parliament.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  16. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Argentina for organizing, under its presidency of the Council, this debate on Haiti, which is elevated by your presence, Mr. President. I would also like to congratulate the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Ms. Sandra Honore, on her appointment, and I would like to thank her for her very thorough briefing. We wish her every success in carrying out her functions. Luxembourg associates itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. Like Ms. Honore, we believe that Haiti is at a critical turning point. We recognize the significant progress that has been made in Haiti since the earthquake that struck the country in January 2010.

    2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source

  17. Allow me, however, to insist on a third element to be taken into account. That is the issue of reparations to allow injured parties to start new lives. That too be addressed. Many opportunities exist at the national and international levels provided that such projects are adequately funded. It is important that we mobilize more in that regard. On the anniversary of the attack against the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, which claimed the lives of 22 people and wounded many others, I would like to conclude by joining colleagues before me in paying homage to the men and women of the United Nations who, day after day, put the protection of civilians at the centre oftheir action, sometimes risking their own lives.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  18. However, it has to be said that violations of international humanitarian law are taking place despite all the commitments that have been taken. Holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions is vital in many ways. First, a strong message would be sent to all violators to show that no crime will go unpunished. That dissuasive and preventive aspect ofjustice is important. In that context, I would like to note the important role played by the International Criminal Court, a role that was recently recognized by the Council, and I welcome that fact. Luxembourg has, sincejanuary, called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the Court. Secondly, when we are unable to eliminate the suffering of victims, justice may provide moral compensation for the harm suffered.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  19. I would encourage all States that have not yet done so to become parties to the two main additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions, but also to other relevant instruments, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child with regard to children in armed conflict. With regard to non-State actors that are not parties to international legal instruments, it is important that they also be engaged, and in a stronger way. In that context, I would like to mention the example of two armed groups in Nepal and in Sri Lanka, respectively, that have signed and implemented action plans for children in times of armed conflict. Thanks to that commitment, an end was put to the recruitment and the use of children by those armed groups. We believe in the virtues of persuasion.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  20. It is urgent that Syria respond to the demands of humanitarian players and facilitate immediate, free and unimpeded access to the affected populations through the most effective channels, including through the front lines and across borders. When we speak about the protection of civilians, we are led inexorably to raise the issue ofthe responsibility to respect and to ensure respect for international law. The application of international humanitarian law is the best guarantee for the protection of civilians. A strong commitment by States is required in that regard, which can be shown in particular through the ratification of existing international instruments.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  21. Immediate, free and unimpeded access is essential to reach the people in need who everyday are more and more dependent upon humanitarian aid from outside. The issue of access, which is very sensitive, must not be compromised in any way. However, humanitarian actors, including United Nations agencies, encounter numerous bureaucratic obstacles on a daily basis. The conditions for granting humanitarian visas are done in an arbitrary manner. Checkpoints are increasing. Convoys are ordered to surrender medical supplies. Equipment intended for humanitarian purposes - armoured vehicles, surgical equipment and communication tools, to mention but a few - are systematically held up in customs. Those are just a few of the unacceptable elements that tend to limit or prevent humanitarian assistance to the Syrian populations who are suffering.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  22. I am referring to improving humanitarian access, especially in the context of the Syrian conflict. The statistics speak for themselves: since the beginning of the crisis, more than 100,000 people, mostly civilians, including many women and children, have been killed. Millions others find themselves in a disastrous humanitarian situation. We all know that an end to the crisis cannot come about until a political solution is found. But the millions of civilians who are trapped in the conflict cannot wait for a political solution. They need assistance, and they need it now. They don't just need assistance, they are entitled to it in the light of the most basic humanitarian criteria codified in international humanitarian law.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  23. The statements by the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross - whom I thank for their statements - have shown that, unfortunately, a significant gap still exists between the commitments and obligations of States, on the one hand, and the often tragic situation on the ground, on the other. Among the five challenges that the international community must address in order to improve the protection ofcivilians in armed conflict, five challenges that the Secretary-General highlighted in his 2012 report (S/2012/376), there is one that is particular urgent in our view in the light of recent developments.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  24. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Let me thank Argentina for organizing this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Three months before the presentation of the next report of the Secretary-General on that subject, and six months after the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2013/2 in the framework of February's debate (see S/PV.69170), today's debate gives us an opportunity to undertake an interim assessment in the light of recent developments. Luxembourg fully aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  25. More generally, with regard to West Africa overall, we welcome the efforts under way to strengthen inter-mission cooperation, including in the context of the establishment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. In conclusion, I would like to express the heartfelt thanks of the Luxembourg delegation for the commitment of all the Force Commanders of the various United Nations missions, including the committed staff who carry out crucial work to implement the Council's mandates, often in trying circumstances.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  26. The example of UNMIL and UNOCI, as described in detail by General Muhammad Iqbal Asi, shows that inter-mission cooperation is useful, on a case-by-case basis, in providing timely assistance, in terms of staff and equipment, to missions that so require. In that context, I have a specific question for General Iqbal Asi with regard to cooperation between UNOCI and UNMIL. The Panel of Experts of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003), concerning Liberia, recently recommended the establishment of an UNMIL border control unit, aimed at strengthening cooperation with UNOCI and based on a shared strategy between the Governments of Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire on controlling the border. I would ask the General if he considers that recommendation appropriate, and whether it will be implemented in the near future.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  27. Luxembourg is very much in favour of stepping up such cooperation to provide for a better management of resources. We feel that the optimal use of peacekeeping resources, be it through an ongoing regular exchange of information to take the regional dimension of a conflict into account, or through joint temporary use ofresources deployed in a given region, is most appropriate. However, it is clear that inter-mission cooperation cannot substitute for the provision of the resources necessary in fulfilling a mission's mandate. Rather than reducing the cost of a mission, the sole objective should be to increase its efficiency.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  28. In our view, by combining modern technologies for information collection, transmission and analysis with modern technology related to the use of non-lethal force, United Nations missions will be able to more effectively implement their mandates to protect civilians. In regard to the protection of civilians, I have a question for Lieutenant General Dos Santos Cruz. Are studies or experiments under way to make modern communication equipment available to local communities in high-rish areas in order to give those communities an early-warning system in case of an attack by armed groups? I am thinking particularly about the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would now like to move on to inter-mission cooperation.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  29. With respect to the use of modern technologies, particularly surveillance drones, as was very well pointed out by General Dos Santos Cruz, it is important to improve our understanding of the situation in peacekeeping operations because such knowledge is an important part of risk-mitigation and helps to improve the security and safety of troops. This being the case, we feel that it is important that United Nations missions have recourse to such technology in order to have a greater understanding of the situation, enabling them to take the measures necessary with regard to security and protection.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  30. We also note the suggestion in his presentation that an assessment team be established at the level of chief of staffthat could evaluate the training of Blue Helmets. In that respect, we feel it important that such teams benefit from the contribution of child protection advisers and women's protection advisers within peacekeeping missions. We also feel that it would be important to strengthen capacities at United Nations Headquarters, and we welcome the proposals for establishing an evaluation unit and a general inspectorate in this area.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  31. If they are to deal with this broad panoply of missions, it is essential that Force Commanders have professional staff with the required capacity and the necessary resources. Military staff must also be given pre-deployment training that is specific and adapted to their missions. Thanks to such training, we are able to mitigate risks and to improve the safety and security of Blue Helmets, and put them in a better position to discharge their increasingly complex mandates and to increase the security of those they are entrusted with protecting. In order to assess if pre-deployment training responds to needs, we need in-theatre assessments, as noted by Major General Ngondi in his presentation.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  32. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for organizing this interactive meeting with the Force Commanders of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, Lieutenant General Dos Santos Cruz, Major General Ngondi and Major General Iqbal Asi. I also thank them for their detailed and comprehensive briefings today. In resolution 2086 (2013), adopted under Pakistan's presidency recently, the Council noted that peacekeeping today ranges from traditional missions, chiefly monitoring ceasefires, to complex multidimensional operations tasked with peacebuilding and mitigating the deep-rooted causes of conflict.

    2013-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6987 (2013) · source

  33. The threat of terrorism should indeed be a matter of priority for the Council. While we have seen significant progress in the fight against that scourge, we must remain vigilant. We must continue our collective efforts so as to better combat and eventually eradicate the terrorist threat, which is constantly evolving.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  34. In that respect, the work of the 1540 Committee is of particular importance. We urge all Member States to report to the Committee on their efforts. We support the objective of the Chair of the Committee to achieve by next year, if possible, the universality of reports, so as to mark the tenth anniversary of the 1540 Committee. Cooperation, the exchange of information and outreach and support activities all are important factors in building the capacities necessary to counter the risk of the proliferation of WMDs. The Committee, with the support of its new panel of experts, is in a good position to provide assistance and technical advice. In concluding, Mr. President, I should like to congratulate your country, Togo, on having taken the initiative to convene on Monday a debate on the com,bat against terrorism in Africa.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  35. The possibility of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) falling into the hands of non-State actors or terrorists is a real danger that concerns us all. With the presence of chemical weapons in Syria being confirmed, we are extremely concerned about the security of those stockpiles and about the risk of uncontrolled proliferation, which would be disastrous for the stability of the region. In that regard, it is urgent that the commission of inquiry set up by the Secretary- General travel to Syria and that it be provided with full access so as to enable it to investigate all credible allegations of the use of chemical weapons. Resolution 1540 (2004) plays a key role in preventing the risk of proliferation, but its effective implementation requires the commitment and cooperation of all States.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  36. We note with satisfaction that the Executive Directorate has introduced a new mechanism, which was presented to Member States at an open meeting of the Committee on 2 May. We are confident that it will further improve the work of the Committee by better identifying the problems faced by Member States and thereby better targeting technical assistance to help Member States in solving their problems. I take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Executive Director, Mr. Mike Smith, whose term ends on 30 June, for his work at the head of CTED. The risk of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security; no State can solve that problem alone.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  37. In that context, we welcome the Rabat conference on border- control cooperation in the Sahel and the Maghreb, jointly organized by CTED, the United Nations Centre for Counter-Terrorism and the Government of Morocco, which was held from 13 to 15 March. We also welcome the fact that the Committee will organize again this year a special meeting on cooperation and technical assistance to States in the Sahel region in order to strengthen their capacity in the fight against terrorism. I would also like to underscore the important in-depth analysis work done by the Executive Directorate with regard to Member States' implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. Work reviewing the assessment tools has been under way for several months to improve the quality and the clarity of the analyses provided by CTED.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  38. The 1267 Committee applied Al-Qaida sanctions to the Mouvement pour l'unicite et le jihad en Afrique de l'Ouest and Ansar Dine, as well as to the leaders of those groups and individuals associated with it. We also encourage cooperation between the 1267 Committee and the Monitoring Team and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, pursuant to paragraph 31 of resolution 2100 (2013). Luxembourg also attaches great importance to the work of the 1373 Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), particularly to their outreach role. Given the current state of the terrorist threat, it is necessary to strengthen programmes for capacity-building of the Sahel States.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  39. The events of recent months in Mali and the Sahel have demonstrated the evolution of the terrorist threat and the need for ongoing updating of the sanctions list in order to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the regime established by resolution 1267 (1999). Given the threat of Al-Qaida and its affiliated groups in Africa, the Security Council has adapted its response to effectively fight the terrorist scourge, making use of all the tools at its disposal. In its resolutions 2085 (2012) and 2100 (2013), the Council reaffirmed its determination to punish individuals, groups, enterprises or entities that will not break their ties with Al-Qaida and its affiliated groups, such as Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  40. We commend the measures taken by the Security Council in recent years to ensure the implementation of clear, fair and transparent procedures in the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities. Resolution 2083 (2012) brought significant changes to the sanctions regime, making it more efficient and transparent. We must continue to improve those procedures within the Council. Luxembourg fully supports the Office of the Ombudsperson created in December 2009, whose mandate was enhanced and extended in December 2012 for a period of 30 months, until June 2015. We thank Ms. Kimberly Prost for the exemplary manner in which she carries out her mandate. We call on all Member States to continue to fully cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman in all cases.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  41. However, the Committees' work is effective only if all Member States take the measures necessary to uphold their obligations. Today's open briefings are therefore important because they allow the Council to transparently demonstrate to all Member States what its subsidiary bodies are doing in the fight against terrorism and to listen to the concerns of Member States in that area. I associate myself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. In that regard, I wish to underscore that the fight against terrorism must be guided by fundamental democratic values and respect for the principle of the rule of law.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  42. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Like previous speakers, I wish to thank the three Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) - Ambassadors Gary Quinlan, Mohammed Loulichki and Kim Sook, respectively - for their detailed briefings and for the efficiency and commitment with which they steer the work of the Committees. I thank Ambassador Kim Sook for his joint briefing, which clearly illustrated the increasing cooperation among the three Committees. It is important to remember why the Council regularly organizes these information meetings. The news unfortunately shows that terrorism remains a major threat to peace and international security. The three Committees under discussion are at the forefront of the efforts of the United Nations to fight that threat.

    2013-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6964 (2013) · source

  43. To give but one example, the very rich open debate that took place on 17 October under the presidency of Guatemala on the topic of the interaction between the Security Council and the International Criminal Court (see S/PV.6849) clearly deserves such follow-up. The steps taken after the open debate of 30 November 2011 on working methods (see S/PV.6672) are, in our view, a good example to follow in that regard. We hope that today's debate will encourage further progress and that the useful suggestions made by the many Member States participating in this debate will not go unheeded. As an elected member of the Security Council for the term 2013-2014, I can guarantee that Luxembourg will spare no effort to contribute to the process.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  44. A case in point is the practice initiated under the presidency of the United Kingdom in November 2010 to invite the Department of Political Affairs to present to the Council issues that, because of their destabilizing potential, deserve its attention. In our view, that is a good example of applying Article 99 of the Charter, under which the Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter that may in his opinion threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. If that early-warning function is used wisely, the Security Council will be better equipped to fulfil the responsibilities conferred upon it by the Charter. In the context of improving the working methods of the Security Council, the case has often been made that adequate follow-up should be given to the Council's thematic debates.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  45. Furthermore, developments in Africa and in the Middle East strengthen our conviction that we should continue to ensure the best possible interaction between the Security Council and regional and subregional organizations concerned, such as the African Union and the League of Arab States. While respecting competencies and mandates, we believe that the Security Council should strive to make good use of the particular expertise that those organizations, as well as other stakeholders such as the European Union, have to offer. Finally, we encourage the initiatives taken in recent years to better prepare the Security Council to anticipate threats to international peace and security.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  46. Informal interactive dialogues allow for increased interaction, inter alia with non-members involved in a situation on the Council's agenda. The dialogue on peacebuilding that took place on 12 July (see S/PV.6805), in which Luxembourg was invited to take part in its capacity as Chair ofthe Guinea configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), was a good example of such interaction. Such dialogues are useful insofar as adequate follow-up is ensured. In our opinion, it is to be hoped that non-members that are in a position to bring added value, such as the Chairs of the PBC country-specific configurations, will be invited to join the Council's consultations.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  47. Nevertheless, there is certainly still room for improving the effectiveness of the Council's work, for increasing its transparency and for strengthening the interaction between the Council and non-members. The concept note prepared by India and Portugal (S/2012/853, annex) contains helpful suggestions in that regard. Without intending an exhaustive list, I would like to mention a few concrete proposals that would merit further consideration in Luxembourg's View. First, we should continue to improve the transparency and interactivity of the Council's debates by tailoring the format of meetings to our needs. Arria Formula meetings facilitate exchanges with civil society and non-governmental organizations, the insights and field experience of which can have particular relevance for the Concil's deliberations.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  48. Mr. Maes (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): We thank the Indian presidency of the Council for organizing today's open debate on the working methods of the Security Council. We welcome that this debate has become an annual tradition. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the remarkable work done by Portugal as Chair ofthe Council's Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions throughout 2012. During the past few months, progress has been made on the internal organization of the Council's work, notably with the adoption of the presidential note of5 June (S/2012/402), which recommends better use of conference resources and greater interactivity during consultations. With the aid of the Secretariat, efforts have also been made to spread the mandate renewals more evenly throughout the year.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  49. The unanimous decision by the Security Council to refer the situation in Libya since 15 February 2011 to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court sent a clear signal to the Qadhafi regime and to all combatants in Libya that they will be have to answer for their acts. The international community will not tolerate impunity for the most serious crimes. The important preventative function of the activities of these mechanisms and bodies deserves to be highlighted as well. Allow me to conclude by paying tribute to all the men and women, at all levels of the hierarchy of peacekeeping operations, who through their courageous presence and their decisive action strive day after day to give the civilian population during armed conflict a sense of security, and thereby human dignity.

    2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source

  50. We encourage the Council to continue to press ahead on all these fronts and to continue to include violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law as criteria for imposing targeted sanctions. United Nations peacekeeping operations, however many and however big they may be, will unfortunately never be enough to protect all civilians who are victims of violation of their fundamental rights during armed conflicts across the globe. Therefore, we must spare no effort in fighting impunity of the perpetrators of these crimes wherever they may be. Important progress has been made through the prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes in national, international and mixed criminal tribunals, commissions of inquiry, and specialized chambers in national tribunals.

    2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source