YouSaid · the spoken record

Majid Takht Ravanchi

lines on the record: 278
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-10-19
sittings or episodes: 39
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

“Unfortunately, the effects of unilateral coercive economic measures have become more devastating and horrible when combined with other new elements, such as the coronavirus disease pandemic. They worsen the economic situation of the conflict-torn societies concerned and prevent access to humanitarian goods, particularly food, medicine and medical equipment by the peoples in need. And the result is crystal clear — those who are most vulnerable unfortunately suffer the most. We also draw attention to impacts of sanctions imposed by the Security Council in certain situations where no action was even necessary. As a result, such measures have not only seriously violated the sovereign rights of the State concerned, but also lead to effects detrimental to its security and stability.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“These are exactly the areas where the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council can play an effective role in the amelioration of the situation. Among the new factors escalating and prolonging conflicts, one can refer to the imposition of unilateral coercive economic measures. Such acts, applied extensively in recent years, have played an important role in certain cases in deteriorating and protracting conflicts through obstructing the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, hampering reconstruction efforts, disrupting the peace and reconciliation processes, and accordingly delaying the settlement of conflicts, thus, leading to the further suffering of afflicted peoples.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“In this context, due attention must be paid to addressing the contemporary drivers of conflicts, such as the impacts of climate change or pandemics where there is credible evidence that they are among the risk factors deteriorating the conflict. At the same time, the unique nature of contemporary drivers of conflicts require new approaches and innovative measures to address them in an appropriate and realistic manner. For instance, it does not seem that the effects of climate change in terms of the emergence or escalation of conflicts can be properly addressed through the application of traditional measures such as sanctions. Rather, such effects might be better addressed through extending economic and financial assistance to the societies concerned.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“I would like to begin by highlighting this principled assumption that conflicts can be resolved comprehensively and permanently only when all their root causes and drivers are addressed justly, properly and in a comprehensive manner, particularly through an enhanced national ownership over related peace and political processes, with the broadest possible participation of all parties, as well as wider regional and international facilitation and support. This must be the guiding principle in dealing with conflicts, and, accordingly, all drivers of such situations, whether new or old, must be taken into account proportionate to the roles they play in the emergence or escalation of conflicts.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“Such deceptive measures must not distract the attention of the Council from the reality that the Israeli regime, as the aggressor and occupier, is the main source of insecurity and instability in the Middle East and beyond and, with the unequivocal support of the United States, continues to commit all its crimes and brutalities.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“I would like to reiterate that the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to support the just cause of the Palestinian people and the full realization of all their inalienable rights, including their inherent right to self-determination and to establish an independent Palestinian State encompassing the entirety of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. In recent years, it has been the standard practice of the Israeli regime to abuse Security Council meetings to accuse others and play the victim, seeking to distract attention from its oppressive practices and crimes against Palestinians and its destabilizing policies in the region. Likewise, the United States, by accusing others, attempts to distract attention from its irresponsible policies and military adventurism in the region.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“The latter is more urgent given the outbreak of the COVID-19 S/2020/1055 pandemic and the Palestinians’ dire need of medicine and medical equipment to treat the patients and to prevent further spread of the virus. Furthermore, the Israeli regime must be compelled to end the occupation of all the Palestinian territories, of the occupied Syrian Golan and of parts of Lebanon, and to stop all its destabilizing activities in the region, including the systematic violation of the sovereignty of Syria and Lebanon.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“To prevent the persistent erosion of trust and confidence in the Security Council, it must act decisively in resolving the question of Palestine, in accordance with the principles of justice and international law. The international community must also compel the United States to put an end to its irresponsible policy of unreservedly supporting the unlawful acts of the Israeli regime and its complete and systematic shielding of Israel against the Security Council’s criticism thus emboldening that regime to continue committing more crimes. The Israeli regime must also be compelled to put an end to its continued construction and expansion of settlements as well as the sustained inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Today, the suffering of the Palestinian people has become manifold as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the intensification of oppressive measures by the Israeli regime, including its continued brazen insistence on further advancing its unlawful expansionist policies, a recent example of which was its decision to construct nearly 5,000 housing units in the West Bank. The international community has a serious responsibility to do everything in its power to address this crisis and prevent its negative consequences for regional and international peace and security from further deteriorating. As the body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council has a special responsibility in this regard.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“As is crystal-clear, the main reason behind the Council’s failure to fulfil its duties with respect to the question of Palestine is the policies and practices of the United States, which, through violations of the peremptory norms and basic principles of international law, disregarding all standards of international conduct and contravening all principles of humanity and morality, as well as abusing its status as a permanent member of the Council, continues to completely, systematically and unreservedly shield the Israeli regime. The decades-long inaction by the Security Council has helped the Israeli regime continue all its unlawful acts and inhumane practices with total impunity.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“As a result, during the past 75 years, the Security Council has been unable to end the decades-long occupation of Palestine, protect the very basic rights of millions of oppressed Palestinians at home and abroad or confront an occupying regime that has committed all four core international crimes, not once but several times.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations officially came into being based on such inherent values as justice, equality, the dignity and worth of the human person and the rule of law, as well as essential principles such as the prohibition of the threat or use of force, along with noble objectives such as international cooperation in solving international problems and employing international machinery for the advancement of all peoples. During the past 75 years, many nations have benefited from these principles. Nevertheless, unfortunately, the Palestinians have been deprived of such lofty goals despite the fact that the Palestinian question, as the world’s longest-lasting crisis, has been at the top of the agendas of the General Assembly and the Security Council since the creation of the United Nations.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Finally, Iran stands ready to support the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Iran reaffirms once again its resolve to support the fraternal people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“In addition, as peace cannot be achieved and sustained in the absence of socioeconomic development, Iran, in parallel with its diplomatic efforts in support of peace, has continued its cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan in areas such as trade, transportation and health, which include projects concerning the development of Chabahar port, to be utilized by the Government of Afghanistan for import and export, and the construction of roads and railroads to facilitate Afghanistan’s access Afghanistan to the high seas and Central Asian countries. While we spare no effort to promote our economic relations with Afghanistan, the inhumane sanctions of the United States against Iran have negatively affected the benefits that such efforts can bring for both Iran and Afghanistan.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Following our intensive efforts aimed at bringing the two sides within the Government together, which facilitated the conclusion of a political agreement on the formation of the Cabinet of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran has also conducted extensive consultations with Afghan leaders and regional and international players to facilitate the peace talks, and stands ready to host the talks if the parties so desire.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Taking effective measures to contain the coronavirus disease pandemic is another important step towards the establishment of peace in Afghanistan. As a prerequisite for sustained socioeconomic development and stability in Afghanistan, we reiterate our strong call for a time-bound and responsible withdrawal of all foreign forces from that country, regardless of their mandate and structure. We also underline the high importance of supporting and strengthening Afghanistan’s National Defence and Security Forces.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“The Government’s efforts, such as the formation of the High Council for National Reconciliation and the peace negotiating delegation, as well as the recent decisions of the Consultative Peace Jirga, indicate its seriousness about peace. To ensure the success of the peace process, certain additional measures need to be taken, the most important of which is agreeing on a ceasefire, which can promote trust and confidence among conflicting parties. This, however, must not include combating the activities of terrorist groups, particularly Da’esh, whose terrorist acts are on the increase, endangering peace and security in Afghanistan and the entire region, including through the expansion of its operations into Central Asia.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Genuine and durable peace cannot be dictated or imposed. The right to decide about Afghanistan’s future belongs exclusively to Afghans themselves. This must be recognized and respected by all. Accordingly, the international community, including the key regional and international players, while avoiding interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, must encourage, facilitate and support its people’s efforts to determine their own future. At the same time, addressing the legitimate interests of Afghanistan’s neighbours will ensure regional support for the establishment of an enduring peace in that country.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“The people of Afghanistan are currently passing through a crucial stage in their decades-long struggle to overcome insecurity and instability and achieve their long-awaited aspiration: genuine and durable peace in their country. To that end, the swift commencement of the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process involving all Afghan factions, including the Taliban and other political, ethnic and religious groups and minorities, enjoys strong national, regional and international support. The process, in addition to preserving Afghanistan’s past achievements, particularly its Constitution and political system, as well as ensuring the rights of women and all ethnic and religious minorities, must also aim at establishing solid foundations for comprehensive and lasting peace and sustainable socioeconomic development in the country.”
2020-09-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/891 (2020) · source
“Allow me to conclude by underlining that no one can deny the ongoing alarming trend of regression from a rules-based multilateralism to a power-based unilateralism. The international community should not allow the knee-on-neck policy to be tolerated in our time anymore. Let us be fair and square. Historically, appeasement has never served humanity’s common interests. Conversely, it has only further emboldened the bullying Powers. In this turbulent time, all States, particularly the members of the Council, have a moral and ethical responsibility to do whatever is in their power to restore faith in the values, purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations, who will have to live with the consequences of our action and inaction.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“The resolution explicitly urges its “full implementation on the timetable”. Any attempt to change or amend the agreed timetable is therefore tantamount to undermining resolution 2231 (2015) in its entirety. The Council must not allow the abuse and manipulation of its work, as it did in the past when the Council was ineffective in preventing Saddam’s aggression against Iran and the use of chemical weapons against Iranians and Iraqis. As we have already stated, the imposition of any sanctions or restrictions on Iran by the Security Council will be met severely by Iran, and our options are not limited. The United States and any entity that assists it or acquiesces to its illegal behaviour will bear the full responsibility.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Because, based on its miscalculations, the United States wants to use it as a pretext to realize its ultimate goal of killing the JCPOA forever through the snapback mechanism, while, as a non-participant of the JCPOA, the United States is not eligible to trigger that mechanism. Here, the Council, as the guarantor of its own decisions, must act responsibly and decisively and prove that it is able and willing to support the JCPOA it endorsed, protect resolution 2231 (2015), which it adopted unanimously, and ensure its own authority and credibility. As we have made clear, the timetable for the removal of arms restrictions in resolution 2231 (2015) is an inseparable part of the hard-won compromise enabling a final agreement on the overall package of the JCPOA and that resolution.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“In order to advance its goal by whatever means, the United States also resorted to deceptive methods, such as shortening its 13-page draft resolution to four short paragraphs without any changes in its nature and intended goal, to illustrate its apparent flexibility. Likewise, to create a legal mess and confusion, it has also recalled, in its second draft resolution, six resolutions of the Council, all of which were terminated almost five years ago. This week, the United States urged the Council to vote on the second version of the draft resolution, even knowing in advance that it would not enjoy support within the Council. The question is: Why is it resorting to such an exercise?”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Like its deep addiction to imposing sanctions on others, deception is also an inseparable part of United States foreign policy. For many years, the United States had created a manufactured crisis over Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the JCPOA’s conclusion rendered that ploy useless. The United States is now manufacturing a new crisis under the so-called label of arms proliferation. There is no arms proliferation by Iran, as falsely S/2020/805 claimed by United States officials. We have already categorically rejected all such uncorroborated self-serving allegations. After testing the waters in the Council for a few months, last week the United States, in clear violation of resolution 2231 (2015), proposed a draft resolution on an arms embargo against Iran, which was met with a cold shoulder from members of the Council.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“In early 2020, in a terrorist attack at the direct order of the United States President, the American forces horrifically assassinated Major General Qasem Soleimani and his companions at Baghdad International Airport — a real gift to Da’esh. The overwhelming majority of international lawyers, including a number of United Nations mandate holders, have rejected the United States legal justifications for such a criminal act and called it a gross violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. These are only a few examples of numerous unlawful, subversive and provocative measures taken by the United States forces against Iran. It is ironic that, with such a dark record of aggression, intrusion and disruptive actions in our region, the United States is now accusing Iran of destabilizing behaviour in the region.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“The International Court of Justice rejected any “legal justification for the destruction of the platforms” and even called it “the violation of freedom of commerce”. In 1988 the United States forces targeted an Iranian civil aircraft over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people on board, including 66 children — the deadliest aviation disaster in 1988. In 2011, an American unmanned spy plane invaded Iran’s airspace and flew 250 kilometres deep into Iranian territory, where it was captured by Iran. Later the United States President requested its return, which was rejected. In 2019, a United States unmanned aircraft system, having taken off from one of the United States bases in the Persian Gulf States, violated Iranian airspace and engaged in a clear spying operation. Repeated radio warnings unattended to, it was downed.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Above all, I am specifically referring to the human toll. One example is the 2003 illegal invasion of Iraq by the United States, whose then politicians introduced it as no more real than a video game, and whose current politicians mourn not for the loss of lives but only for the misspending of America’s money. The United States invasion of Iraq left millions of dead, wounded and displaced persons. Of course, no one forgets the crimes that American forces brutally committed in different parts of Iraq, including in Abu Ghraib prison. Iran is also a principal victim of the presence of foreign forces. For instance, in 1987 and 1988 the United States Navy destroyed three Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“S/2020/805 Likewise, foreign forces, which always mask their real missions under such euphemistic popular terms as “to ensure freedom of navigation” and “promote maritime stability”, are involved in a range of invasive, intrusive, disruptive and subversive activities in our region. The invasions, false flag operations and espionage activities perpetrated by foreign forces, coupled with the well-known policy of divide and rule of their respective Governments, have not only targeted trust and confidence among the regional nations, which have coexisted peacefully over centuries, but also resulted in more insecurity and instability in our neighbourhood. Consequently, we, the regional nations, are paying a very high price for such ill-intentioned policies of Western countries and the presence of their forces in our region.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“If anything, they clearly imply that there is an alarming trend in the region — an extremely furious flood of advanced weaponry, mostly arms made by the United States, to certain regional States, as well as the massive build-up of foreign forces, armed to the teeth with all types of the most sophisticated armaments, which are the real sources of instability in our region. The arms exported to this volatile region have been used not only to extensively prolong the death and destruction in Yemen, but also to fan and fuel other conflicts, from Iraq and Syria to Libya.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), currently it “has the largest inventory of advanced weapons” among the Persian Gulf States. Where does Iran stand? The level of Iran’s arms imports decreased significantly between 1994 and 2018. According to SIPRI, the volume of Iran’s arms imports in this period was relatively small compared with the volumes imported by many other States in the Middle East. From 2009 to 2019, Iran was ranked the fifty-seventh arms importer globally. In 2019 Iran’s military expenditure was five times less than that of Saudi Arabia, and Iran devoted only 2.3 per cent of its GDP to military expenditure, which is 3.5 times less than that of Saudi Arabia. What do these facts and figures reveal? Do they imply even an iota of threat to, or breach of, peace by Iran?”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Let us now turn to the unquenchable appetite of the United States to export arms to this region and the inordinate craving of regional allies of the United States to import them. By importing over 12 per cent of all arms exported globally, 73 per cent of which came from the United States, Saudi Arabia was by far the largest arms importer in the world from 2015 to 2019. Members should just remember the $110 billion United States-Saudi arms deal in 2017, described by President Trump as “the largest order ever made”. Saudi Arabia was the third largest military spender in 2018 and the fifth largest in 2019 and devoted 8 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to military expenditure in 2019 — the highest worldwide. Being by far the largest military spender in the Middle East, it also continues to modernize and expand its military forces.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Let us take a quick look at the situation in the region, starting with the policies and practices of the United States, a country that is not located in our region but has for decades been meddling in our affairs some 6,000 miles away from its shores. Just in Iran’s six neighbouring countries in the Persian Gulf, the United States has deployed nearly 50,000 troops, with more than 300 combat aircraft, an aircraft carrier as well as tens of destroyers and ships with four Central Command headquarters for its army, air, marine and special forces. Out of over 40 Western military installations in the Middle East, 29 belong to America. Such a massive build-up has turned the region into the highest concentration of foreign military installations in the world.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Seventh, even beyond the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015), which, due to their direct substantive relevance, can in no way be disregarded or overlooked, the Security Council may impose sanctions only when it determines “the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression” and, more importantly, exhausts employing all possible solutions other than sanctions, which must be the last choice if need be. Now the question is whether such conditions exist regarding Iran, thus allowing the Council to act. This assessment, of course, cannot be made in a vacuum or on the basis of the political motivations, fabrications, lies and phony charges of a certain member, or members, of the Council; rather, it must be based on objective and irrefutable facts, namely, the security realities in the region.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Sixth, it is crystal clear that any arms embargo against Iran would be against all promises made to Iran in different parts of resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA and endorsed by the Council. This can set a dangerous precedent, weakening the Council’s authority and eroding the trust and confidence in the Council, in its S/2020/805 decisions and, by extension, in the United Nations itself. The main victims, however, would be the principles of justice, the rule of law, dialogue, diplomacy and trust.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Fifth, it is against the call by the Security Council on all Member States “to support the implementation of the JCPOA” and to refrain “from actions that undermine implementation of commitments under the JCPOA”, as well as for the JCPOA’s “full implementation on the timetable established” therein. According to annex B to resolution 2231 (2015), the “duration” of arrangements, including on arms, “may be reviewed”. However, annex B is inherently designed to ensure that the provisions be terminated in line with the agreed timelines, as such a decision must be made by the Council based on a consensual recommendation of the Joint Commission, of which the United States is not a member, to propose such an extension, and Iran, as a member, will not accept such a proposal.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Third, it would also be against the Council’s intent, as expressed in resolution 2231 (2015), on “promoting and facilitating the development of normal economic and trade contacts and cooperation with Iran”, which naturally includes arms trade too. Fourth, any change in the already agreed measures or timelines, by changing the well-crafted balance embedded in resolution 2231 (2015), will affect several other parts thereof. The resolution, as it itself defines, is based on “a step-by- step approach”, “includes the reciprocal commitments”, the implementation and termination of which are subject to identified timelines, and requires States to comply with its provisions “for their respective durations”.”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Can the import and export of arms by Iran be considered a threat to international peace and security? What is the ultimate goal of the United States in this whole exercise? From a legal perspective, under resolution 2231 (2015), following the termination of the current restrictions, no arms embargo can be imposed on Iran for the following reasons. First, according to the JCPOA, which is annexed to resolution 2231 (2015) and, through its endorsement by the Council, has become legally binding on all Member States, there will be no new Security Council sanctions. Second, it would be against the Council’s policy of “fundamental shift”, as well as its “desire to build a new relationship with Iran”, as affirmed and expressed in resolution 2231 (2015).”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“Today the Security Council is considering a draft resolution (S/2020/797) presented by a country that has a long and dark record of fabrications and disinformation throughout the world, and the Council is no stranger to such dissemination of falsehood. It seems that, in order to promote its short-sighted political interests, the United States is addicted to spreading lies. A lie has no legs. For many years, the United States, misusing its permanent membership of the Council, has attempted to portray Iran as a threat to international peace and security and to propose sanctions against Iran. One example is its current proposal for imposing an indefinite comprehensive arms embargo on my country. Is there any sound legal and objective security justification for such action?”
2020-08-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/805 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that the Islamic Republic of Iran, consistent with its international commitments, will continue its efforts to effectively prevent and counter organized crime and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Any possible links that may exist between terrorism and transnational organized crimes should be understood in their specific contexts and conditions. For instance, they may feed on each other when the conditions are right, as some terrorist circles in our neighbourhood have been nourished from the proceeds of drug trafficking. Even in such specific circumstances in which a relationship between those crimes may arise, different spheres of liability are involved and different sanctions and procedures should be applied. Such an argument proves a fortiori applicable with respect to a possible link between domestic organized crimes and terrorism as well.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“We share the view that the possible linkages between those two heinous crimes need to be further studied in order to guide our actions. In that regard, we agree with the Secretary-General that “States should continue to proactively exchange information to support additional research and collect empirical evidence” (S/2020/754, para. 108). The two plagues correspond to different motivations and have separate legal frameworks. On the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, by virtue of its purposes and nature, terrorism constitutes a threat to international peace and security. But transnational organized crimes, with a different nature and scope, remain within the realm of public security. At the same time, there is not enough data to support the existence of a universal or direct linkage between such criminal activities.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Iran is determined to continue its efforts to combat terrorists and drug traffickers. However, to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of our efforts, the international community should provide assistance without preconditions, discrimination or politicization. Furthermore, the excessive use of unlawful unilateral economic and financial sanctions by some countries, particularly the United States, should be confronted, as they generate hurdles to national efforts and provide breeding grounds for criminal networks. Understanding the underlying causes and the complex dynamics of terrorism and organized crimes, and their possible interactions, is a necessary prerequisite for evidence-based action by States.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“The sacrifices of the Iranian nation, including the tireless efforts of the martyr General Soleimani, who was assassinated in Iraq by the United States, to eradicate terrorism in the region, are well documented. Likewise, Iran has been at the forefront of fighting transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling and trafficking in cultural property and illicit drugs, including their transit through our territory. According to the annual United Nations World Drug Report, as a country located next to an epicentre of the world drug problem, Iran has had the world’s largest quantities of opiates seizures in several consecutive years. That and other achievements of Iran have cost the country dearly, including the lives of almost 4,000 Iranian law enforcement personnel over the past four decades.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“For example, Iran’s Countering Money Laundering Act and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act have both been recently updated, taking into account the relevant international standards and practices. Moreover, the capacity of judicial institutions to address those crimes has been strengthened. At the international level, the Islamic Republic of Iran has fully demonstrated its dedication and unwavering resolve in fighting those heinous crimes. Having fallen victim to numerous international terrorist acts, Iran has undertaken considerable measures to punish the perpetrators and prevent other acts of such a nature. Concurrently, Iran has assisted neighbouring countries, at their request, in combating terrorist groups designated by the Security Council.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Terrorism and transnational organized crimes have affected almost all States. The concerted efforts of affected States, under the auspices of the United Nations, play a decisive role in preventing and prosecuting such crimes. In that regard, we have an ongoing commitment to counter the scourges of terrorism and transnational organized crimes, whether domestic or transnational, and any possible links that may exist between them. At the national level, Iran has made considerable efforts to update its domestic legal frameworks to more effectively strengthen law enforcement authorities in countering and keeping pace with the new modus operandi of organized criminal, as well as terrorist, groups.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“We also highlight the need to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their original places of residence in Syria. Calling for the international community’s contribution in this regard, we underline that any such assistance, including for Syria’s reconstruction, must not be politicized or linked to the fulfilment of certain conditions.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“However, what is causing the situation to deteriorate is the recent imposition of inhumane unilateral sanctions by the United States against the Syrian people, which is a truly shameful act against a nation that, amid almost a decade-long conflict, is suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. We strongly condemn this inhumane and irresponsible move by the United States and urge the international community to raise its voice in rejecting this shameful policy and calling for the removal of all these immoral sanctions. The S/2020/743 S/2020/743 international community should not leave the Syrian people alone in their struggle to overcome the economic problems resulting from these inhumane sanctions.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“The Committee’s activities must continue without any external pressure, and any possible assistance thereto, even by the United Nations, must be extended only at the request of the Committee itself in accordance with its rules of procedure. We stress once again that the right to determine the future of Syria belongs exclusively to the Syrians. We welcome the successful holding of the recent parliamentary elections in Syria, which is a step forward in this direction. Today the Syrian people must confront the challenges presented by both the conflict and the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“The occupation of the Syrian occupied Golan by Israel is illegal, and the recognition by the United States of the Golan’s annexation by Israel is null and void. Condemning such unlawful and irresponsible acts, we stress that Golan is and will remain part and parcel of the Syrian territory. We reiterate our principled position that there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict and that it must be resolved only through a Syrian-led and Syrian- owned, United Nations-facilitated political process. Underlining that the establishment of the Constitutional Committee is an achievement of the Astana format and welcoming the agreement to hold its next meeting in August, we support the Committee’s work.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“We once again stress that the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be fully respected by all, and that, accordingly, all foreign forces whose presence is not permitted by the Syrian Government must leave the Syrian territory. A prominent example is the occupation of parts of Syria by United States forces, who are continuing to loot Syrian oil and wealth as well as to support and shield terrorist groups under the mask of combating terrorism. Similarly, Israel’s acts of aggression against Syria are in gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, in the face of which the Syrian Government has a sovereign right to decide how and when to exercise its inherent right to individual or collective self-defence. Such aggressions must come to an end.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source