YouSaid · the spoken record

Mark Lyall Grant

lines on the record: 1,799
first: 2009-11-13
most recent: 2015-04-24
sittings or episodes: 275
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

“What is striking about 1914 from today's perspective is the absence of any kind of multilateral framework that was able to check the descent into war by the major European Powers. A situation had arisen in which, at a point of international tension and dispute, the default was towards conflict rather than dialogue, negotiation and mediation. The generals stepped forward, and the diplomats stepped back. One hundred years later, that is a lesson that we must never forget. This body, the Security Council, has a primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“But the United Nations, too, needs to look self- critically at its history and draw the necessary lessons. This year will see the twentieth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. Next year will see the twentieth anniversary of the genocide carried out in Srebrenica. Both are tragic stains on the reputation of the United Nations and the Security Council. That is why it is right that we now seek to embed policies such as the protection of civilians - the responsibility to protect - and welcome new approaches such as the "rights up front" into our work. This year also marks 100 years since the start of the First World War, the defining moment of the twentieth century. That was the first war on a truly global scale, unleashing casualties in numbers never seen before.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“History should never be treated as a form of intellectual ammunition to incite conduct or prolong conflict. Historical disputes should not be perpetuated or used for political ends. We should never forget or dismiss the past, but we should be ready to move on from it. We have another important responsibility: to draw appropriate lessons from the past. The United Nations itself exemplifies this. A profound understanding of the consequences of two World Wars and the inadequacies of the inter-war League of Nations informed the structure and founding principles of the United Nations. An understanding of the lessons of the past helped to give rise to an enduring and resilient multilateral Organization which has made an incalculable contribution to international peace and security.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“In presenting the results of that inquiry to Parliament, and in apologizing on behalf ofthe Government and the country, Prime Minister David Cameron voiced a wider truth about historical responsibility. He said, "Openness and frankness about the past, however painful, do not make us weaker; they make us stronger". Just as a responsible approach to history can contribute to peace and security, so, sadly, the opposite is true. The conflicts in the Balkans in the 1990s provide an object lesson in the consequences ofpolitical leaders abusing history by harnessing a skewed historical narrative to fuel extreme nationalist ideologies and promote hatred and tension between different ethnic or religious communities. Or, as Sir Winston Churchill put it, the Balkans produce more history than they can consume.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“But we also have a responsibility to address our history in an objective and unprejudiced way that does justice to the truth and that, by acknowledging the mistakes of the past, contributes to a secure and stable future. That is important not just because historical truth has a value in its own right, but also because addressing the past honestly provides a basis for shared understanding, healing divisions, reconciliation and moving forward. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa provides a powerful example of the value of confronting a painful period of a country's past in a transparent and fearless manner. In the United Kingdom, the Saville Inquiry, completed in 2010, provided a full picture of the tragic events of 30 January 1972 in Northern Ireland, known as "Bloody Sunday".”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“It helps us to determine better the right policy responses, to draw conclusions from what has happened in the past, to avoid repeating past errors, or, to paraphrase Einstein's definition of insanity, to do the same things and expect different results. As diplomats and representatives of our Goverments, we have important responsibilities towards history. Our national histories are important parts of our identities as nation States. All countries rightly take pride in their achievements as nations, in the sacrifices made by their armed forces and in the distinguished individuals who have shaped their culture and history, who may appear on banknotes and as statues in their squares. Treated responsibly, these histories can bind us together.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Mr. President, I wish to thank you for having chosen this imaginative and important theme for today's debate. Applying our conflict-prevention responsibilities effectively requires us to have the deepest possible understanding of conflict. Too often the Council's attention is focused on the proximate causes and immediate triggers of conflict. This debate, Sir, and your thoughtful concept note (S/2014/30, annex) encourage us to look deeper and more searchingly into the underlying causes and historical roots of conflict. Historical understanding is a key component of productive diplomacy. Cicero famously said that not to know what took place before you were born is to remain forever a child. Understanding history deepens our understanding of the contemporary challenges confronting the Security Council.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“But increased funding can make a difference only if there is progress on access and protection for humanitarian actors in Syria, where 21 United Nations staff members remain in Government detention and 47 humanitarian workers have now been killed. Progress on implementing the Council's presidential statement of2 October 2013 (S/PRST/2013/15) remains extremely limited. It is unacceptable that humanitarian organizations are being deliberately obstructed by the regime from delivering aid. The regime has shown that it can facilitate access for chemical weapons inspectors; it needs to show the same commitment to ensuring aid reaches those most in need.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“It is an unparalleled crisis, and the world needs to respond accordingly. We welcome the $2.4 billion ofpledges made at the Kuwait pledging conference last week. My Government announced a further pledge of $163 million in humanitarian assistance, bringing our total contribution to nearly $1 billion * the largest sum that the United Kingdom has ever committed to a single crisis. The funding is going towards meeting the basic life-saving needs of Syrians affected by the conflict, both inside Syria and in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. We pay tribute to those neighbouring countries, including Jordan, for the burden they are carrying to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“We should not underestimate the formidable challenges ahead, and we must not lose sight of the desperate situation that Syrian civilians are facing on a daily basis. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights now puts the death toll at over 125,000 people. In Aleppo and across all of Syria, we have seen the regime continue to attack its own civilian population with barrel bombs. That indiscriminate bombardment is yet another war crime on the part of the regime, and Al-Assad and those around him should have no doubt that the world will hold them to account. The situation in Syria should be referred to the International Criminal Court. The humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic proportions. Eleven million Syrians are in desperate need of urgent assistance, particularly in besieged and hard to reach areas.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“Yesterday, the Secretary-General announced that he was extending an invitation to Iran to attend the opening of the Conference at Montreux on the basis that it acknowledges that the Conference's purpose is the full implementation of the original Geneva communique. Ifthe Iranians are to attend, it is now vital that their Government confirm publicly and clearly that they share that understanding. We have also urged the United Nations, as mandated by the Security Council in many resolutions, including resolution 2122 (2013) of October 2013, to ensure a full role for women in the Syrian peace negotiations. It is important to remember that those negotiations will be a process, not a single event.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“On Syria, the Secretary-General has made clear that the aim of this week's second Geneva Conference on Syria is to assist the Syrian parties in ending the Violence and achieving a comprehensive agreement for a political settlement, implementing fully the Geneva communique (S/2013/523, annex), while preserving the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. As the permanent members of the Council agreed on 30 June 2012, and as was endorsed by the full Security Council in resolution 2118 (2013) last September, that means agreeing to the establishment of a transitional governing body in Syria with full executive powers formed by mutual consent to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“There will be difficult decisions in the months ahead, but we urge all those involved to keep their shared goal in mind - a negotiated two-State solution leading to a sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside a safe and secure Israel. The United Kingdom stands ready to do its part. That is why we strongly back the European Union's readiness to offer an unprecedented package of political, economic and security support to both parties in the event that a final status deal is reached.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“We therefore remain deeply concerned about the 663 Palestinian-owned homes and livelihood structures demolished in Area C and East Jerusalem in 2013. Demolitions and evictions are harmful to the peace process and in all but the most limited circumstances are contrary to international humanitarian law. Reports of price tag attacks, including on a mosque in Deir Istiya village on 15 January, are also of serious concern. We condemn such acts and urge the Israeli authorities to bring those responsible to justice. We are also concerned about rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel and, in particular, condemn the rockets fired at Ashkelon on 16 January in violation of international law. All parties must respect the 12 November ceasefire agreement in full. The people of Gaza and Israel will only lose from further Violence.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“This year started on a positive note, with the implementation of Israel's brave decision to release the third tranche of Palestinian prisoners. The United Kingdom firmly believes that such steps, despite their difficulty, are important to achieving a lasting peace and security. However, we are very concerned by Israel's decision to announce further settlement-building in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. My Government condemns these announcements and considers such actions as a serious threat to peace. We urge Israel to avoid any further illegal settlement activity and to reverse the advancement of plans. The United Kingdom has also been clear that for this process to be a success, the people on the ground, both Israelis and Palestinians, need to see the real and tangible benefits of peace.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“Mr. President, I welcome your Foreign Minister's presence in the Security Council today, and I should like also to thank the Secretary-General for his statement and the representatives of Palestine and Israel for their contributions to this debate. As we enter 2014, we are at a moment ofopportunity for the Middle East peace process. Entering back into direct negotiations last year was a bold step forward. It was a welcome move towards peace in a troubled area. It is the responsibility of all of us here to support the parties, led by the United States, to capitalize on this opportunity. My Government continues to put its full support behind Secretary Kerry and his team, and we urge the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships to continue their admirable focus and commitment.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“We have established a network of criminal justice advisers that will help to strengthen the rule of law and improve prosecutions by local authorities. We have also proposed a donor coordination mechanism that will improve strategic coordination, particular with the Economic Community of West African States. Let us commit today to redoubling our efforts to combat organized crime to enable the region to rid itself of the scourge.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“That activity must be matched by deeper regional cooperation to sustainably disrupt transnational criminal networks. We need to focus our actions, first, on building good governance to set the preconditions for a successful response. Secondly, the regional ability to share information and conduct investigations needs to be strengthened. Thirdly, criminal justice capacity needs to be built. Fourthly, joint action on borders and cross-border traffic needs to be improved. During 2013, the United Kingdom's presidency of the Group of Eight (G8) has built on the work of previous presidencies by coordinating the action of the Group of Eight Plus Friends of the Gulf of Guinea on organized crime in West Africa.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“Of course, we face important challenges. Widespread corruption continues to hinder effective State action and attracts organized criminals who exploit the distinctions between jurisdictions and corruption within them. Organized crime groups exploit instability and weak governance. Their activity further undermines fragile States and Governments. Lack of capacity and funding in law enforcement agencies and limited intelligence-gathering capability across the region create gaps that organized criminals can exploit. Tackling the aforementioned challenges head on will give regional Governments a better chance at dealing with organized crime. Strengthening State institutions will enable them to deliver basic services, reducing the attraction of crime.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“In addition to revenue raised from drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling and kidnapping for ransom provide terrorists with funding to continue their activities. Yesterday, the United Kingdom became the fortieth country to sign the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and we encourage all Member States to sign that important Protocol. The United Kingdom has also proposed a Security Council resolution reminding Member States of their obligation not to pay ransoms to kidnappers that could be used for terrorist purposes. We hope that the Council will agree on that draft resolution shortly. To tackle the scourge of organized crime, we must take a regional and holistic approach. We must disrupt crime by all available means, not just through law enforcement and prosecution, but by addressing the enablers of crime.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“In February, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that some 18 tons of cocaine transited West Africa every year. While down from its peak of 47 tons in 2007, evidence shows that the trend is again upwards. The United Kingdom's National Crime Agency estimates that between 13 and 15 per cent of Europe-bound cocaine, worth over $1 billion on arrival in the European Union, transits West Africa. But it is no longer just cocaine; we are also seeing an increase in heroin transiting through West Africa, mainly by couriers from South-West Asia, including Iran and Turkey. Much of it is destined for Europe and some for North America. Meanwhile, cannabis smuggling through the Sahel remains a serious concern, with its destination markets as far afield as Egypt, Israel and even further east.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“Permit me to take the opportunity of what might be the last formal meeting of the Security Council in 2013 to recognize the presence of the Foreign Minister of Guatemala and to warmly acknowledge the very valuable contribution that his country, as well as the other four outgoing members of the Security Council - Azerbaijan, Morocco, Pakistan and Togo - have made to maintaining international peace and security over the past two years. Organized crime across the Sahel and West Africa is a multimillion dollar business that damages the social fabric, not just in the Sahel and West Africa as a region of transit but also in the destination countries - in Europe, the Middle East and North America. Drug trafficking is one of the most serious aspects of that organized crime activity in the region.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the President for convening this important discussion. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General for his personal engagement and his presence at today's debate. I also thank Executive Director Fedotov and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Djinnit for their statements this morning. Today's briefings highlight one of the core challenges facing the Sahel and are relevant to the wider discussion on the region held earlier this month (see S/PV.7081). We welcome the adoption of today's presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/22).”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“The first-step agreement is in the interests of the whole world. We will apply the same rigour and determination we have shown in the negotiation when it comes to implementation of the agreement and to the search for a comprehensive settlement.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“Iran has still not responded to the Committee's letter of 12 April requesting further information, despite multiple requests to do so. The evidence of that breach is compelling. The Committee should now take further action in response. The Panel's reports on Gaza and the illicit arms interdiction reported by the Government of Yemen provide credible information that Iran continues to illicitly transfer arms within the region, in contravention on the United Nations embargo on the export of weapons by Iran. Such actions are unacceptable and serve only to undermine regional security. We encourage the Panel to continue to monitor that issue, identify individuals and entities responsible and make recommendations to the Committee, as appropriate. The United Kingdom is committed to finding a peaceful, negotiated solution on the nuclear issue.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“The Panel of Experts investigated the circumstances of that case and concluded that Iran's attempted procurement was indeed a violation of its obligations under resolution 1929 (2010). That is deeply regrettable. The United Kingdom welcomes the Panel's work and calls on it to continue to investigate those reports and to bring relevant information to the Committee's attention. The Committee must take appropriate action in response, including considering an implementation assistance notice to assist Member States. In January, the Panel of Experts reached a clear and unanimous conclusion in its report that Iran's launch of a ballistic missile last year constituted a violation of resolution 1929 (2010). Efforts by the Chair to engage with Iran on that issue have unfortunately been spurned.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“For example, we welcome the recent signature of a joint statement for a cooperation framework between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency. We are pleased to see that Iran has finally decided to cooperate with the Agency so as to resolve all present and past issues. That is a step in the right direction. However, Iran has yet to address the substance of the Agency's concerns over the possible military dimensions to Iran's nuclear programme. Turning to the work of the Committee, we remain concerned by breaches and possible breaches by Iran of its international obligations. The Committee has reported the recent discovery of a consignment of high-grade carbon fibre destined for Iran.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“The deal provides for more time to negotiate a comprehensive solution by halting further advances in Iran's nuclear programme. Meanwhile, and most importantly, the majority of the sanctions remain in place, including, as the Committee's 90-day report makes clear, all United Nations sanctions. We must continue to enforce those sanctions robustly, as a powerful incentive for Iran to reach a comprehensive solution that would ensure an exclusively peaceful nuclear programme. Reaching an interim agreement has been a difficult and painstaking process. We are right to test to the full Iran's readiness to act in good faith, to work with the rest of the international community and to enter into international agreements. If Iran does not abide by its commitments, it will bear a heavy responsibility. Early signs indicate that Iran is cooperating.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“I thank the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), under the chairmanship of Ambassador Quinlan, as well as the Panel of Experts, for their continued work in supporting the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions on Iran. On 24 November, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and Iran reached a first- stage agreement on the nuclear issue. That was an important and encouraging milestone. For the first time, we reached a detailed agreement that goes a long way towards addressing the most worrisome aspects of the Iranian nuclear programme. The unity of all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council behind the agreement in itself sends a powerful signal. The United Kingdom commits to fulfil our part of the agreement in good faith, and we look to Iran to do the same.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“The United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel can do just that. It is time now to move it from the theoretical to the practical and unlock that potential. That requires commitment and resources, and we hope that the United Nations assets in the region, particularly the regional office in Dakar, can now be mobilized to begin the work that needs to be done in implementation.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“Lastly, we must focus on resilience. Regional bodies should lead in economic cooperation and food security initiatives, ensuring their implementation at the country and local levels with the help of non-governmental organizations. Alongside that local and regional ownership, international partners should support Governments in developing and delivering well-targeted safety net schemes as a means of guarding against recurrent environmental and food shocks. In October, the United Kingdom's Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, visited Timbuktu - the first British minister to do so for many years. During the visit, he noted the rich cultural heritage of the Sahel and its great potential to succeed. He saw for himself how much the region needs the international community to help it to unlock that potential.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“First, on security, we must disrupt terrorist activity and tackle organized crime by building regional capacity and regional cooperation. The United Kingdom has proposed a draft resolution tackling one aspect of that menace - ransom payments for kidnapping that fund terrorist activity in the Sahel region. We must develop a clear analysis of and approach to all such cross-border threats. Secondly, we must focus on State-building. We should offer long-term support for political settlements, including local-level reconciliation initiatives and the integration of armed groups. To ensure the provision of basic public services, such as education and access to justice, particularly outside urban areas, we should embed transparent and accountable systems for service delivery with closer tracking of progress made.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“Despite the successes of the French-led international intervention in Mali, the threat from Islamist extremists remains in many parts of the country, and corruption among elites and institutions prevents State structures from acting effectively to address challenges. That is why the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel is so important. It should be implemented as soon as possible. The integrated strategy sets out an organizing framework to address those challenges. It is a useful framework not just for the United Nations, but also for a wider set of international partners. If the implementation of the integrated strategy is to be effective, we must prioritize work on areas where a tangible and lasting impact can be made. I would like to highlight three areas in particular that the United Kingdom perceives as critical.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“The Sahel region is at an important moment in its progress towards greater security, prosperity, democratic governance and the rule of law. In recent weeks, Mali has successfully elected a new President, completed the first round of legislative elections and initiated investigations by the Malian judiciary into alleged human rights violations following the 2012 coup. Mauritania has also held parliamentary elections, which is a positive step that we hope will help the country return to a normal electoral cycle. But while we have recently seen positive steps, many challenges remain. Organized crime and drug trafficking, the proliferation of weapons, environmental issues and humanitarian crises continue to impede progress in the region.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling this important discussion. I would like to particularly thank the Secretary-General for his continued engagement and leadership on the issue of the Sahel region, demonstrated most recently by his extensive visit to the region in November, together with the President of the World Bank and other leaders of key institutions and organizations. I thank him, President Jim Yong Kim, Special Envoy Prodi and the representatives of the European Union and the African Union for their important contributions to the debate this morning. The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/20l3/20, which establishes a strong and united Security Council position on peace and security in the Sahel.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“Despite that, the United Kingdom will continue to engage through the Assembly of States Parties in a manner as constructive and helpful as possible with a View to addressing the concerns of the African Union, and we encourage others to do likewise.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“We have a long- standing and deep relationship with Kenya. My Prime Minister is personally engaged in supporting African efforts to bring greater peace and stability to a region that has been blighted by violent extremism for too long. The United Nations is supporting over 100,000 peacekeepers in Africa. Just this week, the Security Council authorized an increase of over 4,000 troops for the African Union Mission in Somalia. We are disappointed that the draft resolution was unnecessarily put to a vote in a way that highlights disagreements within the Council shortly before a meeting of the States parties, the outcome of which we hope will be to reduce those disagreements.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“It was established as a court of last resort, with the strong support of African States, to deal with such situations. Of the eight situations before the Court, five were initiated at the request of African States parties. Nobody, least of all the United Kingdom, underestimates the gravity of the security challenges in the Horn of Africa, but the question before the Council today was whether or not continuing with the ICC proceedings constituted in itself a threat to international peace and security. In our view, it does not. We therefore do not consider that the criteria for deferral under article 16 of the Rome Statute are met, and we therefore abstained in the voting on the draft resolution. This assessment in no way changes the United Kingdom's commitment to peace and security in the Horn of Arica and across the continent.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“Preparatory work is already under way and a number of amendments have already been submitted, including one by the United Kingdom on presence through Video technology. The Court itself has taken a number of decision that help to mitigate the African Union's concerns, including staggering the proceedings and excusing presence in exceptional circumstances. On 31 October, the start date of President Kenyatta's trial was put back, for the third time, to February 2014. The Court rightly takes such decisions independently, on the basis of applications made by the defendants. Those developments demonstrate a constructive, creative and legally proper response to the concerns raised. The ICC, by design, operates in and around conflict situations where there is a threat to peace and stability.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“Security Council members held a very constructive dialogue with the high-level Contact Group of the African Union last month. We had hoped that that dialogue would be the start of a discussion. We listened carefully and respectfully to the African Union's concerns. We fully understand the desire to allow the President and Deputy President of Kenya to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. We are engaged and prepared to address those concerns. But there is a right place to do that, and that place is at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Assembly of States Parties, not here in the Security Council. The Assembly of States Parties meets in five days' time. A dedicated segment will be devoted to addressing the African Union's concerns.”
2013-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7060 (2013) · source
“The risks of not achieving that goal are equally plain, particularly in the area of conflict prevention. As I said in June at the end of the presidency of the United Kingdom (see S/PV.6992), improving the working methods is not merely desirable, it is essential.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“The presidential statement on Yemen (S/PRST/20l3/3), issued in February, sent a clear message to would-be spoilers seeking to undermine the National Dialogue and transition in Yemen. Adopting a conflict-prevention mind-set and using such mechanisms of working practices gives the Council a powerful tool kit to examine and respond to emerging crises. We should not be afraid to use it. Early effective responses from the Council can go a long way towards preventing further deterioration. We have only to look at the situation in Syria to see how a lack of action over many months allowed the conflict to escalate, with the horrific consequences that we see today. A modern, transparent, efficient Council is plainly in the interests of all Member States.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“We also welcome the Secretariat's readiness to bring troubling situations to the attention of the Council, as was recently done with the Maldives and Guinea, making Article 99 of the Charter an active tool for conflict prevention. Horizon-scanning briefings have covered Syria and its neighbouring countries, the Sahel and the situation between Iraq and Kuwait, among many other issues. The Council issued a press statement following the discussion of Guinea (SC/11159) in the past week, and we hope that the parties in Guinea will act on it, because elsewhere we have seen that positive responses to Council products following those forward-looking discussions are possible. The parties in the Sudan and South Sudan have been made fully aware of the Council's views on the various issues in urgent need of resolution, including Abyei.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“The Council should take full advantage of mechanisms at its disposal, such as horizon scanning, to exercise a preventative function. Horizon-scanning meetings are an opportunity for the Secretariat to brief on issues of concern. Discussions on any other business or requests for urgent Council meetings can also be held on rapidly evolving and emerging situations. Many Council members have used those mechanisms in recent months. In the past week, Council members used those tools to discuss the situations in the eastern part of the Democratic People's Republic of the Congo (see S/PV.7046) and the Sudan (see S/PV.7048). It is very welcome that Council members are approaching our conflict-prevention responsibilities in that proactive way. Prior to that, such discussions have covered Egypt and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“It is entirely possible to keep to short interventions without limiting the ability of Member States to fully express their views. I am sure that this would also be the case if we adopted the African Union practice. I congratulate Ambassador Perceval, as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, for restating and building on established measures for conducting business efficiently and transparently. Presidential note 507 has been an important reference point in that regard, as have the two notes issued earlier this year (S/2013/515 and S/2013/630). We should make sure that we implement their contents fully. My second point, with regard to maintaining international peace and security, is as much about conflict prevention as it is about conflict management or resolution.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Those points alone make a clear case for ensuring that the work of the Council is made as efficient as possible. There are a number of ways in which we can achieve a more efficient Council, as we demonstrated during the presidency of the United Kingdom in June. Simply by starting meetings promptly and fully observing the guidelines set out in presidential note S/2010/507 with regard to the length of interventions, we concluded a substantial amount of business in June. But we should go further. I, for one, would support implementing in the Security Council the African Union Peace and Security Council practice of turning off the microphones of speakers who have exceeded their allotted time. That would expedite business and allow more speakers to be heard.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“But today I want to focus on just two aspects of this issue. The first concerns the procedural aspects of the Council's work, and the second examines how our working methods allow us to exercise our responsibilities in the area of conflict prevention. The Councl is regularly engaged on matters that are current threats to international peace and security. But if we engage and exert influence at the right moment, we could prevent those situations from becoming threats. Then we will be fully exercising our responsibilities. On the first issue, the imperative for an efficient Council is indisputable. The Council agenda is already full and it is growing. The time for meaningful discussion and exchange within the Council is being squeezed as a result. A larger Council, which we fully support, would redouble that pressure.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate and for building on our recent practice by holding this meeting as an open debate to enable Member States not on the Council to participate. The number of those inscribed on the speakers' list reflects the high level of interest on this issue and its importance to all Members. An efficient and transparent Security Council is in the interests of all Member States as we confront new and different challenges to international peace and security. There have been many positive developments in recent years, including more open meetings, Arria Formula meetings, the use of video conferencing, meetings with troop-contributing countries and horizon-scanning and wrap-up meetings. In many ways, the Security Council has proved the most adaptable of all United Nations bodies.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052 (2013) · source
“We are delighted that he has been able to join the Council today for the briefing and are confident that cooperation between the OIC and the Security Council will continue to strengthen during his future term in office. Let me end by welcoming the presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/l6) adopted by the Council today. That statement invites the Secretary-General to include in his regular reports on United Nations cooperation with regional and other organizations ideas on how cooperation between the United Nations and the OIC can be intensified. We look forward to receiving those suggestions.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains crucial to long-term security in the Middle East. We welcome the leadership shown by the United States on the issue, and the parties' commitment to intensify negotiations in the coming weeks. Difficult choices lie ahead and bold leadership will be required on both sides. The international community has a vital role to play in supporting those efforts to achieve the lasting peace that the people of the region need and deserve. As his tenure comes to an end, we pay tribute to the work of Mr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary- General of the OIC. We look forward to working with his successor, Mr. Iyad Madani, when he takes office in 2014.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source