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

1. “We also acknowledge the important stance that the OIC has taken in relation to the challenges in respect of international peace and security faced by many Muslim majority countries. The suspension of Syria's membership of the OIC in August 2012 sent a clear message on behalf of the Islamic world that the actions of Bashar Al-Assad's Government were unacceptable and could not be tolerated. In the build-up to the "Geneva 11" conference and at the start oftalks between the Syrian opposition and the Syrian Government, we welcome the OIC's support for a negotiated political settlement. A solution to the Syrian conflict can be achieved only through a political dialogue. For the sake the millions suffering as a result of the conflict, the international community must keep striving towards that aim.”

   2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

2. “The OIC, consisting of 57 member States across four different continents, has a unique perspective to offer us. Its Charter, which stresses the determination of its member States to contribute to international peace and security and to promote friendly relations and good-neighbourliness, clearly chimes with the purposes and objectives of the Security Council. The OIC can play an important role in bringing the voices of its membership to bear on issues that concern us all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The adoption of the OIC's 10-year programme of action in 2005 has given a clear sense of direction for the organization. And we commend the OIC's commitment to peacekeeping and conflict resolution.”

   2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

3. “We welcome the increased dialogue between the United Kingdom and the OIC under the tenure of Mr. Ihsanoglu, including our constructive dialogue on promoting the freedom of religion or belief and combating religious intolerance throughout the world. We are committed to deepening that relationshiop under the bilateral framework agreement that was signed between the United Kingdom and the OIC in 2012. These meetings in which the Security Council engages with regional and other outside organizations are a vital part of our work. They enable the Council to be outward-facing, to hear the important perspectives of non-United Nations organizations and to identify ways in which our efforts to enhance peace and security throughout the world can mutually reinforce each other. It is in that spirit that I welcome today's briefing.”

   2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

4. “I welcome you, Mr. President, to the Security Council this morning. I would also like to thank the presidency of Azerbaijan for organizing this timely briefing on cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization ofIslamic Cooperation (OIC). I also thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and OIC Secretary- General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for their contributions. I note that, last year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon became the first United Nations Secretary-General to visit the OIC headquarters. His presence at the start of today's debate was another reflection of his strong commitment to ensuring that the United Nations and the OIC cooperate closely. The United Kingdom, too, is deeply committed to further strengthening our relationship with the OIC. In 2011, we were pleased to appoint our first special representative to the OIC.”

   2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

5. “Both crises require bold, responsible leadership on the part of the parties to conflict and active engagement on the part of the international community in order to secure an end to conflict and a better future for the people of the region.”

   2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

6. “That is the largest sum that we have ever committed to a single humanitarian crisis. The international community as a whole pledged more than $1 billion in new funding during September. That is a welcome step, but more must be done. Finally, concerning Lebanon, as July's Security Council presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/9) and the recent meetings of the International Support Group have demonstrated, there is genuine international unity in support of Lebanon's stability. The United Kingdom has tripled its own humanitarian and security assistance to Lebanon this year, and we call on the Lebanese parties to take urgent steps to form a new consensus Government to tackle the significant challenges they face. We are at a critical juncture in both the Middle East peace process and the Syria conflict.”

   2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

7. “That is almost 5,000 people every day. The United Nations estimates that up to 2.5 million people in areas under siege cannot be reached by humanitarian agencies. The use of siege by regime forces in Moadamiya, Homs, Aleppo and Al-Hasakah is unacceptable, and I echo Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos's call for an immediate pause in hostilities in Moadamiya to allow humanitarian agencies unhindered access in order to evacuate the remaining civilians and deliver life-saving treatment and supplies. The United Kingdom recognizes the scale and despair of the humanitarian crisis. During the general debate of the General Assembly, we announced a further $160 million in humanitarian assistance, which now brings the United Kingdom's total Syria-related humanitarian funding to $800 million.”

   2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

8. “Well over 100,000 people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands of Syrian civilians continue to suffer from the regime's brutal use of conventional weapons and gross human rights violations committed on a daily basis. The United Kingdom calls on all Member States to support the Third Committee resolution on the human rights situation in Syria. We must send a clear message to the Al-Assad regime that the international community is united in its condemnation of such human rights violations. We have seen the Security Council come together on humanitarian access with the adoption of a presidential statement (S/PRST/20l3/15). That should now be translated into visible change on the ground. The humanitarian situation remains dire. More than 6.8 million people are displaced, and every 15 seconds a Syrian becomes a refugee.”

   2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

9. “The communique issued after that meeting welcomed progress on preparations for a "Geneva 11" conference, which could take place in November. Participants underscored that Geneva II should lead to a transitional governing body with full executive powers, agreed on by mutual consent. They agreed that once such a body is established, Al-Assad and his close associates with blood on their hands will have no future role to play in Syria. The United Kingdom will continue to work closely with the Syrian National Coalition, which is committed to the Geneva communique and an inclusive and democratic Syria, and which rejects extremism.”

   2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

10. “Resolution 2118 (2013), the first on Syria in 17 months, requires the full implementation of the Executive Council decision of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, whereby Syria's chemical weapons must be verifiably eliminated within the first half of next year. The voluntary destruction of those chemical weapons, which until recently the Al-Assad regime denied that it possessed, is a huge step forward on the issue. Resolution 2118 (2013) also formally endorses the Geneva communique of last year (S/2012/523, annex), calling for a transitional governing body with full executive powers. Today, my Foreign Minister hosted a meeting in London of 11 Foreign Ministers and a senior delegation from the Syrian National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, led by President Al-Jarba.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

11. “We are also troubled by the rising tensions around the holy sites of Jerusalem, sites that hold religious significance and are politically sensitive. We call on all parties to maintain the status quo and engage in dialogue to ensure calm. Going forward, the international community must do all it can to support both parties in working towards our common goal of reaching a negotiated two-State solution that ends the conflict once and for all. Concerning Syria, for the first time, with the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013), the Security Council imposes binding and enforceable obligations on the Syrian regime, with the threat of action under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations in the event of non-compliance.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

12. “We look to Israel to take the necessary steps to further ease restrictions on both the West Bank and Gaza, to enable the step change in the Palestinian economy that Secretary Kerry is rightly advocating. It is important to build confidence among the Palestinian and Israeli peoples that their common goal of peace is within reach. Over the past few weeks, there have been a number of concerning events, such as the murder of three Israelis, including two serving Israeli Defense Forces soldiers in the West Bank, and we condemn that unreservedly. There has been a rise in price tag attacks across East Jerusalem and the West Bank, including acts of setting fire and vandalizing Palestinian property. Those responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

13. “I would like to thank Mr. Feltman for his briefing this morning. The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the return to direct negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders since our most recent open debate here in July (S/PV.7007). We extend our appreciation to the United States, particularly to Secretary Kerry and Special Envoy for the Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations Martin Indyk for their steadfast commitment. That determination has enabled the parties to return to the table. We welcome the parties' commitment to intensify negotiations in the coming weeks, and we applaud the bold leadership demonstrated on both sides. The United Kingdom welcomes the Palestinian Economic Initiative. We are taking a leading role in fostering private-sector-led sustainable economic growth in support of Palestinian State-building efforts.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

14. “In closing, I would like to express my thanks to the Ugandan Government for hosting that leg of our visit and for the open exchange of views we had. I would also like to thank the staff of the United Nations, in particular James Sutterlin and Davey McNab, for ensuring the success of that part of our trip.”

    2013-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7045 (2013) · source

15. “As we have already heard this morning, we were able to reassure him that while in the Democratic Republic of the Congo we had delivered important messages on internal reforms. Council members appealed to President Museveni to use his influence to ensure the full implementation of commitments in the Framework Agreement by all signatories and continue to promote peace in the region. Overall, the exchange of views with President Museveni served to underline the important role that Uganda plays in furthering peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region, in the short term, by security agreement in Kampala, and in the longer term, by maintaining focus on the implementation of the Addis Agreement.”

    2013-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7045 (2013) · source

16. “I expect that we will hear a fresh update on those talks in the briefing immediately following this meeting. The President also referred to the importance of aligning national, regional and international efforts to support peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he expressed appreciation for MONUSCO's role in helping to tackle armed groups. Council members said that it would be important for the deal in Kampala to avoid repeating the mistakes of 2009 peace agreement, including allowing the worst human rights abusers to remain on the scene. The President assured the Council that sustained regional engagement would help deliver full implementation of any deal. President Museveni told the Council that the focus needed to remain on the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as the region.”

    2013-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7045 (2013) · source

17. “I expressed the Council's appreciation for President Museveni's work to improve regional relations and conclude dialogue between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23). The Council also wished to hear President Museveni's concerns on security in the region, including on the armed groups the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces/National Army for the Liberation of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army. The continued threat posed by those groups from the territory of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighbouring States is testament to the regional nature of the crisis. President Museveni and Defence Minister Koyongo updated us on the progress made so far in the talks in Kampala between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M-23.”

    2013-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7045 (2013) · source

18. “On 7 October, alongside my colleague Ambassador Kodjo Menan of Togo, I led the Security Council's visit to Uganda, which consisted of a detailed exchange with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside Defence Minister Kiyonga and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa. In our meeting, I explained, on behalf of the Security Council, that we saw a strategic opportunity to bring stability to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region, created by the Addis Agreement, the strengthened mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic People's Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Kampala talks.”

    2013-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7045 (2013) · source

19. “For this reason, while we strongly support the drawdown of MINUSTAH provided for in the resolution, we believe that there is scope for a more accelerated drawdown, in particular of engineering personnel. We are confident that this can be done in a manner which consolidates and protects security gains. We welcome the Secretary-General's proposal to consider the reconfiguration of the Mission, and look forward to hearing more of this in his next report.”

    2013-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7040 (2013) · source

20. “In particular, we note the continued provision of quick-impact projects. In the United Kingdom's view, as the MINUSTAH mandate enters its tenth year, the time has long past when there should be such a dependence on measures designed for the initial confidence-building phase of a mission. Ifwe are still doing quick-impact projects to build confidence after 10 years, we might conclude that their impact has not, in fact, been very quick. Transitioning these tasks to long-term development experts and funds would ensure the continuity of international support to Haiti, While allowing the Mission itself to focus on providing a safe and stable environment in which this work can take place. Such an approach would be more consistent with the objective of enhanced national ownership.”

    2013-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7040 (2013) · source

21. “The United Kingdom is pleased that the Council has united around resolution 2119 (2013). The United Kingdom is a strong supporter of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), but I would like to raise two points of concern - one general and one specific. In general, MINUSTAH is the clearest example ofa mismatch between the needs on the ground and the tools the Security Council uses to address them. Even after the drawdown of troops mandated in this resolution, there will still be over 5,000 military peacekeepers deployed in a country where there has been no military conflict in recent times. This makes little sense. We are concerned that some tasks that could be better managed by other elements of the United Nations system and its partners still fall to MINUSTAH to perform. This is troubling.”

    2013-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7040 (2013) · source

22. “As the report of the Secretary-General highlights, to achieve that it is vital for UNAMA and United Nations agencies to adopt a "One UN" approach and better coordinate activities on the ground. We do not take the challenges ahead lightly. But there is room for optimist and, together in support of the Government of Afghanistan, we can meet our shared vision of a stable, inclusive and prosperous Afghanistan. The United Kingdom will continue to play a committed and strong role in that shared endeavour.”

    2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

23. “President Karzai's visit to Pakistan last month delivered tangible outcomes in the pursuit of peace and trade and economic agreements. In addition, the United Kingdom continues to support the Istanbul Process and other initiatives that encourage trade, economic prosperity and security. Finally, let me turn to the future of the United Nations after the elections and beyond. The partnership between UNAMA and the Government of Afghanistan is an important one. While that relationship will evolve as the task facing the international community in Afghanistan shifts its focus, UNAMA must retain the right presence throughout the country. It must provide the right level of support for the international community to deliver on agreed commitments, in particular on the human and women's rights agenda.”

    2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

24. “Progress in priority areas, such as the role of women and human rights, is essential for long-term development and to sustaining donor funding. We encourage the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to assist in monitoring, coordinating and reporting on progress over the coming months. Fourthly, with regard to work towards a political settlement, such a settlement remains the best way to secure sustainable peace in Afghanistan. We welcome continued efforts towards an Afghan-led peace process. Over the coming months, we need to see early meetings between both the Taliban and the United States and the Taliban and the Afghan High Peace Council. Afghanistan's closest neighbours will also be central.”

    2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

25. “The window for candidate registration is now open, and we look forward to broad participation, including by women, as Afghans prepare to shape the future of their country. A strong framework for the elections will be essential. The Law on the Structure and Duties of the Independent Election Commission and the electoral law all represent significant steps towards delivering transparent, credible and inclusive elections. For our part, the United Kingdom will continue to support this process, including through an additional $12 million to the United Nations Development Programme ELECT II programme. Thirdly, as to the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework, the 3 July meeting confirmed that good progress is being made, but neither the Government of Afghanistan nor the international community can afford to shift their focus.”

    2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

26. “First, on security, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have now assumed the lead for security throughout the country and continue to grow in confidence and capability. This is a significant achievement, but we must not be complacent. As the Secretary-General highlights and Mr. Kubis confirmed today, this has been a challenging summer for the ANSF. The number of casualties has risen, underscoring that ongoing support from the international community will be vital. The United Kingdom will continue to support the ANSF, including through taking the coalition lead at the new Afghan National Army Officers Academy. Secondly, with respect to the 2014 elections, Afghanistan is in a crucial phase ahead of presidential and provincial elections in 2014.”

    2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

27. “I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/535), his Special Representative Mr. Jan Kubis for his briefing, and Ambassador Tanin for his positive remarks this morning. Let me begin by condemning the recent attacks in Afghanistan. Over recent months, we have a seen a spike in civilian deaths and injuries, including among women and children. As Mr. Kubis noted, the killing of Lieutenant Nigara - one of Afghanistan's senior policewomen - is the latest tragedy. These attacks are reprehensible and a reminder of the significant challenge to building peace in Afghanistan. I will focus my statement today on five key areas: security, the 2014 elections, the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework, peace and reconciliation, and the United Nations future engagement in Afghanistan.”

    2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source

28. “Finally, I reject the suggestion of the Foreign Minister of Uruguay that illegitimate oil-related activities are being conducted in Falkland Island waters, which constitute unilateral measures by the United Kingdom, contrary to a General Assembly resolution. The decision to exploit its natural resources was made by the Falkland Islands Government for the benefit of the people of the Falkland Islands, and in accordance with the right of self-determination of the people of the Falkland Islands under international law. All activities related to hydrocarbons on the continental shelf of the Falkland Islands are regulated by legislation of the Falkland Islands Government in strict accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source

29. “In March, the people of the Falkland Islands exercised their right to self-determination in a referendum, which established overwhelmingly their wish to remain an overseas territory of the United Kingdom In her national statement, President Fernandez said that the United Kingdom and Argentina should bilaterally discuss the Falkland Islands. The United Kingdom is clear that any such discussion is not just a matter for the two Governments. The views of the people of the Falkland Islands cannot simply be ignored. There can be no discussion of the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands against the wishes of the islanders.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source

30. “The United Kingdom has administered the Falkland Islands peacefully and effectively for more than 180 years. In 1850, by ratifying the bilateral Convention for settlement of existing differences, Argentina acknowledged that there was no territorial dispute between the two countries. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), said that respect for self- determination was a founding principle of CELAC. The United Kingdom also attaches great importance to that principle, which is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source

31. “I thank the presidency for allowing the United Kingdom to make a further statement. I wish to respond to some of the statements made in relation to the Falkland Islands. I note the very questionable relevance of this issue to the theme of today's debate and regret the fact that some participants have used this debate, in which we have seen a very valuable and timely discussion of United Nations cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, as a platform for expressing positions on a range of unrelated issues. Several ministerial participants referred in their statements to Argentina's so-called legitimate claim to the Falkland Islands. The United Kingdom does not accept that Argentina has any legitimate claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The historical facts and legal position are quite clear.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015Resumption1 (2013) · source

32. “But the overall trend is clear - towards increasing engagement by regional organizations in conflict-prevention and therefore towards increasing United Nations cooperation with regional organizations. And that is a challenge we must embrace. We should do so in a flexible and creative way. Today's presidential statement (S/2013/PRST/l2) and the previous Council products on cooperation with the African Union and the League of Arab States set out valuable guidelines. But we should avoid the temptations to overly codify our relationships or to prioritize establishing a strict theology of institutional cooperation over practical action.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

33. “On Mali in 2012, we saw the regional and subregional organizations assert their readiness to lead an international response, but this was followed by a long hiatus during which time insurgents steadily expanded their control over parts of the country, requiring French forces to intervene to arrest the mounting crisis. Equally we in the Council need to look self-critically at our own conduct. We need to acknowledge frankly the occasions, as with Syria, when we have failed to provide an effective response and clear international direction in circumstances where the voice of the relevant regional organization - the League of Arab States - has been clear and forthright in setting out what it expects of us. So there are lessons to learn, as well as successes to highlight.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

34. “Secondly, we have seen circumstances where the views of the relevant regional and subregional organizations are at odds. Again in 2011, this was the case when the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States took different approaches to developments over Cote D'Ivoire, leaving the Council having to assess a diversity of regional and subregional perspectives. Thirdly, the issue of capacity also needs to be considered in a realistic way. Regional organizations sometimes have the political will but not the practical or financial capacity to take swift action in response to peace and security challenges.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

35. “Within the Commonwealth, the readiness of the Ministerial Action Group to take action suspending members from participation in the organization has served to uphold and entrench democratic standards. I have highlighted positive examples of regional organizations' cooperation with the Unted Nations, but it is also important to discuss difficulties, as well as to highlight successes. First, some conflict situations will be of relevance to more than one regional organization and the views of the different organizations may differ. In 2011, over Libya for example, the League of Arab States and the African Union arrived at strikingly different positions on the ongoing revolution. In general, the Council is always keen to take account of the views of relevant regional organizations, but that becomes harder when those views are discordant.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

36. “In circumstances where there is credible evidence of serious irregularities in the conduct of elections, regional oerganizations that have monitored the elections must be ready to voice these concerns clearly and objectively, unconstrained by diplomatic or regional solidarity. Regional organizations can also help uphold international peace and security by establishing and upholding standards of democracy and good governance among their members. The African Union's policy of zero tolerance towards military coups and other violations of democratic standards is an important factor in the trend that has seen the widespread establishment of multi-party democracy across the continent in place of military or one-party regimes.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

37. “In some cicumstances, regional organizations may find it easier to be accepted as peacekeepers or mediators by the actors involved, and as the example of Kosovo demonstrates, regional organizations can often make good use of the range of incentives that exist through common ties in the region to encourage a sense of compromise and flexibility. There are other ways in which regional organizations can help maintain international peace and security. They can play a valuable role as indepenedent election monitors, able to deter abuse of electoral procedures and to validate properly held elections. But with this role comes an important responsibility.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

38. “The African Union road map of April 2012 set the template for resolution 2046 (2012), serving as a model for United Nations and African Union cooperation in maintaining international peace and security. We can draw some useful lessons from these and other examples. They show how regional organizations, whose interests are directly affected by the prospect of instability within the region, can bring a strong sense of urgency and commitment to their engagement. They show how regional organizations can apply detailed knowledge of the social and political issues in play.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

39. “In Yemen in 2011, as the country encountered political instability accompanied by serious violence, the Gulf Cooperation Council played an invaluable role in brokering an agreement that created the framework for a negotiated political transition process, which should lead to a new constitution and elections in 2014. In South-East Asia, efforts led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2011, under the chairmanship of Indonesia and with the active support of the Security Council, resulted in a cessation of violence along the Thai-Cambodian border. And in Africa, the patient engagement of President Mbeki and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel has played a major part in managing tensions surrounding implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in the Sudan and South Sudan.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

40. “The founders of the United Nations wisely created provisions for United Nations cooperation with regional organizations in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, but I doubt that they could have foreseen the range and scope of regional and subregional orgnanizations that have arisen since 1945 and the important role that they have played and are playing in conflict prevention and resolution. Let me provide just four recent examples of effective engagement by regional organizations in conflict prevention. In Europe, the European Union-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina has led to significant progress in relations between Serbia and Kosovo, creating a framework for practical cooperation between the two countries and lowering tensions in a fragile region.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

41. “Thank you very much, Madam President, for coming to New York to preside over this debate, as well as for selecting such an important and relevant topic. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the four briefers for their important contributions this morning. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Argentina and Ambassador Perceval on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August, and to warmly welcome our new American colleague, Ambassador Samantha Power, to the United Nations.”

    2013-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7015 (2013) · source

42. “Gains made are fragile and need unyielding support from within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the immediate neighbours in the region and from the international community. We must not squanderprogress with blame or retribution. Accusations by countries in the region not backed up by evidence only undermine our efforts. When the Council adopted resolution 2098 (2013), the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said that his country was daring to hope (see S/PV.6943). I can assure him that we are all hoping with him. The Council, the international community and, above all, the countries of the region must dare to do all that they can for the people of the Great Lakes and work together to keep our hopes of peace alive.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

43. “We are already providing training to some of the United Nations peacekeeping troops that will soon deploy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On our "preventing sexual violence" initiative, we are assisting with the collection and preservation of forensic evidence to help bring to justice perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence. And we are providing support to peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which are fully integrated with the Framework agreement. All donor support should be aligned with the regional and national benchmarks of the Framework to establish a basis for mutual accountability. We must stay strong in our pursuit of peace.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

44. “The meeting of the signatories at the General Assembly in September must produce clear benchmarks to measure progress on all the commitments made in the Framework agreement. MONUSCO should play its role in support of national and regional efforts. The Council has given the Mission a more robust mandate that will put greater pressure on armed groups. MONUSCO will soon carry out offensive operations informed by the latest military technology, including unmanned aerial systems. That pressure must be accompanied with a demobilizational plan that offers combatants an alternative to fighting. MONUSCO is adapting to developments on the ground and demonstrating a flexibility in responsiveness that other United Nations peacekeeping missions would do well to emulate. The United Kingdom stands ready to support all those efforts.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

45. “Major challenges remain on security-sector reform and extending Government authority to the eastern part of the country. Both these steps are necessary to bring peace and prosperity to the Congolese people. But the wider region must also deliver on its commitments. That means, above all, that all countries show respect for their neighbours' territorial integrity and stop any and all assistance to armed groups. It is a matter of great concern to my Government that the latest report of the Group of Experts on the arms embargo against the Democratic Republic of the Congo refers to continuing external support to rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

46. “Resolution 2098 (2013) authorizes the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to neutralize and disarm all those armed groups that pose the greatest threat to civilians, not the least the M-23 and the FDLR. Together, those different elements represent a unique opportunity to address the root causes of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to end the cycle of violence once and for all. We must seize this opportunity with determination and vigour. First and foremost, countries in the region must implement their commitments under the Framework agreement. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has made a positive start with the development of a national oversight mechanism.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

47. “The Forces democratiques de libe'ration du Rwanda (FDLR), while its threat is much reduced, has also continued to carry out abuses, exploiting the instability created by the M-23 rebellion. Despite the latest outbreak of violence, we have an opportunity now to begin a new chapter in the troubled region that ends the people's suffering and brings peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In February, countries of the region came together and committed to building peace under the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. Special Envoy Robinson is supporting their efforts.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

48. “I thank the United States for convening this debate and for the personal commitment that Secretary of State Kerry has shown by presiding over it. It is vitally important that the Security Council maintains its focus on the region at this critical time. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, his Special Envoy Mary Robinson, World Bank President Kim, Commissioner Lamamra and Foreign Ministers Tshibanda N'tungamulongo and Kutesa for their briefings this morning. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been a crucible of conflict for more than two decades. Brutal cycles of violence threaten both national and regional peace and stability. We have seen yet more horrors in the latest cycle of violence as the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) militia commit rapes, carry out summary executions and recruit child soldiers.”

    2013-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7011 (2013) · source

49. “There are millions of Syrians who want a peaceful and democratic future and legitimate forces that are fighting for their interests. We should be on their side. Despite our differences, the Council shares some fundamental aims: to end the conflict, to stop Syria fragmenting, to let the people decide who governs them, and to prevent the growth of violent extremism. As a Council, we need to recommit to working with the parties in a meaningful way towards a viable political settlement, based on last year's Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex).”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source

50. “On 17 June, the G-8 reaffirmed support for a second conference in Geneva, leading to the creation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers. Yet the regime's offensive of recent weeks has made it even harder for this conference to take place. We continue to support the expanded Syrian National Coalition and its new President Ahmed Assi Al-Jarba. The coalition remains the most legitimate and credible representative of the Syrian people. It has made clear its commitment to a future democratic Syria in which the rights of all Syrians are respected. We must not conflate this moderate opposition with terrorist groups. We must not accept what Al-Assad wants us to believe - that the only alternative to his brutal regime is extremists and terrorists.”

    2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source