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

“But in an attempt to reach consensus, we provided further assurances in the text. The same minority argued that the text could somehow be used to authorize military intervention. It did no such thing. It was a Chapter VI resolution. But in an attempt to reach consensus, we provided further assurances in the text. The same minority argued that very modest language expressing concern about weapons was somehow tantamount to an arms embargo. It was not. But we took it out. They said that mere mention of Arab League sanctions was tantamount to United Nations sanctions. It was not. But we took it out in an effort to reach consensus. The facts speak for themselves. There is nothing in this text that should have triggered a veto. We removed every possible excuse.”
2012-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6711 (2012) · source
“Those who blocked Council action today must ask themselves how many more deaths they are prepared to tolerate before they support even modest and measured action. Last Tuesday, this Council and the world heard from His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani of Qatar and from the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (see S/PV.67lO). They came with a simple request for Security Council support for the Arab League's plan to facilitate a political transition and bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The original Moroccan draft resolution did just that. From the outset it had support from the vast majority of Council members and had the backing of the Arab League. Yet some Council members argued that the draft resolution imposed regime change. It said no such thing.”
2012-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6711 (2012) · source
“It called for an immediate end to violence and compliance with obligations under international law, and for the Syrian Government to implement its stated commitments to reform. On that day, the death toll in 12-22356 Syria stood at approximately one thousand. But the Syrian regime only continued its brutal repression. Four months ago, two Council members vetoed an attempt to send a clear message to the Syrian regime to end the bloodshed. That day, the death toll stood at three thousand, and the Syrian regime only continued its brutal repression. The death toll today stands at around six thousand. The Syrian regime has ferociously escalated its already brutal repression in the last 24 hours, subjecting the citizens of Horns to artillery and heavy weaponry. The death toll will be high.”
2012-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6711 (2012) · source
“The United Kingdom is appalled by the decision of Russia and China to veto an otherwise consensus resolution, submitted by Morocco, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Portugal, Colombia, Togo, Libya, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Oman and Turkey. It has been 10 months since the Syrian people bravely demanded their universal rights, and 10 months since the Syrian regime responded by violently repressing and killing its own people. Six months ago the Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/20ll/l6) condemning the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities.”
2012-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6711 (2012) · source
“The British Government has condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Kano, where more than 200 people were killed, and is deeply concerned by the increasing number of attacks in Nigeria claimed by the Islamist sect Boko Haram. Attacks have predominantly affected northern Nigeria, and targets over the past year have included Government institutions, security forces and places of worship, as well as international organizations. Those included an attack on a United Nations building in Abuja in August 2011, which killed 23 people. The United Kingdom has shared expertise on counter-terrorism policy, doctrine and legal frameworks, and has provided assistance with specific capabilities, such as managing the consequences of terrorist attacks. We will continue to support Nigerians' efforts to counter terrorism in their country and the region.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“But more bilateral support for capacity-building is needed if those countries are to develop the relevant institutions for tackling this issue. Thirdly, in a region that suffers from food shortages on an annual basis, the crisis in Libya has been an exacerbating factor. We call on all Governments in the region to facilitate continued access for all humanitarian actors. In turn, the United Nations must, with its development partners and regional organizations, ensure that it coordinates its response appropriately and works with regional Governments to address long-term drivers of food insecurity. Finally, the United Kingdom is committed to working with the Nigerian Government to support their efforts towards the effective implementation of a comprehensive strategy to tackle security threats in Nigeria.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“The main cause of that has been the gradual return to Mali and Niger of Tuareg rebels who fought for the Al-Qadhafi regime. The role of ECOWAS is crucial in mitigating the impact of that proliferation. I encourage ECOWAS to continue its efforts to deal with the challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and to aid those displaced by the crisis to return home. Secondly, on trafficking of illicit goods, it is clear that, regardless of events in Libya, the Sahel is seen as an attractive location for traffickers due to the low risks of monitoring and apprehension by State bodies. I welcome the regional judicial platform as a mechanism for cross-border judicial cooperation, as well as the national efforts of the affected States.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“In that spirit, and despite recent differences, it is also vital that the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stand together with the countries of the Sahel. The Council must focus its efforts where our expertise lies, that is, on issues of peace and security. We must bring to bear the expertise of the rest of the United Nations family in delivering humanitarian support to affected States. It is clear that the Libyan crisis has impacted on the different countries of the Sahel to different degrees. However, weapons proliferation, illicit trafficking of goods and food insecurity are common challenges to them all. I would like to make three points on those issues. First, there has undoubtedly been an upsurge in weapons proliferation across the Sahel.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling this briefing on West Africa and the Sahel. I would also like to thank Lynn Pascoe for his briefing on the security situation in the region. I welcome the renewed international focus on this issue, which the Council will discuss again next month. The issues affecting the countries of the Sahel are complex and have many root causes. Indeed, as Mr. Ian Martin told the Council yesterday (see S/PV.6707), many predate the Libyan conflict. Addressing those problems will require a coordinated response. We are grateful for the work of the assessment mission in bringing together States and regional bodies to share knowledge and discuss solutions. The nature of the challenges facing those countries means they will not be resolved without their working together.”
2012-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6709 (2012) · source
“There have been many options aired over decades of negotiations. Failure will be a direct result of a lack of political will. Neither party can afford to demonstrate such complacency in the context of a radically changing region.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Along with the other European members of the Council, as well as a number of other Council members, we were clear, following last month's briefing (see S/PV.6692), that all settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, must cease immediately and that Israel should reverse its announced plans. We believe that a negotiated solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is achievable. The parameters are well known to all: borders based on the 1967 lines, with agreed swaps; security arrangements that respect Palestinian sovereignty and demonstrate that the occupation is over, while protecting Israeli security; a fair and agreed solution for refugees; and Jerusalem as the capital of both States. If the parties fail to present and negotiate on concrete proposals on borders and security, it will not be because of a lack of solutions.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Both sides must now present concrete plans on borders and security as the basis of substantial negotiations of two of the core issues. In order for those talks to be successful, they need to be conducted in an atmosphere conducive to making progress. It is difficult to see how such an environment can be created while settlement-building and settler violence continue. Israel's continued settlement announcements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, send a devastating message. The systematic and deliberate expansion of settlements not only damages the prospects for a negotiated settlement, it threatens the very idea of the future Palestinian State.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“When questioned by the BBC on 16 January about the supply of weapons to the Syrian Government, the representative of one Council member responded that continued sales of arms to Syria had "no effect on the situation at all". We fundamentally disagree. It is glaringly obvious that transferring weapons into a volatile and violent situation is irresponsible and will only fuel the bloodshed. Against the backdrop of changes across the Middle East, it is as crucial as ever to ensure that the Palestinians too secure their legitimate rights. The creation of a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State is long overdue. The new talks taking place in Jordan have, thankfully, ended the protracted impasse. But those must be much more than just talks or an attempt by one side or the other to shift the blame for failure.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“In accordance with the League of Arab States plan of action and its communique of 22 January, the regime must immediately and verifiably put an end to the violence, release all those who have been arrested during the protests, withdraw all military and security forces from cities and towns and allow free access to international media. It is time for the Security Council to take robust action in support of the Arab League, with the objective of stopping the violence and, as the communique makes clear, ushering in a rapid Syrian- led political transition that leads to free and fair elections. In that context, we are concerned about the supply of weapons into Syria - whether sales to the Government or illegal smuggling to the regime or the opposition.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“But we are clear that the primary responsibility for shaping the future in all those nations lies with the people themselves. In Syria the struggle for freedom continues to be crushed with horrific brutality by a regime that has failed to recognize the unstoppable momentum of its people's desire to win their legitimate universal rights. It is simply a fact, borne out by countless examples over recent history, that autocratic regimes that use repression to cling to power do not survive indefinitely. The Syrian regime must now stop its prevarication, procrastination and deception.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for presiding over this debate today. I would also like to thank Mr. Fernandez- Taranco for his briefing, as well as the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. It has been more than one year since the start of the revolution in Tunisia, which sparked the wave of calls for democratization across the Middle East. The process of change and reform continues in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Libya. Although the process will be long and difficult, we believe that it will result in the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of all four countries. We, our international partners and the United Nations will continue to support the process of reform in every way we can.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Those issues demonstrate the need to make greater strides towards a common understanding of the need to build and entrench respect for the rule of law in post-conflict countries. As the Secretary-General has reminded us today, this autumn's high-level meeting on the rule of law will provide an opportunity to take action to address those challenges.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“National ownership is critical to the success of any international assistance to strengthen rule of law systems. The United Kingdom recognizes that building national capacities and independent national institutions is essential, and that local ownership and leadership in that process should be encouraged. There is no one correct way of implementing the rule of law. There is much to be learned from the experience of other traditions. That is why the United Kingdom strongly supports the recent launch of the "new deal" proposed by countries affected themselves by conflict to guide the way in which the international community works in fragile and conflict-affected countries. We encourage the whole United Nations system to adhere to its principles.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“Those continued gaps mean that countries emerging from conflict are often unable to access the support they need in those critical sectors. The United Kingdom recognizes the Secretary- General's efforts to address those challenges. We 12-2096] welcome the Secretary-General's report on civilian capacity in the immediate aftermath of conflict (S/2011/527). That initiative has the potential to improve the United Nations rule of law assistance to countries emerging from conflict by broadening and deepening its pool of deployable civilian experts. The United Kingdom urges the Secretary-General to use that process to delineate more clearly roles and responsibilities within the United Nations system for rule of law activities, and to develop better ways of objectively measuring their impact on the ground.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The United Kingdom considers security and justice as a basic service, on a par with health and education, and a fundamental right, as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The United Kingdom is committed to spending 30 per cent of its growing development assistance in countries affected by conflict, which among other things will help 12 million women to access justice through the courts, the police and legal assistance. The United Nations is uniquely placed to play a central role in strengthening the rule of law in countries affected by conflict. The World Bank's 2011 World Development Report provided evidence that there are crucial gaps in the international system in support of the rule of law, specifically in police, justice and corrections support.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“It is particularly disappointing that some Council members that express a commitment to the rule of law are even now unwilling to recognize the achievements of the ICC in the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern. The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the focus of the Secretary-General's report on the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict countries. A defining feature of the Arab Spring is the revolutionaries' clear demand for the rule of law and justice, instead of the arbitrary rule of autocrats. Across the world, ordinary people cite insecurity and lack of access to justice as one of the main impediments to a better life. Collective efforts to strengthen rule of law systems in countries affected by conflict are critical. It is the bedrock of sustainable development.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“We are also strong supporters of the International Criminal 12-2096] Court (ICC) and one of only two permanent members of the Council, alongside France, to subject ourselves to its jurisdiction wherever we act in the world. Together with the other international tribunals, the ICC has ushered in a new era of accountability, which should make some - including those acting in Syria right now - think twice before ordering or committing atrocities. We call on all members of the Security Council that have not yet done so to become States parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, as 120 United Nations Members have already done.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“In some matters that were once fertile sources of potential conflict, the rules-based approach has been comprehensively and universally adopted. Issues related to diplomatic protection, maritime navigation and trade tariffs are now almost exclusively settled in negotiations guided by international law or, when that fails, by international processes and tribunals. That success should spur us to work harder in other fields, such as climate change, where agreement is possible on extending the reach of the rule of law in the international sphere. For the United Kingdom, a rules-based approach is at the heart of our foreign policy. We are the only permanent member of the Security Council to have accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes this debate and is grateful to the South African mission for taking the initiative to hold it. We are also grateful to the Secretary-General for his important report (S/2011/634*), for his statement today, and for the strong personal lead that he has taken on this issue. The rule of law is a term that was coined by the great British constitutionalist A.V. Dicey in the nineteenth century. It is a concept that lies at the heart of the unwritten Constitution of the United Kingdom. Our reforming ancestors recognized that the fairness inherent in the rule of law was preferable to the rule of man. Since 1945, that principle has been systematically extended into almost all areas of the international sphere.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“In offering that support, our focus should be on improving effectiveness and efficiency and on building a culture of accountability, transparency and professionalism. The United Kingdom supports the draft resolution to be adopted at the end of today's debate (S/2012/25). We have, however, concerns about some of the ambiguities in the text as a result of the somewhat hurried negotiation process. I shall be making an explanation of vote to clarify our position on those points.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“With their unique geographical insight, regional organizations have a key role to play in early warning and mitigating the risks of conflict through preventive diplomacy. Greater donor coordination of capacity-building support will facilitate regional organizations' efforts in those areas. Finally, while noting that regional organizations have primary responsibility for securing human, financial, logistical and other resources for their organizations, the United Kingdom would like to encourage international partners to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing regional organizations when they undertake peacekeeping under a United Nations mandate.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“The first operational deployment by the Eastern African Standby Force has been made in support of AMISOM. and is being closely supported by the United Kingdom. Looking ahead, I would like to conclude with three recommendations. First, a one-size-fits-all approach to the institutional relationship is unrealistic. The relationship developed with one regional organization should not set a precedent for relations with others. The first step would be for the Security Council to give a fuller consideration to all the issues involved at a Security Council retreat. Secondly, we would like to see greater cooperation on early warning and rapid preventive diplomacy between the United Nations and the African Union and other organizations, such as the European Union and the Arab League.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“The United Kingdom is grateful for the efforts and the courage of the AMISOM. troops. We look forward to the Secretary-General's recommendations on AMISOM. later this month, and we are ready to lead a constructive Security Council response to those recommendations. Peacekeeping missions such as AMISOM. have benefited from developments in the relationship between the United Nations and the African Union. By linking operational support and capacity-building, the United Nations Office to the African Union has provided assistance in real time that will also deliver in the long term. The European Union and bilateral donors have made very significant contributions in that regard, including supporting the development of the African Standby Force.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“Capacity-building needs to be at the heart of the relationship between the United Nations and the African Union and its subregional organizations. That is essential if those organizations are to deliver on the responsibilities they have assumed for peace and security on the continent and to build on the progress that has been made in developing the African Peace and Security Architecture. In that context, I reaffirm the United Kingdom's commitment to support the 10- year capacity-building programme. Finally, let me turn to peacekeeping led by the African Union. Yesterday, we heard a briefing from African Union Commissioner Lamamra on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a mission that plays a critical role in efforts to establish peace and stability in Somalia.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“The United Nations/African Union relationship is becoming deeper and more productive. We have seen increasing cooperation on the institutional relationship, capacity-building and peacekeeping. I would like to comment briefly on each of those areas in turn. On the institutional relationship, I welcome the intensified cooperation between the Secretariat and the African Union Commission. I also welcome the annual meeting between the Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. As Ambassador Rice has pointed out, those meetings have not always been easy, but it is right that they should be a forum for substantive discussion, enabling us to be aware of each other's perspectives. I encourage the two presidencies and Secretariats to ensure that such meetings are well prepared.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“While underlining the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to the United Nations relationship with all regional organizations - including, of course, the European Union - I would like to concentrate today on the United Nations relationship with the African Union, a relationship that the United Kingdom has sought to encourage. We believe that good progress has been made. The African Union and Africa's subregional organizations have been among the most active in pursuing peace and security. The United Nations and the African Union have together worked effectively in many countries across the continent. But, equally, there have been cases, such as that of the Sudan, where managing the complexities of the United Nations/African Union relationship has proved challenging.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“Such organizations often have comparative strengths, such as their knowledge of social, ethnic, historical and political issues in their regions and their ability to convene regional States. That is particular true for subregional organizations. The situation surrounding issues of peace and security are diverse. Each needs to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, which calls for an emphasis on timely communication and consultation and the avoidance of procedures that are inflexible in the face of varied and urgent challenges.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“We have seen in the past 12 months major differences of substance between the League of Arab States and the African Union, two separate regional organizations, on Libya. There have also been differences of approach between subregional and regional organizations, such as between the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union on Cote d'Ivoire and between the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and some members of the African Union on Eritrea. Such complexities cannot be swept under the carpet. The relationship also needs to be taken forward in a manner consistent with the Charter of the United Nations. Efforts should make the most of the complementarities between the United Nations and individual regional organizations.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“I thank you, Madam, for scheduling the discussion on relations between the United Nations and regional organizations. President Zuma's presence earlier, together with that of the Secretary-General, Commissioner Lamamra and other honourable ministers, underlines the importance of the issue. I believe that it is also one of the most important strategic challenges facing the Security Council. Since the Security Council last debated this topic, the United Nations and regional organizations have worked increasingly closely on matters of peace and security. While mindful of the Security Council's primary responsibility, the United Kingdom supports efforts to further enhance relations between the Council and regional organizations on peace and security. That is not always straightforward.”
2012-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6702 (2012) · source
“The United Nations and our African partners will of course continue to lead for the international community, but the United Kingdom aims to act as a catalyst for a new action-oriented international approach to supporting their efforts in Somalia. Finally, the problem of piracy remains a serious threat to the international community as a whole. It destabilizes Somalia and undermines our efforts to promote the rule of law and security. As a contribution to those efforts, we will also use the London conference to promote industry engagement in regional maritime capacity-building. Now more than ever, there is an opportunity to build stability in Somalia. Now we believe is the time for the international community to come together and to act. We must take that opportunity and achieve real and sustainable progress in the coming months.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“We therefore look forward to more detailed information and recommendations in the forthcoming report of the Secretary-General. The United Kingdom will consider those recommendations carefully, and we are ready to lead the Council's response to them in the month of February. Fourthly, the United Kingdom believes that there is an opportunity now to address the wider strategic challenges facing Somalia. That opportunity should not be squandered. That is why British Prime Minister David Cameron will hold a conference in London on 23 February to discuss how the international community might more effectively support progress towards peace and stability in Somalia.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“We are determined that a long-term solution be found to provide sustainable funding for AMISOM. AMISOM. must be run in an effective, efficient and accountable manner. Regional States and AMISOM must coordinate effectively. A coordinated - indeed, integrated - regional approach is essential to security in Somalia. We welcome the United Nations-African Union cooperation at the operational level, and on peacekeeping more generally, and encourage the efforts of the African Union (AU) and its partners to further enhance AU peacekeeping capabilities. In that context, we take careful note of the report (see S/2012/19, annex) of the African Union Peace and Security Council following the technical assessment mission. However, the report leaves a number of questions unanswered, as Mr. Pascoe explained.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“I would like to pay particular tribute to the Ugandan and Burundian contingents, who have suffered many losses in achieving that success. However, as Defence Minister Kiyonga said, the threat has not disappeared. Now more than ever, it is essential that we provide AMISOM. the support that it needs to consolidate security in the areas it controls and to expand the secure areas as a part of a clear, realistic and coordinated military strategy. We recognize that predictable and sustainable funding is essential for AMISOM. to be able to operate effectively. That is why the United Kingdom is providing $15 million in uncaveated funding to the United Nations Trust Fund for AMISOM. That is in addition to the $6 million that we contributed in 2011. But such contributions are only a temporary solution.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“The process for developing a new constitution must be more inclusive and representative, so that all Somalis feel that the new constitutional arrangements reflect a genuine national discussion. In short, it is time for Somalia to move out of transition and towards genuine legitimate and representative Government structures based on a constitutional process. Somalis themselves must determine their own governance structures. The international community will support them, but the transition must end in August. Thirdly, I would like to welcome the considerable success that AMISOM. and the Somali national security forces have achieved in recent months. That has been possible thanks to the commitment and courage of AMISOM. troops.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“Secondly, the United Kingdom is committed to supporting the United Nations-led Djibouti peace process and to working with Somalis and international partners to build a peaceful and stable Somalia. The transitional governmental arrangements under the Djibouti peace process end in August. We urge the Transitional Federal Institutions to avoid squabbling and to cooperate with each other to make substantive progress in the implementation of the road map before that date. In particular, it is imperative that we see progress on reconciliation and establish dialogue among all those who are willing to subscribe to a peaceful political process. Local and regional administrations can play an important role in that.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has secured most of Mogadishu, and regional administrations continue to develop. The United Kingdom believes that we need to seize that opportunity to make real progress in Somalia and to deliver a better future for the Somali people. I would like to make four main points today: on the humanitarian situation, the political process, AMISOM and the upcoming London conference on Somalia. First, we salute the work of the United Nations and other humanitarian actors in Somali to combat the famine and drought affecting the country. We also welcome the support from new donors to the United Nations consolidated appeal for Somalia. But it is vital that the international community continue to provide its sustained support for the relief effort. It is clear that more work needs to be done in that area.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Pascoe and Commissioner Lamamra for their briefings today. I also thank you, Madam President, for your own important statement. I also welcome the insightful contributions from the Foreign Minister of Kenya and the Minister of Defence of Uganda. As you yourself said, Madam President, we are discussing Somalia at a time of real opportunity. The current situation in Somalia is grave. Instability, drought and famine continue to blight the country and to inflict unimaginable suffering on the Somali people. But this is also a time of opportunity. We have entered a crucial year for the political process in Somalia, and there has been some progress on the ground in the area of security. Al-Shabaab is being driven back on several fronts in south-central Somalia.”
2012-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6701 (2012) · source
“In particular, the United Kingdom emphasizes the critical importance of UNAMA's role in, first, supporting the Government of Afghanistan in strengthening the electoral process and framework; second, coordinating rule of law initiatives; and third, encouraging regional cooperation. I would like to end by expressing the United Kingdom's warm appreciation for the outstanding work carried out by the outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura. We also greatly welcome the appointment of the new Special Representative, Jan Kubis, and look forward to working closely with him. We agree to the draft presidential statement.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“We therefore welcome the agreement between the Government of Afghanistan and the International Monetary Fund on a new programme of support. That decision shows that the Afghan Government has made progress in reassuring international donors and ordinary Afghans alike that they are serious about providing a safe economic and business environment. As we go forward, it is critical that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to play a key role, supporting the emergence of a secure and self-sustainable Afghan State. We look forward to the results of the review of UNAMA and associated United Nations activities.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“The protection of the Afghan civilian population is at the core of the military strategy, and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is working extremely hard to reduce the levels of civilian casualties. There are strict procedures in place, both to minimize the risk of casualties occurring and to investigate any incidents that do happen. The vast majority of civilian deaths - some 77 per cent, according to the latest figures - are caused by the insurgents. There is a key difference: ISAF places a high priority on reducing and preventing civilian casualties; the insurgency, in contrast, targets civilians indiscriminately. A further step on the path to full Afghan sovereignty is the importance of enabling key reforms to support economic self-sustainability.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Combined, those elements provide a clear framework for future partnership between the Afghan Government and the international community beyond 2014. We must now ensure that we honour these commitments as we enter the Transformation Decade and enable Afghanistan to build on its hard-won gains over the last ten years. Underpinning the progress is the ongoing transition process. The United Kingdom welcomes President Karzai's announcement on 27 November that the second set of provinces and districts are to begin security transition. The Afghans are well on track to take lead responsibility for security across the country by the end of 2014.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Alongside that, we welcome the Afghan Government's commitment to revitalize the reform process agreed in Kabul last year and to accelerate progress on the key development priorities. Secondly, participants agreed to produce a clear plan for the future structure and funding of the Afghan National Security Forces beyond 2014, in advance of the NATO Chicago summit next May. Thirdly, the conclusions set out an agreed set of guiding principles for the reconciliation process and its outcomes. That builds on the recent traditional Loya Jirga and the agreement there to an inclusive, representative peace process. Fourthly, the Conference also reinforced the importance of regional engagement alongside wider international support for Afghanistan, building on the successful Istanbul Conference in November.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“The international community came together at Bonn to send a strong signal of its long-term commitment to Afghanistan beyond the transition process. We congratulate Germany and Afghanistan for the successful Conference. I would like to highlight four of the key elements of the blueprint that was agreed. First, the international community reaffirmed its readiness to support the Afghan Government in developing the country's economy. International partners will direct financial support to Afghanistan to help it achieve self-sustainability. We will work with the Afghan Government and international partners on detailed plans, which we hope to discuss at the Tokyo Conference in July 2012.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2011/772*) and Under-Secretary-General Herve Ladsous for his briefing this morning. I would also thank Mr. Staffan de Mistura for his valedictory comments. My thanks also go to Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin for his interesting and insightful comments. I will focus my statement today on the landscape up to and beyond 2014, but let me begin by expressing my condolences on the loss of innocent lives in the suicide attacks of 6 December. The United Kingdom strongly condemns such atrocities, but we are clear that these acts of terrorism will not undermine the international community's commitment to Afghanistan. This year's achievements on Afghanistan were brought together in the Bonn Conference.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“11-62209 The United Kingdom urges Eritrea to comply with this and all other Security Council resolutions. We urge all States of the region to work to resolve conflict, demarcate borders and work together towards political solutions that protect civilians and provide an environment for economic development and regional integration. Given the impact on civilians of the devastating drought in the region and the famine in Somalia, we encourage these States to work together to deliver peace and security. As resolution 2023 (2011) makes clear, the Secretary-General and the Security Council will keep Eritrea's actions under continuous review, and we shall be prepared to adjust the measures in the light of Eritrea's future compliance or non-compliance with Security Council resolutions.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source