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

“The United Kingdom continues to be deeply concerned at the situation in the Horn of Africa and the threat to regional and international peace and security. Its people need our support now more than ever if they are to achieve a more stable and prosperous region. The United Kingdom is concerned about Eritrea's disruptive activities in Somalia and the region, and its non-compliance with Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1907 (2009). The United Kingdom therefore welcomes the adoption of resolution 2023 (2011) today and the further measures it applies. We also note the Council's readiness to consider additional measures if there is evidence of further non-compliance. The measures in the resolution are proportionate, preventative and carefully targeted in order to prevent humanitarian impact, and we fully support them.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Ensuring a robust online digital presence, including by supporting live broadcasts of Council meetings on the Internet, is part of the answer. Using videoconference technology more regularly to get on-the-ground assessments also helps in this regard. But we must all be ready to accept that the Council may need to address issues more quickly and act faster. Twenty-four-hour news coverage, social media networks and the ubiquity of mobile telephones mean that "wait and see" will become a less and less acceptable position if the Security Council is to remain at the forefront of international efforts to maintain peace and security. This is an ongoing process. The Security Council needs to be prepared to evolve continually if it is to operate as effectively and transparently as possible.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“Regional organizations can bring added value to the Council's deliberations with local knowledge and expertise, as has been shown this year in the Council's interactions with the Arab League and the African Union. It is also important that the Council is flexible when considering how new technology can aid our work. Social media networks have played a significant role in some of the momentous events in the Middle East in the past year, including in Libya, Egypt and Syria. These networks spread news, pictures and ideas directly into society at a speed unimaginable even just a few years ago. The situations develop quite literally before our eyes, and the Council needs to consider how that affects our ability to stay on the front foot.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We should also be ready to fully use existing opportunities to demonstrate the openness and transparency of our operations. We very much regret, for example, the fact that the position of some Council members prevents the wider circulation of reports from panels of experts working for the Council's subsidiary bodies. Experts' reports should be published as a matter of course. Equally, however, we should be clear that many discussions must be held without record, behind closed doors, among the 15 members of the Council. To suggest otherwise is not serious. The Security Council's dialogue with regional bodies needs to continue and to become more strategic.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We should continue to support those practices and find new ways in which to evolve and adapt. If we see something that does not work as well as it could, we should not be afraid of addressing it. And if we see an opportunity to make a positive change to how we work, we should consider how best to embrace it. We should continue, for instance, to welcome more ways to increase the transparency of the Council, provided that this is balanced against the need for it to work effectively. We support more open sessions with different formats, such as Arria-style, or informal, briefings if that helps to increase understanding, awareness and debate. The Council should always be on the lookout to find new ways of opening up its work to non-members.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom has promoted more informal sessions to stimulate debate on various challenges facing the United Nations, particularly around peacekeeping. We have also made more use during our presidency of video technology to get real-time updates from the various front lines where the United Nations operates. We are pleased that that has now become standard practice. Several special representatives have themselves commented to us that they welcome the fact that they can now keep the Council informed and updated without having to take days out of their schedule to travel to New York. We are also encouraging more opportunities for the Council to hear expert and specialized advice, for instance from the Peacebuilding Commission and the Military Staff Committee.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Portugal for calling for today's debate. Ensuring that the Security Council adopts the most efficient working methods is essential to the continuing effectiveness of this body. The Council has a responsibility to ensure that it is equipped to deal with all matters of international peace and security as effectively as possible. The United Kingdom treats this obligation seriously and fully supports the ongoing process to seek out new ways to improve efficiency, transparency and effectiveness. The United Kingdom has made some important contributions to this process over the last year, in particular those aimed at strengthening its focus on conflict prevention. I am pleased that we have helped to embed the horizon-scanning sessions into the Council's programme of work as a regular item.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“We think that it is sensible for the Security Council, charged as it is with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, to have the opportunity to consider cross-cutting pressures on international stability and thematic issues that might contribute to regional fragility or increased sensitivity to conflict or escalation in violence. That is an important tool for effective conflict prevention. Over the course of the past several years, we have continually emphasized the need for the Council to be able to conduct more effective conflict prevention. We need, then, to be free from time to time to scan the horizon for potential disputes, frictions or threats on the basis of evidence from experts in thematic issues, such as those briefing the Council today, and not just in response to an eruption in violence.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“So we believe that it makes sense for those responsible for helping Member States to strike agreements on resource-sharing to have regular access to advice from climate specialists to ensure that they take account of such risks. The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) has accessed outside expertise on climate change for precisely that reason. But let us be clear. We are not arguing that the UNRCCA should have a mandate to tackle climate change. We are not suggesting that the UNRCCA should lobby for changes to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We are not even suggesting that the UNRCCA should have the mandate to hire a climate specialist. We are merely suggesting that it should have access to that expertise, when necessary, to develop its own work.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“Many argue that the dramatic events of the Arab Spring this year were not predicted, but a series of United Nations Development Programme human development reports did indeed identify many of the underlying socio-economic factors that led to the uprising. The Council would perhaps have been better prepared to respond to the Arab spring if it had focused on those factors at an earlier stage. Taking one of the three factors dealt with in today's debate, the United Kingdom believes that insecurity and conflict can be exacerbated by climate change factors such as drought, famine and desertification. It is not hard to see how international agreements on the shared use of natural resources may be disrupted by the adverse effects of climate change.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“The word "threat" evokes Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which in itself provides the means for the Security Council to take action through economic sanctions, travel bans and even military intervention. But the use of the word "threat" in the context of today's debate is not in anyone's interests. We could just as well consider issues such as pandemics, transnational organized crime, migration and the adverse effect of climate change as factors that could lead to disputes or that could likely exacerbate friction - the language of Chapter VI and the pacific settlement of disputes. The point is the same. The Security Council should be apprised of the extent to which those issues represent conflict risks. We should be aware as we scan the horizon that cross-cutting themes may offer insights into the potential for conflict.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“As we become more confident in our conflict prevention role, we have begun to develop a more subtle appreciation of factors that may indicate the potential for conflict or that may exacerbate existing conflict. It follows, then, that this Council should be alert and responsive to the broader factors that contribute to conflict sensitivity in a region. That does not mean that the United Kingdom believes that the Security Council should itself take action to address all those factors. We are not seeking to disrupt the balance between the various agencies, funds and programmes that together make up the infrastructure of the United Nations. We know that today's discussion makes some people uneasy. Although today's debate wisely refers to "challenges", all too often our debate revolves around the word "threat" and its connotations.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“All three issues - matters related to international peace and security - are drivers of the kinds of political, economic or social changes that can generate modern conflict. All three issues have the capacity to convert existing tensions or pressures into instability or violence. As Mr. Guterres pointed out, Somalia is a compelling proof of that. Our understanding of conflict has evolved over time. We have developed a more sophisticated appreciation of the relationship between security, development and inequality, for example. As the frequency of international conflict has diminished, so this Council has found itself occupied more often by intra-State conflict. We have taken on peacebuilding. We have placed the protection of civilians under imminent threat at the centre of many peacekeeping operations.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for the opportunity today to take stock of the recent debates and discussions on new challenges to international peace and security. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his introduction and Antonio Guterres, Margaret Chan and Yury Fedotov for their informative briefings. The Security Council is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. In recent years, it has become a common and a just refrain in this Council to emphasize the importance of effective conflict prevention. Prevention should be considered a key element of the Council's work. We believe it is natural, therefore, for the Council to tackle cross-cutting challenges such as those put forward for today's discussion.”
2011-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6668 (2011) · source
“That is an important tool for the sharing of information from the field, and we look forward to the next report of the Secretary-General on the subject in May 2012.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“We call upon the Burmese army and ethnic militia to make every effort to protect civilians and bring to account those responsible for human rights abuses against them. Peace and stability can be achieved only through a genuine process of national reconciliation, starting with inclusive dialogue among all ethnic and political opposition groups. In conclusion, we welcome the mainstreaming of protection of civilians activity with the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and with the working group of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict. The United Kingdom continues to implement our national strategy on protection of civilians, and to lead the informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Those military gains now need to be followed up by a stabilization effort to enable the provision of basic services, such as electricity, water, food, hospitals and schools, to the civilian population in those areas. We recognize that the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has begun to address the protection of civilians, and we encourage them to continue to do so. We continue to explore ways in which we can support the TFG and AMISOM. in order to minimize the risk of civilians when they come under attack and to protect the citizens of Mogadishu. In Burma, we remain seriously concerned for the well-being of the civilian population, especially in the Shan, Kachin and Karen states.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In Syria, the United Kingdom condemns the brutal repression of peaceful demonstrators and the massive violations of human rights that President Al-Assad and his authorities have been committing for the last six months. As Ms. Pillay has just reminded us, more than 3,500 people have now been killed. The Syrian Government should immediately end the violence, release all prisoners of conscience and allow free, unhindered and immediate access to United Nations monitors for an independent assessment of the situation on the ground. In Somalia, Al-Shabaab's terrorist campaign continues to have terrible humanitarian consequences. We congratulate the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on their recent successes in Mogadishu.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom therefore urges all States to ratify outstanding international humanitarian law treaties and to incorporate the relevant provisions of those treaties into their domestic law. And we agree with the Secretary-General that those Member States - including some members of this Council - that have not signed and ratified the Rome Statute of the ICC should be encouraged to do so. We believe that a link exists between international and national efforts to enhance accountability. It is the responsibility of States to investigate and prosecute crimes. But it is important that steps be taken at the international level when national efforts fail. The United Kingdom shares many of the concerns raised during the course of today's briefings. I would like briefly to mention just three situations.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“It is now central to most United Nations peacekeeping operations and to military operations authorized by the Security Council. But to ensure its practical implementation in conflict situations, the principle needs to be underpinned by enforcement mechanisms at both the domestic and international levels, including, ultimately, the possibility of individual criminal liability. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is bringing to account those responsible for atrocities against civilians. The ICC is a visible demonstration of the international community's increasing intolerance for impunity. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for scheduling this important debate today. Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his comments and for his personal valuable contribution to the protection of civilians agenda. I would also like to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay; the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Catherine Bragg; and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Philip Spoerri, for their insights into subject matter of today's debate. As Mr. Spoerri has just reminded us, the primary responsibility to protect civilians lies with States. The concept of protection of civilians is firmly embedded in modern military doctrine in many countries and in the thoughts of policymakers around the world.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“We call on the Libyan authorities to continue their full cooperation with the ICC as it pursues its investigations. We would also encourage Libya's neighbours to do the same, including by arresting and surrendering the two indictees, should they be found on their territory.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank him and his staff for their efforts to bring justice to the victims of atrocities in Libya. Of course, the ICC's investigation into the situation in Libya does not end with the death of Al-Qadhafi. Two arrest warrants for individuals suspected of crimes against humanity are still outstanding. As Mr. Moreno-Ocampo has explained this afternoon, the ICC is conducting other investigations, including into the circumstances of Al-Qadhafi's death. Saif Al-Islam and Abdullah Al-Senussi remain at large and must be brought to face justice before a court of law. To accomplish that goal, the ICC needs the cooperation of States. The authorities of the United Kingdom have played a part in the ICC's investigations so far by providing the fullest support, as and when requested, to the Prosecutor and his team of investigators.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“The international community will ensure that responsible individuals within such Governments are held to account, either in their own courts or in international courts such as the International Criminal Court (ICC). Impunity is no longer tolerable. In that context, the Government of Syria ought to be aware that the eyes of the world are upon it. The United Kingdom is a strong supporter of the Court. It played a leading role in securing the unanimous adoption of resolution 1970 (2011), which referred the situation in Libya to the Court. The Council's swift and decisive action in that resolution was matched by the work of the Prosecutor and his Office in paving the way for arrest warrants to be issued within four months. Their conduct of the case so far has set new standards for international criminal justice.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“The Libyan people are now coming together to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous new Libya. They now know that Al-Qadhafi will never again be able to threaten and brutalize them and their country. We hope that that will bring relief to the Libyans who suffered under his rule and to the victims of his actions abroad. To demonstrate their clear break from the past, Libya's authorities should continue to speak out against reprisals and should hold those guilty of abuses to account. In that regard, we welcome the National Transitional Council's investigation into the circumstances of Al-Qadhafi's death. The developments in Libya should give all Governments reason to pause before using violence against their own people.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. I also join other speakers in thanking Ambassador ngu and her team for their wise stewardship of the Council last month. I would like to thank Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo for his report on the situation in Libya and the important information that he has shared with the Security Council this afternoon. The conflict in Libya has ended. The National Transitional Council has announced the country's liberation. The Libyan people led that effort. Their sacrifice and determination brought about their freedom. The international community has also played its role, including by protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian aid, in accordance with the resolutions of the Council.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“On this as on other issues, we should demonstrate that we are on the right side of history. In particular, we must ensure that governing structures that emerge in the aftermath of conflict do not undermine women's roles and participation in society, and that the same opportunities are available to men and women. The United Kingdom believes that women's inclusion in political settlements and peace processes, the protection of women and girls in situations of armed violence, and women's access to security and justice are essential building blocks for more peaceful and stable societies. In a year when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to three impressive women, we share the hope of the Norwegian Nobel Committee that together we can realize the great potential for democracy and peace that women represent.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“We also supported the efforts of the Government of Nepal to develop its own national action plan to generate, among many other things, work to provide support for women and girls who have been the victims of sexual violence. We encourage more countries to develop national action plans in order to strengthen the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and associated resolutions. The Arab Spring has shown that threats to security, and to women and girls in particular, are changing constantly. In our work on women and peace and security, we must be flexible enough to respond to new threats and challenges as they emerge. There are sweeping and positive social and economic trends at work. The Council needs to show that we are responsive to those trends.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the Secretary-General's call to increase the number of senior female mediators. I would like now to say a word on national action plans. The United Kingdom believes that national action plans provide an important opportunity for Member States to make their own commitments to reducing the impact of conflict on women and girls and to promoting their inclusion in conflict resolution. Over the past year, the United Kingdom has supported global efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000). In Afghanistan, the United Kingdom has funded a full range of measures undertaken by the Criminal Justice Task Force to minimize gender-related barriers to working in a high-profile law enforcement environment.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“We commend in particular, the efforts to improve systematic reporting of progress through the development of indicators and a strategic framework, including the strategic framework of United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. In July, the United Kingdom pledged $16 million over a two-year period to UN-Women to support this important work. We have a responsibility to use all the means available to the United Nations to prevent conflict or relapse into conflict. United Nations Member States must be prepared to invest early to support countries emerging from conflict and react rapidly should a crisis arise. We must also continue to encourage the development and deployment, at the invitation of Governments, of United Nations mediation specialists and special envoys.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“The first concerns support for the role of UN-Women and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on ll-56959 Sexual Violence in Conflict; the second addresses the need to do more on conflict prevention and early warning; and the third stresses the work that the United Kingdom has taken forward through our national action plan on women, peace and security. Since taking up her position as Under-Secretary- General and Executive Director of UN-Women, Michelle Bachelet has passionately and effectively promoted the women, peace and security agenda. Supported by Special Representatives Radhika Coomaraswamy and Margot Wallstrom, UN-Women plays a vital role coordinating wider international efforts to implement the full suite of United Nations resolutions on women, peace and security.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“Despite our collective efforts, they remain underrepresented in peace processes, in work to detect early signs of conflict, and in mediation between warring parties. Some progress has been made, but it is not until the participation of women is included throughout the conflict cycle that a durable and sustainable peace can be assured. The Council, of course, may not be the best model. With five female Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representatives leaving the Council at the end of this year, there may be only two female Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representatives around this table, both from the United States. I have three points to make in today's debate.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“Thank you, Madam President, for holding this important open debate on women, peace and security. I would like to thank Michelle Bachelet, Lazarous Kapambwe and Orzala Ashraf Nemat for their briefings this morning. I would also particularly like to thank the Secretary-General for the personal interest that he has shown in this very important agenda item. Though we support the comprehensive draft presidential statement that will be adopted in this debate, I regret that because of the opposition of some, we were unable to unreservedly welcome the Secretary-General's report (S/2011/598*). The United Kingdom does, wholeheartedly, welcome that report. Women have a central role in building stability in countries at risk of conflict.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“Without it, history demonstrates that the most likely outcome is backsliding towards violence. The leaders of both sides must demonstrate the leadership required to ensure the outcome that both their peoples want.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“The Israeli Government should abandon its construction plans, and the time has come for the Israeli Government to stop merely talking about its readiness to resume negotiations and instead take the action necessary to inspire the confidence that will bring about meaningful negotiations. Thirdly, we welcome the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. His long captivity and the lack of access by the Red Cross were unjustifiable. There must now be a sustainable and complete end to violence emanating from Gaza. There must also be an easing of restrictions on the flow of goods and personnel in and out of Gaza. The status quo only breeds resentment, radicalism and violence. An improved Gazan economy is both essential to the people of Gaza and in Israel's long-term security interests. There is no time to waste in making progress towards peace.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“We condemn the recent Israeli decisions to expand construction in the settlements of Mordot Gilo and Givat Hamatos. If implemented, those constructions would further erode the viability of a future Palestinian State. The proposed constructions in Givat Hamatos would cut the geographic contiguity between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Settlement construction, including in East Jerusalem, is an obstacle to peace and erodes the space for meaningful negotiations on final status issues, including the status of Jerusalem. It undermines trust and is illegal under international law. It should stop.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“First, the Quartet statement of 23 September set out a time frame for negotiations to be concluded over the coming 12 months on the basis of the well-known parameters - two States, based on the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps; security arrangements that protect Palestinian sovereignty whilst also providing sufficient reassurance to Israel; Jerusalem as the capital of both States; and a just, fair and agreed solution for refugees. It is time now for both parties to fully commit to direct negotiations within this framework and to make the bold compromises required to realize the goal we all want to see. We fully support the efforts of the Quartet envoys to restart talks, including through the important meetings with the parties in Jerusalem on 26 October. Secondly, settlement activity must stop.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“They must realize their goal of an independent, viable State of Palestine, just as others in the region are demanding, and in some cases securing, their legitimate rights. At this critical and sensitive juncture for the region and the Middle East peace process, progress in securing a democratic peaceful State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security is urgent and essential. Speaking on behalf of the United Kingdom, as a friend of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, I wish to make three points.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“It is time that members of the Security Council assume their responsibilities and take the strong collective action that is required if there is to be any hope of deterring the Syrian regime from its violent course. In contrast, we are pleased at the unanimous adoption on 21 October of resolution 2014 (2011) on Yemen. President Saleh must now heed the calls of the Council and the wider international community. He must cease the bloodshed and the human rights violations and immediately sign the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative that will set into motion a transition of power. The changes taking place across the Middle East are bringing into sharp focus the unfulfilled aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“The lesson of the last nine months has been that regimes that use violence to oppress their peoples instead of responding to their legitimate demands will not survive. We are therefore deeply disappointed that, owing to the use of the veto by two members, the Security Council was incapable earlier this month of appropriately censuring the Syrian regime, which continues to kill, brutalize and torture its people at the same rate that it has been doing for the past seven months. There is no sign of the reforms that Assad has been promising, nor any remorse for the tactics that have been used by the regime, which may amount to crimes against humanity. It is a worrying state of affairs when Iran's leadership, a regime that has itself crushed the rights of the people, is able to voice a greater sense of condemnation than this Council.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“For Tunisia, Libya and, indeed, Egypt, the road ahead will be difficult, but the change under way in those countries, as well as more broadly in the region, has shown that demands for political and economic freedom will spread more widely and by themselves, not because Western nations advocate them, but because they are the natural aspirations of people everywhere. We shall continue to work in partnership with those forging a new future for their countries. The courage and determination of the Tunisian, Libya and Egyptian peoples and the changes taking place in their nations serve both as an inspiration to the rest of region and a warning to the dictatorships that continue to brutally crush the legitimate aspirations of their peoples.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I wish to offer my Government's condolences for yesterday's earthquake in the Turkish city of Van. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. My Government stands ready to support the Government of Turkey in any way that it can. I wish also to express my Government's sincere condolences to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people following the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. This is a moment of huge opportunity for the people of the Middle East to build more open, free and prosperous societies. Yesterday, Tunisians cast their votes in the first ever democratic elections to appoint an Assembly to draft the country's new constitution. At the same time, the new Libyan authorities declared liberation from 42 years of ruthless dictatorship.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636 (2011) · source
“The recent conference in Germany, which brought together representatives of the African Union, the International Maritime Organization, MOWCA and the maritime representatives of countries in the economic communities of West and Central African States to discuss this issue, was a useful way of bringing together all those who must work collectively to address this problem. It is now essential that an active regional approach be pursued. For our part, we are ready to engage on a Security Council resolution which supports this regional approach.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“We will also be supporting Ghana, with the assistance of the shipping industry, in hosting a maritime trade information-sharing centre that will provide information and warnings to commercial shipping travelling in the Gulf of Guinea. The United Kingdom's Maritime Trade Organization helped fight piracy off the coast of Somalia by carrying out a similar function. In conclusion, the first step to stopping piracy in the Gulf of Guinea must come from the regional countries working more closely together.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“As General Toure pointed out, in the past year the United Kingdom, in support of the African Partnership Station, has provided maritime security, support and training to Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, and has made a commitment to participate in future regional capacity initiatives. The United Kingdom is also supporting the European Union's work with Cape Verde, Ghana and Senegal on a project called SEACOP, which develops national capacity to set up specialist intelligence and investigation units located in seaports or sensitive coastal areas to reinforce seaport capacities, develop regional maritime intelligence and organize regional training.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“However, drawing on lessons learned from the international community's experience in countering piracy off East Africa will be very valuable. Good examples from that experience include the role of information stations and coastal law-enforcement agencies, which have together warned and steered ships away from potential attacks. Regional action requires international support, and the United Kingdom strongly supports the efforts of the International Maritime Organization and the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) to increase the integration of regional coast guard functions through closer coordination and information-sharing. In an effort to boost regional capability and develop robust and coordinated maritime security, the United Kingdom will continue to provide ongoing regional maritime support.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“Attacks by pirates not only endanger lives but, additionally, are beginning to jeopardize oil and gas exports, as well as dramatically increasing insurance premiums, which is raising the cost of doing business across the region. It is therefore in the interests of all regional partners to work closely with regional bodies such as Economic Community of Central African States and ECOWAS to ensure that action is taken now. We would encourage more States to follow the examples of Nigeria and Benin and undertake joint maritime patrols with their neighbours and regional partners to collectively suppress all illicit maritime activity. Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is a different model to the one used by Somali pirates. Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea have often been more violent, with the main focus on offloading and selling their cargo.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“While attacks are currently focused on the waters of Nigeria and Benin, the geographical scope of the attacks is expanding, posing a greater threat to the region as a whole. Recent reporting suggests that there have been approximately 27 reported piracy attacks this year, although many analysts think that as few as one in 10 attacks is actually reported. The severity of the issue clearly calls for a coordinated response. We therefore welcome the initiatives of regional States, especially the joint patrolling recently agreed by Nigeria and Benin. Strong and robust action by military and law-enforcement agencies is necessary to counter the threat of piracy. This is a valuable opportunity to hear how countries in the region are taking steps to tackle the problem and to consider how best we can support their efforts.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“I should like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing this morning, as well as General Toure of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Mrs. Ukonga of the Gulf of Guinea Commission. The United Kingdom welcomes this discussion of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and I am grateful to you, Madam President, for the leadership you have shown in bringing this issue to the Council. The threat that piracy and maritime robbery in the Gulf of Guinea poses to the lives of crews and the ongoing threat it poses to safe trade within the region deserve our attention. The United Kingdom is concerned by the increasing number of attacks and the level of violence linked to piracy and maritime armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2011-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6633 (2011) · source
“If the situation continues as it is, this Council will have to shoulder its responsibilities and take the tough action that it has, unfortunately, been prevented from taking today.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source