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 text we voted on today contained nothing that any member of this Council should have felt the need to oppose. Yet two members chose to veto. It will be a deep disappointment to the people of Syria and to the wider region that some members of this Council could not show their support for their struggle for basic human rights that most populations of the countries around this table enjoy. Some members of the Security Council have made bilateral attempts to engage President Assad and to persuade the Syrian Government to change course and implement reform. Each time, they have received vague promises of reform, and each time the Syrian Government has failed to deliver. By blocking this resolution, the onus is now on those countries to step up their efforts to persuade the Syrian Government to end the violence and pursue genuine reform.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“In an attempt to maintain the unity of this Council, for the past few weeks we have therefore been engaged in intensive negotiations aimed at ensuring that the Council could at least send a strong signal to the Syrian regime to stop the violence. Through these negotiations we tried to meet the stated concerns of Council members. We removed the sanctions. Still, it was unacceptable to the minority. We called on all sides to reject violence and extremism. Still it was unacceptable. We removed any sense that sanctions would automatically follow in 30 days if the regime failed to comply, and still it was unacceptable. By including reference to Article 41 of the United Nations Charter we made it clear that any further steps would be non-military in nature. Still it was unacceptable.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“The failure of the Syrian regime to heed calls of the international community, both bilateral and collective, has been met with increasing concern by Syria's neighbours and the wider region. Two weeks ago, the United Nations Secretary-General said that enough is enough, and called for the international community to take coherent measures. Against this backdrop, the time for strong Security Council action was long overdue. We, and indeed the majority of members of the Council, believed that the time had come for the imposition of sanctions. But a minority - two with the power of veto - said they would oppose sanctions.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“It called for an immediate end to violence, compliance with obligations under international law and for the Syrian Government to implement its stated commitments to reform. Since the presidential statement, the situation has deteriorated further. The regime continues to brutally repress its people. It has killed almost three thousand civilians. It has used disproportionate force and has arbitrarily detained many thousands of people. Its actions may amount to crimes against humanity. There is no sign of reform or of a genuine attempt to address the concerns of the Syrian population. How can there be genuine dialogue when the regime is denying its people freedom of assembly and freedom of speech?”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“May I take this opportunity to congratulate you, Madame President, on taking over the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October and to wish you well in that task. I also wish to thank Ambassador Nawaf Salam and his team from Lebanon, who ably stewarded the Council in September. The United Kingdom is deeply disappointed by the decision of some Council members to block the adoption of the draft resolution submitted today by the European members of the Council. Two months ago, this Council adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2011/16) condemning the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“I want to take this occasion to make clear our message to the Taliban that there is no military solution. Our commitment to Afghanistan's security and stability is enduring, and we will continue to support the Afghan National Security Forces and a strong Afghan State long after 2015. If the Taliban believe that peace can be achieved through dialogue, then now is the time to signal that belief, because the window of opportunity will not remain open forever.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“On long-term engagement, we believe that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will have a vital role to play both during and beyond transition, and we therefore look forward to the forthcoming review of UNAMA's mandated activities and United Nations support in Afghanistan. We urge the review to focus on the post-2014 landscape and on how UNAMA and the United Nations can support the Afghan Government in bringing about the emergence of a strong, durable and self-sustaining Afghan State. The death of Mr. Rabbani will not deflect us from our goals. Political aims cannot be achieved by violence and extremism. The course of reconciliation and greater political inclusion for all Afghan groups will continue. The Bonn Conference will help drive efforts forward.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“We hope that the region will use the opportunity to agree on a coherent approach, building on language of the London and Kabul conference communiques on good-neighbourly relations. We look forward to the Conference, and thank the Turkish hosts and the Government of Afghanistan for their tireless work in its preparation. Following Istanbul, the December Bonn Conference will send a clear signal of the Afghan Government's growing ownership and leadership on its path to self-sufficiency, and of the international community's long-term commitment to Afghanistan beyond the transition process.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“It is therefore vital that the international community be able to agree on a way to ensure continued funding for Afghanistan's security and development needs beyond 2014. Good progress has been made on a new International Monetary Fund programme for Afghanistan, and essential reforms to improve the banking sector are now being implemented. A final agreement is possible before the Bonn Conference in December and will be an important milestone for the long-term health of the Afghan economy. As Minister Rassoul and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General highlighted, we have two major international events that will consolidate progress already made and set the context for next year. The Istanbul Conference on 2 November will be a key opportunity to enhance and expand regional cooperation.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“The protection of the Afghan civilian population remains at the core of our military strategy. ISAF continues to work to reduce the level of civilian casualties and has strict operating procedures both to minimize the risk of casualties occurring and to investigate thoroughly any incidents that do happen. This is in sharp contrast to the insurgency, which deliberately targets civilians and uses violent tactics to intimidate the population. Around 80 per cent of civilian casualties are caused by insurgents, and we continue to strongly condemn all such attacks. Transition will inevitably impact upon Afghanistan's economy as income sources decline and the costs of the Afghan National Security Forces come under national control. Although revenue is growing, it will not balance expenditure for several years.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“The start of the transition process in July saw seven areas begin the process of handing over lead security to the Afghans. The latest reports of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirm positive progress in these areas, with the capability and capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces continuing to improve. The Special Representative reinforced that message this morning. The recent attacks on the British Council, the United States embassy and ISAF headquarters were shocking, but demonstrated the increasing ability of the Afghan National Security Forces to respond to such events. We are on course for the next set of provinces to begin transition towards the end of this year, and it is encouraging that ISAF is keen to start the transition process in the more challenging areas of Afghanistan.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“In the light of this tragic event, we will want to consider further listings under the sanctions regime of resolution 1988 (2011), and we will continue to review very closely any request for de-listing. President Karzai and other Afghan political leaders have pledged to continue the peace process. This is a sign of their commitment to the Afghan people. They have made clear that this attack will not derail their efforts. Instead, they are ready to engage with those elements of the insurgency that are genuinely willing to work towards a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan. I commend their stance and emphasize the United Kingdom's readiness to support that work. Despite this shocking event, progress is being made in Afghanistan.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“I would like to welcome the presence of Foreign Minister Rassoul in the Security Council this morning and to thank him for his important statement. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2011/590) and Special Representative De Mistura for his briefing. We pay tribute to his leadership and the work of his team in Afghanistan. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere condolences to the family of former President Rabbani. The United Kingdom condemns those responsible for his appalling and cowardly murder. They took advantage of Mr. Rabbani's hospitality and good faith. He was a negotiator and a peacemaker, and his efforts should have been respected. Those responsible are sending a signal that they do not want to play a role in Afghanistan's future.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“It establishes a United Nations Mission that will, among other things, provide support to Libyans in preparing for elections so that they can choose their own leaders; assist in institution-building so that they can provide services to their people; help to promote and protect human rights; and support steps towards economic recovery so as to ensure a prosperous and stable future for Libya. By providing a mechanism for progressively de-listing sanctioned entities and unfreezing their assets, the resolution will help to kick- start Libya's economy and encourage economic self- sufficiency. The bravery and determination of the Libyan people have sent a strong message to repressive regimes everywhere that the legitimate demands and rights of people cannot be ignored. People have basic rights to which they are entitled.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“There exists now an opportunity for Libya and its people to achieve their full potential. It will not be easy. Huge challenges remain on security, stabilization and economic recovery. It is for the Libyans themselves to tackle those challenges and shape their future, but they can be assured that the international community stands ready to support them as they set about the considerable tasks ahead. The unanimous adoption today of resolution 2009 (2011) will provide the National Transitional Council with the support it needs as it implements its priorities.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“May I take this opportunity to welcome Ambassador Dabbashi to the Security Council this afternoon. The Libyan people have shown remarkable courage and perseverance over the past six months in standing up for their rights and creating the conditions under which they can decide their own future, a future that the National Transitional Council (NTC) has made clear will belong to all Libyans, not only the privileged few, and in which the fundamental rights and freedoms of all will be promoted and protected. The NTC has set out a vision for the political transition in Libya and has already taken positive steps towards achieving it. We welcome the Libyans' resuming their seat in the United Nations and look forward to the establishment of an interim Government.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6620 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom remains committed to leading efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping worldwide, ensuring that peacekeeping missions support political processes and help to deliver long- term stability. We do not expect any peacekeeping mission to be exempt from regular review by the Council, and will continue to work to ensure that all missions are configured and resourced in line with that purpose and that their mandates and configurations are adjusted in a timely and responsible manner.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6619 (2011) · source
“We are therefore disappointed that resolution 2008 (2011) did not take up amendments that a number of Security Council members put forward and that followed the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2011/497) and had the support of the host Government, namely, that the Council review the authorized military and troop strength by 30 May 2012, based on the findings of the technical assessment mission. We regret that, given the time available to us before the 30 September expiry of the mandate authorized by resolution 1938 (2010), a more serious and committed effort was not made to address such concerns.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6619 (2011) · source
“Urgent progress on the establishment of national security forces capable of maintaining law and order and the planning and implementation of the transfer of responsibilities from UNMIL to State authorities will also be critical. The United Nations technical assessment mission scheduled for early 2012 will be an excellent opportunity to make a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Liberia. That will inform the Council's decisions on changes to UNMIL's future tasking.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6619 (2011) · source
“The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has played a pivotal role in Liberia in the eight years that it has been working in partnership with the Government and people of Liberia. The United Kingdom would like to thank the troops, police and civilian staff of UNMIL for their dedication and hard work under the excellent leadership of Special Representative of the Secretary- General Ellen Margrethe Loj. It supports the renewal of UNMIL's mandate. The elections next month, the second such elections since peace was established, mark a key milestone for Liberia's democratic development. Preparing for them has rightly been a priority. The United Kingdom would like to see similar effort devoted to other issues critical to Liberia's future stability, such as national reconciliation and land reform.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6619 (2011) · source
“The lives of thousands of ordinary Somali men, women and children depend on it. We cannot let this opportunity slip, and we cannot fail the Somali people at their time of need. We must hold ourselves and each other to account and deliver real progress over the coming months.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“The United Nations has a vital role to play in supporting the Transitional Federal Institutions with expertise and technical assistance in delivering on their road map commitments. It will need to do so in a coordinated and integrated manner, working as one with the other United Nations agencies and partners both in Nairobi and on the ground in Somalia. I would also like to welcome moves by other members of the international community to increase their presence in Mogadishu, and reiterate my Foreign Minister's commitment to opening a British embassy in Mogadishu once local conditions allow. Now more than ever, the United Nations, the international community and the Transitional Federal Institutions must come together to demonstrate our collective commitment to ending the transition and to building stability in Somalia.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“I pay particular tribute to the continued commitment and bravery of the Ugandan and Burundian troops. Al-Shabaab's almost complete withdrawal from Mogadishu is a mark of their success, but it also raises new challenges for AMISOM. As ever, it is vital that we give AMISOM. the support it needs to deliver greater protection to the people of Mogadishu. The United Kingdom contributed over $5 million earlier this year, and now provides more than 50 per cent of the funding for the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of AMISOM. My Government calls on other international partners to step up and make contributions without caveat to the AMISOM Trust Fund. Finally, I welcome the continued efforts to increase the United Nations presence across Somalia, and in Mogadishu in particular.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“But above all, it requires the political will and commitment of Somalia's leaders. I welcome the Prime Minister's encouraging comments this morning on that score. I urge the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia to demonstrate that they are furthering reconciliation efforts across the country. We expect the Transitional Federal Institutions to demonstrate improved accountability and transparency, in particular around the allocation and management of resources, to remain united and to refrain from any further internal disputes. There should be no doubt that the Security Council will stick to its commitment to making future support contingent on progress against the road map. Thirdly, I would like to welcome the recent successes of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Security Force in Mogadishu.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“Secondly, what greater incentive could there be than the prospect of famine stalking the land for Somalia's political leaders to demonstrate their commitment to deliver a better future for the Somali people? To that end, the United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of the road map to end the transition, as well as the work by Ambassador Mahiga to facilitate its adoption. However, we should remember that the road map was required precisely because of the lack of 1 1-49644 progress on the transitional tasks. The parties to the road map therefore need to ensure that the key tasks set out in it are delivered on time and that the transition comes to a successful conclusion in August 2012. That will of course require the support of the international community, and we are ready to give it.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“Twenty years of civil war and its consequences have left an appalling legacy, one that is being most acutely felt by the Somali people - with 4 million needing emergency assistance and 750,000 facing famine. Tens of thousands have already died. Thousands more have been displaced. The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with the Somali people at its time of acute need. We have already provided $80 million of support for the relief effort in Somalia, providing relief to over 1 million people. It is vital that we, the international community, do all that we can to support those parts of Somalia where suffering is the worst. I call on others to give timely and generous support. The crisis will not end in the short term. It will go on into 2012. We need to ensure that our relief efforts are similarly sustained.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“This is an important opportunity for the Security Council to discuss Somalia. I would like to thank the Secretary- General for his latest report (S/2011/549) and for the briefing from his Special Representative Augustine Mahiga. We greatly appreciate the work of the Special Representative, his team and all the United Nations agencies active in Somalia. I would also like to welcome to the Council this morning His Excellency Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali of Somalia. I thank him for his important comments. I would also like to thank Mr. Boubacar Diarra for his contribution to the debate today. I would like to make four key points - on the humanitarian situation, the political situation, security and the United Nations presence in Mogadishu. First, the situation faced by many Somalis today is one of almost unimaginable suffering.”
2011-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6614 (2011) · source
“The Committee should agree to release the report as a matter of urgency. We remain committed to engaging Iran to address these concerns, but it is clear that Iran continues to proliferate and to pursue a nuclear weapons programme. Iran has given us no reason to believe that engagement on a nuclear programme will be reciprocated in a meaningful way. If the dual-track strategy is to succeed, rigorous implementation by States of the measures contained in resolution 1929 (2010) and the Council's prior resolutions is therefore essential.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“We therefore welcome the Panel's efforts to raise awareness of steps that all Member States are required to take to implement sanctions and to foster greater knowledge-sharing and collaboration between States. We welcome the implementation assistance notices that the Panel of Experts has produced and which are before the Committee for consideration. These will be of great benefit in raising awareness among Member States of their responsibilities and the actions they can take to prevent further violations. We look forward to quick agreement and publication of these notices on the Committee website. We regret that the Panel's report has not yet been made public. The Committee is denying the wider membership of the United Nations access to this valuable assessment, which will assist with the implementation of sanctions.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“In this regard, we reported with France, Germany and the United States a violation of paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010) - namely, the launch of the Rassad-l satellite, which is dependent on ballistic missile technology. We request that the Committee take forward investigation of this and all pending violations as a matter of urgency, with the close assistance of the Panel of Experts. Quick and thorough investigation of violations will contribute to a clearer picture of the broader pattern of violations by Iran. This will enable the wider membership to focus on areas for particular vigilance. It is important that Member States be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to identify and act upon suspected violations.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“This directly contravenes six Security Council resolutions requiring Iran to suspend enrichment. It also illustrates how inconsistent with peaceful purposes Iran's illegal enrichment programme is. There is no credible civilian justification for producing this much 20 per cent- enriched uranium. The latest report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) makes clear that once again Iran has not fully cooperated with the Agency and highlights his "increasing concerns" at the possible military dimensions to Iran's programme. This reporting period has demonstrated the continuing need for vigilance on violations of sanctions.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“May I offer my congratulations on your assumption, Sir, of the Council presidency for the month of September. I also add my thanks to those of others to Ambassador Puri and his team for their stewardship of the Council in the month of August. I should like to thank Ambassador Osorio for his briefing to the Council today and for his report on the vital work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and its Panel of Experts. The Committee's report makes clear that Iran continues to violate the Council's sanctions as a proliferator of nuclear and conventional weapons alike. The Iranians themselves say as much. In August, they announced that they had begun the transfer of centrifuges to their site at Qom in order to triple the capacity to enrich uranium to 20 per cent.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“Since we last met, the number of countries which recognize Kosovo as an independent State has risen to 81. This shows that Kosovo's progress as a viable independent States is irreversible. Kosovo's future belongs in the European Union, along with Serbia and its other neighbours in the Western Balkan. The United Kingdom underlines once more its commitment to work tirelessly towards that goal.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Of continuing concern is the Secretary-General's assessment that tensions persist between receiving communities and returnees. The United Kingdom has long supported the work of the United Nations and the Government of Kosovo to ensure that returnees feel able to go home. Over the past several years my Government has given more than $3 million to support the work on returns. Finally, as Foreign Secretary Hague and Foreign Minister Westerwelle said on 8 August, the countries of the Western Balkans have made good progress towards democracy and neighbourly relations in the 17 years since the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. War crime suspects have been delivered to face international justice. Croatia has been invited to join the European Union.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The Secretary-General's report rightly highlights the progress made during the fifth round of the dialogue. Agreements were reached that will, if properly implemented, improve the lives of people in both Kosovo and Serbia. I urge Ministers Hoxhaj and Jeremie not to lose sight of that progress, or of our shared goals. The Governments of Kosovo and Serbia should be ready to engage constructively at the next meeting of the dialogue, scheduled to start this Friday. We are encouraged by the resumption of the Working Group on Missing Persons, highlighted in the Secretary-General's report. A continuing commitment to this process on both sides is fundamental for providing closure for those families who lost loved ones in the 19905, and for continuing progress toward regional reconciliation.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“It is regrettable that the so-called parallel structures in the north prevented the United Nations Office for Project Services - UNOPS - from conducting the census there. Important data needed to provide social, economic and health services to the people in northern Kosovo will be distorted. That, together with the outbreak of violence in July, demonstrates how vulnerable the situation is in northern Kosovo. It also underlines more than ever the importance of Kosovo-Serbian relations being put on a more stable track. That is why we actively and fully support the EU-facilitated dialogue. That dialogue provides a unique opportunity to build sustainable and practical cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia and to move both countries, in a more stable fashion, towards a secure and prosperous future in the European Union.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“We appreciate the role played by KFOR and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) in calming the situation and in facilitating agreements with Kosovo and Serbia to end the tense standoff. We urge all parties to continue to coordinate with these and other international actors in Kosovo. We welcome the fact that there has been no further violence, and we urge both Kosovo and Serbia to continue to engage constructively. As Mr. Zarif said, rhetoric on both sides needs to be constructive, not confrontational. Tensions in the north need to be calmed so that people who live there do not suffer. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/514) notes that in April the Kosovo authorities conducted a population and housing census throughout Kosovo, with the exception of northern Kosovo.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Allow me to start by thanking Mr. Farid Zarif for his briefing today. I wish him well in his role as Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General. I also wish to thank his predecessor, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, for his effective work as Special Representative. I wish to welcome today Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, Foreign Minister of Kosovo, and Mr. Vuk Jeremie, Foreign Minister of Serbia, and to thank them for their statements. We have witnessed troubled times in Kosovo over the past month. The United Kingdom was very seriously concerned by the outbreaks of violence there, which resulted in the death of one Kosovo policeman and injuries to many other Kosovo citizens.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“We note that the Secretary-General made clear in his report (S/2011/422) that this enabling environment was paramount. As resolution 2003 (2011) makes clear, the Secretary-General and the Security Council will monitor developments very closely so that the proper assessments can be made and so that the Security Council can take the necessary decisions regarding the Darfur political process and UNAMID's participation in it. We thank Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari and the personnel of UNAMID for their work in support of peace and security in Darfur. 6”
2011-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6597 (2011) · source
“We welcome the signature on 14 July by the Government of the Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement of the agreement on the adoption of the Doha document for peace in Darfur. We urge the Government of the Sudan and all the armed movements to engage immediately and without preconditions to make every effort to reach a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace settlement on the basis of the Doha document. Further, we recognize the potential complementary role of a Darfur-based political process in engaging all Darfur stakeholders in constructive and open dialogue. However, we note that the elements of the necessary enabling environment for such a Darfur process, as identified by the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council in their joint communique of 21 May, are not yet in place.”
2011-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6597 (2011) · source
“In supporting resolution 2003 (2011), extending the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) for 12 months, the United Kingdom is conscious that Darfur is entering a critical period in which its people need the support of both the United Nations and the African Union more than ever. We therefore welcome the essential work that UNAMID is doing to protect civilians and to provide security for humanitarian access in Darfur. Given the deterioration in the security situation and its impact on civilians, we encourage the Mission to maintain and enhance its robust approach to the delivery of these core tasks. We also recognize the vital importance of working towards a comprehensive peace for Darfur.”
2011-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6597 (2011) · source
“Maintaining security cooperation and ensuring that there is a complete and sustained cessation of rocket attacks from Gaza are key to reassuring the Israeli Government and public that there exists a genuine partner for peace. Thirdly, more must be done to improve access to Gaza. Restrictions that stifle Gaza's economy breed hatred, radicalism and violence. An improved Gazan economy and the resurgence of Gaza's pragmatic business fraternity are not only essential to the people of Gaza, but also firmly in Israel's own security interests. There is no time to waste in making progress towards peace. We know from history that standing still is never an option in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There is either progress towards a negotiated agreement or backsliding into violence.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“They must act now to keep alive the prospect and hope for a sustainable peace. I would highlight three areas where they must work harder to avoid further deterioration of trust. First, settlement activity must stop. Continued settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is not only illegal, but is increasingly destroying the viability of a contiguous Palestinian State, sharing Jerusalem as its capital with Israel. As well as construction, associated actions, such as the destruction of freshwater infrastructure by the Israeli authorities, undermine the very survival of entire Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Halting settlement activity and associated activities is not elective surgery. It is a life-saving operation. Secondly, Israel has legitimate security concerns that must continue to be safeguarded.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“There is a danger that, in September, all stakeholders in the peace process give up hope and look simply to manage the situation, but, in our view, that would be premature. The parties should redouble their efforts to break the impasse and should resume direct negotiations on the basis of clearly articulated parameters - two States based on the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps; security arrangements that protect Palestinian sovereignty, while also providing sufficient reassurance to Israel; Jerusalem as the capital of both States; and a just solution for refugees. We encourage the Quartet to set out those simple parameters and to urge the parties back into talks. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to let the current stalemate become the long-term status quo.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“Events in the wider Middle East are inextricably linked to efforts to find a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At a time when populations in the region are striving for and realizing their rights, the Palestinians, too, must realize their goal of an independent and viable State of Palestine. As we have said before, it would be a great shame and a source of continued insecurity if the hopes of the Palestinian people were left unfulfilled, while the region is transformed around them. Therefore, it is critical that progress in the peace process be made. September - the time frame set out by President Obama and the Quartet to welcome Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations and the month that will mark the completion of the Palestinian Authority's State-building programme - is fast approaching.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The Syrian regime has killed more then 1,500 civilians, and the death toll is rising on a daily basis. President Al-Assad claims that he is holding Syria's different factions together, but his regime's brutality risks inflaming sectarian tension. President Al-Assad must swiftly and meaningfully implement reforms that he himself has promised, ensuring that they mark the start of a sustainable transition to a new political system that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people. In our view, Security Council action demanding an end to the violence and calling for a peaceful Syrian-led political process is long overdue. We will continue to push for action, challenging those on the Council who stand in the way to meet their responsibilities.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank Robert Serry for his briefing this morning and the Permanent Representatives of Palestine and Israel for their important contributions. As we speak, momentous events continue to unfold across the Middle East. The determined struggle of people in the region to secure their universal rights against, in some cases, brutal Government repression offers hope for the future. The only credible answer to legitimate popular demands is sustainable reform. Nowhere is the fight for basic rights and the brutality of an autocratic regime unwilling to give its people what they want and what they are entitled to more apparent than in Syria. We condemn the continuing heavy violence in Syria, the murder of peaceful protesters and the attacks on the United States and French embassies in Damascus.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We then need to capture this understanding as we build the tools and take the action necessary to prevent conflict. Finally, we need better sharing of analysis and experience among the various United Nations agencies, bodies and programmes that are already considering these issues. As food, water, energy and climate security are interlinked, they demand a coordinated response. Left unchecked, climate change increases the likelihood of instability, resource conflict and poverty. That is why the United Kingdom first brought this issue to the Council for debate in 2007. It is ever more relevant and valuable for the Council to consider these impacts, and I thank Germany once again for having convened this debate today.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“History will not judge us kindly if, through complacency or ideology, we duck this important responsibility. There are three key areas on which we should focus if we are to be effective in mitigating the security implications of climate change. First, and pre-eminently, the United Nations must continue to work to achieve a comprehensive, globally binding agreement on climate change. Ongoing efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are crucial. The United Kingdom will do everything in our power to support preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties in Durban, to be held later this year, including by supporting the South African presidency. Secondly, we need to build up a deeper understanding of the interface between the impacts of climate change on the one hand and conflict drivers on the other.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“But like the Secretary-General and Mr. Steiner, we do not believe that this debate in any way undermines them. The Council is tasked with the maintenance of international peace and security. It can and indeed should, therefore, consider emerging threats. Conflict prevention is a key element in the Council's work. The United Kingdom believes that it is through discussion and better awareness of new and cross-cutting security challenges, including the effects of climate change, that the Council can best fulfill its responsibility to prevent future conflict. We therefore hope that even at this late stage we can reach agreement on the presidential statement drafted by the German presidency. This would send a powerful signal of the importance that the Security Council places on mitigating the security risks posed by climate change.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source