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

“In its final meeting on 25 May, the Security Council discussed a range of issues, including the political transition and the security and humanitarian situation in Somalia, with representatives of Somali civil society. In setting out their priorities, the civil society representatives highlighted the need for a new constitution to be developed through an inclusive process, for AMISOM. to receive greater international support, for humanitarian assistance to be delivered more effectively and for Somalia to receive more long- term development assistance. Several speakers stressed, however, that security was key, as the Somali private sector could develop quickly in conditions of greater security and political stability. Ambassador Sangqu will now brief on the further meetings that the Security Council held in Nairobi.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“All highlighted the progress that their Governments had made on security and development, but stressed the threats that their people faced from piracy and terrorism. They outlined the measures that they had taken in response to those threats, including the passing of an anti-piracy law in Puntland and the conviction of 90 pirates in Somaliland. All called for greater international assistance for their efforts in that regard. The Security Council mission recognized the need for the international community to support further stabilization, peacebuilding and socio-economic reconstruction in Somalia, in particular in areas of relative stability, and stressed the need for a comprehensive response to tackle piracy and its underlying causes.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“President Ahmed and Speaker Aden expressed their views on the political transition, in particular on the timing of elections - on which issue they continued to differ. The Security Council mission expressed grave concern about the impact that the discord between the Transitional Federal Institutions was having on the political process and the security situation. It also underlined, in very clear and very strong terms, that it expected the Government and Parliament to reach agreement on the issue of elections rapidly, and no later than the forthcoming consultative meeting in Mogadishu. Later that day, the Security Council met the Presidents of Galmudug and Puntland and representatives of Somaliland to discuss issues of regional security.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“The Security Council mission urged the Transitional Federal Government and the Transitional Federal Parliament to engage fully, constructively and without further delay in the consultative process facilitated by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mahiga, including the forthcoming meeting to be held in Mogadishu; to focus on implementing reforms to build their legitimacy, representativeness and credibility; and to deliver tangible results on the completion of core transitional tasks. The Security Council mission underlined that it was vital that the progress made by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali national security forces in consolidating security and stability in Mogadishu were reinforced by progress on the political transition.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mahiga and the staff of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia and the United Nations Support Office for the African Union Mission in Somalia, as well as the members of the United Nations country team, for welcoming the Council and supporting our visit. We are very appreciative of the work that they are doing under difficult circumstances. On 25 May, the Security Council held discussions with the Transitional Federal President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament on the political transition in Somalia.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“The leg of the Security Council visit in Nairobi was jointly chaired by Ambassador Sangqu and myself. We also worked very cooperatively, but we both have statements to make on this occasion. I will brief colleagues on the meetings that the Council held with the Transitional Federal Institutions, the representatives of Galmudug, Puntland and Somaliland, and members of Somali civil society. Ambassador Sangqu will then brief on the meetings that the Council had with African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development colleagues and with the Kenyan Government.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6546 (2011) · source
“Even in the current difficult financial circumstances, we believe that this investment is worth making for the long-term future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“We urge the United Nations to deliver a coordinated approach in-country and encourage the international community to support efforts that will facilitate the transfer of tasks from MONUSCO to United Nations agencies in support of building capacity within the Congolese Government as security conditions improve. The United Kingdom remains a committed partner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition to the United Kingdom's contributions towards the wide-ranging European Union development assistance programme and our United Nations contributions, we will provide $1.2 billion in bilateral funding over the next four years through our development programme with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Thirdly, disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration are essential to bringing the conflict to an end and would help improve security conditions in fragile territories. The United Kingdom is a major financial contributor to the programme, and we call for greater support from the international community for this valuable activity. Additionally, there are cross-border challenges to stability that will need to be addressed. MONUSCO has increased its efforts to protect civilians against attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army, but we urge greater coordination of strategies with other United Nations missions in the region and with regional security forces. The international community has an important role to play in helping to address the challenges that remain.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Their deployment will play a significant role in reassuring communities, and particularly the most vulnerable in those communities, such as women, and provide the foundation for re-establishing the rule of law and State authority in all territories. Secondly, security will only be achieved if justice is seen to be done and lingering issues of impunity addressed. Some important steps have been taken, but we call on the Congolese Government to utilize the experience provided in the United Nations justice support programme to develop the criminal justice chain, the judiciary and the prisons and to adopt legislation to bring about the recommended reforms.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“We urge the Congolese Government to share and implement its road map for defence reform and to work with MONUSCO and other international partners to drive forward the reform of the army and police. This approach must include strengthening military police and military justice institutions. I would highlight three key areas. First, further efforts must be made to form a modern, effective national police force. We welcome the progress already made with support from MONUSCO towards establishing and training 10 police units in advance of the elections, and encourage international donors to support the equipping and training of additional police units.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Although elections are important, they cannot on their own provide the long-term stability that the Democratic Republic of the Congo needs. Therefore, we must look beyond the elections to the key challenges that affect the long-term security, stability and prosperity of the country. As Minister Tshibanda said, there have been important strategic successes, but the challenges remain daunting. In particular, it is vital that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo build confidence in the institutions of Government and provide the foundations for enhanced economic activity, including enabling the safe return of internally displaced persons to lead normal productive lives.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“It is important that these elections be based on the principle that every eligible adult has the right to vote, that they include the participation of civil society, human rights defenders and journalists, that they respect the freedom of expression and opinion and that they allow equitable access to media for the political parties. These elements are essential to a credible election process. We urge all political parties to commit to peaceful elections and we call on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the international community to continue to work with the Congolese Government and the National Independent Electoral Commission to ensure that the election process is successful.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, scheduling this important debate on the Democratic Republic of the Congo today. I welcome the positive comments made this morning by the Secretary-General and Minister Raymond Tshibanda. I also appreciate the participation in this debate of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union. This debate is an important opportunity to discuss the ways in which we can all assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its progress towards sustainable peace and security. I shall touch first on the short-term priority of the elections and then say something about the broader long-term challenges. The forthcoming presidential and legislative elections mark a milestone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and provide an opportunity to build on progress made during the past decade.”
2011-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6539 (2011) · source
“The Syrian Government has a responsibility to protect peaceful protesters, not to attack them. Those responsible for this violence should be held to account. There can be no impunity. We strongly support the Secretary- General's call for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings. We must be prepared to consider the appropriate avenues, including the International Criminal Court, to bring justice to the victims of these crimes. But it is not too late for the Syrian Government to decide against more violent oppression and bring about the radical reforms necessary for peace and stability.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“All United Nations Member States, whether parties to the Rome Statute or not, should do the same. Those holding power in Libya must fulfil their obligations under resolution 1970 (2011) to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and to swiftly hand over any individual who may be indicted. We welcome the cooperation that the Interim Transitional National Council has given to the investigation so far, and encourage it to continue. As a State party to the International Criminal Court, and therefore subject to its jurisdiction, the United Kingdom strongly supports the Court's mandate to fight impunity, in Libya and elsewhere. The deteriorating situation in Syria is of increasing concern in that regard. The violent repression there must stop immediately.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“Together with disruptions to the water and electricity supplies, this is conduct that demonstrates an ongoing campaign to target civilians in Misrata. Similar attacks have occurred in other cities. Others, including the High Commissioner for Human Rights, have highlighted the deliberate targeting of medical facilities and civilians, the use of children as combatants, the denial of humanitarian access and the use of sexual violence as a weapon. Given those indications of dreadful criminal acts, we as the international community must continue to support the Prosecutor in thoroughly investigating these allegations and holding those responsible to account. The United Kingdom will continue to assist the Prosecutor's investigations wherever possible.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“We are grateful to the Prosecutor for the swift action he has taken to implement resolution 1970 (2011). The report he has presented describes a situation that demands such decisive action. To quote from his report: "the shooting at protesters was systematic"; "War crimes [were] committed as a matter of policy"; many hundreds, or thousands, of protesters have died; and "massive crimes are reportedly committed upon instruction of a few persons who control the organizations that execute the orders". Despite repeated promises of a ceasefire from the regime, we continue to see appalling attacks and excessive use of force. Last week, as the Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister announced a withdrawal from Misrata, we saw intensified rocket attacks, with hundreds of rockets landing in civilian areas over the following three days.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank the Prosecutor for his report and briefing this morning. I would also like to take this opportunity once again to commend him and his staff for their tireless efforts to bring justice to the victims of international crimes. The serious risks they take in the cause of international justice were brought home recently by the death of Alain Lubamba Kongolo, a member of the Office of the Prosecutor who died in a plane crash while pursuing investigations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our condolences go to his family and colleagues. We have heard this morning about Libya and the actions of the Al-Qadhafi regime in attacking civilians. When the Security Council adopted resolution 1970 (2011) (see S/PV.6491), it stressed the need to hold to account those responsible for attacks on civilians.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“Syria is at a fork in the road. Its Government can still choose to bring about the genuine reform that alone can provide peace and stability for Syria in the long term, or it can choose ever more violent repression, which can only bring short-term security for the authorities, but at a terrible cost to Syria's people and the country's future. We urge President Al-Assad to take the first course, which is the only way for Syria to regain its place at the heart of the Middle East.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“We strongly support the Secretary- General's call for an independent, transparent and effective investigation into the killings. The perpetrators of violence against civilians, and in particular those who have ordered it, must be brought to justice. Fourthly, the international community needs to speak with one voice in condemning the violence in Syria. The United Kingdom is working intensively with its international partners to persuade the Syrian authorities to stop the violence and to respect the basic and universal human rights to freedom of expression and assembly. We will look at further measures with our European Union and other partners if the violence does not stop. That may include targeted financial and travel sanctions against those responsible for the violence, as well as their families and business interests.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“We now need to see four things. First, the violent repression must stop immediately. The Syrian Government has a responsibility to protect peaceful protestors, not to attack them. President Al-Assad must order his forces to show maximum restraint. The protestors themselves must ensure that their actions are peaceful. Secondly, President Al-Assad's Government needs to respond to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people with immediate and genuine reform, not brutal repression. The emergency law should be lifted in practice. On 21 April, the Permanent Representative of Syria told the Security Council that legislation had been enacted recognizing the right to peaceful demonstration, but the reality on the ground stands in stark contrast to that commitment. Thirdly, those responsible for the violence must be held to account.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“Despite the best efforts of the Syrian Government to bar access to international media and to suppress independent coverage of what is happening, we have witnessed the repeated and deliberate targeting of civilians and the use of tanks and other heavy weaponry against peaceful protestors. Mr. Pascoe spoke ofthe 350 to 400 demonstrators killed by the security forces over the past few weeks. The Syrian army has imposed a siege on the city of Dar'a, including cutting all phone lines, water and electricity. The military is firing indiscriminately in the city itself. The security forces are also attacking several surrounding towns and suburbs of Damascus. We condemn utterly and without reservation the violence and killings perpetrated by the Syrian security forces against civilians, who are expressing their views in peaceful protests.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“I should like to thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe for his briefing today. What we have heard from Mr. Pascoe is of grave concern to my Government. This is a moment of hope for many people across the Middle East and North Africa. Their voices are being heard as never before. New democratic processes are under way in Egypt and Tunisia, reflecting a long-pent-up desire for more open and representative government. Other Governments across the region are responding positively to the demand for reform. 11-31393 In Syria, the Government has so far chosen a different path. What we have seen in recent weeks is a systematic attempt to stifle the legitimate demands of the Syrian people through violence and oppression.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“The Council has welcomed Morocco's proposals and those of the Frente Polisario as a meaningful step forward on human rights, but has also set expectations for implementation, delivery and further progress. The political future of Western Sahara will be determined only by a concerted effort from both Morocco and the Polisario, with the support of the international community. Each party must demonstrate political will towards a solution by expanding upon their discussions of the other's proposals and considering innovative approaches to the negotiations. Unless and until the political will can be found by the parties, we will be no closer to the realization of a substantive political solution.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6523 (2011) · source
“This resolution requests the Secretary-General to keep MINURSO's operations under close review and to pursue a rigorous and strategic approach to its deployment, and calls for an examination of the existing challenges to MINURSO's operations to reflect more closely the situation on the ground. The core issue under dispute in relation to Western Sahara is one of territory and sovereignty. This resolution does not affect the position of the parties in that respect. But the human rights situation in Western Sahara and the Tindouf camps is frequently raised by both parties and is an important issue in itself. The United Kingdom has said for a number of years that the Security Council should address this matter. We are pleased that it has now done so in this resolution.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6523 (2011) · source
“It has been 20 years since the Council first mandated the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). As the Secretary-General notes in his report (S/2011/249), the situation on the ground has changed dramatically in those 20 years. For the United Kingdom, the status quo is unsustainable in the longer term. If the Security Council does not work actively to resolve this issue, it will get worse. We support the tireless efforts of Ambassador Christopher Ross, but it is clear that no progress has been made on the substance of the dispute. This stalemate is regrettable, and we should not pretend otherwise. The United Kingdom wants to see greater efficiency in all peacekeeping missions. We approach MINURSO no differently.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6523 (2011) · source
“If the dual-track strategy is to succeed, rigorous implementation by States of the measures contained in resolution 1929 (2010) and the Council's previous resolutions is essential.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“The latest report again shows that the IAEA is still concerned about the possible existence of past or current undisclosed nuclear-related activities involving military-related organizations, including activities relating to the development of a payload for a missile. Iran continues to fail to answer a range of outstanding questions about these issues. The report also says clearly that Iran has not cooperated to such an extent that the Agency's knowledge about Iran's enrichment activities continues to diminish. As a consequence, the Agency cannot confirm that all nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful uses. 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.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“More complete 11-27294 reporting would help the Panel of Experts to identify any key gaps in implementation. Today's briefing follows the publication on 25 February of the IAEA's latest report on Iran. The report reinforces the point that Iran continues to defy multiple Security Council resolutions and documents Iran's failure to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Like previous reports, it makes clear that Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities or work on its heavy water-related projects. Iran does not need to enrich uranium itself, and the way it is doing so is manifestly inconsistent with the needs of a peaceful nuclear programme.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“These persistent violations demonstrate the importance of the 1737 Committee in ensuring implementation both by monitoring implementation and by advising States. They also emphasize the Vital role of its Panel of Experts in managing its full agenda, investigating the recent reported violations and travelling to key regions to focus on implementation. We support the Committee's wider outreach efforts to promote implementation. We are pleased that the Committee is considering open briefings to the wider United Nations membership and plans further guidance for States on submitting further implementation reports. While many Member States have acted promptly to adjust their laws and procedures, we would remind those yet to report to the 1737 Committee on measures taken to do so as soon as possible.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“This is completely unacceptable and not the behaviour of a responsible neighbour. Supplying weapons of that sort, clearly intended to provide the Taliban with the capability to kill Afghan and ISAF soldiers, is at odds with Iran's claim that it supports stability and security in Afghanistan. The Committee and its Panel of Experts should examine that case. Moreover, there has been a recent report of the seizure of an arms shipment believed to have originated in Iran. This was the 15 March seizure of the anti-ship weaponry on board the ship MV Victoria. I commend the action taken by the authorities of the interdicting State, and look forward to the Committee and its Panel investigating the cases further.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“The two transfers of the proliferation- sensitive goods seized that came before the Committee during the period covered by the report are clear violations by Iran of paragraph 3 of resolution 1737 (2006). We are also extremely concerned by Iran's violation of the arms export ban imposed by resolution 1747 (2007). Earlier this month, NATO confirmed that weapons seized in a recent operation by Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces in Nimroz, Afghanistan, were supplied by elements within the Iranian regime and were destined for the Taliban. The detailed technical analysis, together with the circumstances of the seizure, leave us in no doubt that the weaponry recovered came from Iran, despite the fact that it was crudely doctored to make it look as though it had originated in a country represented on this Council.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“As this is Ambassador Osorio's first such briefing to the Council, I wish him well in his time as Chair of his important Committee. As he begins that role, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) is well equipped to continue to fulfil its important mandate. The Panel of Experts appointed last year has already begun to play a vital part in promoting the implementation of resolution 1929 (2010). The work of the Committee and its Panel is critical as we pursue the dual-track strategy to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. Iran's behaviour is correctly identified in today's report as part of a pattern of deliberate circumvention of sanctions.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“The Libyan population wants the same rights and freedoms that people across the Middle East and North Africa are demanding and that are enshrined in the values of the United Nations Charter. Today's resolution puts the weight of the Security Council squarely behind the Libyan people in defence of those values.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“It imposes a no-fly zone to prevent the Al-Qadhafi regime from using air power against the Libyan people. It authorizes Member States to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack. It rules out a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory. It imposes a range of additional measures, including significant action to tighten enforcement of the arms embargo and to deny the regime access to funds. We, along with partners in the Arab world and in NATO, are now ready to shoulder our responsibilities in implementing resolution 1973 (2011). The central purpose of the resolution is clear: to end the violence, to protect civilians and to allow the people of Libya to determine their own future, free from the tyranny of the Al-Qadhafi regime.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“The international community has come together in deploring the actions of the Al-Qadhafi regime and demanding that the regime end this violence against the Libyan people. International opinion has looked to the Security Council to act. The League of Arab States has been particularly clear in its demands, including for the imposition of a no-fly zone. That is why the United Kingdom, in close cooperation with Lebanon and France, has pressed for the early adoption of today's resolution. My Government welcomes the fact that the Council has acted swiftly and comprehensively in response to the appalling situation in Libya and to the appeal of the Arab League. Resolution 1973 (2011) demands that Colonel Al-Qadhafi implement an immediate ceasefire.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“The situation in Libya is clear. A violent, discredited regime that has lost all legitimacy is using weapons of war against civilians. Al-Qadhafi's regime has ignored this Council's demand in resolution 1970 (2011) that it stop the violence against the Libyan people. It is now preparing for a violent assault on a city of 1 million people that has a history dating back 2,500 years. It has begun air strikes in anticipation of what we expect to be a brutal attack using air, land and sea forces. Al-Qadhafi has publicly promised no mercy and no pity. We have also seen reports today of a grotesque offer of amnesty ~ this, from a regime that has advertised its determination to continue persecuting and killing those Libyans who want only to take control of their own future.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“The adoption of resolution 1970 (2011) by all 15 members of the Council is a powerful signal of the determination of the international community to stand with the people of Libya and defend their right to determine their own future.”
2011-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6491 (2011) · source
“The British Government welcomes the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 1970 (2011). The United Kingdom presented the text of this resolution because of our grave concern about the appalling situation in Libya. The violence we have seen and the incitement to further violence by Colonel Al-Qadhafi are totally 2 unacceptable, and my Government has expressed its profound condemnation of them. Today's resolution demands an immediate end to violence and repression, full respect for human rights and international law, and accountability for those responsible for the violence. It gives practical effect to those demands through travel bans, asset freezes, an arms embargo and immediate referral to the International Criminal Court.”
2011-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6491 (2011) · source
“Thanks to work commended by the international community as a whole, the Palestinian Authority has developed the capacity to run a democratic and peaceful State, founded on the rule of law and living in peace and security with Israel. Further delay will reduce, rather than increase, the prospects for a solution. We therefore look to both parties to return to negotiations as soon as possible on that basis. Our goal remains an agreement on all final status issues and the welcoming of Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations by September 2011. We will contribute to achieving that goal in any and every way that we can.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“For those negotiations to be successful, they will need to achieve an agreement on the borders of the two States, based on 4 June 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed between the parties. They will need to achieve security arrangements that for Palestinians respect their sovereignty and show that the occupation is over, and for Israelis protect their security, prevent the resurgence of terrorism and deal effectively with new and emerging threats. The negotiations must achieve a just, fair and agreed solution to the refugee question, and they must fulfill the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem. A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States. Despite the challenges ahead, the key elements of a solution are well known.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“We will continue to work actively to turn this ambition into reality: the creation of a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State, living in peace and security side by side with Israel. Our views are clearly set out in the European Union Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, most recently in December 2009 and December 2010. We believe that Israel's security and the realization of the Palestinians' right to statehood are not opposing goals. On the contrary, they are intimately entwined objectives. We therefore call on both parties to return as soon a possible to direct negotiations towards a two-State solution on the basis of clear parameters.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“I am delivering this statement on behalf of the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The United Kingdom, France and Germany are seriously concerned about the current stalemate in the Middle East peace process. We each voted in favour of the draft Security Council resolution because our views on settlements, including in East Jerusalem, are clear: they are illegal under international law, are an obstacle to peace and constitute a threat to a two-State solution. All settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, should cease immediately. Our primary goal remains a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“EULEX has the mandate, authority and jurisdiction to take forward a full and independent investigation. In the light of this, we do not believe that a Security Council-mandated investigation into these allegations is necessary. Progress in Kosovo is irreversible. The world's youngest country is a viable, independent State with a clear future in the European Union. But that future belongs not just to Kosovo, but also to Serbia and the other countries of the Western Balkans. The United Kingdom supports all of them.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“So I am particularly pleased to see that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has recorded an 1 1-23 603 increase in the number of voluntary minority returns, with the 2010 figures almost double those of 2009. In January, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a report by Special Rapporteur Dick Marty on inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo. The United Kingdom Government expects allegations such as these to be treated seriously. I therefore welcome the decision by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) to open preliminary investigations into the allegations, and the public commitment by the Governments of Kosovo and Albania to cooperate fully with the investigation.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“My Government continues to believe that the dialogue is essential to improving practical cooperation between Serbia and Kosovo and for making progress towards both countries' European perspective. I urge both sides to engage quickly, in a spirit of cooperation and compromise. Some cooperation is already taking place. The Secretary-General rightly highlights the good work that is being taken forward on issues such as missing persons and religious and cultural heritage. I would like to thank UNMIK and the International Committee of the Red Cross for their role in this. 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.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“Three years after Kosovo's declaration of independence, the challenges it faces are changing. Increasingly, they are the same as those of other States in the region: to foster economic development, to improve the lives of its citizens and to drive forward reform in pursuit of European standards. The new Government should seize the opportunity to address these challenges and commit itself to the task of preparing for European Union (EU) membership. In September, the General Assembly welcomed the prospect of an EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. All parties are committed to starting the dialogue as soon as possible. Like the Secretary-General, I am pleased that the European Union representatives appointed to facilitate the talks have held preparatory meetings with both sides.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“The national elections in December in Kosovo were widely recognized to have been conducted in a peaceful and stable manner. There were a number of irregularities and allegations of fraud. Acting Foreign Minister Citaku has herself recognized this. But the efficient and responsible manner with which the Central Elections Commission and the Constitutional Court addressed these complaints, in line with the electoral code, is a further sign of Kosovo's maturing democracy. The results have now been confirmed by the Central Elections Commission. We welcome the increased participation by the Kosovo Serbian population. This is reflected in the fact that there will be 25 minority members of Parliament in the Kosovo Assembly, which is five above the 20 seats reserved. The United Kingdom looks forward to supporting the incoming Kosovo Government.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source
“I would like to start by welcoming the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Lamberto Zannier; the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Vuk Jeremie; and the Acting Foreign Minister of Kosovo, Mrs. Vlora Citaku, to the Council Chamber today. I would also like to express the United Kingdom's gratitude for the role played by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in promoting stability and reconciliation in Kosovo and for Mr. Zannier's continued leadership and hard work. Kosovo has now achieved 75 recognitions, held its first national election since independence and tomorrow will celebrate its third anniversary as an independent State. I congratulate Kosovo on these achievements.”
2011-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6483 (2011) · source