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

“As a result of the meetings we held throughout our visit, we return with a better understanding of those challenges and the political will that will be required to meet them. We heard a strong commitment by both parties to fully implement the CPA, including by holding peaceful, timely and credible referendums and by coming to agreement on post-referendum arrangements. The Security Council mission welcomed those commitments and underlined the importance of translating them into concrete action. The Security Council will continue to follow these issues extremely closely over the coming months.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“In our meetings with Vice-President Taha and Foreign Minister Karti, the Security Council mission heard of the commitment of the Government of the Sudan to pursue peace and development in Darfur. The importance of all rebel groups joining the peace process immediately and without preconditions was also underlined. As it had in El Fasher, the Security Council mission reiterated our concern about the security situation and restrictions on access for UNAMID and humanitarian workers and the need for urgent progress in the AU-United Nations-led peace process, which all rebel groups should join without delay or preconditions. The Security Council mission returned to New York convinced of the urgency of the challenges facing the Sudan.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“In our meetings with representatives of Southerners in the North, the Security Council mission heard concerns about the integrity of the referendum process and about security for Southerners in Khartoum and elsewhere the North. During our visit to Khartoum, we also had the opportunity to examine in more detail the popular consultations process. The Governor of Blue Nile and the Deputy Governor of Southern Kordofan told us of their hope that the popular consultations would transform relationships with Khartoum into a true partnership. At that meeting, we heard that it would be important, but challenging, to conclude those processes before the referendum. Before closing, I would like to recall that during our visit to Khartoum, the issue of Darfur was also discussed.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“Vice-President Taha affirmed that the resolution of such issues was urgent, but not a precondition for the holding of the Southern Sudan referendum. In our meeting with the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, we heard from the Chair, Mr. Khalil Ibrahim, about the challenges that the Commission faces in preparing to hold the referendum on 9 January 2011. Mr. Ibrahim set out the timetable for the various stages of the process, which was clearly very tight, and informed us about the progress in preparing the registration and ballot papers. We heard that the registration process was due to start on 14 November. The Security Council mission underlined the need for a timely and credible process.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“In our meetings with Vice-President Taha and Foreign Minister Karti, we heard - as we had from Vice-President Kiir in Juba - a strong commitment to fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). In particular, we heard recognition of the need for the referendum to be held on time, to be peaceful and credible, and for outcomes to be fully respected. The Security Council mission welcomed those commitments and reiterated the Council's determination to support the parties in their full and timely implementation of the CPA, which remained their responsibility. During those meetings, we also heard commitments to tackle the key outstanding CPA issues, including Abyei and the post-referendum arrangements on border demarcation, citizenship and wealth-sharing.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“President, as co-lead with the United States of the Khartoum leg of the Security Council mission, I will now turn to the meetings the mission held there. I would like to thank the Government of the Sudan for facilitating our visit. In Khartoum, the mission met Vice-President Taha, Foreign Minister Karti, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Governor of Blue Nile, the Deputy Governor of Southern Kordofan, representatives of Southerners in the North and international non-governmental organizations. We were accompanied throughout by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haile Menkerios, and we are grateful for his leadership and support.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“Before leaving for Khartoum, we visited a health clinic in El Fasher which provides medical services to women and newborn children, as well as treating victims of sexual and gender-based violence. In conclusion, we returned with deep concerns about the security situation in Darfur, its impact on civilians and the continuing restrictions on access by UNAMID and humanitarian workers. We also returned with a renewed conviction of the need for all parties immediately to cease hostilities and for all rebel groups to join the peace process immediately and without preconditions. That is the only way that progress will be made towards a comprehensive peace agreement in Darfur. With your permission, Mr.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“Later that day, we visited Abu Shouk IDP camp close to El Fasher and separately met a delegation of IDPs from the Abu Shouk and Al Salaam camps. The visit to Abu Shouk, where we were able to walk through the marketplace and talk with individual IDPs for a while, brought home to us the realities of displacement. Many of those whom Council members met had been living in the camps for six or seven years. Our meeting with the IDP delegation, which took place outside the UNAMID community policing centre in Abu Shouk enabled us to get a better understanding of the concerns of IDPs regarding food, medical and educational support available in the camps, as well as of their desire to return home. Several IDPs told the mission that it was the absence of security and the rule of law that prevented them from returning to their homes.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“In reply, the Security Council mission expressed its concern about the upsurge in violence in Darfur, the number of civilian casualties and the continued restrictions on humanitarian access. We also reiterated the Security Council's support for UNAMID and its personnel and underlined the Security Council's call on the Government of the Sudan and all relevant parties to cooperate fully with UNAMID. We expressed the Security Council's support for the African Union-United Nations-led peace process and the work of the Joint Chief Mediator, Mr. Djibril Yipene Bassole, and urged all rebel groups to join the Doha peace process without preconditions or further delay. Members of the Security Council mission also underlined the need for action on impunity.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“At that meeting, those humanitarian representatives expressed serious concerns about ongoing insecurity in Darfur, restrictions on access to populations in need and attacks on peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. We then had a meeting with the Governor of Northern Darfur. He argued that Darfur had seen significant improvements in the security, political and economic situation. He highlighted the commitment of the Government of the Sudan to support development in Darfur and the voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), including through its new Darfur strategy. He called on the international community to put greater pressure on rebel groups to join the Darfur peace process and criticized the indictment by the International Criminal Court of President Al-Bashir.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“On arrival in El Fasher in Northern Darfur on 7 October, the Security Council mission met with Joint Special Representative Gambari and UNAMID senior staff, who provided a briefing on the current security situation, including the lack of access to Jebel Marra due to clashes between the Government and rebel forces, and on the Mission's work in protecting civilians and its engagement in support of the African Union-United Nations-led peace process for Darfur. Sadly, that evening we received the news that a member of UNAMID's civilian staff had been kidnapped by armed men in E1 Fasher. He has yet to be released. The next morning, following a tour of the UNAMID supercamp, we met members of the United Nations country team and representatives of international non-governmental organizations.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“I would now like to brief colleagues on the meetings that the Security Council mission held in Darfur. First, I would like to thank Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Joint Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and the staff of UNAMID and the members of the United Nations country team for welcoming the Council and supporting our visit. I would also like to thank the Secretariat for their excellent support throughout, particularly given the fluid nature of the programme in Darfur.”
2010-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6397 (2010) · source
“For our part, the United Kingdom is intensifying and reinvigorating our development efforts in line with the Afghan Government's own priorities. This includes a commitment of a 40 per cent increase in development aid. Secondly, we look forward to UNAMA taking on board the lessons learned from the recent and past elections and to working earnestly with the Government of Afghanistan on longer-term electoral reform in line with the commitments made in London and Kabul. Finally, we look forward to UNAMA supporting political outreach, within Afghanistan and regionally, in support of the Kabul process.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“The International Security Assistance Force will continue to work with Afghan forces to improve their capability across the country. I welcome the Government of Afghanistan's continued dialogue and exchange with its neighbours and the wider region. As the Secretary-General notes, bilateral talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan have delivered concrete plans for cooperation. The ratification of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement is the next important step for both countries to benefit from the increased links. Finally, the United Kingdom continues to support the work of UNAMA and of Special Representative De Mistura. Over the coming months, we look forward, first, to UNAMA continuing to promote greater aid coherence and effectiveness.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“As a result, there continue to be many civilian casualties, although it is important to note that the Secretary- General indicates in his report that just 12 per cent of civilian deaths are due to action by pro-Government forces - a fall of some 64 per cent as compared to the same period in 2009, which is an encouraging trend. Against that background, building the capacity of Afghan National Security Forces is essential to improving security across Afghanistan, not least now that a broad timetable for security transition has been set. The recruitment and training of the Afghan National Army and National Police is ahead of schedule. There are now portions of the country that experience relatively few security incidents.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“The Kabul process now provides a detailed road map for the future. We must all focus on implementing the commitments and supporting the Afghan Government to maintain momentum for progress and reform, including in the important battle against corruption. As the Secretary-General reports, the security situation remains serious. The increase in insurgent activity and the complexity of their attacks continue to be of concern. The rise in the number of incidents involving improvised explosive devices and the near doubling of assassinations, executions and kidnappings by insurgents threaten Afghans civilians as well as international and Afghan officials and forces.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“We agree with the Secretary- General's report that this reform process should start without delay. The United Kingdom supported the findings of the Consultative Peace Jirga in June, as well as President Karzai's endorsement of the Afghan peace and reintegration programme. Both were important steps in promoting wider reconciliation. Yesterday's establishment of the High Peace Council was a further positive development. The appointment of a head of the Council and confirmation of its membership are priorities. The Kabul Conference in July was further important evidence of increased Afghan leadership and commitment. The United Kingdom echoes the Secretary-General's congratulations to the Government of Afghanistan on holding such a successful high-level event in difficult circumstances.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“I am sure that my Security Council colleagues would agree that those Afghans who acted as officials, who stood as candidates and who exercised their right to vote showed great courage and fortitude. Their participation sent a strong message to those who wanted to deny the Afghan people a vote. 10-55499 We must now wait patiently for the completion of the counting and adjudication processes. It is for the Afghan authorities to investigate any reports of irregularities in accordance with Afghan law, through the Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission. Looking ahead, the United Kingdom welcomes the focus of the Afghan authorities and UNAMA on longer-term electoral reform, as set out in the London and Kabul communiques.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“The United Kingdom is committed to working with them and with the United Nations and the wider international community towards the goal of a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The Secretary-General's report and the briefing we just heard highlight in particular the scale of political progress. The recent parliamentary elections, the first run by Afghans since the 19605, are welcome evidence of the growing capacity of the Afghan authorities. They successfully overcame major security and logistical obstacles with impressive levels of support from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the United Nations Development Programme.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“I join my colleagues in thanking the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/463) and Special Representative Staffan de Mistura for his briefing, including the detailed update on the parliamentary elections. I offer a warm welcome to Mr. Zalmai Rassoul, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, and thank him for his encouraging remarks. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of Mark Sedwill, NATO's Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, in the Council Chamber this morning. Much has happened since the Council debated Afghanistan three months ago (see S/PV.6351). Many challenges remain, but progress is being made. Crucially, this progress is increasingly directed and driven by the Government of Afghanistan and other Afghan authorities.”
2010-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6394 (2010) · source
“Now more than ever, the United Nations must show strong leadership in Somalia, and the international community must do all it can to ensure that the United Nations has the support it needs. We welcome Mr. Mahiga's determination to give that leadership, and we look forward to discussing these issues further at next week's high-level meeting.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“Fourthly, the international community must also continue its efforts through the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, and we look forward to the comprehensive report that will be presented to the Security Council in October on this issue. Finally, the most serious impact of the instability in Somalia is on the Somali people themselves. The humanitarian situation remains deeply worrying and has been compounded by recent fighting and attacks on humanitarian workers and their compounds by armed opposition groups, including Al-Shabaab. We hope that the World Food Programme will be able to restore its programmes in southern central Somalia as soon as it is safe to do so.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“We welcome the recent announcement by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and those in the region about plans to increase the number of AMISOM. troops. And we agree with the three briefers this morning that AMISOM. and the TFG security forces in Somalia need more support. The United Kingdom was pleased to be able to contribute $1.5 million to AMISOM. earlier this year for radio support, in addition to the $15 million we have already given via the trust fund. We will continue to look at how we can provide support in the future. It is essential that AMISOM. and the TFG receive adequate funding, and we look forward to discussing this issue in more detail with the Secretary-General.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“Arming, training and supporting armed opposition groups in Somalia, particularly Al-Shabaab, has a serious destabilizing effect. The AMISOM. Force Commander made that clear when he briefed Council members on Monday this week, and the Foreign Minister has reinforced that message to the Council today. Those actions are also in contravention of Security Council resolutions. We strongly support the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in calling on all parties to abide by their obligations and work to foster peace in Somalia and the wider region, and the Council must assume its responsibilities in this respect. Thirdly, AMISOM. continues to play a vital role in providing security.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“We do not underestimate the difficulties, but we need all parts of the United Nations working in an integrative manner to deliver a single strategy. We look forward to seeing further details of how this can be achieved. Secondly, greater United Nations engagement cannot deliver progress without political leadership from the TFG. We urge the TFG to intensify its efforts 10-5364] towards dialogue and reconciliation and to deliver better governance and reform of the security sector. The constitutional process provides an opportunity for the TFG to reach out to those outside the Djibouti process and to give them a stake in Somalia's future. The TFG must resolve its internal differences, which are deeply damaging. There can be no successful military strategy in a political vacuum. The actions of spoilers also need to be addressed.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“It is imperative that the Transitional Federal Government and the international community intensify their efforts towards a more peaceful and stable Somalia. I would like to make five points this morning on the United Nations operation in Somalia, the political situation, peacekeeping, the problem of piracy and the humanitarian situation. First, we welcome the Secretary-General's work to review the United Nations operation in Somalia and his efforts to encourage better coordination between the United Nations agencies. We must have a more coherent and integrated United Nations approach if the United Nations is to deliver the strong leadership that we all want to see. We welcome the Secretary- General's plans to increase the United Nations presence in Somalia.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the Government of Uganda, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Somali people for the tragic losses they have suffered. I pay particular tribute to Uganda and Burundi for their continuing commitment to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the difficult operation they face in Somalia. We unreservedly condemn any attacks on AMISOM, including attacks on the Transitional Federal Government and the Somali people. It is essential that all parties fully support the Djibouti peace process and join efforts to bring peace to Somalia. There are only 11 months remaining of the transitional period, as defined by the Djibouti Agreement. Important transitional tasks still need to be completed.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“The United Kingdom looks forward to working closely with him on the Somalia issue, and we offer him our full support. The situation in Somalia continues to be of deep concern. There have been a few bright spots, as the Secretary-General's report spells out. The free and fair presidential elections in Somaliland in July led to a peaceful transfer of power from one Government to another. But that is hugely overshadowed by some very distressing incidents, including the Kampala bombings, the attack on the Muna hotel, and the attacks by armed opposition groups in Mogadishu during the holy month of Ramadan. These have been shocking reminders of the impact of instability in Somalia, both on the Somali people and on the wider region. The Minister set out very starkly today the immediate threat to Kenya from the instability in Somalia.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“I would like to thank this morning the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Mr. Augustine Mahiga, for his first appearance in his new capacity in the Security Council. I would also like to thank the honourable Foreign Minister of Kenya for his very heartfelt and thoughtful and insightful contribution to our discussion today, and the Permanent Representative of Somalia for his contribution to the debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his latest report (S/2010/447) and for the briefing that the Special Representative gave us this morning. We greatly appreciate the work of the Special Representative, including that of his predecessor, his team and all the United Nations agencies active in Somalia.”
2010-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6386 (2010) · source
“We were therefore pleased to see a rigorous and specific work programme submitted to the Council on 23 July. We also look forward to the early appointment of a professional and dedicated Panel of Experts. The Panel will be essential to the effective delivery of that work programme. The Panel will also provide an additional level of scrutiny directly to the Council on the implementation of measures, making recommendations where necessary. I would urge the Committee and the Secretariat to make every effort to operationalize the Panel as soon as possible. We remain ready to resume the talks on Iran's nuclear programme we started in Geneva on 1 October 2009. We believe that such talks can lead to a solution if they are purposeful, discuss both sides' concerns and make swift progress.”
2010-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6384 (2010) · source
“The additional measures imposed by that resolution have now been in force for three months, so it is a good moment to take stock of the implementation of the additional measures imposed on Iran and the new obligations of all United Nations Member States. While many States have acted promptly to adjust their laws and procedures, we would remind those States that have yet to report to the 1737 Committee on the measures taken to do so as soon as possible. If the dual-track strategy is to succeed, the effective and rigorous implementation by States of all these measures and those in the Council's previous resolutions will be a vital part of the dual-track policy. The 1737 Committee will have a key and growing role in ensuring this implementation, both by monitoring implementation and advising States where necessary.”
2010-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6384 (2010) · source
“I would also like to highlight our concern over Iran's engagement in activities related to ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including a launch reported in the Iranian media last month that used ballistic missile technology. Paragraph 9 of resolution 1929 (2010) prohibits such activities. The Security Council and the 1737 Committee will need to consider an appropriate response to Iran's actions. We remain deeply concerned both about Iran's nuclear programme and about its serial violation of the resolutions of this Council, which is why we supported resolution 1929 (2010), which introduced further sanctions against Iran.”
2010-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6384 (2010) · source
“Once again, the report states that Iran has not discussed possible military dimensions of its programme with the Agency since August 2008. The Agency therefore "remains concerned about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed nuclear related activities involving military related organizations, including activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile" (5/2010/465, annex, enclosure, para. 39)) In summary, the report states that "while the Agency continues to verify the non- diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran, Iran has not provided the necessary cooperation to permit the Agency to confirm that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities" (Ibid., para. 41).”
2010-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6384 (2010) · source
“The report makes clear that Iran has not suspended its enrichment-related activities or work on its heavy water-related projects. It indicates that Iran has produced 2,803 kilograms of low-enriched uranium enriched to less than 5 per cent. The report also states that Iran has produced 22 kilograms of low-enriched uranium enriched to just under 20 per cent. This is a significant step towards the ability to enrich to weapons-grade levels, and Iran has no credible civilian application for this level of enriched uranium. The report again makes clear that, in the case of two facilities, Iran did not notify the Agency in a timely manner of its decision to construct or authorize their construction, and that this is inconsistent with Iran's obligations under the subsidiary arrangements of its safeguards agreement.”
2010-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6384 (2010) · source
“I would like to thank Ambassador Nishida for his first briefing as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006), and welcome him to that position. We have full confidence that, under his leadership, the Committee will continue to fulfil its important mandate. The Committee's role will be of critical importance as we pursue the dual- track strategy to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. This briefing comes just days after the release of the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Iran. The report reinforces the strong messages contained in successive reports that Iran continues to defy multiple United Nations resolutions and is failing to cooperate fully with the Agency.”
2010-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6384 (2010) · source
“The UNODC has also done important work in facilitating the negotiation of repatriation arrangements which will enable Somalis convicted of piracy in the courts of foreign States to return to Somalia to serve their sentences within reach of their families. We are committed to continuing work with partners through the Contact Group in addressing piracy and its root causes on land. But piracy is just one of many symptoms of the instability in Somalia. It is vital that all parties redouble their efforts towards a more peaceful and stable Somalia. The Somali people have suffered for far too long.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“We stand ready with other partners to provide assistance to the signatories of the Djibouti Code of Conduct who have undertaken to enact national legislation to enable prosecution of pirates and combat piracy in the region. We agree with the Secretary-General's assessment that sentence enforcement arrangements for convicted pirates is a critical issue. It needs urgently to be addressed, given the potential long-term burdens on prosecuting States. In Kenya, pirates have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 20 years. We commend the UNODC and UNDP for their work reconstructing and refurbishing correctional institutions in Somalia.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“Intensifying such measures should provide the region with a sustainable and long-term capability for dealing with the problem of piracy. We pay tribute to Kenya for its leadership within the region in taking forward the prosecution and imprisonment of pirates. We also welcome the agreement by the Republic of Seychelles to accept pirate suspects for trial and detention and the first completion of a piracy trial there. Mauritius, Tanzania, the Maldives and courts in Somalia itself are currently participating in the UNODC assistance programme, which is another important step forward. But it is important that those States do not stand alone in this difficult task. They must be given adequate support by the international community.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“By contrast, the United Kingdom continues to have doubts about the viability of establishing new international or regional mechanisms for prosecuting pirates. It risks being a waste of limited resources if we divert them into supporting new systems which would not be sustainable or offer long-term benefits. Significant work in the field of capacity-building has already been undertaken by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UNODC, with the support of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. That work has helped develop judicial and penal systems in Somalia, Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius and Tanzania so that they can prosecute and imprison suspected pirates in a manner consistent with international human rights standards.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“The effective prosecution and imprisonment of those responsible for acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea is only one part of the solution, but it is a very important part. The analysis of the seven options presented in the Secretary-General's report makes a very useful contribution to our ongoing efforts to address this complex issue. Of the options presented in the report, the United Kingdom believes that the best prospect for sustainable results will come from further enhancing the international community's efforts to build the capacity of regional States to prosecute and imprison those responsible for acts of piracy. Prosecution at the national level is most likely to provide adequate capacity for the efficient judicial handling of possibly large numbers of suspects.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“But to effectively address the problem of piracy in the region, we need a comprehensive approach which recognizes that the root causes of piracy are on land. The instability that continues to plague Somalia must be addressed. We need to support the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia in developing effective political and security structures. Yesterday's appalling attack in Mogadishu was a stark reminder of the terrorist threat to the TFG. The Security Council rightly condemned it. I would like to thank African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM) - and Uganda and Burundi, its two troop-contributing countries - for their outstanding efforts to support the Government against those terrorists.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“The United Kingdom remains gravely concerned by the threat of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia. Even though the proportion of successful attacks continues to fall, the total number of attacks continues to be very high. Pirates are now willing to venture further out to sea in search of their prey. We should not, therefore, underestimate the significant challenge we face in finding a long-term solution to this problem. But, almost by definition, piracy is an issue in which the Security Council has shared interests and a common vision. Our task is to turn that common vision into effective policy formulation. The international community has shown unity and resolve in taking action at sea to contain the threat of piracy, including through the European Union's Operation Atalanta.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on options for the prosecution of persons involved in piracy off the coast of Somalia (S/2010/394). I am grateful also for his and the Legal Counsel's briefings this morning. I would also like to acknowledge the presence ofAmbassador Duale of Somalia. The United Kingdom appreciates the contributions of the United Nations and its agencies to international efforts to combat piracy, in particular those of the Office of Legal Affairs, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his team. We also welcome the Secretary-General's intention to appoint a new adviser on legal issues around piracy off the coast of Somalia.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“It is unacceptable that four years on he should still be held by Hamas, in denial of the most basic of human rights. A solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is in all our interests. We want the new generation of Palestinians to grow up in hope, not despair, believing in a peaceful settlement with Israel, and not impoverished and susceptible to terrorist recruitment. We want the next generation of Israelis to live free from the fear of rocket fire, and to be able to enjoy peaceful relations with their Arab neighbours. The international community has a responsibility to help deliver that goal.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Together with the European Union and the Quartet, we have called on Israel to ease restrictions on access and enable a return to economic normality. Israel's recent decision to move from a list of 120 permitted goods to a list of specific prohibited items is a welcome development. It shows that it is possible to lift the pressure on ordinary Gazans without compromising the security of ordinary Israelis. But we need to see this translated into real change on the ground. That will mean building capacity at the crossings, getting vital reconstruction projects up and running and ensuring that Gazans can export as well as import goods. The United Kingdom stands ready to support this. We continue to call for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit, who has been held hostage in Gaza since June 2006.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Pascoe has said, Hamas attacks on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) children's summer camps in Gaza are particularly deplorable. Turning to the Gaza flotilla incident of 31 May, I reiterate our deep regret at the loss of life involved. Accountability is important. We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General towards that goal. The Israeli independent public commission should proceed swiftly, transparently and rigorously, with access to all the evidence available. We will be better able to draw further conclusions once the conduct of the inquiry becomes clearer. This incident and the threat of further flotillas highlight what we all know: that the situation in Gaza is unsustainable.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“We continue to call for a complete cessation of all settlement activity in both the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Settlements are illegal under international law and must stop. For their part, the Palestinians and the Arab States must not back away from their responsibility to seize the opportunity presented by the efforts of the United States Government. The Palestinian leadership must be prepared to make bold decisions in the interests of its people, and it must have the support it needs from Arab States to see negotiations through to a sustainable conclusion. There must be a complete halt to rocket attacks into southern Israel, and Hamas and other militant groups should renounce violence once and for all. As Mr.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“The only long-term solution is a secure and universally recognized Israel living alongside a sovereign and Viable Palestinian State, with Jerusalem the capital of both States, and a fair settlement for refugees. We continue to strongly support the United States efforts on proximity talks. It is imperative that the negotiations focus on resolving the final status issues. We encourage the parties to move to direct negotiations as soon as possible. Both sides must avoid actions that undermine the peace process. For Israel, this means extending the settlement moratorium indefinitely and ensuring that it also applies in occupied East Jerusalem. The recent issuing of permits for the construction of 32 new housing units in Pisgat Ze'ev and the demolition of three East Jerusalem homes are exactly the kind of provocative acts that must be avoided.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“I thank Mr. Pascoe for his briefing this morning, and I thank the Palestinian and Israeli representatives for their remarks. Peace in the Middle East is a high priority for the United Kingdom. With every month that a sustainable solution eludes us, the situation in Israel and Palestine becomes more of a catalyst for resentment, violence and extremism. So it is in the interests of this Council, with its responsibility for international peace and security, and of the rest of the international community, to encourage direct negotiations between the parties, leading to a lasting peace. The expiry of the Israeli settlement moratorium, and Arab League support for proximity talks in September, highlight the urgent need for progress towards a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2010-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6363 (2010) · source
“Through the African Peace Facility, the European Union has provided â‚¬300 million in the last three years to support African- led peacekeeping operations. There is still more that could be done in this area. As the British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, recently said, we need a sharper focus on conflict prevention and to support the capacity of regional actors to take a leading role in promoting stability. We hope that the presidential statement adopted today will provide some measure of political support to those ongoing efforts.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source