YouSaid · the spoken record

Mashabane

lines on the record: 350
first: 2010-01-27
most recent: 2014-11-19
sittings or episodes: 45
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

“I would first like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Guatemala and his delegation for the manner in which they steered the work of the Council in October. Allow me to begin by expressing a warm welcome to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Fatou Bensouda, to congratulate her on her assumption of her post and to thank her for her report and the statement she made this morning.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“In the context of the upcoming reviews of the AU and the United Nations, we trust that the four-month extension will provide the Council with an opportunity to further engage the AU and the Somali authorities as we seek to drive greater synergy and coordination in aligning the efforts of the United Nations with those of the AU. Doing so will be in the best interests of achieving sustainable peace in Somalia.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“My delegation deeply regrets the fact that Council members could not agree on the Secretary- General's submitting to the Council, in the context of the upcoming United Nations review, options and recommendations for improving the predictability and sustainability of AMISOM's funding, in view of the uncertain financial situation confronting the Mission next year. Also regrettable is the fact that the AU's request for the lifting of the arms embargo on the Somali National Security Forces is not addressed in the current resolution.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“My delegation regrets, however, that owing to disagreements among Council members, the AU's request for the logistical support package to be extended to the AMISOM. maritime component was not accepted. As explained by the Chair of the AU Commission in his letter dated 18 October, the maritime component was to play a key role in the operation to dislodge Al-Shabaab from its coastal stronghold and in subsequent efforts to deny the group its ability to resupply, infiltrate and ferry fighters. South Africa, the AU and neighbouring States strongly maintain that the United Nations should support the AMISOM. maritime component. We urge the international community to remain vigilant and not to allow complacency to rob us of the gains that we have achieved at high human and material cost.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“While significant political and military gains have been registered since the adoption of resolution 2036 (2012) in February, the international community must jealaously guard the gains registered in Somalia, so that what has been achieved at great cost to troop- contributing countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and with the substantive investment by the international community is not lost. In that regard, we welcome the increase, pursuant to paragraph 2 of resolution 2073 (2012), of an additional 50 civilian personnel under the United Nations logistical support package to AMISOM. That increase is in line with the request of the AU contained in the letter from the Chair of the AU Commission of 18 October.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“The success registered in Somalia is the result of the joint efforts by the international community and the United Nations in the context of resolution 2033 (2012), working in close cooperation with regional and subregional organizations to find lasting solutions to the challenges of peace and security. We pay particular tribute to Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sierra Leone for supporting the Somali National Security Forces in liberating the country from the militant Al-Shabaab and in creating the enabling security environment necessary for facilitating political progress in the country.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“South Africa welcomes the adoption of resolution 2073 (2012), which comes at a time when progress continues to be registered in the consolidation of Somalia's post-transition phase, as witnessed by the appointment of the lO-member Cabinet on 4 November. The political progress is a tribute to the political will and determination of ordinary Somalis and their political leadership to bring an end to two decades of violence and instability. South Africa applauds those efforts. At the same time, we pay tribute to the leadership of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union (AU), which are heavily invested in supporting Somalia to advance peace and security in the country.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6854 (2012) · source
“If the Council behaves in a manner that undermines the ICC, it undermines this relationship, too. We hope this debate will contribute to an honest stocktaking within the Council of how to better manage that relationship.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Finally, when there have been instances of non-cooperation, the Council has not followed up, behaving as if referral was an end in itself. Collectively, this pattern raises a question about the seriousness with which the Council takes the ICC as a dispenser ofjustice. How can it appear to be supportive of the ICC if it is unwilling to subject its members to the duty to cooperate, to fund the activities of the Court that flow from referrals, or to act when there is non-cooperation? How can the Council begin to trust the Court and, consequently, expect others to trust it, when it is unwilling to subject nationals of its member countries to the scrutiny of the ICC? In a way, the relationship between the ICC and the Security Council embodies the relationship between peace and justice.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“First, to date, the Security Council's referrals of situations to the ICC have not obliged all Member States, as is the norm with Chapter VII resolutions, to cooperate with the Court. Under resolutions 1593 (2005) and 1970 (2011), the Council obliges only the situation countries to cooperate. As we all know, the reason for this is to exempt some permanent members from their duty to cooperate. Secondly, both resolutions grant exemptions from ICC jurisdiction for nationals of some States for alleged ICC crimes in the situation countries. Thirdly, both resolutions preclude the possibility of United Nations funding for related ICC investigations and prosecutions, notwithstanding the fact that when the Council acts under Chapter VII, it does so on behalf of the United Nations.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“I have emphasized these points to caution against any interpretation of either the peace-and-justice relationship or the cooperative relationship of the ICC and the United Nations as suggesting that one or other organization should sacrifice the pursuit of its own mandate to help achieve the mandate of the other. The relationship between the Security Council and the ICC must be based on mutual respect for their respective mandates. The Council should therefore avoid undermining the ICC, just as the ICC should not undermine the Council. In that regard, I wish to raise four issues relating to Council practices that could have the effect of undermining the Court.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Nonetheless, it is important to emphasize that the United Nations and the ICC, while they are closely related and both are institutionally normative, are independent organizations with independent mandates. In that respect, it should be recalled that article 2 of the Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the ICC provides that each organization must respect the other's mandate. Similarly, while, as the concept note explains, article 3 does provide for close cooperation between the two bodies, that cooperation is intended to ensure that their respective responsibilities are discharged effectively and in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Charter and the Statute.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“That is the primary mandate of the ICC and we trust that, as we head towards the ICC's second decade of existence, the importance of that mandate will become clearer to those that are still on the outside looking in. We are of course also a Member of the United Nations, which has the primary mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security. The United Nations and the ICC therefore represent opposite sides of the peace and justice coin. The dynamism of the relationship between peace andjustice is reflected in the fact that each organization also has a role to play in the mandate of the other. No one could dispute that the search for peace is irrelevant to the ICC, just as it cannot be asserted thatjustice is not important to the United Nations.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Therefore, applying the provisions of the Charter, a deferral should only be granted if the Council determines that the deferral would contribute to the maintenance or restoration of peace in a given situation. While there is the view that that is a situation of potential conflict between peace andjustice, in our View it reflects a dynamic relationship. That is particularly true since, as observed in the concept note, article 16 does not deprive the Council of jurisdiction, nor does it grant any amnesty. As a State party to the ICC, we recognize the important role that the Court plays in fighting impunity and in promoting the rule of law.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Nonetheless, allow me first to make some observations on the general aspects ofpeace andjustice touched upon in the concept note. Peace and justice are inextricably connected. One without the other is, at best, short term and, at worst, futile. That empirical statement is normatively validated in both the Charter of the United Nations and the Rome Statute. Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Charter provides that one of the purposes of the United Nations is to take action in conformity with the principles ofjustice and international law in order to maintain international peace and security. The relationship between peace and justice is reflected most starkly in article 16 of the Rome Statue, which provides for the Council to defer ICC investigations in the exercise of its primary mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Less than a month ago, heads of State and Government gathered at the United Nations for the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels, where they adopted a declaration on the matter (General Assembly Resolution 67/1). In January, during the South African presidency, the Security Council held an open debate on the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security (see S/PV.6705) and adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/2012/l). This debate is therefore timely. I also thank you, Mr. President, for the comprehensive concept note (S/2012/731, annex), which touches on key elements relating to the fight against impunity. The relationship between the International Criminal Court and the Security Council needs to be on the agenda.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“I thank you and your delegation, Mr. President, for convening this debate on peace and justice and the roles of the International Criminal Court and the Security Council. I also thank you for your presence here today, which is an indication of the importance that your country attaches to the rule of law. I thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Sang- Hyun Song and Mr. Phasiko Mochochoko, who was speaking on behalf of the ICC Prosecutor, for their briefings this morning. This debate comes at a time when the United Nations is focusing on the rule of law.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his personal commitment, and to express our appreciation for the tireless efforts of Special Representative Augustine Mahiga in helping the people of Somalia to close the transition chapter in their country. Our gratitude and appreciation also go to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union for their selfless contributions and solidarity with the people of Somalia.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“In that context, South Africa is committed to working with the new federal Government in rendering assistance in capacity-building for Somalis to manage their piracy situation. In conclusion, there can be no security without development and no development without security in Somalia. In that regard, we welcome the strategic review of AMISOM, designed to determine how the Mission can continue to contribute to Somalia's stabilization and to implementing the Somali Government's priorities. We also look forward to receiving the Secretary- General's recommendations on an integrated strategic approach to the United Nations system in Somalia. The results of those reviews will be crucial for developing coherent institutional responses in Somalia's peace consolidation phase.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“That support must be extended to the maritime component, for which adequate resources are particularly crucial in View of the recent gains made by AMISOM. in capturing the strategic port cities of Kismayo and Merca, and in order to ensure that Al-Shabaab's supply line is completely disrupted. In that regard, my delegation strongly supports the request of the African Union's Peace and Security Council that the United Nations support package for AMISOM. be extended to include civilian and maritime components for the Mission. South Africa has always viewed the phenomenon of piracy as a byproduct of instability on land. Increased stability within Somalia, as well as strengthened Somali national institutions, will result in greater success for the international community's efforts to address this scourge.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“Sustaining such defections will require significant resources and funding for providing former combatants with alternative livelihoods and employment opportunities. In that regard, we encourage the international community to support the Somali Government as it seeks to implement its national security and stabilization plan. We pay tribute to the immense sacrifices that have been made by AMISOM. and the countries of the region, working with Somalia's National Security Forces, to create the security environment necessary for political and economic development to take place. In order to sustain those gains, it is vital that the international community continue its financial and logistical support to AMISOM.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“Recent security incidents in Mogadishu, including the attempt on the President's life, demonstrate that the political and military gains in Somalia must bejealously guarded in order to avoid a reversal of the situation. We are therefore encouraged by President Mohamud's statement that he will reach out to the armed groups in the quest for peace and reconciliation. We should assist that process and consider increasing efforts to provide incentives to those who remain outside the political process. If managed properly, this could facilitate reconciliation and advance the cause of peace in Somalia. South Africa stands ready to share its experience and expertise in the area of national reconciliation with the Government of Somalia. My delegation is encouraged by the defection of more than 3,000 former Al-Shabaab combatants.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“In addition, the capability and capacity of the Somali National Security Forces must be developed to ensure that security vacuums do not lead to the creation of militias. It is equally imperative to encourage the new Somali Government to prepare a strategy of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration aimed at dismantling, where necessary, and integrating militias into the Somali National Security Forces. Strong and loyal National Security Forces will ultimately ensure that stability and security are preserved in the long term. As we celebrate the dawn of this new beginning for Somalia, we are conscious that there are those in Somalia who remain Violently opposed to the new Government.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“It must be acknowledged that progress at the political and peacebuilding levels would not have been achieved without the conducive environment provided by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the countries in the region. However, the success of the Somali National Security Forces, supported by AMISOM, in liberating areas that were previously controlled by Al-Shabaab will require the creation of local Government structures and the provision of security and social services to those areas. It is therefore imperative for Somalia to begin developing adequate governance institutions that are equipped to focus on the implementation of the new Government's immediate and long-term priorities.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“That support will be crucial in assisting the new Government as it seeks to address the myriad challenges, including the security, development and dire humanitarian challenges still confronting the country. As we provide that backing, we wish to underline that no amount of support can replace the important role of the Somali leadership and ownership in building their country. We therefore welcome the foundations of a new beginning, outlined in the six-pillar policy of the new Government. In that regard, we would like to highlight the need to strengthen and to support Somali institutions and leadership to allow the Somali Government to enhance its capacity in order for it to function independently in the future.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“As the Secretary-General stated in his recent report to the Council (S/2012/764), the end of the transition does not mean the end of the peace process. Somalia will continue to rely on the international community for support in addressing the many challenges that the new Government of President Hassan Mohamud continues to face. One important lesson that we have learned from countries emerging from conflict is the need for the early realization of peace dividends in order to sustain peace and security. South Africa therefore welcomes the convening of the mini-summit on Somalia and the pledge of the international community to continue its sustained and coordinated support in the peacebuilding and stabilization phase in the country.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“We wish to thank Mr. Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing to the Council. Following two decades of prolonged conflict, Somalia is making remarkable progress in consolidating peace in the country. South Africa commends the leadership and the people of Somalia on ending the transition and on ushering in the post-transition phase. We are convinced that a peaceful and stable Somalia will have a positive impact not only on the country, but on the entire region and continent. The achievements in Somalia are indicative ofthe success that can be derived from strategic collaboration among the United Nations, the African Union and subregional organizations in addressing the peace and security challenges on the continent. In celebrating Somalia's achievements, we cannot afford to become complacent.”
2012-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6848 (2012) · source
“We call on all parties to stop the violence that continues to claim civilian lives, including those of women and children, and has led to a sharp deterioration in Syria's relations with some of its neighbours. In conclusion, South Africa calls on the international community, including the Security Council, to abandon the business-as-usual attitude and to design new intervention strategies regarding the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. We have waited too long; the time for further delays and double standards is a luxury that neither the international community nor the people of Palestine can afford. We need to act decisively and to do so now.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“South Africa is concerned, however, about the critical financial challenges that the Palestinian Authority faces. Those challenges have the potential to reverse the gains made by Palestine in its institution-building project and to render the country unstable as service delivery declines. In that regard, we call on Israel to urgently lift all restrictions to allow for the development of the private sector, trade and other economic activities that could stimulate economic growth and address the Palestinian Authority's fiscal sustainability in the short to medium term. On the situation in Syria, South Africa remains concerned about the ongoing violence in the country and pledges its support to Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League ofArab States to Syria.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We encourage the Palestinian parties to forge ahead with their reconciliation efforts in order to consolidate the Palestinian gains and to become a formidable and coherent political force that will robustly advocate for the permanent liberation of the people of Palestine. South Africa supports Palestine's bid for United Nations membership and the announcement in the General Assembly a week ago by President Abbas of his intention to seek non-member State observer status. We call on the international community to provide support to a permanent and sustainable political solution, namely, the implementation of a two-State solution providing for the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognized borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We call on Israel to improve their living conditions in order to end the ensuing hunger strike. Palestinian prisoners have long lived in appalling conditions in Israeli jails, and the international community has not done much about their plight. It is time that meaningful pressure be brought to bear on the Israeli Government to fulfil its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law with regard to all Palestinian political prisoners by ensuring their safety, allowing access to them by family members, and respecting their basic human rights. The efforts of Egypt to reconcile the Palestinian parties are indeed commendable.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Israeli settlers continue their act of aggression against the Palestinians almost on a daily basis. The demolition of homes, mosques, churches and cemeteries cannot be tolerated. The destruction of agricultural projects, orchards and olive trees and setting fire to farm produce, which is the means of survival for the Palestinians, is deeply worrying. Recent evidence of such acts are the destruction of olive saplings and grape vines in the village of Al-Khader, near Bethlehem, and the burning of olive trees in the village of Beitillu, near Ramallah. Those acts of aggression take place with impunity, as the Israeli Government seem unwilling to hold the settlers accountable. South Africa regrets that Israel has reneged on its agreement to improve the living conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Unemployment is high and affects women and youth in particular The challenges will only become more acute, particularly if the current political status quo continues". Given that reality, it is urgent that the blockade be lifted. Concerned about the humanitarian plight of the Palestinian people, South Africa has increased its donation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to $2 million. South Africa once again condemns the continued settlement construction, which violates international law and the resolutions of the Council. Those activities remain the foremost stumbling block to the resumption of the peace talks. Clearly, the continuation of the settlement greatly jeopardizes the realization of the two-State solution on the basis of the 4 June 1967 borders.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We are well aware of the circumstances that may hinder the Council from doing that. Israel continues its blockade of Gaza in blatant defiance of international law with impunity, as the Council has not been able to ensure compliance with its own decisions, including resolution 1860 (2009). The application by Israel of collective punishment on the population of Gaza is a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, and should be denounced by the Council. The latest report of the United Nations country team in the occupied Palestinian territory, entitled "Gaza in 2020 - A liveable place?", states: "The people of Gaza remain worse off than they were in the 1990s, despite increases in real gross domestic product per capita over the past three years.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Political and economic events elsewhere in the world should be allowed to derail the peace process, which is by far a better solution than ongoing confrontation and violence. The prospects of peace and a two-State solution are quickly diminishing. The recent reports of violence by Israeli forces using missiles, air strikes, artillery bombardment and drone missiles fired against Palestinians in Gaza are worrying and should be condemned in the strongest words possible. Equally, we condemn the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel. In fact, the Security Council needs to speak out against those heinous acts of violence. Having said that, we must also point out that we are not so naive as to think that such a condemnation would quickly come out of the Council.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We welcome the ongoing quiet talks between the parties, which serve as a confidence-building measure that could help to soften their respective positions as they seek a window of opportunity to resume direct talks. In the absence of any substantive progress in the peace process, we once again question the value and the credibility of the Quartet to which the United Nations has outsourced its responsibility. In our assessment, it has not proven its strategic worth. Therefore, let us urgently review the mechanism and either bolster, adjust or disband it. In reviewing the mechanism, we could focus, inter alia, on its composition, mandate and accountability. There is an urgent need to focus on the plight of the Palestinians. They expect a lot from us. They deserve better, and we need not fail them.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing to the Security Council. We would also like to thank the Ambassador of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. Since joining the Council some 22 months ago, we have seen very little progress in the Middle East peace process, in particular the long-standing Israeli- Palestinian conflict. One year has now since passed since the Quartet committed to facilitating the resumption of the much-awaited direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine. That deadline has come and gone with no significant progress towards the resumption of talks.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“South Africa is therefore deeply disappointed that the future of UNSMIS is under threat because of the divisions in the Council. It is for these reasons that South Africa abstained in the voting on draft resolution S/2012/538. South Africa stands ready to work with all members ofthe Council to achieve a strong, balanced outcome in support of Kofi Annan's efforts and a renewal of the UNSMIS mandate. In conclusion, for the time being South Africa supports the proposal for a possible technical rollover of UNSMIS for a very short term.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“This is especially true for such fractious societies as Syria's. The failure of the Council today to reach a balanced agreement threatens the Kofi Annan plan and undermines the possibility of finding a peaceful political solution to the Syrian crisis. Our failure to renew the mandate of UNSMIS - the only functional tool for verifying and corroborating information on the ground and supporting the Annan plan, as recommended by the Secretary-General - is disappointing. While we are concerned about the safety of the observers, South Africa continues to believe that UNSMIS has been a critical part of our effort to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, and should therefore continue its work in one form or the other when conditions on the ground so permit.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“We agree with the Joint Special Envoy that the Council must insist that these decisions be implemented, that a strong message should be sent to all parties involved, and that there will be consequences for their non-compliance with its decisions. We fail to see, however, how the text that was submitted today by the sponsors would end the violence or contribute to the implementation of the six-point plan. Instead, the text, in an unbalanced manner, threatens sanctions against the Government of Syria without realistically allowing any action to be taken against the opposition, which would be permitted to defy the six-point plan without consequence. In similar situations where the international community, including the Security Council, has preferred one side over the other, such bias has resulted in the polarization of the conflict.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“Differences within the Council should be addressed in a spirit of compromise and mutual respect, and with the Council's broader responsibility in mind. All members of the Council have consistently expressed their support for the Kofi Annan plan, the Geneva action plan communique and the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS). Yet the common cause that we affirmed when we adopted resolutions 2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012) three months ago has not seemed to prevail. We should have shown the utmost maturity in strategically executing these crucial tasks, taking into account the realities of the situation on the ground. Instead, we allowed narrow interests to destroy our unity of purpose.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“South Africa strongly supports the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan and believes that his plan is the only credible mechanism that could deliver apositive and realistic outcome. Coupled with the Annan plan is the final communique' of the Action Group for Syria (S/2012/523, annex), adopted in Geneva on 30 June. It constitutes a significant proposal on the way forward in Syria and has been supported by all permanent members of the Security Council. We should not fail to support Mr. Annan, as his efforts may be the only branch to which to cling before the seismic currents of a bloody civil war push Syria over the brink into a state of total collapse. South Africa is disappointed that, because of the divisions among the members of the Council, the Council has been prevented from executing its responsibilities.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“This means that the situation has reached the threshold of a civil war, in which all parties have responsibilities and obligations under international humanitarian law. The highest priority should be to stop the killing and end the suffering of civilians. The suicide bombing in Damascus yesterday, which killed the Syrian Defence Minister and others, coupled with frequent horrific massacres in various parts of the country, clearly indicates that there is more than one party to the conflict. This volatile situation has also become fertile ground for terrorist groups. Acts of violence committed by any party are unacceptable and a clear violation of their commitments under the six-point plan, and should be condemned. Reports of the continued use of heavy weapons by the Syrian security forces are also of serious concern to us.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“South Africa strongly condemns the continuing violence and the huge loss of life in Syria. It is now 16 months since the crisis began, and there is no end in sight. Instead, the security and humanitarian situations have become worse. The deteriorating situation in Syria highlights the urgency for all sides to stop armed violence in all its forms, implement the six-point plan presented by Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan, and move rapidly towards a political dialogue and a peaceful, democratic, Syrian-led transition. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has just classified the situation in Syria as meeting the conditions of an internal armed conflict. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has made a similar statement.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“We believe that the Commission has a critical role to play in terms of conflict prevention, including in the early detection of root and proximate causes, as well as in identifying potential triggers of conflict. Africa has benefited from the efforts of the PBC. We want to see a more robust, agile and resourced body that will help the continent avert conflict and consolidate fragile peace where it is created.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“We welcome the process led by the United Nations Development Programme to strengthen the United Nations system-wide approach to capacity development for peacebuilding. In developing such capacities, we cannot over-emphasize the importance of forging partnerships at the local, regional and subregional levels in order to exploit the unique advantages inherent in human capacities at those levels. In that context, the notion of developing and tapping into civilian capacities, particularly from the global South, is crucial. In developing those capacities, national ownership should be emphasized at all the stages of the peacebuilding process. To conclude, South Africa reiterates its commitment to the work of the PBC.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“In that regard, we believe that timely, sustainable and predictable financing remains a crucial ingredient in realizing the objectives of peacebuilding. We therefore emphasize the need for the United Nations to consider utilizing sustainable mechanisms as a means of kick-starting peacebuilding activities in countries emerging from conflict, including assessed contributions, especially with regard to quick-impact projects. Such projects are critical for the consolidation of peace dividends so as to avert a total relapse into conflict. Post-conflict countries often have weak human and institutional capacities for peacebuilding. South Africa emphasizes the importance of building local institutional and human capacities and of providing training to create new, and enhance already existing, capacities.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“We would once again like to stress the need for the Council to consider flexible working methods so as to enable the PBC to play its role effectively in advising the Council on post-conflict situations. Whereas the Council has incorporated peacebuilding tasks in virtually all, if not all its peacekeeping mandates, we nevertheless emphasize that the advice of the PBC should be sought at all times where it is deemed relevant. We also reiterate that peacekeeping and peacebuilding should be mutually reinforcing in the pursuance of lasting peace in post-conflict countries. With respect to resource mobilization, it goes without saying that peacebuilding in post-conflict countries requires a substantive injection of resources.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“The integrated peacebuilding Mission in Sierra Leone, where the PBC involvement was aligned with the priorities of the Government through its national Agenda for Change, could be used as an example. We believe that the relationship between the Security Council and the PBC is perhaps the most important one, given the mandates of both entities. The PBC report notes that, "The relationship with the Security Council has continued to develop during the reporting period." (S/2012/70, para. 24) That positive development is evidenced, inter alia, by the introduction of informal interactions between the Council and the Chairs of the country configurations.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“We further welcome the engagement with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of African States. Having recognized the inextricable link between security and development, we welcome the growing relationship between the Commission and the Economic and Social Council. As regards coordination in the field, the PBC should be given the mandate to be the sole convener or coordinator of at least the United Nations peacebuilding interventions in countries on its agenda. In consultation with other stakeholders, the United Nations should ensure that all other agencies, including civil society, should channel their efforts through the PBC at the country level in the interest of avoiding possible duplication and competition for space and attention.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source