YouSaid · the spoken record

Matjila

lines on the record: 891
first: 2016-07-12
most recent: 2020-12-07
sittings or episodes: 120
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 such, the support of the Council for the full and balanced implementation of all the objectives of the NPT is paramount. Regrettably, we remain disheartened at the apparent lack of urgency and seriousness with which nuclear disarmament has been approached in the NPT context. This state of affairs places the Treaty, as well as its review process, under increasing pressure and falls far short of expectations. Nor have the continued reliance on nuclear weapons in security doctrines, the development of new types of nuclear weapons and qualitative improvements to existing arsenals allayed the fears of non-nuclear-weapon States.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“Allow me to reiterate South Africa's commitment to the attainment of a world free of nuclear weapons. In this context, I reaffirm my country's commitment to the NPT as the cornerstone of the nuclear-disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation regime, which are two sides of the same coin. It is undeniable that the NPT plays a critical role in the maintenance of international peace and security. The three broad objectives of the NPT, namely, nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing. Therefore, in our View, efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons should be matched by an equal commitment by the nuclear- weapon States to eliminate all nuclear weapons in a verifiable and irreversible manner.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“South Africa would like to express its appreciation to you, Mr. President, for presiding over this timely and relevant briefing on supporting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) only a few weeks before the start of the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 NPT Review Conference on 29 April. Likewise, we thank the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Amano, and the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Nakamitsu, for their detailed and insightful briefings. We thank the Foreign Ministers of Germany, Indonesia, Poland, France and Kuwait for their inputs and welcome the United States Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ms. Thompson.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa firmly believes that the full implementation of and respect for international humanitarian law leads to reduced casualties and promotes the protection of the critical civilian infrastructure essential for emergency assistance during conflict as well as part of the long-term recovery of societies affected by conflict. We stand ready to partner with the relevant actors, in particular the ICRC, to commemorate this year's anniversary so as to give prominence to the Geneva Conventions and the Protocols Additional thereto as they continue to guide the actions of parties during armed conflict.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“In addition, South Africa, together with the ICRC, co-hosts annually a regional conference at which participants from the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community and the Economic Community of West African States are represented and where the implementation of international humanitarian law by various countries is discussed. Just as national Governments have the primary responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of their civilians, national courts also have a clear obligation to bring perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law to justice under national laws that support implementation.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“It is important to note that a proactive approach of dissemination and education should be the primary focus, not a reactive approach where action is taken only following grave breaches of international humanitarian law. Thirdly, States must adopt, ratify and codify in their national laws the Geneva Conventions and the Protocols Additional thereto. Auditing, improving, reinvigorating and accelerating implementation is equally as crucial. Given South Africa's active role in peacekeeping and conflict-resolution processes, the Government has made efforts to train, and integrate practical measures for, the armed and security forces, in partnership with humanitarian organizations, to enhance knowledge of and compliance with international humanitarian law. We encourage other States to consider similar measures.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“First, during peacetime, it is important for the United Nations to assist Member States, at their request, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, with the dissemination of international humanitarian law instruments and their codification into domestic legislation, and, in cooperation with other United Nations organs and organizations, with the entrenchment and enhancing of respect for international human rights law. Secondly, the United Nations should continue to play a vital role in monitoring compliance with, and the prevention, stopping and punishment of violations of, international humanitarian law and applicable international human rights law during times of armed conflict.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“The changing nature of armed conflict, from inter-State to intra-State, requires adherence to international humanitarian law by parties to non-international conflict so as to ensure the greater protection ofthe civilian population. All actors to armed conflict, including foreign troops, in particular during partnered operations or more general partnerships with other States or armed groups to support the conduct of military operations, ought to abide by the provisions of international humanitarian law. The United Nations could play at least three important roles with respect to the implementation of international humanitarian law.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“It is for this reason that South Africa considers the attacks on humanitarian workers and medical practitioners in conflict situations to be serious violations of international humanitarian law and encourages States to push back to prevent these incidents from becoming the norm in conflict areas. To that end, South Africa resolved to embark on a project to champion the cause of "Health care in danger" by creating public awareness in collaboration with the ICRC office in Pretoria. Having witnessed the dangerous conditions under which humanitarian workers and medical practitioners are working in war zones without protection, South Africa wishes to align itself with the efforts and endeavours of the States members of the international community in seeking to address this dire situation.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“We particularly took to heart the issues raised by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the Protocols Additional thereto provides us an opportunity to reassess our commitment to international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles, notably the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. In this regard, the applicability of international humanitarian law in conflict situations remains relevant in order to preserve humanitarian space in order to facilitate impartial humanitarian action, including the provision of the necessary medical treatment to all parties to conflict and the delivery of life-saving supplies and assistance to the civilian population.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on Germany's assumption of the Security Council presidency for April. South Africa will support Germany as you lead the Council through the month. We would also like to warmly thank the French presidency for its work in the month of March, including the Council's visit to Mali and Burkina Faso. In addition, I would like to welcome the presence of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, Poland, France and Germany here among us today. I would also like to thank the briefers, Mr. Maurer, Mr. Lowcock and Ms. Modirzadeh, for their insightful briefings on such an important topic as the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law, particularly international humanitarian law.”
2019-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8499 (2019) · source
“The cooperation between MINUSMA and other security presences on the ground, including the Malian defence and security forces, the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel, the French forces and the European Union Training Mission in Mali has had a positive impact on the security situation in the region. Mali is shouldering a huge responsibility and making huge sacrifices for most of us across the rest of Africa. I therefore urge the Council to stand by Mali and its people.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“South Africa calls for enhanced efforts on cross- border cooperation among neighbouring countries in order to strengthen mechanisms for the effective sharing of information, as well as close cooperation and coordination between MINUSMA, the G-5 Sahel and ECOWAS in bringing together efforts to address the situation in Mali and the Sahel. My delegation would like to emphasize three things. First, we support increased assistance to MINUSMA and the G-5 Sahel. Secondly, we reiterate the request made by the G-5 Sahel to be allowed to carry out cross-border operations into neighbouring countries to neutralize armed groups in those countries. Thirdly, we support all efforts by the Malian authorities to extend their administration across the entire Malian territory, especially in the north of Mali.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“That would also contribute to ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the population in the neighbourhood of Mali as well as sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. We underline the importance of regional and international coordination in fighting the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism because the geographical reach of terrorist groups is growing, constituting a serious threat to the peace and security of not only Mali but the entire Sahel region. In that context, we express our appreciation of the French Operation Barkhane.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“As such, South Africa agrees with the observations made by the Secretary-General that the challenge in the implementation of the Agreement is that "[it] is not taking place in a post-conflict context, as initially hoped for upon its signature, but in a context of continued crises, terrorism and extremist violence." (S/2019/207, para. 57). Those activities have the potential of eroding trust among the conflicting parties. The Council should therefore continue to support the Malian Government in dealing with this crisis. It is ofvital importance to address those conditions, given the increase in terrorism and violent extremism, and to take the necessary measures to address them so as to discontinue the vicious cycle of conflict on the continent as a whole.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“It is against that backdrop that South Africa wishes to express its strong condemnation of all terrorist attacks against civilians, peacekeepers and Malian security forces, as evidenced by the recent attacks perpetrated on 1, 20 and 25 January, 22 February as well as 16 and 17 March. We call on the Malian authorities to hold to account the perpetrators of those heinous crimes. It is our considered view in South Africa that it is important to achieve sustainable peace while pursuing the objectives of reconciliation and peace. We welcome the progress made by the Prime Minister towards the operationalization of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. More attention should be paid to post-conflict reconstruction and development activities and the rights of women and children.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“TheCouncilhasthearduousresponsibility-together with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union - to support the Government of Mali and Malians in general on the path towards sustainable peace and stability. Stability in Mali is critical for that country to realize Agenda 2063 of the African Union: The Africa We Want. In that regard, we wish to commend the concerted efforts of MINUSMA in continuing to discharge its political and security-related mandate in Mali under the leadership of Special Representative Annadif. The significant progress made so far on the political track gives credence to the Secretary-General's decision to streamline the coordination of priorities between MINUSMA and the United Nations country team through the United Nations integrated strategic framework.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“South Africa therefore calls on Malian stakeholders to continue to make significant strides towards the implementation of the agreement with a view to bringing about peace and stability and preserving the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Mali. It is the responsibility of all Malian parties to ensure the successful, effective and inclusive implementation of the agreement in order for Mali to usher in a period of lasting peace, stability and prosperity. In that regard, we welcome the establishment of a committee of experts and a national consultation framework on constitutional reform, which will contribute to a political atmosphere conducive to a successful constitutional referendum - the first of its kind since 1992.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“We urge the Council, MINUSMA and the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) to help prevent further bloodshed and the systematic maiming of innocent civilians, as well as the increasing transnational organized crime, which may reverse the gains made in advancing the political process. South Africa is pleased with the political developments and progress made so far in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. We are particularly encouraged by the active involvement of the Prime Minister of Mali and President Keita in spearheading the implementation of the agreement- a clear demonstration of political will in resolving the situation in the country.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif. I thank them for hosting us on our recent visit to Mali. Allow me to join other members of the Security Council in expressing our deep concern about the current security situation in Mali following the massacres in the villages of Ogossagou and Welingara, in the Mopti region of central Mali, during the visit of the Council, which resulted in the killing of at least 160 people, including women and children. My delegation wishes to condemn in the strongest terms those shameful attacks on innocent and defenceless civilians.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“At the outset, let me thank His Excellency the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing on the current situation in Mali. Likewise, we welcome the insightful remarks made by you, Mr. President, as the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, as well as the remarks made by the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of C6te d'lvoire, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America and the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I also extend a special welcome to His Excellency the Prime Minister of Mali, Mr.”
2019-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8497 (2019) · source
“With the United Nations, working closely with the AU, subregional organizations such as IGAD, partners and local communities, change for the better in South Sudan is possible. As I said at the beginning, South Sudan today is better than South Sudan at the end of 2018. I would like to wish all women, all over the world, a happy International Women's Day.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“We support the renewal of the UNMISS mandate in line with the recommendation of the Secretary-General. We maintain that the continued presence of the Mission is critical to ensuring the impartial implementation of the Revitalized Agreement and to provide support for the protection of innocent civilians from the scourge of armed conflict, as colleagues have said. Lastly, on sexual violence, which impacts women and girls, as many, including Ms, Angelina Jial, said, we are encouraged by the work being done by the Government and UNMISS through the special courts and in building the capacity of the justice system to combat sexual violence in all conflict areas. That issue is particularly important today as we celebrate International Women's Day. It should also remind us of the importance of ensuring the inclusivity of women in peacemaking.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“Such efforts have always been geared towards complementing the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development processes, not to replace them. South Africa notes with concern that the peace landscape in South Sudan still remains a little fragile in some areas given the lack of resources in other areas. On the humanitarian front, South Africa urges international stakeholders to make meaningful contributions to post-conflict reconstruction and development, in particular as people are returning to their communities. We further appeal for funds for the repatriation and resettlement of internally displaced people and other returnees. South Africa further wishes to call on all international partners to mobilize and make available resources and relevant expertise in support of the implementation of the Agreement.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we encourage the Government of South Sudan, my brother, and other parties to do everything in their power to complete the establishment of the mechanisms and committees provided for in the Agreement, particularly during the pre-transitional period. The return of Vice-President Riek Machar to South Sudan before May is crucial to ensuring the implementation of the Agreement. For our part, South Africa will continue to play a key role in supporting the peace process in South Sudan through the mediation efforts of President Ramaphosa as Chair of the African Union (AU) High-level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan and Deputy President Mabuza as our President's special envoy to South Sudan.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“My delegation welcomes the shuttle diplomacy and efforts undertaken by the President of Eritrea, Isaias Afwerki, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, recently in trying to provide support and lifeblood in order to maintain the momentum of the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan. It seems that the discussions with President Salva Kiir were very positive. The visit by the two leaders was very important, as it highlighted the leadership undertaken by African Leaders in making peace in a very volatile region through African solutions and engagement. It is our hope that the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea will permeate through the region and move the peace processes towards resolution.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“For our part, South Africa thinks that the Council should take to heart what the grass roots can do. That is a very compelling argument by Ms. Jial on behalf ofthe grass- roots communities in South Sudan. South Africa welcomes the signing of the final Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Government, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition, the Former Detainees and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance in September last year. We recognize the importance of the Revitalized Agreement as a positive step towards creating a conducive environment for engaging in the constructive dialogue and democratic processes necessary for working towards sustainable peace and development in South Sudan.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The Council needs to harness those positive developments and encourage the IGAD leaders to continue their efforts to ensure that the peace process in South Sudan is irreversible. The Council should continue to support David Shearer and his team in continuing their good work and to tackle the outstanding issues that he talked about. There is a base. I think that they can now move to deal with those issues. The Council should address the issues highlighted by our sister Ms. Angelina Jial, who said that we need to take into account the local and grass-roots concerns, participation and resources in the peace process in South Sudan. She also said that grass-roots efforts had the capacity to anchor the peace process solidly around and across communities and clans in South Sudan.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“The leaders of that region have done everything possible to bring about the current improved environment in South Sudan. As Mr. Shearer said earlier, political parties are moving freely throughout South Sudan, visiting communities, talking to their supporters and familiarizing themselves with the aspirations of the South Sudanese people. As he also said earlier, the South Sudanese people are gathering peacefully across communities in the country to dialogue about the peace in the Sudan that they want. We are beginning to see the steady return of internally displaced persons and refugees. Thejourney to go home has begun. The role of the Council is to work to ensure that that journey continues and the Sudanese return to their land to live a normal life.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“We value the service of the women of UNMISS and all those serving in the United Nations in all the regions of the world in different circumstances. We thank Ms. Angelina Nyajima Simon Jial, Founder and Executive Director of Hope Restoration South Sudan, for her enlightened contribution. We also ask her to convey our thanks to the thousands of ordinary women in grass-roots organizations for their tireless efforts and contributions to make South Sudan safer for everyone. I would also like to welcome my colleague and friend the Permanent Representative of South Sudan to the Council. I look forward to his statement later on, in amity. South Africa pays tribute to the sustained role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in the Sudanese peace process.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“South Sudan today is better than South Sudan at the end of 2018. We would like to express our appreciation to you, Madam President, for convening and presiding over today's meeting. We would like to thank your great country for allowing you to be our boss on International Women's Day. It is a great tribute to France. We would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General David Shearer for his comprehensive briefing and for all the efforts of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on the ground. We ask Mr. Shearer to convey our greetings and appreciation to all the women serving in UNMISS for the service that they are providing to the South Sudanese people in ensuring peace in the Sudan.”
2019-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8480 (2019) · source
“I wish to conclude by reiterating that the Security Council, regional bodies, international partners and other actors, such as donors, civil society and youth organizations, should continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation, in the interests of the people, as well as for the stability of the broader region.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Similarly, my delegation believes that creating a conducive environment towards compromise, reconciliation and long-term stability in Kosovo is the responsibility of all the relevant role players, including the OSCE as one of the largest field operations in Kosovo. That inclusive approach builds a strengthened foundation for support and bolsters international trust-building efforts. The work of the OSCE in Ukraine and Kosovo and support for their efforts towards finding peaceful and sustainable solutions will prove invaluable for their people and the greater region.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Those efforts complement one another, and it is for that reason that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is so important to muster. Dialogue of such a nature allows us an opportunity to share experiences and best practices between the United Nations and regional organizations, such as the OSCE. I wish to reiterate South Africa's support for the work of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which needs to continue to enjoy unhindered access in order to monitor and verify compliance with the Minsk agreements in terms of its mandate.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“We wish to reiterate that cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in the furtherance of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations is necessary to ensure closer coordination between our organizations. We acknowledge, however, that every regional organization is unique in terms of the challenges that it faces in the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as the manner in which it addresses those challenges and threats. We must be clear, however, that the efforts of regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security do not absolve the Council of its Charter-mandated responsibilities as the guardian of international peace and security.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“I believe that he has literally continued where he left off a few months ago at the helm of the General Assembly. I welcome him back to the United Nations. It is clear from his briefing that regional and subregional organizations dealing with issues of peace and security remain important for ensuring sustainable peace and security in their respective regions. The briefing also illustrated the importance of support and cooperation from the United Nations, as the primary international organization tasked with the maintenance of international peace and security. Efforts to enhance the relationship between the United Nations and the OSCE are therefore welcomed.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“First, let me congratulate you, Sir, for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for March, and pay tribute to Equatorial Guinea for its able work last month. I also thank you, Sir, for facilitating today's briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. I thank him for sharing with us Slovakia's vision in chairing the OSCE, centred on conflict prevention and mitigation to preserve peace and responding to new threats through deeper cooperation, including the women and peace and security agenda, the enlistment of young people and effective multilateralism to address global and shared challenges. It is always refreshing to listen to him.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, the Russian draft resolution reiterates the need to fully respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in the provision of international humanitarian assistance. The Russian text is a reaffirmation of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, which enjoys universality in terms of its scope and application. It was on that basis that South African supported the draft resolution. Ultimately, South Africa will urge for any further action by the Council to be guided by genuine efforts to maintain international peace and security and promote the unity of peoples in that regard.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“The text submitted by the Russian Federation (S/20l9/l90) is consistent with the South African Constitution and the values and principles of democracy founded on the rule of law. At the international level, the Russian text assesses the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and reinforces the founding principles of the United Nations based on the sovereign equality of all its States Members. That draft resolution speaks to the principle of the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in line with the provisions of Article 2. paragraph 3, and Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, on the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“A Council resolution cannot stress the security of a certain sector to the exclusion of others. As an impartial body, the United Nations should insist on the security of all Venezuelans. South Africa was therefore not in a position to support the United States draft resolution.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Over 8.6 million Venezuelans went to the polls, putting voter turnout at 46.01 per cent. The announcement was made when the NEC had counted more than 92 per cent of ballots. South Africa respects the authority of the NEC as the constitutionally mandated body that is charged with the management of the electoral process in Venezuela - like in all of our countries. That body declared President Maduro the winner, and that should be respected as we respect all other electoral processes elsewhere in the world. That is the basis on which President Maduro enjoys legitimacy and international recognition. Thirdly, and finally, South Africa believes that paragraph 4 is partisan and biased, as it stresses the importance of ensuring only the security of the members of the National Assembly and members of the political opposition.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Therefore, South Africa cannot support, at the international level, the violation of this universal, sacrosanct and inviolable principle that underpins the governance of the modern State. Secondly, South Africa also cannot support paragraph 1, which expresses deep concern that the presidential elections of 20 May 2018 were neither free nor fair. President Nicolas Maduro was elected for a second six-year term in the presidential elections on 20 May according to the National Electoral Council (NEC) of Venezuela. President Maduro was re-elected by a wide margin, garnering over 5.8 million votes, according to Ms. Tibisay Lucena, President of the NEC. His closest challenger, Mr. Henri Falcon, received approximately 1.8 million ballots, while the third-place candidate, Mr. Javier Bertucci, received 925,042 votes.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“From the outside, we can encourage parties to engage in political dialogue, but we cannot dictate outcomes such as the holding of elections. Furthermore, the context of the crisis, set out in the United States draft resolution, does not reflect a balanced understanding of the underpinnings of the crisis in Venezuela. There are three elements in the United States draft resolution that are antithetical to the principles and values that underpin South Africa's democratic dispensation and our foreign policy. First, in the fourth preambular paragraph, regarding the authority of the National Assembly to release political prisoners and grant amnesty, South Africa views this as tantamount to a violation of the principle of the separation of powers, on which the South African Constitution is predicated.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Ideally, the Council should adopt a draft resolution that would facilitate internal, inclusive political dialogue among the people in determining their own way out of their political and economic difficulties. Furthermore, a Council resolution should facilitate the provision of international assistance based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and based on a thorough and accurate needs assessment. Therefore, the provision of aid should be depoliticized and must meet the needs of the people of Venezuelan. While the draft resolution presented by the United States (S/2019/186) calls for a peaceful political process, it is prescriptive on the outcome of that process, thereby infringing on the sovereignty of Venezuela. Internal political processes should remain the national prerogative of Member States.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“We have before us two divergent draft resolutions on the situation in Venezuela (S/ZOl9/l86 and S/2019/190). This is unfortunate, as South Africa believes that the Council should be unified in its approach to supporting the people of Venezuela in finding a solution to the crisis. We must speak with one voice when assisting the Venezuelan people in weathering the humanitarian challenges faced as a result of the political and economic difficulties in their country. However, instead of bringing the Council and the people of Venezuela together, the draft resolutions serve to illustrate how far the Council is from contributing to dealing with the crisis. The lack of unity of the Council on this matter widens divisions and undermines the credibility of the Council to make a meaningful contribution to resolving the situation in Venezuela.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“We take the floor to explain our vote. South Africa made clear its position on the situation in Venezuela when we addressed the Security Council two days ago (see S/PV.8472). We reiterate our view that inclusive political dialogue is necessary to resolve the political crisis in Venezuela. We remain concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in the country and support United Nations efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to alleviate the hardships experienced by the people of Venezuela. South Africa is concerned at the irregular procedure in presenting the draft resolution before us. The dispensing of the 48-hour practice for the consideration of the draft resolution undermines due process and our ability to meaningfully engage on the text to reach consensus.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8476 (2019) · source
“Finally, the Council and the international community should support a political solution to the situation in Syria as a matter of priority and continue to support the United Nations, including the Special Envoy, as well as other mediation efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. South Africa continues to maintain that democracy is an unassailable right of the Syrian people and therefore remains convinced that in a complex and diverse society such as Syria's, there can be no military solution, only a political negotiated settlement.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“We call upon all relevant parties to make every possible effort to support Ambassador Pedersen in that endeavour. In order to ensure that the Syrian-led and United Nations-sponsored political dialogue does not end behind big walls and in great halls in foreign countries, we need to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to resettle peacefully in their ancestral lands. We need to receive regular feedback from Mr. Pedersen and to ensure that all the groups have a seat at the table and participate in talks on progress so that the Syrian people are not reduced to being mere observers in a process that will determine their future and that of future generations. Rather, we must make sure they participate in and own the outcome of the process and build a stable, prosperous Syria.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“We therefore call upon the Council to unite behind the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) as the road map towards a long-term political solution in Syria. We welcome the extensive consultations that Mr. Pedersen has undertaken with the Government of Syria, the opposition parties and key partners in the region since January, when he took up his responsibilities. Those comprehensive and in-depth engagements are critical to building trust among the people of Syria and the region and to move the process forward. Equally important to the success of the political process in Syria is the need to respect the ceasefire and de-escalation agreements and to continue to fight terrorism. Furthermore, South Africa commends Mr. Pedersen's efforts to continue overseeing the deliberations on the establishment of the constitutional committee.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Since the Syrian conflict erupted, South Africa has maintained a principled position by reiterating the importance of protecting the fundamental interests and rights of the Syrian people, of maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region, and upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the basic norms governing international relations. We reiterate our View that the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue aimed at achieving a political transition that reflects the will of the Syrian people, with guaranteed protection for all groups in Syrian society.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source