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

“Next month will mark eight years since the crisis in Syria began. We are extremely concerned about the devastating and tragic consequences that the war in Syria continues to have on the people of the country. It is also having an increasingly destabilizing impact on the wider region, through the displacement of people, the exacerbation of political and sectarian differences and the spread of extremism. It is the Security Council's responsibility to ensure that political progress is made and that Syria returns to normal. The people of Syria deserve a future that is stable and prosperous.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The delegation of South Africa would like join others in thanking the Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Geir Pedersen, for his insightful, broad and forward-looking briefing. As this is the first time that my delegation participates in the political briefing on Syria, please allow me to join my colleagues in congratulating Mr. Pedersen on assuming his important role as the facilitator of the political process in Syria. He has a challenging task ahead ofhim. Our responsibility as the Security Council, together with the backing of the international community, is to provide him with all the support necessary to successfully facilitate a Syrian-led, United Nations- sponsored political process, as outlined in resolution 2254 (2015). We welcome his determination to build upon the solid progress achieved by his predecessor, Mr. Staffan de Mistura.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“It is of the utmost importance that support for the people of Venezuela does not serve as a focal point for increased tensions and antagonisms or become a tool in the political dispute that is being stoked by some external parties and actors. We believe that humanitarian aid should not be used for the political ends of parties to the crisis, but should be delivered through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in order to ensure its neutrality and impartiality. The Council cannot predetermine the will of the people of Venezuela. The international community should therefore promote a framework of inclusive internal dialogue in order for the people of Venezuela to determine their own destiny.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“We therefore call on the Council and all those truly interested in the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Venezuela to consider the question: What is the alternative to dialogue? The alternative - as we have seen in other cases where dialogue was ignored by some in the Council - will be a prolonged crisis and possible military entanglements. That will only be to the further detriment of the people of Venezuela. South Africa is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. We are alarmed at the unrest and loss oflife over the past weekend. Instead of assisting the people ofVenezuela, the politicization and weaponization of humanitarian assistance has served to aggravate tensions in Venezuela, which can lead only to violence and confrontation.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“I reiterate: that is inconsistent with the purpose of the Security Council. While South Africa does not believe that the situation in Venezuela poses a threat to international peace and security, the efforts of the Security Council in confronting the situation in Venezuela should be framed by Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter, in that parties are encouraged first of all to seek a solution through negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and judicial settlement, or other peaceful means oftheir own choice. Forcing the parties to accede to and accept a prescription to resolving their own crisis, including through ultimatums, will only encourage further antagonism and division.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“We recognize the democratic processes followed by Venezuela in choosing a President, but we also recognize that Venezuela is currently facing humanitarian challenges. South Africa draws from its experience in overcoming one ofthe most repressive and insidious racist regimes through dialogue, and believes that internal, inclusive dialogue remains the only viable and sustainable path to ending the political crisis in Venezuela. Political dialogue should seem obvious and the first logical port of call, yet the actions of some in the international community have not been conducive or encouraging to that approach. Isolating and vilifying one party and calling for a specific, prescribed course of action that would preclude dialogue will only foment possible recourse to armed conflict.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“That is inconsistent with the purpose of the United Nations, which was founded to maintain international peace and security among nations, based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its States Members. It is important to note that the Charter of the United Nations and international law proscribe the threat of force. For us in South Africa the threat of force sets a very bad precedent. We on the African continent have suffered a great deal, as external forces used undemocratic tools of regime change to solve problems on our continent. In principle, we are strongly opposed to that way of solving any problem. That approach takes away the basic rights of the people of the country to determine their own future. Let the people of Venezuela decide their future. All that we can do is help them, but the decisions remain Venezuelan.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“We are grateful for the informative briefing provided by the Under-Secretary- General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo. We also welcome the Minister of the People's Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mr. Jorge Arreaza. The Security Council is the principal organ charged with maintaining international peace and security. Yet today we are witnessing the Council being divided on the internal affairs of a State Member of the United Nations, with some even threatening to use force against the territorial integrity and political independence of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a fellow Member of the United Nations.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Finally, we are looking forward to the release of the strategic humanitarian needs plan for 2019, as well as to the pledging conference to be held in Brussels in March. We call on the international community to make its support as generous as possible. We, as the international community, and the Council in particular, must continue supporting the humanitarian efforts in Syria.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“It is important to ensure that the Syrian authorities allow speedy and sustained access to humanitarian assistance, bearing in mind the importance of respect for international humanitarian law and for protecting the civilian population. We reiterate our view that the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question, after so much bombing and destruction, continues to be a political settlement achieved through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue aimed at a political transition that reflects the will of the Syrian people, with guaranteed protection for all groups of Syrian society. We therefore urge the Council to unite to fully implement resolution 2254 (2013) and to support Mr. Pedersen, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, who will be briefing us on Thursday.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“We also remain concerned about the situation of civilians, particularly those trapped in Hajin, the last area controlled by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. We call on all the parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, for all movements to be voluntary, for displacement to last no longer than necessary and for the displaced to be able to return as soon as possible in safety and dignity. We welcome the ongoing de-escalation agreement between Turkey and Russia, which has averted potentially catastrophic humanitarian consequences, especially in Idlib province. We urge the parties to sustain it.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“The Rukban operation distributed humanitarian assistance to more than 40,000 people in the form of health, nutritional and education supplies and more 66,000 blankets and sleeping bags. Additionally, more than 7,000 children were vaccinated. Given the difficult environment in which the operation took place, OCHA and its implementing partners should be commended for their success. We also commend the Government of Syria for authorizing and facilitating access to Rukban. We should be mindful of the fact that there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance in north- eastern Syria in places such as the Al-Hol camp, three quarters of whose population are women and children under the age of five.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“The humanitarian crisis in Syria has a particularly severe impact on women, children and people who live with disabilities. Children have been disproportionally affected, with over 5 million children at a heightened risk of undernourishment, dehydration, diarrhoea, infectious diseases and injury. Millions more will need to be supported after being exposed to the traumatic events and violence of the past eight years. South Africa calls for the full implementation of resolution 2449 (2018), which renewed the authorization for cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to Syria. My delegation welcomes the successful humanitarian operation undertaken in Rukban. Initial reports by OCHA reveal that the operation, involving 133 trucks, was the largest humanitarian operation ever undertaken by the United Nations in Syria.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“We wish to thank the Director for Operations and Advocacy of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Ms. Reena Ghelani, for her comprehensive and yet sobering briefing, complemented by the Permanent Representative of Belgium on behalf of the co-penholders. We would also like to welcome our colleague the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. South Africa reiterates its deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. Almost eight years after the start of the conflict, the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic remains one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Some 13.1 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 6.2 million people who are internally displaced.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Lastly, we would like to express our appreciation to those working at the coalface in Darfur - Joint Special Representative for Darfur Jeremiah Mamabolo and his team - for their continued commitment to building peace in the region.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“Similarly, for any peace to be sustained, we need to harness our efforts in addressing socioeconomic development in the Sudan. Economic development will alleviate potential conflict triggers in future. We should also guard against spoilers utilizing the current socioeconomic challenges in the Sudan to further their own narrow interests. Our efforts in making peace in the Sudan have showed and continue to show signs of progress. We should remain steadfast and tireless in that trajectory. Making peace in Darfur will continue to positively affect the region as we all contribute to the African Union's aspirations of silencing the guns by 2020.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“In order to facilitate the implementation of the transition, including through the relocation of the Office of the Joint Special Representative to Khartoum, it is vital to involve the relevant local authorities and officials in the Sudan in that process, so as to ensure an open dialogue and transparent processes that will lead to the engagement of the Sudanese Government. As the UNAMID mission transitions out of Darfur, we strongly support the Secretary-General's observation recommending the close partnership and continued engagement of the Government of the Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations system. That partnership has been a key ingredient in the notable achievement in Darfur. That partnership will also be equally important in maintaining future progress and stability in the area.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“It is important that UNAMID provide adequate rule-of-law and livelihood services in terms of its mandate to address the security concerns of the local communities and the 2 million internally displaced persons. We therefore wish to stress the importance of humanitarian support and access to the affected areas in Darfur. It is crucial that there be an eventual transition from humanitarian support to reconstruction and development in the Darfur area, as UNAMID eventually exits the Sudan. It is imperative for UNAMID to continue to provide technical and logistical assistance to the Sudan disarmament, demobilization and reintegration commission to assist with the disarmament and demobilization of armed combatants.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“South Africa remains concerned about the violations of human rights reported in the Secretary-General's report (S/20l9/44). Women and children continue to be the most affected by sexual violence, which has increasingly become a weapon of war and conflict, and affects the long-term prospects for achieving peaceful and prosperous communities. We would like to urge the Government of the Sudan to combat sexual violence in conflict and bring the perpetrators to justice. South Africa has noted the continued reduction of the military strength of UNAMID, as well as the handover to UNAMID's formed police units and the redeployment of the police units.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“The ongoing insecurity obstructs the lives of many vulnerable civilians. In that regard, we call upon armed groups, particularly the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction to resolve their disputes through the avenues for political dialogue that have already been established. Furthermore, it is imperative that all parties continue to implement the outstanding provisions of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. It remains essential for all parties to continue their commitment to the negotiations process under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. In addition, as the international community, we should continue to support the process to ensure that we do not reverse the gains that we have achieved thus far.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“However, the tireless efforts of the international community and consistent support over the years have resulted in the considerable improvement of the security situation in Darfur. The improvement of the security situation has even propelled the drawdown of UNAMID. In that regard, South Africa welcomes the continued improvement of the security situation in Darfur during the reporting period, as well as the absence of intercommunal violence, as reported. We also note that the number of crime-related incidents and human rights violations declined during this period. However, it is clear that we are not where we should be. Areas of concern remain, particularly in Jebel Marra. The continued clashes between armed groups and the Government of the Sudan serve to highlight that more efforts are required in that region.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“At the outset, let me thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting today. Allow me to also express our appreciation to Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, for her comprehensive briefing on her recent visit to the region and developments regarding the situation in the Sudan. We also commend the work being done by the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). In addition, we welcome the statement to be delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the United Nations. Ms. Bintou's briefing highlights the intricacies and challenges of making peace. Accordingly, the peacemaking journey in Darfur has not been an easy one, as we have all witnessed during the past 14 years.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“South Africa stands ready to assist in moving the peace process forward through the promotion of reconciliation and supporting the road map, including towards the holding of elections and preparation of a new constitution. We aspire to a stable Central African region.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“The scale of the challenge highlights the need for the Council to ensure that adequate funding and resources from United Nations assessed contributions is allocated to MINUSCA in the fulfilment and expansion of its current mandate. South Africa would like to emphasize the importance of peacebuilding in order to ensure a sustainable peace and to kick-start the Central African Republic economy, which will prevent recourse to armed conflict. In that regard, we call on the Ambassador Hilale and the Peacebuilding Commission to coordinate its efforts with the African Union, development partners and regional mechanisms to support the post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts, especially the provision of basic services to the population.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“South Africa supports the concerted efforts by the international community, through the African Union, the United Nations and regional and international partners, to continue engaging in post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts in the country, in particular for the establishment of critical State and institutional capacity in support of governance, judicial and security sector reform. We remain concerned about the ongoing targeted violence by armed groups and criminal gangs perpetrated against the vulnerable civilian population in most parts of the Central African Republic. This is giving rise to a climate of human rights violations and a burgeoning humanitarian crisis that are of serious concern to South Africa.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“We also note with concern, however, the dire humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, with more than 25 per cent of the population internally displaced and millions of people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. We urge the international community to support the ongoing efforts aimed at addressing the desperate humanitarian situation in the country. South Africa wishes to underscore the importance of implementing disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation, as well as security sector reform. South Africa calls on MINUSCA to continue to assist with the above and to develop quick impact projects that would allow for the reintegration of demobilized elements of rebel groups into Central African Republic society.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Alassane Ouattara, towards the implementation of the agreement. In our view, the peace and stability of the entire Central Africa region are critical if we are to achieve the Africa we want as outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063. The recently held elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which were relatively calm and peaceful, coupled with the determination of the Central African Republic leadership during the negotiation of the peace agreement, no doubt represent very positive and welcome developments. The role of the Council and relevant regional organizations is to support the two countries in their path towards stability and long-lasting peace.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“We further congratulate the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security for the role he played in facilitating and overseeing the negotiations with all relevant parties, including close cooperation with the United Nations, especially the Under-Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Special Representative Onanga-Anyanga, Head of MINUSCA, who contributed to enhanced cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations. South Africa encourages all stakeholders, including the Council, to fully support the peace and national reconciliation agenda for restoring durable peace, security and development to the Central African Republic and to implement the above-mentioned agreement. In that context, we welcome the efforts of President of Cote d'Ivoire, His Excellency Mr.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“South Africa welcomes the signing of the new Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic on 6 February 2019, under the framework of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in Central African Republic. In that regard, we would like to pay tribute to the President of the Sudan, His Excellency Field Marshal Omer Hassan A. Al-Bashir, and the President of Chad, His Excellency Mr. Idriss Deby Itno, for their leadership support and their role in the negotiations in assisting Ambassador Chergui and his team in negotiating the new peace agreement, thus contributing towards a peaceful neighbourhood in the Central African region.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“Last but not least, we wish to thank the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), Ambassador Ipo ofCote d'Ivoire, as well as the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission's Central African Republic configuration, the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, our friend His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Omar Hilale, for their briefings and hard work. I would also like to offer a special welcome to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Central Africans Abroad ofthe Central African Republic, Her Excellency Ambassador Sylvie Valerie Ba'ipo-Temon, and to assure her that she can count on the support of South Africa as she begins the journey towards a stable and peaceful Central African Republic.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“We are delighted, Madam President, to see you presiding over today's Council meeting, all the more so that something positive is coming from Africa, from your own region of Central Africa. At the outset, let me join others in thanking the outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary- General for the Central African Republic and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, and the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, His Excellency Ambassador Smail Chergui, for their comprehensive briefings. We also express our appreciation to the Managing Director for Africa, European External Action Service, Mr. Koen Vervaeke.”
2019-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8467 (2019) · source
“The guidelines for these negotiations should be based on the already established international legal framework, including General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, among others. South Africa was elected to this Council with the aspiration to work, together with other member States represented here, for a long-lasting peace in the Middle East. That is why we are elected to this Council. We must, as a Council, show consistency and act to promote peace between Israelis and Palestinians. During our time in the Council, we will continue to call on the Council to show consistency and act on this matter without any favour and without any selectivity to advance peace in the Middle East.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“In that connection, we wish to call upon the international community to continue to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which continues play a pivotal role in providing the basic services to the people of Palestine. I wish to reiterate South Africa's position in support of a two-State solution based on pre-1967 borders. We, as part of the international community, support and encourage both parties towards this endeavour. Dialogue and negotiation remain the only way forward to finding a lasting solution for peace between Palestine and Israel.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“We wish to reiterate our call for the submission of timely written reports by the Secretary-General to the Security Council on its implementation of resolution 2234 (2016), every three months, in order for progress to be adequately monitored. This Council receives written reports on other matters that it is seized with and the situation in Palestine should be no different. We must not allow the decisions made by the Council to be undermined and in some cases blatantly violated. This selectivity undermines the credibility of the Council and in fact erodes its legitimacy. We express deep concern aboutthe dire humanitarian situation of more than 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza and some parts of occupied Palestine, of whom about 50 per cent are children. The people of Gaza desperately need humanitarian assistance.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“On almost any other issue that the Council addresses, if there were a similar magnitude of violations or deterioration of the situation, we would waste no time in taking decisive action, including all other means to enforce its decisions and resolutions. On 21 December 2018, Belgium, Bolivia, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, France, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru, Sweden and my own country, South Africa, wrote to the Secretary-General and to the President of the Security Council raising concern over the lack of implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), including the need for the Secretary-General to provide written reports every three months on its implementation.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“We have no doubt that that decision by the Israeli Government will be yet another step that will have negative implications on the Middle East peace process. It is also unfortunate that we were not even able to adopt a press statement to support the mechanism that promoted peace and stability in Hebron. Despite that setback, we appreciate the efforts by the President of the Council to consult with both Palestinians and Israelis on the matter, and we welcome the valuable feedback that he has provided to the Council in that regard. The Council began dealing with the issue of Israel and Palestine almost from the beginning of its work, more than 70 years ago. Yet as the Council, we have regrettably done very little or, more often, nothing at all.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Key final-status issues that ought to be dealt with through negotiations are rapidly being eroded as the issue of Jerusalem is being predetermined and illegal settlements continue to be built on Palestinian land in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and numerous Security Council resolutions. The briefing today takes place a few weeks after the Government of Israel decided not to renew the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, after 22 years of dedicated service to both Palestinians and Israelis. It is appropriate that I use this opportunity to express South Africa's deep regret at the decision taken by Israel, which clearly undermines one of the few confidence-building mechanisms between Palestinians and Israelis.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Before I start my intervention, I would like to pay tribute to Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. We commemorate the second anniversary of his death today. His tireless efforts in the Security Council will forever be remembered. At the outset, we join others in thanking Special Coordinator Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing. Likewise, we welcome the briefing by the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Ursula Mueller, on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and in some parts of the occupied Palestinian territory. The briefing we heard today clearly indicates one thing: peace in Palestine remains elusive. As time goes on, we have seen the positions of the Israelis and Palestinians growing further and further apart.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, we continue to support the work of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, as part of UNAMI's mandate, and emphasize the importance of the independence and impartiality of the mechanism, while working in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, United Nations policies and best practices.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“We also welcome the renewed cooperation and talks between the central Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and encourage both parties to continue to reach consensus on areas of concern. We also share the views of regional actors that Government formation in Iraq is an important step towards building a stronger and more balanced relationship among the countries of the Middle East region. In conclusion, South Africa reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and will continue to support UNAMI in the implementation of its mandate.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“We encourage all stakeholders to continue to support and engage in the efforts initiated by UNAMI in an effort to achieve effective post- conflict reconstruction and sustainable peace in Iraq. We are particularly concerned about the increase in violence against women and children, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's report. In this regard, we support the efforts of UNAMI and UNICEF to address this scourge. Thirdly, with regard to the role of the region, we welcome the increased involvement of regional organizations in the political process and reaffirm their role in assisting the Government of Iraq in the reconstruction of the country.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the security situation, we note with concern the assessment in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/101) that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) remains a threat in Iraq. This threat must be addressed, as the continued presence of ISIL has ramifications not only for the instability of Iraq, but also for the entire region. We support Iraqi efforts to hold those accountable for crimes committed in the country, in line with resolution 2379 (2017), which established the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant to support domestic Iraqi efforts to that end. Furthermore, South Africa reaffirms its support for the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“All political forces should close ranks and reach an agreement on the outstanding Cabinet posts so that the Government is able to start delivering on its promises to the public for better security and the dignified return of internally displaced persons, rehabilitated public services, a revitalized economy and the implementation of reconstruction and development projects. Additionally, it is very important for the Government of Iraq to promote the meaningful inclusion of women in the political process and their representation at all levels of political structures. We welcome the announcement by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert of the launch, on 24 January, of the Women's Advisory Group on Reconciliation and Politics. That is a very positive development indeed.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“We welcome and thank the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing. We look forward to working with her on her assignment. We would also like to welcome our colleague, the Permanent Representative of Iraq. South Africa would like to highlight the following three areas in our intervention today: the political situation, the security situation and the role of the region in assisting Iraq. First, with regard to the political situation, South Africa commends the Iraqi authorities on the progress achieved in forming a national Government. We encourage all stakeholders to work together to finalize the Cabinet.”
2019-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8462 (2019) · source
“South Africa encourages the various parties to strengthen all political efforts to produce a sustainable and peaceful solution. In conclusion, we listened very carefully to the remarks made by some of our colleagues on the issue of Ukraine. We hope that those very same colleagues will walk the talk on Venezuela: respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Venezuela; respect for Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter of the United Nations, on refraining from military aggression against other States Members of the United Nations; and, thirdly, not to undermine the Venezuelan economy by holding large sums of Venezuelan funds in their own banks and in their allies' banks. If they do that, they will win our respect.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“In this regard, it remains necessary for all parties to fully implement all of their respective commitments under the Minsk agreements. At this point, the Minsk agreements, including the package of measures agreed under Minsk II, provide the most promising road map for peace. It is also of critical importance that the parties refrain from actions that could be viewed as provocative and that could further impede a peaceful resolution of the situation in line with the Minsk agreements. Furthermore, it is important that the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe be allowed unhindered access to monitor and verify compliance with the Minsk agreements, in line with its mandate.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“I welcome also my colleague the Permanent Representative of Ukraine. It is very clear from the briefings we have heard that there remains an urgent need for the immediate cessation of hostilities in eastern Ukraine. The continued violation of the ceasefire, including the presence of heavy weapons and their use, in violation of the Minsk agreements, are of serious concern. It is also of great concern that the ongoing tension and conflict are exacerbating the dire humanitarian conditions on the ground. The parties need to ensure that there is an urgent de-escalation of tension through the implementation of the Minsk agreements so as to allow for a situation that is conducive to the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting and facilitating these discussions, as per the Russian Federation letter dated 13 April 2014 (S/2014/264). I wish to thank the briefers, Mr. Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations; Ms. Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator; Mr. Ertugrul Apakan, Chief Monitor of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine; and Mr. Martin Sajdik, Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“We will continue to spare no effort to ensure that this destructive phenomenon does not take root in our region, and we will continue to work closely with the international community, including the United Nations, in the fight against terrorism.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source
“It is also of great importance to South Africa to emphasize that measures taken to counter the threat of ISIL comply with our obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, as well as the principle of the rule of law. South Africa remains concerned by the presence of terrorist groups in Africa, including in sub-Saharan Africa, the Sahel, West and East Africa, and, recently, in some parts of our own region, which have links with ISIL and its evil ideology. Over the years, the African Union (AU) has taken a number of initiatives in the fight against terrorism. In 2002, 17 years ago, the AU adopted a plan of action on the prevention of and combat against terrorism. In 2011, the AU Commission developed an African Model Law on Counter-Terrorism.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source