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

“In resolution 2334 (2016), we reaffirmed that Israeli settlements, which have steadily been expanding into Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and constitute a violation of international law. Furthermore, resolution 2334 (2016) recognizes that the settlements are a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The recent upsurge in tensions between Israeli settlers and the Palestinian people in settlements such as Ofra and the broader cycle of violence resulting from those heightened antagonisms are indicative of the obstacles created by the illegal expansion of settlement activity to the peace process.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“While the Council's monthly meetings and quarterly open debates afford an opportunity to have a significant influence on the Middle East peace process, this has not yielded the necessary results that it has the potential to lead to. The adoption of landmark resolution 2334 (2016) in December 2016 is one important such example of the potential outcome of Council deliberations on the matter. Unfortunately, there has been minimal effort to implement that resolution. That calls into question the credibility of the decisions of the Council, especially if it is the Council itself that does not take any action to ensure the implementation of its own decisions.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“South Africa aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We want to begin this debate by congratulating the State of Palestine on assuming the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China. We also welcome Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. This is the first open debate in which South Africa is participating as a member of the Security Council during its current term as an elected member. We wish to use this opportunity to emphasize the importance of the Council ensuring that it remains committed to meaningfully contributing to the resolution of one of its longest-standing agenda items - the question of Palestine - of which it has been seized for more than 70 years.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“First, I would like to thank colleagues for their condolences and solidarity in connection with the passing of Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo. Ambassador Kumalo used to sit where I am sitting and always contributed to finding solutions aimed at bringing about peace and security and stability, issues of which the Security Council is always seized. Likewise, we would also like to convey our condolences to our brothers and sisters in Chad. South Africa welcomes this quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East, focusing on the question of Palestine. We thank Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. We also thank the observer of Palestine and the representative of Israel for their respective statements.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Lastly, my delegation welcomes the work of the Women's Empowerment and Support Unit of the Presidency Council aimed at advancing gender equality and the full participation of women in the Libyan political and economic spheres. Including women in the political dialogue is essential to ensuring that all sectors of Libyan society are included in the process of charting their own futures, in a spirit of dedication to peace and security for Libya. Through our own struggle for liberation, we South Africans know first-hand the importance of incorporating women in the peace process and the benefits that are derived from including the whole population.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“We condemn the loss of civilian lives during the violence in Tripoli and support the Secretary- General's call for all commitments made under the September 2018 ceasefire agreement to be adhered to in order to maintain the calm and avoid further violence in the capital and elsewhere. We also call on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law and to ensure that all possible measures are put in place to avoid further conflict. We urge all parties to work constructively on a dialogue for a mutually acceptable negotiated agreement. As the Council, we must do all we can to assist and support all stakeholders in moving this process forward.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“We wish to recall that at its 31st Summit, held in Nouakchott in July 2018, the African Union Assembly reiterated its "deep concern over the persistent security situation in Libya, which continues to prolong the suffering of the Libyan people". The Chair ofthe AU High-Level Committee and the AU Commission Chair have reaffirmed their common desire to assist all stakeholders in overcoming the serious crisis facing Libya. In this regard, they have agreed to relaunch preparations for the national reconciliation conference with all relevant stakeholders, as provided for in the road map adopted by the Committee. On the humanitarian front, my delegation is concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, especially as some humanitarian actors have recently faced challenges restricting their access to parts of the country.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“Salame, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to work with all Libyan parties to reach an acceptable and lasting political solution. We welcome the efforts made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in engaging with all relevant stakeholders in support of the implementation of the United Nations action plan and look forward to the convening of the national conference in order to move beyond the political transition phase and fully unite the country. As a member of the AU High-Level Committee on Libya, South Africa will continue to support the United Nations and the African Union in their common cause of jointly coordinating activities that will contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Libyan crisis.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“The reason that the bloody Libyan crisis still haunts the Council, as others had predicted, is that although our organization, the African Union (AU), had devised a continentally agreed road map to deal with the bloody Libyan crisis, it was not allowed to roll it out until the very end. This fiasco and the many that followed should remind our partners from outside the African continent that Africans are best placed to understand their problems and the solutions thereto. Africans must be allowed to provide solutions to African problems. Partners will be invited only if need be. I would like to focus my intervention on the political process and the humanitarian situation in Libya. My delegation supports and encourages the efforts of Mr.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“We would like first to add our voice in thanking you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting today; Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame for his comprehensive briefing to the Council; and the representative of Germany, as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. This briefing is timely given the discussions that the Council has been holding this week on sanctions on Mali and the Sudan, wherein there has been recognition of the implications of the Libyan fiasco throughout the region.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“The Council should do everything possible to ensure that the 30 June cut-off and withdrawal of UNAMID is realized, since it would be a major boost to Africa's call for silencing the guns by 2020.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“We also remain concerned about the growing presence of Darfuri armed groups in Libya, as further violations of the embargo could potentially fuel the conflict in the region, undermining any progress towards stability and lasting solutions for peace and sustainable development. And women and children are the most affected by sexual violence, which has also increasingly become a weapon of war, affecting the long-term prospects for peaceful and prosperous communities. In that regard, we would like to commend the Government of the Sudan for its efforts to combat sexual violence in conflict. In conclusion, South Africa hopes that as UNAMID continues to scale down its operations and vacate stable regions in Darfur, the Sudanese Government will establish administrative services and ensure normalcy in the hitherto troubled region of the Sudan.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“The Council should be able to relax some of the previously imposed sanctions, and in that regard we welcome the recommendation of the Chair of the Committee. That does not mean that there are no more elements that require our attention. We remain concerned about the continued violations ofthe arms embargo, including the transfer of weapons to Darfur, which destabilizes the situation on the ground. In that regard, we urge UNAMID, in accordance with resolution 2429 (2018), to continue to provide technical and logistical assistance to the Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“It also targeted those who had committed violations under international humanitarian law or human rights law, or other types of atrocities, or those who had violated measures agreed on in resolution 1556 (2004). Equally, as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan said, we should also respond to the progress that is being registered on the ground in normalizing the situation in Darfur, which has driven the drawdown of the contingent numbers in the UNAMID mission from 17,000 to 4,000. With those positive developments in this area of the Sudan, it is important that the Council be able to recognize and acknowledge that progress has been made, thanks to the measures imposed in resolution 1591 (2005).”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“Notwithstanding its expected drawdown, as set out in resolution 2429 (2018), UNAMID must continue to ensure the protection of vulnerable civilians, especially the internally displaced and those in camps, and to prevent gender-based violence. South Africa also welcomes the gains made in advancing the Darfur peace process and in the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, and calls on all parties to continue their commitment to the negotiations process, under the auspices of the African Union High- level Implementation Panel. Through resolution 1591 (2005), the Council aimed to put pressure on the parties that were impeding the peace process, which we recognized as constituting a threat to stability in Darfur and the region.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“We would like to thank you, Sir, for convening today's meeting. We would also like to thank and pay tribute to Ambassador Joanna Wronecka for her briefing and leadership on this portfolio. And we welcome our colleagues from the Sudan to the Council today. South Africa welcomes the improvements in the security situation in Darfur. The situation has improved dramatically over the past few years and the role of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) should be commended. We salute Ambassador Jeremiah Mamabolo, Head of UNAMID, and his colleagues - all the Blue Berets and civilian components - for a job well done in Darfur.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“It is key, therefore, that the international community support the people of Mali through economic and infrastructure investment that would help them to overcome the challenges currently facing them. This will contribute not only to a stable Mali and a stable region, but also to a peaceful and prosperous African continent. We thank France for the press statement and reiterate that, as always, it has our support.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“In the context of these threats, such as terrorist attacks against United Nations personnel, the Security Council must ensure that these operations are, first, fully resourced; secondly, entrusted with the appropriate mandate to respond to the context-specific environments in which they are deployed; and, thirdly, adequately equipped to protect themselves and defend their mandate. Fourthly, and lastly, I would like to underscore the need for economic development so as to sustain the peace we are trying to bring about in Mali. The people need to benefit from the peace dividends that result from the agreement. Ordinary people need to feel the change and be able to earn their livelihood.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“Therefore, every effort should be made by the United Nations, including the Council, and its Member States to ensure that the G-5 Joint Force is fully capacitated so that it can effectively implement its mandate. In addition, we take note of and support the Secretary-General's recommendation that the Council establish a United Nations support office for the G-5 Joint Force. The situation in Mali illustrates the severe asymmetrical threat faced by United Nations peacekeepers.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“As has been recognized by the Council, that partnership represents positive cooperation between a United Nations peacekeeping operation and a regional peace operation in Africa. Thirdly, regional cooperation is a critical element in the case of Mali given the challenges it faces in terms of transnational crime and terrorist threats, which further highlights the fact that this is not only a Malian crisis. Threats to the broader region are imminent if the current challenges in Mali are not addressed and curtailed urgently. Consequently, the solidarity of the region is a critical ingredient in the creation of lasting peace throughout the Sahel. The G-5 represents a concrete example of neighbouring countries contributing to the peace and stability of their own region.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“We believe that this will bring sustainable peace and stability to the country. Furthermore, the Force should garner the trust of the Malian people as a whole. South Africa also recognizes the important work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and the troop-contributing countries in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement as well as providing capacity-building to ensure the gradual restoration of State authority and services throughout Mali, including in the centre of the country. Moreover, my delegation fully supports the unique partnership between MINUSMA and the G-5 Joint Force in the process of restoring peace and stability in Mali and the wider Sahel region.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“The Assembly also welcomed the progress made by the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S) Joint Force and reiterated the AU commitment to assist in the regionally coordinated response within the framework of the Nouakchott process and other regional frameworks. Secondly, on the security pillar, we are encouraged by the progress made in the launch of the acceleration of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process as well as security-sector reform. Furthermore, we commend the measures taken by the Malian Government in improving the working conditions of the security services. My delegation is of the view that it is vital that Mali's security forces be given the necessary capacity, equipped and strengthened in order to address the challenges faced by the country.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“In this regard, South Africa calls on all parties to make every effort to fully implement the 2015 Mali peace agreement and the recently signed Pact for Peace, which provides an opportunity to reinvigorate the peace process in the country. As we know, this is not the first peace process in Mali, and we as the international community should provide the necessary support by creating an enabling environment to sustain peace. We wish to recall that at its thirty-first Summit in Nouakchott, in July 2018, the African Union (AU) Assembly welcomed "the gains made in the implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation" and urged "speedy progress as the only way to durable peace and security in the country".”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“First, on the political process, we are encouraged by the positive developments that have been undertaken in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, as registered in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/1174) and described in the briefing we heard today from Ms. Keita. We would also like to commend President Ibrahim Keita for his leadership and Prime Minister Maiga for his mobilization in support of the implementation of the agreement. These are positive indicators of a direction towards peace. The Council should make a positive appraisal of these encouraging developments in Mali and accompany the country in keeping a very tight time frame towards normalization and elections later this year.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“We would like at the outset to express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting. We wish also to express our sincere appreciation to Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Mali. It was enlightening and also highlighted the significant progress made and the amount of work that still needs to be embarked upon. We also welcome the presence here with us of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali, Ms. Kamissa Camara, and look forward to her briefing. I would like to focus my intervention on the four key pillars that underpin the peace process in Mali: the political process, the security situation, regional cooperation and economic development.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“The elections that have just taken place will lead to the first democratic transfer of power in the country's history. The community ofthe Congolese people should be commended for this process. We therefore call on the international community and the Council in particular to continue to support the process with a balanced and measured approach. The road ahead may be difficult and long, but the journey to long-term stability, peace and happiness for the Congolese people has begun. As a Council, let us accompany them.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“In that regard, South Africa emphasizes the need for post- election support in the context of peacebuilding and for the Security Council to mobilize to the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to provide the necessary support for the broader Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. The PBC Framework is the most holistic peace mechanism for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is guaranteed by the United Nations, the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community and has been signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the countries in the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has come a long way in its quest for peace and security.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“We recall the role that women played at the Inter-Congolese Dialogue in South Africa. We would like to pause and pay tribute to the men and women who paid dearly and made the supreme sacrifice in carrying out their international duty on behalf of us all around the table and in protecting the Congolese people. The international community should not lose sight of the importance of addressing the peace and security challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which preceded the election process about which we are talking. Addressing the root causes of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo requires recognition of the nexus between development and peace.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“MONUSCO played an important role in creating a climate ofrelative peace for the conduct of the elections in some difficult regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The provision of timely logistical support assisted in containing the spread of the Ebola virus in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Intervention Brigade, which is part of the MONUSCO force, comprising brigades from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania, have successfully neutralized the threat posed by negative and belligerent armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Africa calls for greater inclusion of women peacekeepers and an increase in the civilian component of MONUSCO, increasing the role of women mediators in dealing with conflict mediation at the communal level in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“That is necessary in order to facilitate the historic outcome of the first-ever democratic transfer of power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Africa welcomes the reports of the Secretary-General's Special Representative and the electoral observer missions of SADC and of the African Union, and takes note of CENCO's concerns. We welcome their continued commitment to assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo in achieving sustainable peace, security and stability. The continued support and partnership of the United Nations, the African Union, SADC and other regional and international actors are necessary for the consolidation ofpeace, stability and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“President Ramaphosa issued a statement in which he congratulated all the parties and stakeholders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on ensuring peace and stability during the election process and urged all regional, international and interested parties to refrain from speculation and to allow the Commission electorale nationale independante to complete the process. The President also urged all political parties and their supporters to allow the Commission to perform its legal and constitutional duties without interference or pressure. We expect the Security Council to be at the forefront of providing support to the Congolese authorities to maintain a peaceful and stable environment following the landmark elections, and to discourage any violence after the conclusion of the electoral process.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“In 1998, our late President, Nelson Mandela, hosted a historic meeting between the former leaders of Zaire/Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko and Laurent-Desire' Kabila, off the coast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and averted a potentially destructive civil war. In 2002, South Africa hosted the groundbreaking Inter-Congolese Dialogue, which led to drafting of the Constitution and the hosting of the first-ever inclusive multiparty democratic elections in that country. Such elections took place again in 2011 and now in 2018.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Since its independence, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been subjected to interference in determining its future by external factors. The abundant resources with which the country is blessed have in many ways led to the scramble for those resources, to the detriment of the Congolese people. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, parts of the economy are informal and the sometimes illicit links between politics and illegal economic activities have long existed. The estimated value of the illicit exploitation of natural resources in the eastern part of the country is billions of dollars annually. South Africa has keenly supported efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“South Africa calls on all parties to preserve the generally peaceful climate of the elections and to take up any reservations or disputes through the proper mechanisms and processes provided for in the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its electoral laws, thereby refraining from any violence or incitement thereof. We must ensure that, as members of the Security Council, our words and actions should contribute positively to the aspirations and collective will of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich but the Congolese people are poor. South Africa remains concerned about the continuous illicit exploitation of the natural resources of the country.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“South Africa welcomes the announcement of the provisional election results, and we commend the Commission electorale nationale independante for its hard work under difficult circumstances. We further congratulate the Commission on managing the electoral process. The Commission electorale nationale independante is the official legitimate authority mandated to manage and conduct the elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the delegated authoritative body to pronounce on the results of the elections and must be accorded the right to do so. It remains imperative that the Commission's actions and declarations, including with regard to the outcome of the elections, should be respected by all, especially the Security Council.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“The Security Council's involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been one of the most protracted, heavily invested and multiphased engagements in the history of the United Nations. Today, we meet at one of the most critical junctures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's process of consolidating democracy, nearly 60 years since its independence from Belgian colonial rule. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is larger than the entire Western Europe. It is less developed and has a far less developed physical and social infrastructure. The challenge to organize presidential, legislative and provincial elections in such a vast country is therefore enormous.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Let mejoin colleagues in thanking the briefers: Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); Mr. Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, President of the Commission electorale nationale independante (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Her Excellency Ms. Fatima Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations; His Excellency Mr. Joseph Malanji, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zambia, who spoke on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Monseigneur Utembi, President of the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo (CENCO). We welcome Ambassador Ignace Gata Mavita Wa Lufuta, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“We pledge our solidarity with the region, and we stand by it as it deals with the many challenges in improving the lives of its people.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“That is key to providing a comprehensive approach in promoting peace and security in the Sahel region, where terrorism, extremist activities and violent extremism pose a serious threat to its socioeconomic development. The international community's ongoing support for the funding of investment projects in the Sahel in particular remains a priority. The building of schools and health centres and improving access to water, for example, would positively contribute to preventing communities from falling under the influence of extremists. Lastly, South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted coup to overthrow the democratically elected Government in the Republic of Gabon. In that regard, we reaffirm the principle of the African Union, which rejects the notion of an unconstitutional change of power.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“South Africa believes that UNOWAS is positioned to play an important role in overcoming the challenges faced by the region, particularly with regard to tackling the insecurity, instability and terrorism, through its support of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel and by addressing the root causes of conflict. Furthermore, the full implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel is vital. We are of the firm view that the work of the Security Council should aim to support subregional and regional multilateral frameworks and the use of political dialogue in resolving the challenges faced by the region. Furthermore, coordination among the Economic Community of West African States, the Group of Five for the Sahel, the African Union and United Nations structures is crucial.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“That would adversely affect the progress that has been made in recent years to seek stability in the region. That concern is equally shared by the African Union, particularly with regard to the continued terrorist attacks in northern and central Mali, Burkina Faso, the Niger and Nigeria. Moreover, the intensification of coordination among terrorist groups and the growing transnational organized crime are a cause for great concern for South Africa, since that will heighten the insecurity in the region. It is important that we also address the root causes of terrorism in order to curb its spread throughout the continent.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“My delegation would like to express its gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. I also thank Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), for his briefing. South Africa supports the efforts of the Secretary- General and his Special Representative in engaging in preventive diplomacy, good offices and political mediation and facilitation in the countries of West Africa and the Sahel. We welcome the positive developments in the region, as noted in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2018/ 1175). However, we are concerned that the instability and insecurity are spreading to other countries in the region.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“We further call on the parties to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and of United Nations personnel, and we call for the speedy facilitation of visas and other logistical support. We welcome the granting of 56 visas as a positive step. However, that should not be a one-off event. We look forward to the meeting scheduled in Amman next week, as Mr. Griffiths indicated, to discuss the long-awaited exchange of prisoners by both sides. In conclusion, we appeal to both sides to spare the lives of women and children in Yemen.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“It is important that the parties agree on confidence-building measures to overcome the trust deficit that exists. However, we are concerned that, during the reporting period, there were mutual allegations of ceasefire violations by both sides. It is imperative that the resolution and the Stockholm Agreement be implemented by all parties and that there be a cessation of hostilities. We wish to reiterate that the only sustainable solution lies in negotiations and a Yemeni- led political settlement that is inclusive and fair and that puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first. We wish to remind the parties to the conflict that they have an obligation to fully facilitate sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access, as required by international humanitarian law.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths, to convene the meeting in Sweden last month. We are pleased that the Yemeni Government and the Houthis participated in the discussions that led to the Stockholm Agreement. We are also pleased that the Security Council was able to rapidly show unity of purpose following the Stockholm meeting and adopt resolution 2451 (2018). We note the proposal by the Secretary-General regarding the modalities for the monitoring mechanism. We also note the report of the Secretary-General on the status of implementation of the resolution (S/2019/11). We are pleased that the Redeployment Coordination Committee has met, bringing together representatives of the Government and the Houthis.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“Allow me first to thank the briefers - Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock - for their briefings. South Africa would like to make the following points with regard to the situation in Yemen. South Africa remains concerned about the impact of the conflict in Yemen, which has resulted in a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. We support the need to address the political and security concerns as part of dealing with that humanitarian crisis. The conflict in Yemen has already led to unspeakable tragedy for millions of people. Innocent civilians, in particular women and children, have been most affected by the effects of that devastating war, which has become one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.”
2019-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8441 (2019) · source
“"It is clear that lasting peace is not realizedjust by the absence of armed conflict, but is achieved through a continuing positive, dynamic, inclusive participatory process of dialogue and engagement that resolves all outstanding issues in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding, cooperation and long-term vision". (resolution 73/1, para. 20) It therefore supports what South Africa firmly believes - that the only route to a just and lasting peace is through multilateralism, which is exemplified by the achievements of the United Nations. Like many others, the African way is a multilateral way.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Consequently, addressing the root causes of conflict will enable us to better address issues related to terrorism and migration, among others. The absence of overt conflict, however, is not an end in itself, and peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction and development are essential. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is therefore key, as it aims to address poverty and development and lays the foundations for achieving sustainable peace. In closing, we would like to reiterate the sentiment of the political declaration adopted at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, which captures the essence of multilateralism.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we should ensure that the relationship is enhanced and becomes mutually beneficial to the aspirations of collective security, as well as to silence the guns on the African continent, as stated in the AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Furthermore, we should act with determination in reforming the Council to ensure that it reflects current geographical realities and is fully representative of the peoples of the world today. In that context, we should redress the historical injustice against the 1.2 billion people of Africa. Similarly, improving the working methods of the Council would enhance the effectiveness of the work of this important body. Efforts aimed at creating an enabling environment through the prioritization of conflict prevention cannot be overstated.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“The Council's central mandate should not be undermined by narrow self-interest, which is the antithesis of multilateralism. Rather, it should draw on its strength of unity and diversity of perspective in finding real, proactive and viable solutions to threats to international peace and security. It is vital that the Security Council continue to work closely with regional organizations, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter. That is fundamental in the light ofthe significant strides that have been registered in the continuously growing relationship with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations - particularly between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council - in support of a home-grown peace initiative.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source