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

“It is concerning that a decade since the adoption of resolution 1882 (2009), there are still thousands of boys and girls killed, maimed and abducted, who fall victim to sexual violence and who are denied access to humanitarian assistance. Their basic rights to education and health are threatened and their schools and hospitals are closed or cease to function as a result of violent attacks, as witnessed in many parts of the world today. We are deeply disturbed by the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/509), which states that more than 24,000 grave violations against children were verified by the United Nations in 20 countries in 2018. Children represent an alarming percentage of the overall number of casualties of war as refugees, internally displaced persons, unaccompanied minors, trafficked persons or sexual slaves.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Poland for organizing this open debate on children and armed conflict. The debate is timely, as it coincides with the celebration of the tenth anniversary ofthe adoption ofresolution 1882 (2009), which gave an additional emphasis to the children and armed conflict agenda regarding the violations of killing, maiming and sexual violence. We wish to congratulate Peru on its successful presidency in July. I would also like to thank all the briefers for their insightful briefings and express my gratitude to Ms. Kamara and Mr. Awan for sharing with us their stories as they journeyed through the valley of death to freedom and its possibilities today.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“South Africa and the three African States members of the Security Council will propose that the Libyan crisis be discussed in October by both the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council during the former's visit to Addis Ababa under the South African presidency of the Council.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Accordingly, we urge the perpetrators to refrain from such practices, which continue to undermine any prospects for progress in finding a solution to the conflict. In conclusion, we wish to emphasize the importance of both sides to the conflict committing to a ceasefire and resuming the political process, which in our view will pave the way for the national conference led by the Libyans themselves. It is crucial for that process to be inclusive of all members of society, including women and youth, to ensure that no one is left behind in the implementation of the collective decisions taken at the national conference.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“The renewal of the Libya sanctions regime in June this year in resolution 2473 (2019) demonstrates the Council's recognition of the importance of the sanctions regime and the positive impact it will have on the political process in Libya. However, we are concerned about the reports received from the Panel of Experts with respect to the lack of effective implementation of the Libya sanctions measures, which is indicative of the continued involvement of external actors in Libya and will serve only to prolong the armed conflict and hostilities. It is imperative for Member States to meet their obligations in that regard, especially those represented at this table. We are also particularly concerned about the continued violations of the arms embargo, which are counterproductive to the political process and also fuel the conflict in Libya.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“We would like to emphasize the central role of the African Union, pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, in working closely with countries of the region to find a durable solution to the political stalemate in Libya. In that context, we echo the views of the African Union Peace and Security Council at its 857th meeting, held this month, that all partners involved in the political process of finding a sustainable settlement to the crisis in Libya should endeavour to complement the efforts of the AU. With respect to sanctions, South Africa wishes to reiterate its position on the importance of sanctions as a useful tool for advancing a political process. Sanctions are not an end in themselves and should not be politicized in any way to advance a particular agenda.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“It will also be crucial for Libya to decide on a new date for the national conference, as its indefinite postponement does not inspire trust and confidence in the process. In that regard, we urge the parties to resume the political process and create an environment conducive for the national conference to take place. We wish to take this opportunity to remind the parties that the national conference must be led by the Libyans themselves, with the support of the United Nations, the African Union, neighbouring countries and the broader international community, which we believe will lead Libya on a positive trajectory.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“South Africa is of the firm belief that the peaceful resolution of the conflict should remain the Council's highest priority in terms of the efforts it is undertaking in Libya. For close to a decade now, we have been witnessing the effects of armed conflict and military interventionist policies. The Council should draw a lesson from this situation. Military solutions might appear to have short-term benefits, but they often do not lead to the long-lasting peace that is needed. It is of concern that both sides have not agreed to resume the political process. It is South Africa's belief that compromise from both sides is critical for the de-escalation of tensions, to pave the way for the political process to resume as soon as possible.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“South Africa wishes to express its concern that the longer the crisis continues the greater the humanitarian and development challenges that are faced by the Libyan people and the region as a whole. Those consequences include the proliferation of terrorist groups, which are gaining ground, the illegal smuggling and use of arms, trafficking and transnational organized crime. On the political process, I extend my delegation's gratitude to Special Representative Salame and express full support for his continued efforts aimed at taking forward the two-track mediation process in order to engage with the stakeholders in Libya, as we were informed would be the case in Mr. Salame's previous briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.8530). However, we deeply regret the political stalemate highlighted in his briefing today.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“We therefore urge the parties to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities in order to end the military confrontation. Following the unfortunate attacks on the Tajoura migration detention centre earlier this month, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council called for an independent investigation into the attacks, which South Africa firmly supports. In that regard, we look forward to the outcome of the investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators of those atrocious acts to justice. The worsening humanitarian situation remains the central concern for South Africa. In that regard, we urge the international community to continue to contribute towards the United Nations humanitarian response plan to assist those in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Needless to say, South Africa shares the sentiments expressed by the representatives of Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea on the situation in Libya. In addition, I would like to welcome and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ghassan Salame, for his enlightening briefing, and I also thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany, Ambassador Schulz, for his comprehensive update on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. At the outset, I wish to express my delegation's concern with the continued air strikes and indiscriminate artillery use in densely populated areas in Libya, which has resulted in the loss of lives and further exacerbated the already dire situation in the affected areas.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“This bench, which is located at the visitor's entrance of the building in which we sit today, has a simple quotation from Nelson Mandela inscribed on it: "The best weapon is to sit down and talk". We hope that the people of Colombia will continue to sit down, talk and negotiate, because we believe that by doing so lasting peace will return to their country.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Let me conclude by stating that South Africa urges States Members of the United Nations and international partners to support and encourage the people of Colombia to preserve and fully implement the final peace agreement in a comprehensive manner, address the concerns and rights of victims to truth, justice, reparations and non-repetition, as well as inclusive dialogue and a peaceful settlement. We also support and look forward to the extension of the Verification Mission for a period of one year. For Foreign Minister Trujillo Garcia and his delegation, I would like to note that a Nelson Mandela peace bench was unveiled yesterday by the South African, Norway and the Nobel Peace communities to mark the one-hundred-first anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Hearing the different views and versions of events of all communities in Colombia will ensure that the road to peace is based on an inclusive political process. A lasting comprehensive peace can be achieved only with the involvement of all stakeholders. It is also important for the Government to speak with one voice in an effort to consolidate national unity and reconciliation. South Africa therefore calls on all parties to respect the constitutionally mandated mechanisms and frameworks established to assist the political and judicial transition.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“It is encouraging that the Government has taken a flexible approach in relation to the FARC-EP with respect to the arrangements on the future of the 24 territorial areas for training and reintegration when the reintegration status ends on 15 August. It is encouraging that the Government has extended the date to clarify the status of these territorial areas for training and reintegration because it is a positive step towards addressing the security concerns of these communities. However, to ensure that the former combatants have adequate access to economic opportunities, the Government must swiftly approve plans for the disbursement of funding for economic activities and initiatives. South Africa's own experience with its Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirmed that its process was crucial for achieving national unity.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“It is our responsibility as the international community and, in particular, the United Nations through the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, to support full compliance with the agreements reached between the parties concerning the monitoring and verification of the bilateral and definitive ceasefire, as well as the cessation of hostilities and the laying down of arms. It became increasingly visible during the visit of the Security Council that the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia is important and invaluable for the peace process and the implementation of the peace agreement.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“We urge all parties to refrain from any actions that could undermine the building of the much-needed trust among all communities and to make positive efforts in this regard, which can be achieved only with the cooperation of all communities - particularly the youth and women in these communities, who are most disproportionately affected by the conflict - the Government, former combatants and institutional mechanisms and frameworks designed to prevent future violence and tensions.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“In this regard, South Africa agrees with the Secretary-General's assessment that such efforts, especially the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, are the last missing pieces of the legal framework for Colombia's transitional-justice model. Although there is a lot of work to be done going forward, the country is on a positive trajectory towards lasting peace and reconciliation. It is important to deepen efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance the reintegration process. We remain concerned about the security of all stakeholders. It should be noted that integration cannot be achieved if all parties to the peace process are not guaranteed their personal security. South Africa is concerned about the increased killing of FARC-EP members and social and community leaders.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“In this context, South Africa also welcomes the recent positive steps taken by the Government in enacting the statutory law of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and approving the national development plan. This plan lays the foundation for the Government to continue its initiative to integrate the former members of the FARC-EP and ensure that they have decent lives. South Africa also agrees with the Secretary- General's observation that the integration of Colombian society means that even historically excluded areas in Colombia need to be brought into the fold in order to ensure a smooth transition into the new era. The new plan can be used as a basis for identifying peace-related activities within a broader set of public investments in all the regions affected by the conflict.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“South Africa therefore fully supports the final peace agreement that was signed between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) in 2016 and believes that it must be implemented in its entirety and in a comprehensive manner, ensuring the inclusion of youth, women and civil society and the protection of their interests. South Africa has also noted the progress made on the demobilization and reintegration process of members of the FARC-EP, which should be commended. In this regard, we call on all political parties to fully respect and remain committed to the agreement and continue to desist from any actions that may undermine its comprehensive implementation.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for his informative briefing and the good work he and his team are doing in the country. The consolidation ofpeace after decades of conflict and mistrust is not an easy task. We wish to commend the Government of Colombia for its efforts aimed at implementing the peace agreement. South Africa's position is informed by its principled stance that the only viable sustainable solution for the conflict lies in a negotiated and inclusive political settlement that is in the interests ofand nationally led by the people ofColombia.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“At the outset, let me start by thanking and congratulating the delegations of Peru and the United Kingdom, as President of the Council and penholder on Colombia, respectively, for leading a very successful mission to the country last week. The visit by the Council was aimed at improving its understanding of the status of the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace and the challenges faced by the country. South Africa agrees that the mission was successful. I would also like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Colombia, Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo Garcia, to today's meeting. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, Mr.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“The Charter of the United Nations places the responsibility of the maintenance of international peace and security squarely on the shoulders of the Council. We must therefore ensure that we continue to remain engaged as countries make the transition from conflict to post- conflict situations. Our recent work in Haiti and the Council's experience with the transition in Liberia are good examples of not neglecting countries once the peacekeepers have left. We are currently faced with situations on our agenda in which we are considering missions' drawdowns. By necessity, this consideration must also include planning and resources in order to ensure that the countries are able to sustainably make the transition towards peace.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“All efforts must be brought together to ensure development and the good sharing of practices in peacebuilding and secure resources that will enhance sustainable development. Although we recognize the usefulness of pragmatic funding for peacebuilding activities during transitions in order to prevent gaps after the mission's withdrawal, we reiterate the need for practical, sustained and predictable funding for peacebuilding activities through assessed contributions. It is through this funding that peace activities can be sustained in the long term. In conclusion, when the Security Council considers mission drawdowns in future, we must be cognizant of the fact that our responsibility does not end when the last phase of the peacekeeping mission ends.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“This approach will guarantee the active involvement of all stakeholders, particularly the host country, in outlining the expectations of the mission, including milestones and time frames. It would not only ensure the success of the peace mission but also lay the foundational groundwork for the continuation of peacebuilding processes in future. We also see merit in enhancing partnerships between the United Nations peacekeeping architecture and the regional and subregional post-conflict reconstruction and development architecture, such as that of the African Union (AU). The Peacebuilding Commission should engage strategically with the AU post-conflict reconstruction and development policy, which is centred on peacebuilding activities in post- conflict situations in Africa.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“We therefore reaffirm our support for strengthened cooperation between the PBC and the Security Council, particularly when the Council is considering the review and drawdown of peacekeeping operations and special political missions. However, the Security Council must ensure from the outset that peace operation mandates for peacekeeping and political missions are realistic, tailored and flexible so that the mission can achieve its desired outcomes in terms of peacekeeping and creating an enabling environment for peacebuilding processes. Consultations on sustaining peace between the Security Council, the Peacebuilding Commission and the host country during the periodic assessment and review of peace operation mandates as well as the eventual withdrawal of the mission are also important.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“Such societies will be realized only when the root causes and underlying currents of conflicts are addressed. We believe that any support for post-conflict reconstruction and development activities should be tailor-made to suit country-specific needs. For that to be sustainable local ownership and leadership are required, with the meaningful participation of women and the involvement of youth. It is also our considered view that effective peacebuilding during transition periods must involve the entire United Nations system, focusing on enhancing United Nations cross-pillar coordination, including development, peace and security and human rights.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“While we recognize that it is the primary responsibility of national Governments and authorities to identify, drive and direct priorities, strategies and activities for peacebuilding and sustaining peace, the international community has an obligation to ensure that it assists in the maintenance of peace and security, which includes partnership for development to ensure the implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, which are necessary for addressing the root causes of conflict. In that regard, South Africa continues to support the ongoing work of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to promote national ownership in political and peace and security processes in the pursuit of peaceful and resilient societies.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“My delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace, with its focus on strengthening partnerships for successful nationally owned transitions. We thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission and the representatives of the World Bank and the African Development Bank for their valuable briefings. We also welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti and the Minister Legal Reforms and Parliamentary Affairs of Timor-Leste. South Africa appreciates the work done by the Secretary-General and the progress made in addressing existing gaps in the United Nations system to assist countries in their efforts towards peacebuilding and sustaining peace.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“It is the Council's responsibility to ensure that there is political progress and a return to normality in Syria. In conclusion, South Africa reiterates its position that the annexation of any territory seized through force is invalid under international law and calls on Israel to withdraw from occupied territories. As many speakers have previously stated, the need to uphold and respect international law is essential to restoring long-term peace and stability in the Middle East. In that regard, we call on all parties to uphold and respect their international obligations if they expect the same from other countries.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“The political and humanitarian situations in Syria cannot be addressed independently of each other. An escalation of violence and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation negatively affect the political progress. In the same vein, progress in the political sphere will support efforts towards ensuring that all Syrians can live in a safe, secure and prosperous environment, free of violence and terrorism. Peace, stability and democracy are unassailable rights of the Syrian people. The international community should fully support the political processes towards long-term peace 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.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“That would be an opportunity to revitalize broad-based international cooperation and to support the Geneva processes, including the finalization of the constitutional committee, with a minimum of 30 per cent representation of women. As many speakers stated earlier this week during the humanitarian briefing (see S/PV.8561), the escalation of violence, particularly in north-western Syria, undermines the efforts made in the political process and further aggravates the dire humanitarian situation in the country. The perpetuation of such acts has had an increasingly destabilizing impact on the wider region through the displacement of thousands of people, the exacerbation of political and sectarian differences and the potential to spread extremism beyond Syria's borders.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Pedersen and his team in their continued engagement and diplomatic efforts in building trust among the various parties, including civil society and women's groups, and we welcome the progress that he has made thus far. Without trust, there can be no progress. South Africa calls on the Council to unite towards the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) as the blueprint for a long-term political solution in Syria. In addition to the Special Envoy's efforts to engage with all Syrian stakeholders, my delegation supports the Special Envoy in his efforts to establish a common forum with the aim of supporting a common purpose for peace in Syria.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on the distinguished manner in which you have presided over the Council for the past month. I would also like to thank Mr. Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, for his briefing on the status of the political process in the country. South Africa wishes to reiterate that the only sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria is a comprehensive political one that emanates from an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue. That process should be aimed at achieving a political transition that reflects the will of the Syrian people with guaranteed protection for all groups of Syrian society. My delegation appreciates and supports Mr.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“We also hope that they can agree on a local road map for peace in order to give certainty and assurance to all the Sudanese people, including in Darfur, so that their motherland will soon enjoy peace, stability and prosperity. Lastly, we thank the United Kingdom and Germany, the co-penholders, for their leadership and transparency during the negotiations.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8566 (2019) · source
“Peace and stability in the Sudan are critical for the region and for the continent as a whole, particularly with regard to fulfilling the aspirations of the African Union's Agenda 2063 and silencing the guns by 2020. The Sudan has played an important role in finding peace and security in Africa in the past and it should play that role again. The African members ofthe Council hope that the planned joint visit to Khartoum by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of the AU Commission, and Mr. Smai'l Chergui, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, will soon assist the Sudanese stakeholders in finding harmony on a common transitional arrangement.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8566 (2019) · source
“That will enable both the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to make a thorough joint assessment and, hopefully, the mediation initiative to consolidate that process in the Sudan. The technical rollover supports and complements the decision of the African Union to postpone the drawdown. The decision taken today is an example of the important cooperation between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council in dealing with matters of peace and security on our continent. We trust that the leadership in the Sudan will effectively utilize the time that has been provided to address the political impasse, usher in stability and fulfil the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Moreover, the time allowed should ensure that all UNAMID team sites are cleared for civilian purposes, as originally intended.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8566 (2019) · source
“I am delivering this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and my own country, South Africa. We would like to thank Council members for agreeing that now is not the time to continue the drawdown of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The Council's unity in taking this decision sends a message about the importance of recognizing the current uncertainty prevailing on the political and security fronts. Though the African members of the Council would have preferred a six-month technical rollover to ensure adequate time to comprehensively evaluate the situation in Darfur, we nonetheless agree with the four-month period provided for in resolution 2479 (2019).”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8566 (2019) · source
“South Africa urges all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint and not to allow the situation to get out of hand. The Council must support initiatives aimed at the restoration of peace and stability, not only in the Persian Gulf but also in the broader Middle East region.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“South Africa welcomed General Assembly decision 73/546 of November 2018, mandating the convening of a conference to establish such a zone, to be held in November 2019. We call on all countries of the region to actively participate in good faith to ensure that the conference is indeed a success. South Africa wishes to reiterate the fact that the 1995 resolution on the Middle East adopted at the 1995 Review and Extension Conference of the Parties to the NPT, as well as other agreements made during subsequent Review Conferences, remain valid until they are fully implemented by all of us. Finally, regarding the broader security of the region, South Africa joins others in expressing its concern about the growing tensions in the Persian Gulf and its impact on international peace and security.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“South Africa would like to remind the Council that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes. The lack of progress on nuclear disarmament will inadvertently affect the gains made on nuclear non-proliferation. South Africa underlines the importance of respecting the inalienable right of States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. South Africa is a staunch supporter of nuclear- weapon-free zones as one of the major contributors to nuclear non-proliferation and critical building blocks towards the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In that regard, we want to highlight the urgent need for the establishment of a zone in the Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, we share the disappointment expressed by the Secretary-General in his report regarding the decision of the United States not to renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects in the framework of the JCPOA. It is our view that the decision by the United States will affect Iran's ability to fully implement the provisions of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015). It is important to recall that the lifting of sanctions, especially on certain nuclear-related materials, was part and parcel of the JCPOA. While we commend the benefits of the JCPOA as an essential instrument of nuclear non-proliferation, we want to stress that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only guarantee that they will never again be used by anyone under any circumstances.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“In that regard, my delegation fully supports the Secretary-General's view, expressed in paragraph 2 of his report, that such "diplomatic efforts and hard-won achievements must be preserved and built upon". South Africa welcomes the fact that Iran has complied with all its nuclear-related commitments as confirmed by the fifteenth report of the International Atomic Energy Agency, submitted to the Council on 31 May. It continues to be crucial for Iran to continue to comply with the provisions of the JCPOA. It is important that all the remaining parties to the JCPOA fully implement and comply with the provisions of the agreement. South Africa deeply regrets the decision by the United States to withdraw from the JCPOA.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking the briefers for their detailed and insightful presentations. My delegationjoins others in welcoming the seventh report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/492) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), and I want to reaffirm South Africa's commitment to its full implementation. South Africa welcomed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the greatest diplomatic achievement in the area of nuclear non-proliferation since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test- Ban Treaty in 1996. The JCPOA is a milestone deal, reached on 14 July 2015 after 12 years of intense diplomatic efforts and complex negotiations by China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa remains committed to protecting the fundamental interests of all Syrian people, maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and preserving the basic norms governing international relations.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8561 (2019) · source
“While people remain at Rukban, it is essential that they be provided with the assistance they require. We call on the relevant parties to ensure that the required permissions for additional aid convoys are granted. With regard to the Syrian Golan, South Africa would like to reiterate its position that this territory remains illegally occupied, and calls on Israel to adhere to the Council's various resolutions and to withdraw from all occupied territories. The annexation of territory seized through the use of force is in violation of international law and must be condemned. In order to ensure long- term peace and security in the Middle East, it is vital that international law be respected and upheld.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8561 (2019) · source
“As stated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/508), the humanitarian situation remains dire, particularly in the light of the increasing violence in north-western Syria, which has led thousands of civilians to flee the area. The situation in various camps throughout Syria is also of concern. The upcoming summer season is expected to lead to additional challenges to the already strained humanitarian assistance response. We therefore call on all parties to ensure that the required humanitarian assistance is being provided to all those who require it, wherever they may be. In that regard, while we welcome the efforts of the United Nations and the Syrian Government in assisting those who are able to leave Rukban camp; many more are unable to do so at this time due to various challenges, including lack of resources.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8561 (2019) · source
“South Africa believes that the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian- owned and Syrian-led dialogue. The efforts of all stakeholders in that regard are undermined by the continued escalation of violence in some parts of Syria. In that connection, we call on all parties to fully implement all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2254 (2015), on the political road map, and 2449 (2018), on cross-border humanitarian access. We also call for the full implementation of the September 2018 ceasefire memorandum and the recent ceasefire brokered between Russia and Turkey. South Africa calls on all parties to adhere to the provisions contained in the ceasefire agreements.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8561 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Mr. David Lillie, Executive Director of the Syrian American Medical Society; and Major General Bakin, of the Russian Reconciliation Centre, for their briefings on the situation in Syria. I am also looking forward to hearing from our colleague, the Permanent Representative of Syria. At the outset, South Africa would like to pay tribute to the humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in this devastating war. These men and women put the lives of those they chose to help before their own and paid the ultimate price. We thank them and honour their sacrifice. In that regard, we must do all we can to end the conflict in Syria so as to ensure that these courageous men and women did not lose their lives in vain.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8561 (2019) · source
“The Council must take note of that. Peace in Israel is a wish all of us pray for every day, because we all pray for peace for Israelis. They are our people. But it will happen only when Palestine is free and enjoying peace. The Council should assist both those two communities - Israelis and Palestinians - in finding peace for the sake of their children and future generations.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source