YouSaid · the spoken record

Mele Colifa

lines on the record: 408
first: 2018-03-08
most recent: 2019-12-11
sittings or episodes: 63
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

“The 32nd Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa at the beginning of the year, praised the efforts of the Government of Burundi to prepare for free, democratic and peaceful elections in 2020 by setting up appropriate mechanisms in accordance with the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement of 2000.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“We should at this point express our satisfaction at the strong political will the Government of Burundi has shown by fully financing the electoral process that will culminate in the 2020 elections, thereby demonstrating its desire to take ownership of the electoral process. Our delegation therefore congratulates the Burundian Government on its very high level of political will to bring about and entrench the calm and political stability that prevail in that brotherly country of Central Africa today. Our delegation is not the only one to express such congratulations to the Burundian Government.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“We encourage the Government and all those involved to continue promoting inter-Burundian dialogue with a view to the Burundians themselves taking ownership of the process and the holding of transparent, peaceful and inclusive elections. In that context, we must acknowledge that today in Burundi there is a return to normalcy after the attempts at destabilization that followed the 2015 elections. Today Burundi has democratically elected institutions across the nation. They will be renewed in the same way in the 2020 elections, the preparations for which are taking place in a peaceful and calm atmosphere.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda, current Chair of the East African Community, so as to maintain support for the inclusive inter-Burundian dialogue in the run-up to the next elections, which are scheduled for 2020. As we have often said, we believe and are convinced that respect for the constitutional order of each country defines and upholds what constitutes modern States today and therefore guarantees their stability and plurality. We appreciate the efforts made by the stakeholders involved in the inter-Burundian dialogue, which led to the signing of the Kayanza road map for the 2020 general elections and the appointment of the new members of the National Independent Electoral Commission.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): We thank Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, Mr. Smai'l Chergui, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, and Ambassador Jiirg Lauber, Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, for their briefings updating us on the situation in Burundi. We appreciate the efforts and work of Mr. Benjamin Mkapa, facilitator of the inter-Burundian dialogue, whose final report was presented at the East African Community regional summit, which coincided with the end of his term of office. We hope that that work will be continued by His Excellency Mr.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Therefore we support a technical extension of the mandate for a few months until the dust settles, which we hope will be soon. We would like to conclude by demanding that the international community refrain from interfering in the political process taking place in the Sudan. Any action by third parties, including this Council, must be in line with the interests of the Sudanese people and within the parameters set by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“It is imperative not only to put an end to the violence but also to ensure the protection of civilians and their fundamental rights. The disproportionate use of force, in particular when it leads to indiscriminate deaths, is unacceptable and cannot go unpunished. We call on the Sudanese authorities to return to the road map outlined by the African Union. Any course of action taken must fit within the parameters set by that regional organization. In that regard, we applaud the rapprochement between the parties in conflict that has taken place in recent days and hope that it will continue in the same vein. In the light of the renewal of the UNAMID mandate, which is due to expire shortly, my delegation, like others, advocates treading cautiously. It would be counterproductive to reconfigure the mission or continue with plans previously made.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“We should encourage greater support for the political process led by the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. Although today's meeting concerns Darfur, we cannot ignore the events taking place in Khartoum. My country welcomes and applauds the firm stance taken by the African Union and its institutions, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that the will of the noble Sudanese people is carried out. My country, together with its African brothers and colleagues, South Africa and Cote d'Ivoire, already issued a joint communique last week in which we made our position quite clear. We will reiterate it here today. Equatorial Guinea appeals to the sense of historic responsibility of the Transitional Military Council to rise to the occasion by facilitating a democratic transition led by civilians.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“We commend the work that the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) has conducted since its deployment to date, in an environment that bears no resemblance to the one that existed when its mandate was established. In particular, we are especially satisfied with the weapons- collection programme. The full implementation of that programme is essential not only for maintaining the current peace in Darfur but also with a view to establishing definitive and lasting peace, in particular in the zone ofJebel Marra, where pacification is crucial. We encourage UNAMID to extend the weapons- collection campaign to rural areas. Similarly, we deplore the slow progress of the political process underway on the basis of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank Under-Secretary- General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Assistant Secretary- General Andrew Gilmour for their pertinent briefings. The Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is extremely concerned about development of events in the Sudan - a historic land to which we can wish only peace and prosperity. We reiterate our strong national belief in the position of the African Union with respect to unconstitutional changes of Government. We deplore the acts of violence that serve only to undermine peace in the country, thereby endangering the lives of the Sudanese people.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“Extensive, close cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is essential and demands that we join forces to expand partnerships with a view to doing more effective, efficient and transparent work. In conclusion, Equatorial Guinea would like to emphasize the importance of increasing the participation of women and expanding their numbers in conflict prevention and mediation missions. Their involvement in mediation processes would help us to better understand the causes of conflicts as well as alternative solutions to them. We reiterate our thanks to all the countries that contribute troops and police to those missions, as their efforts and sacrifices make the daily struggle to maintain international peace and security possible.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“We encourage all Member States to adhere to that doctrine and to accept the good offices of the Secretary-General as crucial elements for preventing and mediating conflicts. Based on Chapter VI of the Charter, the Security Council has all the tools necessary for the impartial mediation of any dispute that puts our main goals or others of a similar nature at risk. We therefore urge States to use the resources available to them appropriately, prioritizing principles such as respect for the sovereignty of all States and non-interference in internal affairs, as well as other principles of conflict mediation founded on international law.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“Multilateralism is the highest expression, at the governmental level, of the quest for a world of peace, prosperity, justice and human rights -the founding pillars ofthe United Nations itself. Multilateralism makes it possible to resolve issues and conflicts in a formal partnership between States and parties to disputes, and it is necessary in that regard to support and promote the Secretary-General's work for preventive diplomacy. We welcome the Secretary- General's vision for focusing the Organization's efforts in the peace and security arena on prevention and the expansion of diplomacy for peace, which affirms the founding mission of the United Nations with the aim of replacing a culture of reaction with one of prevention.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, my delegation thanks the delegation of Kuwait for having convened this meeting of vital importance. We thank His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres for his extensive and exhaustive briefing. We also thank Her Excellency Ms. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, and His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-Moon for their wise and enlightening statements. As indicated in ChapterI ofthe Charter ofthe United Nations, the purpose of our Organization is to maintain international peace and security through the prevention and resolution of conflicts. We believe multilateralism to be one of the main factors involved in achieving our conflict prevention objectives.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we appreciate the good work being done by governmental, humanitarian and human rights organizations and peacekeeping missions in searching for and identifying missing civilians, and we encourage them to strengthen those efforts. We also request that this be reflected in the annual reports of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“In that context, we would like to acknowledge the commendable commitment and work of the International Committee of the Red Cross to make visible at the global level the experiences of associations of missing persons in the world and its initiatives to find solutions to the problem of disappeared people across the globe, particularly through its Central Tracing Agency. We encourage States to continue to collaborate and support it in that regard. This meeting is a step forward in terms of strengthening the Security Council's work in the area of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. We believe that focusing on disappeared persons in armed conflicts is a key element in that area because of its impact on international peace and security, for which the Council is responsible.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“There are obligations under international humanitarian law designed to prevent people's disappearance, hold accountable those who are responsible for such disappearances, and ensure that those obligations are met during an armed conflict, not just after hostilities have ended. That includes being committed to finding the disappeared through records and the appropriate handling of human remains, among other measures. In that regard, it is the responsibility of the conflicting parties to establish effective mechanisms and measures to determine the whereabouts of disappeared civilians and refrain from using disappearance as a military tactic, so that the families and communities of the disappeared can move forward, without underlying tensions and with trust between communities and institutions.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“Accordingly, the Republic of Equatorial Guineajoins the Secretary-General's call for the parties to conflicts to ensure respect for international humanitarian law in relation to disappeared civilians, prevent enforced disappearances, take all possible measures to account for persons reported missing and defend their families' right to receive information about their fate and whereabouts. The primary responsibility to protect the civilian population belongs to individual States. However, when that is not possible, and when States request it, the international community, including humanitarian organizations, can provide support, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including full respect for the sovereignty of States and based on a just and legitimate cause.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“It is one of the most harmful and lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, not only affecting people and families who face economic, legal and mental health challenges, but also with significant repercussions for the resolution of conflicts, the sustainability and consolidation of peace and sustainable development. We know that although the available data on people who have disappeared during conflict is not exhaustive, the International Committee of the Red Cross estimates that some 140,000 people have disappeared around the world, 36,000 of them in Africa, and many of them as a result of armed conflicts.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“As we in the Council can confirm, the growing complexity of armed conflicts increases their multidimensional impact on the civilian population while making the work of States, humanitarian and peacekeeping personnel to protect civilians in those contexts more difficult. As we have seen in the work of the Council, one aspect of armed conflict's impact on people is the increased vulnerability of the groups that most need social protection in these circumstances, such as children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and minorities. Another is the impact that people's disappearance has on their loved ones.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, the delegation of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea would like to thank the delegation of Kuwait for organizing this important briefing on missing persons in armed conflict, as well as for its excellent leadership with respect to resolution 2474 (2019), which the Council has just adopted and which we were proud to sponsor. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ms. Reena Ghelani, Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, for their insightful briefings.”
2019-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8543 (2019) · source
“Once again, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia, and appreciates its continued efforts to facilitate an inclusive, peaceful and political solution to the situation. We encourage UNMIK to continue to achieve its goals and priorities to promote security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo. We also commend the support it provides to all communities in Kosovo and all regional and international actors.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“For these reasons, we call on the parties to intensify their commitment and efforts to generate the conditions conducive to a constructive dialogue and thereby the resumption of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. This would demonstrate their commitment to improving and protecting the rule of law, as well as safeguarding the good relations of trust among communities throughout Kosovo, thereby promoting development, peace and security in Kosovo. In conclusion, we believe that all parties should continue to act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and within the framework of resolution 1244 (1999) and existing agreements so that, through dialogue, they can find a peaceful and lasting solution that benefits everyone.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“We therefore encourage them to continue these efforts with the aim of achieving stability on the ground and respecting the implementation of the agreements reached. We also wish to highlight the fact that the reporting period also saw some significant progress. In this regard, we welcome the new measures taken in the fight against corruption, progress in the prevention of violent extremism and support for initiatives to facilitate the return of displaced persons throughout the region, as well as other projects that are being carried out on the ground, with the help of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, UNMIK and the United Nations team, to foster dialogue and trust between the parties.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“During our last briefing on Kosovo (see S/PV.8459), several members of the Council expressed our concern about the impact that the decision to increase tariffs on the importation of Serbian and Bosnian products would have on the normalization of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. As reflected in the Secretary-General's report, this decision is resulting in an escalation of tensions between the parties and undermining diplomatic efforts to reach a final agreement on the Kosovo issue. Likewise, we are also concerned that, during the reporting period, no meetings were held between Belgrade and Pristina. In this regard, we remind the parties that ensuring security and stability in Kosovo requires the commitment of both parties to pursuing the dialogue.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“We echo the words of Mr. Tanin in highlighting the need for all parties to commit themselves to respect the principles of law and dignity for all, to work constructively together with the United Nations and to refrain from any action that could lead to the escalation of tensions in order to maintain calm and security on the ground. As reflected in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/46l) and Mr. Tanin's briefing, the situation in the Kosovo region is still worrying. The lack of progress in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions of the parties are having a negative effect on the situation on the ground and hindering initiatives to relaunch a productive dialogue between the parties.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), and Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, for their informative briefings on the progress made in recent months in Kosovo. I also thank His Excellency Mr. Ivica Daeie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and to Ms. Vlora Citaku, Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States, for their statements. Equatorial Guinea wishes to express its concern and condemn the events that took place in the north of Kosovo on 28 May, during which two United Nations personnel were detained by the Kosovo police.”
2019-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8541 (2019) · source
“We believe that it demonstrates the commitment and desire to use accurate information in order to avoid taking decisions that do not reflect the reality of the conflicts we deal with. Lastly, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea commends and acknowledges the efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths, Lieutenant General Lollesgaard, Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, humanitarian agencies and international contributors. We encourage everyone to continue to support the people of Yemen at this difficult time.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“The report states that by the end of the year approximately 233,000 people will have lost their lives in the conflict in Yemen - 140,000 of them will be children under the age of 5. From our perspective, it illustrates the high level of crime to which Yemen's civilians are being or have been subjected. Ms. Fore's briefing today highlights the catastrophic situation on the ground. My delegation condemns and denounces any action that could prolong that calamitous situation. Before concluding, my delegation commends the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) for organizing and conducting the important visit to the countries of the region in order to obtain first-hand information on the status of implementation of the sanctions.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“With regard to the humanitarian issue, we are concerned about the challenging situation faced by millions of people who lack food, access to drinking water and the necessary medical care, and by children exposed to the threat of cholera and other diseases. Similarly, we regret the difficulties faced by humanitarian agencies, which cannot gain access to all in need. We hope that the Government of Yemen and the Houthi leaders will provide the necessary coverage for such personnel and their humanitarian services. A discouraging statistic we received at the beginning of the month can be found in the report commissioned by the United Nations from a professor at the University of Denver, who is an expert at its Josef Korbel School of International Studies.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“Griffiths said previously and reiterated today, United Nations teams were able to conduct monitoring patrols on the first day of the withdrawal of Houthi troops from those areas, whose security then became the responsibility of the coast guard. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the implementation of the first phase as regards the concept of broader redeployment in Al-Hudaydah, in line with the Stockholm Agreement. We encourage the Government of Yemen to respond accordingly to such action by the Houthis by upholding its commitment under the first phase, when requested by the United Nations. Similarly, we implore the parties to continue their collaboration in the next steps in order to make progress on the remaining aspects of the Stockholm Agreement.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“My country has always been very concerned about the ceaseless suffering inflicted on millions as a result of the war that has been raging in the country since March 2015. When Mr. Griffiths informed us last month (see S/PV.8512) that both the Government and Houthi opposition forces had finally accepted the first phase of the Stockholm Agreement - pertaining to the withdrawal of forces from the city of Al-Hudaydah and its port, as well as those of Saleef and Ras Isa - it was difficult to believe that the withdrawal would have been possible so soon. However, it made us all the more keen to see it come to pass. Indeed, as Mr.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, my delegation would like to express its gratitude for the valuable briefings just provided by Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Ms. Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF; and Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). Their complementary input provides us with a general overview of the current circumstances of the conflict. Like other Council members, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is closely following events in Yemen.”
2019-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8525 (2019) · source
“We encourage all members of the Council and the international community to take urgent action in response to these events by taking measures to protect civilians and medical personnel, as well as civilian infrastructure. In conclusion, it is important to bear in mind that the current situation in Libya has serious regional repercussions. It directly and adversely affects the migrants and refugees stranded there who have remained or been returned to Libyan territory, which makes the situation even more complex against the backdrop of existing tensions.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“The Libyan people are clamouring desperately for it, and this body must act accordingly. The continuing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Libya remain a concern, as does the commission of war crimes with total impunity. By way of example, explosive weapons are being used indiscriminately in civilian areas and innocent people are being murdered, as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General rightly indicated in his press release of 17 April. This matter falls under the purview of the Criminal Court, which must therefore take action in accordance with the legally established procedures.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“The international community expects the criteria and the will of the International Criminal Court in prosecuting crimes to be uniform, and that it will carry out its tasks with objectivity, credibility and impartiality while ensuring that its cases are not politicized. The tragic deterioration of the situation in Libya in recent weeks, which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and in injury to thousands, is intolerable and should not be accepted. We are deeply worried about the seriousness of the current situation. We therefore believe that at this point the priority should be to stop the fighting, immediately establish a ceasefire and bring the Libyans back to the negotiating table to re-establish peace in Libya, since only inclusive negotiations can enable peace to be achieved and normality restored to this battered country.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Before I begin my statement, I would like to express our full solidarity with the Libyan people who continue to suffer the barbarity of war to this day. My delegation would like to express its gratitude and congratulations to Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, for her comprehensive briefing today on her seventeenth report to the Council and for her commitment to executing her functions. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea promotes respect for international law and international humanitarian law. We therefore commend the major efforts of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, in the area of accountability and impunity. We hope they continue unchanged and with the same intensity, regardless of the origin of the accused.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“Those advances are an indication that only by working together with a view to the future can stability and prosperity be achieved. To conclude, we cannot but regret the divisive rhetorical statements that are jeopardizing all the achievements and efforts made by the parties towards reconciliation between the different ethnic groups and communities. We consider that there is still much to do, so that we must continue to work towards a vision of a common future that will help to foster a lasting national unity. In that regard, we encourage the parties to put ethnic divisions behind them, refrain from divisive rhetoric and focus their efforts on creating favourable conditions for the achievement of national reconciliation and lasting peace in the country with a view to creating a united, prosperous and secure Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We encourage the continued development of efforts and solutions, especially with regard to the electoral system in the city of Mostar, where no local elections have been held since 2008. For those reasons, we call on the parties to work together to strengthen the rule of law, continue efforts to contain and eliminate ethnic divisions, crime, corruption, Violent extremism and terrorism, and intensify their efforts to implement the 5+2 agenda, which are necessary for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. On the other hand, we are greatly encouraged by the positive achievements and developments during the reporting period, such as the progress on economic reform and Bosnia and Herzegovina's continued engagement in the process of Union European integration.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“Therefore, we believe it is important to highlight two points in Mr. Inzko's report that we believe are crucial in that context. First, we note with concern that six months after the general elections of October 2018, it has not been possible to form a Government. As the report underlines, those delays - in the formation of the Federation Government and of the State Council of Ministers and the appointments of some cantonal governments - both reflect and can have an impact on the divisions and tensions that exist between the different ethnic groups in the country. Secondly, we would like to encourage a focus on pre-emptive and peacekeeping initiatives. In that regard, we encourage the Bosnian people to continue their efforts towards commitment to the rule of law and respect for the judiciary and its binding decisions.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to join the members of the Security Council who have preceded me in welcoming Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thanking him for his report (S/2019/364, annex) on the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea reiterates its full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and we commend the commitment of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, within his mandate, to promote the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. We recognize the efforts made by all Bosnians over the past decade to achieve national unity and sustainable peace.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“In that same vein, it would be advisable to take measures to further strengthen the Astana process, with the incorporation of additional States as observers. We share the View that the participation of additional States in this negotiating process will make the solutions reached in the rounds of consultations even more robust at the international level. I would conclude my statement by encouraging the Special Envoy once again to continue investigating all possible opportunities to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of the formation of the committee and by reiterating the firm commitment of my Government to a political solution to the conflict in the framework of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In the current context, we must be objective and recognize that there is no longer room for eventualities or expectations, and that the constitutional committee should be formed as soon as possible. The political process in Syria would begin only after the formation of the constitutional committee, and, as we have stated recently, we are fully aware of the fact that it remains difficult to set specific dates for the formation of the committee and the launching of its work. For that reason, we once again urge the parties, especially the Syrian authorities, to take the necessary measures, give priority to their cooperation with the Special Envoy and actively expedite the culmination of the process.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“We welcome the meetings held recently by the Special Envoy in Damascus and Geneva and in the framework of the Astana process to discuss the formation and launch of the work of the constitutional committee. We would recall that the bilateral and trilateral rounds of talks held on 25 and 26 April in Nur-Sultan were focused primarily on ensuring that progress is made in the efforts ofthe parties to reactivate the political process, the need for constitutional reform and the holding of free and fair elections, and on the reaffirmation of Geneva as the venue for the achievement of a permanent political solution to the conflict in Syria, as agreed in January 2018 in Sochi.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“We thank the Special Envoy, Mr. Pedersen, for his updated briefing on the work he has done since his most recent report to the Council (see S/PV.8475). We are aware that much remains to be done in Syria. As we seek a way to put an end to the terrorist groups operating in Idlib based on the Russian-Turkish agreements and defeat the main terrorist forces, it is necessary to focus on fully stabilizing the situation on the ground and on promoting a political solution pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015). We must therefore be fully determined to step up efforts to form the constitutional committee so as to give genuine impetus to the political process aimed at putting an end to the eight years of war in Syria.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“The third Brussels Conference, which succeeded in raising approximately $7 billion in aid to fund the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Syria and the region, attested to the international community's solidarity with the Syrian people and neighbouring countries. Donors and Member States must now urgently fulfil their commitments, as the Secretary-General has stressed. In conclusion, in looking forward to the next meeting in Astana, we reiterate our firm commitment to finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis within the framework of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“That is, however, an extreme challenge, given the situation in the Rukban and Al-Hol camps, which are sheltering thousands of people subsisting in appalling conditions. That is the most horrific aspect of the war, as the needs of the population remain extremely critical in all areas. Given such a deplorable situation, it is necessary that a consensus be reached on the importance ofmeeting the urgent and immediate needs of those displaced and traumatized people. In that regard, we welcome the ongoing arrangements to ensure the deployment of a third humanitarian convoy to the Rukban settlement, although we believe that it would be better to come up with sustainable solutions or, where appropriate, to move people to other collective shelters. There no longer remains any doubt as to the urgent need to take action in Syria.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the demilitarized zone must be respected so as to prevent the further mass displacement of the population and shield schools, hospitals and other vital civilian infrastructure. Accordingly, we must ensure the recovery of children affected by the conflict, including by restoring schools, improved access to education for all, the provision of adequate child protection services and the removal of explosive remnants of war and landmines. The priority of the Security Council must be to protect the lives of the millions of innocent civilians. Our priority and moral duty is to ensure that the people - most of whom are women, children and persons with disabilities - survive.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“It is worth reminding the parties that, in their counter-terrorist operations, they must always fulfil their obligation to respect the rights of and protect civilians, while ensuring timely, sustained and unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the north-western, north- eastern and all other parts of Syria. Any further hostilities in Idlib would undoubtedly have a devastating impact on civilians. Every effort must be made to prevent the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law so that civilians are spared from the worst impact of the fighting. It is imperative that the Security Council be more united and work collectively to avoid further military escalation in north-west Syria.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“The Government of Equatorial Guinea remains concerned about the escalation of violence in Syria, especially in the north-western part of the country where several terrorist groups and illegal armed groups have entrenched themselves. While it is a fact that the Syrian Government controls most of its territory and that the situation in the province of Idlib needs to be resolved as soon as possible, the need for the parties to the conflict to refrain from large-scale military operations nevertheless remains. Concerning that governorate, which is key to the outcome of the conflict, it is necessary that the parties realize that any major military attack in the north- western part of the country would not only endanger the lives of thousands of people but also hinder the work of humanitarian agencies.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source