YouSaid · the spoken record

Michon

lines on the record: 121
first: 2018-03-30
most recent: 2020-07-14
sittings or episodes: 23
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 peace process in Colombia might be facing challenges, of whose significance we are well aware, but France, in its national capacity and as a member of the Security Council and of the European Union, will continue to lend its support to all those in Colombia who strive to overcome those challenges every day.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“The presence of internally displaced persons and refugees, particularly from Venezuela, is a burden on Colombian society and its economy. Those people must not be sidelined, especially in terms of access to health services in the context of the pandemic. We would like to pay tribute to Colombia’s generosity in welcoming the migrants and refugees. We also recall the support of the European Union, notably as demonstrated at the Brussels conference of 26 May. Finally, we hope that the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, which the Council endorsed on 1 July in resolution 2532 (2020), will contribute to the further entrenchment of peace in Colombia, wherever armed groups continue to use violence.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We share the hope that the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia will contribute to the legitimacy of this transitional justice process. The peace agreement has also provided original solutions on many other points to address the root causes of the conflict in Colombia, in particular through the illicit crop substitution programme, which should be strengthened, the principle of rural reform, greater political participation and responses to ethnic issues, including the situation of persons belonging to the Afro-Colombian minority, and the issue of gender equality. We support the efforts of the Government and of all peace stakeholders to strengthen their work in those areas. We are also aware that the pandemic is not the only challenge facing Colombia.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We believe that it is more necessary than ever to strengthen the response in that regard, including in the areas of protection and the prosecution of perpetrators of such acts. In that regard, progress by the National Commission on Security Guarantees is expected. The Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition is a cornerstone of the peace agreement, as we have regularly stressed in the Security Council. We have noted with interest the desire of the parties in Colombia to entrust the United Nations with a role in verifying compliance with the sanctions of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which are one of the most innovative aspects of the peace agreement and should therefore be strengthened and legitimized to the maximum extent possible.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“They have our full support in that effort. As we well know, the long-term success of the peace agreement depends on the coherent implementation of all its parts. We note that the reintegration efforts have continued in recent months despite the pandemic and the impact of the lockdown on productive projects. Efforts to reintegrate ex-combatants into the health system are particularly important in that context. Unfortunately, however, killings of former combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders have also continued in recent months, as Ms. Carabalí Rodallega poignantly described in her personal testimony. Not only has the pandemic not decreased the pace of the killings, but illegal armed groups and criminal organizations have taken advantage of the situation to expand their territorial control.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Carlos Ruiz Massieu Aguirre, and the civil society representative, Clemencia Carabalí Rodallega, for their briefings. I would also like to welcome the participation in this meeting of the Colombian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Claudia Blum de Barberi. I wish first to express France’s solidarity with the Colombian Government and people in the fight against the coronavirus disease. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic also weighs heavily on the implementation of the peace agreement, especially on the most vulnerable communities. In that context, the Colombian Government and the various stakeholders have made serious efforts to ensure that the gains made in the implementation of the peace agreement are preserved.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We welcome the progress that has been made since the beginning of 2020, with the three visits by the new coordinator of the Panel of Experts to Mogadishu and the discussions that were begun with regard to priority cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Panel of Experts. We believe that these efforts are headed in the right direction and respond in part to the expectations of the Council. It is now vital that all Panel experts be able to carry out their work in a free and independent manner through regular visits to Somalia, on the basis of the mandate that was given to them by the Council.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“My second point concerns the fight against the funding of Al-Shabaab. For our part, we hope that the Panel of Experts will begin to work together with the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in analysing Al-Shabaab’s revenue sources and on mapping that terrorist group’s illegal taxation system, as requested by the Council in resolution 2498 (2019), of 15 November 2019. This is a complex but important task that will contribute to strengthening our collective action against Al-Shabaab’s funding. We therefore call on all Member States to cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts on this issue. My third and last point involves the cooperation of the Somali authorities with the Panel of Experts, which has been a difficult subject over the past couple of months.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for your statement and your visit to Mogadishu and to reiterate to you France’s full support in your work. I should like to touch on to three points. The first relates to the arms embargo, which remains an essential tool for moving towards sustainable peace in Somalia. The embargo limits the trafficking of arms and ammunition to Somalia and prevents terrorist groups from obtaining them. The embargo also makes it possible to support the federal Somali authorities in their efforts to reform the security sector and improve their capacity to manage arms and munitions. In addition, notification and exemption procedures enable them to obtain the equipment that they require for their defence and security forces.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8735 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, this situation will likely recur in other regions of the world. That is why we believe that conflict prevention must fully integrate an analysis of the security impacts of climate change. In that context, we call on the United Nations to conduct a periodic analysis of the security risks of climate change throughout the world — not only areas of conflict — based on information provided by United Nations agencies and on their capacity for conflict analysis. As SIPRI did in the case of Somalia, such analyses must include recommendations for preventive measures to be implemented, first and foremost by the national authorities but also by development partners, regional organizations and United Nations agencies.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, with regard to climate change, France welcomes the briefing delivered by the Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It is evident that climate change is a major factor in the conflict in Somalia. As explained by the SIPRI representative, episodes of drought followed by floods and, more recently, the invasion of locusts, both caused by climate disruption, significant affect Somalia’s humanitarian and security situation. As in many other places affected by climate change, the increase in the number of internally displaced persons and forced population displacements, combined with the scarcity of natural resources and food insecurity, are exacerbating tensions between displaced people and host communities and stoke the flames of intercommunal rivalries.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The Somali federal authorities must therefore step up their efforts if they hope to control the entire territory, including through the implementation of a credible force-generation plan and the integration of regional forces into the Somali National Army. With regard to AMISOM in particular, France is of the view that the European Union must of course continue to provide the Mission with financial support, but that, in return, the Somali federal authorities must speed up the implementation of security reforms and resume their cooperation with the federal member States. In that connection, we stand ready to participate actively in the discussions on future international engagement in Somalia after 2021. Those discussions must include all actors involved in Somalia.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Those uncertainties must be quickly clarified so that the 2020 and 2021 elections can be held on schedule, in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner, and based on the principle of one-person, one-vote. We also call on the Somali authorities to broaden the democratic space so as to enable the participation of all political parties and civil society, and to lift all restrictions on the freedoms of expression and assembly. Thirdly, with regard to the security situation, France remains concerned about the frequency of attacks by Al-Shabaab, particularly in Mogadishu. In that context, we note that it is critical to continue to implement the security transition plan from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the Somali security forces.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“In that connection, we welcome the mediation efforts undertaken in December by the United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the European Union, but regret that the Somali authorities did not follow up on them. Secondly, with regard to the 2020 and 2021 elections, France takes note of the enactment of the electoral law. While that is a positive step in furtherance of the commitments made at the latest Somalia Partnership Forum, uncertainties remain regarding key issues, in particular with regard to the definition of electoral constituencies, the representation of federal member states and the implementation of the 30 per cent quota for women, whose full and effective participation is essential.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank our three speakers for their briefings and to reiterate France’s full support for the Special Representative. I would like to stress four points. First, France is concerned about the stalemate in relations between the Somali Federal Government and certain federal member states, which has lasted more than 18 months and is a major obstacle to the completion of crucial projects for Somalia. Dialogue must resume immediately, particularly between the Somali federal authorities and the authorities of Jubaland and Puntland.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We are therefore at a critical juncture, and the coming weeks should allow us to confirm that Guinea-Bissau is truly committed to the path of sustainable stabilization. The supporting role of the region and, more broadly, of the international community and the Council, will continue to be important in the period ahead, and the authorities of Guinea-Bissau can count on France’s support for all those efforts.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“In that context, France supports the implementation of the transition plan for the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau that we decided in the Security Council, with a view to the Office’s closure at the end of the year. However, as the transfer of the Office’s various activities begins to take place, we call for the mission in support of security sector reform — which is particularly crucial for the long-term stability of the country — to be effectively taken over. Finally, continued progress, as noted by several speakers, in the fight against organized crime, in particular drug trafficking, will require a strong and sustained commitment from the authorities of Guinea-Bissau, as well as continued support from the international community.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“But despite the progress, the situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fragile. We are still awaiting confirmation of the results of the presidential elections by Guinea-Bissau’s Supreme Court, and we hope that the electoral process will be completed as soon as possible and in accordance with the rule of law. The current situation illustrates the extent to which the process in Guinea-Bissau remains to be consolidated. Beyond the elections, as others have said, the restoration of lasting peace and stability also requires significant progress in other areas, including the set of political reforms provided for in the Conakry Agreement of 2016, in particular the revision of the Constitution, which must now be implemented as soon as possible by the new authorities.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“These positive developments also owe much to the support of the international community in its various components, and I would like to pay tribute in particular to the States of ECOWAS, whose unfailing political, economic and military commitment has borne fruit and which, as we have heard, continues to remain very committed to supporting their regional partner. I also wish to commend the positive role of the Peacebuilding Commission, under the leadership of Ambassador Vieira, and now Ambassador Costa Filho, and the role of the Peacebuilding Fund projects in contributing to the current results. The developments I mentioned serve to show that all the tools we have collectively deployed to respond to this crisis, including the sanctions that have been decided by the Council, have been effective.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“Mr. Michon (spoke in French) (France): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Rosine Sori-Coulibaly, and Ambassador Costa Filho, who chairs the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, for their briefings. I would also like to welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Niger, which is currently chairing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). First of all, I would like to welcome the holding of the presidential elections last November and December. After a period of great uncertainty, the conduct of the polls in peaceful conditions was a major step forward. I would like to commend the responsible attitude of all of Guinea-Bissau’s civilian and military actors who made it possible to reach that stage.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“Respect for human rights, the freedoms of expression, religion and belief, and the rule of law, as well as inclusion and social cohesion, are the sine qua non of any strategy to prevent and combat terrorism. The efforts of actors, including non-State actors, constitute another condition for success in that fight. I have already mentioned actors such as companies, including Internet companies, but I would also like to recall the importance of civil society actors, whose contribution to countering hate speech and strengthening the resilience of societies is essential. In conclusion, I once again welcome Ms. Freij to our discussion today and thank her for her briefing on today’s topic. France will remain committed to combating terrorism, on all fronts, in order to eradicate the threat.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We supported the establishment of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, through resolution 2379 (2017), and the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. That is the first step in the fight against impunity. We will continue to support those efforts so that victims can receive reparations. Lastly, our fourth priority is to ensure that the fight against terrorism is conducted with full respect for human rights law and international humanitarian law. That fight must not be used as a pretext for discrimination against any religious group.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“They need money to conduct their activities, recruit new candidates and spread their hate speech. Efforts made over the past 20 years to dry up those resources must continue, in line with resolution 2462 (2019). Our third priority is to work tirelessly to ensure that the reprehensible crimes committed by Da’esh do not go unpunished. Too many civilians, including women and children, have been the victims of crimes that, in addition to qualifying as acts of terrorism, might constitute, among other things, war crimes or crimes against humanity.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“While prevention is necessary, we must also adapt our legislation and mechanisms in order to prosecute and provide support for those lured by the false promises of terrorist groups. That is a complex undertaking, given the diverse profiles of the men and women concerned. For several years now, France has taken several measures to address such situations and attaches particular importance to the care and monitoring of minors who have returned or been repatriated from Syria and Iraq. Our second priority is to combat terrorist financing. As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/95) mentions, terrorist groups, even if cut off from their territorial base, continue to prosper, thanks to resources derived from ordinary crimes, organized fraud, kidnapping, extortion and trafficking in weapons, drugs and art, to name but a few examples.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“That will require the commitment of all stakeholders, including on the Internet, which can be used to spread terrorist propaganda and connect terrorist groups and those who wish to join them. France is at the forefront in that fight. We are proud to have launched the Christchurch Appeal, along with New Zealand, which has already brought together about 50 countries, organizations and major Internet companies. France also supports the European Union’s draft legislation requiring Internet companies to remove terrorist content within one hour. Without undermining our commitment to the freedom of expression, the aim is not to let the Internet become a sanctuary for, or tool used by, terrorist groups.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“First, the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/95) notes the ongoing threat, particularly in Syria and Iraq, where Da’esh has been beaten but not completely defeated. The collective priority for the region must therefore be to continue the efforts of the Global Coalition against Da’esh in the Levant to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group. In that context, France wishes to remain militarily engaged in Iraq, at the request of the Baghdad authorities and in full respect for its sovereignty. The fight for security, however, will not be enough so long as terrorist ideology continues to recruit adherents. It is therefore critical to prevent terrorist radicalization.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I would first like to warmly thank our briefers for their briefings on the threat posed by Da’esh. I would also like to salute the courage of Ms. Freij, who spurs us to pursue our efforts to eliminate the terrorist threat, particularly Da’esh. The military defeats suffered by Da’esh show that the collective efforts in the fight against terrorism have made it lose its territorial foothold. But it is clear that this struggle will bear fruit only if we act everywhere and at all levels, because the Da’esh threat has not been eradicated. The group is still present underground in the Levant and has spread through its franchises all over the world. In that connection, I would like to stress four priorities that must guide our efforts to combat the influence of this terror organization.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Before concluding, I would like to reiterate the importance France attaches to smooth cooperation between the Somali Federal authorities and United Nations entities generally, especially the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992), concerning Somalia, which we hope will be able to conduct a visit to the country as soon as possible.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Finally, France remains concerned about the serious humanitarian situation and the ongoing violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. I particularly have in mind the acts of violence against the civilian population, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children, crimes that we know are perpetrated by terrorist groups but also, regrettably, sometimes by the Somali security forces. It is therefore essential to ensure that such violations cease and that those responsible are prosecuted. The reintegration of survivors of such violence is also essential to ensure a return to lasting peace.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“We believe that AMISOM's reconfiguration must be a gradual process and conducted in the most stable areas of the country. It is therefore essential that the Council's decisions are fully complied with. In addition, I would like to reiterate that the European Union's support for AMISOM. is part of a cooperation framework based on mutual commitment. Our significant efforts hinge on tangible results on the part of Somali's Federal authorities, both in terms of the security transition, which I have already mentioned, and on the resumption of dialogue with federal member states. This was the approach taken in the run-up to the signing of the Mutual Accountability Framework at the Somalia Partnership Forum, which we commend.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Turning to the security situation, France remains concerned about the frequency of attacks by Al-Shabaab, particularly in Mogadishu. In that context, we want to emphasize the importance of continuing to implement the plan for transitioning security from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the Somali security forces. The operations conducted in Lower Shabelle were a step in the right direction, but efforts must now continue in coordination with regional forces, AMISOM. and international partners. Of course, it is also extremely important that the Somali Federal authorities continue their force-generation efforts. With regard to AMISOM, France is paying close attention to the issue of respect for the deadlines fixed by the Council, in particular the reduction of the troop ceiling by 1,000 military personnel by 28 February 2020.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“As the Special Representative said, it is therefore urgent to see that dialogue is resumed, particularly between the Federal authorities and the authorities of Jubaland, Puntland and Galmudug. That dialogue should in no way be conditioned by time pressures surrounding local elections to the detriment of national interests. Secondly, regarding the 2020-2021 elections, France welcomes the commitment made by the Somali Federal Government at the Somalia Partnership Forum to adopting a new electoral code by the end of this year, which is a fundamental step in the process for elections to be held at the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021 in line with the principle of one person, one vote, as Ms. Ibrahim recalled, and with the full and effective participation of Somali women.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I would like to start by thanking our briefers for their statements. I also want to express our sadness on hearing ofthe death yesterday in Mogadishu of the human rights defender Ms. Almaas Elman. We offer our condolences to her family, especially Ms. Ilwad Elman, who was with us the day before yesterday (see S/PV.8668), as well as to the Governments and peoples of Somalia and Canada. We hope that the full circumstances surrounding her death will be brought to light. I would like to highlight four points today. First, with regard to the political situation in Somalia, France remains extremely concerned about the deadlock in relations between the Federal Government of Somalia and some federal member states, which represents a major obstacle to the completion of critical projects for Somalia.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Without a change in attitude on the part of the Somali authorities, we might have to reconsider our position with regard to the considerable support that the international community has been providing for the security of Somalia for years. France therefore unequivocally calls on the Somali authorities to cooperate with the new Panel of Experts as soon as its members are appointed, including by allowing it to visit the country. Lastly, I recall that we continue to believe that Eritrea must commit to working in good faith with Djibouti to resolve the border dispute between the two countries and the issue oijibouti prisoners ofwar. The Council must continue to follow those two unresolved issues, for which concrete and rapid progress would make it possible to strengthen the peace process in the region.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“For almost 10 months the Security Council has been calling on the Somali authorities to cooperate fully with the Panel, which is mandated by the Council. The chairmanship of the 751 Committee has spared no effort to find a solution. Nevertheless, the Somali authorities have continued to refuse to cooperate with the Panel of Experts, which constitutes a direct challenge to the authority of the Council. In that regard, we find it unacceptable that the Security Council should receive by letter new injunctions from the Somali Federal authorities, setting new conditions for cooperation with the current and future Panels of Experts.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“The terrorist group also generates very significant amounts of revenue from trafficking in arms, sugar and tobacco and new forms oftaxation, including on imports arriving at the port of Mogadishu. It is therefore absolutely necessary that the Somali authorities, with the support of the international community and the Security Council, intensify their vigilance and actions to combat the financing of Al-Shabaab. We also hope that the Panel of Experts, which enjoys particular expertise in this area, will be able to support the efforts of the Somali authorities in combating the financing of Al-Shabaab. My last point concerns the cooperation of the Somali federal authorities with the Panel of Experts. 1 will be very clear on this point.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“We have noted progress, but we also see that difficulties persist with regard to documented cases of weapons diverted from the Somali armed forces to be found in the black market or in the hands of members of Al-Shabaab. My second point is that we must step up the fight against the financing of Al-Shabaab. In that context, we note that no illegal Somali charcoal exports have been reported since the summer of 2018, which is good news and demonstrates that the work done by the Panel of Experts, together with certain Gulf countries, has been successful. We must, however, remain vigilant to ensure that such traffic does not resume. We know that Somali charcoal is not Al-Shabaab's only source of funding.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Ambassador of Belgium for his briefing and reiterate France's full support for the realization of his mission. I will focus on three points. The first concerns the arms embargo, which, as our United Kingdom colleague mentioned earlier, is vital. It directly impairs the ability of terrorist groups, in particular Al-Shabaab, to acquire weapons and therefore cannot be considered an impediment to combating terrorism. It also plays a useful role in preventing trafficking in arms and ammunition, especially from Yemen. Finally, above all, it provides support for the Somali authorities in reforming the security sector and improving their capacities to manage weapons and ammunition.”
2019-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8647 (2019) · source
“We are ready to positively consider that recommendation with the other members of the Security Council. In conclusion, I would like to commend, as did my American colleague, the work of the Ethiopian troops that stabilize the situation in Abyei and along the border between the Sudan and South Sudan on a daily basis.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“We support the Secretary- General's recommendation to deploy a political section within UNISFA. That is essential to allow the mission to actively support the dialogue between the parties, particularly at the local level. It would also enable the mission to better prevent local conflicts and enhance cooperation with the African Union High-level Implementation Panel. We also ask that the Sudan, in the same spirit, accept the appointment of a civilian deputy head of mission, as decided by the Council in May. With regard to a broader UNISFA mandate, we understand the rationale suggested by the Secretariat, which advocates giving the mission and the Sudanese authorities more time to implement UNISFA's reconfiguration, which was decided last year.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“In this encouraging context, it is essential that the decisions of the Security Council regarding the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) finally be implemented. France encourages the Sudanese authorities to authorize, as soon as possible, the deployment of police contingents, as decided by the Council last year. The new police forces should enable UNISFA to curb crime, particularly in the Amiet common market, and prevent the escalation of intercommunal tensions that we have witnessed, which are often linked to cattle raiding. It is also important that South Sudan cooperate in good faith in the joint establishment of the Abyei police service and that the two countries convene a meeting of the Joint Committee. Finally, we support the strengthening of the civilian component of the mission.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“This new situation inspires hope that the Abyei issue will finally be addressed with a view to achieving a political solution negotiated between the two Governments, which is the only way to prevent this dispute from becoming an endless frozen conflict. The holding of a meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism on 2 October constitutes a step forward in that direction. We hope that both countries will continue along that path. We call upon the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa to fully support the resumption of the political dialogue on Abyei and the demarcation of the border. We also encourage the African Union High-level Implementation Panel for Sudan to throw its full weight behind convincing the parties to move forward.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I wish to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga for their briefings. I would like to begin by commending the bilateral rapprochement between the Sudan and South Sudan, particularly President Salva Kiir Mayardit's leading role in launching the Sudanese peace talks that took place last week. We are also pleased that, during their meeting in Juba on 12 September, Prime Minister Hamdok and President Kiir decided to strengthen their bilateral relations, especially with regard to their shared border. The will of the Sudanese Prime Minister to restore relations between the border populations is very encouraging.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2491 (2019), which extends for 12 months the legal framework established by resolution 2240 (2015) and reaffirms our collective determination to combat tirelessly the smuggling of migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya. This collective undertaking, which is the responsibility of us all, is part ofthe international legal framework, in particular international conventions on the law of the sea, on international organized crime and on refugees. As stated in resolution 2240 (2015), the rights, humanity and dignity of refugees and migrants must be fully respected by all. The meeting rose at 3.20pm.”
2019-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8631 (2019) · source
“The coming weeks should allow us to confirm that Guinea-Bissau is truly on the road to lasting stabilization. The supporting role of the countries of the region and, more broadly, of the international community and the Council will be critical in the coming period. The Bissau-Guinean authorities can count on France to support their efforts.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I would recall the importance of the swift implementation of all the political reforms provided for in the 2016 Conakry Agreement. Moreover, as several speakers have noted, the fight against organized crime, in general, and drug trafficking, in particular, requires a resolute commitment from the Bissau-Guinean authorities and the continued support of the international community. The seizure of a large amount of cocaine, as mentioned by Ms. Keita, is also an encouraging sign of that commitment. Finally, the reform of the security sector, which has already begun, with the support of UNIOGBIS, is key. Recent history has shown that there can be no long- term stability in the country without comprehensive security sector reform. We are therefore at a pivotal moment.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“Adhering to that electoral timetable is key to avoiding a new political crisis. We therefore expect the Bissau-Guinean authorities to continue to mobilize fully in the technical preparations for the elections. In particular, it is absolutely essential to ensure the proper organization of the National Electoral Commission and to rapidly reach consensus on the revision of the electoral lists. Those elections will close the electoral cycle, and their success, in our View, is a necessary precondition for progress on the sanctions front, as mentioned in the Secretary- General's report (S/2019/664). In addition, the restoration of lasting peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau requires progress in other areas.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“Those developments show that the tools we have collectively deployed in response to this crisis, including sanctions, have been effective. As the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) enters the last year of its mandate, France expresses its support for the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau, Ms. Rosine Sori-Coulibaly, who can count on our support in her efforts to support the Bissau-Guinean actors and implement the UNIOGBIS transition plan agreed in the Council. Despite the progress I have mentioned, the political process in Guinea-Bissau must be consolidated. In particular, it is critical that the presidential elections be held in a peaceful atmosphere on the scheduled dates - the first round on 24 November and the second round on 29 December.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I would like to acknowledge the decisive role of the Group of Five - the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the European Union and the United Nations - in achieving those results. I would like to pay tribute to ECOWAS in particular, whose unwavering political, economic and military commitment has borne fruit, and which remains very involved in supporting its neighbours. I would also like to highlight the role of the Peacebuilding Commission, under the leadership of Ambassador Vieira, and that of its Fund. The Security Council sent amission to the country in February, co-organized by cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, which was important because it showed the Council's support for the holding of elections under good conditions.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): First, I wish to thank Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant-Secretary- General for Africa, and Ambassador Mauro Vieira, Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, for their briefings. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the positive developments in Guinea-Bissau and to encourage the Bissau-Guinean actors to continue their efforts to consolidate the still fragile advances. France in particular welcomes the holding of legislative elections in March, which was a major step forward. Although the post-election situation remains fragile, the responsible and commendable behaviour of all Bissau-Guinean civilian and military actors created a good environment for the elections. These developments are indicators of the effectiveness of international community support.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source