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

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“France is fully involved in this regard, in this forum, as Coordinator of the Working Group on Assistance, at the General Assembly, at the European Union and in the context of its presidency of the Group of Seven.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“Today, the vast majority of States Members of the United Nations have adopted measures incorporating the provisions of the resolution into national law. Whether it concerns the security of sensitive materials and goods, the strengthening of border controls or even, where necessary, the establishment of export-control mechanisms, States ensure that such sensitive materials and goods do not fall into the hands of terrorists. But we must go further: the 2020 deadline for reviewing the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) should encourage us to intensify our efforts. This includes strengthening the logic of coordination, assistance and interaction that underlies our action, for it is only through greater cooperation that we will be able to better prevent the risk of acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“We know this, and we have seen it in Syria and Iraq. In addition, there are major suspicions about the state of Syrian chemical stockpiles, which increases the possibility that, with the potential existence of residual capabilities on Syrian territory, there is a risk that terrorists may get their hands on these weapons. We are also particularly concerned about the transfer to the Middle East of goods and technology for the development of weapons and means of delivery capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. In this worrying context, it is important to adapt our action to the evolution of the threat. Progress in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and its aftermath is tangible, both at national and regional levels.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“In this context, with the valuable support of the CTED and its network, the Committee makes it possible to raise States' awareness of the emerging challenges that characterize an ever-changing terrorist threat. Special meetings of the Committee, such as the one we will soon have on vulnerable targets, are an excellent way to reflect together on specific issues. France therefore encourages the continuation of the joint meetings of the CTC and the 1267 Committee, as we did on 26 April last, in order to compare the threat analysis and the assessment of the implementation of Council resolutions. Finally, I would like to say a few words on the efforts made in the 1540 Committee. The risk of radiological, biological, chemical and nuclear materials and delivery systems falling into the hands ofterrorists is real.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“The first of these functions is the Committee on Counter-Terrorism's core activity, namely, implementation assessments. The assessment visits of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) are a unique tool for a comprehensive audit of national counter-terrorism measures and for making the best recommendations, including those concerning the technical assistance needs of States. We encourage all States to accept the visits of the CTED and to fully implement the Security Council resolutions on the fight against terrorism, including the most recent one adopted by the Council less than two months ago, in resolution 2462 (2019), on the fight against terrorist financing. The second and equally important function of the CTC is to be a laboratory ofideas.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“In this regard, France encourages all States to cooperate actively with the Group of Experts in order to enrich its analyses. The second mission is the implementation and rigorous monitoring of the sanctions list, the largest in volume among all United Nations sanctions regimes. If the regime is to remain credible and effective, it is essential that it be fully implemented by States, as required by Council resolutions, and that its procedures respect the fundamental freedoms of listed individuals. France therefore reiterates its full support for the Office of the Ombudsperson and encourages all States to continue to cooperate actively with it. My second point concerns the 1373 Committee on counter-terrorism, which also fulfils at least two major functions.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“While Da'esh has suffered some important military defeats in the Middle East, it continues to pose a complex threat and its barbaric ideology still inspires radicalized individuals to move from words to deeds. In some parts of the world, particularly in Afghanistan, Da'esh, through local franchises, has been the cause of particularly deadly attacks. The end of its territorial hold does not therefore mean the end of the terrorist threat posed by Da'esh. Al-Qaida also remains very active in some regions such as the Sahel or the Arabian peninsula. In this context, France attaches great importance to the 1267 Committee continuing to fulfil its two essential missions. The first is the analysis of the terrorist threat, through the reports of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which is very valuable for Member States.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, as well as Ambassador Meza-Cuadra, for your commitment as Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and resolution 1540 (2004). Terrorism and nuclear proliferation are some of the most serious threats to international peace and security today. I would therefore like to touch briefly on the activities of each of the Committees. I would first like to discuss the 1267 Committee, responsible for sanctions against Da'esh and Al-Qaida.”
2019-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8528 (2019) · source
“We would like to express our concern at the possibility that increased tensions could lead to further destabilization at the regional level. Nevertheless, we note the desire for peaceful change that has been expressed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the course of the recent presidential elections, which reflects a collective aspiration for greater stability and prosperity. We hope that this positive development will inspire all the countries of the region and we are ready to support them as they move in that direction. In conclusion, we would like to say that the mission of Mr. Kafando and his team remains necessary and we encourage the Special Envoy to continue his consultative work in order to rapidly present the Council with options on the role that the United Nations could play in support of regional efforts.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“We count on the Burundian authorities to ensure that refugee returns take place in the best possible conditions and we are ready to assist them in so doing. Finally, the international community must remain fully mobilized to support the people of Burundi. Next year's elections will be a crucial and sensitive time. We must not abandon Burundi in midstream. It is up to the East African Community and the African Union to continue their work to provide the best possible support for the preparation of the elections and the emergence of the country from crisis. The United Nations will of course have an important role to play in providing the best possible support for the process at the regional level. We are also increasingly concerned about the increase in violence in the Great Lakes region.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“After the unfortunate closure of the Burundi office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, we wish to reiterate our call on the authorities of Burundi to engage in fuller cooperation with the United Nations human rights protection mechanisms and to fight impunity. We stand ready to support the Burundian authorities in the resumption of dialogue with United Nations entities. France is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation and the fate of internally displaced persons and refugees. It is important that refugee returns take place on a voluntary basis and in a safe and dignified manner, in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“The democratic space must be preserved and open to all, and civil and political rights must be respected to allow for a peaceful debate. To that end, I encourage the Burundian authorities to continue the inter-Burundian dialogue, which is a key dialogue between the authorities and the opposition. In that regard, I would like to acknowledge the personal involvement of the facilitator mandated by the East African Community, former President Mkapa, whose determination to stay on course deserves to be commended. We must build on the work he has done and find ways together to continue his efforts. Secondly, with respect to human rights, France respects Burundi's sovereignty but remains particularly vigilant and expects Burundi to take additional and concrete measures to respect human rights.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“France would like to welcome the recognition last week of the Congres national pour la liberte, led by Agathon Rwasa, as a political party, which allows it to participate in the upcoming elections. That is a step in the right direction and confirms the approach initiated by President Nkurunziza last June in committing to not stand for re-election. We are indeed convinced that Burundi will find its way back to stability by holding free and inclusive elections in 2020, in accordance with the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. It is now time for Burundi to prepare, without delay, for those elections in the best possible way. The positive momentum that has been kick-started must now be maintained by ensuring that all political parties have fair and equitable access to the elections.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to warmly thank Mr. Michel Kafando, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi, for his informative briefing and personal commitment to the matter at hand. I also thank the Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Jiirg Lauber, who is doing extremely useful work as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. I also thank Ms. Fatima Mohammad, Permanent Observer of the African Union, for her important statement. Today I want to focus on three points: first, the preparation of the 2020 elections; secondly, the human rights situation; and, thirdly, the role of the international community in supporting Burundi. First, I will address the elections in 2020.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“To conclude, I should like to say that the sanctions regime for the Sudan remains a key instrument, with respect to both the arms embargo and individual sanctions, for providing support during this transitional phase, during which we must remain particularly vigilant.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“Finally, the withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), a subject on which the Council recently expressed itself, should take place gradually, in keeping with the security situation on the ground, and take into account in particular the situation of displaced persons, respect for human rights and the issue of sexual violence. If those conditions are met, as we hope they will be, it will be important that following the exit of UNAMID, human rights observers have access to the entirety of the country's territory, in particular the most remote areas.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“I regret in that connection that we did not reach consensus on reflecting in her report the full content of her statement to the sanctions Committee, but we have taken note of all of that information and fully support her recommendations, in particular the recommendation that sexual violence be set up as a standalone listing criterion. Those responsible for such violence must be held accountable. We must encourage victims to file reports, and we must also ensure that investigations and prosecution follow. This is a priority for us. We are also gravely concerned by the issue of humanitarian access. A robust, lasting ceasefire regime must be put in place in order to allow safe humanitarian access and unimpeded access to those territories and peoples that require it.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“This requires not only putting an end to hostilities but also addressing the root causes of the conflict, in particular the issues of land ownership, access to natural resources and the restoration of the rule of law. In that connection, I welcome the signing on 6 December in Berlin of a pre-negotiation agreement between the Government and certain armed groups. That is a step in the right direction. We remain deeply concerned, however, by the issue of sexual violence, and, in that connection, I commend the valuable contribution of Ms. Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict. The detailed information that she provided to the Committee has allowed us to better understand the scope of sexual violence in Darfur.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“In the context of the current social protests, we call on the Sudanese authorities to ensure the freedom of assembly, the freedom of association and the freedom of expression, in accordance with their international commitments. All parties must show restraint and abstain from any further violence in order to ease the situation. We recognize that overall the security situation in Darfur has improved. However, we deplore the resumption this year of clashes in Jebel Marra, which lead to the displacement of persons, civilian casualties and human rights violations by all parties to the conflict. The Sudanese authorities and armed groups must absolutely move forward with the peace process.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I should like to begin by thanking Ambassador Joanna Wronecka for her briefing on the activities carried out in 2018 by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan, and to commend her work as Chair of that sanctions Committee for the past year. The initiatives and meetings she mentioned, in particular that with Ms. Patten in October, have contributed to the Council's joint process of reflection aimed at ensuring the proper implementation of the sanctions regime. France supports her fully and commends her personal commitment to peace in Darfur. France is following very closely the events currently taking place in the Sudan, not only in Khartoum but also in the provinces.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I would like to express France's condolences to the Somali authorities and to the families of the victims of the terrible terrorist attacks on Mogadishu on Friday, 9 November. I would also like to point out that the Somalia sanctions regime is aimed mainly at supporting the Somali Federal Government in their fight against terrorism. The exemptions from the arms embargo that the sanctions regime provides for enable them to acquire the equipment they need to combat terrorist groups, with the support of their international partners. It is therefore in the interests of the Somali Federal Government to pursue effective cooperation with the Panel of Experts on Somalia.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we believe it is crucial to ensure that no country in the region is left on the sidelines during the evolving situation in the Horn of Africa. France therefore welcomes the fact that with this resolution, the Security Council commits to regular monitoring of developments in the relationship between Eritrea and Djibouti in order to support peace, stabilization and reconciliation in the Horn of Africa. We are of course ready to work in coordination with all of the stakeholders in the region to contribute to strengthening this regional dynamic. With regard to Somalia, France is of the View that the sanctions regime remains crucial to combating illicit trafficking in arms and Somali charcoal, which fuels the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, still the main threat to Somalia's security.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“First and foremost, the Eritrean authorities must cooperate with the Council, given that the Panel of Experts on Somalia has not been able visit Eritrea since 2011. Above all, Eritrea must give concrete signs that it wants to work with Djibouti to settle the issues of the border dispute between the two countries and of the Djibouti prisoners of war, in accordance with the provisions of resolution 2385 (2017). Those two issues continue to be unresolved, as the resolution that we have adopted today acknowledges. In that context, while France welcomed the meeting in Jeddah in September between the Presidents of Djibouti and Eritrea, we now expect that meeting to lead to concrete progress on the ground and a commitment to moving forward together.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): France takes note of the Council's unanimous adoption of resolution 2444 (2018). From the outset France has given unwavering support to the ongoing rapprochement process in the Horn of Africa. This is a historic development, creating unprecedented opportunities for stabilization and development in the region. France would therefore like to commend the courageous decision of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, without whom these developments would not have been possible. It is the Security Council's responsibility to support these developments in the Horn of Africa, including by lifting the sanctions on Eritrea. Nevertheless, we believe that the Security Council still has legitimate demands with regard to Eritrea.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“That is why the Council adopted its first sanctions against six smugglers of migrants in June, at the initiative of France and its European and American partners. Finally, France recalls, as stated in resolution 2240 (2015), that migrants should be treated with humanity and dignity and with full respect for their rights and that all States must fulfil their obligations under international law, including international human rights law and international refugee law. It also recalls the obligation to protect the human rights of migrants regardless of their migration status.”
2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8365 (2018) · source
“However, it is regrettable that the text is not more explicit in recalling the Council's positions on that serious issue, especially with regard to the applicable international legal framework, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime and the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. As the report of the Secretary-General points out, too many migrants - many of them women and children - continue to risk their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean. They are the victims of traffickers who exploit their distress. The human rights violations to which those vulnerable people are exposed shock the world's conscience. Moreover, the migrant smuggling and human trafficking fuel economic predation and jeopardize the fragile political balance in Libya.”
2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8365 (2018) · source
“The authorization of the Council is a sine qua non, allowing the operation to have the appropriate means to effectively combat the smuggling of migrants, in cooperation with the Government of National Accord, led by Prime Minister Serraj. The text comes to the point by renewing the authorizations under resolutions 2240 (2015) and 2380 (2017) through which the Security Council expresses its deep concern about the extent of migrant smuggling in the Mediterranean and the humanitarian, political and security consequences for Libya and beyond.”
2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8365 (2018) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): France welcomes the unanimous renewal, for a period of 12 months, of the authorization on which the action of the European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA) is based in order to fight against the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking on the high seas off the coast of Libya. The unanimous support of the Security Council for the European Union's commitment to peace and stability in Libya is a recognition of the key role played by the EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA in disrupting the smuggling networks and in saving tens of thousands oflives every year, as the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/807) recalls.”
2018-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8365 (2018) · source
“That must be undertaken sensibly in order to preserve the stability of Abyei and the border. The balance that we wish to strike is of course to seek to improve the effectiveness of the Force without running the risk of weakening it or undermining the stability of the region. Finally, I would like to emphasize relations with local stakeholders and populations. UNISFA must support local initiatives that are useful to the political process. It is important for the country team to be encouraged to develop projects focused on reconciliation and development, in the spirit of and in accordance with the Secretary-General's sustaining peace initiative, which must guide all our actions. In conclusion, I congratulate and warmly thank the Special Envoy for the excellent work he has done, and wish him much success in his new position.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source
“Indeed, stabilizing Abyei and the border is essential; that has been a major achievement for UNISFA. However, it is also necessary for UNISFA to contribute more to the political settlement of the Abyei issue and other border disputes. Naturally, UNISFA is in no way a substitute for the work of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel or the efforts ofthe Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, which we fully support. Secondly, the proposed scaling up of the police component would respond to the challenge of rising crime in the region. That is a key issue, as we must not allow a culture of impunity to develop, particularly with regard to sexual assault. Thirdly, the proposed redeployment and overall reduction of the military component are also a move in the right direction.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source
“However, the overall outcome is disappointing, especially with regard to the establishment of operating bases for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism or the opening of border-crossing corridors. We are aware of the constraints on the parties. The rainy season is making work difficult and peace efforts in South Sudan have monopolized the mission's efforts. However, we strongly encourage the parties to do more, faster, to make progress on border demarcation. In that context, UNISFA must continue to play a vital role, but the recommendations made by the Secretary-General must allow us to adapt it to the situation on the ground. In that respect, I would like to underline four points. First, the proposed choice to strengthen the political posture ofUNISFA must be supported.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source
“In that regard, I wish to broach two points, first, on the implementation of the requests made by the Security Council concerning border demarcation, and, secondly, on the Secretary-General's proposals regarding the evolution of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). In resolution 2416 (2018), the Council set out clear objectives for the parties regarding border demarcation and, in the light of the facts outlined by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, our clear observation is that the progress made does not meet our expectations. There has been some progress, in particular the issuance of authorizations for UNISFA patrols and Saturday's meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): I too would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Sudan and South Sudan, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for their informative briefings. This meeting comes at an important time for the Sudan and South Sudan. The situation on the ground in Abyei is stable, there are significant improvements in the relations between the two countries and the signing of the peace agreement to revitalize the 2011 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan give rise to hope, even though we are all aware that we should be cautious regarding its implementation. On that point, we must be not only proactive, but also clear-sighted and insistent.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8357 (2018) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): We wish you every success, Madam President, in your country's presidency in September, which is never an easy month as it coincides with the plenary session of the General Assembly. With regard to the provisional programme of work that you presented to us this morning, we wish to note our full support for the programme, including the consideration of the situation in Nicaragua under the agenda item "Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations", which will allow the Council to engage in an exercise ofpreventive diplomacy, as provided for by its mandate.”
2018-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8339 (2018) · source
“More than ever, consolidating that peace requires the unity of the Colombian nation as it enters a new era, one in which former combatants will take their full place in Colombian society and other groups, we hope, will choose to turn away from violence, as we expect the National Liberation Army to do. France therefore encourages the new Colombian authorities to continue implementing the agreement and confirm the remarkable success of the peace process in Colombia.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Indeed, once the issue of access to land is resolved and the restitution of the lands looted during the conflict is the subject of legal proceedings, it is socioeconomic projects that will give former combatants prospects for a future within the Colombian national community. That socioeconomic reintegration, which is closely linked to the provision of State services in the most vulnerable areas, is the key to the lasting success of the peace process. It is receiving major support from the international community, including France and the European Union, through various financial instruments. The restoration of territories that have been ruined by half a century of conflict depends on it. Regardless of their political affiliation, all Colombians can be proud of the Peace Agreement reached with the FARC-EP.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“In a context where illegal armed groups are struggling to regain control of areas previously controlled by the FARC-EP, it is taking a long time for peace dividends to reach the local populations. We therefore encourage continued efforts, including the deployment of State services, both security forces and civilian institutions, in those areas. Furthermore, combating impunity for crimes committed in the context of the conflict, including extrajudicial executions, is crucial and must continue. Finally, I would like to draw the Council's attention once again to another key point for reintegration and the future of the peace process, which is access to land and sources of income.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Particular attention should be paid to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which is the cornerstone of the comprehensive truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition system, as well as to amnesty for detainees and the search for the tens of thousands of persons assumed to be missing. Those commitments by the Colombian State are commitments to peace undertaken before the international community and it is important that they be fully honoured. My second point concerns the security of the women and men working for peace in the areas affected by the conflict. France firmly condemns the killings of civil-society leaders, human rights defenders and those involved in coca substitution programmes. Despite the Colombian authorities' commitment to reducing the level of violence, the situation remains extremely worrying.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“With regard to the mandate conferred on the second United Nations Mission in Colombia, I would like to focus on three points today. First, France reiterates its congratulations to the Colombian authorities on their organization and successful holding of presidential elections on 27 May and 17 June. That democratic exercise, which followed the parliamentary elections held in March, confirmed the evolution of Colombian political life towards a more peaceful climate and Colombian citizens" broader participation in the democratic process. In that regard, we encourage the elected authorities to pursue the implementation of every aspect of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace concluded with the FARC-EP.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Despite doubts and criticism, they initiated a historic peace process with the FARC-EP and have redoubled their efforts to implement it. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, our Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is currently visiting Colombia and will take the opportunity to reaffirm France's unwavering support for this process and our readiness to continue to support the Colombian people on the road to peace. That is the message that he will convey to the President-elect, Mr. Ivan Duque, whom he will have the honour of meeting during his visit. The United Nations in general, and the Security Council in particular, have also played a key role in implementing the Peace Agreement by providing the necessary support for disarmament and the political transition of the FARC-EP.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Oscar Naranjo Trujillo, Vice-President of Colombia, and pay tribute to him for his personal commitment to peace and the role he played in the negotiation and implementation of the Peace Agreement with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP). (spoke in French) I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jean Arnault, both for the quality of his briefing and for his exemplary work as Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. The Colombian authorities, particularly President Santos Calderon, have shown exceptional political courage that has been a source of admiration and inspiration for the entire international community.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Of course, several crucial points still need to be discussed concerning financing, in particular regarding the acceleration and finalization of ongoing work on compliance frameworks in the fields of international humanitarian law, human rights and conduct and discipline, as well as work related to chains of command in African peace operations. However, we remain confident that the work will proceed and allow us to move forward. I conclude by emphasizing that France considers the progress achieved by our African Union partners to be real and must now be strongly supported by the Security Council. France will play an active role, together with its partners in the Security Council, to ensure progress in the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, in the name of peace and security on the African continent.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“The second key point for enhancing African peace operations is the need to move concretely and swiftly towards their predictable and sustainable financing, as called for in resolutions 2320 (2016) and 2378 (2017). Given the current situation, it now seems logical that African peace enforcement operations, which would complement United Nations peacekeeping operations, should also enjoy sound and predictable funding, including through mandatory contributions from the United Nations. In that regard, we welcome the reforms led by the African Union, including the revitalization of the Peace Fund, and the African Union's commitment to funding 25 per cent of African peace operations. We also commend the unprecedented financial commitment of AU member States to replenishing the Fund.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“At the political and military levels, such operations should therefore be provided with a stable framework for cooperation, as has been done with the African Union Military Observer Mission in Somalia, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and the African Union Mission for the Central African Republic and Central Africa and, more recently, to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). The proposals of the Secretary-General and the Chairman of the African Union Commission to establish ajoint process for the analysis of threats, developing mandates and operational concepts, planning and the evaluation of African peace operations constitute a solid basis for further efforts, and we invite them to develop it further.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“President Macron made a clear commitment to this goal during his speech in Ouagadougou, in November 2017, and more recently at the thirty-first African Union Summit in Nouakchott. We believe that African Union operations should be supported in two areas. First, it is important to promote the concept of African peace enforcement operations that are mandated by the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council. African peace operations can be deployed more quickly than United Nations peacekeeping operations in carrying out offensive peace-enforcement or counter- terrorism operations. That division of tasks would allow United Nations peacekeeping operations to focus on peacekeeping, which is at the core of their mandate.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“In that context, we welcome the progress made over the past year under the personal leadership of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, to better coordinate and analyse crises and our responses to them. For example, the joint visit of the Commissioner and Jean-Pierre Lacroix to the Central African Republic highlighted the importance of coordinated action by the two organizations in support of the peace process in that country to achieve a comprehensive political agreement as soon as possible. In the face of evolving threats in Africa and the need for the United Nations and the AU to improve their responses and efficiency, France is in favour of United Nations reinforcement of African peace operations.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“Mr. Michon (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I wish to thank you, Madam President, for convening this debate. I also thank Ms. Zewde and African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Chergui for their very interesting briefings. For France, the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) is of strategic importance for international peace and security, and we are firmly committed to supporting it. The partnership is fully in keeping with the current evolution of peacekeeping, which requires better coordination among the United Nations, regional organizations and subregional organizations under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations in order to better exploit the comparative advantages of each organization, thereby better preventing and responding to crises.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“We must therefore move forward together, in a responsible manner, in order to ensure its success. France's unwavering commitment can be counted on in that regard.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“Finally, more broadly, France is convinced that support for the implementation of the peace Agreement must continue to remain the strategic objective of the Mission. That strategic objective must be pursued within the framework of a partnership approach among Mali, the Council and the United Nations and on the basis of reciprocal commitments, the implementation of which will be regularly monitored. Against that backdrop, we fully support the Secretary-General's recommendation for a pact for peace, to be concluded with the Malian authorities following the forthcoming presidential elections. Everyone should bear in mind that maintaining a mission as large and exposed as MINUSMA in its current configuration is not sustainable without substantial progress on the peace process track.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source
“In that context, France will approach the renewal of the mandate with several objectives: first, promoting a clear and realistic mandate with a limited number of priorities that are adapted to the situation; secondly, doing the utmost to ensure that the Mission has the necessary capacities to discharge its mandate and encourage every effort to reduce its security exposure through targeted and adapted measures that are coordinated with all the stakeholders on the ground; thirdly, encouraging the Mission to better communicate the specific nature of its mandate and its work to the local actors, while recognizing that it is part of a broader security architecture, where each force has its added value and shares the same goal, namely, support for the implementation of the peace Agreement; fourthly, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach, particularly in response to the increasing threat to the central part of the country, in support of the Malian authorities; and lastly, fifthly, recalling the importance of the good offices role of the Mission for the smooth running of the upcoming electoral cycles.”
2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source