YouSaid · the spoken record

Mills

lines on the record: 739
first: 2018-05-17
most recent: 2023-05-03
sittings or episodes: 121
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

“We commend the United Nations and all humanitarian actors who continue to work tirelessly to address the devastating reality for millions of people, but humanitarian aid continues to be only a stopgap. The most effective and sustainable way to resolve the humanitarian situation is through a nationwide ceasefire and a political solution, as outlined in resolution 2254 (2015). To that end, the United States appreciates the efforts of Special Envoy Pedersen and his team to promote an inclusive political process. We support the Constitutional Committee as a mechanism for dialogue. We urged the regime’s delegation to the Constitutional Committee to engage meaningfully in line with the format agreed by all participants and not to obstruct the talks.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“Shawky, in addition to our work here in the Council the European Union and the United Nations will co-host the sixth Brussels conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region. It will be an opportunity to demonstrate our continued commitment to the Syrian people and the communities that host refugees. The United States strongly encourages robust pledges to address the increasing humanitarian needs in Syria and assist the host countries in the region. While we work collectively to address the humanitarian crisis, we must acknowledge the primary cause of the 11 years of conflict. It is what the Al-Assad regime has perpetrated on its own people.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“The cross-border mechanism remains an irreplaceable lifeline for millions of Syrians. The United Nations has consistently demonstrated that it has the ability to facilitate the transparent delivery of humanitarian aid into north-western Syria, and there is no substitute for the 1,000 truckloads that transit Bab Al-Hawa with food, medicine and supplies that reach millions every month. The Council must reauthorize and expand the cross-border humanitarian mandate this summer. Without that reauthorization, millions more will be subjected to even greater deprivation and hardship. I agree with the Secretary-General, just quoted by the Assistant Secretary-General as saying that the renewal of resolution 2285 (2021) is a moral and humanitarian imperative. Next month, as we heard from Ms.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“We all need to do better for the Syrian people. Last year the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2585 (2021), underscoring our shared imperative to address the humanitarian crisis. The United States is firmly committed to fully implementing all aspects of the resolution, including by providing financial support for early recovery. We support all modalities to enable aid to reach those in need, and we welcomed the cross-line convoy to the north-west in March. Those missions are not easy to undertake, and we know that they pose great risks to the humanitarian personnel. We are very grateful to the United Nations and others who worked collectively to make those deliveries happen. Yet I believe that as we heard, it is undeniable that cross-line aid still cannot meet the vast needs of Syria’s population.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Assistant Secretary- General Msuya for their briefings. My delegation would also like to express its gratitude to Ms. Shawky, not only for her detailed briefing but, most importantly for the life-saving work done by her organization and so many other international humanitarian organizations operating in the difficult environment in Syria. Ms. Shawky said that she did not want to leave us hopeless, but the crisis she has described in Syria is certainly staggering. Nearly 15 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and the number is increasing, not decreasing, while 90 per cent of the people in Syria are facing extreme poverty. As she described, it is clear that vulnerable populations are having to make horrible choices between paying for food, medicine, fuel, education or housing. I agree.”
2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source
“They can keep alive the prospects of a two-State solution, in which a democratic and Jewish Israel lives in peace and security alongside a viable and prosperous Palestinian State. The United States remains firmly committed to a two-State solution and will continue pushing for and pursuing a lasting and sustainable peace that benefits Israelis and Palestinians alike. I hope that all Council members will join us in supporting a pathway to peace.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“During the historic Negev summit, leaders involved in normalization discussed how they could support Palestinians in concrete ways and have a positive impact on the daily lives of Palestinians. In that vein, we encourage all Member States to provide concrete assistance, including financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, to help meet the needs of vulnerable Palestinians. In conclusion, the United States reiterates its firm belief that both Israelis and Palestinians are entitled to equal measures of security, freedom, opportunity and dignity. But the realization of that vision will require good-faith efforts by the parties and the generous support of the international community. Dialogue, negotiation and cooperation can create the path to a better future for all.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“Our Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Yael Lempert, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Hady Amr also travelled to the region to work with the parties and the neighbouring countries to promote calm. During today’s open debate, I expect many Members will offer their own support for the region, but I would urge them to provide more than just rhetorical support. In Gaza, the need for humanitarian relief, reconstruction and recovery remains acute. Due to President Putin’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, food insecurity could worsen even further in the coming weeks in both Gaza and the West Bank as prices of food, fuel and other commodities rise.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“We urge Palestinian and Israeli officials to work cooperatively to lower tensions and ensure the safety of everyone, and we welcome the recent steps taken in that regard. We acknowledge the special role that is played by Jordan as the custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem and its engagement with all parties to prevent further escalation. The recent spate of violence only underscores the need to further expand dialogue and pursue paths to peace. The United States condemns the rocket launches from Gaza and Lebanon by militant groups that are seeking to exploit the situation in Jerusalem to advance their narrow interests. We must all condemn such actions, which risk further destabilizing the situation. The United States is engaged diplomatically with all sides, including through outreach by our Secretary of State.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. The United States supports his continued close engagement with all parties to promote calm and to foster dialogue. As we just heard, this month billions of people around the globe celebrate Ramadan, Passover and Easter. Those holidays are a reminder of our shared humanity and compassion. Unfortunately, we have witnessed a deeply concerning increase in violence during what should be a period of reflection, introspection and communal celebration. The United States is particularly concerned by the recent violence in Jerusalem on the Al-Haram Al-Sharif/ Temple Mount, which should be a site of peace and tranquillity. We appeal to all sides to exercise maximum restraint, avoid provocative actions and rhetoric and preserve the historic status quo.”
2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source
“However, a peacekeeping mission is clearly no longer necessary for that work to continue. It is time to reduce the frequency of these briefings to an annual basis. UNMIK played an important role in the early days of Kosovo’s stabilization and development, but it has outlived its purpose. The Council needs to devote its limited time and resources to addressing other issues. We therefore again call on the Security Council to end UNMIK’s mandate and enable the United Nations presence in Kosovo to transition into a more effective role for the benefit of Kosovo and for the entire region.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“We therefore welcome the EU Special Representative’s plans to host chief negotiators from both parties this month to continue that important work. We call on both Pristina and Belgrade to resume cooperation on missing persons. That working group has previously achieved tangible results in providing answers to the families of the missing, and we join the Secretary-General in welcoming the commitment of both parties to advancing such efforts, including through the European Union-facilitated dialogue process. It remains as clear as ever that UNMIK has fulfilled its purpose, as outlined in the Security Council’s original mandate in 1999. We commend the work of the United Nations entities, agencies and funds that are active in the country to further the development of democratic norms and institutions in Kosovo and the region.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“Let me be clear — the United States remains committed, together with its European partners, to fostering peaceful, prosperous, multi-ethnic societies that uphold and respect human rights and the rule of law across the Western Balkans. The United States strongly urges both parties to engage energetically in all aspects of the dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU) to find solutions for the outstanding issues, implement existing agreements and make concrete progress towards normalizing relations with the goal of mutual recognition. The EU-facilitated dialogue remains the best platform for achieving progress, not only to existing tensions, but also on issues that impact the daily lives of people in the region.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“The Russian intervention opened with the usual misinformation and disinformation we have come, I think, regrettably, to expect from the Russian delegation these days — for example, the use of the scare term “radioactive depleted uranium”. I will not take the Council’s time rebutting the falsehoods that we have heard, but I think that my colleagues have all seen pictures live in the last few days from Bucha and Mariupol, pictures that, of course, no Russian citizen will freely be able to see. I think that, as long as pictures like that continue to directly flow from Ukraine daily, no delegation involved in causing those pictures has the standing or credibility to lecture anyone in the Chamber on respecting human rights or to accuse any other State of reckless behaviour.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Caroline Ziadeh for her briefing today, and we look forward to working with her. I also would like to thank Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković and Foreign Minister Gërvalla-Schwarz for participating in this meeting. As has been noted, this is the first briefing on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine. With Europe and the world responding to the consequences of President Putin’s war of choice, the preservation of stability in the Western Balkans remains of utmost importance. In that regard, I just need to respond to the comments of the Russian delegation earlier in this meeting.”
2022-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9019 (2022) · source
“We share the deep disappointment of ECOWAS with the lack of political will the transitional Government has shown towards organizing elections, as it committed to do following the August 2020 coup d’état, which is now over 18 months ago. We urge the transitional Government to keep its pledge to the Malian people to return their country to democracy as soon as possible.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“Restrictions limit MINUSMA’s ability to anticipate, deter and effectively respond to threats to civilians, including from violent extremist groups, and will only lead to more attacks against civilians and Malian forces. These restrictions must end so that MINUSA can fulfil its mandate to protect civilians and foster peace. Thirdly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the transitional Government have yet to agree on an acceptable electoral timetable. We, along with fellow Council members, welcomed the strong action of ECOWAS in defence of democracy in January. We call for continued dialogue that produces an acceptable electoral calendar so that the international community — but more importantly, the Malian people — know what to expect of the transitional Government.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“Operations that inflict harm on civilians and abuse human rights in the name of counterterrorism will backfire. I agree with my French colleague that these actions can drive some to actually join or support violent extremist organizations instead of neutralizing the threat. Secondly, the United States is deeply concerned by the Malian authorities’ disregard for the status-of- forces agreement with MINUSMA and the restrictions on the Mission’s movements, especially in central Mali. The 22 March incident involving the Malian forces firing six rockets near peacekeepers in eastern Mali is unacceptable. It is an affront to all those who serve in United Nations peacekeeping missions. The transitional Government is responsible for ensuring the safety, security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel and assets.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“We urge the authorities to also grant MINUSMA immediate access to both locations to conduct rigorous investigations — a task mandated by this very Council. This increase in reports of human rights abuses is exactly why the United States continues to warn countries against partnering with the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group. Wagner forces have been implicated in human rights abuses, including execution-style killings in the Central African Republic and elsewhere. Wagner Group forces will not bring peace to Mali, will divert resources away from the fight of the Malian Armed Forces against terrorism, and will ultimately undermine the stability of the region. Malian authorities are also responsible for the actions of their security partners.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“First, the past three months have been marked by alarming accounts of human rights violations and abuses against civilians by terrorists armed groups and the Malian Armed Forces, with individuals linked to the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group. These reports must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. We are following closely the extremely disturbing accounts of hundreds of people killed last week in the village of Moura, in the Mopti region of Central Mali. The Malian people deserve answers about what happened in Moura the week of 28 March and what led to the gruesome execution-style killing of over 35 people on 2 March in the Ségou region and about who was responsible. We note that the Malian authorities have announced that they will launch an investigation into the events in Moura.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“As mandated by the Council, those involved in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers or those planning, directing or committing acts in Mali that constitute human rights abuses or violations may be subject to Security Council sanctions. We call on the transitional Government to carry out transparent and credible investigations into attacks on peacekeepers or those who commit human rights abuses, and to hold those responsible accountable. Like others, the United States is deeply troubled by developments in Mali since the Council last met on Mali on 11 January (see S/PV.8945).”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“We welcome the efforts of Special Representative Wane and the brave peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to fulfil the Council’s broad and robust mandate to support the Algiers accord between the Malian authorities and the signatory armed groups, protect civilians and support the political transition. The United States expresses its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the three Egyptian peacekeepers killed in attacks against MINUSMA last month. The United States joins others on the Council in strongly condemning all attacks against peacekeepers, and that includes the disinformation campaigns that have hindered MINUSMA’s ability to carry out its Security Council mandate.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative Wane and Ms. Bintou Founé Samaké for their briefings today. I appreciated Ms. Samaké’s insightful emphasis on the critical role of women under the Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and in peacebuilding in Mali. We fully endorse her call for the meaningful inclusion of women and women-led civil society organizations in the peace process. That should include younger women as appropriate. They are the rising generation. We also urge the transitional Government to make progress on the Algiers accord and to ensure the full and safe participation of women throughout the elections process in Mali, including ensuring that women are on the ballot, are registered to vote and have an opportunity to participate at all levels of the electoral process.”
2022-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9012 (2022) · source
“The mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia provides the opportunity to adapt and reinvigorate the African-led international effort against Al-Shabaab.”
2022-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9009 (2022) · source
“We applaud the efforts of the federal Government of Somalia, the African Union and other stakeholders to develop a proposal and a concept of operations that provide a credible, shared vision of how to more actively counter Al-Shabaab and transition the responsibility for security to the Somali security forces. The United States supported the adoption of this resolution because we appreciate and support measures in the mandate to increase accountability, transparency, command-and-control and mission efficiency. Al-Shabaab is a formidable and adaptable threat to Somalia and to East Africa more broadly. As Al-Qaeda’s largest and best-financed affiliate, Al-Shabaab represents a threat that requires a vigorous and broad-based response.”
2022-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9009 (2022) · source
“The United States was pleased to vote in favour of resolution 2628 (2022) today. We appreciate the extraordinary efforts of our United Kingdom colleagues to produce a quality mandate for the reconfigured mission in Somalia. We would like to take a moment to recognize and honour the sacrifices made by the forces of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since its creation in 2007. It is rare that the Council gets the opportunity to help shape the transition of a mission. The United States voted in favour of the resolution because it provides a vital opportunity to build on AMISOM’s efforts and take the next steps to roll back Al-Shabaab, enabling Somalia to provide the security and stability required for the Somali people to achieve their aspirations.”
2022-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9009 (2022) · source
“Lastly, I would just like to respond to my Russian colleague’s comments regarding United States-caused civilian casualties. Russia’s allegations of United States-caused civilian casualties through our counter- terrorism efforts are brazenly hypocritical, given Russia’s well-documented history of deliberately attacking Syrian civilians, with utter disregard for human life. Russia itself has also supported regime attacks on critical infrastructure, including the Arshani water station in January. I think Russia’s criticism is just a means to deflect attention from its own crimes in Syria and elsewhere.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“It is essential that the Security Council renew and expand the cross-border mechanism authorized in resolution 2585 (2021) in July 2021. We continue to support efforts to facilitate cross-line aid, including by Turkey, but cross-line aid deliveries simply cannot match the volume of humanitarian assistance that is delivered cross-border. Moreover, cross-line aid remains a risky endeavour, as the regime and its backers continue to attack civilians and civilian infrastructure in north-western Syria and other parts of the country. We recommend that any remaining sceptics of the cross-border mechanism visit Bab Al-Hawa to witness for themselves the incredible volume of life-saving work made possible through cross-border assistance.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“This interference includes the rampant corruption of regime officials, endemic schemes to siphon aid, the regime’s practice of favouring preferred communities and connected procurement companies, and its manipulation of exchange rates. Given the vast needs, our collective efforts must be focused on expanding aid access so it can reach all Syrians. This includes north-eastern Syria, where the availability of essential goods, including medical supplies, has decreased markedly since the closure of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing. The United Nations is facilitating the robust transparent delivery of humanitarian aid into north-western Syria through its cross-border mechanism, which follows one of the most comprehensive risk-management frameworks globally.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“We are also deeply troubled by reports that Russia has recruited Syrians to fight on its behalf in Ukraine. This would demonstrate Russia’s true disdain for the Syrian people. Russia has hundreds of thousands of troops, but would instead send Syrians to die in President Putin’s war of choice. Thirdly, we remain focused on the humanitarian situation. As we heard from Under-Secretary-General Griffiths, an estimated 14.6 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance — a 9 per cent increase since 2021. This humanitarian crisis is the consequence of a conflict initiated by the Syrian regime and made tragically worse by that regime’s continued interference with the international humanitarian response.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“And in the spirit of the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women, we want to welcome again the work of women-led groups to end the violence in their country, and we appreciate their attention to the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and children. Secondly, we remain concerned about ongoing violence in Syria and reiterate the call for a nationwide ceasefire. Russia has fuelled and perpetrated the conflict in Syria with reckless attacks impacting civilians and infrastructure. We are watching with horror as Russia uses some of the same barbaric tactics in Ukraine. Russia’s relentless disinformation, including debasing the work of the Security Council and falsely alleging that other forces are responsible for these cruel attacks — whether in Syria or Ukraine — defies all credibility. It is disgraceful.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“We urge all parties to engage meaningfully, constructively and in good faith. We expect all sides to offer revised draft texts tomorrow in an effort to find common ground, rather than arrive intending to provoke the other side. It is time for all sides to comment on one another’s proposed texts. We fully support the work of Special Envoy Pedersen to advance progress towards a political solution in Syria, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). We also recognize and commend the role of Syrian civil society organizations, including civil society members of the Constitutional Committee, in forging a political solution.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“So, let me be clear — the United States will not normalize relations with the Al-Assad regime and we urge States considering engagement or already engaging with the regime to weigh carefully the horrific atrocities visited by Al-Assad on Syrians over the past decade, as well as the regime’s continuing efforts to deny much of the country access to humanitarian aid and security. I would like to focus today on three aspects of the conflict in Syria: the need for concerted political engagement by all sides, the importance of a nationwide ceasefire and the need to reauthorize and expand the cross-border humanitarian mechanism to address the dire humanitarian situation. First, as we heard, we meet as the Constitutional Committee is convening its seventh round in Geneva.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen, Under-Secretary-General Griffiths and Assistant Secretary-General Zaki for their briefings. Eleven years after the beginning of the Syrian uprising and the start of the Al-Assad regime’s brutal war on the people of Syria, some in the Security Council want to move on, arguing that the Council spends too much time discussing this issue. That would be a terrible mistake. Syria remains one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises globally. We are still seeing active conflict and forced displacement. Some countries want to pretend that the conflict is over, but the Syrian people, sadly, know better than anyone else that this is not possible.”
2022-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9003 (2022) · source
“In the face of Russian aggression, the United Nations and the OSCE must continue working together to advance peace, security, development and human rights, which will contribute to international peace and stability.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“The United States remains committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for the South Caucasus region. As co-Chair of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, we join others in urging Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue and intensify their diplomatic engagement in order to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In conclusion, the United States appreciates the long-standing partnership between the United Nations and the OSCE. United Nations presentations at OSCE Permanent Council meetings and United Nations participation at annual OSCE events, as well as the close coordination between OSCE field operations and United Nations agencies on the ground, have only strengthened their partnership.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“We must not forget that Russia continues to occupy parts of Georgia. It also maintains its forces in Moldova without host Government consent. We welcome the continued commitment of the OSCE to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Georgia, including by co-chairing the Geneva International Discussions. We regret that Russia has not fulfilled its obligations and commitments under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, including with respect to the withdrawal of troops to pre-conflict positions. The United States urges all Geneva International Discussions participants to ensure that residents of conflict areas are able to visit their relatives, engage in peaceful economic activities and move freely without fear of detention or arbitrary punishment and with access to documentation that will allow them to return to their homes.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“Under the OSCE Vienna Document, all participating States, as part of our collective efforts to reduce the risk of miscalculation, lower tensions and build confidence, committed to respond in good faith to the concerns that other States raise regarding unusual military activities. Russia’s blatant and unfounded dismissal of Ukraine’s legitimate invocation of the Vienna Document’s risk- reduction mechanism for unusual military activities illustrated once again Russia’s disregard of its international commitments. The refusal of Belarus to substantively respond to the Baltic States invoking the Vienna Document risk-reduction mechanism showed the Lukashenko regime’s disregard as well. In addition to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as others have mentioned, we must also not forget the other important priorities of the OSCE.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“The United States was proud to join 44 other countries in launching the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to establish an expert mission in order to document human rights violations and abuses, breaches of international humanitarian law and possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia’s forces in Ukraine’s territory. The mission will meticulously compile the facts and create a written report that can be presented to relevant accountability mechanisms. We also welcome the Human Rights Council’s immediate launch of a commission of inquiry to pursue similar aims. The commission of inquiry and the OSCE expert mission will complement one another in bringing the truth to light.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“The United States reaffirms its strong and unwavering commitment to the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which has been forced to temporarily suspend its work in Ukraine. Despite Russia’s efforts to impede its operations, the Special Monitoring Mission’s impartial reporting has proved invaluable to the international community’s understanding of the security situation on the ground. We join others in expressing our heartfelt condolences for the loss of staff member Maryna Fenina, who was killed on 1 March by Russia’s shelling in Kharkiv, while trying to get supplies for her family.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“We have seen Russia try to spread disinformation and distract the Council from its aggression. But no amount of Russian disinformation can distract from the fact that the Kremlin is waging a brutal, premeditated, unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine. This is a war carried out with the support and the facilitation of the Lukashenko regime. Russia does not want its people to learn the appalling truth about the senseless death and destruction it is causing in Ukraine. That is why the Kremlin has forced domestic and foreign independent media outlets to suspend their operations in Russia or to close permanently. That is why it has blocked access to independent news sites and social networks.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“Russia must immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw its forces from Ukraine and take the path of diplomacy, in keeping with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act. Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine is an unprecedented challenge — a challenge to the post Second World War European security order and to cooperation between all of us. Cooperation now between the United Nations and OSCE remains as essential as ever. Unfortunately, two OSCE-participating States, the Russian Federation and Belarus, continue to violate the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. With the support of Belarus, Russia has shown utter contempt for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States, as well as for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its own people.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“Last year at this meeting on cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE (S/2021/256), the United States recalled that we had just passed the seventh anniversary of Russia’s invasion and occupation of Crimea and the launch of its aggression in eastern Ukraine. We noted that in those seven years, the Russian-fuelled conflict in eastern Ukraine had killed more than 13,000 people and wounded tens of thousands more. And we warned that Russia’s aggression was far from over. It has been less than three weeks since Russia launched a major invasion against the rest of Ukraine. During those three weeks, Russia unleashed horrific devastation against another United Nations Member State, resulting in the death of thousands and the displacement of more than 2.5 million people.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“We look forward to working with him on those important issues in his capacity as Chairperson-in-Office. I would like to begin by expressing our outrage over the death of journalist Brent Renaud, who was covering the refugee situation. He was killed yesterday by Russian forces as he was leaving a checkpoint at Irpin. According to his colleagues, Mr. Renaud was in the area because he understood the critical role independent media has played in providing objective coverage of Russia’s war of choice against Ukraine. His death shows that Russia will go to any extent to silence narratives that challenge its propaganda, and it underscores the importance of upholding the safety of journalists as they undertake their important work.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing today. I also thank Foreign Minister Rau for his briefing to the Security Council. His engagement with the Council comes at a critical juncture — as many of my colleagues have said — a critical juncture for European and international security following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He has demonstrated extraordinary leadership at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) during this crisis, and the United States thanks him. The United States was a strong supporter of his attempt to avert this crisis through the launch of a reinvigorated European Security Dialogue at the OSCE and we support his efforts to increase the OSCE’s ability to respond to the humanitarian crisis through the OSCE’s toolbox.”
2022-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8992 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, the United States once again calls on the Al-Assad regime to end its systematic obstruction of the work of the OPCW, to fully cooperate with the Fact- Finding Mission, the Declaration Assessment Team and the Investigation and Identification Team and, to fulfil its international obligations related to such horrific weapons once and for all.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“The Russian Federation has repeatedly spread disinformation regarding Syria’s repeated use of chemical weapons. The recent web of lies that Russia has cast in an attempt to justify the premeditated and unjustified war it has undertaken against Ukraine should make clear once and for all that Russia also cannot be trusted when it talks about chemical weapons use in Syria. The global norm against the use of chemical weapons and the Chemical Weapons Convention have helped to make the world a safer place. Failure to hold the Syrian regime to account for its use of chemical weapons and violations of its international obligations puts not just the Syrian people and not just the people in the Middle East, but all of us at risk.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“Despite the regular claims to the contrary by Syria and its enablers, the Al-Assad regime has not fully cooperated with the OPCW, as it is required to do by resolution 2118 (2013). Syria has not been forthcoming in its declaration regarding the scope of its chemical weapons programme. It has yet to carry out any of the measures requested by the OPCW Executive Council after it was found by the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team to have use those weapons on its own people in three separate attacks in Ltamenah in March 2017. Instead of cooperation, the Al-Assad regime offers thin excuses and claims of bias. Those claims are belied by the detailed reports of the impartial, objective and thorough investigations that are performed by OPCW experts. Unfortunately, the Al-Assad regime has help on the Council.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“We have heard again that the Al-Assad regime continues to fail to explain why those chlorine cylinders were moved from their inspected and documented location, despite specific instructions not to move them without prior OPCW notification and approval. They were moved to the site of the air strike, where they were purportedly destroyed. I think it is important again to note that every single one of the 17 amendments that the Syrian Government has made to its declaration has been in response to unreported materials and irregularities in Syria’s Declaration uncovered by OPCW experts conducting their thorough examinations. The amendments are not evidence of serious cooperation, but rather were made because of its failure to fully cooperate.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source
“We have heard again that the Syrian Government continues to refuse to issue the necessary visas to all members of the OPCW Declaration Assessment Team so that they can travel to Syria for the twenty-fifth round of consultations. It has been over a year since the previous such consultations occurred. The Syrian Government does not get to select which OPCW experts are involved in the assessment. It is obligated instead to cooperate fully with the OPCW. We have heard again today that the Al-Assad regime continues to withhold evidence corroborating the claimed destruction in 2021 of two chlorine cylinders related to the April 2018 chemical weapons attack in Douma.”
2022-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8990 (2022) · source