YouSaid · the spoken record

Moraes Cabral

lines on the record: 869
first: 2009-02-19
most recent: 2012-12-13
sittings or episodes: 118
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

“On the issue of travel bans, one request for a waiver was received and is still under consideration by the Committee. I would like to conclude by thanking the Panel of Experts for its work, and especially to thank my colleagues in the Committee for their constant cooperation and constructive spirit during the past 20 months of the Committee's activity, which allowed it to discharge its responsibilities in an efficient and timely way.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“The interim report included nine recommendations for action by the Committee. All of them were agreed, including the issuance of two implementation assistance notices on arms embargo implementation aspects. On 10 October, upon the request of a member, the Committee discussed issues related to arms proliferation from Libya to the region, including media-reported violations of the arms embargo concerning two ships. As a follow up, the Committee dispatched letters to relevant States, requesting the provision of details concerning those reports. Turning to statistics, since May the Committee has dealt mainly with arms embargo-related issues, having received and approved or not objected to a total of 41 notifications for exemption from States. On the asset freeze issue, five notifications for exemption were processed.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“This will be the seventh and in all probability the last periodic report presented by me to the Council on the activities carried out by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) since I had the honour to assume its presidency in February 2011. The full report, covering the period since my last report to the Council on 11 May, has been distributed in hard copy to all Council members, so I will not read it out. I will limit myself to some brief comments. During the period, the Committee met twice in informal consultations, on 25 July and 10 October. On 25 July, the Panel of Experts presented its interim report highlighting aspects related to the implementation of the travel ban, asset freezes and the arms embargo, including references to incidents of non-compliance.”
2012-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6857 (2012) · source
“We also stress, as the Prosecutor does in her report, the need for a comprehensive strategy on the part of Libya to address these crimes. What is important is to ensure that justice is done, that no impunity is condoned, and that those responsible for such serious crimes are brought to justice and given a fair trial.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are precisely that - violations and crimes -regardless of whoever may be found responsible for them. Acts of retaliation, such as those against civilians mentioned in the report, are inadmissible. Let me once again stress that every person has the right to a fair trial. Cases of arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearances must stop and be accounted for, and we welcome the continuing efforts of the Prosecutor to address these important issues. In conclusion, we look forward to a full and complete investigation of allegations of all serious crimes committed in Libya, and encourage the Prosecutor and her Office to continue their investigative efforts in cooperation with the Libyan authorities.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“We fully trust the Court in its evaluation of the situation with a view to ensuring the trial is undertaken in full compliance with international standards. Likewise, we have similar expectations concerning the case against Abdullah Al-Senussi and the need for his prompt presentation to justice. We also thank Ms. Bensouda for the information provided on ongoing investigations, including on gender crimes and the pattern of rapes identified in the report of the commission of inquiry, and we stress in this respect the concern of the Office for ensuring, in its investigative efforts, the protection of victims, thus preventing situations in which victims could be further victimized through exposure and possible retaliation.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“It is indeed crucial that those in the Court who are involved in the investigations in the field are able to do their work effectively and in appropriate conditions. Portugal stresses the importance of accountability and the need to fight impunity for serious violations of human rights. These are universal goals that guide the United Nations and are at the core of the international community's concerns. We thank the Prosecutor for her update on the ongoing cases. We will closely follow future developments on these procedures, bearing in mind the important role the Statute confers on the Court in deciding the admissibility of the case against Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi following the procedural challenge filed by the Libyan Government.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“In this regard, we encourage close cooperation between the Prosecutor's office and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in all that concerns the work of the independent international commission of inquiry, as well as the further support that can be provided to ensure the effectiveness of the investigations by the Prosecutor. We also welcome the contacts that the Office of the Prosecutor continues to hold with the Libyan Government and the continuing efforts to ensure that a good level of cooperation is preserved. We will follow very closely the consideration that is being given by the Court to the reported incidents in Libya with Court employees, including with the aim of preventing incidents such as these from occurring in the future.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“Let me first congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. We wish you every success, and you know that you can count on our full support. Allow me also to reiterate our thanks and appreciation to Ambassador Rosenthal and his team for their able stewardship of the Council last month. I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Bensouda, for her report and comprehensive briefing. We fully share the objectives she stated and the proposed method to pursue. I would also like to commend her for the work under way to investigate all facts and evidence relevant to assessing criminal responsibility under the Rome Statute following the referral of the situation in Libya to the ICC.”
2012-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6855 (2012) · source
“There is a huge potential for the ICC, as an instrument of prevention, as was mentioned earlier today by the representative of the Prosecutor, to complement Council action in its pursuance of peace. Successful prevention, in these particular situations, means lives effectively saved. That is the most important reason for the Council, States parties and the international community to join hands in strengthening the ICC and supporting it on its path to universality. Portugal remains fully committed to the following objectives: strengthening the rule of law in the international sphere and fighting impunity and bringing all those responsible for the gravest international crimes to justice, independent of any political consideration. That is an indispensable path on the way to strengthening peace and security in the world.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Indeed, at a time when the Council is increasingly focused on prevention, this is an important aspect that merits special attention. Indeed, the potential application of the Rome Statute, as has been highlighted in several recent reports of the Secretary-General, can have an important deterrent effect, discouraging potential perpetrators of criminal acts or altering their behaviour because they fear they may be subject to investigation by the Court, because they know that once they are caught in the net of justice, justice will proceed until it is done, either through the ICC or through national courts under the complementarity mechanisms of the Statute.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Last year we organized, with the International Peace Institute and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, a workshop where those issues were tackled and recommendations were made to have an indicative checklist to guide the Council's engagement with the ICC at the time of its consideration of referrals. Those were some of the issues identified, and we think that they merit further consideration by the Council. It is not only the credibility of the ICC that is at stake, but also the efficacy of a decision of the Council on a matter ofpeace andjustice. Finally, I would like to highlight an important aspect concerning the ICC as a privileged preventive tool in conflict situations under the Council's agenda.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Moreover, it is important that the general membership, on behalf of which the referral decision is taken by the Council, be called on to share the financial burden resulting therefrom, not leaving it exclusively to States parties, as if the decision affected only them. Here the Security Council and the General Assembly also have a role to play in ensuring, as is the case with other Council decisions, the distribution of the costs associated with a referral decision that is taken on behalf and in the interest of the general membership. These matters have been discussed recently in various forums, prompted by the experience of recent Council referrals.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“First and foremost, States parties have a role to that effect: by preserving the integrity of the Rome Statute, making sure that the ICC has the appropriate resources to work with, and ensuring that justice is served through a widely recognized independent judicial system, with highly qualified judges, prosecutors and staff. But the Security Council also has a role to play, for instance, through the way in which it exercises its referral powers and how it follows up those decisions in terms of supporting the Court in its functions, in particular in matters related to cooperation, and when cooperation is failing, in full respect, naturally, for the independence of the Court.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“In Kampala, the Security Council was yet again called to play an important role in the exercise of the jurisdiction of the Court as concerns the crime of aggression. With such an influential background and with the number of States parties growing - there are now 121, almost two thirds of the United Nations membership - the ICC can claim today to be an instrument of peace and justice representing a broad international convergence. Yet efforts must continue to bring the ICC closer to universality, which is an important goal that we all in the general membership have an interest in pursuing.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“We must remind ourselves that while the ICC is a treaty-based body, its model was clearly influenced by the Security Council, its recent history and its strategic approach to countering impunity and upholding accountability, as reflected in its resolutions. That is why this Security Council debate is fully justified, and we thank you, Mr. President, for your initiative. The ICC was established as a result of open intergovernmental negotiations. That was also the case with the negotiation of the Statute amendments recently agreed in Kampala on the crime of aggression and article 8 of the Statute. There also, States parties and non-parties both had the opportunity to interact to achieve an outcome which, in our view, managed to successfully fill the gap left open in Rome on the set of crimes covered by the Statute.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“The Tribunals established by the Security Council - either directly, such as the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, or under its oversight, such as the Special Court for Sierra Leone - all have made important and useful contributions, through their practice and jurisprudence, to international criminal justice in general and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in particular. As we watch those international tribunals discontinuing their activities as they gradually fulfil their mandates, we see the ICC becoming firmly rooted in their important legacy and rising as a permanent global Court to fight impunity for the most serious crimes.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank you, Mr. Minister, for presiding over this important debate. (spoke in English) I wish at the outset to thank the Secretary-General, President Sang-Hyun and Mr. Mochochoko for their statements, which were very useful indeed, as is the excellent concept note (S/2012/731, annex) prepared by the Mission of Guatemala. For many years now, international justice has gone hand in hand with peace and security, with the Security Council playing a pivotal role in building the legal framework necessary to bring to justice those most responsible for the gravest of international crimes, such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849 (2012) · source
“Israelis and Palestinians must seize the opportunity to engage diligently and truthfully with each other in order to bring about a sustainable and comprehensive peace in the region. There is no alternative to a political solution, as Under-Secretary- General Feltman rightly underlined.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“We once again vehemently condemn the rocket attacks from Gaza, which must stop immediately. The security of Israel remains a key aspect of any sustainable peaceful settlement. This is a matter to which we must all - Palestinians, Israelis, their neighbhours and the international community - seriously commit in the framework of a comprehensive settlement. There is only one way to fully ensure Israel's long- term security, and that is by ending the occupation, settling all core issues and claims between the parties, and fully normalizing diplomatic, political and economic relations between Israel and the Arab and Muslim world, as foreseen in the Arab Peace Initiative. In conclusion, the Middle East is living in a time of change and uncertainty, of opportunity but also of danger.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“In the most immediate term, our priorities should be to ensure that the achievements, for which the Palestinians have so diligently worked, are not reversed. I can assure the Israeli Ambassador that Portuguese taxpayers will carry on, in the framework of the European Union, to do their share. However, we cannot ignore that the problem remains a political one - a continued occupation that curtails the development of a sustainable Palestinian economy, thus forcing Palestinians to be donor- dependent. Palestinians must be able to explore their resources, including in Area C, without which there can be no viable Palestinian State. Portugal fully understands and supports Israel's legitimate security concerns and recognizes its right to self-defence, consistent with international law.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The Council must urgently renew efforts with a View to the swift resumption of meaningful direct talks based on the relevant Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the road map and the agreements previously reached by the parties. Such talks need to be completed within a reliable time frame, as the Palestinian people need a political horizon for the establishment of their State. Palestinian achievements in preparing for statehood are also today at risk due to the Palestinian Authority's fiscal crisis and the insufficient easing of Israeli restrictions. Portugal welcomes the positive steps Israel has taken in that regard, which have been alluded to this morning, but more must be done, as others have already underlined today.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Moreover, settlements and unpunished settler violence, which has spared not even religious sites or places of worship, evictions of Palestinians from their homes, the demolition of their property and destruction of their livelihoods, as we heard from Under-Secretary- General Feltman, are not only condemnable, but are also exacerbating tensions and undermining confidence in a peaceful process and solution, as well as weakening moderate voices. The Security Council cannot continue to shy away from its responsibilities in this context and remain impassive while the prospects for a Palestinian State living in peace and security with Israel are rapidly withering away and long-adopted Security Council resolutions continue to be systematically ignored.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“That is both their inalienable right and a matter of justice for the Palestinian people. Nevertheless, it seems that the two-State solution, which had become the stated objective of the parties themselves, not the international community, is drifting ever further away. Indeed, Israel's illegal and intensified settlement activities are eroding the territorial basis of such an objective - the very land on which a contiguous and viable independent Palestinian State is expected to emerge.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“But ifthe Joint Special Representative is to succeed, the Council has to exert united, sustained and effective pressure on all sides, and on the Syrian authorities in particular, in the light of their primary responsibilities, and place itself at a centre of efficient, sustainable and legitimate action by the international community. As we continue to strive to bring an end to the bloodshed in Syria and support the democratic transitions under way in the Arab world, we must not lose sight of the Palestinian question, as my German colleaguejust resolved 4 an issue that remains the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Indeed, no comprehensive and enduring regional peace in the Middle East will be possible as long as Palestinians are deprived of their freedom and sovereign State.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“The violence must stop if the necessary political space for a genuine inclusive and representative political tradition that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian regardless of their affiliation religion or belief is to be created. As we have often repeated, we stand firmly behind the efforts of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and League of Arab States. Portugal once again calls on the parties to view the appointment of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi as an opportunity for them to rethink their options, end the violence and engage seriously in a peaceful political resolution to the conflict.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“They must cease immediately, and the Syrian Government must fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all its neighbours, who already bear the brunt of assisting many thousands of Syrian refugees. As I have often stated in the Chamber, there is no alternative to a political solution in Syria. Further militarization would lead to no end, except to yet more human suffering. Even if one side were to eventually vanquish the other, long-lasting peace in Syria will only thrive if based on a political agreement that gathers support from all segments of Syrian society. The intent to pursue a military option will only deepen sectarian rifts, radicalize positions and threaten the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, while eroding the conditions of sustainable peace and regional stability.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“Sectarian tensions are increasing dramatically and threatening the fabric of the country. Widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights proceed unabated and with total impunity. Let me once again reiterate that this situation is totally unacceptable and that all violations of human rights, war crimes and crimes against humanity must be investigated and that their perpetrators will be brought to justice. The shelling by the Syrian armed forces of Turkish territory has once again demonstrated the serious threats the Syrian crisis poses to regional peace and security. Portugal has condemned those actions in unequivocal terms. Such violations of international law, which furthermore victimize innocent civilians, are simply unacceptable.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman for his very comprehensive and sobering briefing, as well as the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. Portugal naturally aligns itself with the contents of the statement to be delivered later by the Observer of the European Union. Let me first address Syria. As the conflict continues to spiral out ofcontrol at an intensified pace, so does the enormous human cost it entails. Last Friday, at an Arria Formula meeting, Security Council members heard a chilling account from the Independent Commission of Inquiry ofthe horrific human tragedy that is taking place in Syria. The death toll rises every day, and an already dire humanitarian situation is worsening continuously.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847 (2012) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere recognition of the extraordinary work under what are often difficult conditions accomplished by the men and women of MINUSTAH over the last eight years.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“That drawdown must of necessity go hand in hand with the parallel strengthening of the capacity of the national police, particularly aimed at enabling it to gradually take on the responsibilities currently assigned to MINUSTAH. We also believe that, in terms of humanitarian and financial security, priority must be given to strengthening the National police and not to other structures that are draining limited resources and could also become new sources of instability for Haiti. We continue to fully support the Haitian people on its difficult road to reconstruction, democracy and development. We are convinced that they can overcome the current challenges with the solidarity and active support of the international community.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“My second point is about security and the role of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). While we are pleased with the progress made in improving the capacity of the Haitian National Police, we are compelled to conclude that they have a long way to go before they will be able to assume full responsibility for providing security in the country, fighting the criminal activity that is, sadly, growing, and protecting their borders. As a result, for the time being, MINUSTAH's presence is essential. In that regard, we support the Secretary-General's proposal for a renewal of the Mission's mandate for a new term of 12 months and for its reconfiguration and gradual drawdown.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“We encourage the Haitian authorities to continue in that direction: consolidating democratic institutions and practices, political transparency and credibility of the rule of law and the administration of justice - above all, ensuring, when Haitians are ultimately summoned to the polls, the fairness, transparency and credibility of those elections, and thus avoiding betrayal of the Haitian people's legitimate aspirations and damaging the confidence of the international community. The humanitarian situation and the protection of human rights are also matters for serious concern. The marginalization of especially vulnerable groups, the still large numbers of displaced persons and incidents of gender violence are a major worry and require an effective response.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“The new political situation translates into growing demands on the Haitian authorities to make progress with essential democratic reforms. In that context, the entry into force of various constitutional amendments, the establishment of the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the creation of the Permanent Electoral Council - even if the latter is still incomplete - are all significant examples of progress.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“I will not dwell on the close interdependence of those three elements, but it is clear that, without security and good governance, founded on a solid democratic base, and without stable, functioning institutions, there can be no improvement in economic conditions or reconstruction. Similarly, without an economic and employment recovery it will be extremely difficult to strengthen security in the country. I would like to briefly discuss two of those issues. First, concerning the area of politics and the rule of law, there is no doubt that progress has been made. The country has a new Government that has the support of the people. It also appears that the instability that characterized Haitian political life for several months has been overcome.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Today, with significant support from the international community in general and the United Nations in particular, Haitians have embarked upon the long and difficult process of rebuilding their country, a process that has a wider and more coherent goal that goes beyond repairing the terrible earthquake's material damage and aiding its victims, namely, to give the country stable and democratic institutions founded on the rule of law, ensure respect for human rights and guarantee security for the people, as well as economic and social development and prosperity for the country.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to welcome you, Mr. President, to the Council and to congratulate Guatemala on presiding over the Council for the month of October. I would also like to wish our colleague, Mr. Rosenthal, and his team every success and to assure them of our support. (spoke in French) I would like thank Mr. Mariano Fernandez Amunategui for his introduction of the excellent report (S/2012/678), which gives us a clear idea ofthe situation in Haiti and the progress that has been made but, above all, of the enormous scope of the work still to be done. We also welcome the presence of our colleague Ambassador Jean Cazeau. We of course align ourselves with the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“However, we must not lose sight of the fact that the problem remains a political one, namely, the continued occupation that curtails the development of a sustainable Palestinian economy, thus forcing Palestinians to be donor-dependent. We fully understand Israel's legitimate security concerns, as we understand that an independent Palestine is not only an inalienable right but also a question of fundamental justice for the Palestinian people. In conclusion, there are many issues where closer cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States can, and should, be further deepened. That would undoubtedly be in the interest of international peace and security, as well as of the stability and prosperity of a wide and still unstable region.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“At the same time, settler violence has proceeded unabated and vandalism against places of worship has increased. We appeal to Israel once again to cease settlement expansion and to act decisively against the perpetrators of those acts of violence. The Security Council and the League ofArab States must renew efforts with a view to the swift resumption of meaningful direct talks based on the relevant Security Council resolutions, the internationally endorsed parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative. In order to succeed, direct negotiations must also establish a clear and credible political time frame. In the most immediate term, we must ensure that the Palestinian State-building achievements are not reversed due to the fiscal and economic predicaments that the Palestinian Authority is currently facing.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“In September 2011, President Abbas submitted the Palestinian application for membership to the United Nations, and the Quartet set a framework for the resumption of direct negotiations and a time frame for their conclusion. A year on, the parties have not yet engaged in a meaningful discussion on the core issues. As a result, the prospect of a free and sovereign Palestinian State is quickly withering away. Evidently, the instruments and tools we have relied on thus far have not succeeded and need to be reviewed, replaced or adapted. Israel's intensified settlement activities, which are illegal, are eroding the very viability of the two- State solution, as Minister Fabius rightly underlined, undermining confidence and weakening moderate voices.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“Together, we must persuade the parties and stakeholders to view his appointment as an opportunity for them to rethink their options, end the violence and engage seriously in an inclusive Syrian-led political transition. To that end, the Council has to exert united, sustained and effective pressure on all sides, and on the Syrian authorities in particular in the light of their primary responsibilities. Developments in the Arab world render a final settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict ever more urgent. That, however, will remain elusive as long as the Palestinian question, which is the core of the Arab- Israeli conflict, remains unresolved.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“Further militarization of the conflict will only entail further human suffering, threaten the integrity of Syria itself and destabilize neighbouring countries. There is no alternative to a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, allowing for a peaceful and democratic transition. The appointment of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi as the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League ofArab States, just as the previous appointment of Mr. Kofi Annan, underlines the cooperation between our two organizations. Mr. Brahimi can count on our full support. However, his chances of success will depend greatly upon the support he receives from the Security Council and the League of Arab States, as Mr. Elaraby rightly underlined.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“Both the Security Council and the League of Arab States have specific responsibilities in this context that they cannot shy away from. There is a pressing imperative for them to renew efforts and work together with a view to reaching a comprehensive, just and lasting peace throughout the region. In Syria the death toll continues to mount. The tragic humanitarian situation is worsening day by day, and widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights proceed unabated. We appeal to all parties in the conflict to abide strictly by the principles of international humanitarian law and to respect human rights. This terrible human tragedy could have been averted had the Syrian Government not responded to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people with brutal force and shunned all attempts to promote a peaceful political solution.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“Such is the case in Libya, where, together with the African Union and the European Union, they can play a decisive role in supporting Libyans on their path to democracy, reconciliation, peace and prosperity. Such is also the case in Yemen. As the Secretary-General said, cooperation between the two organizations should not limit itself to political issues or the crisis of the day, but move to other areas, be they economic, social or humanitarian in nature. The Middle East faces renewed risks as the bloody conflict in Syria rages on and the Middle East peace process remains in protracted stalemate. Both of those conflicts constitute serious threats to international peace and security and must be urgently resolved.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“In that sense, we believe that the Security Council could and should enhance its role and effectiveness as the primary body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security by developing strong complementary partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, as was the case in Libya, Syria and Yemen. There are ample opportunities to increase the cooperation between the Security Council and the League of Arab States, be it in the realms of preventive diplomacy, mediation, rapid response, conflict resolution or in the framework of Chapter VII of the Charter. The United Nations and the League of Arab States must also build upon shared accomplishments.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“Now is a moment for restraint and sober reflection by all. Certainly, people in North Africa did not fight so bravely for their basic rights simply to have their dreams and legitimate aspirations hijacked by a few. Also, the distortion of religion to fuel hatred and to advance narrow extremist agendas must be vehemently condemned. It is imperative that we all work collectively to counter such destructive forces. As President Obama said yesterday, "violence and intolerance has no place among our United Nations" (see A/67/PV.6). Diversity is something that deserves to be celebrated, not feared. The challenges of today's world demand common responses.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this high-level meeting on such an important issue. I also wish to thank you personally for presiding over it. I also thank both Mr. Ban Ki moon and Mr. Nabil Elaraby for their very valuable contributions to today's discussion. These are indeed challenging times in the Middle East, where strong emotions and deep-seated grievances have again come to the fore, with tragic consequences. We were deeply saddened by the deaths of Ambassador Stevens and his colleagues in Benghazi, and we again wish to extend our sincere condolences to their families and the American people. There is simply nojustification for such acts of violence or attacks against diplomatic missions. They must be unequivocally denounced and condemned. They are also attacks against all of us and the values enshrined in the Charter.”
2012-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6841 (2012) · source
“We urge the Government of Afghanistan to continue to address the matter, since it is critical to ensuring access to justice for women and children. I will conclude by reiterating my country's support for the work of UNAMA and its Special Representative. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is undergoing a reconfiguration process that presents renewed challenges in a very difficult environment. Its mission is not yet finished. The Security Council will continue to follow the Mission's activity closely and make sure that it will continue to be able to fulfil its mandate in supporting Afghanistan on its path to peace and prosperity, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan rightly said.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“As regards the rights of women, the information in the report is far from encouraging. Not only do harmful traditional practices continue to infringe on women's and girls' rights, but the recent mockery of justice on the part of the Taliban against a young woman has rightly caused outrage around the world. The courageous and sensitive work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in that area deserves our full support and appreciation. We call once more on national authorities and international partners to support implementation of the law on the elimination of violence against women and of a national action plan for women in Afghanistan. I should also note that the report mentions that efforts to recruit women police officers are lagging.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“I would like to underline the particular predicament of children in the context of the Afghan conflict. Their specific targeting is particularly odious, and that matter must continue to receive due attention in the Secretary- General's reports. Denying children humanitarian access to health care and vaccination, as has recently been the case, is a gross violation of their rights and a crime against the people and the future of Afghanistan. The efforts of Afghan and international forces to reduce civilian casualties must be acknowledged. It is our hope that the transition and further assumption of responsibility for security by Afghan forces will also continue to translate into better tracking and mitigation of civilian casualties, as well as into reliable and clear accountability mechanisms.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source