YouSaid · the spoken record

Murmokaite

lines on the record: 1,184
first: 2012-11-19
most recent: 2016-11-07
sittings or episodes: 138
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

“During the meeting, we discussed possible cooperation between the Committee and the Prosecutor's Office with regard to the fight against impunity in the Central African Republic and agreed to continue to meet informally with interested members of the Committee in the future. I encouraged the Prosecutor to informally share information on alleged perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law with the Committee and the Panel of Experts and she agreed to do so. On 23 June, a security incident involving two experts ofthe Panel occurred in the border area between the Central African Republic and Chad. In reply to the Secretariat's note to Committee members on 25 June, a note verbale from the Permanent Mission of Chad was circulated in the Committee on 3 July, providing initial information on the incident.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“I will continue my outreach activities to the Central African Republic and its neighbours, who reported to the Committee during its 6 February meeting on their needs for implementation assistance, and will encourage those States to submit their reports to the Committee as soon as possible, including details of their assistance needs, to enable the Committee to approach potential partners and donors such as the Peacebuilding Commission, international financial institutions and other international, regional and subregional partners. On 19 June, I met with the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Fatou Bensouda.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“So far, the Committee has received 25 such reports, as well as four addenda, from three Member States. Twenty-one reports have been posted on the Committee's website. Of the 15 Committee members, seven have submitted reports so far. Only two African States have reported to date, and neither is located in the Central African region. I have encouraged Council members to lead by example and to submit their implementation reports in a timely manner.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“They also welcomed the fact that the Panel had been able to travel to quite a few places outside of Bangui despite security and logistical constraints. Furthermore, they expressed concern about the continued illicit exploitation of natural resources and poaching, which are a major source of revenue for armed groups. They encouraged the Panel to provide the Committee on an ongoing basis with well-documented information on individuals who should be listed for targeted sanctions. Lastly, with regard to the four recommendations contained in the Panel's interim report, Committee members agreed with three recommendations and took note of one. I would now like to update the Security Council on the implementation reports the Committee has received from Member States to date.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“He informed Committee members of three recent seizures of diamonds in the United Arab Emirates, Cameroon and Belgium that were most likely exported from the Central African Republic. With regard to the Panel's work on humanitarian issues, the coordinator informed the Committee that its database of incidents had been recognized by the humanitarian community as a unique tool and helped the Panel to chart out its further investigations in the area. In their reactions to the interim report and the presentation by the coordinator, Committee members expressed their appreciation for the detailed findings presented by the Panel, especially with regard to armed groups and violations of international humanitarian law.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“During the Committee's informal consultations on 25 June, the Panel's coordinator briefed the Committee on developments since the submission of the interim report, and Committee members considered the recommendations contained therein. The briefer told Committee members that the voluntary disarmament operations carried out by the transitional authorities and the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic on 8 June had not been successful. The country was still de facto partitioned into two, and almost all inhabited areas were still under the direct or indirect control of armed groups. The Panel was investigating who was responsible for the recent violence and killings in Bambari.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“The Panel has not documented any major transfers of weapons, ammunition or military equipment since the imposition of the arms embargo on 5 December 2013. Armed groups mainly use small arms that were circulating in the country before the crisis or were obtained from Government stockpiles following the collapse of the defence and security forces and the subsequent Seleka rule in Bangui. Finally, the Panel has documented 103 incidents of obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian assistance between 5 December 2013 and 30 April 2014. It has also documented approximately 2,424 unlawful killings of civilians, including aid workers, committed by all parties to the conflict during the same period. The interim report was issued as an official Council document on 1 July under the symbol S/2014/452.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“The Panel has been able to identify several political actors who are taking advantage of the security vacuum in the country to fund, organize or manipulate armed groups, such as some components of the "new Seleka" or the self-declared anti-Balaka militias, in order to position themselves in the national transitional process or promote the partition of the country. The Panel noted that personnel of the Central African armed forces and gendarmerie remain at command positions of some of the main anti-Balaka groups. Furthermore, the Panel reported that armed groups have been involved in the illicit trade and exploitation of natural resources. In the west, anti-Balaka members are digging and trading diamonds, while in the east Seleka forces retain a tight grip on artisanal gold mines.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“Subsequently, the Committee issued a press release on its interaction with the Special Representatives (SC/11388). On 29 May, Committee members received the interim report of the Panel of Experts. According to the Panel, the total impunity that allows individuals to engage in or provide support for acts that undermine the peace, security and territorial integrity of the Central African Republic remains the main stumbling block on the road of the political transition. Repeated cycles of violence have been fuelled by the lack of accountability, which created a fertile ground for rebel and criminal activities in the country.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“Those include committing acts of sexual violence and recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the Central African Republic. The Committee members expressed their appreciation for the work of the Special Representatives and the information that they had provided, including proposalstolistcertainindividualsfortargetedsanctions. Furthermore, the Committee members expressed the view that the designation of certain individuals for financial and travel sanctions would send a strong message that the international community would no longer tolerate the serious atrocities being committed by all sides in the Central African Republic and that perpetrators of such acts would be held accountable. In that connection, delegations encouraged both Special Representatives to exchange information on possible designations with the Panel of Experts.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“On 9 May, the Committee listed three individuals subject to the measures imposed by paragraphs 30 and 32 of resolution 2134 (2014) and issued a press release in that connection (SC/11389). On 18 June, the cooperation agreement between INTERPOL and the Committee, which includes the issuance of Special Notices, entered into force. On 5 May, the Committee was briefed during its informal consultations by the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflicts and on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Both Special Representatives provided the Committee members with pertinent information on individuals engaged in activities stipulated by resolution 2134 (2014) as listing criteria for targeted measures.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“A number of Committee members underscored the importance of close cooperation between the Panel and the transitional authorities of the Central African Republic, as well as with the neighbouring States. The Committee received a briefing from INTERPOL'S General Counsel and Acting Special Representative during its consultations on 1 May. He explained that the INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice was a useful tool for quickly disseminating information about individuals and entities subject to targeted sanctions to law enforcement agencies at airports and border crossings in all of INTERPOL's 190 member States. The Committee members welcomed the Special Notice as an important tool for improving the implementation of sanctions.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“Ms. Murmokaite: I have the honour to brief the members of the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic. I intend to brief members on the work of the Committee carried out since my most recent briefing to the Council during its consultations on 21 February. During the Committee's informal consultations on 5 March, the coordinator of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic presented the Panel's programme of work. Besides the coordinator, who also serves as the Panel's armed groups expert, the Panel's arms and finance/natural resources experts briefed the Committee members on their respective investigative priorities. The Committee members provided the Panel with guidance on the work programme presented.”
2014-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7215 (2014) · source
“We hope that all the parties will seize this opportunity, although the events of a few minutes ago raise legitimate doubts as to the separatists' commitment to it.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“As noted by previous speakers, impartial reporting on human rights violations and developments on the ground is key to ensuring that facts are not manipulated. Ukraine's continued openness to international monitoring shows its constructive spirit and stands in stark contrast to the actions of the separatists, who have done all they can to prevent reporting from the areas they hold captive. Let us not forget that they are still holding eight OSCE observers. We call for their immediate release and that of all the hostages in separatist hands. The Ukrainian peace plan offers a potential breakthrough for the restoration of peace and stability in line with the international principles of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“Importantly, Russia has yet to end the incendiary campaign against Ukraine that has been stoking militant insurgency in the eastern part of the country. Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable and must be respected by all. We reiterate our condemnation of the occupation of Crimea and stress that a forced redrawing of internationally recognized borders has no place in the twenty-first century. Lithuania appreciates the work being done by the United Nations human rights monitoring mission and the special monitoring mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to provide regular updates on the situation in Ukraine. We welcome the Ukrainian Government's invitation to allow the extension of the United Nations mission for three more months.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“The Ukrainian Government is doing its part to realize the peace agreement. The onus is now on the separatists and on Russia to do theirs. We note the fact that on Wednesday Russia's Federation Council is to revoke a resolution authorizing the use of Russian armed forces on Ukrainian territory, and we hope that implies all of Ukrainian territory. More, however, must be done. Russia has yet to clearly dissociate itself from the militant separatism in eastern Ukraine or to call on all the insurgents to lay down the arms. It has not yet ensured proper control of its borders with Ukraine or put an end to the flow into eastern Ukraine of Russian- made weaponry and mercenaries, as well as foreign fighters.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“Welcome steps have also been taken to ensure the rights of ethnic minorities. In stark contrast to the situation in occupied Crimea, where the teaching of the Ukrainian and Tatar languages is being squeezed out, on 30 May Kyiv amended the framework curriculum to improve the teaching of minority languages as diverse as Armenian, Bulgarian, Tatar, Gagauz, Greek, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Korean, Moldovan, Polish, Romanian, Russian and Slovak. President Poroshenko's most recent initiative, a 15-step plan for a peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine, which my country fully endorses, could be a real game-changer. While it was unfortunately greeted by more insurgent attacks, trilateral talks are taking place, and there has been some movement on exchanging prisoners and restoring public utility services.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“Simonovie's third report contains a number of recommendations to the Ukrainian Government. Lithuania and all the members of the European Union stand ready to assist Ukraine in reforming the security sector, the police and the rule of law. We welcome the steps that the Government of Ukraine has taken so far in implementing the 17 April Geneva statement, through a number of round tables, initiatives and legislative changes, including those aimed at decentralizing power. Other important legislative measures are in the process of being enacted, and Assistant Secretary- General Simonovic' spoke about that at length. The Ukrainian Government has repeatedly offered to grant amnesty to those who lay down their arms. Just a few days ago, President Poroshenko went to eastern Ukraine to directly engage with the local population and authorities.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“Only a few minutes ago, while we were speaking in the Council, a military helicopter was again downed by the separatists, resulting in nine more deaths. We offer our sympathy to all those who have lost their loved ones and have been affected by the displacement, deprivation, intimidation and threats produced by this crisis. We reiterate our long-standing position that Ukraine has a right and a duty to defend itself and to seek to restore law and order within its borders. Legitimate force must be used with due restraint, avoiding unnecessary damage to civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties. The best way to defeat the deadly mix of violence, hate and lawlessness that drives the pro-Russian insurgency is by upholding legality and the rule of law. Mr.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“One such case mentioned in the report is the execution of a farmer in front of his family for bringing food to Ukrainian forces. The separatists have been carrying out increasingly brazen attacks using ever more sophisticated weapons. They possess anti-aircraft and anti-tank weaponry, automatic assault rifles, man-portable air defence systems and other arms. Last week, three T-64 tanks, BM-2l Grad multiple rocket launchers and other military vehicles crossed illegally from Russia into Ukrainian territory and were seen in the towns of Snizhne, Torez and Makiyivka. On 14 June, in a criminal act they readily admitted to, militants downed a Ukrainian military transport plane, leading to 49 deaths.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“The report is yet more proof that a pro-Russian militant insurgency has been the cause, and not the effect, of the serious human rights violations and a breakdown of law and order in the eastern regions of Ukraine, just as Russia's occupation of Crimea was the cause, and not the effect, of serious human and minority rights violations in that region. The report details cases of abductions, unlawful detentions, killings, torture, ill-treatment, forced disappearances, intimidation and harassment perpetrated by the armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Criminality and looting have increased considerably in areas held by the militant separatists. Stalinist-style arbitrary executions by the insurgents have also been recorded, including within their own ranks or as revenge on those giving support to Government forces.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretaries-General Ivan Simonovie and Taye-Brook Zerihoun for their briefings. President Poroshenko's peace plan offers a fragile hope for a solution to this artificially induced crisis, which has been stoked by Russia's persistent anti-Ukrainian propaganda as well as a continuous influx of militants and weaponry from across Ukraine's Russian borders. A return to normality is badly needed after the months of destruction and lawlessness perpetrated by illegal armed separatists, which have led to a disturbing deterioration of human rights and the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, as the third report of the United Nations human rights monitoring mission testifies.”
2014-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7205 (2014) · source
“Let me conclude by paying tribute and expressing our deep appreciation and respect for all the peacekeepers, who put their lives at risk to protect the lives of others and, at times, pay the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“At the same time, technology cannot replace troops and police officers on the ground and should be seen as only performing an enabling and supporting role. Situational awareness without adequate troop capability to act is of little use. The human factor remains crucial in peacekeeping operations. Besides helping to better protect civilian lives, a smart use of technologies in peacekeeping would also help to protect the lives of peacekeepers, as the toll of peacekeeper deaths is becoming unacceptably high. Only a short while ago, on 29 May, the United Nations marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Global positioning system technology in mission vehicles, infrared capabilities on aircraft and helicopters, the reduction of missions' ecological footprint through water-saving equipment, and the use of cellular or satellite communications as early warning mechanisms by civilians in conflict areas are just some examples. Technology can be employed not just to enhance situational awareness and facilitate the decision-making process, but also to bring peacekeepers closer to the communities they are mandated to protect. It is also important to reinforce the deterrence element, shrinking the space in which perpetrators can act undetected and with impunity. Finally, the use of advanced technology could result in substantial resource efficiencies and would allow the United Nations to optimize the use of critical enablers.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“At the same time, cooperation should also be strengthened on the global level, notably through the implementation of the Global Field Support Strategy and the use of the capabilities available at global and regional service centres. Finally, let me touch upon the use of advanced technologies in United Nations peacekeeping. Lately, discussions at the United Nations have focused on unmanned aerial vehicles, whose added value was recently demonstrated at a Secretariat briefing on their use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the range of advanced technology that is or could be used to enhance implementation of the complex peacekeeping tasks of today is much wider.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Broader regional and operational theatre thinking and assessment of crisis situations and conflict trends should take place, possibly going as far as preparing contingency plans for inter-mission support, the involvement of regional and subregional actors, and options for emergency redeployment in crisis situations. Emergency redeployment to tackle the situation in South Sudan, which has involved missions in volatile situations, can offer a valuable case study for the future. Cases of inter-mission cooperation in West Africa and the Middle East can also serve as examples, while opportunities for greater cooperation at the regional level are explored.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Let me now turn to inter-mission cooperation. While the concept paper (S/20l4/384, annex) notes that inter-mission cooperation should not affect the implementation of particular mission mandates, we believe that such cooperation could in fact help their implementation and should therefore be an inherent feature of overall mission planning. As crises multiply and the United Nations peacekeeping budget keeps growing, we believe that peacekeeping should not be seen as a patchwork of separate missions, but as a global enterprise in which efficiency gains and synergies should be identified so as to provide added value and benefit for all mandates.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Because of the increasing focus on civilian protection and humanitarian issues, human rights and gender sensitivity training is essential for peacekeepers to be able to carry out their tasks properly. Predeployment assessment is critical for ensuring that peacekeeping contingents meet United Nations standards, including with regard to the protection of civilians. Even more importantly, all personnel must respect the values of United Nations peacekeeping and, first of all, the principle of"do no harm". All allegations of misconduct involving peacekeeping personnel, in particular those related to sexual exploitation or abuse, must be examined thoroughly, and those responsible must be brought to account. A zero-tolerance policy with regard to sexual misconduct, wherever and whenever it occurs, must be strictly implemented.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“The operational readiness of troops and their preparedness for rapid deployment are an increasing necessity. A capability- driven and qualitative rather than quantitative focus must be maintained in order to ensure the effectiveness and operational value of peacekeeping forces in the highly volatile and rapidly changing crisis situations in which peacekeepers carry out their missions today. Such complex, multidimensional environments also raise new demands for peacekeeper training and readiness to perform an increasing variety of tasks. Being able to read the signals of and act accordingly to deal with gender-based violence, rape as a tool of war, and the abuse and recruitment of children is key for implementing protection-of-civilian mandates.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Besides traditional peacekeeping tasks, they must provide effective protection of civilians and their human rights, humanitarian assistance, and, in cooperation with country teams and relevant regional and subregional actors, engage in early peace- or State-building. That raises new demands for the peacekeeping partnership of the Security Council, Member States, the Secretariat and the relevant regional organizations. Highly mobile units and task forces with appropriate equipment and sustainability capabilities are increasingly preferable to traditional infantry battalions, which are best suited to operate in static configurations. Approaches that integrate infantry, police and gendarmerie, engineering and support structures are being tested in real time.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“While today's trends in peacekeeping can pose considerable challenges, they also highlight the inherent adaptability of United Nations peacekeeping, which remains one of its major strengths. Today, let me focus on three issues: ensuring capabilities needed to implement peacekeeping mandates, inter-mission cooperation, and the use of modern technologies. Former United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold once noted that "peacekeeping is not a job for soldiers, but only soldiers can do it". Owing to the multidimensional character of today's peacekeeping, the troops on the ground must be able to respond quickly to the multiple challenges at hand.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for organizing this highly pertinent open debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing. Lithuania associates itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union by the Head of its Delegation to the United Nations. Since the inception of the United Nations, peacekeeping has developed to become an indispensable tool for the maintenance of international peace and security. Nearly 70 missions have been deployed over that time, and the experience and lessons learned from those missions continue to feed into the concept of peacekeeping as it evolves further, owing to the changing nature of conflicts and the requirements on the ground.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Both ad hoc Tribunals have played a crucial role in and made a considerable contribution to the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC). As the work of the ICTY and the ICTR is about to end, it is more important than ever that the Council fulfil its responsibilities in putting an end to impunity and ensuring justice and accountability. In that regard, political support for the ICC is essential in order to make sure that it can deliver on the expectations of the numerous victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, for whom this body may be the only recourse to justice.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“We call on all States in a position to do so to respond positively to the Tribunal's request for their relocation. After two decades of activity, the Tribunals are working together to ensure a gradual and effective transition of their work to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. The Residual Mechanism is essential to ensuring that there will be no impunity for the remaining fugitives and that the appeals will be completed and witnesses protected. Finally, I would like to note that the scale and horrendous character of the mass atrocities of the past few decades have clearly demonstrated the necessity of a permanent court ofjustice aimed at ending impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern, in situations where justice cannot or will not be ensured otherwise.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“As the closure of the Tribunal approaches, nine fugitives indicted by the ICTR remain at large, six cases have been referred to Rwanda, and the remaining three indictees are to be tried before the Residual Mechanism. The work is not yet fully complete, and we should not let down our guard. We call on all parties to intensify their cooperation in order to achieve the arrest and surrender of all remaining fugitives as soon as possible. A successful conclusion to the Tribunal's work, and the delivery of justice to the victims and survivors of the unspeakable horrors committed two decades ago, would be a fitting tribute to the memory of the human tragedy whose twentieth anniversary is being commemorated this year. An issue of concern is the human rights situation faced by those who have been acquitted but are still waiting to be relocated.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“Conflict-related sexual crimes are particularly heinous and have lasting effects on the Victims, their families and entire communities. We call upon the national authorities to devote sufficienttime and attention to these cases and to truly commit to the resolution of the outstanding case load. Regional cooperation is very important in this regard. The conclusion of the Protocol on Cooperation in Prosecution of Perpetrators of War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity and Genocide between the Prosecutor's Offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro on 29 April was a positive step in that respect. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda has done significant work in pursuing justice and set important precedents in the development of international criminal law, such as the first-ever prosecution for rape as an act of genocide.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“While acknowledging the heavy workload of the Tribunal and the considerable progress that has been made, we encourage the ICTY to take all necessary measures to keep the delays to a minimum. Accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity depends on the effective completion of the last cases by the ICTY and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, as much as it does on the success ofnational prosecutions. In fact, effective and efficient national prosecutions of war crimes will remain a critical component of the ICTY's legacy. We share the concern expressed in the report (S/2014/351, annex I) regarding the slow processing of war crimes cases, and in particular cases of sexual violence, by national institutions in countries that emerged out of the former Yugoslavia.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“Guided by the principles of fairness, impartiality and independence, both Tribunals have championed respect for the rule of law, developed capacity at the national level, and contributed to the difficult but necessary process of reconciliation and peace. The reports and today's briefings clearly show that both Tribunals are moving successfully towards the completion of their mandates. With regard to the work of the ICTY, all the indictees have been brought before the Tribunal, including several long-term fugitives. The Tribunal has concluded proceedings against 141 of the 161 indicted individuals. We expect the Tribunal to complete its work in the nearest future. It is important to emphasize that nothing should undermine its ability to deliver justice in due process.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Judge Meron, Judge Joensen, Prosecutor Brammertz and Prosecutor Jallow for their comprehensive reports and briefings today. Lithuania supports and commends the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). The principle of accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community must be upheld and actively pursued. The task of ending impunity for mass atrocities is often at the very heart oftransitionaljustice and reconciliation efforts leading to a sustainable peace. The ICTY and the ICTR were established by the Security Council to deal with horrific crimes in view of a lack of independent judiciary capacity.”
2014-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7192 (2014) · source
“No country would sit idle and watch indifferently as groups of insurgents armed with illegally obtained weapons, increasingly with the help of foreign mercenaries, go about disrupting the functioning of the State and its very statehood by intimidation, violence and force. In the face of the ongoing onslaught against the State of Ukraine, we stress Ukraine's legitimate right to defend its statehood and territorial integrity from illegal separatist groups that have taken up arms against their own country and demonstrate utter disdain for its Constitution, its laws and its people. While reiterating our commitment to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, we stand ready to support its new leadership and the people of Ukraine on the path of democratic reforms and peace. The people of Ukraine have spoken.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“International monitors are increasingly under attack, including the abduction on Monday, 26 May, of four representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) special monitoring mission, which was the second such incident in two months. Earlier today, we received alarming information that another 11 OSCE monitors had been detained by pro-Russian separatists on their way from Donetsk to Dnipropetrovsk. They have now been released. Lithuania strongly condemns all interference with the work of international observers and urges all parties to ensure that they can carry out their important work in safety and security.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“The deliberate targeting of journalists, including attacks, beatings and abductions, as well as the confiscation and destruction of their equipment, have been reported. A young Italian journalist lost his life. Such attacks must be firmly condemned. Only a few days ago, the self- proclaimed mayor of Sloviansk confirmed that his group alone held some 40 hostages. The overall number of hostages and forced disappearances is obviously higher and remains a cause of serious concern. For example, 12 high-ranking police officers were abducted by armed separatists in the Luhansk region on 26 May.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“The countless acts of violence committed by heavily armed separatist groups - such as ongoing banditry and looting, extortions, intimidation, abductions, beatings, torture, bloody ambushes and killings - are in direct violation of the human and social rights of the people they falsely claim to represent. The separatists in eastern Ukraine defy the very basic principles of national and international law and flaunt their contempt for human rights. Cases of illegal self-proclaimed people's courts sentencing local officials to death, followed by actual executions, have been reported. The increasing involvement of foreign fighters, including Chechen mercenaries, is deeply worrying and may, if unchecked, spin out of control. The false and dangerously misleading narrative of fighting Ukrainian fascists continues to be exploited.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“We urge Russia to fully withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian border and to stop the free flow of arms, weaponry and foreign fighters into Ukrainian territory. Ukraine's borders and air space must be respected. In view of Russia's influence on and contacts with illegal armed groups, it is key that Russia unequivocally denounce, condemn and disassociate itself from the militant separatism plaguing Ukraine's south-east. Such steps are essential to helping restore a sense of trust between the two neighbouring States and to embark on a path of de-escalation, on the basis of the 17 April Geneva statement and with the continued monitoring and support of the international community on the ground. Crimea's occupation has led to growing numbers of internally displaced persons, who now number nearly 10,000.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“The national dialogue meetings and the recently adopted memorandum on peace and concord offer good grounds for openness and inclusiveness, as well as the involvement of the broadest groups of Ukraine's society as the country seeks to break away from the corrupt legacy of past rule. We wish the President-elect and the people of Ukraine all the very best in that important endeavour. At the same time, we stress once again that Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable and must be respected by all. We welcome the statements by Russia's leaders that they will respect the outcome of Ukraine's vote. It is now time for them to walk the walk. It is time for Russia to discard its propaganda war against Ukraine and to engage in a genuine and meaningful dialogue.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“While many in eastern Ukraine have legitimate grievances regarding their socioeconomic conditions and the relationship between the centre and the regions, they do not seek Ukraine's fragmentation. On the contrary, the overwhelming majority of Ukraine's citizens, including those in the east and south of the country, see their future in a united and democratic Ukraine. The challenges facing the new President and his Government are enormous, as they will have to overcome decades of neglect and pervasive corruption, restore the rule of law, rebuild trust and confidence among the citizens and regions, as well as between the citizens and their Government, by implementing comprehensive and inclusive political and economic reforms.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“Everywhere, including south-eastern Ukraine, the lead of President- elect Petro Poroshenko was clear and obvious, leaving no room whatsoever for speculations regarding the legitimacy of the election. Importantly, Ukraine's Sunday election demolished the myth okaraine's radical extremism, which has been staple fodder for a repulsive anti-Ukrainian propaganda campaign. It is time to put to rest once and for all the shameless incitement against and demonization of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, which have done enormous damage to relations between the two nations and led to bloodshed under false pretexts on Ukraine's soil. The people of Ukraine have spoken. Sunday's election results confirmed what we knew all along.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“The people of Ukraine have spoken. Last Sunday, they cast their votes for the future of a united Ukraine in an election that was widely recognized as free and fair and in line with international standards by numerous international observers. As Ilkka Kanerva, head of the delegation sent to the elections by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said, "The impressive turnout offered a powerful rebuke to those who would challenge Ukraine's unity and progress". Intimidations, kidnappings and seizures of ballot boxes and voting premises by pro-Russian separatists could not stop those who care for their country from expressing their will democratically and freely through a ballot box, in stark contrast to those who only know how to impose their will at gunpoint.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source