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

“The adoption of restrictive anti-protest laws and the excessive use of force by Berkut special police and other security forces under Yanukovich transformed a peaceful demonstration and led to the violence and deaths that ensued. The report indicates, however, that since the current Government took power at the end of February, tensions have decreased, along with the allegations of human rights violations. In Crimea, the main concerns are linked to the Russian-sponsored developments leading to and the situation after the so-called referendum, which has had a direct impact on the enjoyment of human rights by local inhabitants, especially the indigenous Tatar community, who chose to boycott the referendum. Their situation has just been described.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“I wish to thank the Nigerian presidency for organizing this public briefing. I would also like to convey my appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovie for his briefing. The report presented on 15 April by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights squarely refutes Russia's inflammatory narrative, which it uses to justify its illegal actions in Ukraine. While the report points out that Ukraine suffered from human rights violations, lack of accountability, corruption and mismanagement of resources, as well as a lack of a system of checks and balances and a lack of free elections, the blame is placed on the previous regime. The report indicates that underlying human rights violations were among the root causes of the popular protests that led to a change in Government.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“Such a state of affairs should be the rule rather than the exception. Sadly, for many Victims of unspeakable crimes around the world, closure through justice is still beyond reach. Today, through the adoption of resolution 2150 (2104), marking the twentieth anniversary of a genocide, we stand with the people of Rwanda in paying our respects to the victims and expressing solidarity with the survivors. The international community has a duty and moral responsibility to make sure that genocide and crimes against humanity have no place in the twenty- first century.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“If justice is not done and perpetrators go unpunished, they will continue to kill, maim, rape and commit atrocities. Through ad hoc international criminal tribunals and especially the International Criminal Court, which merits our full support, the international community delivers a stern warning to all perpetrators that there is no escaping impunity. That in itself is an important deterrent to those who may be considering engaging in acts of violence. In that regard, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda did important work in pursuing justice, and it has set important precedents in the development of international criminal law, such as the first ever prosecution of rape as an act of war. A significant number of the perpetrators of the genocide in Rwanda, including former high-level officials, have been brought to justice.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“National Governments bear the primary responsibility for protecting their populations, including through human rights education and preventive measures, such as countering incitement, extremism and hate speech, intolerance and discrimination, as well as by practising accountability to their citizens themselves. A critical ingredient in the prevention of mass atrocities is the existence of legitimate and accountable national institutions that are inclusive and credible in the eyes of a country's population, as well as an enabling foundation of the rule of law, good governance, and respect for all human rights for all. To that must be added justice and accountability. Accountability must be assured both nationally and internationally, through the supporting decisions of domestic courts and international tribunals.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“All of this speaks to the fact that further progress is needed in translating into action the concept of the responsibility to protect, the most important and imaginative doctrine to emerge on the international scene for decades, as Louise Arbour put it. With adequate information, mobilization, courage and, first and foremost, political will, genocide can be prevented. We, the international community, must cultivate and build that political will, or even the best of concepts and conventions will fail to protect the world from crimes against humanity and genocide. The responsibility to protect to which Member States committed themselves in 2005 must be honoured and acted on consistently.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“At the same time, a particularly dire humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic was unfolding, reaching new levels of brutality and decimating the country's Muslim population. We welcome the Security Council's decision to establish a United Nations peacekeeping mission there to reinforce the protection efforts undertaken by the African-led Internatinal Support Mission in the Central African Republic and by Operation Sangaris. If only they could - those brutally hacked or starved to death, tortured, mutilated and left to rot by the roadside, made to disappear by force or massively displaced, all because of their ethnicity, religion or creed in these and other conflict zones around the world - they would argue that even today, too little, too late has been done to protect them.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“The most recent building block of preventive action is the Rights Up Front initiative, aimed at strengthening early response and organizational preparedness incountering human rights violations, which, as we know too well, are a key early-warning sign of conflict and possible atrocities to come. With all those mechanisms and instruments in place, the world today is in a much better position than it was 20 years ago to be able to prevent mass atrocities and genocide. And yet we are all witnesses to the harrowing story of the suffering of Syria's civilian population as the conflict has entered its fourth year. Late last year, the Council had to take urgent action to reinforce protection efforts in South Sudan.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“We commend the two Special Advisers for the dedication and resolve they have shown in carrying out their lifesaving functions. Furthermore, mediation and preventive-diplomacy capacities have been strengthened, and regional organization have increased their cooperation with the United Nations to that end. Peacekeeping has continued to evolve, and today the protection of civilians has become an integral part of peacekeeping mandates. The Security Council has expanded its own tools by developing instruments such as horizon-scanning, which, if used systematically, can contribute significantly to early warning and prevention.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“There were plenty of early-warning signs of what was about to come, but they were systematically ignored. The necessary action was not taken, or when taken was too little, too late. And so the carnage went ahead, wiping out as much as 20 per cent of Rwanda's total population, and 70 per cent of the Tutsis. A year later, horrendous atrocities took place again, this time in Srebrenica. Since then, the international community has come a long way. At the World Summit in 2005, Member States embraced the concept of the responsibility to protect. Early-warning offices were set up within the structure of the United Nations. Special Advisers to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide and the Responsibility to Protect were appointed.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“Names like Khmer Rouge, Srebrenica and Rwanda, among others, evoke the shocking failures of the international community to stop genocidal carnage. Twenty years ago in Rwanda, at least 800,000 people were slaughtered in mere weeks. It is our moral duty as human beings to keep the memory of that tragedy alive for generations to come, in order to educate, prevent and protect. We cannot give life back to the Victims of those unspeakable horrors. But we can and must honour them by learning from past failures and applying the lessons learned in order to preserve the lives of those who can still be saved. The most fundamental lesson of the Rwanda genocide is that it could have been prevented, as Ambassador Keating testified to so eloquently earlier this morning.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“Madam President, I would like to thank you first of all for organizing today's briefing on the prevention of and fight against genocide. I also thank Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and Ambassador Colin Keating for their insightful statements. As we mark the twentieth anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, this briefing is an opportune occasion for all of us to reflect on the lessons we have drawn and applied, or that we have failed to apply, since that horrendous tragedy took place. Reeling from the horrors of the Second World War, the international community adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in 1948. Yet ever since, the gap between the intent and implementation has persisted with tragic consequences.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“We urge the Russian Federation to call back its troops from the Ukrainian border, to stop supporting separatist groups and to cease all other actions aimed at destabilizing Ukraine. The meeting among the United States, Russia, Ukraine and the European Union foreseen for 17 April in Geneva wold offer a viable chance for dialogue and diplomacy. We call on Russia not to waste that opportunity.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“At the same time, when the existence of a State is put in danger, we understand and support the right of Ukraine to defend itself in the face of external aggression and to tackle militant separatism and continuous provocations in order to protect the State and its population from a further escalation of violence. The international community and members of the Council should not be fooled by the pronouncements of the likes of Yanukovich and his corrupt cronies. The independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine are being threatened, and that threat is a threat to the security and stability of the whole region and Europe, with serious international repercussions.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“It is obvious that the Ukrainian Government is doing everything possible, under such dramatic circumstances, to respond to the legitimate needs and concerns of the population, to curb corruption and impunity, which had reigned under Yanukovich, to re-establish law and order and the authority of the State and to address the problems the Government inherited from years of neglect and mismanagement. We fully support those efforts and once again stress the extraordinary restraint and patience with which Ukraine's Government has continued to respond to the unending provocations and efforts to dismember the State by armed pro-Russian militants and separatists.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“Ukraine's Government has reached out repeatedly to the separatists. In the most difficult of political and economic circumstances, Ukraine's acting President Turchinov has decided to prepare a law on decentralization, granting more powers to the regions. Acting Prime Minister Yatseniuk has clearly stated that the Government must respond to people's desire to have more regional authority. That decision is an important step forward, showing the flexibility and readiness of legitimate Ukrainian authorities to heed its population and engage constructively. Prime Minister Yatseniuk also reassured the Russian-speaking population regarding the use of the Russian language. Furthermore, amnesty was offered to all militants who laid down arms and returned to seeking a peaceful solution to existing issues.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“In fact, about 65 per cent of the region's residents, according to opinion polls, have expressed their desire to remain part of Ukraine, while only 18.2 per cent want to join Russia. Tragically, bloodshed is happening where there was no bloodshed before pro-Russian militants started their creeping secessionist provocations. It is as clear as day that, in spite of the reassurances we heard from Moscow a few weeks ago, military aggression against Ukraine and its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity has not stopped with Crimea. My Government strongly condemns the actions of the separatist groups and their sponsors in the Donetsk region, as well as in the regions of Luhansk and Kharkiv. Lithuania supports the efforts of the Government of Ukraine to resolve this complex and unpredictable situation in a peaceful way.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“Again, the external anti-Ukranian and anti-Western propaganda machine is in full swing, inciting suspicion, mistrust and hatred waiting to explode. Ukraine's traitor Yanukovich, who abandoned his country and fled, opening the floodgates to Crimea's annexation, is being pushed again into the daylight to clear the way for Ukraine's further dismemberment. Groups of provocateurs in the hundreds, supported by pro-Russian militias, are attacking buildings of Ukraine's State institutions and declaring independence from Ukraine, as well as announcing plans for new referendums on joining Russia, in spite of the fact that recent opinion polls clearly show that the predominant majority of people in the region see their future inextricably linked to Ukraine.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“I wish to thank you, Madam President, for convening this meeting. I also wish to thank Assistant Secretary-General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco for his briefing. Lithuania is deeply concerned about the sharp deterioration of the situation in eastern Ukraine. External forces and local provocateurs continue to fuel separatism and hatred, destabilizing the situation in eastern Ukraine on the eve of the 25 May elections. The scenario is dangerously familiar. Where there was no unrest, unrest and chaos are being created by pro- Russian militias, again anonymous and without insignia, and again carrying modern models of assault weapons as seen in Crimea. Again, considerable Russian troops are massed on Ukraine's borders.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“As the Security Council continues to deal with pressing crises and conflicts, Sierra Leone's story of recovery and progress is a much-needed and inspiring tale of hope.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Similarly, civil society organizations led by women should be strengthened politically and financially in order to enable them to engage meaningfully in building the country's future. Finally, a continued commitment on the part of the United Nations to peace in Western Africa remains essential. The engagement of the United Nations with Sierra Leone will be transformed as the country team takes over UNIPSIL's residual tasks. The country team's leadership will play a critical role in Sierra Leone's post-conflict development. Likewise, as is stressed in the presidential statement to be adopted by the Council, the United Nations Office for West Africa will make its good offices available to the Government of Sierra Leone. Once again, we congratulate the people and Government of Sierra Leone on the progress they have achieved.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Lithuania also welcomes the Government of Sierra Leone's recent adoption of the Agenda. for Prosperity. That prosperity should be built on successful reforms, strong economic growth, and, as many speakers have already noted, on combating corruption. I would like to encourage Sierra Leone and United Nations entities to continue supporting women's full and equal participation in the country's political, economic and social spheres. All political parties in Sierra Leone should encourage and empower more women to participate in politics and give them more opportunities to seek election to Parliament and key positions in it. We note the proposal to enact a gender empowerment bill that would give statutory endorsement to a 30 per cent quota for women's participation.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“In order to further consolidate peace, recovery and economic growth, more must be done in the context ofpeacebuilding, reforming the security sector, fighting corruption and furthering robust, inclusive development. Lithuania takes positive note of the security-sector reform programme launched by UNIPSIL in January. We welcome Sierra Leone's constitutional review process, conducted by the Constitutional Review Committee. The country's development partners will be playing an important role in that process. For example, the European Union has been engaged in the process, with a particular focus on capacity-building, technical assistance to the Review Committee and other key stakeholders, civic education and communication and consensus-building activities.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“I would also like to thank our colleague the Permanent Representative of Canada, Guillermo Rishchynski, Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration, for his briefing and his personal dedication and commitment to the cause. Lithuania congratulates the Government of Sierra Leone on the remarkable progress that has been achieved in post-conflict recovery, peace consolidation and democratic transition through the creation of a culture of the rule of law, accountability and political tolerance. As UNIPSIL completes its mandate, 1 would like to commend the effectiveness with which the United Nations, international financial institutions and regional organizations have contributed over the past 15 years to the peacebuilding efforts in Sierra Leone. Challenges remain, however.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“First, on behalf of my delegation, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Council for His Excellency Mr. Samura Kamara, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone. I thank the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, for his briefing on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Mission in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) and his remarks on the remaining challenges facing the country as UNPSIL concludes its mandate. Since Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen has briefed the Council for the last time as Head of UNIPSIL, I offer my gratitude for his leadership in ensuring the successful implementation and conclusion of its mandate.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, the outcome of the referendum and the rushed admittance of Crimea into the Russian fold will further infringe upon the rights of large numbers of Crimea's inhabitants, who will be forced to make heart- rending choices regarding their loyalty to the Ukrainian State and their citizenship, with serious consequences for their families, their property rights and their future. One country appropriating at will a part of a neighbouring country is a profoundly disturbing signal to everyone that, once again, territories are up for grabs and that the international norms guaranteeing the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of States can be rewritten by force. Who will be next?”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“How deeply ironic is the fact that, carried out under the false pretext of protecting human and minority rights, the aggression against Crimea is carried out by pro-Russian militants with Moscow's support, causing serious and repeated human rights violations against the Crimean population through incitement against Ukrainians, extreme censorship, shutting down media outlets and press hubs, cases of arbitrary arrest, detention and enforced disappearances, routine attacks against journalists, vandalism, beatings and other ill- treatment?”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“How does that bode for the non-proliferation regime? Sunday's referendum is nothing else but a fraudulent sham whose sole purpose was to rubber-stamp the illegal annexation of a part of Ukraine. As such, it cannot be recognized by the international community. Lithuania once again calls on all States to reject that act, not to recognize the illegal joining of a part of the territory of sovereign Ukraine to the Russian Federation and to reaffirm their support for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“The indigenous Tatar population, for whom Crimea is the only place on Earth they can call home and whose massive deportation by Stalin in cattle cars is still very much alive in their collective memory, called to boycott the election as contrary to their desire to be an integral part of Ukraine. How about their right to self- determination? The so-called referendum is nothing but an undisguised land grab and a blatant violation by Russia of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, as well as bilateral and multilateral agreements and commitments. A country which should have been a guarantor of Ukraine's sovereignty, as per the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, breached its legal responsibility towards Ukraine to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for its renunciation of nuclear weapons.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“At the same time, notably while representatives of major international organizations, monitors and observers were prevented from entering Crimea, more than 100 so-called "independent referendum observers", as our French colleague has stated, who were well- established hard-line nationalists, Nazi sympathizers, deniers of the Holocaust, anti-semites, deniers of the massacre of Srebrenica and Islamophobes - hardly a company to keep for those who claim to protect Europe, Ukraine and Crimea from fascism - were able to observe and to ascertain that allegedly the referendum was fine and fair.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“The plebiscite was organized in a record short period of time, probably a first in the practice of referendums, without nationwide preparations or consultations. Not a single credible international observer was present to verify and ascertain that this hurried referendum was free and fair. Those facts alone are sufficient to raise alarms about the quality of the referendum and its fraudulence.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“I, too, would like to thank Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson and Assistant Secretary-General Simonovie for their briefings and our colleague from Ukraine for his statement. Last Sunday, a hastily crafted illegal referendum took place in Ukraine's Crimea - a referendum held in a region cut off from its mainland and the rest of the world by another country's armed forces and under a heavy barrage of aggressive anti-Ukrainian propaganda. Representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe and key United Nations national and regional organizations with outstanding experience in human rights monitoring and the organization and observation of elections were all prevented from entering Crimea.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“We welcome the UNAMA mandate extension and call for its implementation, especially in its field presence, with determination. Assisting Afghans in the challenging transformation decade is our responsibility.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Lithuania is committed to the long-term development of Afghanistan through the EU and bilateral development projects focusing on good governance, capacity- building and infrastructure. UNAMA has a vital role in ensuring effective coordination of donor assistance, especially implementing mutual commitments made at the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in 2012 through the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. In conclusion, the UNAMA presence in Afghanistan is perceived by the Afghan people as an overall stability factor and an indication of long-term commitment by the international community. The United Nations must continue its presence in Afghanistan to ensure that the gains of more than a decade are not lost and all sacrifices were not in vain.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“A particular point of concern for my delegation is the 36 per cent increase in opium cultivation in 2013. Given the nexus between drug trafficking, arms, violence and terrorism, we stress the importance of more resolute measures and Afghan initiatives aimed at accelerating counter-narcotics policies by including the implementation of a National Drug Control Strategy, as well as efforts aimed at addressing the flourishing illicit economy and corruption. In all of that, UNAMA has an important role to play. Strengthening Afghanistan's regional ties is vital for its long-term stability. Active Afghan leadership within the Istanbul Process and bilateral steps to engage with neighbouring countries, including increased recognition of shared interests with Pakistan, is welcomed by my delegation.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“A major concern is the failure to enforce the law on the elimination of violence against women, which leaves perpetrators at large. Too many victims of violence keep silent for fear ofreprisals. We commend the decision of President Karzai not to sign the current draft criminal procedure code into law, as it would limit women's rights to seek justice. UNAMA must continue its work in identifying the challenges as well as remedies regarding national and international efforts to advance women's rights and women's participation in the political, economic and social life of the country. Attacks on schools, teachers and students continued unabated by the Taliban and other armed groups. Such violence is interfering with access to education, and in some areas actually rolled back progress already made.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Lithuania has pledged to contribute its support to the Afghan National Security Forces with a new training mission after 2014, once the necessary legal framework is in place. As an International Security Assistance Force country, we encourage our Afghan partners to finalize the conclusion of the NATO status-of-forces agreement as soon as possible. The progress made by Afghanistan in improving the human rights situation remains fragile. We urge the Afghan Government to take the necessary steps to support the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission so that it can fulfil its critical role. Violence against women in particular reached record levels in 2013, according to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“It is particularly troubling that casualties among children increased by more than one third as compared to those in 2009. About three fourths of the death toll is attributed to the Taliban. Reduced civilian suffering and fewer civilian casualties, together with improvements in human rights protection, should be the core principles of improved stability and security for Afghanistan in 2014. My delegation would support tracking civilian casualties disaggregated by gender. The anti-Government elements targeting Government institutions and the international community is totally unacceptable. The efforts by Afghan forces to counter such attacks are crucial. Having further international assistance in support of the Afghan army and police forces will remain essential.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“UNAMA initiatives aimed at mitigating inter-ethnic and inter-tribal tensions and linking Government officials, community leaders, religious scholars and civil society, including women, are welcomed and need to continue. Serious concerns remain about the security situation in the country. The gradual withdrawal of international troops has left Afghan Government forces more vulnerable to attacks by insurgents. Due to the rise in casualties, 2013 was the second most violent year since the fall of the Taliban regime. The secure functioning of UNAMA, especially that of its field offices, is also directly impacted by the withdrawal of international forces. Armed clashes and improvised explosive devices account for 75 per cent of deaths.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“The support of the United Nations Assistnace Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to Afghan-led elections that live up to inclusiveness, transparency, credibility and legitimacy standards is of critical importance. We welcome the fact that Afghan authorities are encouraging observation of the election, including by international observers and the invitation extended to European Union and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe observer teams. The limited progress towards the establishment of a peace process with the armed opposition continues to be an issue of concern. We stress the importance of an inclusive Afghan-led process and we call on UNAMA to continue to facilitate local dialogue on reconciliation.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“An important development of the campaign is the progress in ensuring female participation in the upcoming election, with 35 percent of new voter registration cards being distributed to female voters. In addition, 13,000 women searchers were trained to work in polling centres on election day. We also salute women candidates for the position of Vice-President, as well as over 100 women provincial council candidates. Ensuring the safety of women candidates and voters is key to ensuring that the outcome of the election represents the will of the entire nation and engages the full potential of Afghanistan's women in building its future. Security during campaigning and on the day of voting remains a major concern and must be addressed with all due seriousness.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Our goal of assisting the Afghan people in building a secure, democratic, inclusive and self-sufficient Afghanistan remains unchanged. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement to be made later in this meeting by the observer of the European Union (EU). This year, Afghanistan stands at a critical milestone. The presidential elections scheduled for 5 April will see power transferred from one elected president to another for the first time in the history of Afghanistan. We welcome the advancements in the electoral process made through the timely adoption of legal framework, the functioning of established electoral bodies, the declared non-interference by the Government, the vigorous political campaigning and the enhanced public outreach throughout the country.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative ofthe Secretary-General Jan Kubis for his briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and Ambassador Tanin for his remarks. Like others before me, I would like to extend my delegation's condolences over the tragic loss of lives of United Nations family members and all other victims of the brutal attack on 17 January in Kabul. We pay tribute to the dedication of all international staff facing continuous security challenges and risking their lives for the sake of the people of Afghanistan. Lithuania is firmly committed to contributing to building a peaceful and stable future of Afghanistan. Since 2005, we have been leading a provincial reconstruction team in Chaghcharan, the provincial capital of Ghor.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“We also urge Russia to reaffirm its treaty obligations vis-a-vis Ukraine, including respect for its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, and to withdraw without delay its armed forces to the areas of their permanent stations. Only political dialogue and full respect of the Charter of the United Nations and international law can put an end to the crisis and prevent further bloodshed.”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source
“The Russian Federation is challenging the very principles on which this Organization, the United Nations, is built and which supported the international system for the past seven decades. We deplore this veto. The world cannot allow a repetition of 1956, 1968 or 2008 in Europe. We call on all Member States and regional and international organizations not to recognize the results of the referendum in Crimea and not to recognize any alteration of the status of Crimea carried out in clear and obvious violation of the Constitution of Ukraine, a United Nations founding Member. We call on Russia to disown the illegal referendum in Crimea. International observers, monitors and mediators have been invited by the Ukrainian Government and must be allowed to do their job.”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source
“By vetoing the draft resolution, built on the core tenants of the Charter of the United Nations, which clearly states that "All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent for the Purposes of the United Nations" and that "The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements or other peaceful means of their own choice".”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source
“It is in that context that the Council has voted for a draft resolution condemning the illegal referendum in Crimea, saying yes to the non-use of force in relations between the States; yes to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability and political independence of Ukraine, and by way of extension, of any sovereign State. My country's yes to the draft resolution is a yes to non-aggression, to a nation's free choice of its destiny and its alliances, to democracy, to the rule of law and to the internationally accepted rules of behaviour based on the norms and principles of international law. Today's veto is not business as usual.”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source
“The historical inhabitants of the peninsula, the Crimean Tartars, who see their future in and with Ukraine, said they would boycott this illegal happening. All others who care for the sovereignty and indivisibility of the country, including Crimea's Ukrainians, will be left voiceless by this hastily concocted plebiscite, because the "yes" option to Crimea's future in Ukraine is simply not on the ballot. Our Russian colleague has spoken about self- determination and the independence of Crimea. Let me quote the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Crimea, Aksyonov: "No, we will not have independence", he said to the press,"Crimea shouldjoin Russia", and it may happen in the next week or so.”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source
“While the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and individual world leaders have been trying hard in the past few weeks to get Russia to engage with Ukrainian authorities in order to avoid a veritable crisis over Crimea, and while the Ukrainian authorities repeated their readiness to accept international monitors and mediation efforts, Russian troops and equipment were being amassed in Crimea, accompanied by aggressive anti-Ukrainian propaganda and hurried anti-constitutional acts by the Crimean Parliament to prepare the ground for an illegal referendum and eventual annexation of Crimea by Russia. Tomorrow a farce of a referendum will be held, in flagrant violation of the Ukraine and Crimean Constitutions and international law.”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source
“And yet, in defiance to the Budapest Memorandum, whereby the Russian Federation reaffirmed its obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, contrary to the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation of 1997, which affirms that both countries agree to respect each other's territorial integrity and confirm the viability ofthe borders existing between them, and in violation of the obligations and commitments undertaken by Russia during its accession to key regional and international organizations, Ukraine is about to be carved up.”
2014-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7138 (2014) · source