YouSaid · the spoken record

Muthukumarana

lines on the record

28

first

2013-10-22

most recent

2015-04-21

sittings or episodes

4

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

1. “We recognize that the viability of the two-State solution will depend on the political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people. In conclusion, we hope that both Israel and Palestine will utilize the opportunities presented during this year to achieve a historic peace agreement in the interest of their future generations.”

   2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source

2. “A climate conducive to peace would be encouraged by an approach of mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns. We would also like to reiterate that the security needs of the Israeli people must be respected. An improvement in the conditions of the Palestinians would contribute to improving the situation of the region as a whole. The ongoing settlement activities, which are illegal under international law, need to end at the earliest for a sustainable solution. Sri Lanka supports the implementation of General Assembly resolutions concerning the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. Sri Lanka also supports Palestine's application for admission to full membership in the United Nations.”

   2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source

3. “The fulfilment of pledges made at the Cairo conference for Palestine last year will be a lifeline for the Palestinian people to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Also, the funding of United Nations agencies that carry out vital operations in Gaza for both the refugee and non-refugee populations must receive the highest priority. Peace negotiations need to be resumed as soon as possible with the goal of reaching a just and durable solution consistent with the principles of international law, and relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Both parties to the conflict must actively pursue every possibility for peace with a view to ultimately establishing an independent State of Palestine that exists peacefully, side by side with Israel.”

   2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source

4. “In recent years, the continuing blockade of Gaza has added to the difficulties experienced by the Palestinian people. Restrictions on imports and exports due to the blockade are stifling economic growth as well as aggravating the humanitarian crisis. We are deeply concerned at the situation in Gaza, where the basic needs of the Palestinian population must be addressed following the conflict last year, which resulted in large-scale destruction and displacement. Continuing the humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for the devastated Gaza Strip should be a priority. In addition, the pace of reconstruction needs to be accelerated to address basic needs as well as to ensure stability.”

   2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source

5. “I join other speakers in commending you, Mr. President, for having convened this important debate. The Sri Lankan delegation associates itself with the statement made by Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. My delegation wishes to express our appreciation for the dedicated service of Mr. Robert Serry, the outgoing United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and to wish his successor, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, success in this key leadership role. Proactive leadership in the international community is essential in order to find a just and durable solution to the question of Palestine. Successive generations of Palestinians have suffered owing to a range of factors, in particular by being dispossessed from much of their land.”

   2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source

6. “Together with India and Maldives, Sri Lanka participates in a trilateral mechanism for cooperation in maritime security. Moreover, Sri Lanka remains vigilant about extremist elements transiting through our territory. We wholeheartedly support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We should also make every effort for the early finalization and adoption of the United Nations comprehensive convention on international terrorism. We hope that our efforts in the Council will have a constructive impact on strengthening the United Nations counter-terrorism initiatives and further invigorate the Security Council's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in combating terrorism.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

7. “We work with our neighbours to promote regional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation in the spheres of defence and security. We are party to several regional counter-terrorism conventions of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. In November, Sri Lanka will host the inaugural South and Southeast Asian Nations Defence Chiefs' Dialogue 2014, with the participation of defence chiefs of the region. The annual Galle Dialogue, hosted by Sri Lanka, focuses on the threat of piracy. As an island nation, Sri Lanka strives to fulfil its responsibilities in terms of maritime security. Preventing various transnational crimes - including drug smuggling, arms smuggling and human trafficking, which are connected to international terrorism - is essential to the long-term security of our country and the wider region.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

8. “However, the damage they inflict can be more extensive and long- 1asting than the most devastating weapons. The end result of extremist ideology is communities, regions and even countries being riven apart by suspicion and hatred. As resolution 2178 (2014) emphasizes, it is important for States to engage relevant local communities and other actors in developing strategies to counter violent extremist narratives. Sri Lanka takes serious note of its responsibilities under the relevant Security Council resolutions. We continue to extend our fullest cooperation to multilateral and bilateral mechanisms that target international terrorism. In 2010, we collaborated with the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in hosting a regional workshop in South Asia. On our invitation, a CTED team visited Sri Lanka in October.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

9. “There have been several recent attempts to revive the armed elements of the group in Sri Lanka in March 2012, December 2012 and April 2014. In the face of such attempts, Sri Lanka remains vigilant to prevent any resurgence of terrorism in the country. The recently adopted resolution 2178 (2014) recognizes that there is no military solution to the problem of misguided individuals seeking to join terrorist organizations. We wish to underline that the root causes of terrorism and extremism are complex and that these phenomena cannot be associated with any ethnicity or religion. In today's interconnected world, it is very easy for agents of extremism to spread their ideologies across national borders. They do not need arms and ammunition to cause damage.”

   2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

10. “No terrorist group could survive for long without the critical support of international linkages and networks. Therefore, international cooperation to curtail sources of their sustenance - including ideological, financial and logistical support and recruitment - should be prioritized. Sri Lanka's efforts to end a three-decade-long terrorist conflict were assisted substantively by complex, multifaceted and comprehensive coordination with the international community. We remain grateful to all our friends in the international community who assisted and cooperated with us in numerous ways. Although the conflict ended in 2009, the LTTE's extensive international network, funded by some sections of the expatriate community, remains intact.”

    2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

11. “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the countries whose citizens are subjected to ISIL terror and torture. In Sri Lanka, we experienced these tactics first- hand when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) relentlessly placed civilians in danger by using them as human shields and hostages, despite repeated calls, including by the United Nations, not to hold civilians hostage. The LTTE strategy included holding civilians hostage as a means of attracting international attention and seeking external intervertion to subvert the humanitarian operation that was under way to rescue civilians from the clutches of the terrorists. The complications involved in military engagement with non-State actors should not deter our resolve to counter international terrorism.”

    2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

12. “The recent atrocities committed by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated terror groups have once again brought a sense of urgency to the international community's efforts to combat terrorism. Militarily confronting a non-State actor that resorts to asymmetric warfare is extremely challenging, as the international community has experienced during the decade-long and ongoing effort to counter Al-Qaida. A terrorist organization has no compunctions about safeguarding civilian lives during military confrontations. In fact, many terrorist groups intentionally and tactically resort to placing civilians in harm's way. We have seen this in the recent brutal tactics that ISIL and associated terror groups have unleashed on the civilian populations under their control.”

    2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

13. “We thank the presidency of Australia for organizing this important open debate and for circulating a useful concept note (S/2014/787). My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The 9/11 terror attack focused the international community's attention as a whole on the threat of international terrorism - a reality which was already a part of daily experience in some parts of the world including, Sri Lanka. Led by the United Nations, the international community achieved significant success in addressing this menace, particularly through resolution 1373 (2001).”

    2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source

14. “In that process, respect must be maintained for the fundamental principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States. In conclusion, let me reiterate that Sri Lanka will proactively continue with its efforts to enhance and develop protection mechanisms with regard to the protection of women and children.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

15. “We would like to respectfully point out that the Government established an internal mechanism for dealing with the causes of conflict and to make recommendations. The report ofthatbody-the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission - offers detailed observations and recommendations based on the principles of international humanitarian law. The national action plan developed on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission is now being implemented. My delegation hopes that international discussion of issues of this nature will facilitate broader appreciation of the inherent challenges and practical outcomes based on realities on the ground. States should be consulted on all aspects of international actions to combat sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, including the provision of assistance.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

16. “A local non-governmental organization, the Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action and Association of War-Affected Women, educates soldiers, youth and community leaders about international standards relating to war and promotes the economic and social development of women across conflict lines. We note that this year report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2014/1 81) contains references to the Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka (A/HRC/25/L.l/Rev.l), accountability and a comprehensive truth and reconciliation commission. We are disappointed that such issues, which have no relevance to that before us, have been dragged into this report. The contents of the Human Rights Council resolution have been rejected and disputed by the Government.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

17. “I would like to also point out the other extensive measures the Government has taken to cater to women and girls to ensure that their well-being and security is protected. The Government has established women and children's police desks staffed by female police officers in police stations in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces. Specially trained police officers function at such desks which provide an enabling and protective environment for children, women and girls and their parents to report incidents of abuse and exploitation. The Government has given special consideration to uplifting the social and economic status of war widows. Bilateral assistance has already been obtained to initiate a self-employment programme for war widows in Batticaloa in collaboration with the Self Employed Women's Association, based in India.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

18. “That report made accusations, often with disturbing details, without providing sufficient details, such as to the time, place and the identity of victims, to enable investigations and prosecutions. Those accusations were subsequently repeated in further publications of various organizations, thereby contributing to forming an opinion that is propagated without evidence. None of those allegations have been substantiated by verifiable data in any of the documents. Significantly, no credible evidence has been directly brought to the attention of Government authorities by any of the parties. The Government has not been provided the evidence - which is claimed to be in the possession of the authors of these reports - in order to investigate and respond.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

19. “Legal action has been taken by the Government in all of the above-mentioned cases in which Sri Lankan Security Forces personnel were involved. The military has taken stringent action, including discharging offenders or imposing other punishments in accordance with the military and penal codes. Furthermore, charges have also been filed in normal criminal courts. Along with the application of the law to personnel in breach of the law, the Sri Lankan military continues to provide large-scale human rights training with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Certain organizations are involved in propagating false reports against the Sri Lankan military of sexual violence. A recent report was authored by Ms. Yasmin Sooka.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

20. “That is out of a total of 307 persons accused in 256 incidents for the entire Northern Province. The involvement of security forces personnel as a percentage of the total accused stands at 5.6 per cent in the conflict period and 3.3 per cent in the post-conflict period. It is interesting to note that the involvement of security forces personnel as a percentage of the total incidents of sexual violence is quite low, both in the conflict and post-conflict periods. In a majority of the aforementioned cases, the perpetrators have been close relatives or neighbours of the victim. Against that backdrop, the Sri Lankan authorities reject the inferences by certain organizations and reports that the presence of the military contributes to the insecurity of women and girls in the former conflict-affected areas.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

21. “The Government of Sri Lanka has implemented a firm policy on sexual violence and taken firm action on reported cases of violence against women and girls during the conflict and the post-conflict periods in my country. Sri Lanka has deplored all violence against women and has a well-established policy against gender-based violence and all forms of sexual abuse. During the conflict period, from January 2007 to May 2009, seven security forces personnel were reported to have been involved in five incidents of sexual Violence in Northern Province. That is out of a total of 125 persons accused in 119 incidents for the entirety of Northern Province. In the post-conflict period, from May 2009 to May 2012, 10 security forces personnel were reported to have been involved in six incidents of sexual violence in Northern Province.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

22. “Let me join previous speakers in thanking the delegation of Nigeria for convening today's open debate. I would also like to thank the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict for her statement. In times of conflict and post-conflict situations, attention should be paid to all forms of violence against civilians, but especially to sexual violence. Conflict often creates family dislocations, shattered livelihoods and sole breadwinners, with the resulting negative consequences. Single mothers are often the product of conflict, and, in some cases, that increases vulnerability to sexual harassment, exploitation and violence.”

    2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source

23. “Considering the unsatisfactory circumstances in the occupied Palestinian territories, we hope that every effort will be made to achieve success in the resumed negotiations so that both the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples will be able to enjoy peace and prosperity in their own lands. The objective of the negotiations should be to secure a lasting peace accord which leads to the establishment of a fully sovereign and secure State of Palestine. Sri Lanka supports the implementation of the resolutions of the General Assembly regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. The political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people will contribute to the viability of that solution.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

24. “Ending such practices, which contribute to much human suffering and the continuing friction in the occupied territories, is an essential step to improve the situation on the ground and to build confidence. We are very much mindful of the security needs of Israel. The indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians will only widen the gap between the parties. We encourage both parties to exercise the utmost restraint for the sake of the peace process and the safety of civilians. In addition, a climate conducive to peace would be encouraged by a mutual adoption of an approach sensitive to each other's concerns.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

25. “The situation in the West Bank is also of serious concern. Although the number of search and arrest operations in recent months has remained stable, disturbingly the intensity of confrontations during these operations and the number of resulting civilian casualties has increased. Israel has an obligation to protect the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied territories and desist from actions that are contrary to the established rules of international law and practice. The settlement activity is a violation of the law as reflected in article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, of 1949. The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council and the International Court of Justice have all condemned the settlement activities as being contrary to the law.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

26. “There is an urgent humanitarian need to lift the restrictions on most imports, including essential supplies, and exports, through the legitimate crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip. We note with concern that the United Nations is hard-pressed to keep the vast majority of the people of Gaza supplied with their minimum necessities. In the Gaza Strip, the funding difficulties of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have reached a critical point. Despite significantly scaling back humanitarian interventions since 2012, the Agency's emergency appeal remains severely underfunded. We underline our strong support for the work of United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including UNRWA and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

27. “In recent years, the continuing blockade of Gaza has added to the pain and frustrations of Palestinians living in the area. The blockade in Gaza has created an aid-dependent economy and given rise to a deep sense of helplessness. In 2012, its economy grew by 5.9 per cent, albeit from a low base, which was less than half the rate achieved in 2011. This has translated into very high unemployment rates and low wages, which, coupled with the increasing cost ofliving, have directly impacted on the Gazans' access to food. In 2012, 34 per cent of households, approximately 1.6 million people, were assessed to be food insecure. In addition, the continuing blockade continues to place a heavy burden on the already-stressed education system in the Gaza Strip. The recent closure of the illegal tunnels has put further pressures on the people of Gaza.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source

28. “I join other speakers who have commended you for convening today's important debate. The delegation of Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Finding a just and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East has been a priority for the international community since 1948. The Middle East conflict attracts a considerable amount of international attention and resources. We look forward to proactive leadership to end this unsatisfactory situation. The conditions ofthe Palestinians must be improved urgently. This can only contribute to improving the situation of the region as a whole. Successive generations of Palestinians have suffered owing to a number of factors, in particular by being dispossessed from much of their land.”

    2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source