YouSaid · the spoken record

Ndong Mba

lines on the record: 1,189
first: 2014-09-18
most recent: 2023-06-20
sittings or episodes: 175
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

“It is unacceptable that it continues to be subject to regular attacks by any of the parties. There are many humanitarian organizations that spare no effort to support the operation of vital health services, so we cannot allow all international humanitarian action deployed in this area to collapse. Our position is that respect for medical facilities and their personnel and equipment is essential. We once again echo the call of the Secretary-General in strongly condemning the ongoing air strikes on and shelling of health facilities and medical personnel, despite the fact that we are still struggling to find the words to use to condemn the violence against the civilian population and the use of those civilians as pawns in the fighting between the various groups involved in the conflict.”
2019-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8589 (2019) · source
“That has always been the position ofthe Government of Equatorial Guinea, and we hope that this umpteenth call to action and for ending international indifference might achieve the outcome we so long for while halting the current military campaign and bringing the parties to the political negotiating table. In such an environment of persistent insecurity, we once again call on the warring parties to safeguard civilian lives and basic infrastructure facilities such as schools and hospitals. Moreover, health-care facilities are becoming all the more crucial as military offensives are causing increasing numbers of deaths and injuries. In the south of Idlib and throughout the region, as has been stressed, the main operational hospital is Maarat Al-Numan.”
2019-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8589 (2019) · source
“We are seeing the situation taking on worrisome proportions, and an increasing number of voices have begun in no uncertain terms to point to the failure of international diplomacy and the world's most powerful nations. That belief, shared by many of the world's citizens, calls into question the noble work and the very purpose of international organizations and decision-making bodies such as the Security Council. It is not surprising that a few days ago, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet emphasized in a statement the "collective shrug" as a response to the great number of civilian casualties, while stressing at the same time the persistent failure of the permanent members of the Security Council to agree to use their power and influence to stop the fighting and killing once and for all.”
2019-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8589 (2019) · source
“The increase in violence that we have observed in recent weeks in various parts of Syria, especially in the de-escalation zones agreed by the Astana guarantors, reflects the negative trend in Syria and concretely illustrates the extreme volatility of the situation in the country. We are witnessing some of the deadliest attacks in civilian areas since the beginning of the military escalation almost three months ago. Rockets are now raining down on Idlib, which, as was underlined, have killed more than 450 people, including children, and more than 500,000 people have had to leave their homes owing to the intensification of air strikes. For those who are familiar with the Italian city of Venice, that would be the equivalent of emptying that city of its population twice over.”
2019-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8589 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Equatorial Guinea is grateful for the convening of this meeting and for the useful briefings by Mr. Mark Lowcock and Ms. Susannah Sirkin, which illustrate the current alarming and tragic situation throughout Syria. The conflict in Syria continues to present us with alarming statistics. The Idlib region has without any doubt become one of the northern governorates hardest hit by the war, as Mr. Lowcock and Ms. Sirkin just described. We are facing a true nightmare, the horror of which is only increasing, as are the current humanitarian challenges.”
2019-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8589 (2019) · source
“On the other hand, the recent deterioration of the situation and the increase in violence in Libya, causing the alarming numbers of deaths that Mr. Salame has just cited for us, demonstrates once again the urgent need for the arms embargo imposed on Libya to be respected. States must fully respect and comply with the embargo adopted by the Security Council in order to fully curb the influx of weapons of all kinds - sophisticated, recycled and cutting-edge - as Mr. Salame also just clearly described to us, which are being used against civilian centres and the civilian population. That is why we welcome the recent resolution 2473 (2019), in the hope that this time it can have a real and enforceable deterrent effect. We offer our deepest condolences to the Libyan people and to the families of all the victims of this conflict.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“From our point of view, that is not the message that we should be sending to the world, much less to the thousands of families who are suffering in the barbaric conflict that is claiming hundreds of lives. It erodes credibility and effectiveness of this decision-making body of the United Nations, despite the repeated calls made by the Secretary-General. To conclude our statement, we therefore call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political process ofpeaceful negotiations. The implications ofthe Libyan conflict go beyond Libyan territory, wreaking havoc in several countries in the region. We are thinking of the consequences that this conflict - with the massive influx of weapons used - will have in the short and medium term in the regions of West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa and Southern Africa.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we again emphasize the need for close cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in addressing the conflict by promoting dialogue and reconciliation, taking into account the importance of the work of neighbouring countries, which is crucial. We reiterate the call to uphold the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya and condemn all external interference in the internal affairs of Libya, as such interference only undermines any progress in attempts to reach a ceasefire and restore a solid and lasting peace. A Security Council with hands folded and bound together does not contribute to solving the problem, but instead indicates permissiveness.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Just a few days ago, we learned that dozens of people perished when they tried to cross the Mediterranean, which constituted one of the deadliest tragedies of the year. Such facts call for the international community's utmost attention to find a solution to save the innocent lives of those seeking a better future. Migrants seeking a safe place to live and a better future for themselves and their families are not criminals or terrorists; they are people who deserve decent and respectful treatment. We understand that at this stage, and given that the situation is deteriorating, it is important to consider the role played by the Security Council and the necessary, real and transparent international support that the Libyan people deserve.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“In line with the communique of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union issued on 5 July, as well as the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya held on 7 July, we would like to express our concern over the humanitarian situation in the country, particularly the situation of migrants and refugees being held in detention centres in inhumane and appalling conditions. In that regard, we again condemn the 2-3 July attack on the Tajoura detention centre, which claimed the lives of 53 people and wounded another 130. In that regard, we hope that the relevant investigations will be conducted and the perpetrators brought to account. We are deeply concerned over the number of internally displaced persons and the hundreds of migrants who have lost their lives off the coast of Libya.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“They must put national interests before their own in order to end to the crisis, which is impeding the development of that great country. We are steadfast in our conviction that there is no military solution in Libya; dialogue is the only option for resuming the national conference, which was supposed to be held from 14 to 16 April, under the auspices of UNSMIL, and would have led to the holding of credible and transparent elections to restore the mechanisms for peace and national reconciliation.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Our delegation joins others in expressing our appreciation to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Mr. Ghassan Salame, for his comprehensive briefing, and offers him our complete and unwavering support for his work, especially during this very difficult time in the situation in Libya. We also thank Ambassador Schulz, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, for his briefing. Allow me to express Equatorial Guinea's solidarity with the Libyan people. We are troubled by the situation in our brotherly country, and we reiterate the call made by President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of the Republic for unity among Libyans themselves.”
2019-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8588 (2019) · source
“Lastly, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea reiterates its full support for the authorities and the people of Colombia in the implementation of the peace agreement and places its full trust in the team of the United Nations Verification Mission to achieve the objectives of that process. We also commend and thank Peru and the United Kingdom for their successful leadership of the visit to Colombia, the Verification Mission for the excellent and professional manner in which it prepared that visit and President Duque, his Government and all the political and civil society actors for their hospitality and full availability during the Security Council's visit. The success of the peace process in Colombia will be a major victory for all Colombians.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“As we approach the local and regional elections in October, the cooperation and commitment of institutions, essential sectors of the State and the people in general are indispensable to preventing violence from hindering the elections. Before concluding, I must express our concern over the violent acts to which the social leaders, activists and parties to the peace agreement are being subjected. We call on the competent parties to take the measures necessary to guarantee the complete safety and security of those people and the affected areas through the effective and active presence of Government officials.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“We also hope that the objectives of the reintegration process will be met within the established deadlines and that the process will be accelerated by providing security guarantees to former members of the FARC-EP, fully aware of the many challenges facing the implementation of the peace agreement. We welcome the approval by Congress of the national development plan, which will facilitate the stabilization road map undertaken by the Government on peace-related activities. We also note the spirit of cooperation between the Government and indigenous peoples, which is equally important for the peace process in Colombia. The existence of a legal framework that works independently and autonomously is paramount for transitional justice. In that regard, we welcome the enactment of the statutory law of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“It is imperative that the Mission continue the excellent work that it is carrying out, which is widely recognized by all the Colombian people, until the obstacles that continue to impede the full and comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement are completely eliminated. We are pleased to note the positive progress made by the Government in ensuring the social and economic reintegration of former members of the Fuerza Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP), engaged in carrying out various agro- pastoral projects.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“As Special Representative Massieu noted, the agreement is an example to countries around the world that negotiated solutions are possible. In that regard, we note with regret the climate of polarization that persists around certain elements of the agreement, despite the Government's commitment to establishing all the mechanisms necessary to ensure its implementation, such as its "peace with legality" policy. We therefore urge the parties, especially the political forces, to work together to facilitate the process through inclusive dialogue based on mutual respect. In that context, we strongly support President Duque's request to the Security Council during its recent visit to Colombia for the one-year renewal of the United Nations Verification Mission.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Ivan Duque Marquez, will be inspired by the smooth coordination of efforts, promoting policies that take into account the true needs of the citizens and the positive contributions of all the officially recognized actors in the process, and that it will open the door wide to all the other actors that have not joined that peace process yet, whom we invite to heed President Duque's call to release the hostages, lay down their arms and agree on and support full and inclusive peace in the great Latin American country of Colombia. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that the Final Agreement for the Termination of Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia continues to be the foundation on which the future stability and tranquillity of the Colombian people is based.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“That was a propitious occasion to get to know the diverse actors of the political scene and the civil society of the country, both in Bogota and the department of Cauca, with whom we shared exchanges on the main challenges that stand in the way of the reconciliation process and the attainment and consolidation of peace in Colombia. We trust, as we noted during our visit, in the political will of the Government and the entire political elite of the country, which, under the leadership of His Excellency Mr.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to welcome your presence, Mr. Minister, among us today to preside over this meeting, which, given its importance, Peru decided to include in the programme of its presidency. We also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo Garcia, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. We wish both Ministers an enjoyable stay in New York. We join the other members of the Security Council in thanking the team represented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, for the very detailed briefing that he just delivered. As we have just heard, very recently the members of the Council had the opportunity to visit Colombia.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Finally, I would like to underscore the importance of making progress on all the issues in question, which deserve a sustainable solution in order to ensure the possibility of a resumption of talks between the parties on a comprehensive political solution. Moreover, we reaffirm and reiterate our full support for the diplomatic efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths, as well as the work of the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Lowcock, and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Mr. Beasley, to alleviate the suffering of the population and resolve the conflict in Yemen.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“We therefore encourage the authorities of the warring parties to find a solution to the incidents that led to the suspension so that aid can be restored and can continue to be distributed to the thousands of people who need it. Although an agreement has not been realized, we consider the ongoing negotiations worthwhile and we praise the efforts of the World Food Programme to reach that goal. Similarly, we reiterate our concern about the increase in fatalities in the rapidly spreading cholera epidemic that has claimed thousands of human lives since the outbreak began in the country. In that regard, we urge all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to the population in need of medicines and other services. We further implore the parties to allow the displaced persons throughout the country access to food, medical care and shelter.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, our delegation calls on the parties to immediately begin work on the other aspects of the agreement, such as the implementation of the exchanges of prisoners and detainees and the memorandum of understanding on Taiz, which are equally important in making progress towards achieving the established objectives. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is extremely concerned about the humanitarian crisis affecting Yemen as a result of the conflict. The increase in food insecurity, epidemics and the collapse of the health system, as well as inflation and economic decline, have contributed greatly to worsening this crisis. Faced with this situation, we note with concern the decision taken by the World Food Programme to partially suspend the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the country's capital.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“Despite the delays observed in the implementation of the agreement, we welcomed some statements made by the Special Envoy at the meeting in June (see S/PV.8551), such as the ongoing reduction in violence throughout Al-Hudaydah governorate in the six months since the entry into force of the agreement and the reduction by 68 per cent in the number of civilian victims in the five months after the ceasefire. In the same vein, we were pleased to note the constructive collaboration in recent months of the warring parties with the Redeployment Coordination Committee in the plans for the first and second phases of the redeployments. It is important for that collaboration to lead them to the tripartite monitoring mechanism.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“We have always recognized that important step, but the most important thing now is for the leaders of the parties to ensure strict compliance with those commitments and to cooperate with the Special Envoy in good faith and cooperation. Commitment to the political process and partnership with the United Nations, through the Special Envoy, are indeed essential to achieving the goals of peace, stability and the improvement of the living conditions of the population affected by the conflict.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“As we meet once again today to analyse the conflict in Yemen, which is now in its fifth year, Equatorial Guinea would like to begin by expressing its praise and full support for the good management of the United Nations system and other international actors, the sole objective of which is to put an end as soon as possible to this situation, which has ensnared women and children and the entire Yemeni civilian population. In late 2018, we were pleased to note the good management of the mediation process led by Mr. Griffiths, which led to the meeting in Sweden. Taking past failures into account, we considered the Yemeni parties' agreement to meet, negotiate and reach a consensus on the various aspects of the Stockholm Agreement to be a success.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): We have listened very carefully to the briefings just delivered by Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs; and Mr. David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme. We thank them for the detailed and valuable briefings they provided. We reiterate our full support for the work being done by Mr. Martin Griffiths, and encourage him to continue with his noble mission for the well-being of the Yemeni people.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“We also acknowledge their increasing cooperation and collaboration with other United Nations entities in support of States, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Office of Disarmament Affairs, among others, as well as with regional and subregional organizations. We encourage the further strengthening of that cooperation. Equatorial Guinea can be relied upon to support this important work as far as possible. In that context, we commend and support the Peruvian initiative to submit a draft resolution on this issue.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Finally, we would like to acknowledge the role played by the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, and its Executive Directorate; the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), pertaining to Afghanistan and the Taliban; as well as their analytical support and monitoring teams and panels of experts.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Of course, the success of the treaty is closely linked to an improvement in our ability to control our own borders so as to prevent the initiative from effectively failing into the hands ofterrorists, criminals, mercenaries and other non-State actors. Therefore, we call on the international community to support African States and the African Union in implementing that leap forward for Africa, as well as supporting African efforts and institutions in the fight against terrorism and organized crime and maintaining peace and security.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, in order to effectively combat terrorism and transnational crime and the links that unite them, which are multidimensional issues, developing States must be able to focus on achieving sustainable and inclusive development. To do so, they must receive fair and necessary support, including an opportunity to participate in the international economy and global trade, thereby allowing developing States to better focus their attention on preventing efforts to radicalize and recruit young people and other vulnerable and susceptible groups. Two days ago in Niamey, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, ratified the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, an instrument to strengthen development and sustainable growth in Africa.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that African countries should firmly commit to the principles of the Treaty of Pelindaba, with the total prohibition of direct and indirect supply or commercialization of mineral resources from African soil - specifically uranium and plutonium - for purposes that entail the production, employment, manufacture or research of weapons of mass destruction, including military activities. With regard to small arms and light weapons, we believe it is essential to eliminate the illegal trafficking of military equipment, armed unmanned aerial vehicles and improvised explosive devices to terrorist groups, armed groups and mercenaries. States must also commit to interrupting supply lines.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“For that reason, with regard to environmental smuggling and arms trafficking, we believe it is important that States demonstrate their commitment to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and small arms and light weapons, as well as to promote and enforce arms embargoes by ensuring that non-State groups cannot access them by any other means. Unfortunately, it is usually only State actors that are monitored and sanctioned for violating embargoes.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“In that regard, in order to identify and obstruct those links more effectively, we believe it is essential that the international community focus on three areas while supporting the initiatives of States. First, we require more in-depth investigation in collaboration with regional organizations to help us identify blind spots, safe havens, the main risks and routes used; strengthen the fight against financial terrorism; focus our efforts and support on training in the countries and regions that need it; and ensure that collective efforts do not result in the strengthening of one country or region at the expense of others. Secondly, the levels and volume of weapons possessed by terrorist and criminal groups, as well as lone wolves, are a source of great concern to us.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“From that perspective, we recognize the need to sharpen the focus on preventing and combating the financing of terrorism through resolution 2462 (2019), a French initiative co-sponsored by Equatorial Guinea, in order to ensure that the response to terrorist threats by the United Nations, regional and subregional organizations and States is more effective and efficient. During a recently held Arria Formula meeting on this issue, which focused on the Caribbean and was led by the representative of the Dominican Republic, we were able to demonstrate that all countries have a role to play in the prevention and elimination of the links between organized crime and terrorist groups, especially in terms of drugs and weapons trafficking, and the risks posed by such activities to the maintenance and advancement of sustainable development.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we extend our condolences to, and express our solidarity with, those in communities throughout the world who have been the victims of terrorism, either directly or indirectly. For the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the increasing links between international terrorism and organized crime - whether by land, sea or air - and their impact on the sustainable development of countries are extremely worrisome. Recent reports confirm that terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, the Al-Nusra Front, Da'esh and the Taliban, to name but a few, use international crime and its methods to finance a greater number of their terrorist activities, benefiting especially from environmental crime, trafficking in drugs, weapons and persons, and piracy.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Allow me to commend the Peruvian delegation for including this most relevant open debate in the agenda of its presidency, as it is a highly important topic within the Security Council's efforts to maintain international peace and security. We are also grateful for the three illustrative briefings made by Mr. Fedotov, Ms. Coninsx and Ms. Makarenko, which help us to contextualize the existing threats, risks and collective efforts in order to understand and address the links between international terrorism and organized crime, especially since the Council adopted resolution 1373 (2001) and, more recently, resolution 2195 (2014). I take this opportunity to reiterate once again, as we have been doing, that the Republic of Equatorial Guinea categorically and unequivocally condemns organized crime and terrorism and their consequences.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Given that this is the first formal meeting being convened in the Chamber since Peru assumed the presidency of the Security Council, our delegation congratulates His Excellency Ambassador Meza- Cuadra and his entire team. We similarly commend Kuwait for the outstanding work it carried out during its presidency in June. We also warmly welcome Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere among us. We furthermore pay tribute to Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu for the constructive contributions he has always made at the Council and the very strong ties of friendship and cooperation that our two delegations have always enjoyed. We wish him every success in his new functions.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“It is therefore important in this new phase that the international community and the Somali Government ensure that the Somali security forces are sufficiently trained and equipped to properly and responsibly ensure the safety of the country's citizens, bearing in mind that general elections are approaching and that any premature handover could undo all the efforts expended in Somalia. To this end, the Security Council and the international community must strive to resolutely support AMISOM. and the Somali Government so that the efforts they deploy have the desired effects both for Somalia, in particular, and for the entire region of the Horn of Africa in general.”
2019-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8537 (2019) · source
“Bearing in mind the difficult trajectory that Somalia has experienced since the beginning of the 1990s, we can presume that the efforts of the international community are making great strides in advancing the country's process of State-building, but despite the political achievements there is still much to be done on the security situation, which is notably threatened by the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups, which also affects other countries of the region and impedes peacebuilding and sociopolitical development in Somalia. For our delegation, the contribution of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to this delicate process remains very important.”
2019-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8537 (2019) · source
“We understand that, despite the political will shown by the Somali Government and the many efforts made by the international community, the Somali security forces still need support before they can take charge of the situation in the country. Accordingly, the three African members of the Council introduced into the text a provision conditioning future reductions on a joint United Nations-African Union assessment of the security context and ongoing threats in the country prior to any further action in that direction. The flexibility shown in the negotiations on introducing this provision led us to vote in favour of the draft resolution that has become resolution 2472 (2019).”
2019-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8537 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): As today is the last day of May, I once again congratulate Indonesia and its entire delegation for the excellent work carried out during its hyperactive presidency, with extensive debates on numerous themes. I also take this opportunity to wish Kuwait a successful presidency for the month of June and to convey our total readiness to collaborate as much as possible in order to ensure its resounding success. We thank the United Kingdom for its dedication and hard work. As penholder, it used all the necessary means to facilitate the negotiations on resolution 2472 (2019). We also thank each of the other delegations for the level of flexibility they demonstrated in order to reach the consensus achieved. Allow me, however, to point out our impression of the current situation on the ground.”
2019-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8537 (2019) · source
“The situation that we are experiencing is clear, and we know that today some armed groups are much better armed than Governments. We therefore need to pay close attention to that kind of situation.”
2019-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8536 (2019) · source
“Although we support the sanctions in some aspects, we must know when to impose them and when not to. We need to give the political stakeholders in South Sudan an opportunity to continue their efforts to achieve peace through peaceful means and dialogue. Lastly, I would like to draw the attention of the Council to the fact that arms embargoes are often to the detriment of Governments, and eventually lead to a situation in which the armed groups are better armed and equipped than the Government forces. We have concrete examples of that. We all know and understand that very well because armed groups illegally import weapons, while our focus is on controlling the Governments. They are therefore left without weapons, while the armed groups - the terrorists - prevail.”
2019-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8536 (2019) · source
“Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by extending our sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, for the successful way in which have presided over the Security Council during the month of May. We must all agree that since last year there has been an active effort made towards achieving peace in South Sudan through dialogue, the political will of the parties concerned and, above all, the intermediary efforts of Uganda, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and even His Holiness Pope Francis. Given that effort, my delegation believes that extending the embargo and adopting further sanctions are not the right steps to motivate those involved to continue their efforts towards achieving peace. That is why we abstained in the voting.”
2019-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8536 (2019) · source
“That metaphor should give food for thought to the parties and countries that can exert influence in order to prevent more victims being added to the nearly 400,000 people who have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict. I conclude my statement by reiterating the call on the parties to renounce violence and armed provocation and to decisively commit to the peaceful resolution of the crisis in the context of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“That medieval drama and fantasy series describes some aristocratic families who are fighting for power to conquer the Iron Throne and rule over the seven kingdoms that make up a vast territory called Westeros. In the last episode of the television drama, we saw how the mother of dragons uses the burning fire of her dragon to conquer the capital of the seven kingdoms - the King's Landing - by burning to ashes with horrifying violence thousands of innocent people and all the existing social and economic structures. In Syria, there is no need for dragons to destroy a city. In Game of Thrones, death and destruction are only fiction but in many Syrian cities, air and ground strikes have caused very real damage, wiping out thousands of innocent families, their cultural identities and the social and economic structures.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“Against that backdrop, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that the parties or at least one of them is using chemical substances as a weapon of war, as is being reported, or that an attack with chemical weapons may be staged to justify further offensives. In such a context, Equatorial Guinea can only call for restraint and for the parties to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We reiterate the need for Russian- Turkish cooperation to make it possible for ways to be found to reduce tensions in the de-escalation zone within the framework of the Sochi agreement. I do not know if some members of the Council saw the well-known series Game of Thrones, produced by the Home Box Office television network.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“Mark Lowcock said at the most recent briefing (see S/PV.8527) to illustrate the gravity of the humanitarian situation, since the recent military escalation began in late April at least 160 civilians have been killed and nearly 200,000 people have fled the country's hostilities in southern Idlib and northern Hama. In addition, attacks on camps for internally displaced persons have resulted in a number of civilian deaths and injuries, while health centres and schools have been damaged or destroyed, leaving 400,000 students out of school. In that regard, we express our concern about the fate of people who remain in Al-Hol camp, in the north-east of the country, which hosts more than 70,000 people living in extreme conditions.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“Despite the announcement on 18 May of another unilateral 72- hour ceasefire by the Government of Damascus in the demilitarized zone, various reports echo the imminent start of an operation by Government forces and their allies against Al-Nusra Front jihadists entrenched in Idlib and surrounding areas, who, since last week, have been attacking positions occupied by the Syrian forces and the civilian population with artillery fire and rockets. In addition, the situation remains volatile and the possibility of new hostilities is strong, which complicates the future for some 3 million civilians caught in the crossfire. As Mr.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source