YouSaid · the spoken record

Nicolas De Rivière

lines on the record: 545
first: 2020-04-07
most recent: 2021-07-30
sittings or episodes: 116
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

“That mobilization will continue in June with the first meeting of ministers for foreign affairs of the Coalition on 12 June, preceded by a meeting of defence ministers. On the ground, the launch of the Coalition resulted in the establishment of a joint command mechanism between the French Operation Barkhane and the armies of the G-5 Sahel; increased commitment on the part of partners, notably the European Union, but also the African Union, as well as the Economic Community of West African States and the West African Economic and Monetary Union, which are funding a $2.3 billion counter-terrorism plan; and, finally, the launch of Task Force Takuba, which brings together European special forces to support the Malian armed forces.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“These armed forces gain more and more autonomy and coordination. In addition, the countries of the region, including the Niger, a member of the Security Council, despite limited resources, show resilience and maintain a dynamic democratic life. We must salute their commitment. Then, and this is my second point, the international community has recently increased its support, which is a key milestone for the success of our collective efforts. At the request of the G-5 Sahel countries, France, together with the European Union, supported the launch of the Coalition for the Sahel this year. It rests on four pillars the fight against terrorism, capacity-building, return of the State, and economic development because all of these issues must work together.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mauritania for their interventions. I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the countries of the Sahel as well as to the victims’ families following the recent violence, especially in Burkina Faso. I want to share two messages today. First, France is convinced that the international community can succeed in stabilizing the Sahel if it acts in a united and determined manner. The Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), under the resolute command of General Namata Gazama, and the national armies of these countries have recently increased their military operations. Despite heavy losses, they achieved concrete results: the neutralization of many terrorists, seizure of weapons and equipment, and release of hostages.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 7 May 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, the briefings and statements will be issued as an official document of the Security Council.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefings provided by the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mauritania, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, as well as the statements delivered by the representatives of Belgium, China, the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, the Niger (on behalf of the three African members — the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Viet Nam, in connection with the video teleconference on “Peace and security in Africa” convened on Friday, 5 June 2020.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“The Director of the Security Council Affairs Division has received letters from all 15 members of the Security Council indicating their national position on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/486. The result of the vote is as follows: In favour: Belgium, China, Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Viet Nam. Against: None. Abstaining: None. The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The resolution has been adopted as resolution 2525 (2020) of 3 June 2020. The resolution, which is set out in the annex to the present letter,* will be issued as a document of the Security Council without delay.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/495 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to inform you that the Security Council has concluded the voting procedure on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/486, which was submitted by Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in connection with the agenda item “Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan”. The voting was carried out in accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/253), which was agreed upon in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/495 (2020) · source
“The Director of the Security Council Affairs Division has received letters from all 15 members of the Security Council indicating their national position on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/485. The result of the vote is as follows: In favour: Belgium, China, Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Niger, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Tunisia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Viet Nam. Against: None. Abstaining: None. The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The resolution has been adopted as resolution 2524 (2020) of 3 June 2020. The resolution, which is set out in the annex to the present letter,* will be issued as a document of the Security Council without delay.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/494 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to inform you that the Security Council has concluded the voting procedure on the draft resolution contained in document S/2020/485, which was submitted by Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in connection with the agenda item “Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan”. The voting was carried out in accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/253), which was agreed upon in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/494 (2020) · source
“I also intend to convene a video-teleconference of the Security Council to announce the outcome of the vote shortly after the conclusion of the voting period, on the morning of Thursday, 4 June 2020.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/497 (2020) · source
“The non-extendable 24-hour voting period for this draft resolution will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 June 2020. The non-extendable 24-hour voting period will expire at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 3 June 2020. Please submit your vote (in favour, against or abstain) on the draft resolution, as well as your possible explanation of vote, by sending a letter signed by the Permanent Representative or Chargé d’affaires a.i. within the non-extendable 24-hour voting period set out above to the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division in the United Nations Secretariat (egian@un.org). It is my intention to circulate a letter listing the outcome of the vote within three hours of the conclusion of the 24-hour voting period.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/497 (2020) · source
“In accordance with the procedure agreed upon by the members of the Security Council during the current extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, and as set out in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the members of the Council (S/2020/253), I would like to draw your attention to the following: The members of the Council have discussed a draft resolution, submitted by Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in connection with the agenda item “Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan”. That draft resolution, has been put in blue. In my capacity as President of the Council, I hereby put the above-mentioned draft resolution to a vote.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/497 (2020) · source
“I also intend to convene a video- teleconference of the Security Council to announce the outcome of the vote shortly after the conclusion of the voting period, on the morning of Thursday, 4 June 2020.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/496 (2020) · source
“With the understanding of the members of the Council, in my capacity as President of the Security Council, I hereby put the above-mentioned draft resolution to a vote. The non-extendable 24-hour voting period for that draft resolution will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, 2 June 2020 and expire at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 3 June 2020. Please submit your vote (in favour, against or abstention) on that draft resolution and possible explanation of vote by sending the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division of the Secretariat (egian@un.org) a letter signed by the Permanent Representative or Chargé d’affaires a.i. within the non-extendable 24-hour voting period set out above. It is my intention to circulate a letter listing the outcome of the vote within three hours of the conclusion of the 24-hour voting period.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/496 (2020) · source
“In accordance with the procedure agreed upon by the members of the Security Council in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, and as reflected in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to all members of the Council (S/2020/253), I would like to draw your attention to the following: The members of the Council have discussed a draft resolution, submitted by Germany and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in connection with the agenda item “Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan”. That draft resolution has been put in blue (S/2020/485, see enclosure).”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/496 (2020) · source
“In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter dated 7 May 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic, these briefings and statements will be issued as an official document of the Security Council.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefings provided by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; Lieutenant General Dennis Gyllensporre, Force Commander of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali; Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar, Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan; and Brigadier General Maureen O’Brien, Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, as well as the statements delivered by the representatives of Belgium, China, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, South Africa (on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Viet Nam, in connection with the video-teleconference on United Nations peacekeeping operations convened on Thursday, 4 June 2020.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“The members of the European Union are not only the largest contributors to the United Nations budget and firm supporters of the modernization efforts that have been initiated, but together with the EU, EU member States are working concretely in conjunction with the Organization in all areas of crisis to facilitate political dialogue, maintain and build peace, and assist civilian populations. In this way, we are contributing to building a strong and living multilateralism, which is the only way to establish a stable and secure international order.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“When it comes to gender equality and women’s rights, we will continue to support the Secretary-General’s call to “push back against the pushback”. The EU and the United Nations share common values and promote the same agenda for all the foregoing highly critical global challenges. It is in our mutual interest that we cooperate more closely for the benefit of the entire international community. In this regard, France supports greater interaction between the EU and the United Nations and a stronger presence of the EU within the United Nations system.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“With regard to health, the EU is strongly committed to supporting a global and effective response to the COVID-19 crisis and other potential crises to come. Within the framework of the World Health Organization, the EU will push for a renovated and more efficient multilateral health system. The synergies between the EU and the United Nations in promoting and protecting universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are essential. The EU fully supports the action of the Secretary-General and all relevant United Nations agencies in this regard. The EU and its member States will continue to promote the highest standards when it comes to human rights across the United Nations system, including in the Security Council.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“In the Western Balkans, the European Union is playing a leading role in facilitating dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo and is deriving benefits from the stabilization groundwork carried out by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. The European Union and the United Nations are also joining forces to provide responses to global challenges. In the area of climate change, the EU and the United Nations are working together to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and will continue to raise their ambitions ahead of the twenty-sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. With regard to biodiversity, the EU is one of the most ambitious players in the field, calling for support of the United Nations in the preservation of marine wildlife and resources.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“With regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the EU has voiced its strong attachment to the internationally agreed parameters of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. Annexation of parts of the West Bank by the Israeli authorities would be a violation of international law; it would also not be without consequences for the relationship between the EU and its member States and Israel. With a view to resolving the conflict in Libya, the European Union has decided to deploy the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI , which will notably monitor the violations of the arms embargo on the high seas and therefore be the main contributor to the implementation of resolution 2292 (2016).”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“Borrell about the decision of the United States not to renew the waivers for key JCPOA-related nuclear projects. The JCPOA serves the non-proliferation interests of everyone and remains the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iranian nuclear activities. This is why we and the remaining participants in the JCPOA will continue to work towards its preservation and full implementation. In Syria, the EU is supporting the Syrian people through humanitarian aid and stands ready to contribute to the funding of the reconstruction when a credible political solution based on resolution 2254 (2015) is firmly under way.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“The EU and the United Nations also provide support to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. In addition, EU member States have provided more than 1,000 peacekeepers to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. Moreover, with regard to many other African crises, the trilateral cooperation among the EU, the United Nations and the African Union is now a key instrument for the prevention and resolution of conflicts and for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. I also wish to highlight the role that the EU is playing in the development and implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with respect to Iran, which represents a key achievement of multilateral diplomacy. In that regard, I would also like to echo the regret expressed by Mr.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“I want to stress very clearly that European Union sanctions do not impede the fight against the pandemic, as they include humanitarian derogations that allow for aid delivery. In many crises, the European Union and the United Nations have demonstrated the complementarity of their tools. Collectively, the EU is the leading financial contributor to the United Nations. It is also the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid, while acting in close coordination with the United Nations. EU member States are supporting peacekeeping operations in the context of the pandemic. In the Sahel, the sharing of responsibilities between the EU, which trains the local armies and local police, and the United Nations, which has a key role in the peace process and protection of civilians, is a good one.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“More than ever, we are convinced of our common obligation to, and interest in, coordinating our actions under the leadership of the United Nations. In this regard, the European Union has given clear support to the Secretary-General’s call for a comprehensive ceasefire. Accordingly, France once again calls on all Security Council members to live up to their responsibilities and adopt a resolution establishing a cessation of hostilities and a humanitarian pause for all the situations on the Council’s agenda. Furthermore, the EU initiative of establishing a humanitarian air bridge contributes to the United Nations efforts aimed at ensuring humanitarian access to the most vulnerable countries, and it includes a strong focus on Africa.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“Let me first thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell, for his briefing. The European Union (EU) and the United Nations share the same conviction that cooperation among nations is the only possible way to meet common challenges. Over almost 70 years of shared history, this conviction has been translated into a multitude of concrete forms of cooperation and action. With the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the world today is facing an unprecedented challenge. The European Union has already demonstrated its solidarity with the rest of the world in its mobilization against the virus. France advocated strongly that sub-Saharan Africa should be viewed as a priority region in the European response.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter by the President of the Security Council addressed to Permanent Representatives of Security Council members dated 7 May 2020 (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, the enclosed briefing and statements will be issued as an official document of the Security Council.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefing provided by Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, as well as the statements delivered by the representatives of Belgium, China, France, Germany, the Niger (on behalf of the three African countries that are members of the Security Council — the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America, in connection with the video-teleconference on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security convened on Thursday, 28 May 2020.”
2020-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/489 (2020) · source
“France will also continue to support the fight against impunity of perpetrators of atrocities committed in Syria, through national proceedings and support for the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, it is crucial that the protection of journalists in armed conflict become effective. We commend the four Groups of Friends on the Safety of Journalists and their efforts to support the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. Finally, we must redouble our efforts aimed at supporting justice for victims. The arrest in France two weeks ago of Félicien Kabuga, one of the highest-profile remaining fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, is a reminder that those responsible for mass atrocities can be brought to justice.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“But the declaration will not stigmatize explosive weapons alone. Indeed, the declaration must affirm that the core challenge is to improve the implementation of international humanitarian law principles by promoting appropriate policies and practices for the conduct of military operations in urban contexts and by encouraging States to exchange good practices. France is also engaged in efforts aimed at addressing the possible challenges associated with the development of lethal autonomous weapons systems. Substantial progress has been made through the work of the dedicated Group of Governmental Experts, which includes the adoption of 11 guiding principles reaffirming that international humanitarian law continues to fully apply to all weapons systems.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“We encourage all Member States to sign onto the Humanitarian Call and welcome the endorsements of the Call by Chile and the Maldives, bringing the number of signatories to 45. Secondly, there is the question of the use of weapons, which is addressed in the Secretary-General’s report. Much of the harm and destruction in current conflicts appears to be the result of violations of international humanitarian law provisions including, but not limited to, the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of explosive weapons in populated areas. France is engaged in the ongoing negotiations towards the development of a political declaration to improve the protection of civilians. To that end, this political declaration must address the issue of the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“It is paramount that United Nations missions be given sufficient capacity and human resources to respond to their specific needs. I will now turn to four challenges. First, the issue of attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel is particularly worrisome in the context of COVID-19. Parties to armed conflicts must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect humanitarian and medical personnel and units and to ensure humanitarian access. The Humanitarian Call for Action, initiated by France and Germany last September, addresses this issue through different concrete commitments. France is planning to launch a national plan of action aimed at strengthening international humanitarian law training of State and non-State actors.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Secondly, the Security Council has mandated peacekeeping operations to protect civilians, which are carrying out their mandate in a more robust and innovative manner. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic has developed three surge teams composed of police and civilian personnel specialized in the protection of civilians. These teams can be deployed in hotspots. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali has set up temporary bases close to civilian populations to strengthen social cohesion. The protection of civilians has become key when assessing the performance of United Nations missions. Unfortunately, women and girls continue to be subject to appalling sexual and gender-based violence, and children continue to be recruited by armed groups.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Together with Tunisia, we will continue our efforts within the Security Council to support the Secretary-General’s call for a cessation of hostilities to facilitate the fight against the pandemic. The Security Council has developed tools to address the protection of civilians in a more systematic and effective manner. First, the Security Council has repeatedly condemned violations committed by all parties. We regret that the Security Council has not been able to condemn violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law taking place in Myanmar and Syria. It is absolutely necessary that the Security Council renew the cross-border mechanism and that populations in need, including in the north-east of Syria, be able to receive aid through the most effective and direct routes.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“I thank the Estonian delegation for today’s debate and welcome the participation of the President of Estonia. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2020/366) and express appreciation to the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for their briefings. Civilians are the target of unacceptable violence. From Afghanistan to Libya, from South Sudan, Mali and the Central African Republic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from Yemen to Iraq, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or injured and millions forcefully displaced. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has exacerbated the vulnerability of the most vulnerable in conflict zones, in particular refugees and displaced persons.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Today we are at a crossroads for the Middle East peace process. As Council members, it is our responsibility to unite to promote peace, not chaos.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“France also continues to support the UNRWA response to COVID-19. The meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians on 2 June will give us the opportunity to once again renew our commitment to supporting a viable two-State solution. France, along with its European partners, will continue to promote multilateralism and support for the international rules-based order. The Charter of the United Nations prohibits the acquisition of territory by force. The Council has established the internationally agreed parameters on which the two-State solution is based, in particular the distinction between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in resolutions 242 (1967) to 2334 (2016). The Security Council should not remain silent about any violation of international law.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Let me once again commend the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as the other United Nations agencies, for their exemplary role in response to the pandemic. I also welcome the new agreement reached between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the issue of clearance revenue and call for it to pave the way for a comprehensive agreement. Nevertheless, more needs to be done in order to promote cooperation and dialogue between the parties apart from combating the pandemic. As the already dire economic situation in Palestine is likely to worsen, France has advanced its annual budgetary contribution to the Palestinian Authority. Furthermore, the French Development Agency has provided financial support to the Ministries of Health and National Economy.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“We also believe that Palestinian unity is of paramount importance in the current situation. That can be achieved only through credible reconciliation talks. The Palestinian Authority should set a time frame for the holding of general elections in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem once the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is under control. Those elections could foster Palestinian reconciliation, which is also essential for peace. That responsibility lies in the hands of the Palestinian Authority. Finally, I am glad to hear that the spread of the pandemic is, for now, more or less under control, but efforts should not be stopped as long as the risk remains.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“France firmly believes that only negotiations aimed at establishing two States living in peace and security along secure, recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States, are likely to lead to a just and lasting peace in the region. That is also the position of the European Union, based on the Council’s resolutions. Together with the European Union, we stand ready to support any effort made on that basis, in line with international law and by means of negotiations between the parties. We are working closely with our European, as well as our Arab, partners on that issue. We therefore stand ready to support any initiative aimed at relaunching credible negotiations. As we have already said, we are ready to consider President Abbas’s proposals to the Council in February (see S/PV.8717).”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“France therefore again warns the Israeli Government against such a move, which would not be without consequences for its relations with the European Union. We will not recognize any changes to the June 1967 lines unless agreed to by both parties. In that regard, let me recall that resolution 2334 (2016) creates obligations for third parties by calling on Member States to distinguish between the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967. We recall the importance for all parties to respect existing agreements. In that context, it is more urgent than ever to restart peace negotiations.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Nevertheless, I want to echo Minister Le Drian’s statement and reiterate that any annexation of any part of the West Bank, including only settlements, would represent a violation of international law, which strictly prohibits the acquisition of territory by force. It would jeopardize the two-State solution envisaged in previous negotiations and agreements. It would also undermine the prospect of peace talks, for which the Council unanimously calls. Annexation is not in the interest of the Palestinians, the Israelis, the Europeans or the international community. The implementation of such a unilateral step would further threaten regional stability. It would also be detrimental to Israel’s role in the world, its integration in the regional context and its relationship with its partners.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“First, I thank Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. Allow me to voice France’s growing concerns regarding the threat of annexation. Like the overwhelming majority of the Council, we expressed our worries last month regarding the prospect of annexation of parts of the West Bank after the signing of the Israeli coalition agreement (see S/2020/341). However, the inauguration of the new Israeli Government brings us closer to that prospect. We look forward to continuing to work with the Israeli authorities in a constructive and comprehensive way, in the spirit of the long-standing friendship that binds us to Israel and of our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Lastly, as indicated yesterday (see S/2020/420), only a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015) will bring an end to the humanitarian tragedy in Syria.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“Indeed, cross-line coverage is largely similar to that recorded in 2019. This means there has been no improvement in cross-line since 10 January. This is all the more worrisome as the pandemic is spreading in the north-east. North-east Syria needs cross-border assistance through a dedicated crossing point. We support all efforts to prevent and punish human rights violations. Mass atrocity crimes will not go unpunished. France will continue to strongly support all efforts to collect and preserve evidence to support proceedings before competent jurisdictions. We reaffirm the importance of sharing the full report of the Board of Inquiry with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the Commission of Inquiry to further investigate incidents and bring their perpetrators to justice.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“In the north-west, the scaling up of the humanitarian delivery through the two crossing points must absolutely continue. The risks are immense, both locally and for the region. In the north-east, gaps in medical supplies have widened as a result of the loss of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point. The delivery of a World Health Organization convoy last week is a positive step but should not fool us: Damascus is not providing the United Nations with the sufficient and timely authorizations needed to compensate for the loss of Al-Yarubiyah. The figures speak for themselves: only 31 per cent of health facilities previously supported through cross-border assistance are receiving aid. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/401), the cross-line modality is clearly not sufficient on its own to meet current needs in the north-east.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“I would like to reiterate the obligation on all parties to respect international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians should be at the core of every party’s concerns. All parties, in particular the Syrian regime, must ensure humanitarian access. It is crucial to overcome the shortage of essential supplies and equipment to prevent and respond to the spread of the pandemic. They need to be shipped by the most direct routes to reach their intended beneficiaries, the most vulnerable. It can never be repeated it enough: the cross-border mechanism has never been so relevant, in the north-west and the north-east alike. France remains determined to preserve that life-saving mechanism. Its extension for 12 months, as required by the Secretary-General, is essential.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I express my warm thanks to Mark Lowcock for his presentation. The spread of the coronavirus disease in Syria is extremely worrisome. The pandemic is becoming a multiplier of humanitarian needs in a country where more than 11 million people rely on humanitarian assistance. An immediate and sustainable nationwide ceasefire is more than necessary — there is no alternative to fight the pandemic effectively. This is all the more crucial as the ceasefire in the north-west remains fragile. Unfortunately, the regime has not responded to the appeal by the Secretary- General and his Special Envoy for a nationwide ceasefire. We call on all parties, and especially the regime, to work actively in that direction. The United Nations must remain at the forefront of these efforts, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source