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

“We also welcome the deployment of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, which will implement the arms embargo, which is S/2020/421 continuously being violated by both sides, and thus help to implement the outcome of the Berlin Conference and resolution 2510 (2020). IRINI will operate strictly within the framework of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In that regard, the renewal by the Security Council of the mechanism created by resolution 2292 (2016) is absolutely essential. France will remain fully committed to and engaged in the process of finding a political solution in Libya.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source
“We should collectively support the implementation of reforms of economic and financial institutions, starting with an audit of the Central Bank of Libya, in order to restore its sound and transparent governance. The equitable allocation of oil resources and the lifting of the oil blockade are also matters of priority. The Security Council and, more broadly, the United Nations must remain fully mobilized to find a solution to the Libyan crisis. The French authorities have continued their dialogue with all Libyan parties in order to find such a solution, in support of the efforts led by the United Nations mediation. In that regard, we call on the Secretary-General to appoint a new Special Representative of the Secretary- General as soon as possible. It has been almost three months since the resignation of Mr. Ghassan Salamé.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we regret that no element on the monitoring of a possible ceasefire by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has been included in the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/360) in the absence of a specific report, which was requested by the Security Council in resolution 2510 (2020). We call on the parties to resume inclusive political talks as soon as possible under the auspices of the United Nations. Core issues such as elections, the type of constitution and civil-military coordination will have to be discussed as a matter of priority. This political dialogue should be relaunched with the active participation of Libya’s neighbouring countries and of the African Union, the League of Arab States and the European Union.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source
“Those are the messages that the French Minister for Foreign affairs conveyed to the Libyan leaders from both camps. A durable ceasefire should be put in place and monitored by the United Nations, and we have taken positive note of the proposal made to agree on a truce during the holy month of Ramadan, which was approved by the Libyan National Army. There can be no military solution in Libya and, in that regard, we condemn the bombing of civilian areas in Tripoli. Both parties should refrain from fuelling tensions and avert any escalation, and military interference should cease.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source
“First, I would like to thank Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Stephanie Williams and Ambassador Schulz for their briefings. In the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we call on the Libyan parties to cease hostilities and to find a political solution to the conflict. Both parties should formally endorse the draft ceasefire agreement concluded on 23 February within the framework of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. That draft ceasefire agreement is a Libyan-owned document and has been agreed upon by representatives of both camps. It is also important that another meeting of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission take place as soon as possible and without preconditions, with a view to finalizing that agreement and establishing subcommittees on structural issues such as the dismantling of militias.”
2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source
“Time passes, but the crimes of the Syrian regime cannot be forgotten and cannot remain unpunished. France will continue to firmly support all efforts to collect and preserve evidence and fight impunity. A peace agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict is more than ever needed to bring peace and stability to Syria and the region. I therefore urge all actors to work together to that end and recall Russia’s particular responsibility in that regard. As long as a credible political process is not firmly under way, France and the European Union will not fund the reconstruction in Syria.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“All parties must work with the United Nations to that end, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Finally, it is key to launch a broader political process based on all elements of resolution 2254 (2015). That includes establishing a safe and neutral environment, including through the implementation of confidence-building measures. The Special Envoy has our full support in this regard, and we expect him to report to the Council on the progress he has made on all elements of resolution 2254 (2015). France will not recognize the results of any elections that do not meet the standards for a free, fair and transparent ballot. Resolution 2254 (2015) sets the conditions for credible elections: they should take place in a safe country, under United Nations supervision and with the participation of all Syrians, including from the diaspora.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“It is urgent that the Syrian regime proceed to large-scale releases of detainees and abductees and allow access to all detention facilities. The latest Astana meeting did not bring any progress. It is now time to move beyond the reciprocal exchanges of prisoners. The United Nations needs to be at the centre of those efforts. In this context, we need to work together to unlock the political process and implement all elements of resolution 2254 (2015). The priority is to guarantee a sustainable and complete ceasefire everywhere in Syria. The Secretary-General and the Special Envoy have made this call to allow an effective response to COVID-19. The regime, unfortunately, has not responded to this appeal. A nationwide ceasefire is also necessary to create the conditions for a credible political process.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“That shows that the regime cannot bring stability. On the political side, the lack of progress in the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) is also deeply troubling. The regime’s responsibility for the deadlock of the Constitutional Committee is clear. It had first opposed an agreement on its agenda, and now it is taking advantage of COVID-19 to endlessly postpone any meeting of the Committee, including by refusing a video-teleconference meeting. On the contrary, the opposition has constantly showed flexibility and openness. We call on Geir Pedersen to make it clear to the Security Council when he deems that negotiation is no longer possible on the Constitutional Committee. No progress has been made on the detainee file despite the Special Envoy’s call to free prisoners and facilitate access to detention centres.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. First, France is very concerned by the lack of progress on the Syrian file. The growing instability on the ground is worrying. The ceasefire agreement in the north-west remains very fragile. Shelling continues as well as sporadic fighting. It is of the utmost importance that the regime and its allies do not restart an offensive that would worsen the already dire humanitarian situation, especially in the context of a potential spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Coordinated action is needed to deal with the threat posed by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham in respect of international humanitarian law. The resurgence of Da’esh is also extremely worrying for international peace and security. Instability and unrest are also growing in regime-held areas, including in the south-west.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“We should also make more use of private informal formats such as informal interactive dialogues, or informal Arria Formula meetings, or private formal meetings in order to engage directly and constructively with the countries and parties concerned, as we do when we are on a field visit. But if the Council is to be effective, it is important to reaffirm the need for a spirit of compromise. As I have said, the recurrent use of the veto threat cannot be a way of negotiating. I truly hope that we collectively find a better balance between the time spent in public discussions and in closed consultations, and that we focus more of our attention and energy on the effectiveness of the Council in a spirit of compromise in order to reach solutions that benefit the lives of those in conflict situations.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“That is a significant decrease. The number of texts is not the only measure of the Council’s performance. There are also political reasons for the difficulty in reaching a position in the Council. But, as we consider transparency, efficiency and effectiveness, we should bear in mind that our practice of holding more public meetings may also undermine the efficiency and the effectiveness of the Council. The time spent in public meetings stating national positions is time that we cannot use to discuss with the Secretariat about its performance, or to engage with one another on a text. We should be aware that a united Council position will always have more influence on political actors in conflict situations than 15, sometimes contradicting, national positions in a public meeting.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“All diplomats know that to reach consensus S/2020/418 S/2020/418 on difficult issues, direct exchanges behind closed doors are often more conducive to an agreement. Similarly, closed conversations between Council members and the Secretariat on the implementation of Council mandates are more productive than public statements of national positions. Over the past few years, since 2017 to be exact, the Council has held many of its meetings in an open format. From a balance between open and closed meetings, we now spend more than twice as much time in open meetings as in closed ones. But as we have become more open, we have also adopted fewer resolutions and press statements. The total number of texts adopted, without counting condemnations of terrorist attacks, went from around 160 a year in 2016 to 110 in 2019.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“Its specificity lies in its authority to consider any dispute or situation so as to determine whether they are likely to endanger international peace and security, take a political position or action on a specific situation and adopt binding decisions and mandates that the Secretary-General and his representatives are called on to implement in order to restore or maintain international peace and security. It is a decision-making body that is expected to act to stop wars and mass atrocities. To be effective, it must be driven by a spirit of cooperation and compromise. However, if the Security Council is to be efficient and effective in its executive role, more private discussions are needed.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“We now spend more time in open meetings than in closed ones. At these open meetings we hear from interested parties, other Members of the United Nations, troop-contributing countries, all relevant United Nations entities and civil society, in particular women and youth. These open discussions certainly help to better inform our decisions. Transparency and openness to other actors and Members must therefore be maintained. Nevertheless, the function of the Security Council is not only to be a forum where different points of views on a specific situation are presented. The Council is an executive body.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“The language regime of the United Nations was established to enable the proper functioning of its deliberative bodies. The legitimacy and efficiency of the United Nations depend on respect for that core value. We are confident that the Secretariat will provide us with simultaneous interpretation in the six official languages as a matter of priority, eight weeks after the beginning of the COVID-19 restrictions. In any case, as French is also a working language of the United Nations, I intend to conduct the presidency of the Security Council in French next month. As an observer and participant in the work of the Security Council over the past 15 years, I recognize that its work is more transparent and open than ever. Almost all the reports of the Secretary-General to the Council are made public.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“But before I start, I want to commend Kuwait for the adoption of eight notes by the President (S/2019/990, S/2019/991, S/2019/992, S/2019/993, S/2019/994, S/2019/995, S/2019/996, S/2019/997) to adapt our methods of work. France will continue to engage with members of the Council to improve our methods towards more effectiveness, inclusiveness and transparency. I also want to acknowledge our collective flexibility to adjust quickly to the constraints posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic — the so-called need for agility pointed out in the concept note (S/2020/374, annex). As we moved to video-teleconference meetings, we have maintained the transparency, as far as technically possible, and the ability for the Council to take decisions. Unfortunately, the only victim in this process is multilingualism.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“I want first to thank Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for chairing the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions and for organizing, together with Estonia, this eleventh open debate. I also want to thank my old friends Karin Landgren and Edward Luck for their presentations. This is always a good opportunity to reflect among us and with the other members of the United Nations on our methods and our performance. As we distance ourselves from our daily work, thanks to the eagle eye of our great briefers, we can better see not only our flaws but also our strengths. I will focus my intervention on the theme of the debate: transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.”
2020-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/418 (2020) · source
“France will continue to firmly support all efforts to collect and preserve evidence and fight impunity, including through 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.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“The commission of inquiry set up by the Secretary-General and the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have clearly pointed to the responsibility of the Syrian regime in attacks against de-conflicted medical infrastructure and in the use of chemical weapons. As the trials that have commenced in Germany against senior members of the Al-Assad regime and the ongoing proceedings in France confirm, war crimes and crimes against humanity will not go unpunished.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“As elections are looming, we need to reaffirm the conditions and standards for a transparent, free and fair ballot, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). The elections should take place in a safe and secure country, under United Nations supervision and with the participation of all Syrians, including those from the diaspora. Absent those conditions, any election in Syria would again have no value. Moreover, let me reaffirm that, without a credible political process firmly under way, France and the European Union will not fund the reconstruction in Syria. Although time is passing, the crimes of the Syrian regime cannot be forgotten or remain unpunished.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“This is why it is key in parallel to launch a broader political process based on all elements of resolution 2254 (2015). The Special Envoy has our full support in this regard. There is also an urgent need to secure progress on the subject of detainees, especially in the context of the spread of COVID-19. France fully supports the calls of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy for a large-scale release of detainees and abductees and for access to all detention facilities. Let me recall that over 100,000 persons have ended up in jail or in the hands of the security branches of the regime. We urge the Syrian regime to allow the release of the most vulnerable and of political prisoners who have not been granted presidential amnesty. Now is the time to move beyond the one-for-one approach and enhance the role of the United Nations.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“We have taken note of the agreement reached by the parties on the agenda of the Constitutional Committee last month. However, the regime continues to block the work of the Constitutional Committee by trying to backtrack on this agreement and by refusing to allow any video-teleconference meeting of the Committee. In contrast, the opposition has consistently showed flexibility and openness. This situation has been going on for too long. We cannot continue to let the regime undermine the credibility of the United Nations and the Security Council. In this context, we call on Geir Pedersen to make it clear to the Council when he deems it that he is no longer able to continue his efforts with respect to the Constitutional Committee.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we recall that the Syrian regime has not responded to their appeal. The spread of the pandemic will further worsen the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, particularly in Idlib and in the north-east, and must be prevented. We will return to that point this afternoon. The United Nations must be at the forefront of the efforts aimed at securing a nationwide ceasefire. That is in the mandate for it set forth in resolution 2254 (2015). Most important, it is the only way to guarantee a lasting and verifiable ceasefire that will not be a mere tactical pause and to create the conditions for the renewal of a credible political process. Secondly, there is an urgent need to overcome the current political deadlock and to relaunch a broader peace process.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“Terrorist groups have also recently gained a foothold in regime- controlled areas. Nevertheless, the fight against terrorism cannot justify blatant violations of human rights or international humanitarian law. The deterioration of the security situation in the south-west over the past few months is also worrisome. It clearly shows that returning to the regime’s predation and security stranglehold cannot bring stability in the short term or in the long term. It is therefore urgent to implement the call of the Secretary-General and his Envoy for a complete nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). It is of the utmost importance that their call be heeded in order to enable the response to COVID-19 throughout Syria. We call on all parties to commit genuinely to that objective.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. I echo his call for an immediate, complete and lasting nationwide ceasefire in Syria. It is an absolute priority in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). France is deeply concerned about the growing instability throughout Syria. The situation in the north-west is of particular concern, and we will continue to closely monitor its evolution. Although on the whole the ceasefire is holding for now, shelling continues and the military build-up on each side is particularly worrisome. It is essential that the regime and its allies do not restart an offensive. Terrorist groups continue to pose a serious threat for international security. That is the case in the north-east, where the significant threat of Da’esh warrants our careful attention.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“In this context, I want to thank the United Nations, and particularly the World Health Organization and UNRWA’s humanitarian workers, whose role notably remains crucial in the context of COVID-19. France remains concerned about the growing obstacles facing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on the ground in Palestine and in East Jerusalem in particular, especially at a time when its work is all the more essential. UNRWA’s mandate is crucial to allow for a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to be found to the refugee question. In conclusion, I want to reiterate France’s readiness to support the resumption of negotiations based on the internationally agreed parameters. COVID-19 shows the necessity to coordinate and the mutual interests of the Israeli and Palestinian people.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“More generally, I urge Israel to implement a full suspension of demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian and international infrastructure in the context of COVID-19, and to allow the delivery of medical equipment and humanitarian emergency evacuations, in accordance with its duties as occupying Power. There is also a need for a comprehensive and lasting agreement to the clearance revenues issue to enable the Palestinian Authority to deal with the response to COVID-19. Last but not least, the international community needs to step up its support to the Palestinian territories. The French Development Agency is mobilizing €3 million to support the Palestinian response to COVID-19. The European Union has mobilized €71 million in support of Palestinian health-care services and to alleviate the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“The Israeli Government should guarantee the continued delivery of medical equipment and allow humanitarian evacuations. The Palestinian Authority is also responsible for the provision of medical aid and supplies to the Strip. Moreover, France recalls that there will be no sustainable stability in Gaza without the lifting of the blockade, with credible security guarantees for Israel and the restoration of the Palestinian Authority through intra-Palestinian reconciliation. The Israeli and Palestinian authorities must enhance their cooperation to deal with the current health situation.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“However, it is also about being pragmatic. The two- State solution is the only way to bring a sustainable peace to the region. That is in the interest of the Israelis and the Palestinians, as well as the neighbouring EU. Secondly, let me stress the importance of increased Israeli-Palestinian coordination in the response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with the adequate support of the international community. In echo of the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, all actors must refrain from hostile acts, maintain the ceasefire and ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need. There is no alternative to effectively fight the pandemic. I want to echo the Special Coordinator’s concerns regarding the vulnerabilities of Gaza and the lack of sufficient medical equipment to respond to COVID-19.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“We have also condemned the recent announcements by the Israeli Government with regard to advancing settlements in Jerusalem and the West Bank, especially in the E1 area, as well as Givat Hamatos and Har Homa, which are located in particularly sensitive areas. Such announcements threaten the viability of a future Palestinian State. We call on the Israeli Government to halt the publication of tenders or any measures aimed at promoting construction in Har Homa, Givat Hamatos and the E1 area, as well as not to take any unilateral action that would undermine the two- State solution and the prospect of renewed peace talks. We will not recognize any changes to the June 1967 lines unless agreed to by both parties. It is a matter of principle. Respect for international law, including the resolutions of the Security Council, is without exception.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“I thank Nikolay Mladenov for his briefing. France aligns with the written statement of the European Union (EU), which reaffirms the EU’s long-standing position on the two-State solution. First and foremost, I want to reiterate France’s grave concern over the threat of annexation in the light of the recent developments. France, along with its European partners, has repeatedly warned against the annexation of parts of the West Bank, including the Jordan Valley and settlements. It would constitute a blatant violation of international law, which strictly prohibits the acquisition by force of occupied territories. Such steps, if implemented, would not pass unchallenged and will not be overlooked in our relationship with Israel.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“As a road map upon which to build, the regional peace and security strategy will be a useful tool in identifying and implementing concrete measures to strengthen political stability and peace in the region. We stand ready to actively participate in the shaping of this new collective peace and security instrument and we look forward to seeing it develop in time.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“At a time when borders are closed, communications disrupted and attitudes of mistrust are spreading, the pandemic complicates regional cooperation, which nevertheless remains crucial because it is only through cooperation that the root causes of the conflicts that undermine the Great Lakes, from armed groups to the illicit exploitation of natural resources, will be addressed. The countries of the region are facing a shared test. By supporting each other in their common struggle, they can build the foundation of mutual trust that will be decisive for success in future steps. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and his Office must undertake all necessary measures to that end. France reaffirms its support for the Special Envoy and reiterates that it stands ready to continue to assist him in the fulfilment of his mission.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“The health threat needs to be addressed both by strengthening barrier measures designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease today and by refocusing support for enhancing African capabilities in the health sector in the long term. Furthermore, the disruption caused by the pandemic will undoubtedly have a significant socioeconomic impact — one that needs to be anticipated. For this reason, President Macron has been strongly advocating a collective effort to reschedule the public debt of African countries. We therefore welcome the Group of 20’s endorsement of our proposal for a debt moratorium. Thirdly and finally, I would like to stress that the context created by the pandemic further reinforces the need for regional cooperation.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“The countries of the Great Lakes region remain particularly vulnerable to large-scale pandemics due to the high number of people displaced by the persistence of hostile group operations. The international community stands to benefit from the countries’ past experience with outbreaks of the Ebola and Marburg viruses. I welcome the measures taken by national Governments to combat the spread of the epidemic, pursuant to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, and I note that their implementation must respect human rights. Taking into account this new and dramatic global challenge, France wishes once again to express its solidarity with the countries of the region; they can count on our support. We have mobilized €1.2 billion to support African countries’ efforts aimed at fighting the pandemic.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“Given the decision of the Government of Burundi to move ahead with the elections in the current context, we note that it is paramount to ensure a free political space and that all actors refrain from actions that could jeopardize the holding of peaceful, inclusive and credible elections, as these would contribute to the region’s path towards political stability and peace. The Burundian people’s confidence in the ability of the justice system to respond to the victims’ aspirations and prosecute crimes in an independent manner is key to meeting the long-term objectives of unity and stability. Secondly, we share the concern expressed by all about the threat that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses to the region, in a context where the Ebola virus, in particular, has still not been eradicated.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“We welcome that significant development in furtherance of the objectives of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. Several areas that have shown less progress remain concerning. There is continued violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a troubling human rights situation and grave violations of human rights, including an additional 1 million displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In his report (S/2020/272), the Secretary-General describes the scale of the remaining challenges, which I will not repeat here. I would, however, like to express France’s vigilance with regard to the situation in Burundi, in particular.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank the Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for the Great Lakes Region, for his briefing. I would like to briefly underscore three points. First of all, we welcome the positive developments over the past six months. It is crucial to continue to build on the encouraging momentum that followed the election of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi in order to further reduce tensions, build confidence and achieve progress on the other fronts. In particular, we commend the involvement of Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço, which has been crucial to advancing reconciliation efforts between Rwanda and Uganda, thereby leading to renewed commitments through the finalization of an extradition treaty.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our support for MINUSMA’s adaptation plan, which has the potential to improve the effectiveness of the Mission, including for the protection of civilians. Its success will depend on the allocation of appropriate resources and on the capacity to generate new forces. We call on troop-contributing countries to respond to the Secretariat’s requests in this regard.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“Finally, I would like to address the humanitarian and human rights situation in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. France is concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in Mali. We welcome the efforts of United Nations agencies and their partners; these efforts need to be supported. Ensuring safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need is also key. In Central Mali, the human rights situation remains worrying. Yet again, in February, an atrocious massacre occurred in Ogossagou. We acknowledge the efforts of the Government of Mali, but more needs to be done. Those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted. To effectively protect the people, militias must be disarmed and the Malian security forces deployed.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“We condemn the 6 April attack against the Malian army in Bamba. Nevertheless, we see reasons for hope. Following the Pau summit, France and its G-5 Sahel partners have inaugurated joint structures and stepped up their operations. The results are evident. Dozens of terrorists have been neutralized since January, and in March the G-5 Sahel Joint Force conducted an operation unprecedented in scale in the three-border zone. We reiterate our call for greater support for the Joint Force. Another positive development is the launch of the Takuba task force to support the Malian army, together with the task force’s endorsement by 11 European countries. France thanks Security Council members Belgium and Estonia, which are among those countries that have pledged troops.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“Much work remains to be done, however, and France encourages the Malian parties to accelerate the implementation of the peace agreement, in particular through necessary progress in institutional reforms and the completion of the deployment of the reconstituted army on the basis of agreed criteria. The first round of the legislative elections, held on 29 March, was an important outcome of the national inclusive dialogue. Unfortunately, it was marked by an atmosphere of insecurity and by concerns about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We wish to express concern at the kidnapping of opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé and call for his swift release. Thirdly, the security situation in Mali remains worrying. Terrorist groups, particularly those affiliated with Da’esh or Al-Qaida, have proven their capacity to adjust.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“We have therefore established a coalition for the Sahel with a view to better integrating the fight against terrorism, the strengthening of national capacities, support for the return of State authority, and humanitarian and development programmes. Secondly, against this backdrop, France welcomes the recent and positive steps taken to implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, including the start of the deployment of the reconstituted army in Kidal and other towns, the visit of the Prime Minister to the north of the country, and progress in women’s participation in the peace process. I commend the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) for its work, which was instrumental in bringing about these achievements.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing. I would like to emphasize four points. First, allow me to highlight the dynamic created by the Pau summit, which reaffirmed the determination of France and the countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) to fight terrorism and re-establish peace, security and development in the region. We recognize that it is necessary to improve security, but there must also be better governance and development if we are to enable national authorities’ sustainable ownership of these processes and improve people’s living conditions.”
2020-04-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/286 (2020) · source