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

“Until such time, the European Union and its member States, whose pledges account for 70 per cent of those made during the fourth Brussels Conference, will continue to assume their share of responsibility to fund the humanitarian response in Syria, including in areas held by the regime. They will also continue to ensure full respect for ensuring the impartial and transparent delivery of aid and its full compliance with the document on parameters and principles established by the United Nations. However, until the regime commits to engaging in a credible transition process, France and the European Union will not normalize their relations with the regime and will continue to encourage their partners to follow the same line. Equally, we will not fund reconstruction or any assistance aligned with the regime’s development priorities.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We call on the Special Envoy to continue his efforts to implement those key elements of resolution 2254 (2015), in particular the electoral aspect, and to keep the Council informed about his progress. We also call on Russia to use its influence to ensure that such efforts succeed. The crisis in Syria today is far from over. Only a political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), will allow for a way out of the chronic instability and enable refugees and displaced persons to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity. That is a priority for France given the impact of the Syrian conflict on the stability of the region and international peace and security.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“The Constitutional Committee will be meaningful only if it ultimately leads to substantive discussions between the parties and allows for the rapid completion of the constitutional reform provided for by resolution 2254 (2015), which Syria very much needs. However, the drafting of a constitution is just one step. If the next meeting fails to yield substantive results, the Special Envoy and the Council will have to draw the necessary conclusions and review their approach. It is high time for the political process to respond to the aspirations of the Syrian people and give them hope. That requires progress on the issue of detainees and missing persons and means giving the Syrian people their voice back through elections.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“The shortfalls in terms of aid delivery, particularly in the north-east, are alarming. The severe winter conditions make life wretched for hundreds of thousands of people who do not have adequate shelter. In that context, it is more essential than ever to ensure safe humanitarian access to all those in need. We will not stop reiterating that international humanitarian law is an obligation for all. I refer in particular to the protection of civilians, which remains an absolute priority. France commends the tireless efforts of the Special Envoy to preserve the centrality of the United Nations process. That is my third point.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Only a cessation of hostilities will bring relief to the Syrian people and unite the efforts of the international community to address the threat posed by listed terrorist groups in line with international law. The resurgence of Da’esh in the centre and north-east must be a matter of common concern. The terrorist organization has taken advantage of the current instability to rebuild its strength. France will continue to fully play its part in the fight against terrorism, together with its partners in the international coalition. That is a priority. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic. Food insecurity is increasingly becoming the harsh reality for the Syrian population. The coronavirus disease pandemic continues to spread, and the official figures provided by the regime seem far from genuine.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Let me first thank Ambassador Kelly Craft for all she did during her tenure as the Permanent Representative of the United States of America and for all her achievements during those 18 months. I wish her all the best for her future projects. I thank Mr. Lowcock and Mr. Pedersen for their briefings. France notes with concern the continuing heightened tensions and the risk of escalation on the ground. We warn against any attempt to change the front lines in northern Syria. We reiterate our call for the implementation of a definitive and verifiable cessation of hostilities at the national level, in accordance with the appeals of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, as well as Council resolutions. The Special Envoy must lead those efforts.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“In that context, the League of Arab States can play a critical role in relaying to its member States United Nations appeals for contributions, particularly to Yemen, Syria and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Finally, I wish to reiterate France’s proposal to hold an annual meeting of the Security Council to address all those issues, to be attended by the relevant Special Representatives and Special Envoys of the Secretary-General and a representative of the League of Arab States. The Council’s October meeting on security in the Gulf (see S/2020/1037) shows the benefit of a discussion that goes beyond addressing each crisis separately. On all those issues, France stands ready to contribute.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We welcome the establishment of the United Nations Liaison Office to the League of Arab States. Its work should further enhance concrete cooperation initiatives, particularly with regard to conflict prevention and the promotion of United Nations values in the League’s member States. On Iraq, I would like to reiterate the importance of responding to the Iraqi Government’s requests for monitoring its elections. The United Nations will have a crucial role to play in that regard, in coordination with regional organizations, particularly the League of Arab States and the European Union. That endeavour is invaluable given that the success of the elections is essential to the stability of the region. The humanitarian consequences of the crises in the region are significant.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“Iran must therefore immediately put an end to those actions, which increase the risk of escalation, thereby squandering an opportunity to return to a diplomatic approach. In this difficult context, the Al-Ula Declaration, announcing a reconciliation trend among the Arab States of the Gulf, is promising. Kuwait’s contribution to that effort is commendable. France remains mobilized in order to ease tensions in the Gulf through the European maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz. We will also continue to fully support the Secretary-General’s efforts to foster regional dialogue in the Arab Gulf. The contribution of the League of Arab States is critical to making progress on these issues, and its cooperation with the Council must be enhanced, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“Those challenges compound the existing nuclear proliferation and terrorism challenges in the region. Meeting them requires the Security Council’s unity in ensuring respect for international law and compliance with commitments made. In that regard, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and resolution 2231 (2015), which provide a concrete and effective solution to the Iranian proliferation crisis, must be fully implemented. Iran must return without delay to full compliance with its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA. The resumed production of uranium enriched to 20 per cent and the announcement that preparations were under way for the production of uranium metal are very concerning and represent negative developments with potentially serious military implications.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“In Syria, in the absence of a solid political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015), France and its European Union partners will continue to oppose the rehabilitation of the Syrian regime and will refuse to finance reconstruction. In that connection, we welcome the firm stance taken by the League of Arab States with regard to Syria’s reintegration. In the Middle East, France welcomed the normalization of relations of several Arab States with Israel, which will contribute to regional stability. Within the framework of the Amman group, France is working to identify concrete avenues for rebuilding confidence and enabling dialogue between the parties, which is necessary for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within the framework of international law and agreed parameters.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“Strengthened international mobilization is necessary in that regard. In particular, full implementation will require the establishment of a credible monitoring mechanism. Regional organizations can contribute to that effort in order to support the United Nations. We welcome the role of the League of Arab States in that regard. It is also essential that the guns be silenced once and for all in Syria and Yemen. Secondly, moving beyond ceasefires, political solutions are the only way to put an end to these conflicts. The support of the international community, and that of the members of the League of the Arab States in particular, for United Nations mediation efforts in Syria, Libya and Yemen is critical.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Abul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and Ms. Dicarlo, Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for their briefings. We are meeting 10 years after the start of the Arab Spring, and it is quite symbolic that our meeting is presided over by Tunisia. The aspirations for freedom, dignity and democracy expressed by the peoples of the region remain relevant, and it remains essential that those aspirations be met. At the outset, I would like to recall the need for a ceasefire in all conflicts in the region, pursuant to resolution 2532 (2020), adopted in July on the initiative of Tunisia and France. A ceasefire was concluded in Libya on 23 October under the auspices of the United Nations. We call for its provisions to be fully implemented.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“Urgent action is needed if we want to avoid a disaster. France will remain fully mobilized and engaged to promote peace in Yemen and de-escalation at the regional level.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Within the Security Council and beyond, all international players must make every effort to reach a ceasefire agreement and a negotiated solution. France is mobilized to support those efforts. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, as Mr. Lowcock and Mr. Beasley aptly described. With each passing day, the famine is becoming an even more implacable reality for many Yemenis. The parties must ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those in need and respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. In that regard, we are extremely concerned about the serious humanitarian consequences that could result from the recent decisions taken by the United States. Finally, it is essential to allow the United Nations-mandated inspection mission to immediately access the FSO SAFER oil tanker.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We support the independent work of the United Nations Panel of Experts to identify those responsible, who must be sanctioned and tried. I welcome the formation of the new Government of Yemen. I also welcome the presence here today of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen. The Government will have to work towards an inclusive political solution to the crisis. It will have the serious responsibility of working for the Yemeni people in putting an end to the seizure and misappropriation of public funds and humanitarian assistance. We therefore urge all parties, in particular the Houthis, to renounce the escalation of violence, to move away from the military approach and to engage, in good faith, in direct talks under the leadership of Special Envoy Griffiths, who has our full support.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Yemen, Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and Mr. David Beasley, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, for their briefings. We are very concerned about the already catastrophic worsening situation in Yemen. The much-needed political process and humanitarian response are under threat. France strongly condemns the 30 December attack in Aden against the new Government of Yemen, to which we express our full support. The attack caused the deaths of more than 20 civilians, including three humanitarian workers. That is unacceptable. The protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, is an absolute priority.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Mali cannot allow divisions that would only undermine the objectives of the transition, especially the March 2022 elections. In that context, France supports the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, which once again visited Bamako to take stock of the organization of the elections.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Mali’s armed forces must step up their reconstruction while maintaining their operational commitment. The European Union Training Mission in Mali, which recently expanded its scope of action, can help them do so. The G-5 Sahel Joint Force also plays an essential role and deserves enhanced support, including from the United Nations. We welcome the support provided by MINUSMA through the tripartite mechanism funded by the European Union. But we must go further. Finally, it is essential that the implementation of the MINUSMA adaptation plan continue, so that its effectiveness can be strengthened. I encourage contributing countries to respond positively to the Secretariat’s requests to fill the force’s capacity gaps. In this decisive period, a consensual and peaceful political climate is needed.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Those mixed results force us to step up our efforts. Security measures must be accompanied by the return of administrations and services to the population. Those efforts will make it possible to restore confidence among the State, local authorities and the people living there, and to combat the hold that terrorists have. Special attention should be paid to development projects and humanitarian assistance, bearing in mind the integrated approach carried out by the Coalition for the Sahel. Preserving the humanitarian space and the protection of humanitarian and health workers are crucial. France commends the work of the European Union and its member States in those areas. In the military sphere, the internationalization of efforts has continued in recent months, with the increase in the work of Task Force Takuba.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“In the area of counter-terrorism, one year after the Pau summit, the overall assessment is positive. Many terrorist elements, including several high-ranking leaders, have been neutralized. Coordination between Operation Barkhane, the national armed forces and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) has improved thanks to the setting up of a joint command post in Niamey. The Malian army remains fully committed, despite political changes. However, many challenges remain. Last year was the deadliest one in the past decade in central Mali, where the crisis has taken deep root. The latest attacks, unfortunately, claimed French soldiers, and show that terrorist groups can still cause great harm. Efforts to restore State and public services throughout the territory remain insufficient.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“The parties have agreed on a road map that includes the objectives we set with regard to integrating former rebels into the national forces, undertaking institutional reforms and developing the northern regions. In addition to those commitments, the Council expects concrete results by the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate in June. I know that all Malian parties are fully aware of that. With regard to the stabilization of central Mali, the initial results in the fight against impunity, including the start of proceedings and the holding of hearings, are encouraging. More needs to be done to enable lasting reconciliation. MINUSMA continues to play a useful role, particularly through military operations coordinated with the Malian army and community dialogue programmes.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Annadif for his briefing. I would like in particular to thank him for the work he has conducted over the past five years as Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). In October the Council reiterated the priorities: political and institutional reforms with a view to the holding of elections, the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation on Mali, the stabilization of central Mali and the fight against terrorism. Today the situation appears to have changed. The current climate is conducive to progress in the implementation of the peace agreement. Meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee have resumed. Signatory group members are part of the Government.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“In Mali, for example, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali supports the Specialized Judicial Unit in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime and in the prevention of violent extremism in prisons. United Nations support must go beyond the security and judicial response. This is the aim of the Coalition for the Sahel. Furthermore, we welcome the appointment of a United Nations development coordinator for the Sahel. I would like to conclude by recalling the importance of respect for the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law in the fight against terrorism. This imperative will guide our engagement in the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June next year.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2462 (2019) was an important step for the Security Council, but we must go further, given the risk of new technologies being misused for terrorist purposes, in particular the increasing use of cryptocurrency. Of course, the fight against the financing of terrorism cannot be carried out to the detriment of humanitarian action, which must be safeguarded. In this respect, we call on all States to join the humanitarian appeal for action launched in 2019 by France and Germany. The United Nations must continue to offer a coordinated approach and strengthen the capacity of States to counter the terrorist threat, particularly in Africa. Peacekeeping operations have adapted to the terrorist threat by strengthening their intelligence capabilities.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“France has worked to bring about a European regulation on online terrorist content to prevent the appearance of this content or remove it within an hour if it does appear. But the effectiveness of these tools depends on their application by everyone. In this respect, we call on States to join the Christchurch Appeal, launched by France and New Zealand with Internet companies and civil society organizations. We need a common framework for regulating terrorist content online. Thirdly, the fight against the financing of terrorism is an absolute necessity because, even if it takes little money to kill at random in the street, means are required to sustain a terrorist action.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“First of all, the fight against terrorism cannot be conducted without the support of civil society. I welcome the briefing by Ms. Fatima Akilu and, through her, the role of women, young people and non-governmental organizations in the fight against the barbaric ideologies of terrorist groups. In conflict zones, and in Nigeria in particular, France, in partnership with UNICEF and civil society, will continue to support projects aimed at protecting children and combating the stigmatization of victims. Secondly, we must increasingly engage in fighting the use by terrorist groups of the Internet and social networks. The current pandemic has further increased the influence of these tools.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the Tunisian presidency for organizing today’s debate. I would also thank the various briefers for their briefings. Since the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001), 20 years ago, the Security Council has continuously strengthened the normative framework for the fight against terrorism. We must continue to implement it rigorously, and to modify it if necessary, as long as terrorism continues to kill. France has more than once had the painful experience of terrorism and its effects. I would like to express our solidarity with the victims of terrorism, for whom justice must be done. Those responsible for terrorist acts must be judged as close as possible to the places where they committed their crimes. I would like to stress four points.”
2021-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/48 (2021) · source
“At the international level, the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel deserves greater support, including from the United Nations. We also welcome the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. We encourage its implementation in a more pragmatic and concrete manner. It must rapidly produce the results expected by the populations.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“France pays tribute to the memory of the soldiers who recently lost their lives, including five French nationals. This painful news should not overshadow the successes of Operation Barkhane and of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). The terrorists continue to harass, but they are being pushed back. And the joint operations of France and its partners will continue. The mobilization in the face of the magnitude of the challenges in the Sahel remains insufficient. In the spirit of the Coalition for the Sahel, we should combine security support with support for governance, human rights and development. At the national level, we encourage the authorities of the Sahel countries to strengthen the presence of the State in outlying areas.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“Despite immense challenges, the elections in Burkina Faso and the first round of the presidential election in the Niger were held without major security incidents and in a serene atmosphere. In Burkina Faso, the entire political class demonstrated a spirit of consensus. In the Niger, President Issoufou’s decision to not run for a third term was a factor in reducing tension. As a primary partner to the Niger, we will continue to closely follow the preparations for, and the holding of, the second round of the presidential election. In that regard, we deplore the attacks of 2 January, which claimed the lives of several civilians, and extend our condolences to the people and the Government of the Niger. The security situation remains the main challenge in the Sahel.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“They deserve a peaceful political climate and effective improvement in governance, which are the foundation of the country’s development. In Côte d’Ivoire, peace must now be the objective of all. We note that President Ouattara announced new gestures during his inaugural speech. In particular, I would mention the appointment of a Minister of National Reconciliation and the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission. Those are positive initiatives. Other measures could usefully be taken to contribute to the peace and reconciliation process, particularly with a view towards the legislative elections. Finally, in Ghana, the elections were held in exemplary conditions — a credit to the country’s democratic tradition and to the civic sense of the Ghanaian people. My second point refers to the situation in the Sahel.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Chambas for his briefing. I would like to underline two points. First, the elections that took place recently in several West African countries are a sign of the consolidation of democratic institutions in the region. However, they posed a number of challenges. Some were marked by high tensions and restrictions on civil freedoms. France condemned the violence that caused a number of deaths on the margins of some of those elections. In Guinea, we encourage all stakeholders to take responsibility and exercise the utmost restraint. We also call on the authorities to take concrete decisions regarding dialogue and openness towards the opposition. The issue here is to allow for reconciliation among all Guineans.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“We all know them: the regime used weapons of war prohibited by international law against its own population, and since then we have seen chemical weapons re-emerge and become commonplace in Syria and elsewhere. The fight against impunity and the total ban on the use of chemical weapons remain our priorities. That is the meaning of our continued mobilization, particularly within the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, which we launched, along with our partners, in 2018.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“It was on that basis that the Director-General produced his October report. The conclusion is, unfortunately, clear: Syria has taken absolutely no steps to try to comply. All this is perfectly coherent, and that is why France, on behalf of 46 delegations from four geographical groups, submitted a draft decision to the OPCW Technical Secretariat in November to take the necessary measures. That draft decision will be submitted to the second part of the session of the Conference of States Parties, to be held by next April. Therefore, I can only deplore once again the false accusations made by those who seek to discredit the OPCW. The OPCW is not a “black box”, there is no conspiracy, there is no pressure, there is no instrumentalization of the Secretariat. There is simply the reality of the facts.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“The OPCW works with complete professionalism and impartiality. Take the Fact-Finding Mission. When it is provided with robust and substantiated evidence, as it was in 2019 after the collection of dozens of testimonies and some 100 samples in connection with the allegations of attacks on Douma, it presents clear and irrefutable conclusions. On the other hand, where the evidence is insufficient, it does not hesitate to acknowledge that in full transparency. That methodology is a guarantee of credibility. Secondly, the OPCW and its States parties are very consistent. The first report of the Investigation and Identification Team concluded unambiguously that the regime was responsible for three chemical-weapons attacks in March 2017 in Ltamenah. In response, the Executive Council adopted its July decision.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. Once again, no progress can be reported. However, simple steps could be taken, and they are the responsibility of the Syrian regime. The first of them is to shed light — at last — on the initial declaration. How can it be explained that 19 issues remain unresolved seven years after the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013)? Above all, how can it be explained that new questions continue to be added to the old ones? The regime absolutely must shed light on the new, undeclared production site highlighted by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in November. Contrary to what some people claim, that is entirely the responsibility of the regime. Indeed, last month’s meeting with the Director-General (see S/2020/1202, annex II) shows that the OPCW is fully fulfilling its mandate.”
2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source
“That is the rationale behind our support for the fight against impunity, in particular for 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. We are determined to ensure that the Mechanism is provided with the necessary budget to function properly. Without a political solution to the conflict, there can be no lasting stabilization in Syria. It is high time for all members of the Council to hear that message and truly commit to discussions to end the crisis.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“They will not return so long as the regime continues to threaten their lives and deprive them of their property.France is therefore working with all international actors, first and foremost the United Nations, to ensure that the right of refugees and displaced persons to a voluntary, safe and dignified return. However, we will not participate in campaigns to spread disinformation. Furthermore, France, along with its European Union partners, will not deviate from its position on normalization, sanctions or reconstruction in the absence of a credible political settlement. Those who believe that the time is ripe can already begin funding the reconstruction process. Grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights cannot go unpunished.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I refer in particular to the province of Damascus, in southern Syria, as well as in the north-east, where the regime has impeded humanitarian access by refusing for two months to allow the delivery of food aid to more than 200,000 people in Raqqah. The protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, must remain a top priority. I recall that respect for international humanitarian law is of course something we all have an obligation to uphold. After 10 years of conflict, any attempt by the regime and its allies to have us believe in any normalization of the situation in Syria will fool no one. The figures from the High Commissioner for Refugees speak for themselves — of the 5.5 million Syrian refugees in the region, only 260,000 have chosen to return to their home country since 2016.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“We must work together on the implementation of a lasting and verifiable cessation of hostilities at the national level, as per the calls of the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy and in line with Council resolutions. We warn against any new offensive, whether in the north-west or the north-east of the country. The Council should be deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria, where there are now 13 million people in need of humanitarian aid — almost 2 million more than a year ago. We deplore the methodical reduction of cross-border crossings for the delivery of aid, which is all the more worrisome given the current health crisis. Obstacles to humanitarian access, particularly by the Syrian regime, are unacceptable, especially in the context of the pandemic.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“Beyond the Constitutional Committee, there is an urgent need to relaunch a credible political process on the basis of all elements contained in resolution 2254 (2015). The Special Envoy has our full support in his work on the issue in conjunction with the main stakeholders. Concrete results must be achieved in particular with regard to the situation of detainees and missing persons. It is essential that all Syrians, including those in the diaspora, finally be given a voice in preparations for the holding of elections in accordance with the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015) and under United Nations supervision. France will not recognize the results of any elections that take place outside the Geneva political process. France is concerned by the reports of increasing hostilities on the ground.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Lowcock and Mr. Pedersen for their briefings. France takes note of the fourth session of the Constitutional Committee, held in Geneva, and calls for the fifth session, to be held on 25 January, as announced by the Special Envoy, on the basis of the agenda agreed upon by the stakeholders. It is indeed high time for the parties to finally begin substantive discussions on constitutional reform. The Syrian regime should also fully respect the operating rules of the Constitutional Committee. France will remain vigilant against any attempt by the regime to undermine the process. We call on the Special Envoy to keep the Council informed of any hindrances and to clearly attribute responsibility for them.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1257 (2020) · source
“They are essential and necessary pillars for achieving a political solution that will enable lasting peace in Syria. That fight is also the basis for ensuring the effectiveness and credibility of the prohibition regime. Together with its partners, France will remain fully mobilized to counter the threat that chemical weapons pose to our global security. That is why we remain mobilized in support of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, which we launched with our partners in 2018.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“In view of the fact that the Syrian regime continues to flout those obligations, on 24 November, on behalf of 46 delegations from four geographical groups, France officially submitted to the OPCW Technical Secretariat a draft decision with a view to taking the necessary collective measures. That draft decision will be on the agenda of the Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction when it convenes again in April 2021. We call on States parties to learn from the report of 16 October by the Director-General of the OPCW (see S/2020/1033, annex), which leaves no room for doubt. The fight against impunity and a total ban on the use of chemical weapons remain our priorities for the Syrian dossier.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“I would like to commend once again the remarkable work carried out by the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team, resulting in the publication in April of a report establishing the Syrian regime’s responsibility for chemical-weapon attacks in Ltamenah in March 2017. As we have seen month after month, the Syrian regime continues to ignore its obligation to cooperate. Its lack of clarity on the status of its stockpiles is unacceptable and contravenes the provisions of resolution 2118 (2013), adopted more than seven years ago. The draft decision submitted by France on behalf of 40 delegations and adopted in July at the ninety-fourth session of the OPCW Executive Council was quite clear as to the Syrian regime’s obligations in terms of cooperation with the Organization.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu and Mr. Arias for their briefings. The presence among us of the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) gives me an opportunity to remind him of France’s full support for the Organization and to thank him for his commitment to our collective security. As long as the re-emergence of chemical weapons remains a major threat, the role of the OPCW is essential. We must support it and defend it against false accusations that question its impartiality and credibility. Under Mr. Arias’s leadership, the Organization has maintained the required level of professionalism and impartiality.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“With electoral deadlines approaching in several countries of the region — in the Central African Republic, where elections will be held before the end of the month, and in Chad and the Republic of Congo thereafter — it is essential that those elections take place in the best possible conditions and in a context that allows all stakeholders to take part. The full participation of women as voters and candidates is critical, as is that of youth, displaced persons and refugees. United Nations regional offices, such as the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), are essential to strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations, particularly with regard to conflict prevention. In the spirit of strengthened partnership with African regional and subregional organizations, France will therefore continue to support UNOCA.”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source
“The critical fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic does not justify their violation. We condemn attacks against humanitarian and medical personnel. These acts must not go unpunished. The support of international partners is essential to help the countries of Central Africa overcome the humanitarian and health crisis. France has pledged €1.2 billion to support Africa in the fight against COVID-19. It has launched an initiative within the framework of the Group of 20 and the Paris Club for a moratorium on debt servicing for countries affected by the pandemic. In Central Africa, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cameroon are benefiting from that measure. Thirdly and finally, I would like to stress the importance of inclusive electoral processes.”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source
“Secondly, I draw the Council’s attention to the region’s fragilities, to which we must be attentive. Several political, security, humanitarian and human rights challenges remain. I am thinking in particular of the ongoing terrorist activities carried out by Boko Haram in Cameroon and Chad, which continue to claim many military and civilian victims. Despite some improvements, we must also remain vigilant against the activities of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic, and maintain our commitment to fighting piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. On the humanitarian front, needs remain high and food insecurity is worsening. It is essential that international humanitarian law and human rights be fully respected.”
2020-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1188 (2020) · source