YouSaid · the spoken record

Norman-Chalet

lines on the record: 254
first: 2019-06-20
most recent: 2020-09-25
sittings or episodes: 40
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

“Our efforts culminated in the successful negotiation of that vital Treaty and its subsequent entry into force. There has been unwavering international consensus about the indispensable role of the Treaty in maintaining collective peace and security. The NPT has succeeded for half a century precisely because it serves the fundamental and widely recognized common interest of curbing the proliferation of the world’s most dangerous weapons. We have also seen enormous progress on disarmament, in part because the NPT helped to curtail the emergence of new nuclear Powers. With the easing of Cold War tensions and the success of the NPT-based proliferation regime in impeding the spread of nuclear weapons, it has been possible to reduce the nuclear arsenals of both the United States and Russia to levels not seen since the 1950s.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“It has made us all the more secure by constraining the spread of nuclear weapons, and it has thereby both enabled the global peaceful use of nuclear energy and helped to create conditions conducive to progress on nuclear disarmament. Fifty years ago, few would have dared to predict that we would be here today, celebrating the success of the Treaty. Prior to the NPT, the United States expressed dire concerns over a possible snowball effect of cascading proliferation, which would increase the world’s nuclear-weapon stockpiles and undermine confidence in the ability of non-proliferation policies to prevent such a dangerous sequence. Yet in a demonstration of remarkable diplomatic resolve, the international community joined together against that collective threat, reflecting a rare consensus during a time of Cold War polarization.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“I want to join other colleagues in thanking Germany for calling this meeting today in crucial support of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). I also thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. The Security Council tackles some of the greatest challenges to international peace and security, including the prevention of the further proliferation of nuclear weapons. As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the NPT, we look forward to celebrating that historic occasion together here at the United Nations on 5 March. Over nearly five decades, the NPT has proven to be critical to the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“In that connection, we reiterate the need for the Government of Haiti to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the La Saline and Bel Air violence. We also note with concern that key social indicators point to rising vulnerability, with food insecurity, a weak health sector and general household resilience all trending in the wrong direction. In the coming weeks, Haiti’s leaders must set aside their differences. While they work to that end, the United States remains committed to the success of BINUH and, above all, to the people of Haiti as they work to address their nation’s challenges.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Many of the benchmark targets and baselines outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/123) will be frozen in place as long as Haiti’s political stalemate persists. Political polarization has affected governance and inhibited important decisions by the Government. We acknowledge the additional progress made by the Haitian National Police (HNP) and its increasing professionalization. However, the HNP continues to face increasing operational pressures, budget constraints and governmental inaction. As the Secretary-General’s report notes, without timely and sufficient funding, the HNP cannot fulfil its public safety mandate. We continue to call for accountability for human rights abuses and corruption.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Haiti must hold legislative elections as soon as technically feasible, ultimately forming a fully functioning Government that is responsive to the needs of its people. The Haitian people must have a voice in selecting their leaders. Furthermore, while constitutional reforms are necessary and welcome, they must not become a pretext to delay elections. We also reiterate the importance of the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the role of the good offices of Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime in bringing the parties together. But we must also stress that only Haiti’s leaders, both in the Government and the opposition, can make the decisions that are necessary to break the political impasse and address the underlying drivers of instability.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“While today’s briefing outlined intense efforts to promote dialogue, the United States remains concerned by the lack of real political progress. The United States has made clear that Haiti’s leaders must come together to find an inclusive solution. Political and economic stability will follow only when Haiti’s leaders set aside their differences, and both build and support Haiti’s State institutions. Despite months of political gridlock and deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions, Haiti is operating without a seated Government following the expiration of the terms of most members of Parliament. I therefore repeat that there must be dialogue, and there must be a political accord. Time is of the essence.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative La Lime for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Haiti. The United States is grateful for the excellent work that she and her team have done in support of political and economic stability in Haiti. I also thank Executive Director Gilles for her briefing and support for good governance and human rights. The United States reiterates the essential role of civil society and condemns reprisals against it. In January, we observed the 10-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 200,000 Haitians and 102 United Nations personnel. The United States stands with the people of Haiti, not only as they continue to recover from that tragedy but also as we work together to build a better future.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“In the name of international peace and security, we call on Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. We condemn the abuses taking place under Russia’s repressive occupation and call on Russia to release the more than 80 Ukrainian political prisoners it is holding and to end its campaign of intimidation against Crimean Tatars and opponents of the occupation. We will never accept anything less than the full restoration of Ukraine’s control over its own territory, whether in eastern Ukraine, Crimea or its territorial waters.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“We call on Russia to immediately implement its security commitments under the Minsk agreements, as the parties can move forward with the Minsk political measures only once there is security on the ground. We also call on Russia to follow through with the measures outlined at the recent Normandy summit in Paris to immediately stabilize the situation in the conflict area, which include the opening of new civilian crossing points, disengaging military forces in areas of the greatest humanitarian significance and implementing ceasefire support measures. The United States underscores its unequivocal position on Ukraine. We do not, and will not, recognize the Kremlin’s purported annexation of Crimea. Our sanctions against Russia will remain in place until Ukraine regains control over its territory.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“In that regard, today’s attack by Russian-led forces near Zolote, which resulted in Ukrainian casualties, took place on the five-year anniversary of Russian-led forces taking the key rail hub of Debaltseve in direct contravention of the terms of the Minsk agreements reached only a week earlier. Now, as then, Russian-led forces continue to contravene commitments made by President Putin and Russian officials and to kill Ukrainians on Ukrainian territory. Instead of engaging constructively, Russia stalls and disseminates disinformation to distract attention from its central, unmistakable and unjustifiable role in fomenting this conflict. Russia also continues its hybrid activities against Ukraine, wielding economic and political leverage. Russia must end this conflict by withdrawing its forces from eastern Ukraine and Crimea.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“President Zelenskyy has energized conflict diplomacy through outreach to Ukrainian citizens in eastern Ukraine, enabled improvements to humanitarian conditions on both sides of the line of contact, negotiated two prisoner exchanges and established a dialogue with President Putin that yielded the first Normandy summit since 2016. Unfortunately, Russia has not shown a similar willingness to fulfil its commitments under the Minsk agreements. It continues to arm, train, lead and fight alongside its proxy forces in eastern Ukraine. That stands in direct contravention of Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, including to establish an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“I thank the briefers for their presentations. In 2014, Russia occupied Crimea and fuelled the conflict in eastern Ukraine that has killed more than 13,000 people, displaced millions and precipitated an alarming humanitarian crisis. Russia’s ongoing aggressive actions are an affront to international norms and a threat to our common security. The position of the United States is clear: we continue to support the Minsk agreements as the way forward in eastern Ukraine. We fully back the Normandy format process. The resolution to this conflict must be a diplomatic one, and we will continue to engage with allies and partners to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Through its actions, Ukraine has made clear its commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“The Council and the United Nations can rely on the full support of the United States for transitional justice initiatives. Together we can ensure that the voices of survivors and victims are heard, that their needs are met and that their dignity is honoured.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“The United Nations Development Programme has worked to build the capacity of Central African police, justice and corrections institutions, with funding from the United States Department of State, thereby shoring up Government institutions to support justice and accountability in the Central African Republic. We have also seen the creation and implementation of the Special Criminal Court. That comprehensive United Nations approach has supported several key components of transitional justice in the Central African Republic. The United States is committed to supporting all efforts that ensure coherent, comprehensive and integrated United Nations approaches to transitional justice. We underscore that transitional justice processes must be nationally owned, inclusive and gender-sensitive if they are to fully account for the needs of victims.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“There, the Peacebuilding Fund supported the latest AU-led peace process, ensuring that it linked back to the inclusive consultative process of the Bangui Forum on National Reconciliation of 2015. We were pleased that some women-led civil society groups were consulted in the peace agreement, but are concerned that no women were signatories. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic has supported the vetting of security forces and a comprehensive assessment of past human rights abuses and atrocities, all of which has enabled transitional justice and security sector reform efforts to proceed.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, when considering transitional justice strategies, we must take countries’ existing legal and institutional structures into account. In South Sudan, the people have told us that there can be no peace without justice. We call on South Sudan’s leaders to implement all aspects of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, including those related to transitional justice. The establishment of the African Union (AU) hybrid court for South Sudan is critical to securing lasting peace in a country devastated by conflict. That is why we contributed $4 million to the African Union to help create that institution, which will uphold the rule of law, accountability and justice. We would also like to recognize the comprehensive approach to transitional justice implemented in the Central African Republic.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“They should develop a public record of abuses, reform security sectors responsible for abuses and reintegrate those members of the forces into society. Transitional justice processes must be nationally owned, inclusive processes that account for victims’ needs. It is imperative that the needs of women and girls be reflected in transitional justice mechanisms, which will help address the unique barriers to women’s participation in peace processes and transitional justice initiatives. That is essential because women’s direct participation in peace negotiations increases the sustainability of peace agreements. We know the characteristics of effective transitional justice measures. Our task is to ensure that they animate our pursuit of justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“We recognize the vital role that transitional justice plays in uncovering difficult truths, acknowledging abuses and fostering reconciliation. United Nations tribunals can play an integral role in that regard, and we call for more equitable burden-sharing in financially supporting those courts. Transitional justice must be tailored to local circumstances, with communities playing a central role in its design and implementation. It must incorporate the perspectives of victims and survivors, including religious and ethnic minorities and civil society. Transitional justice is also a political process. Political leaders have a pivotal role to play in setting the tone for justice and accountability during transitions.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“We further express our support for the United States companies referenced. We call upon all States Members of the United Nations to join us in rejecting that effort, which facilitates the discriminatory Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions campaign and delegitimizes Israel. Attempts to isolate Israel run counter to all of our efforts to build conditions conducive to Israeli- Palestinian negotiations that lead to a comprehensive and enduring peace. Turning to the subject of today’s briefing, it has been a number of years since the Council specifically discussed the critical issue of transitional justice; therefore, we very much appreciate and thank Belgium for convening and presiding over such an important discussion. Security Council resolution 2282 (2016) calls for comprehensive approaches to transitional justice.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank all of today’s briefers. Before I begin my remarks today, I must take a moment to raise a point of profound concern for my Government — the release yesterday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights of a database of companies operating in, or connected to, Israeli settlements in the West Bank. We are astonished and deeply disappointed by the decision of High Commissioner Bachelet. The United States has long opposed the creation or release of that database, which was mandated by the discredited Human Rights Council in 2016. Its publication only confirms the unrelenting anti-Israel bias so prevalent at the United Nations. The United States will never provide any information to the High Commissioner to support the compilation of such lists.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source
“Libya’s energy resources belong to its people and underlie Libya’s economic well-being. The Council previously made it clear that no party should use those resources as a political bargaining chip. The facilities must be reopened without preconditions. Economic issues are core drivers of the ongoing conflict, and Libya’s resources and revenues must also be distributed transparently and equitably for the benefit of all Libyan people.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“We remain concerned about reports that forces affiliated with both the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Government of National Accord (GNA) are contemplating significant military action in the near future. Whether offensive or pre-emptive in nature, such actions would violate the understandings reached in Berlin. Resolution 2510 (2020) clearly supports the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in its important work to have both the LNA and the GNA agree to de-escalate and take active steps to establish a lasting ceasefire through ongoing 5+5 Joint Military Commission talks. Those talks should continue unimpeded. The United States also condemns the grave threat to Libya’s unity and to the well-being of the Libyan people posed by the shutdown of Libyan oil and gas facilities by the Libyan National Army.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“Countries that participated in the Berlin Conference committed to respect the arms embargo in promises made by those at the highest levels of Government. Resolution 2510 (2020) makes it clear that now is the time for all Member States to comply with the United Nations arms embargo. The United States also reiterates its call for de-escalation and the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces, including foreign mercenaries and fighters. It is deeply regrettable that, despite commitments made at the Berlin Conference, again, some countries — including from around this table and others mentioned in the report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2019/914) — continue to send military equipment and personnel to Libya.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“However, through the resolution just adopted, the Security Council answers the call of the Libyan people for the international community to stop using their country to wage conflict; to stop driving Libyans from their homes; to help foster respect for international humanitarian law and the need for unhindered life-saving humanitarian access; to support their desire for democratic governance; and to let schools reopen and health centres restock. By voting to adopt this resolution, the United States emphasizes the need for additional accountability for those Member States that continue to violate the arms embargo in spite of the explicit commitments made in Berlin — violations that continued immediately following the Berlin Conference. External actors must stop fuelling the conflict.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“First, I would like to thank the United Kingdom, as penholder, for proposing resolution 2510 (2020), which was just adopted. However, I want to note that we are disappointed that today’s vote did not garner unanimous support among the members of the Security Council, despite commitments agreed to by leaders in Berlin, including the Russian Federation. It is also very unfortunate that foreign mercenaries, including from the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group, are making an inclusive political solution harder to achieve. Such actions undermine the achievement of a political solution facilitated by the United Nations and are not helping the Libyan parties to come together, as was stated was necessary.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“That is what makes the children and armed conflict agenda so critical, and we are grateful for the opportunity to discuss its implementation today. The meeting rose at 11.50 a.m.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“In the Central African Republic, the engagement of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission with armed groups appears to offer the same inroads for education and change. But beyond country situations on the children and armed conflict agenda, we are deeply concerned about the fact that at least 600,000 children in Cameroon have not been able to safely attend schools in the country’s English-speaking regions for more than three years. That is a stark reminder that mediation requires follow- through to prevent children from once again falling prey to the deadly cycles of violence. The Council has a duty to speak out on behalf of children, for they are our future and our hope. But to realize a future of greater safety and prosperity for all children, there must be meaningful action.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“Yet recent trends give reason for optimism, as the Final Agreement for the Termination of Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Lasting Peace and the demobilization of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia are clearly improving circumstances for the nation’s young people. Amid the regional fallout of the crisis in Venezuela, we also applaud President Duque Márquez’s efforts to protect the children and Venezuelan refugees, including by granting citizenship to those born in Colombia. In addition, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Nations efforts to extricate child combatants from armed groups have led to the signing of agreements to disarm and demobilize.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“As we see in countries around the world, conflict prevents children from achieving their potential and saddles them with burdens that no young person should have to carry. For example, in South Sudan most children have never known peace, but only the threat of violence, abduction and abuse. A pause in political violence has created space for advocacy, including the action plan signed last week. But the best protection for children in South Sudan will not come from an action plan; it will come from President Kiir Mayardit and Mr. Machar sitting down and negotiating a lasting peace. Today we call on South Sudan’s leaders to finally put aside their differences and prioritize the hopes of their nation’s children. In Colombia, the United States is dismayed by continuing violations and abuses against children.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“We are hopeful that both the frequency of the Council’s Working Group meetings and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Gamba’s engagement and advocacy involving parties to armed conflict will increase. Continued meetings, signed action plans and briefings like today’s will all help generate needed progress. We should see the Council’s unity on this issue as an opportunity to better protect children from armed conflict. And, by engaging with armed groups, building trust and offering alternatives to violence, as allowed by our mandate, the United Nations and other regional organizations, including the African Union and the European Union, can create new possibilities for sustainable peace. Today’s adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2020/3 recognizes just that.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“We also thank Secretary-General António Guterres, Commissioner Chergui and Ms. Becker for their briefings today. Yesterday Ambassador Craft (see S/PV.8717) noted that how we allocate our time defines what we believe is important, and their presence here today affirms the importance of integrating the children and armed conflict agenda into our discussion on peace processes and conflict prevention. We thank them. The importance of doing so was also reaffirmed by the Council in August 2019 (see S/PV.8591), as it has been by members, numerous resolutions and presidential statements since 1999. In August, we reiterated that those who suffer the most in war are often children and that our discussions about armed conflict cannot ignore the devastating impact that it has on them.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“On behalf of the United States, as the host nation of the United Nations, we warmly welcome His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians to the United Nations and New York. We also warmly welcome you, Mr. Minister, and thank you for presiding over the Security Council today. We thank the Vice Foreign Minister of Indonesia and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Estonia for being here with us today as well. There is perhaps no group of people harmed more by the absence of peace and security than children. In most cases, they are the most vulnerable among us. We therefore deeply appreciate the efforts of Belgium to highlight global child protection, including through leading consensus on conclusions on Syria, Burma and the Sudan and by chairing the Security Council’s Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict since last year.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“We should all be seeking to de-escalate tensions and build confidence among political actors, rather than spreading false narratives. We should support political dialogue and transitional justice and work transparently to address violations of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic in a constructive, consultative manner with the United Nations and the African Union. Rather than questioning the motives of Council members whose views do not align with their own, we hope that Russia will work cooperatively with the United States and other friends of the Central African Republic to support the strengthening of State institutions in a transparent and coordinated way, and to ensure that the 2020 elections are free and fair.”
2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source
“As other speakers have noted, we believe that the Council would be favourably disposed to exemption requests from the Central African Republic Government to import new arms, but we have not received any such requests since the last relaxation of the arms embargo in September. We look forward to future reporting on progress towards the benchmarks for the next iteration of the resolution. Russia’s divisive propaganda leads down a dangerous path. The Central African Republic is a fragile State, and it is in the interests of all of us in the international community to support its return to full sovereignty and avoid any acts that could destabilize the country. That point is crucial in the run-up to the December 2020 elections.”
2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source
“The United States demonstrates our commitment as the largest single-country humanitarian donor in the Central African Republic. Our life-saving assistance of more than $140 million in just the past year is directly helping millions of Central Africans who were forced to flee their homes. Moreover, we are helping to rebuild the Central African Republic’s security institutions so that they can protect the people and the territory of the Central African Republic. If our Russian colleagues are suggesting that life-saving humanitarian aid is against the interests of those who depend on it, it would not be the first time that they have done so in the Security Council this month. But that would not make the claim true.”
2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source
“In public comments, the Ambassador denigrated any member of the Council who would disagree with Russia’s position, saying that those Governments — including my own — “do not want peace and security in the country” and “are against the interests of the Central African people”. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The members of the Council differ regarding technical elements most appropriate for an effective sanctions regime, the issues that we seek to highlight in Security Council resolutions and even sometimes how to characterize recent developments in the Central African Republic. But all of us are engaged on this matter because we want to see peace and security in the Central African Republic and elevate the interests of the Central African people.”
2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source
“The United States is pleased to join the large majority of Council members in voting in favour of resolution 2507 (2020), renewing the sanctions regime in the Central African Republic. We hope that the extension of the arms embargo, assets freeze and travel ban will keep necessary pressure on the armed groups that continue to undermine peace and security in the Central African Republic. That decision is grounded on our overarching goal to strengthen the Central African Republic as a country, as a whole, and support its institutions. However, the resolution aside, given the dynamic that played out in this negotiation, we must raise the issue of the recent remarks made on this matter by the Russian Ambassador in Bangui that are deeply concerning.”
2020-01-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8712 (2020) · source
“President Trump also looks forward to listening to that voice when he hosts ASEAN leaders in the United States in the first quarter of this year. We hope to discuss our shared principles and vision for the region, one that sees ever-greater prosperity and security and is grounded in respect for the rights and freedoms granted to all nations.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“With regard to the order of the International Court of Justice, the United States encourages all parties to respect the Court’s order and comply with the provisional measures indicated in it. We welcome ASEAN’s efforts to address the situation and Rakhine state. United Nations agencies have unique expertise and capacity, and we urge the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Centre and the recently established ASEAN Secretariat Ad Hoc Support Team to work closely with United Nations agencies and support their ongoing efforts. The year 2020 also marks the five-year anniversary of elevating our relationship with ASEAN to a strategic partnership. Support for a strong, united ASEAN remains at the heart of our Indo-Pacific strategy. We greatly value that partnership and the chance to hear ASEAN’s voice on changing regional dynamics and challenges.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“Such behaviour, especially amid ongoing code of conduct negotiations, raises serious doubts about the intention of the People’s Republic of China to agree to an effective code of conduct. If a code of conduct is used by some to legitimize egregious behaviour and unlawful maritime claims, or is inconsistent with international law, it will prove harmful to the region and to all who value the freedom of the seas. The United States also remains deeply concerned by the plight of the Rohingya. As we continue to support Burma’s democratic transition, we urge Burma’s Government to address the root causes of the situation, create conditions conducive to safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable returns, provide justice for the victims and hold those responsible for ethnic cleansing and other grave human rights abuse to account.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“However, we are concerned that, as the document is being negotiated, the People’s Republic of China has repeatedly engaged in provocative and destabilizing activity aimed at pressuring South-East Asian claimant States into entering joint development arrangements for marine resources. The most recent example of that type of coercion is the presence of a large China-flagged fishing fleet with armed escorts in the vicinity of an island belonging to an ASEAN country. That follows interference by the People’s Republic of China with another ASEAN country’s long-standing oil and gas activities through the redeployment of a Government- owned survey vessel, together with armed escorts, into waters offshore of that country.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“We call on all States to resolve their territorial and maritime disputes peacefully and without coercion; to fashion their maritime claims and conduct their maritime activities in accordance with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; and to respect the freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea. We take note of the ongoing negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea. We have consistently expressed our support for a meaningful code of conduct, fully in accordance with international law, that commits all parties to refraining from provocative and destabilizing behaviour.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“ASEAN also plays a critical role in reinforcing the international rules-based order, which is as important as ever in maintaining global peace and stability. As we see attempts to impede the lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms under international law, we must steadfastly uphold those rights and freedoms. Among the places where the freedom of the seas is most threatened is the South China Sea. The assertion of unlawful and sweeping maritime claims, including through ongoing bullying against long-standing oil and gas development and fishing practices by others, threatens the rules-based order that has enabled the region to prosper. Our position in the South China Sea and elsewhere in the world is simple: the rights and interest of all nations, regardless of size, power or military capabilities, must be respected.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“The United States and ASEAN’s deepening economic relationship has resulted in explosive growth and tangible benefits on both sides of the Pacific. United States collective investment in ASEAN member States stands now at $271 billion, and American businesses strengthen ASEAN communities where they operate. We play by the rules, we believe in fair competition, we abhor corruption. Those principles build trust, grow human capital and establish lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. In addition, the United States is partnering to advance high-quality infrastructure development through the Blue Dot Network. The Network provides a seal of approval for high-standard projects, demonstrating our enduring commitment to the best interests of the region.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“It was a pleasure to have the Secretary-General of the United Nations here, as well as the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dato Lim Jock Hoi, whom we thank for his briefing and for highlighting ASEAN’s essential and growing role in regional cooperation. ASEAN lies at the heart of our relationship with the Indo-Pacific region. The United States partnership and friendship with ASEAN has been consistently guided by our respect for sovereignty and our commitment to the rule of law, good governance and sovereignty enabling economic growth. On the basis of those foundational principles, the United States supports strong cooperation between the United Nations and ASEAN, guided by Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2020-01-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8711 (2020) · source
“The Al-Assad regime will not be legitimate in the eyes of the Syrian people until the regime allows for the basic demands of its citizens to be heard through freedom of assembly and elections; until the regime delivers on basic necessities, such as food and water; and until the regime ensures accountability for years of atrocities, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and torture The only way to begin bridging those divides is for the Al-Assad regime and its leaders to move forward with the steps outlined in resolution 2254 (2015). The culture of the regime’s institutions must change if it is ever to regain the trust of the Syrian people. The United States will maintain forceful economic and diplomatic pressure until the day the regime and its sponsors accept such reform.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“Absent a political solution to the conflict facilitated by the United Nations Special Envoy and in line with resolution 2254 (2015), the United States will continue to withhold reconstruction funding from the regime, as should the United Nations in keeping with its stated principles and parameters to withhold reconstruction funding until the political process in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) is complete.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“While the Al-Assad regime forces its people to go without electricity, it spends millions of dollars on expensive rockets and missiles that kill Syrian civilians. And, while soaring prices have put basic goods out of reach for the vast majority of Syrians, Al-Assad-regime elites continue to live lives of luxury. Critically, the Al-Assad regime and Russia fail to recognize that the military solution will never resolve the underlying reasons for the Syrian conflict. Therefore, if they continue to pursue this solution, instability, insurgency and violent extremism will not abate.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“Moreover, the Russian Federation has publicly threatened to end the United Nations vital life-saving cross-border aid to the very part of Syria under assault by Syrian and Russian forces by July, when resolution 2504 (2020) expires. Those threats serve to spread even more fear among Syrian civilians and compel the Syrian political opposition to surrender. Instead of spending its dwindling financial resources on a costly and brutal military campaign against its own people, the Al-Assad regime should be spending to provide its people with sustenance and essential services. While the Al-Assad regime uses massive amounts of fuel in its military attacks against the people of Idlib, Syrian civilians cannot afford fuel to heat their homes or cook their children’s food.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source