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

“The United Nations and the Council must work towards the implementation of a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire in line with resolution 2254 (2015). We must also reject the regime and Russia’s tactical announcement of the so-called pauses and ceasefires in north-west Syria to cast themselves as peacemakers. They are ceasefires in name only and are repeatedly followed by deadly attacks on civilians and fresh efforts by the regime to stall the work of the Constitutional Committee. The delays of the Committee are directed by the Al-Assad regime and are accompanied by a military push by the regime and its allies into north-west Syria, killing hundreds and further displacing close to 1 million Syrians.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“The United States remains deeply concerned about the escalation of Syrian and Russian military attacks in Idlib, for humanitarian reasons and because of the inextricable link between the security of Idlib province and the fate of the Constitutional Committee. The Al-Assad regime and its allies must end their offensive in north-west Syria immediately because of the grave impact it is having on the United Nations-facilitated political process. To those allies of the regime participating in the assault on Idlib, the United States is fully prepared to level sanctions, in accordance with the recently signed Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, against foreign military contractors, mercenaries or paramilitary forces that are knowingly operating in a military capacity inside Syria for the Governments of Syria, Russia or Iran.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“In the light of those grave developments, our message today is that the Council must be united in telling the Syrian authorities and Russia that we will not abide by their pursuit of a military solution. We must demand Syria and Russia’s full, irreversible and verifiable implementation of all aspects of resolution 2254 (2015). The United States will maintain economic and diplomatic pressure until the day the regime and its sponsors accept such a reform. Actors who obstruct, disrupt or prevent a ceasefire in northern Syria will be further subjected to United States sanctions, and those who work to intimidate or prevent displaced persons from voluntarily returning to places of residence in Syria will not be allowed to do so with impunity.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“While Damascus and Moscow deliberately stall the United Nations- facilitated political process and deprive millions of humanitarian assistance, they pursue an illusory military solution in Syria — one that will undoubtedly fail to bring about a lasting resolution of the conflict. The assault on Idlib that is under way represents the largest violation of resolution 2254 (2015) to date, with humanitarian consequences that will prove both devastating and lasting. Attacks on the people of north- west Syria by forces of the Syrian regime, Russia, Iran and Hizbullah are unjustifiable and will directly lead to life-threatening shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“I very much thank Deputy Special Envoy Matar for her briefing and updates today. We continue to extend our full support to her and to Special Envoy Pedersen. Monthly briefings to the Security Council remain crucial to guiding our efforts to end the conflict; therefore, we appreciate her availability today. Every facet of the United Nations-led political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015) is paralysed, and we need to be honest and clear about why. The simple truth is that the Al-Assad regime is determined to pursue a military, rather than a political, end to the conflict. For proof we need to look no further than the more than 350,000 people displaced by the regime and Russia’s indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Idlib since December 2019.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“The United States offers its full support to the United Nations board of inquiry mandated to investigate attacks that have struck United Nations and United Nations-supported facilities in north-west Syria, for which the regime and Russia are overwhelmingly responsible. We will continue to support the board of inquiry and its work and encourage all Member States to do the same. The United States remains eager to work with its partners in the Council to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all Syrians, regardless of who controls the territory.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“The Council should not accept such a bleak reality for the millions of Syrians counting on us to ease their suffering. That brings me to another disturbing example of the Russians and their ally, the regime, knowingly exasperating humanitarian tragedy. As we have just heard, in the past two days alone, as a result of the offensive in north-west Syria, 20,000 civilians were forced to flee their homes in Idlib and western Aleppo, due to a barrage of air strikes and artillery fire launched by the combined forces of the Al-Assad regime, Russia, the Iranian regime and Hizbullah. Those air strikes have continued unabated, striking more than 50 communities since 14 January and killing at least 50 civilians. Russia and the regime are writing their military strategy in Syrian blood.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“There are those on the Council who question why United Nations aid cannot simply be delivered in a rapid, unhindered manner through Damascus. The answer to that is clear. The Al-Assad regime is using humanitarian aid as a weapon of collective punishment against Syrian civilians — a strategy that, sadly, is not new. Take for example the situation at the internally displaced persons camp in Rukban. It required enormous effort to convince Russia and the regime to agree to three humanitarian deliveries in the past 18 months. We cannot allow Rukban to serve as a model for how we deliver aid in Syria, where Russia and the regime time and again refuse, restrict and delay the delivery of life-saving aid to a population entirely reliant on humanitarian assistance.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“Other items that routinely crossed Al-Yarubiyah included kits that help combat water-borne illnesses, supplies for child protection and educational activities that reach thousands of traumatized children, and life-saving nutrition services for tens of thousands of children and pregnant women. These entirely preventable cuts in aid confirm what we already know: there is not a single good reason for that border crossing to have ever been closed. The United States looks forward to the Secretary-General’s report to the Council, which should include a clear and specific analysis of whether or not there are feasible alternatives to Al-Yarubiyah. We expect that the report will document the access restraints facing United Nations agencies and other humanitarians operating in the country.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“The step taken by Russia and China on 10 January to drastically reduce aid delivery is part of a clear strategy to completely sever the cross-border lifeline on which 4 million people rely. We cannot let that happen. The Council must work with, not against, humanitarian partners on the most important task at hand: ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches the millions of civilians in need across Syria, including in the north-east, where more than 1 million lives hang in the balance. The closure of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing halted approximately 40 per cent of United Nations medical equipment and supplies to civilians in north-east Syria. At Al-Hol camp, the amount of critical medical supplies was cut overnight by 60 to 70 per cent.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing this morning. Since the Council met last month (see S/PV.8694), the humanitarian crisis situation in Syria has significantly deteriorated, as we have seen and heard. The lives of millions of civilians are now at even greater risk, as the combined forces of the Al-Assad regime, Russia, the Iranian regime and Hizbullah escalate their offensive to cement a military, not a political end to the conflict in Syria. Russia has denied principled humanitarian aid for those in need throughout Syria for more than eight years. Now, with China blindly following its lead, Russia has escalated its campaign to restrict humanitarian access in Syria through a cynical and politicized effort to undermine the cross-border resolution (resolution 2504 (2020)).”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“The Council should work together to prevent what could be an environmental and humanitarian disaster. The Houthis must grant the United Nations the necessary visas and clearances to access the site to conduct vital inspection and provide necessary maintenance. In conclusion, the United States continues to encourage the parties to capitalize on recent progress and move towards broader political talks. Even as regional tensions persist, we are encouraged by the recent signs of progress and hope the parties maintain this path of restraint and de-escalation. In keeping with that path, they must stop jeopardizing the lives of ordinary Yemenis and allow humanitarian workers to do their work. Too many have suffered from this conflict and the time has come for a solution.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“The United States stands by the efforts of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations to continue to provide humanitarian aid based on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, despite the increasingly restrictive environment. To the Houthi authorities we say that, as a principled humanitarian donor, we want to continue to provide aid in the areas they control. We believe that all Yemenis in need deserve life-saving assistance. Please do not make it impossible for us to continue doing that. We also note that no progress has been made on securing clearance to allow United Nations officials to access the site of the FSO SAFER oil tanker, which is still floating off the coast of Al-Hudaydah, under Houthi control, with 1.14 million barrels of oil and in a rapidly deteriorating condition.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“The recent strike on the Red Sea Mills, a critical source of food for thousands of vulnerable Yemenis, is unjustifiable. We would like to recognize the significant efforts of the World Food Programme in restoring operations at the Mills. We call on the Houthi authorities to reduce the significant and detrimental impediments to the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including by lifting access restrictions and eliminating illegitimate levies on aid projects, both of which heavily delay the delivery of essential assistance and place an undue burden on humanitarian partners attempting to provide critical and life-saving aid.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“The United States views ongoing de-escalation efforts and reports of progress by the Yemeni parties in implementing the Riyadh agreement as encouraging. In particular, we welcome reports that work on security arrangements for Aden is under way, and we look forward to the announcement of a governor and a security chief in Aden. Those are important steps on the path to a broader political settlement. A more inclusive Cabinet is in the best interest of all Yemenis and will contribute to a sustainable resolution for this devastating conflict. While we are heartened by those positive developments, the United States remains extremely concerned about the state of humanitarian access and the treatment of humanitarian workers, particularly in the north.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Director Rajasingham for their briefings and for the dedicated work of their teams. The United States welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement, with full Council support. With the renewal of the mandate, we hope to see further progress on the commitments made in Stockholm, along with efforts to reach a broader political solution. The Security Council’s unanimous position on this issue is noteworthy and signifies a strong collective support of the United Nations and the role it plays in Yemen, both politically and in delivering humanitarian assistance. We thank the United Kingdom for its efforts in facilitating a smooth mandate renewal.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“But it is past time for Malian citizens to benefit from our commitment and the tireless work of the peacekeepers. I look forward to working with members of the Council between now and June to develop a new approach that disrupts the status quo and prepares the way for a future that the Malian people deserve.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Finally, any changes to MINUSMA’s mandate must be considered as part of an integrated and transparent regional security strategy. The United States commends the current initiatives of our European and African partners, including members of the Economic Community of West African States, to coordinate security activities and expand counter-terrorism capacities. We look forward to seeing how those initiatives enhance regional security and complement MINUSMA. The United States desires peace, security and a brighter future for the people of Mali, the Sahel and West Africa. We are committed to that future, which is why we are the largest financial contributor to MINUSMA and the largest supporter of predeployment training for its contingents.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, we must ensure that MINUSMA receives high-performing troop and police contingents. The United States is concerned by reports of training and capability shortfalls, undeclared caveats and commanders unwilling to take risks or comply with orders. Those types of challenges, especially in a mission as complex and dangerous as MINUSMA, hinder the Mission, increase the risk of both peacekeeper and civilian casualties and support a narrative of peacekeeping ineffectiveness. We call on the Secretary- General to increase reporting on MINUSMA’s troop and police performance, in line with the requirements of resolution 2436 (2018), to ensure that memorandums of understanding accurately reflect the requirements of the Mission and to swiftly hold poor performers accountable.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“That would allow MINUSMA to direct its resources to the more densely populated and strategically important centre, where it can have an immediate impact. Additionally, the Mission can reduce its size, allowing Member States to apply resources to more effective efforts in the region. If the signatories are serious about MINUSMA’s continued support to the agreement, they can demonstrate their resolve by implementing the benchmarks in resolution 2480 (2019) before 29 June, when MINUSMA’s mandate expires. Thirdly, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017), concerning Mali, must sanction individuals and entities on all sides of the conflict, including Government officials and armed group members who meet sanction designation criteria.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“It is therefore time for the Council to begin developing an alternative approach to addressing growing instability in Mali. To that end, I would like to offer a few observations. First, we must recognize that peacekeeping missions are not the answer to growing terrorist threats in Mali. A clear-eyed assessment of MINUSMA is needed to determine how the Mission most effectively complements other security activities in the region. Secondly, we must re-evaluate MINUSMA’s role in supporting the implementation of the Algiers agreement. MINUSMA’s success is dependent on the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups, but since 2015 both have proven unwilling to implement the agreement. We should consider deprioritizing MINUSMA’s support in implementing the agreement and instead focus the Mission on protecting civilians.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“The United States honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we commend the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and international security forces for their fight against that escalating regional crisis. We also commend and recognize France’s unwavering commitment in Mali. Ambassador De Rivière’s country’s sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and the United States values France’s leadership in the region. The Council has, however, spent years asking the signatories to make meaningful progress towards implementing the agreement, even by providing them with achievable benchmarks. Despite our robust support, we continue to witness inaction and a deteriorating security environment.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, physical insecurity and criminality constrain United Nations and non-governmental organization access to vulnerable populations to deliver life-saving assistance. That lack of access raises significant concerns with respect to humanitarian principles, and potentially under international humanitarian law. In that environment, terrorist groups are taking advantage of ungoverned spaces, exploiting grievances and fuelling intercommunal conflict. United Nations peacekeepers face extraordinary dangers, as the wounding of 18 last week in Tessalit reminded us, and the Malian armed forces are suffering critical losses. We appreciate Ambassador Konfourou’s country’s continued commitment to achieving peace and security, and we extend our condolences to families for that loss of life.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing. Last June, the Security Council adopted resolution 2480 (2019). Its aim was to encourage the Government of Mali and the signatory armed groups to show follow- through and progress towards the benchmarks in the Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Six months later, the progress that we had hoped for has yet to materialize — a stark illustration of how little meaningful progress has been made in the peace process. The inaction of the signatories is not without consequence. Malian civilians are being killed, maimed and abducted with impunity. The country’s displaced population doubled last year, and today millions suffer from food insecurity, with a full 30 per cent of the population malnourished.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“The United States encourages him to redouble the Office’s efforts with stakeholders in order to take concrete steps towards long-term stability in the region. That stability is within reach and it is what the people of West Africa both need and deserve. He has our support.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Additionally, the United States is encouraged by the presidential elections that took place in Senegal and Guinea-Bissau in 2019, and by the ongoing work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission in the Gambia. However, we remain concerned about efforts in some West African countries to restrict fundamental freedoms of political expression. To that end, the United States urges Governments to create peaceful and open political environments, respect the freedom of expression and assembly and facilitate the full participation of media, civil society and opposition groups in public life. We encourage all actors to use dialogue rather than violence to address their differences. In conclusion, as the Special Representative said earlier, the time for action is now.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“That would substantially bolster efforts to stabilize Mali and the Sahel. Governments must also continue to align humanitarian, peacebuilding and development goals, with the assistance of UNOWAS, to address more effectively the root causes of violent extremism. Ensuring full and equal participation by women in decision-making and peace processes is just one important way to do that. We also encourage the Security Council to further prioritize adequate and predictable humanitarian financing, and other donors to increase contributions to humanitarian response plans. This year, 2020, is critical for the future stability of West Africa and the Sahel. Citizens will exercise their right to choose their leaders as Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, the Niger and Togo hold presidential and legislative elections.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“We call upon the affected West African nations to increase efforts to ensure that all their citizens have access to education, health care and greater employment opportunities. Improving the scope and quality of services can turn despair into hope for many, which will go a long way in countering violent extremism and criminality in the region. Serious efforts to address basic needs will also further convey to local populations that their Governments are responsible democratic actors. The situation in Mali continues to be especially concerning for the United States, given its impact across the Sahel. We hope that all Council members join us, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in urging the signatory parties of the Algiers accords to meet the implementation benchmarks in resolution 2480 (2019).”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“The United States is deeply concerned that violence spurred by extremist activity and criminal networks has spiked in the Lake Chad basin and border region between Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger. Ambassador Abarry, present today in the Council, and his country have experienced that directly. We again extend our condolences to him for the loss of live that his country has experienced and condemn those terrorist attacks. We are troubled by increased displacement and continued limitations on humanitarian access across the Sahel, where there are 25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. We must all work together to ensure that they receive it. UNOWAS is essential to regional stability, but it cannot maintain stability on its own.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“We hope the ideas and the focus that emerged from last month’s intercommunal violence and terrorism briefing (see S/PV.8685), which we co-hosted with Côte d’Ivoire, will support his efforts in 2020. We also note, in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2019/1005), a long list of the Special Representative’s tireless travel in the region, as well as the use of good offices to ease tensions and unify and sustain peace. As the Security Council considers the mandate renewal of UNOWAS in the coming weeks, the United States supports his team and is committed to ensuring that he can conduct his work as effectively as possible. Let me now turn to the Secretary-General’s most recent report on UNOWAS.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to join my colleagues in welcoming you, Mr. President, and the other incoming members to the Chamber, and to extend our congratulations on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We look forward to working closely with all Council members. I thank Special Representative Chambas for his remarks. We commend him and his Office for promoting long-term stability and peace in West Africa and the Sahel. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) is the region’s leader in preventive diplomacy and, as the security situation deteriorates and political challenges mount, its work is more important than ever.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“On 19 November four rockets were fired towards Israel from inside Syria. They were all intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome system, likely saving the lives of civilian men, women and children. While UNDOF has flagged Iron Dome emplacements as technical violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement, no comparison should be drawn between those defensive systems and Syrian violations. Much has been said about President Trump's announcement earlier this year recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Today's renewal demonstrates that the United States is committed to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and that that announcement in no way undermines UNDOF's mandate. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting rose at 10.50 a.m.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8693 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. As co-penholder, the United States welcomes the today's unanimous decision to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). We would like to thank the members of the Security Council for their constructive work in drafting the mandate. The United States is pleased that the Council voiced its unified support for the resumption of inspections in the Bravo side area of limitation. The United States believes UNDOF continues to have a vital role to play in preserving stability between Israel and Syria. We respect and recognize the mission's impartiality. The Council should be under no illusion, however, that there is any equivalence between the noted Violations on the Israeli and Syrian sides.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8693 (2019) · source
“In favour: Belgium, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2503 (2019). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8693 (2019) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members ofthe Council have before them document S/2019/956, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by the Russian Federation and the United States of America. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document 8/2019/923, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by Show ofhands.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8693 (2019) · source
“The United States remains a leader in the fight to end impunity and in supporting justice and accountability for international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The United States respects the decision of those nations that have chosen to join the ICC and, in turn, we expect that our decision not to join the Court and not to place our citizens under its jurisdiction will also be respected. I now resume my functions as the President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8692 (2019) · source
“However, the United States does not and cannot support any references to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Rome Statute that do not distinguish sufficiently between parties and non-parties to the Rome Statute or are otherwise inconsistent with the United States position on the ICC, as announced by the White House on 10 September 2018. In particular, the United States reiterates our continuing and long-standing objection to any assertion of ICC jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not parties to the Rome Statute, including the United States and Israel, absent a referral from the Security Council or the consent of such a State. Our position on the ICC in no way diminishes our commitment to supporting accountability for atrocity crimes.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8692 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. Please allow me to express my thanks to France as the penholder of resolution 2502 (2019), adopted today. The United States fully supports the revised mandate, which should improve the performance of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, consistent with the request of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that the Mission become leaner, better equipped and better trained, with a stronger mandate for the protection of civilians. The United States has historically been and will continue to be a strong supporter of meaningful accountability and justice for victims of atrocities through appropriate mechanisms.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8692 (2019) · source
“I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by Show ofhands. In favour: Belgium, China, C6te d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America The President: The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2502 (2019). I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8692 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2019/957, which contains the text ofa draft resolution submitted by France. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2019/842, which contains a letter dated 24 October 2019 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, and document S/2019/905, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8692 (2019) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by the outgoing Chairs of the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council according to the year of adoption of the related Council decisions: His Excellency Ambassador Kacou Houadja Leon Adorn, Permanent Representative of Cote d'Ivoire, Chair of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), concerning the Central African Republic; His Excellency Ambassador Luis Ugarelli, Deputy Permanent Representative of Peru, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014) and Chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals; Her Excellency Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of Poland, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1518 (2003), Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015), concerning South Sudan; His Excellency Ambassador Mansour Alotaibi, Permanent Representative of Kuwait, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions; and His Excellency Ambassador Anatolio Ndong Mba, Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea, Chair the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2048 (2012), concerning Guinea-Bissau.”
2019-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8688 (2019) · source
“As there are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers, I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 5.10 p.m.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“In order to create an environment conducive to negotiations, we urge all sides to immediately reduce the level of violence, culminating in a ceasefire. Additionally, we call on the Government of Afghanistan to swiftly appoint an inclusive national negotiating team that will negotiate a comprehensive and sustainable peace settlement with the Taliban. Peace in Afghanistan is possible and we must all seize this opportunity. In conclusion, let me again express my appreciation to Special Representative Yamamoto for his work over the years and his commitment to strengthening the legitimacy of Afghanistan's electoral process and supporting the country's peace process. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We have heard directly from the citizens of Afghanistan that they are ready for a peaceful and democratic future. For our part, the United States continues to support an inclusive Afghan peace process. The goal of our efforts remains to enable direct intra-Afghan negotiations among Afghan stakeholders, including the Afghan Government, opposition political leaders, civil society, particularly women, and the Taliban. The purpose of those negotiations is for Afghans to chart a political road map for the future of their country, end the conflict, ensure Afghanistan is never a platform for international terrorism and preserve the gains of the past 18 years. To that end, we restarted talks with the Taliban last month.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As we have heard today, Afghanistan has a powerful female voice here at the United Nations in Ambassador Raz, which is a testament to the Afghan Government's efforts to promote female leadership in the country. We commend Afghanistan's national action plan on women and peace and security and emphasize the importance of implementation as one of the many concrete steps necessary to enhance women's meaningful participation in building an Afghanistan that works for everyone. The United States recently joined the Group of Friends of Women in Afghanistan, which, as mentioned earlier, by the United Kingdom and Afghanistan. We look forward to working with other Permanent Representatives in the United Nations to lift the voices of women in Afghanistan and ensure they are heard.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Those who perpetuate senseless violence against innocent civilians have no place in Afghanistan's future. We are extremely concerned about the allegations of sexual abuse of boys in several schools in Logar province and the subsequent arbitrary detention of civil society activists who reported the alleged exploitation and violence. We call on all Government authorities to take decisive action to hold perpetrators accountable and to take immediate measures to ensure the protection of victims and their families. Protecting the lives and welfare of children must be a priority of all. We also continue to strongly support the role played by Afghan women in Afghanistan's economic, political and social advancement.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We continue to call on all Afghan candidates to engage with the audit process, file any complaints through the legal channels and refrain from any actions that would increase tensions. As Afghanistan conducts its electoral process, we also remain committed to our Afghan partners in their efforts to combat security threats in the region, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP). Over the past few months, successful Afghan and coalition counter-terrorism operations against ISIL-KP have led to hundreds of the group's fighters surrendering to Afghan security forces, all but eradicating their presence in Nangarhar. A September operation in Helmand successfully targeted a number of the senior leaders of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As we convene to discuss the importance of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of a selfless and dedicated American, UNAMA employee Mr. Anil Raj, who was killed in Kabul last month. We likewise extend our sympathies to the loved ones of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura and his five dedicated Afghan colleagues, who are mourned by Afghans of all walks of life. We strongly condemn the senseless killing of those individuals, who were in Afghanistan to serve its people. The United States remains deeply committed to Afghanistan. As Afghanistan continues its process of auditing votes to ensure the credible outcome of the presidential election, we call for the continued support of the electoral bodies.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the United States of America. The work done by Special Representative Yamamoto over the past three and a half years has required commitment, resolve and, I know, many long hours. I thank him for his briefing and for the consistent support of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for good governance, human rights and development in Afghanistan. But, more than that, I thank him for his leadership and service as Special Representative. I want to also thank Ms. Aisha Khurram for her briefing today. I was struck by the way her comments captured the important role she plays in Afghanistan. It is only through the meaningful participation of young leaders like her and women across Afghanistan that the country will reach its full potential.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Afghanistan to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and Ms. Aisha Khurram, Afghan Youth Representative to the United Nations. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/20l9/935, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. I now give the floor to Mr. Yamamoto.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source