YouSaid · the spoken record

Olmedo

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115
first
2022-11-22
most recent
2023-12-18
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25
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un-security-council

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  1. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank Hans Grundberg, Joyce Msuya and David Gressly for their briefings. As the Special Envoy said, the situation on the ground is still fragile and we must remain vigilant. We need to see the negotiations, which have been ongoing for months, make progress and result in an agreement. We call on the parties, particularly the Houthis, to make the effort necessary to achieve a lasting nationwide ceasefire. That is an essential step in putting an end to the state of “neither war nor peace” and launching a political process under the auspices of the United Nations. In that regard, France welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement, which plays a useful role on the ground.

    2023-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9370 (2023) · source

  2. France will pursue its commitment alongside the responsible States that have chosen to combat terrorism and to respect stability and coexistence among communities. Finally, there is a clear link between our discussion today and our exchanges last week on climate and security (see S/PV.9345). The Secretary-General’s report highlights the links between piracy, climate change and illegal fishing. We should therefore take a broad approach in responding to this issue, including by addressing matters of governance, development, support for local communities and ecosystem preservation.

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9355 (2023) · source

  3. The international community should support capacity-building in the countries of the region and the efforts of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Gulf of Guinea Commission, the Yaoundé Architecture, the Group of Five for the Sahel and the Accra initiative. Some of those regional initiatives should be provided with sustainable funding, including through compulsory contributions to the United Nations. As indicated in the Secretary-General’s report and by today’s briefers, the European Union is the only partner deploying a continuous maritime presence in support of the States of the Gulf of Guinea, thanks in particular to the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept, an effort in which France is proud to participate.

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9355 (2023) · source

  4. Cooperation frameworks have also been put in place, foremost among them the Yaoundé Architecture, which is marking its tenth anniversary, and which we should continue to operationalize. The Security Council should remain engaged in that regard and continue to monitor maritime security issues in the Gulf of Guinea closely. Recent incidents, including, as one of our briefers mentioned, the attack on an oil tanker on 25 March off the coast of the city of Pointe-Noire in the Congo, have reminded us that the threats are constantly evolving. We should also remain vigilant with respect to any links between organized crime and terrorism. That issue is particularly urgent at a time when countries on the coast are under increasing security and humanitarian pressure from terrorist groups in the Sahel.

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9355 (2023) · source

  5. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I would like to join others in thanking all the briefers for their presentations today. France also welcomed the formal adoption on Monday of the historic Agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (A/CONF.232/2023/4), designed to protect marine resources and biodiversity on the high seas. We welcome the significant decrease in acts of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, as mentioned in the Secretary-General’s most recent report on this issue (S/2022/818). France calls for continuing and strengthening the efforts that contributed to that outcome. I am referring primarily to the actions taken by countries in the region through both security and legal and judicial measures to criminalize acts of piracy, conduct investigations and facilitate prosecutions.

    2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9355 (2023) · source

  6. On 24 May, the European Union member States approved €5.8 million in funding for the monitoring mechanisms of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. We also support the work of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, which continues to perform essential functions with regard to the protection of civilians and capacity-building in South Sudan. France is playing its part by supporting reintegration projects with its embassy on the ground and by providing expertise in the management of weapons and ammunition stocks. The South Sudanese authorities should take full advantage of the support of the United Nations, the region and the international community to speed up the implementation of the political transition. That is essential in a context where regional instability is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source

  7. France is concerned about the impact of the conflict in the Sudan on the stability of South Sudan. The conflict has already worsened the humanitarian situation, with more than 100,000 refugees returning to South Sudan. France and the European Union stand in solidarity with the countries in the region. The European Union will provide €81 million in humanitarian assistance to South Sudan in 2023. France has mobilized €41.3 million to address the humanitarian crisis in the Sudan and its regional impact. We also recognize South Sudan’s mediation efforts. However, we regret the Sudan’s attempt to undermine peace efforts in the region. The regional context must not divert attention from South Sudan and its political transition. France welcomes the region’s efforts to support that process.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source

  8. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Representative Nicholas Haysom; Mr. Charles Tai Gituai, interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission; and Mr. Marco Impagliazzo, President of the Community of Sant’Egidio, for their briefings. I welcome the representative of South Sudan to this meeting. We are concerned by the delay in implementing the road map. Preparing for the elections to be held in South Sudan at the end of 2024 requires in particular a legislative and constitutional framework, the establishment of institutions and the allocation of budgetary resources. The United Nations has been mandated to provide its technical assistance to complement the efforts of the authorities. We also encourage the authorities to preserve the conditions for democratic debate.

    2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source

  9. It also calls on the members of the Council to provide Special Representative Abarry all the support he needs to carry out his mandate, in particular through the adoption of a presidential statement.

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

  10. In Cameroon, France remains concerned about the situation in the North-West and South-West regions. We encourage the Cameroonian authorities to pursue dialogue with a view to finding a political solution to the crisis. Following the events of November, France reaffirms its commitment to the stability of Sao Tome and Principe. It welcomes the work carried out by UNOCA, in partnership with the Economic Community of Central African States, to support the reform of the country’s security and justice sectors. In conclusion, France welcomes UNOCA’s action to consolidate peace in Central Africa. It encourages the Economic Community of Central African States and its member States to pursue their efforts in terms of regional integration.

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

  11. Finally, efforts to bring democratic transitions to a successful conclusion and to consolidate political processes in the region must continue. With elections due to take place in several countries in the coming months, it is essential to work to ensure that the processes are inclusive, credible and peaceful and to guarantee the full participation of stakeholders, particularly women and young people. In Chad, following the events of 20 October, measures have been taken to promote national reconciliation. It is important to further encourage the Chadian authorities to continue their actions to that end. Dialogue must continue in an inclusive spirit, involving all the country’s civic and political forces, particularly with a view to the forthcoming elections, in order to enable the transition to continue peacefully.

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

  12. The torrential rains that have affected the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, to which the Special Representative referred, have caused hundreds of victims and remind us of the urgent need to act. In this respect, we welcome the work carried out by UNOCA in the face of the urgency of climate change. Last March, France and Gabon organized the One Forest Summit to seek solutions to protect tropical forests. It is crucial that the Security Council listens to its African members, as well as civil society, which are constantly alerting us to the link between climate and security. France calls on all Member States to take part in the collective effort, in particular by joining the United Nations Climate Security Mechanism.

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

  13. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative, the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of Central African States and Ms. Tamoifo for their briefings. I would like to emphasize three points. First of all, France welcomes the solidarity shown by the Sudan’s neighbours, in particular Chad, in welcoming the refugees. The crisis threatens to destabilize the entire region, as the number of displaced people, refugees and food-insecure people continues to rise. Together with its European partners, France is mobilized to respond to the humanitarian crisis and the needs of the population. I would now like to return to the dramatic consequences of climate change in Central Africa, particularly for the population.

    2023-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9338 (2023) · source

  14. As a sign of their commitment, President Emmanuel Macron and Commissioners Urpilainen and Breton participated in the Euro-Congolese economic forum in Kinshasa on 4 March. The European strategy is aligned with that of the United Nations for the Great Lakes region, which France supports.

    2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source

  15. France condemns the looting of natural resources in the region, which fuels the activities of armed groups. The Great Lakes States and their partners must fight trafficking and work together to improve value chains. Thirdly, the European Union will remain a committed partner in the Great Lakes region. Last February, it adopted a renewed strategy for the region. This strategy has three objectives: peace, sustainable management of natural resources and regional integration. The European Union will also act through sanctions if necessary. Among the other aspects of the European commitment, I would also like to mention the “Global Gateway” strategy, which aims to strengthen interconnections between electricity networks and efforts to increase the supply of renewable energy.

    2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source

  16. Millions of people, especially women and children, need humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian access must be ensured, and the safety of humanitarian personnel guaranteed. France has supported the European Union’s airlift to Goma since last March, which has brought in 140 tons of medical and nutritional supplies. In accordance with the commitments made by President Emmanuel Macron, France is providing €34 million in humanitarian aid in 2023. France welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration on Enhancing Judicial Cooperation in the Great Lakes Region. The protection of human rights and the fight against impunity are necessary. Efforts must be redoubled to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence.

    2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source

  17. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Special Envoy must support the verification mechanisms, in particular the one deployed by Angola. The needs of these mechanisms must also be clarified. The establishment of a joint verification mechanism office will promote synergies and coherence in the work of the mechanisms. United Nations support must continue in preparation for the fourth round of inter-Congolese consultations under the Nairobi process. The Special Envoy spoke of his support for the contact group on non-military measures for the repatriation of former combatants of non-Congolese armed groups. This is important. Secondly, we must address the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the root causes of conflict.

    2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source

  18. France recalls three cardinal principles of the Framework Agreement for the region: not to support armed groups, to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring States, and not to harbour or provide protection to persons accused of international crimes. These principles and all commitments set forth in the Framework Agreement must be respected by all parties. The next summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism should give new impetus in this regard, in addition to the efforts undertaken in the framework of the Nairobi and Luanda processes. France welcomes the support provided by the United Nations to regional peace processes.

    2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source

  19. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Envoy and the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission for their briefings. I would like to return to three points: first, the role of regional mechanisms; secondly, the humanitarian situation; and thirdly, the role of the European Union. The regional peace instruments, including the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, must be implemented and supported. Armed groups continue their attacks in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the situation around Goma remains volatile, it is showing signs of improvement. We encourage all parties to pursue the path of de-escalation and peace.

    2023-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9307 (2023) · source

  20. Mudawi referred, must end, including restrictions on female aid workers who must be supervised by male guardians. France also calls on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release the detained United Nations and other humanitarian personnel. With regard to the situation of the FSO SAFER oil tanker, France welcomes the recent progress made. A ship is on its way to the Red Sea to allow for the transfer of oil. However, a sum of nearly $30 million is still needed to ensure the full implementation of this emergency operation, and we call on Member States and the private sector to redouble their efforts, including in view of the donors’ conference in early May, co-organized by the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

    2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source

  21. The Security Council must support the work of the Special Envoy, whose efforts we commend, to achieve a peace plan. This is the only way towards a comprehensive and inclusive political solution that takes into account the concerns and interests of all Yemenis. France calls for the full, equal, substantial and effective participation of Yemeni women in the political negotiations. Only a lasting political solution will allow for tangible improvement of the economic situation in Yemen and an alleviation of the humanitarian crisis. We reiterate our concern about the deteriorating working and security conditions of humanitarian personnel. The restrictions imposed on United Nations and humanitarian personnel by the Houthis, to which Ms.

    2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source

  22. France calls on the parties — first and foremost the Houthis — to act responsibly to reach a political agreement with the Yemeni Government. France welcomes the progress made with regard to certain confidence-building measures. We welcome the agreement reached in Geneva on 20 March on prisoner exchanges and call for its full implementation. France also supports such United Nations confidence-building mechanisms as the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen and is also working to preserve maritime security in the area. The ongoing discussions at the diplomatic level are encouraging. France welcomes the efforts and involvement of Saudi Arabia, Oman and other actors in the region. One year after its creation, it is essential that the Presidential Leadership Council remains united in view of the discussions to come.

    2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source

  23. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank Special Envoy Hans Grundberg for his briefing and wish him a speedy recovery. I would also like to thank Ms. Ghada Mudawi for her briefing. I welcome the presence of the representative of Yemen in the Chamber today. On the truce, we welcome the current positive momentum. The context is favourable for establishing foundations of trust between the parties. On the ground, we see that the truce is ongoing, even if we must remain vigilant against any provocation. The Security Council recently condemned the escalations in Ma’rib and Shabwa, for which the Houthis bear responsibility. This truce must be transformed into a complete and lasting cessation of hostilities.

    2023-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9304 (2023) · source

  24. France also promotes the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. We encourage all States to adopt control measures regarding the recipient, final use and non-re-export. The best way to prevent trafficking is to stop the conflicts that fuel it. That is what Russia must do immediately by ceasing its aggression, withdrawing all its troops from the territory of Ukraine and respecting that country’s sovereignty, as the International Court of Justice ordered it to do more than a year ago.

    2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source

  25. Such support, whether bilateral or through the European Union, is exclusively aimed at enabling Ukraine to exercise its right to self-defence and preserve its sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence — principles that are enshrined in international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Our objective is clear: we want a return to lasting peace. The only way to achieve that is to defeat the Russian aggression. France underlines Russia’s cynicism in referring to instruments to which it has not adhered. It claims to baselessly accuse us of not respecting them. Unlike Russia, France respects its obligations. France is committed to promoting and universalizing the Arms Trade Treaty, which Russia has not joined.

    2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source

  26. It is indeed Russia that is violating the resolutions of the Security Council in order to replenish its dwindling stockpiles of ammunition because it has been relentlessly bombing civilian populations and infrastructure for months in defiance of international humanitarian law. That finally exhausted its stocks. There is strong evidence that Russia is using combat drones supplied by Iran and acquiring missiles and munitions from North Korea. Some of those arms shipments directly benefit the Wagner Group. That Group’s massive and systematic abuses have been substantiated. Moreover, the Russian authorities openly acknowledge the Group’s role in Ukraine after having long denied its existence. France and the European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with all the support that it needs for as long as it is required.

    2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source

  27. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. The threat posed by the uncontrolled proliferation and diversion of conventional weapons is a grave matter that deserves serious treatment. That is why we regret the attempted exploitation that we are witnessing today. It is astonishing to see Russia concerned about the consequences of a war of aggression that it itself started and for which it bears sole responsibility. Let us recall the facts. If Ukraine needs weapons today, it is because Russia has unleashed that war and because it amassed thousands of tons of military equipment on the border of Ukraine before invading it.

    2023-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9301 (2023) · source

  28. Finally, it is important to raise awareness of resolution 1540 (2004) in order to facilitate its implementation. Working with civil-society organizations remains vital in that regard. Let me conclude by paying a sincere tribute to the Group of Experts, whose analytical and advocacy work continues to be indispensable.

    2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source

  29. Some States may need help in implementing the resolution, which is why France attaches particular importance to the issue of assistance. More can be done to improve matching offers of assistance, which are not always easy to identify, to the specific needs expressed by certain States. The Group of Experts should also be mandated to offer assistance on a voluntary basis when necessary. In parallel, a growing number of international and regional organizations have adopted strategies to implement and promote the resolution’s provisions. We also need to deepen cooperation with the relevant forums, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Biological Weapons Convention, export control regimes and other United Nations committees, such as those dealing with terrorism.

    2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source

  30. We must therefore ensure that the 1540 Committee retains its capacity to respond to those developments so that States’ regulatory frameworks remain adequate to the risks. We welcomed the adoption on 30 November of resolution 2663 (2022), which renewed the Committee’s mandate for 10 years, as well as the adoption of the report of the comprehensive review that was conducted over two years (see S/2022/899). We thank Mexico for the role it played in those difficult negotiations. It is particularly regrettable that we were not able to agree on guiding principles for the Group of Experts. Progress is being made in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). A large majority of Member States have adopted measures to incorporate the provisions of the resolution into their national legislation, but further progress is still needed.

    2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source

  31. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Permanent Representative of Ecuador for his briefing on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I wish him and his team an excellent term at the helm of the 1540 Committee. Next year we will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1540 (2004), which remains a pillar of the international non-proliferation framework. The fact is that not only does the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction persist, it is evolving. We are witnessing scientific and technological developments in the biological, chemical and nuclear arenas. At the same time, proliferation channels are becoming more complex, so the risk of biological, chemical and nuclear materials falling into the hands of non-State actors remains.

    2023-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9293 (2023) · source

  32. We welcome the joint facilitation by the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which has our unwavering support.

    2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source

  33. All actors must work together to end the recruitment of combatants, which leads to escalation on the ground. The Juba Peace Agreement set a timetable that must be respected, including the reintegration of signatory armed groups and the deployment of a joint force. The initial steps have been taken, but faster progress is needed. Lastly, we call on the authorities to cooperate with UNITAMS and eliminate the obstacles that are affecting its operations. Blocking the issuance of visas to Mission personnel and restricting their freedom of movement disrespect the agreement on the Mission’s status. In a difficult environment, UNITAMS continues to discharge all its duties mandated by the Security Council.

    2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source

  34. The Secretary-General has outlined in his report (S/2023/154) the challenges that the civilian Government must address once it has been set up. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) to plan that approach. We will be ready to play our role in providing international support, together with our European partners, once a civilian Government has been appointed and the conditions have been met. The current status quo is fragile and is having a severe impact on the Sudanese population, especially in outlying areas. First, with regard to the humanitarian situation, the European Union responded by mobilizing €78 million in 2022. We are also concerned about the high level of intercommunity violence, whose root causes persist.

    2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source

  35. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Special Representative for his briefing and welcome the participation of the representative of the Sudan in today’s meeting. I would like to make four points. The re-establishment of a democratic transition in the Sudan remains the main priority. We call on all Sudanese political forces to maintain the spirit of compromise that led to the framework agreement on 5 December 2022. All actors must prioritize unity and broaden the political basis of the framework agreement. That cooperation is critical to addressing outstanding issues. Discussions must take into consideration the vital importance of the effective participation of women. The re-establishment of a credible democratic transition is critical to rebuilding the international community’s trust.

    2023-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9289 (2023) · source

  36. The Somali Government and the contingents of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) must be resolutely committed to the security transition in order to meet the goals of resolution 2628 (2022). That is the prerequisite for the Somali people to take charge of their own medium-term security and enable the complete withdrawal of ATMIS by 31 December 2024. Until then, we encourage the efforts of Somalia, the African Union and ATMIS to ensure the successful drawdown of 2,000 soldiers from the Mission by 30 June 2023, in accordance with resolution 2670 (2022). This year, once again, the European Union remains the largest ATMIS contributor. In parallel, it contributes to the strengthening of Somali troops with its European Union Training Mission Somalia and financial instruments, including the European Peace Facility.

    2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source

  37. In December last year, a World Food Programme vessel was able to deliver 25,000 tons of wheat, provided by Ukraine to the Somali people. It was France that financed that effort with €14 million. Efforts to protect human rights, in particular the rights of women and children, must continue. As stated by the Executive Director of UN-Women, the plight of women in Somalia remains very difficult. We commend the launch of the national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). However, we remain concerned about the increase in sexual and gender-based violence. Lastly, and this is my third point, Somali troops must continue to grow stronger.

    2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source

  38. Strengthening the national security architecture will also help to build lasting peace. As others are, France is concerned about the violence in Laascaanood, in the Sool region. De-escalation must be urgently initiated, civilians protected and safe and unfettered humanitarian access guaranteed. Only through dialogue will tensions be resolved. Secondly, the international community must rally to provide assistance to the most vulnerable Somali people. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, and the risk of famine remains. Women and children are the primary victims. We call upon international partners to support the humanitarian response plan, which requires $2.6 billion this year. France is making a tangible contribution.

    2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source

  39. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank briefers for their briefings and would like to make three points. First of all, we encourage the Somali Government to continue its efforts to implement political reform and fight against Al-Shabaab. Cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the member states is encouraging and must continue. Institutions must be strengthened, and the Constitution finalized, via an inclusive process that gives women and young people their rightful place. France welcomes the Somali Government’s determination to fight against Al-Shabaab, and we reiterate our firm condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by that group. Efforts towards stabilization, disarmament and reconciliation must be increased in areas that were recovered from Al-Shabaab.

    2023-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9267 (2023) · source

  40. We also call for progress being made towards a lasting ceasefire and a political process among Yemenis. Finally, France reiterates the importance of the participation of Yemeni women in the peace process and in the decision-making process concerning the political future of their country. Alongside the Special Envoy, we will continue our commitment to bringing an end to this conflict.

    2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source

  41. We reaffirm our support for the Yemeni Government, which is striving in difficult conditions to meet the expectations of the population. France calls on the parties involved, first and foremost the Houthis, to commit without delay and in good faith to a political process to end the crisis. We welcome the constructive involvement of certain regional actors in the mediation, notably the Sultanate of Oman. It is essential that all these mediation efforts be carried out in perfect coordination with those of the Special Envoy. France calls on the Houthis to change course and think of the interests of the Yemeni people rather than their own ambitions. We take note of the ongoing talks and call on the Houthis to engage fully and in good faith with the mediation efforts undertaken by the Special Envoy, who made a special trip to Sana’a.

    2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source

  42. With regard to the FSO SAFER oil tanker, France is proud to announce an additional contribution of €1 million to the United Nations-led rescue plan. This will bring our total contribution to €2.26 million. We hope that the first phase of the plan can be quickly implemented in order to avoid an ecological catastrophe. We also call on the Houthis, who are currently in control of the ship, to fully cooperate with the United Nations in the implementation of the rescue plan. Thirdly, we would like to express our full support for the Special Envoy’s efforts to prevent a resumption of hostilities and promote dialogue between the various Yemeni and regional actors. France recalls its commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen.

    2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source

  43. France also condemns the Houthi strategy to stifle the Yemeni Government economically. Secondly, it is also our responsibility to preserve the humanitarian space, which is being seriously affected, as Mr. Griffiths reminded us. The lives of Yemenis depend on it. While the need for humanitarian assistance remains high, full humanitarian access and better working conditions for humanitarian actors must be ensured. We reiterate our deep concern about the restrictions on United Nations and humanitarian personnel. We are particularly concerned about the imposition of male guardians. Several of us have been mentioned this point. The Houthis must respect women working for non-governmental organizations, cease their intimidation of female aid workers, and immediately and unconditionally release detained United Nations and humanitarian personnel.

    2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source

  44. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank Hans Grundberg and Martin Griffiths for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of Yemen and Saudi Arabia in the Chamber today. For my part, I have three messages. First, the Security Council must do everything it can to prevent a resumption of hostilities on the ground. The breakdown of the truce has created lasting instability. The situation is fragile and can deteriorate rapidly if the parties decide to resume hostilities. Eight years of conflict in Yemen have shown that the military option is not a solution. We therefore call on all parties, including the Houthis, to show restraint and not give in to the temptation of violence. The actors in this conflict must show responsibility. Any new confrontation will only increase the suffering of the population.

    2023-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9244 (2023) · source

  45. We hope to soon be informed of when the Secretariat will visit Ukraine to investigate and report back to the Council, in accordance with its mandate and in keeping with past practices in other regions. In conclusion, the solution must involve respect for international law, dialogue and de-escalation. We call on Iran to return to upholding its international obligations and to end its dangerous and ill-fated headlong rush.

    2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9225 (2022) · source

  46. Thirdly — and more specifically — France condemns the transfer of Iranian combat drones to Russia, which is in violation of resolution 2231 (2015), annex B, paragraph 4. Russia is using those drones to systematically target the Ukrainian civilian population and the country’s infrastructure, resulting in the death of many civilians, which constitutes war crimes. Only today, drone strikes against Kyiv have once again caused damage. We warn Iran against any further arms deliveries to Russia, which would constitute a serious escalation — in particular the transfer of short- range ballistic missiles — and would have serious consequences that could only lead to Iran’s isolation on the international stage.

    2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9225 (2022) · source

  47. To date, Iran has not engaged in substantive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to address the outstanding issues. What I just said covered the nuclear issue. I would like to mention three other activities by Iran that are just as worrisome. First, Iran continues to develop its arsenal of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. We see that in its space launches, which use technologies that further the development of its intercontinental ballistic capability. Secondly, we condemn Iran’s transfers of weapons, missiles and their components and means of production to State and non-State actors in the region. Such transfers contravene the relevant Security Council resolutions and place Iran and its proxies in a position to threaten international peace and security.

    2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9225 (2022) · source

  48. Through resolution 2231 (2015), the Security Council conferred upon the Agency a mandate, which Iran’s decisions no longer allow it to exercise. The European coordinator proposed to Iran a plan that represents the best possible way for it to return to compliance with the JCPOA. It is regrettable that Iran turned down that opportunity by maintaining demands that it knows are unacceptable and exceed the framework of the JCPOA. Iran’s actions undermine the balance on which the proposed agreement, which was negotiated over many months, is based and close the door on a diplomatic solution. Negotiations on the JCPOA cannot be used as a pretext to enable Iran to shirk its obligations to implement its Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

    2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9225 (2022) · source

  49. Several weeks ago, Iran announced that it intends to significantly increase its enriched uranium production capacity and its production of highly enriched uranium at the Fordow site well beyond the limits set by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). That decision entails serious proliferation risks. It is not justified by any credible civilian purpose. In taking those actions, Iran is making irreversible knowledge gains and further weakening the relevance of the provisions of the JCPOA. Those actions are all the more concerning since Iran has halted the implementation of all JCPOA transparency measures, which undermines the ability of the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure the exclusively peaceful purpose of Iran’s programme.

    2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9225 (2022) · source

  50. Mr. Olmedo (France) (spoke in French): I thank the Under-Secretary-General, the Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations for their briefings. France is extremely concerned. Iran is pursuing its destabilizing activities in breach of its international and regional nuclear and ballistic obligations. First of all, with regard to the nuclear situation, as detailed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran is pursuing its escalation at the risk of a full-scale crisis.

    2022-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9225 (2022) · source