YouSaid · the spoken record

Olof Skoog

lines on the record: 243
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-10-19
sittings or episodes: 20
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We continue to encourage all States parties to fulfil their responsibility and uphold the credibility of the Convention. We welcome the adoption of decision C-25/DEC.9 by the twenty-fifth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, and we reiterate our call on the Syrian Arab Republic to fully implement that decision. As a member of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, the EU reiterates that the use of chemical weapons is a violation of international law and unacceptable anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances, and that impunity for the use of chemical weapons must not and will not be tolerated.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU continues to call upon the Syrian regime and its allies, and indeed upon all parties to the conflict, to fully respect international humanitarian law, and in particular to permanently cease indiscriminate air strikes and shelling of civilians and humanitarian workers. The EU welcomes the release of the second report by the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The report concludes that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons during an attack in Saraqib, Syria, on 4 February 2018. The EU insists further that the Syrian regime must fully cooperate with the OPCW, including its investigations of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict, and deplores the continued lack of cooperation of the regime with the OPCW.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“As the largest humanitarian donor across the whole of Syria, with more than €24 billion provided by the EU and its member States since 2011, the EU continues to demand that all parties to the conflict, in particular the Syrian regime, allow safe, unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian convoys and humanitarian actors to the Syrian population in need in all parts of Syria. Turkey is a key partner of the European Union and a critically important actor in the Syrian crisis and the region. Turkey’s security concerns in north-east Syria should be addressed through political and diplomatic means, not by military action, and in full respect of international humanitarian law.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU once again echoes the call made on a number of occasions by the United Nations and the Security Council for the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2532 (2020). While the EU welcomed the decision taken by the Security Council on 11 July 2020 (resolution 2533 (2020)) to extend the authorization for cross-border humanitarian assistance to people in need in Syria for a further 12 months, the authorization of only one crossing point, in the north-west, was disappointing. The renewal by the Council of the authorization for cross-border assistance in July 2021 is vital and should fully reflect the humanitarian needs on the ground.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Yet within Syria, violations of international law, including abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, by all parties — particularly the Syrian regime and its allies — remain persistent. In the north-west, the situation remains highly insecure. The ceasefire agreed in March 2020 is fragile and must be upheld, civilians must be protected at all times, and attacks on civilian objects, including hospitals, must cease completely. The EU also notes with concern the ongoing insecurity in the north-east of Syria. Military action by any party in any part of Syria renders ordinary life dangerous and intolerable for all parts of the civilian population.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Conflict, violence and instability in Syria continue to have profound repercussions for the stability of the entire region, causing further enormous human suffering, with millions of Syrians still displaced or living as refugees in other countries. The economic situation in Syria is deteriorating in alarming fashion. The coronavirus disease pandemic only adds to the gravity of the situation. The recent Brussels Conference encouraged international donors to offer a significant level of pledges to alleviate the humanitarian and economic challenges faced by the people of Syria, in Syria — in line with the parameters and principles for United Nations assistance — and as refugees throughout the region, and in support of refugee-hosting countries. That was an important result.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Just a few weeks ago, at the fifth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, co- chaired by the EU and the United Nations and held on 30 March, the international community once again reiterated its faith in and commitment to a sustainable solution to the Syria conflict through a genuine, inclusive political transition, in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex), to be negotiated by the Syrian parties under the auspices of the United Nations- facilitated Geneva process. Yet, after a decade of conflict, that solution has yet to be achieved.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU welcomes the additional financial support from other and new donors and calls on all partners to increase their contributions to UNRWA. Securing a just and lasting peace will require an increased common international effort. The EU will work actively on a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including partners in the Quartet, notably the United States of America, in the region and the Security Council. Please allow me to turn to the situation in Syria.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU reiterates its deep and genuine appreciation for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and of its dedicated staff, who are working in an extremely difficult and challenging context. UNRWA is an essential provider of vital services to millions of Palestine refugees, and a stabilizing force in the region. Until a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the Palestine refugee issue, in accordance with international law, is found, UNRWA remains crucial for providing the necessary protection and essential services for Palestine refugees, and we will continue to support UNRWA in all its fields of operations, including in East Jerusalem.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“This is an important development, as participatory, representative and accountable democratic institutions are key for Palestinian self-determination and State-building. The EU calls on all Palestinian factions to unequivocally commit to democratic principles prior to the elections. The EU has consistently supported the work of the Central Elections Commission and reaffirms its willingness to engage with relevant actors in support of the electoral process. We call on Israel to facilitate EU monitoring of the electoral process, and, in this context, we hope that the EU election expert mission will soon receive the authorization to travel. The EU also calls on the Israeli authorities to facilitate the holding of elections across all of the Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem, in line with the Oslo Accords.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU calls for all parties to take swift steps to produce a fundamental change to the political, security and economic situation in the Gaza Strip, including the end of the closure and a full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns. Rocket fire by militant groups is unacceptable. All stakeholders must commit to non-violence and peace. Strong, inclusive, accountable and functioning democratic Palestinian institutions based on the respect for the rule of law and human rights are vital for the two-State solution. In this context, the EU welcomed the decree-law by President Abbas on holding legislative, presidential and National Council elections in the coming months, starting with legislative elections on 22 May.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“In this regard, and recalling that settlements are illegal under international law, the EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and actions taken in this context, such as building the separation barrier beyond the 1967 line, demolitions and confiscation — including of EU-funded projects — evictions, forced transfers, including of Bedouins, illegal outposts, settler violence and restrictions of movement and access. These actions seriously threaten the two-State solution. Settlement activity in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. The EU will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground and their broader implications and remains ready to take further action in order to protect the viability of the two-State solution.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU will actively support the parties to restore confidence and create an environment of trust necessary to engage in meaningful negotiations as soon as possible. In this regard, the EU welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and a number of countries in recent months, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, the Sudan and Morocco. The EU believes that these developments represent a positive contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East. The preservation of the viability of the two-State solution is at the core of EU policy and will remain a priority.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union (EU). The EU reaffirms its commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-State solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine, living side by side, in peace and security, with mutual recognition. The EU reaffirms that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-State solution. The status quo is not an option, as the viability of the two-State solution is constantly being eroded by new facts on the ground. The EU urges both parties to demonstrate their stated commitment to the two-State solution through concrete actions. Actions by either side that call into question their stated commitment to a negotiated solution must be avoided.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The EU is a partner of the Middle East Quartet and closely involved in the Libya quartet, which in itself is an illustration of the important role that regional organizations can play, bringing together the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States and the EU. With the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, the EU is the only international actor monitoring the United Nations arms embargo. Let me close by stressing how the success of any efforts to build confidence through dialogue is dependent on their inclusivity. Regional actors have a particularly important role to play in making sure that the voices of all groups in society, including women and youth, are listened to and taken into account in the interests of achieving sustainable peace.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“In Ukraine, the EU together with its member States is the biggest contributor to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, monitoring the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The EU also assists the Ukrainian National Platform on Dialogue for Peace and Secure Reintegration Support, which enables exchanges on national unity and transitional justice. Building on this experience, the EU is actively supporting peace processes around the world, from Yemen and Syria to the Central African Republic and Mali, to Colombia, Venezuela and Bolivia, where the EU has been actively working through the International Contact Group to create conditions for a peaceful and democratic solution.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“In Georgia, since the 2008 EU-brokered agreement, the EU has steered and co-chaired, with the United Nation and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Geneva International Discussions — a unique dialogue mechanism involving Georgia, Russia, the United States, as well as the de S/2021/394 facto authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. These efforts are complemented by the EU Monitoring Mission, present on the ground since 2008, ensuring daily monitoring of the administrative boundary lines and holding regular Joint Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meetings on both sides, improving living conditions and contacts among people across the dividing lines.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“In the context of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, we have come a long way over the past decade. Bringing the two parties together through dialogue, we have now arrived at a stage where the EU is working with the parties to finally conclude the process. In the EU’s eastern neighbourhood, the recent hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh have highlighted the urgency to dedicate serious efforts and attention to so-called protracted conflicts. We have been reminded that protracted animosity is not synonymous with genuine peace. Continued confidence-building and dialogue efforts are essential. That is why the EU is undertaking complementary stabilization and peacebuilding actions to restore trust throughout our neighbourhood in cooperation with regional and international partners.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“The very foundation of the EU is in its efforts to overcome division and promote peace. We have 64 years of finding and building consensus. To match the new realities and raise our level of ambition globally, the EU adopted the new Concept on EU Peace Mediation at the end of last year. It provides a solid basis for reinforcing our mediation efforts in support of multilateral and regional responses to crises, drawing on the EU’s diplomatic reach and multifaceted presence around the world. Many of our efforts, such as training and stabilization missions, in addition to financial support, including to the African Union Mission in Somalia, have been referred to by other speakers today. I am honoured to share some examples of our work with Member States, looking first to the Western Balkans.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“Everything that we do is in close cooperation with, and always reinforces, the mission and the objective of the United Nations and its Charter. I want to pay tribute to all regional organizations represented here today and say how much we appreciate our cooperation. Regional and subregional organizations play a unique role in preventing and resolving conflict. With cultural proximity, strong networks with the parties to a conflict and, in many cases, legitimacy based on cooperation, trust and confidence, regional organizations are uniquely placed to catch early warning signs and add value in mediation. I want to echo the words of the Secretary-General this morning with regard to Myanmar and the crisis driven by the military leadership there and give strong support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in its efforts.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“I would like to congratulate Viet Nam on organizing this important debate and to thank you, Sir, for the invitation to the President of the European Council, His Excellency Charles Michel, to brief the meeting. He was unfortunately not able to be here today, but I will deliver the following statement on his behalf. The European Union (EU) is a strong proponent of an effective multilateral system with the United Nations at its centre. We believe that everyone is best served by a rules-based international order where international law and international humanitarian law are upheld, human rights in all their dimensions are respected and conflicts are resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. In that spirit, and as we speak, we are facilitating talks in Vienna on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action within Iran’s nuclear dossier.”
2021-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/394 (2021) · source
“Through that joint effort, which also includes the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a global recovery package of €38.5 billion has been mobilized to help our partners across the world address the short- and longer-term needs resulting from the pandemic, including, for instance, through humanitarian support and by strengthening health systems and fostering economic recovery and social protection.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“We also recall the upcoming Global Health Summit under the current presidency of the Group of 20, co-hosted with the European Commission, on 21 May, which seeks to advance global pandemic preparedness and global heath security and strengthen the multilateral global health architecture. The EU will continue to work with the United Nations and other partners to help ensure a better, safer, greener and fairer global response and recovery, taking into account the mid- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on peace and stability. In order to comprehensively address the effects of the pandemic, the EU and its member States have been applying a strong joined-up approach — Team Europe.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“The EU supports the efforts of the Secretariat to find short-term solutions to the vaccination of uniformed peacekeeping personnel until national health systems are able to take over. The EU strongly supports the Secretary-General’s call for a global humanitarian ceasefire. The EU will continue to help to lead the multilateral response to this devastating global pandemic, in close cooperation with WHO and the United Nations. We fully support the Secretary-General’s initiatives to use this opportunity to strengthen the multilateral system. In that context, the EU will continue to promote the strengthening of the multilateral health architecture, including through the ongoing WHO reform process.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“Therefore, in addition, the EU provides systemic support for the strengthening of health systems in partner countries, which helps to tackle the pandemic, be better prepared for the vaccine roll-out and prevent future outbreaks. The Security Council can play an important role in helping the international community to focus on ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable populations affected by conflict and insecurity also receive fair and equitable access to vaccines. That includes bringing attention to the devastating effects that the pandemic has on people in fragile settings and remaining open to considering the role that peace operations can play in that context.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“The EU considers cooperation the best way forward: public-private partnerships, with the pharmaceutical industry developing and manufacturing vaccines, and multilateral mechanisms to guarantee safe, fair and equitable access for all. Another challenge is the delivery of vaccines to countries with disrupted, or broken, import flows and damaged infrastructure. The EU is reinforcing routine immunization programmes with WHO, which could also support the COVID-19 response, and is considering supporting the delivery of vaccines and sending advisory missions to support vaccination campaigns in countries in need under the Emergency Response Coordination Centre. Access to vaccines is not enough. Vaccination is an important part of the fight against the pandemic but it requires strong health systems.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“The EU also stands ready to support vaccination campaigns in third countries through its development, humanitarian and civil protection instruments. To ensure access to objective information on vaccines and to debunk misinformation contributing to vaccine hesitancy, the EU, in close coordination with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, is countering lack of information and data voids with coherent and consistent messaging to audiences globally. The EU stepped up efforts to expose and counter coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting vaccine producers and making allegations of weak assistance to others. The need for manufacturing at scale, sufficient distribution, adequate storage and administering the vaccines are testing all our financial and logistical capacities, as well as global collaboration and solidarity.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“The EU will maintain its support for COVAX, including the establishment of a humanitarian buffer of approximately 100 million doses for needs in humanitarian settings. It is crucial that it include a transparent allocation mechanism that is fully in line with the humanitarian principles. In addition, the EU is working on setting up an EU mechanism to facilitate the sharing of vaccines procured by EU member States through the EU’s advanced purchase agreements with other countries via COVAX. Sharing vaccines with partners is essential to breaking the vicious circle of new mutations and ensuring health security for all at the global level. The EU vaccine-sharing mechanism could benefit health workers and prioritize addressing humanitarian needs.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“From the outset, the EU has played a central role in leading multilateral responses to ensure safe and fair access to vaccines for all, supporting the rapid development and production of vaccines against COVID-19 with a total of €2.7 billion globally. Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility the best vehicle for delivering on international vaccine solidarity, the EU and its member States, through Team Europe, have announced a contribution of more than €850 million to the COVAX Facility. That will secure at least 2 billion doses, including at least 1.3 billion — probably significantly more — doses of vaccination for 92 low- and middle-income countries, including fragile and conflict-ridden countries, by the end of the year. That is more than half of the COVAX total capacity for 2021.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“Socioeconomic and political grievances are on the rise, reshaping conflict dynamics and patterns and destabilizing societies, with disproportionate and differentiated effects on the elderly, women, young people, children and other people in vulnerable situations. Rapid and equitable access to safe vaccinations for all is therefore an investment just as much in global health as it is in related questions of security and peace. From the outset, the EU has been clear: global cooperation and solidarity are crucial to fighting COVID-19 effectively. To win the battle against the pandemic, safe and effective vaccine and immunization, as well as diagnostic tests and treatment, should be accessible to all across the globe. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“This statement is on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this statement. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to spread, with new virus variants causing concerns. Initial signs of decreased levels of conflict around the world reversed in the second half of 2020, with recent data suggesting a rise in conflicts. While the start of vaccine roll-outs is bringing initial rays of hope, we know that the global recovery challenges will be with us long beyond the acute phase of the pandemic.”
2021-02-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/157 (2021) · source
“The EU, in line with EU Council conclusions, will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, in the framework of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva process, is firmly under way.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Regarding the situation of refugees and of internally displaced persons, the EU continues to voice strong concern about reports of social and demographic engineering in all areas throughout Syria and mass waves of displacement, inter alia in parts of the north-west and north-east. The EU insists that their return to their places of origin can be encouraged only if it can take place in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner, in line with the parameters defined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and in accordance with international law. The underlying causes of the refugee and displacement crisis must be addressed through the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“A fourth round of talks took place in December last year despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU is encouraged by the fact that the parties agreed to meet this week for a fifth round. The EU urges the Syrian regime to engage in the Committee’s work in good faith and with the aim of making urgent and concrete progress on constitutional reform. The EU reiterates that all elements of resolution 2254 (2015) must be implemented, including the issue of detainees and missing persons and the establishment of a safe and neutral environment in order for free and fair elections to be held under United Nations supervision.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“In the absence of avenues for international justice, the prosecution of war crimes under national jurisdiction where possible, as for example in Germany, and the initiative of the Netherlands to invoke Syria’s responsibility for human rights violations represent an important contribution towards securing justice. Moreover, we will continue to support efforts to gather evidence with a view to future legal action, including by the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria. The EU further welcomes the report of the Commission of Inquiry and expresses its concern about the report’s findings. The EU fully supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and has welcomed the establishment of the Syrian-led Constitutional Committee under United Nations auspices.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Turkey’s security concerns in north-east Syria should be addressed through political and diplomatic means, not with military action, and in accordance with international humanitarian law. The EU remains committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian State and recalls that any sustainable solution to the conflict requires a genuine political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex), negotiated by the Syrian parties within the United Nations-led Geneva process. All those responsible for breaches of international law and human rights law, some of which may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, must be held accountable. The EU reiterates its call to have the situation in Syria referred to the International Criminal Court.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“While the EU welcomed the decision taken by the Security Council on 11 July 2020 to extend the authorization for cross-border humanitarian assistance to people in need in Syria for a further 12 months (resolution 2533 (2020)), the authorization of only one crossing point, in the north-west, is disappointing. The renewal of the decision by the Security Council on the authorization for cross-border assistance in July 2021 will be vital. The EU continues to demand that all parties in conflict, in particular the Syrian regime, allow safe, unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian convoys and humanitarian actors to the Syrian population in need in all parts of Syria. Turkey is a key partner of the European Union and a critically important actor in the Syrian crisis and the region.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“As set out in that decision, it will now be the duty of the Conference of the States Parties to decide on a further course of action. We welcome the draft decision entitled “Addressing the Possession and Use of Chemical Weapons by the Syrian Arab Republic” and call on all States parties to fulfil their responsibility and uphold the credibility of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Respect for international humanitarian law must be ensured at all times and in all circumstances. We reiterate that the use of chemical weapons is a violation of international law and unacceptable anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances, and that impunity for the use of chemical weapons must not and will not be tolerated.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The EU continues to call upon the Syrian regime and its allies to fully respect international humanitarian law and in particular to permanently cease indiscriminate air strikes and shelling on civilians and humanitarian workers. The EU also notes with concern the ongoing insecurity in the north-east of Syria and reiterates its call for the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). The EU insists further that the Syrian regime must fully cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), including its investigations of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict, and deplores the lack of cooperation of the Syrian regime as shown by the report of the OPCW Director- General released on 14 October 2020 following the July 2020 Executive Council decision.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Violations of international law, including abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, by all parties, particularly by the Syrian regime and its allies, remain persistent. The crisis continues to have profound repercussions for the overall stability of the entire region. The human devastation of the country endures. The strain of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic adds to the gravity of the situation. In the north-west, the situation remains fragile. The EU reiterates its call on all parties to uphold the present ceasefire to guarantee the protection of civilians on the ground and from air strikes.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“UNRWA is an essential provider of vital services to millions of Palestine refugees and a stabilizing force in the region. Until a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in accordance with international law is found, UNRWA remains crucial to providing the necessary protection and essential services for Palestinian refugees, and we will continue to support UNRWA in all its fields of operation, including in East Jerusalem. The EU welcomes the additional financial support from other and new donors and calls upon all partners to increase their contributions to UNRWA. Allow me to turn to the situation in Syria. After a decade of conflict, the violence and instability in Syria continue to cause enormous suffering, and millions are still displaced.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The EU recalls that a lasting solution to the conflict must be achieved on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the internationally agreed parameters, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. The EU reiterates its fundamental commitment to the security of Israel, including with regard to current and emerging threats in the region. The EU reiterates its deep and genuine appreciation for the work of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and for its dedicated staff, who are working in an extremely difficult and challenging context.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“That is an important development, as participative, representative and accountable democratic institutions are key to Palestinian self-determination and State-building. The EU calls upon all Palestinian factions to unequivocally commit to democratic principles prior to the elections. The EU stands ready to engage with the relevant actors to support the electoral process. The EU also calls on the Israeli authorities to facilitate the holding of elections across all the Palestinian territory.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“While recalling Israel’s right to defend its legitimate security interests, the EU expects the Israeli authorities to fully meet their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, not least in these difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic and including with regard to Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The Palestinian Legislative Council was dissolved in December 2018. Strong, inclusive, accountable and functioning democratic Palestinian institutions based on respect for the rule of law and human rights are vital to the two-State solution. In that context, the EU welcomes the recent decree-law by President Abbas on holding legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections in the coming months, starting with legislative elections on 22 May.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The Palestinian population continues to face repeated human rights violations and abuses. The EU recalls the importance of unhindered work of civil society organizations, both in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territory. The worsening humanitarian and human rights situation in the Gaza Strip remains of grave concern, and the EU calls for an end to the closure; the full opening of the crossing points while addressing Israel’s security concerns; and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors. The EU firmly condemns the rocket, incendiary balloon and other attacks from the Gaza Strip targeting civilians in Israel, as well as terrorist attacks and any other form of violence, including a continued upward trend of settler-related incidents, and incitement on all sides.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, which is illegal under international law, and actions taken in that context such as demolitions and confiscations, including of humanitarian structures and EU-funded projects, evictions and forced transfers. The EU calls on Israel to halt continued settlement expansion and demolitions in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, especially in sensitive areas such as Har Homa, Givat Hamatos and the E-1 zone, which seriously threaten the two-State solution. Settlement activity in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. The violence and loss of human lives in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel remain of deep concern to the EU.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The EU has welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and a number of countries in recent months. The EU believes that those developments represent a positive contribution to peace and stability in the region. Israel’s commitment to suspending plans to unilaterally annex areas of the occupied Palestinian territory is a positive step. Any unilateral decision that undermines a lasting, agreed solution should be avoided. The EU reiterates that any annexation would constitute a serious violation of international law. The EU strongly opposes all actions that undermine the viability of the two- State solution and urges both sides to demonstrate, through policies and actions, a genuine commitment to a two-State solution in order to rebuild trust and create a path back to meaningful negotiations.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The EU and its member States will continue to work actively, also on a bilateral basis, to support all efforts to help resume meaningful negotiations between the parties, engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including members of the Quartet and partners in the region, notably Egypt and Jordan, which recently met with France and Germany in Cairo. The EU welcomes the appointment of Mr. Tor Wennesland as Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and looks forward to working with him and supporting him in fulfilling his mandate, including within the framework of the Middle East Quartet. The EU is grateful to Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his tireless efforts as United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process over the past years.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union (EU). The European Union remains united in its commitment to achieving a two- State solution that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations to statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all permanent-status issues in order to end the conflict. The EU remains ready to support both parties in efforts to resume meaningful negotiations on all final-status issues in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“I am pleased that yesterday’s ministerial meeting confirmed the unity of all participants to continue on that path. I am also very encouraged that all participants acknowledged the prospect of the return of the United States to the JCPOA and expressed their readiness to positively address that in a joint effort. That leaves me with some confidence that we will be able to preserve and reinvigorate this achievement of multilateral diplomacy, which makes an important contribution to security and stability in the region.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source