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

“I also note that the position of the majority of the members of the Council regards the United States attempt to initiate the process of reinstating United Nations sanctions under resolution 2231 (2015) as having no legal basis. Resolution 2231 (2015) remains fully in force — including the sanctions-lifting commitments under the JCPOA. In that context, the EU is grateful to the Secretariat for its balanced and factual approach in monitoring the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Such work requires continued support and adequate resources. It is evident to the European Union that the JCPOA needs to be fully and effectively implemented by all and that ongoing implementation challenges, including on nuclear non-proliferation and sanctions-lifting commitments, need to be addressed.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“That has been partly aggravated by the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran has faced significant difficulties in procuring essential medical and protective equipment and medicines.Earlier this year, I took note of the United States announcement and its position regarding the statement of the so-called “snapback mechanism” under resolution 2231 (2015). As Coordinator, to me it has been evident that the United States ceased its participation in the JCPOA on 8 May 2018, and did not subsequently attend any of the activities related to the JCPOA. The United States cannot therefore be considered a JCPOA participant State and may not initiate the process of reinstating United Nations sanctions under resolution 2231 (2015).”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“Alongside the obligations under the nuclear-related commitments for the Islamic Republic of Iran, the obligations to lift sanctions remain central to the JCPOA. The EU lifted all its nuclear-related sanctions upon the conclusion of the deal in 2015. The EU remains fully committed to supporting efforts to normalize economic and trade relations. In that light, the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges retains significant political and economic potential to facilitate legitimate trade with Iran, consistent with international law and European regulations, as well as to support the needs of the Iranian population. Allow me to say a word in that context regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world. However, the situation in Iran has been particularly devastating for the Iranian population.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“I am pleased to note that new proposals have been transmitted to the Security Council for decision and endorsement. The tenth report of the Joint Commission to the Security Council on the status of the Procurement Working Group’s s decisions and on any implementation issues (see S/2020/1164) provides evidence of the channel as an important confidence-building measure that gives assurances to Member States and private-sector actors that transfers of goods and services for civil nuclear purposes are fully in line with resolution 2231 (2015). At the same time, I am also pleased to note that EU-Iran cooperation in the civil nuclear field under annex III continues, despite the challenges of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“Those activities are inconsistent with the nuclear- related provisions of the JCPOA. We call on Iran to reverse those activities and return to the full implementation of its commitments. In addition, I have also noted that a new law has been adopted in Iran allowing for and supporting further steps towards an increase to 20 per cent enrichment soon, as well as additional measures. That is very worrisome. I appreciate the indications of the Iranian leadership that Iran is ready to return to full JCPOA implementation. I strongly encourage that sufficient space be ensured for diplomacy in order to be able get the JCPOA back on the track of full implementation in the near future. The work of the procurement channel remains important as an independent and transparent Security Council mechanism.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“The full implementation of the agreement by all sides is crucial for all JCPOA participants and the international community to reap the benefits of the agreement. It is against that background that I recognize that Iran continued to fully comply with the nuclear-related provisions for three and a half years, including for 14 months after the United States withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed unilateral sanctions. However, it is deeply worrisome that Iran continues to decrease its nuclear-related JCPOA commitments. We remain particularly concerned about Iran’s continued accumulation of low-enriched uranium in excess of the JCPOA stockpile- and enrichment-level thresholds, its continued research and development with advanced centrifuges and their ongoing transfer underground and the enrichment activities at Fordow.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“Let me stress the EU’s deep appreciation for the work and professionalism of the IAEA. Its impartial and technical work is of the utmost importance and is a cornerstone of the credibility of the JCPOA.S/2020/1324 There is no positive alternative to the JCPOA, which is the fruit of more than 12 years of negotiation, endorsed at the highest level by the international community and enshrined in resolution 2231 (2015). However, the agreement has clearly come under enormous pressure. The EU deeply regrets the decision taken by the United States in May 2018 to withdraw from the JCPOA. The subsequent reimposition of previously lifted unilateral United States sanctions and the decision to discontinue granting nuclear waivers have hampered the full implementation of the deal.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“It has done so in a verifiable way, as the agreement provides for an unprecedented amount of access and monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under Iran’s comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto. It is crucial that the cooperation with the IAEA remain intact. Thanks to the Additional Protocol, the IAEA has access to both declared and undeclared sites in Iran and has installed 24/7 online monitoring systems in key facilities. It is important to remember that the Additional Protocol is implemented by Iran as part of its JCPOA commitments. Losing the JCPOA would also mean losing the Additional Protocol, the access rights granted to the IAEA and, accordingly, the additional unique transparency measures provided in the JCPOA.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“The remaining participants have demonstrated their conviction and steadfast willingness to work diplomatically to preserve the deal. That determination to preserve the JCPOA and ensure its full and effective implementation by all sides was reinforced again at the Joint Commission meeting on 16 December and yesterday at the informal meeting of JCPOA participants at ministerial level, which I chaired. Such determination proves the importance and value of the JCPOA. It is solid evidence of the need to continue multilateral diplomacy and sustain and support multilateral agreements and institutions. The JCPOA is a key component of the global non-proliferation architecture, which helps reduce regional and global security risks. It has removed the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“As this year comes to end, I recognize the tremendous challenges multilateral diplomacy has faced over recent months. The obvious example is how the JCPOA has continued to be tested. Overall, nuclear proliferation remains a global threat with potentially worldwide consequences. It is in our collective interest, but it is also our responsibility as members of the international community, to address those challenges jointly. Ensuring the full implementation of existing robust agreements, such as the JCPOA, should be part of our joint efforts. As the Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA, I am pleased to note that the Iran nuclear deal, now five years of age, has withstood the pressure over recent years.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“It is an honour to be addressing the Security Council today on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontenelles, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). My first expression of gratitude and thanks goes to Secretary-General António Guterres and to the Secretariat for its determination and professionalism in preparing the tenth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2020/1177). I also want to thank Ambassador Philippe Kridelka of Belgium, who is nearing the end of his tenure as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231(2015), for the excellent cooperation. I look forward to working closely with the next Facilitator.”
2020-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1324 (2020) · source
“The European Commission’s recent Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans demonstrates once again the EU’s strong commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and all Western Balkans partners. Lastly, with regard to the political and security situation on the ground and the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment, the European Union reiterates its firm support for the EU-led Operation Althea and to the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“We also expect the authorities to fully assume their responsibilities with regard to the migration situation, and in particular, to urgently create, with our support, the conditions for addressing humanitarian needs, including the accommodation of refugees and migrants, while working to strengthen the country’s border-management capacities. Like the rest of Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be affected by the global coronavirus disease pandemic, a point that has been raised by many today. In these difficult times, the EU remains firmly engaged in assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina in addressing the immediate health needs as well as with the long- term social and economic impacts resulting from the pandemic.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“This year marks both the twenty-fifth annual commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords. We expect to see strong and concrete political acts from the political elites that show their deep commitment to promoting reconciliation in the country. Revisionism, in particular minimization or negationism in relation to the Srebrenica genocide, and the glorification of war criminals contradict EU values and are incompatible with the prospect of integration into the European Union. With local elections to be held on 15 November throughout the country and on 20 December in Mostar, we would like to remind all political actors of the importance of refraining from any provocative and divisive statements.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“We call on the authorities of the country to build on this momentum and continue to engage in reforms, thereby giving tangible proof that Bosnia and Herzegovina is willing to do what it takes to become a member of the EU. Only by delivering on reforms will Bosnia and Herzegovina advance towards the EU. The European Union strongly underlines the need for the authorities to work towards strengthening the rule of law, in particular the independence and integrity of the judiciary, fighting corruption and organized crime, countering radicalization and guaranteeing the independence of the media and the safety of journalists, promoting youth employment and education and gender equality, and renewing their efforts towards socioeconomic reforms.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“We call for an inclusive process of electoral reform, through genuine dialogue and in line with European standards, which would eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination in the electoral process. In this regard, we underline that no legislative or political step should be taken that would make the implementation of the ruling in the Sejdić and Finci v. Bosnia and Herzegovina case and related rulings of the European Court of Human Rights more challenging. We welcome the recent adoption of the revised national war-crimes strategy, and we call for its swift implementation, which will contribute to the wider goal of promoting an environment conducive to reconciliation.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“We urged executive and legislative bodies at all levels of Government to start addressing the 14 key priorities identified in the EU Commission opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s application for membership in the European Union, in line with the interests of all citizens to advance towards integration into the European Union. In the past months, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities have taken some steps to address those priorities. We welcome the fact that, for the first time since 2008, local elections will also take place in the city of Mostar, on 20 December. Political leaders also reached an agreement on 17 June on further electoral reform.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member States. The candidate countries Turkey, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania align themselves with this statement. I want first to join others in thanking High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko and reiterating the European Union’s continued support for his mission, and I wish to add my greetings to Valentin and my appreciation for his dedication, energy, independence and integrity, which have remained constant over the years. In December 2019, the Council of the European Union reiterated its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.”
2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source
“That was also agreed by all participants in the fourth Brussels Conference on Syria and S/2020/1055 the region at the end of June. The underlying causes of the refugee and displacement crisis must be addressed through the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). The EU 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.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“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. 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.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“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 United Nations Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and has welcomed the establishment of the Syrian-led Constitutional Committee under United Nations auspices. A third round of talks took place at the end of August this year, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU urges the Syrian regime to return to the negotiating table as soon as circumstances allow a fourth round to be held and to engage in the Committee’s work in good faith and with the aim of making progress.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“In the absence of avenues for international justice, the prosecution of war crimes under national jurisdiction where possible and the recent 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 to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · 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 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.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We reiterate that the use of chemical weapons is a violation of international law and unacceptable under any circumstances, and that impunity for the use of chemical weapons must not and will not be tolerated. While the EU welcomed the decision by the Security Council on 10 July 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, is disappointing. The EU continues to demand that all parties in conflict, in particular the Syrian regime, allow safe, unimpeded and sustained access for the humanitarian convoys to the Syrian population in need in all parts of the country. Turkey is a key partner of the European Union and a critically important actor in the Syrian crisis and the region.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“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’s Director General released on 14 October following the July 2020 Executive Council decision. 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, and we call on all States parties S/2020/1055 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.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“In the north-west of Syria, the situation remains fragile. The EU reiterates its call on all parties to uphold the present ceasefire so as to guarantee the protection of civilians on the ground and from air strikes. 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 against and the shelling of civilians. 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).”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“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. Allow me to turn to the situation in Syria. The Syrian conflict in now in its tenth year and is still marked by persistent violations and abuses of international law, including abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, by all parties, particularly by the Syrian regime and its allies. The crisis continues to have profound repercussions on 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.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“The EU welcomes the additional financial support from other and new donors and calls upon all partners to increase their contributions to UNRWA. The EU recalls that a lasting solution to the conflict must be achieved on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions; the Madrid principles, including land for peace; the road map; the agreements previously reached by the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative, 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. The EU reiterates its fundamental commitment to the security of Israel, including with regard to the current and emerging threats in the region.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“The EU calls upon all Palestinian factions to unequivocally commit to democratic principles prior to the elections. 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 for its dedicated staff, who are working in an extremely difficult and challenging context. UNRWA is an essential provider of vital services to millions of Palestinian 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 for providing the necessary protection and essential services to Palestinian refugees, and we will continue to support it in all its fields of operation, including in East Jerusalem.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · 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 and international humanitarian law, not least in these difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic, 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 S/2020/1055 respect for the rule of law and human rights are vital for the two-State solution. In that context, taking note of the recent announcement regarding elections, a date should be set very soon for elections in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“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 and a full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel’s security concerns, and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors. The EU firmly condemns the increased launching of rockets and incendiary balloons 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.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“The EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy, which is illegal under international law, and actions taken in this 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 E-1, which seriously threaten the two-State solution. The violence and loss of human lives in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel remain of deep concern for the EU. The Palestinian population continues to face repeated human rights violations and abuses.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Israel’s commitment to suspend 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 remains ready to support the Israelis and the Palestinians in efforts to resume meaningful negotiations on all final-status issues in order to achieve a just and lasting peace. The EU will continue to support all efforts to help resume credible negotiations.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania and the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina align themselves with this statement. The European Union remains united in its commitment to achieving a two- State solution that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all permanent-status issues in order to end the conflict. The EU welcomes the announcement of the normalization of the relations between the State of Israel and the United Arab Emirates and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“The unconstructive approach of certain members of the Security Council is all the more regrettable at a time when needs have never been greater and in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. “Only the Bab Al-Hawa crossing point is now left for the United Nations to provide essential humanitarian assistance. The authorization of only one crossing will hamper the delivery of life-saving emergency supplies to hundreds of thousands of people in need in north-west Syria.” The EU will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, in the framework of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva process, is firmly under way.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“It is delivering humanitarian assistance to address the emergency needs for shelter, medical and food support of some 1 million displaced persons and all other Syrians in need in the Idlib region. We must continue to ensure safe, sustained and immediate access to populations in need, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. As stated by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič on 12 July: “On Saturday, 11 July, the Security Council adopted a much-needed resolution on cross border assistance that is crucial for helping people suffering from the conflict in Syria. “However, it is a matter of deep concern that the resolution adopted after repeated vetoes by Russia and China authorizes only one crossing point out of the two previously available to the United Nations.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“As set out in the decision, it will now be the duty of the Conference of the States Parties to decide any further course of action, in accordance with article XII of the Convention. We call on all States parties to fulfil their responsibility and bolster the credibility of the Convention. The EU urges the Syrian regime to return to the negotiating table and repeats 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, and remains committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian State. The EU is addressing the humanitarian situation as a matter of priority.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“In response to the findings of the 8 April report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the Executive Council recently took a crucially important decision on addressing the possession and use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime. That decision has been carefully drafted in accordance with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. It sets clear and verifiable parameters for action that the Syrian regime needs to take in order to return to full compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. The European Union strongly supports the decision and urges the Syrian regime to take all the measures required to redress the situation in the specified time frame.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We reiterate the EU position that all the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity should be held accountable. The EU has condemned Turkey’s unilateral military action in north-eastern Syria, which causes unacceptable human suffering, undermines the fight against Daʼesh and seriously threatens European security. 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-eastern Syria should be addressed through political and diplomatic means, not military action, and in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“In Idlib, the offensive by the Syrian regime and its backers, including Russia, has created untold human suffering and has provoked the worst humanitarian crisis since the beginning of the Syrian conflict. The EU reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, its call on all parties to maintain a sustainable ceasefire so as to guarantee the protection of civilians on the ground and from the air and to enable the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance by the international community. While the European Union recognizes the presence of United Nations- designated terrorist groups in the region, indiscriminate attacks and the destruction of civilian infrastructure — including health facilities, schools and settlements for displaced persons — by the Syrian regime and its allies cannot be justified under any circumstances and must stop.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · 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. Recent rocket fire by militant groups is unacceptable and underlines again the danger of escalation. All stakeholders must commit to non-violence and peace. The EU reaffirms its readiness to work towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations to resolve all final-status issues and to achieve a just and lasting peace. It urges both sides to demonstrate, through policies and actions, a genuine commitment to the two-State solution as the only realistic way to end the conflict. Allow me to turn now to the situation in Syria.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
““Importantly, unilateral annexation would cause real damage to the prospects for a viable two-State solution.” (see S/2020/596, annex 23) Recalling that settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-State Solution impossible, the EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and actions taken in that 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 and restrictions of movement and access. The EU calls on Israel to halt continued settlement expansion, including in East Jerusalem, especially in sensitive areas such as Har Homa, Givat Hamatos and Area E-1, which severely threatens the two-State solution.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“I am firmly convinced that such steps would endanger the continuous efforts of the Security Council and the wider international community to achieve the vision of a region where two States — Israel and Palestine — live side by side within secure and recognized borders. “In March this year, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, the EU delivered a statement to that effect, noting clearly that ‘any annexation would constitute a serious violation of international law’. Indeed, a core legal provision of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, is that the acquisition of territory by force is prohibited.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“As the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Josep Borrell Fontelles, wrote in his letter to the current members of the Security Council on 23 June: “In recent days, I have had open, friendly and constructive conversations with a number of senior Israeli interlocutors, including Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. In addition, I am in close contact with the Palestinian leadership and with other key Arab representatives and, together with EU Foreign Ministers, I also held a useful discussion on the Middle East peace process with United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. “In these discussions, I emphasized the EU’s opposition to any unilateral steps by the parties, in particular the possible annexation by Israel of any parts of the West Bank.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The EU reiterates its fundamental commitment to the security of Israel, including with regard to current and emerging threats in the region. 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. To that end, the EU will continue to closely monitor developments on the ground and their broader implications and will consider further action in order to protect the viability of the two-State solution, which is constantly eroded by new facts on the ground.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union (EU). The EU remains united in its commitment to achieving a two-State solution that meets Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, ends the occupation that began in 1967 and resolves all final-status issues in order to end the conflict. The EU recalls that a lasting solution to the conflict must be achieved on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles — including land for peace, the road map and the agreements previously reached by the parties — and of the Arab Peace Initiative, 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.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Finally, I should like to recall that the JCPOA will have its fifth anniversary in two weeks. The agreement remains a great achievement of multilateral diplomacy. The full implementation of the JCPOA by all sides is crucial. It remains the only tool to provide the international community with the necessary assurances regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. It is therefore essential that we do all we can to preserve it. We should not allow it to be derailed or degraded or to become irreparable. Nor should we assume that an opportunity will arise again in the future for the international community to address Iran’s nuclear programme in such a comprehensive manner.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“In that context, it is a positive signal that the channel continues to receive proposals. We expect all Security Council members to continue to support the preservation of the channel in line with resolution 2231 (2015). We also deeply regret the United States decision to end the three waivers covering key JCPOA nuclear projects in Iran, including the Arak modernization project. These projects, endorsed by resolution 2231 (2015), serve the non-proliferation interests of all and provide the international community with assurances of the exclusively peaceful and safe nature of Iranian nuclear activities. Today, as I said, I am focusing my intervention on the JCPOA. Nevertheless, I am very mindful of a series of events outside the nuclear domain that are increasingly worrisome.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“It is a key mechanism to prevent the misuse of nuclear or dual-use items and to ensure that exports of such items are consistent with the JCPOA. We recognize the challenges brought about by the United States withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of sanctions. The procurement channel, however, remains a Security Council mechanism, and the decision on a proposal for transfer is endorsed by all its 15 members. In the ninth report of the Joint Commission to the Security Council on the status of the Procurement Working Group’s decisions and on any implementation issues, submitted to the Facilitator on 5 June and subsequently circulated as document S/2020/508, the remaining participants stated their commitment to continuing to review proposals in an impartial and independent manner.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“In that spirit, extensive technical support has been provided to set up and operationalize the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges. I would like to address the issue of the possible snapback of sanctions in the Council, about which there has been recent speculation. As the High Representative already said, in May 2018 the United States announced that it was ending its participation in the JCPOA. This announcement was confirmed in a presidential memorandum. Since then, the United States has not participated in any meetings or activities within the framework of the agreement. I will now turn to the procurement channel, which was established under annex IV of the JCPOA. The procurement channel remains a unique non-proliferation, transparency and confidence-building instrument.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source