YouSaid · the spoken record

Orrenius Skau

lines on the record

360

first

2017-11-29

most recent

2018-12-21

sittings or episodes

60

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

1. “As our term on the Council is ending, it is only natural to look back at what has been achieved and what conclusions can be drawn. Even though we have seen a new momentum for prevention overall, when it comes to the actual prevention of conflict, the Council is still falling short. We should all be held to account for that. The Charter of the United Nations provides us with a clear mandate to investigate any situation that might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute. Yet we still spend the majority of our time and resources trying to manage the conflicts on our agenda. A culture of complacency surrounding conflict prevention has very real costs and, in the long term, risks undermining the credibility of this institution.”

   2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source

2. “Iwish to thank the Secretary- General, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their valuable remarks this morning. During our very first month as a Security Council member, in January 2017, we organized a debate on conflict prevention and sustaining peace, at which the Secretary-General had the opportunity to set out his vision for a surge in diplomacy for peace and effective conflict prevention (see S/PV.7857). We did so because we saw a need for a new political consensus in support of prevention and a commitment to policies and actions that prevent conflicts before they begin. Now, nearly 24 months later, how have we done?”

   2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source

3. “Sweden was among the first countries to prosecute suspected perpetrators of alleged war crimes in Iraq, as well as in Syria. We look forward to the Team's support for universal jurisdiction, including the exchange of information and potential support for the prosecution of Da'esh crimes in other nationaljurisdictions through mutual legal assistance. In conclusion, promoting accountability for crimes committed by Da'esh is a matter of urgency. It requires political courage, as well as continued, united international support. Iraq can rely on Sweden as a committed partner in that moving forward.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

4. “In this regard, the rule of law and the Iraqi legal system must be strengthened, both in the long term and with respect to legal processes against suspected Da'esh members currently being pursued by Iraqi courts. We encourage Iraqi authorities to put in place national legislation that ensures that perpetrators of international crimes are tried in Iraq, in full accordance with the principles of rule of law and due process. United Nations support will be vital in that regard, and we remain strongly opposed to the death penalty. In accordance with United Nations policies and best practices, evidence gathered by the Investigative Team will not be used in trials that may lead to capital punishment. That issue must continue to be closely followed.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

5. “As an independent and impartial institution, the Team can also play a key role in supporting the Iraqi Government in building capacity in the legal sector. The cooperation between the Team and the Iraqi Government can be mutually reinforcing. We welcome the Team's intention to achieve geographical diversity, as well as gender, ethnic and religious balance, among its Iraqi members. The Team's development of trusting relationships with religious and ethnic minority groups, non-governmental organizations and other national stakeholders will be central. The support of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the wider United Nations system is also important. Accountability for all atrocity crimes committed in Iraq is crucial. The quest for accountability will contribute to reconciliation and long-term peace.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

6. “We are pleased that the Team foresees close cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. The operational and security environment in Iraq is very complex. We agree with Mr. Khan's conclusion that innovative logistical and operational solutions will be necessary. Strong Iraqi support and buy-in will be decisive to the success of the Team's work. Mr. Khan's recent meeting with Prime Minister Abdul-Mahdi was a positive step in this regard. We welcome regular interaction and coordination between Mr. Khan's team and the Steering Committee designated by the Iraqi Government.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

7. “The many examples in reports of the Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Patten remind us again and again why this victims-based approach is so important. In this context, we also underline that children with perceived or actual association with Da'esh are i first and foremost f victims and must be treated as such. Collective support for and trust in the mechanism on the part ofthose affected will be crucial. The establishment of a specialized victim and witness protection unit is therefore important. It is crucial to ensure that the Team is adequately equipped with the expertise and resources needed. The Team must be able to effectively gather evidence for the crimes that have been committed against men, women and children, including sexual and gender- based violence.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

8. “Advancing accountability for the violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights law in the conflicts on the Council's agenda has proven extremely difficult. The unanimous support for the decision to establish the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is therefore particularly significant and a major achievement. We now need to stay united in actively supporting the implementation of this important mandate. In this regard, we welcome the strategic vision and priorities set out by the Special Adviser today, in particular the victims-based approach, putting at the centre those most impacted by the crimes.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

9. “Let me too congratulate you, Mr. President, and your delegation on assuming the presidency and assure you, Sir, of our full support during the month of December. Let me also take this opportunity to thank China for an impeccably run presidency in November. I would like to thank Special Adviser Khan for his informative briefing. No doubt, he has a very challenging set of tasks ahead, but he can certainly count on Sweden's continued full support in his endeavour. I also wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Nadia Murad on having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to end sexual violence in conflict. This is an important recognition on behalf of all the victims of Da'esh, giving impetus to the efforts of holding those responsible to account.”

   2018-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8412 (2018) · source

10. “Moving forward, international support will be needed to build trust and overcome the deep divisions. We therefore strongly encourage Burundi to make use of all that goodwill and begin a new era of cooperation.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

11. “The Council's continued support for regional efforts is crucial. We must together continue to encourage and facilitate genuine and inclusive national dialogue, ensure respect for human rights and an end to violence and promote the opening of political space. Only through progress on all those fronts can peaceful and credible elections in 2020 be held, and longer-term stability, peace and prosperity be achieved. I would like to direct my concluding remarks to Ambassador Shingiro. The doors for constructive partnership with the region and with the broader international community to assist in Burundi's national efforts are open. The East African Community, the African Union, the United Nations, including the Peacebuilding Commission, and the European Union all offer opportunities for constructive international engagement.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

12. “The process of completing the United Nations Development assistance framework is therefore important. We call on the Government to cooperate with all United Nations human rights mechanisms. The presence of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to carry out objective human rights monitoring and capacity- building will be key, and we hope that the memorandum of understanding can be swiftly concluded. It is also important to continue the process of allowing international non-governmental organizations to return and continue their important humanitarian work. As the Secretary-General concludes in his report, the situation in Burundi remains fragile. That has implications as well for peace and security in the broader region. It is therefore important that the Security Council remain constructively engaged.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

13. “Continued international attention, support and engagementiskey.Thelaunchofthenationaldevelopment plan anchored in the Sustainable Development Goals is welcomed and provides an opportunity for engagement, as well as for socioeconomic dialogue. In that regard, the efforts of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, under the stewardship of Ambassador Lauber, should be actively supported. The PBC offers a unique platform for engagement and can help contribute to a common understanding of the political and socioeconomic situation, as well as the most urgent peacebuilding needs. An international presence and support in Burundi is important, including in order to contribute to building trust. The United Nations country team continues to be an important partner.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

14. “In that regard, continued regional efforts are critical. We commend the East African Community (EAC) mediator, President Museveni, and the facilitator of the inter-Burundian dialogue, former President Mkapa, for their tireless efforts. We now look forward to President Mkapa's recommendations on the way forward, including the envisaged joint road map for elections. We strongly believe that the EAC-led mediation efforts must continue, and we look forward to the outcome of the EAC summit at the end of this month. The AU also has an important role to play, including by supporting the EAC, and we welcome the recent visit by the AU to Bujumbura. We reiterate the need for the memorandum of understanding to be signed so that the AU observers can work effectively and meet their objectives.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

15. “That trajectory of confrontation must change if we are to avoid a repetition of the crisis in 2015. Restoring confidence and trust is urgent and critical, including in preparations for peaceful and credible elections in 2020. As has been stated by others today, an inclusive political dialogue among all stakeholders remains the only way towards peace and stability in Burundi. Trust- building measures among all parties remain absolutely key. In that regard, it is important to continue to build on the progress made within the framework of the inter-Burundian dialogue, including by ensuring that women are represented in the dialogue. The achievements of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement have laid the foundations for peace, security and stability in Burundi and in the broader Great Lakes region. They must be safeguarded.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

16. “Mistrust and divisions continue to run deep in Burundian society, but also with neighbours and international partners. It was therefore deeply disappointing to learn that, since our previous meeting (see S/PV.8325), the Government did not participate in the fifth session ofthe inter-Burundian dialogue in Arusha. The Government has chosen to embark upon confrontation with United Nations human rights mechanisms rather than engage in dialogue. In addition, there are still no memorandums of understanding in place for African Union (AU) observers or for resumed cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was also disappointing to learn that the activities of international non-governmental organizations were suddenly - albeit temporarily - suspended.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

17. “I would like to join others in welcoming Ambassador Lauber and Special Envoy Kafando back to the Security Council today, as well as thanking them for their useful briefings. They both have our strong support in their important endeavours. We also appreciate the solid and comprehensive update in the written report by the Secretary-General (S/2018/1028). Let me also recognize the presence of the Permanent Representative of Burundi, Ambassador Shingiro. Since the crisis in 2015, the situation in Burundi has improved and is now - as was stated by the Special Envoy - relatively calm. However, reports of human rights violations and abuses, acts of violence and intimidation and restrictions of the democratic space continue. The humanitarian and socioeconomic situation is dire and deteriorating.”

    2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source

18. “The return of refugees must be safe, voluntary and dignified, and the conditions for that are clearly not in place at the moment. The Special Envoys need the Council's active backing. At this critical moment, all the members of the Council should take a clear stand and deliver on their commitment to supporting the United Nations- led political process and the Special Envoy. We must step up our joint efforts to make sure that the constitutional committee will indeed convene before the end of the year. Only through a United Nations- led process can we achieve a sustainable political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva process, acceptable to all Syrians and the international community.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source

19. “The Sochi final statement made it clear that the final selection of the committee would be made through the United Nations-led process. We are encouraged that the agreement to cease hostilities in Idlib held, but there are now worrying signs of escalation. We welcome the call made at the Istanbul summit for the ceasefire to be upheld, and we reiterate our expectations of the guarantors in this regard. However, the best way to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Idlib is ultimately by enabling genuine progress towards a political solution and ensuring respect for international law. We also reiterate that Sweden, like the rest of the European Union, will not assist in Syria's reconstruction until a political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva process is firmly under way.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source

20. “High-level meetings in the relevant formats have shown that there is now international momentum with regard to Syria that must be seized. As agreed in Istanbul, a constitutional committee should be in place before the end of the year, and invitations should be sent out by mid-December, as the Special Envoy mentioned. He has our full support in convening it within that deadline. We fully support his efforts to ensure that the committee is credible, balanced and representative of the Syrian people, as is also provided for in the Sochi final statement, and that it includes a minimum of 30 per cent women. His list of participants must now get the support it needs, particularly from the Astana guarantors. We reiterate that the Special Envoy has a mandate to establish a committee and decide on its composition.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source

21. “I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General De Mistura for the update on the constitutional committee. We would like to say that we very much appreciate and support his tireless efforts to set up the committee before the end of the year. We are deeply disappointed with Syria's demonstrated lack of willingness to cooperate with the United Nations and the Special Envoy in the political process, which is in breach ofthe Sochi agreement. The establishment ofa constitutional committee, which was agreed to in Sochi, is now long overdue. It is high time that those who initiated the committee, particularly Russia, intensified their efforts to ensure Syria's full cooperation with the United Nations. The Astana guarantors must now also deliver on their commitments in support of the United Nations-led process.”

    2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8406 (2018) · source

22. “That is true both for reconciliation within the country and for its relations with neighbours. Bosnia and Herzegovina can continue to count on strong international support, and in that regard we welcome today's unanimous adoption of resolution 2443 (2018), renewing the mandate of the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The European Union's commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU perspective is unequivocal. Sweden, for its part, will remain a steadfast partner of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards a stable and prosperous future.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source

23. “Bridging cultural and social differences through increased regional exchanges is essential, not least among children and young people, and involving young people in peacebuilding activities is definitely an important prerequisite for sustaining peace anywhere, as outlined in resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018). In that same context, a stable peace also requires the full participation of women. More attention and devotion to that issue is needed, and future reports from the High Representative should better reflect the specific challenges and opportunities for women. Such analyses integrating a gender perspective would benefit our future briefings and inform a more strategic response. Finally, for a country to move forward, its focus must be on the future rather than mired in the past.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source

24. “In the work of achieving deeper integration, Bosnia and Herzegovina and its European partners must now strengthen their cooperation to meet their common challenges, which include trade and sustainable economic development, environmental protection, organized crime, terrorism and migration, to mention only a few. Regional cooperation and reconciliation in the Western Balkans is crucial to stability and progress. Sweden therefore supports the Regional Cooperation Council's important work in strengthening good- neighbourly relations in the region.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source

25. “The country's political leaders must now take on the responsibility they have to enable it to make a rapid return to a path of reform. To that end, all the relevant actors must now engage in constructive dialogue aimed at forming Governments and parliaments at all levels without further delay. Bosnia and Herzegovina reconfirmed its strategic priority of joining the European Union (EU) with its application for membership in 2016. The further integration of the Western Balkans remains a top priority for the European Union. We welcome the participation of the observer of the EU in our meeting this morning, elaborating on EU efforts, and align ourselves with his statement. A credible EU perspective, based on progress according to its own merits, continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source

26. “At the same time, we condemn the threats and attacks against journalists during the election campaign. We also regret that the campaign was tainted by divisive and nationalistic rhetoric, and that more attention was not given to what is most urgently needed - reform. Socioeconomic reforms and improvements in the rule of law must be at the centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina's political priorities. High unemployment, widespread corruption and mismanagement erode the trust between citizens and authorities. As we heard from the High Representative, young and educated citizens are leaving the country to look for opportunities elsewhere. That is a worrying trend that must be reversed. Yet the pace of reform has unfortunately stalled in recent years.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source

27. “Let me also begin by thanking the High Representative, Mr. Valentin Inzko, for his informative briefing today. Sweden continues to fully support his mandate and his important work for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Twenty-three years have passed since those intense November weeks in Ohio, when the DaytonAagreement on the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina was being negotiated. The Agreement marked the starting point of the long path towards reconstruction and reconciliation. While much has been achieved over the years, important steps remain for Bosnia and Herzegovina to build a country of prosperity, peace, stability and equality for all. The conduct of general elections last month was one such important step. We welcome that the elections could proceed without any major security incidents.”

    2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8392 (2018) · source

28. “At this critical time the Council needs to take a clear stand, show that we fully support the United Nations-led political process and make sure that there is some real progress in time for the Special Envoy's briefing later this month.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

29. “It is critically needed relief for the approximately 50,000 people who are stranded in the camp and who have not received aid since January. However, we need more positive examples like this as we continue to push for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all people in need throughout Syria. In the same vein, let me also take this opportunity to comment on the most recent developments on the political track. The recent meetings in relevant formats show that there is an international momentum that now needs to be seized solution, aiming to have the constitutional committee in place before the end of the year.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

30. “In that regard, we fully support and endorse the remarks made by the Secretary-General in his letter transmitting the monthly report where it states "that any further possible use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic would be wholly unacceptable" (S/2018/971). All parties must be reminded of the clear and absolute prohibition on the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances. As co-penholder on humanitarian matters in Syria, I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight and welcome the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Rukban, which took place this weekend. We want to recognize the tremendous efforts by the United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to make that happen, as well as the facilitation by Russia and the United States.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

31. “We emphasize that all open issues must be closed as soon as possible. All remaining chemical weapons must be declared and destroyed, in line with resolution 2118 (2013). We urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully and actively with the OPCW so that the accuracy and completeness of its declaration can ultimately be verified. Secondly, we reiterate our full support for the OPCW and our complete confidence in the independent, impartial and professional work of its Fact-finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. We look forward to the upcoming reports regarding a number of pending investigations, including the final report on the alleged attack in Douma. Thirdly, we remain deeply concerned about allegations that chemical weapons may be used again.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

32. “While a mechanism established by the Council would have been and remains preferable, the issue is too important to be allowed to be blocked indefinitely. However, the decision of the Conference of States Parties does not relieve the Council of its responsibility. We now look forward to updates to the Council on the implementation of that decision as part of the monthly reporting under resolution 2118 (2013). Let me make the following comments with regard to the most recent report on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria by the Director-General of the OPCW (S/2018/971, annex). First, we note that the Declaration Assessment Team of the OPCW is analysing the response by the Syrian authorities to the questions regarding the outstanding issues related to its chemical weapons declaration.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

33. “The proliferation and use of chemical weapons must end and those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable. We have repeatedly stated in the Security Council that impunity is not an option. As representatives know, to that end, we have worked tirelessly, including with the other elected members, to find an agreement on a mechanism for accountability. That is also why we joined the French-led International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons and why we supported the decision of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention at its special session to put in place arrangements to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

34. “Since this is the first meeting for me personally this month, let me also congratulate you, Mr. President, and your team on your presidency and to thank Bolivia for its very active presidency last month. During the conflict in Syria, we have witnessed the repeated use of chemical weapons as well as numerous other systematic and flagrant violations of international law by the parties to the conflict. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism concluded that the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant were responsible for using chemical weapons. We condemn that in the strongest terms. It is a serious violation of international law and it constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Such use in armed conflict amounts to a war crime.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8390 (2018) · source

35. “We further welcome the Council's recognition of the need for sexual and gender-based violence expertise among the Panel of Experts, which will give the Committee and the Council the further understanding they need to address this serious problem. Together with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the referral of the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court and the measures to prevent migrant smuggling through Libya, the sanctions play an integral part in the Security Council's broader measures to support Libya in building long-term peace and stability. The Libya Sanctions Committee recently finished its first-ever mission to the country and through its Swedish Chair will provide its first impressions from the trip later this week.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8389 (2018) · source

36. “As reported by the Secretary- General, his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), among others, conflict-related sexual violence and sexual violence in detention centres are an acute problem in Libya. It is our sincere hope that the highlighting of this problem can make a decisive change, compel compliance and trigger accountability on the ground in Libya. On the horizontal level, we hope that the Council will continue to expand its sanctions listing criteria in other sanctions regimes, when relevant, and counter the myth that sexual violence is an inevitable part of conflict.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8389 (2018) · source

37. “We welcome the adoption of resolution 2441 (2018), reaffirming the Council's sanctions measures against Libya, and we would like to thank the United Kingdom for the transparent and inclusive negotiation process. Sweden, together with the Netherlands and with the strong support of partners, is particularly pleased to have introduced the act of planning, directing or committing sexual and gender-based violence as a separate and distinct criterion for listing under the sanctions. Unfortunately, this is particularly relevant in the Libyan context.”

    2018-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8389 (2018) · source

38. “Russia's aggression against Ukraine, in blatant disregard of international law and the European security order, has caused tremendous suffering and must come to an end. Until such time, the Council must remain actively seized of the matter.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

39. “We strongly support the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which must be given full, safe and unhindered access throughout the country, including along the Russia- Ukraine State border and to the Crimean peninsula. Finally, the ongoing militarization of Crimea and the tensions in the Sea ofAzov raise additional concerns and create a very dangerous backdrop for the planned so-called elections. The redeployment of military vessels and the excessive inspections of commercial traffic in an area already affected by conflict have not gone unnoticed. By ceasing those activities, and taking steps to ensure that the Minsk agreements are finally implemented, Russia could send a signal that it is serious about reducing tensions.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

40. “The Minsk agreements clearly state that local elections should take place only after proper security conditions are put in place. That means a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons, monitored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Russia must ensure that the armed formations controlling certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk observe the ceasefire, and is must cease all military and financial support to those formations. The Minsk agreements further stipulate that elections should be held under Ukrainian legislation and be in accordance with OSCE standards and monitored by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

41. “While the international community continues to support the Minsk agreements, not even the first provision in the agreements - a complete ceasefire - has been implemented. In line with consistent demands by the European Union, we call for the full implementation of the agreements, starting with an immediate and lasting ceasefire. We support the efforts made within the Normandy format to that end and commend the Government of Ukraine for recently extending the special status law for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The so-called elections in Donbas planned for November are, in turn, a blatant violation of the Minsk agreements. We call on Russia to assume its responsibility and use its influence to stop them from being held.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

42. “The conflict has already caused more than 10,000 deaths and affected more than 3.8 million people directly, 70 per cent of them women, elderly persons and children. Almost two thirds of the close to 2 million internally displaced persons are women. We note slight improvements in access for humanitarian organizations, but continue to emphasize the need for full and unhindered access, both in Government-controlled and non-Government- controlled areas. Sweden will continue providing principled humanitarian assistance to meet the most urgent needs of the people affected by the conflict. As we heard from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) today, the humanitarian appeal remains underfunded. We join OCHA in calling on donors to increase their contributions.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

43. “What we see is an attempt to redraw borders in Europe, backed by military power. That is a Violation of the Charter of the United Nations. It also represents a violation of the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe. This challenge to the international legal order is not a regional problem, but one with global implications. We regret that there are no signs of Russia, a member ofthe Council, reversing its actions to comply with international law. Again, let me be clear: Russia's aggression is the origin of the conflict, and Russia has the influence to end it whenever it so chooses. We remain deeply concerned about the continuing violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

44. “Ithank Ms. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, as well as Ms. Mueller, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings to the Security Council today. It has been almost five years since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the beginning of its aggression in eastern Ukraine. This highly volatile situation clearly poses a threat to international peace and security, and Sweden has throughout its tenure on the Security Council worked to ensure that the Council remains seized of the matter. The continued high levels of Violence in Donbas and our deep concern about the so-called elections planned for 11 November prompted us and several other members to call for this meeting. Let me be clear about why this issue belongs in the Council.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

45. “If the matter is put to a procedural vote, France, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States will therefore oppose an invitation by the Council to the additional briefer proposed by the Russian Federation.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

46. “The issue at hand is not about technicalities relating to the proposed elections but about holding the elections in the first place. The organization of those elections should be the result of the agreement of all parties, which is still being negotiated. The elections are an infringement on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and in breach of the letter and the spirit of the Minsk agreements. The suggested briefer does not represent the legal authorities or civil society of Ukraine. To allow the participation of a representative of an illegal separatist entity in a Council meeting would set a dangerous precedent. We therefore do not consider the briefer proposed by the Russian Federation competent to the purpose at hand, as stipulated in rule 39 of the Security Council's provisional rules of procedure.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

47. “We welcome the fact that Council members agreed to this briefing, which is now convened, as stated by the President, with reference both to the letter dated 28 February 2014 from the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2014/l36) and the letter dated 13 April 2014 from the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (8/2014/264), without the formal creation of a new agenda item. The two agenda items remain separate and distinct, and future Security Council meetings can be held on each of them separately. The so-called elections, to be held on 11 November, are being organized in Violation of the Minsk agreements.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

48. “Sweden, together with France, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States, has asked that the situation in Ukraine be addressed in the Council today, with updates on the broader situation from the Department of Political Affairs and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in View of the upcoming so-called elections in what are misleadingly referred to as the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, in eastern Ukraine.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source

49. “The support expressed through resolution 2439 (2018) therefore comes at a pertinent time, and our common task is now to fully support the efforts of the WHO, MONUSCO, the Congolese Government and other actors on the ground to combat the further spread of Ebola and thereby contribute to promoting long-term peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the region. The meeting rose at 10.10 a.m.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source

50. “At present, the humanitarian appeal for the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains severely underfunded. As the third-largest humanitarian donor to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sweden stands ready to consider additional humanitarian funding and calls on others to do the same. Fourthly and crucially, the resolution highlights how men and women are affected differently by the Ebola outbreak. Women must be fully engaged in the development of gender-sensitive response efforts. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a pivotal moment in its history, and the latest Ebola outbreak adds an additional challenge to an already challenging situation.”

    2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8385 (2018) · source