YouSaid · the spoken record

Orrenius Skau

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360
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2017-11-29
most recent
2018-12-21
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60
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un-security-council

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  1. Lastly, on 5 March the Committee agreed to take follow-up action on six of the eight recommendations contained in the interim report of the Panel, which in various ways aimed at improving the implementation of the arms embargo, the assets-freeze and the measures in relation to attempts to illicitly export petroleum from Libya. On three of the six recommendations, more specifically referring to the arms embargo and the assets-freeze, the Committee had agreed to task the Panel with providing additional information. During the reporting period, the Committee received additional information from the Panel and is currently considering any further follow-up action. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements.

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  2. During the period under review, the Committee received communications from the focal point for de-listing, established pursuant to resolution 1730 (2006), in connection with the de-listing requests from the travel-ban measure of Aisha Al-Qadhafi and Safia Fakash Al-Barassi. Those requests are currently under the review stage stipulated in paragraph 5 of the annex to resolution 1730 (2006). The Committee has approved a travel ban exemption request from Safia Farkash Al-Barassi. During the reporting period, the Committee received, and responded to, a letter from Libya regarding certain content of the last final report of the Panel of Experts (S/2017/466). The Committee also referred the matter to the Panel for its follow-up, as appropriate.

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  3. With respect to the assets freeze, the Committee received three notifications from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, invoking paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011), regarding the legal expenses of a listed individual, Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi, and a listed entity, the Libyan Investment Authority. The Committee also received some information from Malaysia on its implementation of the assets-freeze. With regard to the measures aimed at preventing illicit exports of petroleum from Libya, the Committee received information from Libya, as well as from the Panel of Experts, regarding an attempt by a vessel to carry out an illicit export of crude oil from Marsa A1 Hariga port in Libya. The Committee dispatched letters to the reported flag State and to the reported State of a company allegedly involved in the matter.

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  4. Prior to their listing, the Committee held informal consultations on 25 May to discuss the proposal, in which Libya also participated. As of 26 June, the Committee is considering a proposal for the designation of another individual against several designation criteria. Concerning the arms embargo, the Committee responded to two requests for guidance, received from Malta and Malaysia respectively, which touched on the scope and implementation of that measure. The response to Malaysia confirmed the publicly available entries on the sanctions list of the Committee. The Committee also received additional information from the Kingdom of the Netherlands regarding previously exempted items.

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  5. I thank Mr. Salame' for his briefing. I shall now give a briefing in my capacity as representative of the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011) of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established by the same resolution. The report covers the period from 22 May to 16 July, during which time the Committee met once in informal consultations and conducted additional work via the written silence procedure. On 7 June the Committee approved the designation of six individuals as subject to the assets freeze and travel ban measures, in accordance with paragraph 11 (a) of resolution 2213 (2015).

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  6. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2018/429, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Salame. I shall provide a briefing in my capacity as representative of the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya. I give the floor to Mr. Salame.

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  7. Let me begin by congratulating France on its victory in the World Cup Final yesterday. I would also like to compliment Russia on a very well-run tournament. Over the past four weeks in this building, I think we have all seen the power of sports to bring people together. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in Libya The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Libya to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Ghassan Salame, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to participate in this meeting. Mr. Salame is joining the meeting via video tele-conference from Tripoli.

    2018-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8312 (2018) · source

  8. We would appreciate further information in future reports with regard to the reported seizure and transfer of dual-use items to Iran without the prior approval of the Security Council. There is strong EU support for broad relations and dialogue with Iran, including on regional issues, the worrisome human rights situation and the principles of the rule of law. All actors in the region, including Iran, must come together to de-escalate tensions and contribute to finding political solutions to the ongoing conflicts and crises in the region. However, those matters should be treated as separate from the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015).

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

  9. We remain seriously concerned about reported violations by Iran of the arms embargo and the travel ban put in place under resolution 2231 (2015). Any new information pertinent to such cases should be verified by the Secretariat. We have also expressed our concern about the previously reported ballistic-missile launches, which we believe to be inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015). We echo the Secretary-General's call on all Member States of the region to take the necessary steps to fully implement their obligations in relation to resolution 2231 (2015), including those on the travel ban, as well as on asset freezes on individuals and entities on the list maintained pursuant to the resolution.

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

  10. In that regard, we note that Iran continues to fulfil its nuclear-related obligations, according to the most recent report of the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is for that reason that as we have stated previously, we deeply regret the decision by the United States to withdraw from the agreement. Its withdrawal poses a serious risk to the international peace and security architecture and could have negative repercussions for global non-proliferation efforts. The European Union (EU) is unified in its full support for the deal and its implementation. Sweden and the EU will work to preserve the JCPOA. It is vital to ensure that the deal continues to be respected and that Iran continues to fulfil its commitment.

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

  11. I too would like to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Ambassador Van Oosterom and Ambassador Vale de Almeida for their useful briefings and reports to the Security Council today. We welcome the Secretary-General's report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) (S/2018/602), which endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme. The nuclear agreement with Iran was negotiated over a period of 12 years and was a success for diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It has also been endorsed by the Security Council. As we have consistently stated, its continued implementation is crucial. The agreement has ensured the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, which in itself contributes to stability in the region and beyond.

    2018-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8297 (2018) · source

  12. Finally, it is important to ensure that the Mission's key civilian components, not least in the area of human rights, are safeguarded. In the light of the heavy security presence on the ground, monitoring and reporting on such issues is essential. The situation in Mali has implications for the wider region. It is therefore important to ensure that the implementation of the Peace Agreement can proceed more rapidly and that peaceful, fair and transparent elections will be held in July. The United Nations has an important role to play in support of the national efforts and will continue to have our full support.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

  13. For that reason, we support the idea of enhancing MINUSMA's political role as well as developing a pact for peace, which would link assistance to existing benchmarks and timelines, including progress on governance and institutional reforms. We agree that the United Nations presence in Mali needs greater strategic coherence, since, along with integrated planning within the Mission, it remains essential to fulfilling the objectives ofa common vision in support of the peace process and stabilization. It is clear that we must reinvigorate the United Nations efforts, together with those of the Malian authorities, to address the situation in central Mali. We support the recommendation of formulating a fully integrated plan that takes the multidimensional nature of the challenges in the region into account.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

  14. It will also be important to take local dynamics into account and address the fundamental causes of instability, including conflicts over resources and land, inequalities, exclusion and climate change. Turning to the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), we welcome the conclusions of the independent strategic review, as presented in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/541). It makes important recommendations on how to better align the Mission's objectives and strategic vision with the realities on the ground and key provisions of the Peace Agreement, including those on decentralization, security-sector reform and reconciliation. The Peace Agreement is the only possible path to peace and stability in Mali, and supporting its implementation should remain the Mission's priority.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

  15. The continued deterioration of the situation in central Mali, leading to an unprecedented number of civilian casualties, remains of great concern. We are particularly worried by serious allegations of human rights abuses and violations in the context of counter- terrorism operations being carried out by the Malian armed forces. We call on the Government to step up protection efforts in the region and to conduct investigations of alleged abuses and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Restoring trust in the Government and building the legitimacy of State functions in the region, including by providing basic social services, is essential.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

  16. Inclusivity is an essential prerequisite for building a sustainable peace in any country. That is also true in Mali. As stated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/541), little progress has been made in ensuring women's meaningful engagement in the peace process. We must step up our efforts in this regard, and we call on all parties to urgently address this shortfall. We are concerned by the lack of trust between the Government and opposition parties, highlighted most recently by violent clashes sparked by demonstrations. It is crucial that political actors and parties put aside their differences and work towards the holding of inclusive, transparent and credible elections, for the good of all Malians.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

  17. Let me begin by recognizing the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali. We thank him for being with us today. Let me also thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his useful briefing to the Council today. We welcome the progress that has been made in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali in recent months. This includes the establishment of Operational Coordination Mechanisms in Kidal and Timbuktu and the Prime Minister's visit to the northern and central regions. It is now crucial that the implementation of the peace agreement be intensified and that the current momentum be maintained through the presidential election campaign. It is also imperative that the eventual winner of the presidential election continue to prioritize the peace process.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8288 (2018) · source

  18. There are two areas where we feel that UNAMI's mandate has been particularly strengthened: on the role of women and the situation of children. First, we welcome the inclusion, for the first time, of an operative women and peace and security component in UNAMI's mandate, which brings UNAMI into line with other missions. That will allow the Mission to further enhance its efforts to ensure women's full and meaningful participation in the political process. Secondly, we welcome the inclusion of the issue of strengthening child protection in Iraq, with a focus on the rehabilitation and reintegration of children. Successful reintegration is in the best interests of children, but it is also critical for reconciliation. The resolution adopted today not only renews but improves and modernizes the mandate of UNAMI.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8285 (2018) · source

  19. The parliamentary elections in May were an important democratic step forward for Iraq. The decision to recount all votes means that the process is not yet at an end and that the United Nations has a central role to play in support of that critical exercise. Once formed, a challenging to-do list awaits the new Government. A strong, well-resourced United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), with the capacity to assist and advise the Government as it works to dress those complex challenges and to be able to provide good offices, is perhaps more relevant than ever. I would like to thank the Iraqi delegation for the excellent cooperation in the process of drafting resolution 2421 (2018), and the United States, as penholder, for its work on the resolution. We especially appreciate their efforts to streamline and update the text.

    2018-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8285 (2018) · source

  20. We hope that these and other efforts to follow up on resolution 2349 (2017), on the Lake Chad basin region, will benefit the development of the regional stabilization strategy.

    2018-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8284 (2018) · source

  21. Sweden supported the organization of the Lake Chad governors' forum on peacebuilding, prevention, stabilization and regional cooperation, held in Maiduguri in May. That successful meeting was preceded by consultations with more than 1,000 women, men and young people from communities around the lake, including religious groups. This consultation and the forum itself clearly highlighted the need for a holistic, regional approach to address the root causes of the lack of peace and stability in the region, including the adverse effects of climate change. The main outcome of this process was to establish the governors' forum as a vehicle for recurrent dialogue between the governors of the States affected, aimed at improving coordination and cross-border collaboration.

    2018-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8284 (2018) · source

  22. We are concerned that the situation in the north- west and south-west regions of Cameroon remains unresolved. The need to address long-standing grievances is evident. In order to move forward peacefully, it is important that all parties act responsibly, refrain from acts of violence and contribute to the upholding of human rights, as well as to an open and inclusive dialogue, not least regarding the question of decentralization. The situation in Cameroon has direct implications for peace in the broader subregion, and we must therefore continue to follow the situation closely, including in the light of the upcoming elections. The continued engagement of the Special Representative will be essential, and he has our full support in these efforts.

    2018-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8284 (2018) · source

  23. We therefore encourage continued support for building the capacities ofregional organizations in the Central African region. We also welcome the increased collaboration between ECCAS and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including the upcoming summit. We remain deeply concerned by the dire security, human rights and humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic and welcome the joint visit undertaken by ECOWAS and the Secretary-General of ECCAS. We also welcome the joint United Nations- African Union visit to the Central African Republic in April. It is important that the United Nations continue to promote and support the African Union and ECCAS- led African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation and the Libreville road map.

    2018-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8284 (2018) · source

  24. In such circumstances, the role of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in conflict prevention, including through its good offices and support for regional cooperation and integration, is, of course, of vital importance. Regional offices are one of the most effective operational tools that the United Nations has to prevent conflict. They should be supported, strengthened and multiplied. In this regard, the Council has an important role to play, in particular by standing by our envoys. We would like to express our full support for the efforts of Special Representative Fall and his team in UNOCA today. Regional organizations such as ECCAS not only play a critical role in promoting integration and development, but also are key to preventing conflict and promoting peace.

    2018-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8284 (2018) · source

  25. I, too, would like to start by thanking Special Representative Fall and the Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Ambassador Allam- Mi, for their very useful briefings to the Council today. As we have heard this morning, the Central African region continues to face a number of challenges. These include electoral processes and related challenges to political space. Underdevelopment and the humanitarian situation in the region are also a source of concern. Taken together, the situation deserves our and the region's continued attention, as it serves as an early warning sign of even greater challenges down the line.

    2018-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8284 (2018) · source

  26. To that end, we believe that the resolution could have been better coordinated with ongoing efforts in the region. A regionally brokered and inclusive political solution remains the only viable means of achieving peace in South Sudan. We call on the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the wider region to continue efforts towards such a political solution. In that regard, we welcome the outcome of the IGAD Council of Ministers meeting today. To give the peace effort the best possible prospect for success, it is imperative that we now stand unified and speak with a single voice to the parties. Today's resolution presents a clear choice for the parties. We urge them to immediately respect the cessation of hostilities agreement and urgently engage in good faith on reaching a viable political agreement.

    2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source

  27. With other members of the Security Council, we share a deep sense of frustration at the intransigence of the leaders of South Sudan. The Council stated its determination to ensure that the parties abide by their obligations and responsibilities in our presidential statement of 14 December 2017 (S/PRST/2017/25). The repeated violations of commitments by the parties must have consequences. Resolution 2418 (2018), adopted today, sets out clear conditions and deadlines for the parties, adding international pressure to regional efforts. It is for that reason that we voted in favour of it. At the same time, we deeply regret that the Council was not able to adopt the resolution by consensus. We worked actively with members to find agreement on a text that would have garnered greater support.

    2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source

  28. The millions of South Sudanese caught up in this brutal conflict have waited too long for their leaders to bring about an end to the fighting. Despite the efforts of the region to broker an agreement, the parties have not made the compromises necessary to set the country on a path towards peace, reconciliation and recovery. Instead of engaging constructively and in good faith in the negotiations at the High-Level Revitalization Forum, the parties have continued to advance their interests through military means. Harrowing reports of violence against civilians, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence, continue to emerge from South Sudan. Violations and abuses of international human rights law and of international humanitarian law must come to an end.

    2018-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8273 (2018) · source

  29. We invite them to fully engage with the United Nations agencies on the ground and with other regional and international partners. Sweden stands ready to continue to support Myanmar on its path towards democracy and peace.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  30. Without true accountability, the trust needed for refugees to return will be hard to garner. We fully support the work of the fact-finding mission, which should be given full and unhindered access to do its work. Evidence-gathering at Cox's Bazar could also prove to be an important contribution. The visit was a demonstration of solidarity with the refugees sheltering in the camps in Bangladesh. There was a strong and clear call from the refugees for the Council's ongoing support and action. We must not let them down. The visit also represented solidarity with the Government of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi host communities, whom we must continue to support. The visit also represented commitment to supporting the Government of Myanmar to create the conditions for return and to build peace and prosperity for all people in Rakhine state.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  31. Finally, numerous reports, including testimonies heard by Council members themselves, of systematic, widespread and coordinated acts of violence strongly indicate that crimes against humanity have been committed. Impunity for such crimes cannot be tolerated, and those responsible must be held to account. All States have a responsibility to address and prevent violations of international law, including human rights violations and abuses. In this case the primary responsibility lies with the Government of Myanmar, which must genuinely address the issue of accountability. Otherwise, the international community will need to assist and look seriously into the possible mechanisms available for that purpose. We are aware of the ongoing process at the International Criminal Court.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  32. It is time for the Government of Myanmar to grant the United Nations, as well as other domestic and international non-governmental organizations, full and unhindered access to Rakhine state. We welcome the United Nations leadership on Rakhine under the Resident Coordinator. The memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme and UNHCR should now be concluded as soon as possible. Access is also essential to support the implementation of the Advisory Commission's recommendations. In that regard, we welcome the renewed commitment to implement the Commission's recommendations and to work with the United Nations, as set out in the State Counsellor's press release of 1 May following her meeting with members of the Security Council.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  33. Transition and reception centres need to be temporary. We encourage the Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh to expedite the ongoing bilateral consultations and efforts, and to implement the memorandum of understanding and agreement in a timely manner. International actors should continue to support the efforts to that end. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with its global mandate as the international refugee agency, must be associated with the process. The stories Council members heard of sexual violence were harrowing. Particular attention must be given to the perspectives and special needs of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including protection needs in the return process. Thirdly, United Nations access and engagement is essential.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  34. It is essential that the root causes that led to the violence and displacement in the first place be addressed in full. During the Council's visit, it was clear that there exists an urgent need for security, reconstruction and livelihood programmes that benefit all communities in Rakhine. The implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State must be stepped-up, in close cooperation with international and regional partners, including seriously addressing the issue of citizenship. Refugees told the Council that those who do decide to return voluntarily want to be able to do so to their place of origin. When conditions do allow for return, it is important to avoid setting up new internally displaced person camps or camp-like arrangements in Rakhine.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  35. First, we need to urgently respond to the needs of the refugees. We commend the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh and the communities hosting Rohingya refugees. As witnessed by the Council members, the immensity of the crisis means that they must have support to sustain the response needed. The upcoming monsoon rains will likely further exacerbate the difficult situation for the refugees. We encourage all States to continue and increase their support. Secondly, we need to ensure that the conditions for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns are created. It is clear that, for the process of returns to begin, conditions that allow for returns to be voluntary, secure and dignified, in line with international law and the principle of non-refoulment, must exist.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  36. There was appreciation for the open and generous reception that refugees received in Bangladesh. And, there was alarm at the scale of the crisis and the response necessary. Ensuring the full implementation of the Council's presidential statement of 6 November 2017 (S/PRST/2017/22) remains relevant and urgent. The Council's visit demonstrated our determination to make sure that happens. The appointment by the Secretary-General of Christine Schraner Burgener as his Special Envoy for Myanmar is another step in that regard. We would like to express our strong support for the Special Envoy and her work. The Council's visit serves to underline the need to remain seized of the situation and to increase our efforts to find a solution to the crisis. Several matters must now be urgently addressed.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  37. I would like to begin by thanking the co-leads for organizing this important and timely mission. Allow me to also thank the Governments of both Bangladesh and Myanmar for their cooperation, as well as the Secretariat and the United Nations country teams for their support. The Council's visit allowed members to see for themselves the massive refugee crisis sparked by the widespread violence that has taken place in Rakhine state since last August, to hear at first-hand from those who fled the violence, as well as those who have remained in Rakhine, and to assess the situation in Myanmar and the possibility for voluntary, safe and dignified returns. What the Council saw during its visit left an indelible mark. There was shock at the stories of the brutality suffered by the Rohingya.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8255 (2018) · source

  38. However, the EU integration process, including through the support of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, now provides the most appropriate framework to deal with remaining challenges. By continuing to work towards Kosovo's European perspective, with support from the EU and the international community, Kosovo's leaders can deliver on the expectations of their people for a better future.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source

  39. The future of both lies within the European Union, and the normalization of relations is vital for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Western Balkans. We call on Pristina and Belgrade to implement their commitments and to inject new impetus into the dialogue process. As we have stated before, the status issue must not hamper Kosovo's European perspective or membership in international organizations. Sweden welcomes the important work being undertaken on women and peace and security in Kosovo. That includes support to wartime survivors of conflict- related sexual and gender-based violence, and women's political participation. We reiterate the importance of the role of women in the normalization process. The United Nations and UNMIK have made invaluable contributions to help bring Kosovo to where it is today.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source

  40. Moving forward, it is now important to resume a dedicated reform agenda and to intensify the fight against corruption and organized crime. To that end, we encourage the Government and the opposition to engage in constructive dialogue to overcome political deadlocks and to enable the acceleration of necessary reforms. It is also crucial that Kosovo's political leadership continue to respect the rule of law and human rights. In that regard, we are concerned over the recent arrest and expulsion of Turkish nationals without customary court proceedings, and we are concerned about the slow pace ofprogress in the investigation of the murder of Oliver Ivanovic'. The continued deadlock in the normalization dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo must be overcome.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source

  41. Kosovo's European perspective was reconfirmed in the European Commission's strategy for a credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced European Union engagement with the Western Balkans, which was adopted in February. The EU-Western Balkans summit, which will take place later this week in Sofia, will offer another opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their political commitment to advancing these efforts. We welcome the progress made since our previous meeting (see S/PV.8176), in particular the ratification of the territorial delineation agreement with Montenegro by the Assembly of Kosovo, which represents an important breakthrough. We share the Secretary-General's assessment that the ratification is an indication of Kosovo's commitment to its humanitarian perspective.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source

  42. I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Zahir Tanin for his briefing today. I would also like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Daeie and Ambassador Citaku for their statements to the Security Council. As others European Union (EU) members of the Council have already stated, the situation in Kosovo calls for a substantial reduction in the frequency of the reporting cycle. We should also refocus the efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) so that the means deployed by the United Nations are better tailored to the situation on the ground. To that end, we look forward to the strategic review of the Mission.

    2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source

  43. We hope that they will shoulder that important responsibility. Today we have sent a clear signal that the Council's patience cannot last forever and that appropriate conclusions must be drawn in the case of an absence of progress. In that regard, we note that all possible solutions must be kept on the table, including the holding of a free and fair referendum.

    2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source

  44. We need to resolve one of the most long-standing disputes on the agenda of the United Nations and to address the plight of the people of Western Sahara once and for all. The vision of reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, now seems a little more within reach. Despite the shortcomings of the text, we believe that the resolution is a step in the right direction towards a resumed negotiation process. Without any doubt, much hard work remains, in particular for the parties, which will face tough choices ahead. In order to advance the political process, the parties need to renew their commitment in a spirit of realism and compromise. They now have a window of six months to resume negotiations without preconditions and in good faith.

    2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source

  45. The situation must be properly re-evaluated after six months, when the Security Council will again review the mandate of MINURSO. On procedure, as members know, we think that the Council is always stronger when it speaks with one voice. We seek unity not for the sake of unity but because our decisions will resonate more strongly. If the concerns of some delegations, which were of a relatively minor character, had been considered, we may well have reached consensus on the resolution. Over the past couple of weeks, we have witnessed an escalation of rhetoric and tensions on the ground. It is crucial that the parties show restraint and avoid taking provocative actions. We urge them to de-escalate and to redirect their attention towards advancing the political process.

    2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source

  46. Fifthly, the resolution encourages the parties to cooperate further with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It also highlights the plight of the Sahrawi refugees, the insufficient funding and the risks associated with the reduction of food assistance. The resolution urges the international community to provide more funding to that end. Finally, the resolution strongly encourages the enhanced cooperation of the parties with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, including visits to the region, as none have taken place since 2015. That having been said, there are new elements in the resolution with regard to actions taken by the parties that we find lack sufficient balance and do not fully reflect the developments on the ground.

    2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source

  47. We believe that the resolution signals that business as usual is no longer an option. Secondly, the resolution expresses its full support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which plays a key role in a challenging environment. It also supports the efforts of President Horst Kohler, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara. Since his appointment, he has impressed all of us with his dedication, knowledge and experience. Thirdly, the resolution makes clear that women and youth must be fully included in the political process and that they have a meaningful role to play. Fourth, the resolution calls on the neighbouring States to make important contributions to the political process and to increase their engagement in the negotiation process.

    2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source

  48. Sweden voted in favour ofresolution 2414 (2018), adopted today, because of our support for the Secretary-General's ambition to relaunch the United Nations-led political process and our firm belief that that must be our main priority. Indeed, the aim of reaching ajust, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, remains as valid as ever. It is now time to turn that vision into a reality. First, the resolution provides an opportunity to break the political deadlock that has plagued the question of Western Sahara for a decade. For many years, the Security Council has recognized that the status quo is not acceptable. However, there has been a lack of political will to move the political process forward.

    2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source

  49. At this critical time in the implementation of the Peace Agreement, the United Nations and Colombia's international partners must continue to lend their full support to the parties. Colombia's Peace Agreement represents the culmination of a historic process that has brought an end to more than 50 years of conflict and violence. It shows that even the most entrenched conflicts can be brought to an end through dialogue and diplomacy, setting an irreversible course for peace. By remaining committed to the Peace Agreement, the parties are keeping faith with the hopes and aspirations of the Colombian people for the future of their country. We must continue to do all we can to support them in that.

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source

  50. We call on the parties to ensure that protection efforts cover the specific challenges regarding the protection of women, including measures for enhanced prevention and responses to gender-based violence, as recommended in the Secretary-General's report. We welcome the resumption of talks between the Government and the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, and reiterate that the United Nations and the Security Council must stand ready to assist the parties in monitoring a renewed ceasefire. Sweden, as a member of the group of countries for support, accompaniment and cooperation at the negotiating table, will assist the process as much as it can. Colombia also demonstrates how a united Security Council can contribute to peace.

    2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source