YouSaid · the spoken record

Oyarzun Marchesi

lines on the record: 849
first: 2014-01-29
most recent: 2017-11-21
sittings or episodes: 139
sources: un-security-council

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“In conclusion, on behalf of the Spanish delegation, I would express our gratitude for the efforts and outstanding work of Mr. J an Kubis during all these years as head of UNAMA.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“We take this opportunity to convey our regret to Ambassador Tanin following the attack by the Taliban in the centre of Kabul two days ago. With regard to the economic situation, we are concerned about the deterioration noted in the performance ofthe Afghan economy. That perhaps goes hand in hand with the worsening security situation. However, we are sure that the ministerial conference, to be held in Tokyo, will yield results for the economic situation in Afghanistan. Finally, we believe that regional efforts are absolutely key. There are great expectations. In Spain's view, there is a hopeful future with the ministerial conference to be held in Tianjin, the People's Republic of China. We once again reiterate our support for the Government and people of Afghanistan, through Ambassador Tanin, who is present.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“My delegation fully endorses the statement made earlier by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union, but I wish to add a number of considerations on various issues with regard to, first, the elections and, secondly, aspects of the security, the economy and the regional and international dimensions. With regard to the elections, the men and women of Afghanistan recently demonstrated great courage on 5 April and 14 June. We are at a crucial point. It is clear that we must strengthen the political process. Only a renewed and strengthened leadership will be able to provide a hopeful future for the people of Afghanistan. Regarding the security situation, we note with concern the information outlined by Secretary-General in his report (S/2014/656), in particular the 24-per-cent increase in the number of civilian victims.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): The Security Council is meeting again to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The situation is slightly different than the one we considered three months ago (see S/PV.7208), as we can see from the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Spain is a friend of Afghanistan. The people and the Government of my country have demonstrated that all these years. Spain has responded throughout the 12 years with constant actions to the requests of Afghans. We stand by Afghanistan and will continue to do so.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“However, in the current political context, which has been well explored in today's meeting, Spain shares the Secretary-General's analysis in the sense that the timeline for a reconfiguration of the components of the Mission should take into account the political and security situation, and that it should have greater flexibility based on both short- and medium-term analysis of the situation. I would like to underscore the word flexibilitly. On the other hand, we believe that MINUSTAH's role will be fundamental in guaranteeing the normal development of a secure and transparent electoral process, as well as the establishment of a new Administration. Therefore, Spain welcomes the recommendation to extend the Mission's mandate by one more year, until October 2015, on the terms proposed by the Secretary-General.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“However, we need to do more. We need to work harder. We share the Secretary-General's suggestion, as put forth in his report, that there needs to be a greater commitment by the Haitian Government for an expansion of the Haitian police force. On the humanitarian front, I would like to acknowledge and greatly appreciates the efforts of MINUSTAH. We also commend the efforts carried out by the entire international community to effectively curb the tragic cholera epidemic. Spain supports the consideration under way for some time now by the Secretary-General on the future of MINUSTAH.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“While I align myself with the statement just made by the observer of the European Union, I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity with respect to a number of issues that concern the political, security and humanitarian situation. I will then add some thoughts on the future of MINUSTAH. Spain shares the concern with regard to the political situaution expressed by the Secretary-General in his report. The current political impasse in Haiti could jeopardize the elections planned for the end of this year. Spain therefore believes that the only possible option is a dialogue among the parties. With regard to the security situation, we note with satisfaction that there was progress between 2013 and 2014, due in no small part to institutional strengthening of the Haitian National Police and the role of MINUSTAH.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I thank the President for convening this debate. I would like to begin by thanking Ambassador Sandra Honore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her presentation of the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/617), as well as for her work as Head ofthe United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). In addition, I would like to acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations. Spain is a strong ally of Haiti, as evidenced by the fact that, simply put, Haiti is far and away the biggest recipient of Spain's official development assistance. I think that fact speaks for the warm feelings of sympathy and regard that the Spanish people feel for Haiti.”
2014-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7262 (2014) · source
“As a signatory to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict of 2000 and to the Paris Commitments, Spain has always ensured that its troops deployed in both countries receive appropriate training on the matter. To conclude, the fight against impunity continues to be a key and crucial element. I would like to reiterate that the primary guarantors of children's safety and well-being in conflict are Member States themselves, who have the obligation and responsibility to protect their own citizens, prosecute perpetrators and care for victims.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“Recent armed conflicts have demonstrated the devastating effect of conflict on children. The attacks on schools and hospitals, the images of children killed or maimed as a result of attacks against civilian targets and the continued use of explosive devices in populated areas are tragic events that we must put a stop to. Accordingly, Spain calls on all parties to conflict to fully comply with the provisions ofresolution 2143 (2014) and to cease attacks on schools and desist from their indiscriminate use for military purposes. Out of the 3 million refugees from the crisis in Syria, over 1 million are children. I believe that proves a point. Spain is currently active in two crises that have particularly relevant implications for children in armed conflict: the Central African Republic and Mali.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“Spain agrees with and supports all the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report. In particular, we share the view that the protection of the children must be mainstreamed from the beginning in every action undertaken by the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is crucial that that be duly reflected in the mandates and that we take the necessary measures to provide appropriate training to peacekeeping operations for the protection of children. Among the positive elements, we would also welcome the actions undertaken by regional and subregional organizations in this area. We believe it is important to highlight the work that such organizations do on the ground. However, we must not deceive ourselves. There are still negative elements.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“We therefore wholeheartedly support the incredibly important and interesting Children, Not Soldiers campaign initiated by the representative of Luxembourg. We are supporting it with a substantial financial contribution. Without neglecting the importance that should be placed on the work done with armed groups, it is crucial that we not forget the growing prominence of non-State armed groups, and the campaign's objective therefore seems accurate and realistic. There are positive and negative elements to the current situation. In terms of positive elements, we note with satisfaction that public statements have been made by the leaders of certain armed groups, who have issued orders prohibiting the recruitment of children. We believe that shows that the approach we have adopted is the right one.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): As the text of my statement will be distributed, I will deliver a summary of it, highlighting the most salient points. First, I would like to express Spain's gratitude for the organization of this debate. Secondly, I would like to say that Spain fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and that we thank the Secretary- General for his annual report (S/2014/339) and the Special Representative for the magnificent job she has done. I believe we all know that Spain attaches great importance to the efforts of the international community to put an end to the scourge of the violations of children's rights in armed conflicts.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“It is important for us to continue to promote the excellent principle of the responsibility to protect, in particular in its second pillar, namely, the commitment to provide assistance to countries in order to enable them to effectively prevent atrocities. To conclude, I wish to express my delegation's gratitude to you, Sir, for organizing this debate, and above all for today's adoption of resolution 2171 (2014), which represents a good step in the right direction.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“And, thirdly, there needs to be coherence, coordination and complementarity among the concerned actors. The second instrument in which Spain has invested considerable political and financial capital is peacekeeping. Peacekeeping operations and special political missions play a fundamental and invaluable role. I cannot fail to mention the important role played also by the Peacekeeping Commission, in which Spain actively participates, as well as the various regional entities. As several delegations have observed, we fully support better and more fluid interaction between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council. Finally, several delegations have also mentioned the responsibility to protect.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“We are committed to preventive diplomacy and mediation as tools for the prevention and resolution of conflicts and peacebuilding. We are therefore a founding member ofthe Group of Friends of Mediation, and we contribute to the Mediation Support Unit of the Department of Political Affairs. In addition, along with our friends from Morocco, we have launched an initiative for mediation in the Mediterranean that we are currently in the process of developing further. As the Secretary-General has observed in his reports, in order for mediation efforts to succeed, three conditions must be met. First, mediation must be based on a profound understanding of the local context. It is important to listen closely and with sensitivity to the local players. Secondly, there needs to be a spirit of local ownership; imposed mediation rarely works.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“As some speakers preceding the Spanish delegation have said, we need to utilize all the tools available in the Charter of the United Nations to contribute towards the effective prevention of conflicts. Among such instruments, I would like to mention such important ones as commissions of inquiry and sanctions, which can also play an important role in prevention. Spain has placed mediation at the heart of its foreign policy. It is crucial, in our view, to devote special attention to the root and structural causes of conflicts and to their risk factors in order to work towards their prevention and to ensure the sustainability of the solutions achieved. For that reason, I am going to focus on the tools in which my delegation has invested considerable political and financial capital, namely, mediation and peacebuilding.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to thank the United Kingdom for organizing this open debate. I would also like to endorse the statement made by the observer of the European Union. To save time, I would like to briefly summarize my statement, which will be circulated in writing to delegations when I finish. As a preliminary comment, I would like to say that it is necessary to move firmly from a reactive culture to a culture of prevention. Prevention should occupy a central role in the efforts of the United Nations, and the Security Council has a fundamental responsibility in the area of conflict prevention.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“Bangura and by the Ambassador of Malaysia. Ms. Bangura said this morning that we need to move from resolution to solution. I think we have a sufficiently broad normative corpus of resolutions and decisions that enable us, legally speaking, to address this very tragic phenomenon. The Ambassador of Malaysia said something that I wholeheartedly endorse, to the effect that we must have zero tolerance for sexual violence in conflict, which, I repeat, is one of the most heinous and tragic violations of human rights.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“Secondly, in post-conflict situations, which are perhaps the most serious and most traumatic of situations, we need to incorporate a specific provision for care for victims. Thirdly, we must never forget the victims themselves, whose situation is truly tragic and alarming. Fourthly, we must keep in mind in particular victims from vulnerable sectors, such as indigenous groups or the disabled. Fifthly, it is important to ensure appropriate training for armed forces because they can play a definitive role in conflict and post-conflict situations. Lastly, we need to combat helplessness. I have two positive concluding remarks to make. First, we have made progress and have certainly done so because of the work of Ms. Bangura's Office. Secondly, we must duly exploit the current momentum. I should also like to comment on remarks made by Ms.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“We believe that if we are to effectively combat conflict-related sexual violence, we need the cooperation of regional and subregional organizations. Therefore, we particularly welcome the appointment by the African Union of Ms. Bineta Diop to help in addressing conflict-related sexual violence. Spain has also cooperated with the African Union in such difficult areas as providing gender advisers in Guinea Bissau, Mali and Somalia. The Secretary-General's report (S/2014/181) is magnificent and lengthy. We have read it extremely carefully. I should like to emphasize six elements that I believe to be of vital importance. First is the importance of prevention, as we all know.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): 1 thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this debate, and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Bangura, for her important contributions. Spain fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. The full version of my statement will be circulated in the Chamber, but I should like to share what I believe to be its most vital elements. Conflict-related sexual violence is a violation of human rights and possibly one of the most abhorrent. My country therefore firmly supports the idea of an optional protocol that would help to mitigate and document violations of human rights.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“In conclusion, Spain places great importance on the efforts of the international community and of the United Nations to put an end to this scourge, which is a violation of the rights of children in armed conflicts.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Also when it comes to prevention, a few days ago I had the honour to present at the United Nations an outstanding short film, which was coincidentally a Spanish one, entitled That Wasn't Me. The film tells the story ofthe tragedy that is the use ofa child in an armed conflict. As someone said, the film has the great merit oftelling a story that could in fact be true, earning it an Oscar nomination at the Hollywood Academy Awards. Turning to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/245), my delegation notes with some concern that only four of the 11 groups listed in the reports in the past 10 years have signed action plans to put an end to violations. It goes without saying that the delegation of Spain firmly supports the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report as to the measures to be taken in the Security Council.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Only through the general involvement of all the funds and programmes in all of the main and subsidiary bodies of the United Nations will we be able to achieve our goals effectively. The third idea is prevention. In that regard, I share the idea brought up by the Ambassador of Brazil that the best way to prevent the use ofchildren in armed conflicts is by preventing the conflicts themselves. But for lack of this, an absolutely essential element is awareness. Let me recall the event organized by the Mission of Luxembourg yesterday when its wonderful campaign to fight against the use of children under the motto "Children, not soldiers" was launched. I am proud to repeat once again that Spain has enthusiasticallyjoined the campaign and we have announced a contribution of â‚¬30,000 to that end.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“It should be recognized that the fundamental right of a child to education and the use of a child as a weapon of war are at opposite ends ofthe spectrum. We must not allow this to happen. It is perhaps worthwhile exploring the idea of having markings for schools so that they would not be subject to attack in armed conflicts. The second idea I wanted to bring up was the cross- cutting issue. The use of children in armed conflicts is so serious that we need a cross-cutting focus in the entire United Nations system. It is not an action that falls solely to the Security Council and its Sanctions Committees. Quite the opposite, thas perspective must be incorporated into the funds and programmes of the United Nations. It is also the responsibility of the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The first has to do with the use of schools in armed conflicts; the second with the need to adopt a completely cross- cutting focus on fighting this scourge, which is the use of children in armed conflicts; the third is the need to reinforce and redouble efforts at prevention; and I will conclude with the views of Spain on this issue. First, with regard to schools, although progress has been made, it is still true that recent events have demonstrated that schools continue to be used in armed conflicts as real powder kegs. Proof of this is that more than 500 attacks on schools have taken place over the past year. The use of schools for military ends is clearly documented in current conflicts, as was just mentioned by the Ambassador of Brazil.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin, Mr. President, by cordially commending you on organizing this debate and on the excellent chairmanship of Luxembourg of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. I also wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General. I align myself fully with the statement of the European Union. We also have circulated the written text of the statement by the delegation of Spain, so I will try to extract the three or four most basic ideas.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We have organized seminars, courses and workshops devoted to the justice sector in several Latin American countries and also worked in the Arab world, where, since 2010, Spain has promoted the "Masar" programme focused on promoting democratic governance in the Arab world. Spain has broad experience in cooperation with other countries and participates extensively in peacekeeping operations. Such experience demonstrates to the Spanish people that strengthening the rule of law is an essential pillar of conflict prevention and ensuring durable peace.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“There must also be adequate planning for all actions. To that end, we must always adopt a gradual approach that includes flexibility. It is also necessary to ensure that United Nations missions receive adequate and predictable resources. In that context I wish to highlight two issues. Predictability necessitates knowing at a given time how to tackle new situations, which will continue to arise. On the other hand, within the context of the United Nations system, the relationship between the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and United Nations missions in post-conflict situations must be strengthened. I will conclude by mentioning Spain. My country has placed the rule of law at the very core of its foreign policy. We have supported capacity-building in the justice and security sectors and established training programmes on many diverse topics.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“In countries that have recently experienced a conflict, moreover, the role of transitional justice is particularly important. Transitional justice should be aimed at the prosecution of serious crimes and human rights violations perpetrated during the conflict. In the process of strengthening the rule of law, women should occupy a central place. There are many measures, but I will mention only one: women should be given a relevant role in the decision-making process. At the United Nations, we talk a great deal about ownership. National ownership is absolutely key to success. We therefore fully share the position expressed in the excellent concept note prepared by the Lithuanian presidency (S/2014/75, annex). National actors must build institutions and make them their own. No one likes to have institutions imposed from outside.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his presence this morning and the Lithuanian presidency for having organized this debate. Spain fully associates itself with the statement made this morning by the observer of the European Union. I will distribute in the Chamber the full version of my statement. However, given the long list of speakers, I will extract the paragraphs and statements that, in my opinion, are the most interesting. The strengthening of the rule of law is absolutely key in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. The international community should assist and support those countries in conflict and post-conflict situations. Spain believes that the strengthening of the rule of law should be an essential component of mandates of United Nations missions.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“It has taught us that we must place the protection of civilians at the centre of our efforts in matters of peace and security and make concerted progress on mechanisms and concrete actions for the effective implementation of such protection. Rest assured that my country will continue to actively participate in all efforts of the international community to improve the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In that context, I would highlight that Spain warmly welcomed the adoption of resolution 2106 (2013), which underscores the importance of training regarding gender-based violence and the deployment of protection advisers. In our opinion, another important element of this debate is mediation and preventive diplomacy. Spain is an active member of the Group of Friends of Mediation, with an important mediation initiative in the Mediterranean region on which we would like to collaborate with the Council. In conclusion, Spain's experience in the protection of civilians is based on our country's extensive participation in peacekeeping operations.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“1 also take this opportunity to call upon all parties to conflict to end attacks directly targeting humanitarian personnel. My country fully supports the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/689). Nevertheless, I wish to highlight two - first, the importance of unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance. That is essential in ensuring adequate protection for civilians. The second is the need for genuine accountability. That is one of the true pillars of an effective legal system, and the only way to effectively fight against impunity. Appropriate training for armed forces is another fundamental aspect in the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In today's debate, my delegation would like to call attention to three very special situations concerning the protection of civilians: first, the use of cluster bombs and explosives in urban centres; secondly, the severe impact of conflicts on the elderly, women and persons with disabilities, but especially children; and, thirdly, attacks against medical facilities and personnel and humanitarian personnel. That brings me to the situation in Syria, which I cannot fail to mention. I share much of what has been said today in the Chamber about the conflict in Syria, particularly when it comes to the Council assuming its responsibility and taking the measures necessary to ensure that presidential statement S/PRST/2013/15, of 2 October 2013, is truly implemented.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In addition, we must be fully aware of people's expectations occasioned by peacekeeping mandates. In that context, I cannot fail to recall here in the Chamber the situation taking place in South Sudan. Moreover, we should decisively reinvigorate and strengthen the follow-up and assessment mechanisms of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. It is crucial that we glean the lessons learned so that future operations can be more effective.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“We welcome the adoption, this morning, of presidential statement S/PRST/2014/3. The Spanish delegation fully associates itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union. The President's excellent concept note (S/2014/74, annex) calls on us to clearly focus in this debate on the implementation of protection-of-civilians mandates, and that is what I shall do. In the view of the delegation of Spain, it is crucial to have clear and achievable mandates in order subsequently to carry out an objective analysis of the situation on the ground. My delegation believes that peacekeeping operations must have sufficient and adequate resources, bearing in mind that such resources may often have to be adapted in the face of unforeseen situations.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Given the hour, I shall make a brief statement. My complete statement will be circulated in the Chamber and posted on the website of the Spanish Mission. I would like to begin my statement by congratulating you, Madam President, on your presidency of the Security Council, which you assumed just one month after becoming a member of the Council. I also commend the focus you have chosen for your presidency in choosing the issues of the relationship between the Council and regional bodies, the rule of law and the protection of civilians. Indeed, today's debate on the protection of civilians is good proof of that. My delegation believes that protection of civilians should be integrated in the Council's agenda, as today's debate clearly demonstrates.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“We must keep and honour the memory of the victims, because it is just and necessary to dignify our condition as human beings and because reconciliation, which is a higher state than the mere absence of hostilities, must truly be rooted in truth and justice.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Spain fervently hopes that the current negotiations will result in an agreement that will lay the definitive foundation for a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, two neighbouring and democratic States, with secure borders. The world needs that good news, for which we cannot wait any longer. To conclude, Mr. President, I would like to refer briefly to the problem of the "narrative" that you mention in your concept paper. I do that so as to affirm categorically the moral superiority of victims over victimizers. That assertion has universal validity - in extermination camps in Lidice, in Oradour, in Rwanda, in Srebenica - or just to give one national example, in the streets of Andoain and Guipuzcoa in Spain.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“The responsibility to act against it befalls all of us, but in particular, the Organization and, within it, the Security Council, in accordance with the powers entrusted to it by the Charter. Spain supports all efforts by the Council, the General Assembly and the Secretary-General aimed at resolving conflicts that threaten international peace and security and which have cost the lives ofhundreds ofthousands of innocent victims in Syria, Darfur, South Sudan, Somalia, Mali, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to mention just a few of the most horrifying examples. On that point, I would like to appeal, loud and clear, for peace in the Middle East.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“The League of Nations was a praiseworthy attempt that failed, given that the period between the wars was marked by episodes that demonstrated its flaws. Another, even more devastating war was necessary, the Second World War, in order for Europe, with the contribution of a generation of extraordinary politicians, full of courage and vision, to lay the groundwork for a process leading to an economic and political union that has replaced armed conflict with cooperation and brute force with negotiation and compromise, as the representative of Germany just said. Nor has the era of the United Nations been free of the scourge of war. Quite the opposite a the list of conflicts and atrocities is a long and in many cases, dreadful one. Since "nothing human can be alien to us", the international community cannot remain insensitive to brutality.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“The year 2014 marks the centennary of the First World War, otherwise known as the Great War or Great European War, caused by the rivalry among the European Powers, of which the main theatre of operations was the Old World. It was a terrible conflict, which put a tragic end to that "world of yesterday" that Stefan Zweig recalled with a serene and painful clarity. The conflict troubles our conscience, both because of its destructive effects and because of the feeling that it could have been prevented or at least mitigated, if a will to reach a peaceful solution had prevailed over the ambition to impose a hegemonic vision. The horrors of that war were, however, not sufficient to vaccinate us once and for all against the use of weapons as a way of resolving conflicts.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“War, contrary to a well-known adage, has never by definition been beautiful. But in the course of time, and as a result of technological advances, it can be asserted that war has become radically perverse. It would not be possible today for Velazquez, the great Spanish painter of the sixteenth century, to reflect on canvas an image like The Surrender of Breda, distinguished by the chivalrous gesture between the contenders at the end of the battle. Contemporary wars have assumed the cruel appearance of Goya's Black Paintings or of Picasso's Guernica mural, depicted on the tapestry that hangs outside this Chamber. Humankind must banish war for all time in this world plagued by challenges.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Spain has been a protagonist in wars of religion, defensive wars, wars of intervention, wars of national survival, dynastic wars, civil wars and ideological wars. Spain has also suffered the pitiless scourge of terrorism. We have waged international wars, and we have shed blood in internal conflicts. By our historical experience we could be considered an authority on the matter. Distinguished thinkers of our Golden Age - such as Francisco de Vitoria, Francisco Suarez or Domingo de Soto - bequeathed important texts on the moral problem of war, its lawfulness and the limits of its practice. The development of the concepts of ins ad bellam and ius in bello, which in the twentieth century have been incorporated into international law, is to a large extent indebted to their contributions.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“The contributions that may result from this debate, as modest as they may be, must clearly demonstrate that the Members of the United Nations and its Security Council are aware that our fundamental obligation is to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and that we are determined to take action to make a reality of the proclamation of those intentions in the Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations. We are called on to make a commitment that we cannot postpone any further in a world in which weapons of mass destruction hang dangerously like the Sword of Damocles over our heads. I have the honour to speak on behalf of an ancient nation with a rich history of high points and low.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“War and Peace, the title of Tolstoy's universal novel, outlines the history of humankind without offering a solution to its cyclical continuation. Seeing the world as a whole, one must admit that peace has had difficulty enduring unbroken in human history, despite the enormous intellectual efforts of illustrious minds such as ofEmmanuel Kant. Ithas instead appeared in ephemeral intervals between armed conflicts. At most, peace attains to the imperfect quality of a truce. This perpetual motion marked by discord, in which relations between human groups are characterized by ambition to power, makes sense of the definition of war by Carl von Clausewitz as a continuation of politics by other means. Our duty is to rebel against that tendency.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Mr. Oyarzun Marchesi (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on Jordan's election as a member of the Security Council and on the way you have conducted the work of this body this month. You are aware of the profound esteem and consideration that the Spanish people have for the Jordanian people and of the fraternal relations that exist between our royal families. It will therefore not be a surprise that it is a great pleasure to participate in this open debate under Jordan's presidency. I would also like to express our thanks for the concept note (S/2014/30, annex). The topic under consideration - the lessons we can and I dare say that we should derive from war and the search for a permanent peace - is one of profound importance.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source