YouSaid · the spoken record

Pecsteen De Buytswerve

lines on the record: 949
first: 2016-08-23
most recent: 2020-07-28
sittings or episodes: 176
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

“Therefore, while referring to paragraph 2 of resolution 2231 (2015), I call on all Member States, regional organizations and international organizations to take such actions as may be appropriate to support the implementation of the JCPOA, including by refraining from actions that undermine the implementation of commitments under JCPOA.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“The procurement channel is definitely at the heart of the Plan of Action mechanism: it ensures that the transfers approved through it comply with the provisions of the resolution. In conclusion, I join with the other bodies responsible for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), the Secretary-General and the Joint Commission in strongly regretting the deterioration of the current context, which affects compliance with resolution 2231 (2015) and the Plan ofAction. Questions of international peace and security require collective responses, which is the raison d'etre of the Security Council. The Plan of Action and resolution 2231 (2015) constitute one of those responses and enjoy very broad support within the international community.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“The exchange of correspondence also included the latest developments with respect to compliance with the entire Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and resolution 2231 (2015). I note the concerns expressed following the strengthening of the economic sanctions imposed by the United States since its withdrawal from the Plan, and, more recently, the end of some exemptions for non-proliferation nuclear projects, which affects compliance with resolution 2231 (2015). I also note concerns expressed on the recent announcements by Iran on its non-compliance with some of its commitments. Lastly, I take note of the concern expressed by some Member States, as well as by the Joint Commission in its report, on the impact of the sanctions reimposed by the United States on the work of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“The points of disagreement with respect to the restrictive measures set out in annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) stand out upon examination. First, with regard to Iran's activities related to missiles and space launchers, as referred to in the report of the Secretary-General, I note the various letters sent by several Member States describing those activities as inconsistent with annex B and Iran's counter- arguments based on a different reading of paragraph 3 of that annex. The differences in the interpretation of paragraph 3 constitute a major and recurring point of contention. Other letters focused on possible Iranian arms transfers in the region, which are another source of disagreement.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“In its most recent report, the Agency certifies, for the fifteenth time, that Iran is in compliance with its nuclear commitments under the Plan of Action. I wish to underline the central role - impartial, factual and professional - played by the Agency in the implementation of the Plan. Let us be realistic: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is at a crossroads, and my role as an honest broker is not to look away from that reality but, rather to identify, with full impartiality, the points of disagreement so that the parties can find an agreed solution. The various letters circulated within the 2231 format reflect the state of deliberations among the parties. The communications are listed and summarized in my report, including the responses received from the Permanent Mission of Iran.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“First, I would like to recall the two meetings of the Council in the 2231 format during the reporting period. On 3 April 2019, the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission came to make a presentation on the procurement channel. On 24 June, the Security Council discussed the findings and recommendations contained in the seventh report of the Secretary-General, prior to its public release. Secondly, in my role as Facilitator, I also held several bilateral consultations with Member States and their representatives, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to discuss issues related to the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Thirdly, there are also references in my report to the two reports issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency during the reporting period, in February and May 2019.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“That is not an easy task: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action currently faces many challenges. I will come back to that point. I now turn to the seventh report of the Facilitator (see S/2019/514), which was approved by all members of the Security Council after a comments period and a no-objection procedure. The report informs the Council about the activities carried out and the status of the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) between 12 December 2018 and 15 June 2019, in conjunction with the reports of the Secretary-General (S/2019/492) and the Joint Commission (see S/2019/488). As the text is rather technical in nature, I will not review all the elements that make it up. My report is at Council members' disposal for reference and full information. However, allow me to mention the following three points.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“Since its entry into force to this day, it has guaranteed the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. It is therefore an honour for me to have taken on the role of Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) in January. In carrying out this task, I have been able to rely, first of all, on the excellent work done by my colleague of the Netherlands, my predecessor as Facilitator, as well as on the unwavering support of the Secretariat. To them, I offer my thanks. During this mandate, my ambition is to support and improve the implementation of the resolution on behalf of the Security Council by following the three guidelines inherited from my predecessor: facilitation of dialogue between the parties, transparency in our work and support for trade through the procurement channel.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“I am speaking here in my capacity as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). That resolution, adopted in July 2015, endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which entered into force in January 2016. The Plan of Action is the result of the diplomatic efforts of China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it represents a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. As the Secretary-General recalls in his report (S/20l9/492), the Plan of Action is a major achievement in nuclear non-proliferation and in dialogue and diplomacy. It is a cornerstone of multilateralism, peace and international security.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“Political prisoners and prisoners of war must be released without delay. It is also unacceptable that the whereabouts of two staff members of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) has remained unknown since their arrest in 2014: the South Sudanese authorities should immediately inform UNMISS about their condition and location. Conflict is the main factor driving the humanitarian crisis and violence in South Sudan, a crisis that is completely man-made. Any delay in the implementation of the agreement will prolong the suffering of the people of South Sudan. The steps that are needed have been identified; it is now up to the parties to take them.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8560 (2019) · source
“The protection of civilians remains critical. Although political violence has decreased, there has been an increase in intercommunal violence in recent months. Human rights abuses continue. There can be no lasting solution to the conflict in South Sudan without addressing those abuses urgently and effectively. We call for an end to the culture of impunity. We call on the Government to assume its responsibility to protect civilians, thoroughly investigate all cases of sexual violence and other abuses and bring those responsible for those crimes to justice. We call for the establishment of transitional justice mechanisms, including the hybrid court, to combat impunity. Restrictions on the freedom of expression are unacceptable. A country can flourish only with a diverse and active civil society and free media.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8560 (2019) · source
“That is worrisome - the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan presents the window of opportunity to instil lasting peace in the country. We encourage all actors to spare no effort to achieve real progress on key issues in the implementation of the agreement. The parties must put in place security arrangements, finalize the determination of internal boundaries, create an implementation road map, organize face-to- face meetings of key political leaders and release the implementation funds announced by the Government. Non-signatory parties must sign the agreement. We support the Secretary-General's call for the parties to refrain from mutual recrimination and inflammatory rhetoric. The firm commitment of the States of the region is essential to ensuring the implementation of the agreement.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8560 (2019) · source
“We can only imagine the intolerable suffering of the people of South Sudan, and it must spur real action from the leaders of South Sudan. Just before 12 May, what was to be the end of the eight-month pre-transition period, the South Sudanese parties unanimously agreed to a six-month extension to allow for the implementation of the essential pre-transition conditions. The region and the international community supported that decision, but time is passing, no progress has been made and there is a real risk of compromising the gains that have been made. Unless there is significant political investment from the parties and the region, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, to accelerate preparations for the transition period, the new deadline could be missed.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8560 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. David Shearer for his briefing and for his outstanding work under difficult conditions. I also thank Mr. Andrew Gilmour and Ms. Lydia Minagano for their briefings. On 9 July it will have been eight years since South Sudan became independent. Five of those years have been marked by the effects of civil war. The conflict has claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 people. One in three people have been forced to leave their homes. One in two face acute food insecurity, or worse. It is expected that about 860,000 children under the age of 5 will suffer from severe malnutrition in 2019. Women and girls are the most affected by violence, including degrading and barbaric sexual violence. No one is spared, neither women in their 80s nor 2-year-old girls.”
2019-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8560 (2019) · source
“On the political front, only lifting the blockade and fully opening the crossing points, while keeping Israel's legitimate security concerns in mind, can constitute an appropriate solution. Restoring that territory to the control of the Palestinian Authority is also key. We reiterate our call to all the parties to engage constructively in intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Lastly, we reiterate our request to be provided with a written report as part of this briefing, in accordance with the usual practice ofthe Council, based on the note by the President contained in document S/2017/507, at least twice a year. In conclusion, Belgium calls on all parties to the conflict to work towards a solution in accordance with international law, with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace and a stable regional environment.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source
“We want to remind the parties of the obligation to respect international law, which applies to all, and of Israel's responsibility, as the occupying Power, to ensure the protection of Palestinians in Hebron, Jerusalem and all of the occupied territories. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza is also damaging the prospects for a lasting and stable peace. We would like to remind the parties of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of proportionality and distinction, and to ensure the protection of civilians. If the trends in Gaza are to be reversed, it will be crucial to invest in both the humanitarian and political arenas. We urge all the parties to ensure free access to humanitarian actors.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source
“The recent publication of several requests for offers of tender to enable more than 800 housing units to be built in settlements in East Jerusalem is a new example of that policy, and Belgium firmly denounces and condemns such developments. In that context, we are also extremely concerned about the increase in tensions and violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Any resort to violence, regardless of who commits it, is unacceptable, and impunity must not prevail. Belgium appeals to the parties to avoid any kind of provocation. We are particularly concerned about the deteriorating situation in Hebron and East Jerusalem, including in the Old City.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source
“The Palestinian economy cannot fully take off until the occupation ends and Palestinians have free access to their land and resources, freedom of movement and access throughout their territory and the ability to integrate into a regional market. The continuing settlement policy is a flagrant violation of international law and the Council's resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016). Settlement activity, which is accompanied by expropriations, demolitions and people's displacement, undermines respect for Palestinians' basic rights. It also fundamentally compromises the two-State solution that we support, and it will soon be irrevocable.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source
“The goal that the international community must work towards is unquestionably the coexistence of two States, with the city of Jerusalem as the future capital of both, in accordance with the internationally agreed parameters. In Belgium's View, that is the only way to provide the necessary response to the Israelis' desire to live in security in a State that is recognized by all and the Palestinians' legitimate aspirations for a sovereign, democratic and viable State. That possibility can be supported by economic measures, and here I want to remind the Council that the European Union is the world's largest donor to the Palestinian people. But economic measures cannot replace a political solution.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank the Special Coordinator, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, for his detailed briefing and for his and his team's tireless efforts. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is becoming bogged down, the situation on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to deteriorate, and we are seeing evidence that this conflict, the subject of many Security Council resolutions, will have a positive outcome only if we ensure that those same resolutions and international law are respected following a negotiated process between the parties. A peace can be comprehensive, just and lasting only if it meets the legitimate aspirations of each of the parties to achieve their national destiny in peace and security, within a stabilized region.”
2019-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8557 (2019) · source
“It is our duty to do our all to ensure that when the Prosecutor's next report is presented in six months, significant progress will have been made andjustice can at last be delivered to them.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“The ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, in particular sexual and gender- based violence, in the region are unacceptable. In the current context, the Security Council's support for the Court, which remains competent to prosecute all the most serious crimes committed in Darfur since 1 July 2002, is therefore paramount. The fight against impunity is rightly at the heart of the aspirations of the Sudanese people. Indeed, it is clear that justice will be an indispensable part of any lasting solution to achieve peace in Darfur, as in the rest of the Sudan. Even today, victims of crimes committed in Darfur are attending this briefing with the Prosecutor from the public area of the Chamber. Let us not disappoint them.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Hussein, were also arrested on 11 April. As the Office of the Prosecutor rightly points out in her report, the principle of complementarity - the cornerstone of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC - entails that suspects could perfectly well be prosecuted in the Sudan, provided that the principles set out in the Statute are upheld. In such circumstances, Belgium strongly encourages the Sudanese authorities to set an example by respecting their international obligations and responding positively to the Prosecutor's invitation to engage in a dialogue to ensure that persons subject to an arrest warrant are brought to justice, either before the ICC or in the Sudan. For Belgium, the situation in Darfur cannot be isolated from the situation in the rest of the Sudan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“The legal framework underpinning the cooperation that the Court must receive from the Sudanese authorities is very clear. As the Prosecutor recalled, in its judgment of 6 May the ICC Appeals Chamber unequivocally confirmed that the Sudan is required, in accordance with resolution 1593 (2005), to cooperate fully with the Court and the Prosecutor. It is therefore the responsibility of the Sudanese authorities, now and in the future, to carry out the arrest warrants issued by the ICC against persons wanted in connection with the situation in Darfur. However, that situation is unprecedented. For the first time since the issuance of the various arrest warrants, several of the suspects are now in detention. In addition to Mr. Al-Bashir, it appears that two of the four other suspects wanted by the Court, Mr. Harun and Mr.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Last December, despite the significant progress made in the investigation, the situation, as presented by the Prosecutor to the Council, remained unchanged from that with which we had been familiar for several years. Due to the lack of cooperation of States, including the Sudan, none of the five suspects in the situation in Darfur had been arrested or surrendered to the Court. Following developments in the Sudan in recent months, the transitional Government has an opportunity to finally bring justice to the victims. The political transition process, which began following the arrest of former President Al-Bashir on 11 April, makes it possible to envisage a new chapter in the history of relations between the International Criminal Court and the Sudan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda for her report presented to the Council and the exceptionally informative briefing that she just delivered. In 2005, following the report of the International Commission of Inquiry on violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in Darfur (see S/2005/60), the Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, adopted the historic resolution 1593 (2005) by referring a situation for the first time to the International Criminal Court (ICC). In doing so, the Council sent a strong message not only to the victims ofthose horrible crimes, but also to their perpetrators, to whom it must be clear that they will not escape justice, wherever they may be.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8554 (2019) · source
“Finally, we would like to urge all parties to the armed conflict to respect their obligations and commitments under international human rights law and extend to the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen, established by the Human Rights Council, their full cooperation and all the access necessary to make an effective and independent investigation possible.”
2019-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8551 (2019) · source
“As Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, we convened a meeting of the Working Group last Friday in the presence of the Deputy Permanent Representative of Yemen, during which Mrs. Gamba de Potgieter, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, introduced the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Yemen. On the basis of the report, we will now facilitate negotiations on the conclusions of the Working Group. We reiterate our request to Special Envoy Griffiths to include measures for the protection of children in any peace process.”
2019-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8551 (2019) · source
“Efforts are needed to improve the humanitarian situation, which, as we heard this morning, remains catastrophic. We commend humanitarian agencies for their outstanding work despite the difficulties. It is essential that all parties facilitate access to humanitarian assistance and respect international humanitarian law. In particular, we strongly condemn any misuse of assistance, which must be provided to those who need it. What Executive Director Beasley just described is unacceptable. We also heard the call of Under-Secretary-General Lowcock to disburse as soon as possible the pledges made at the pledging conference held last February in Geneva. Belgium's contribution has been disbursed in full. We call on other contributors to do the same. Children are the main victims of this conflict.”
2019-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8551 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we reiterate our full support for the efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths. Violence in the rest of the country continues and is increasing distrust among the parties. The violence also has an impact on access to humanitarian aid. We call on all parties to exercise restraint. In addition, we condemn the continued targeting of civilians in this devastating war, including the recent attack on Abha International Airport, in the Houthi-claimed Asir province of Saudi Arabia. Belgium is deeply concerned by the increasing tensions in the region. We emphasize that the path of dialogue is the only one likely to lead to lasting peace and security in the region. Belgium believes that the United Nations has a role to play in supporting such a dialogue.”
2019-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8551 (2019) · source
“In addition, we continue to call on all parties to implement the Stockholm Agreement in its entirety, including the prisoner-exchange agreement and the memorandum of understanding on Taiz. Although we are seeing just the beginning of the implementation of the Al-Hudaydah agreement, Belgium encourages the Special Envoy to continue to prepare for the next steps in the political process. We stress the importance of an inclusive process in which women and youth participate meaningfully, thereby reflecting the ethnic, geographical and political diversity of the people of Yemen. The Al-Hudaydah agreement is of particular importance to the humanitarian situation, but of course the resolution of the conflict requires a durable and inclusive political solution.”
2019-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8551 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen; Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Mr. David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, for their briefings. As mentioned in last week's Security Council press statement (SC/13834), we take positive note that the redeployment of Houthi troops from the ports of Al-Hudaydah, Saleef and Ras Isa has begun, and we call on the Houthis to dismantle all military structures at the ports. In addition, we call on all parties to fully implement the withdrawal agreement, respect the ceasefire in full and resolve outstanding points of contention, including the issue of local security forces.”
2019-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8551 (2019) · source
“In parallel, the United Nations and the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi must continue to support the efforts of the subregion and the region. The United Nations remains a partner of Burundi and must make every effort to help it to solve its political and socioeconomic difficulties, which must involve full cooperation and mutual respect. Belgium commends the continued commitment and substantial work undertaken by the Mr. Kafando, Special Envoy for Burundi. His mandate is absolutely essential to direct and coordinate the political support of the United Nations. We are now awaiting the proposals of the Secretary-General regarding the possible roles of the United Nations in Burundi, after consulting key partners. In the meantime, the Council must continue to contribute to this discussion.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“We are confident that Uganda will be able to take over the recommendations of former facilitator President Mkapa, with a view to bringing them to fruition. We welcome the commitment of the Kenyan and Tanzanian Presidents. In addition, the regional repercussions of the situation in Burundi, as reported by the Group of Experts, further highlight the need for high-level regional engagement. The African Union continues to play an important role in this matter. We believe that in terms of mediation, the activities of the African Union as well as the guarantors of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi could complement and strengthen the initiatives currently being undertaken by the East African Community.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“If these conditions are met, I think it is important to reflect on the support we can provide throughout this process, both at the bilateral level and at the level of the United Nations system. In that context, Belgium welcomes the adoption of a new electoral code with wider political support, as well as the recent announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission that it will invite international and regional observers to attend the 2020 electoral process. Belgium is convinced that as the 2020 elections approach, an opportunity is arising to find a lasting solution to some of the causes and consequences of the 2015 crisis, which are unfortunately still relevant today. We salute Uganda, which, through President Museveni, plays a key role as mediator.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“This requires a consensual road map where the principal stakeholders can agree on the preparations and modalities ofthe elections, as well as the conditions necessary to guarantee peaceful elections. In that regard, I would like to make a triple appeal to all Burundian actors, as the requirements for credible elections are, indeed, threefold: first, the political and media space must not be closed off ahead of the elections; secondly, the elections must not be boycotted; and thirdly, they must be able to be independently observed. Inclusivity also implies the participation of the many peaceful political actors that have been exiled in recent years. Respect for the letter and the spirit of the Arusha Agreement is, of course, a prerequisite for any solution.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Commissioner Smai'l Chergui and Ambassador Jiirg Lauber for their briefings. On Wednesday, my delegation had the opportunity to address the Peacebuilding Commission regarding our concerns about the human rights situation and the socioeconomic situation in Burundi, as well as our readiness to engage in dialogue with the Burundian authorities. Today, I would like to underscore, first and foremost, the importance of the 2020 elections. If we want to prevent any subsequent disputes, the electoral process must be sufficiently transparent and inclusive.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“That is why we must envisage a technical renewal of the mandate for several months so that we can better understand the implications of the developments on the ground and give the region some time to get closer towards a solution. The last thing that we want is for Darfur to slide back into conflict after UNAMID exits.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“Darfur remains a fragile region, where the root causes of the conflict, including access to land and the future of the displaced, have not been fully addressed. The Security Council will need to continue to monitor the situation closely and assess how the situation in the rest of the country is affecting the UNAMID exit process, particularly in the light of the mandate review scheduled for this month. The current situation requires us to be cautious about the timing of UNAMID's withdrawal, taking into account the situation on the ground. Exit benchmarks should be streamlined and clarified to guide the withdrawal. Belgium calls on all the members of the Security Council to set aside their differences and reach a consensual vision and strategy for Darfur. The Council must take its time to consider all the options.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, it is difficult for the courts to operate in the absence of clarity in Khartoum. Lastly, a cumbersome system of approvals and authorizations hinders the delivery of humanitarian aid. We are especially concerned by the Transitional Military Council's decree indicating that all UNAMID bases should be handed over only to the Rapid Support Forces - the same Forces responsible for the violence in Khartoum and which, according to some reports, have set fire to some 62 villages in Jebel Marra since October 2018. How can we even imagine handing over UNAMID sites to the same people who created the situation for which UNAMID was deployed in 2007? It is crucial for those sites to be handed over only to civilian end-users, as required by the June 13 communique of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“We also support the Council's request for an investigation into the deadly events of 3 June. We support the efforts of the Secretary-General's Envoy, the African Union Special Envoy and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to help resolve the current crisis. In short, a peaceful and orderly transition with the objective of transferring political power to a civil, democratic and representative power is the only sustainable way out of the current crisis and pattern of violence before it becomes uncontrollable. The situation in Darfur cannot be isolated from the situation of the rest of the Sudan. There is ample evidence ofthat. First, the political process has been at a standstill since last January. Secondly, ongoing human rights violations are being committed by the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur, including sexual violence.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“The members of that Council must uphold the individual rights of the Sudanese people, including the right to freedom of assembly and expression, and release political detainees. That unacceptable violence threatens the entire political process for a civil transition. Belgium welcomes the strong decision that the African Union made on 6 June and calls on all members of this Council to respect the African Union's ownership of the response to that crisis. Like the African Union, Belgium calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations, without preconditions, among all Sudanese stakeholders with a view to establishing a transitional authority under civilian direction, in strict compliance with the decisions of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Mr. Andrew Gilmour for their briefings. I will divide my statement into two parts: first, on the general situation in the Sudan, and secondly, the impact of that situation on Darfur and on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). We are shocked by the recent developments in the Sudan. Since 3 June, the international community has witnessed deliberate attacks against civilians carrying out peaceful protests. Belgium strongly condemns that violence, which led to the deaths of more than 100 people and caused a great number of injured, not to mention cases of sexual violence. The Transitional Military Council is responsible for the protection of civilians and the security of all Sudanese.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source
“Belgium will continue to give its full support to strengthening and deepening the existing synergies between the United Nations and the League of Arab States, with the common objective of contributing to stability and the search for peace, as well as the promotion of multilateralism and a global order based on the rule of law.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“A joint analysis and common early warning mechanisms are essential instruments in that regard. In that context, we welcome the announcement of the opening of a United Nations liaison office to the League of Arab States in Cairo. Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States must also be guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The root causes, as well as socioeconomic inequalities, must be addressed without delay. In addition, respect for human rights, inclusive governance and the rule of law must be the thread of that cooperation. It is also essential to ensure the meaningful participation of women and young people.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“Given the gravity and the complex and multidimensional nature of the challenges faced, strengthened dialogue and collaboration within the League of Arab States, as well as between the League of Arab States and the Security Council, are of critical importance. We therefore support the request to convene the Security Council and the League of Arab States at regular intervals, as is the case with other regional organizations, such as the European Union and the African Union. Belgium has made conflict prevention one of its priorities. As the Secretary-General points out in his report on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and other organizations (S/2018/592), the latter have a key role to play in conflict prevention, which is also the case for the League of Arab States. Belgium supports efforts to strengthen that dimension.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“The conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya, as well as the stalemate in the Middle East peace process, have considerably destabilized the region and strongly exacerbated tensions among its States and putting its security at serious risk, as evidenced today by the serious incidents in the Gulf of Oman. The internationalization of these conflicts also jeopardizes international peace and security, of which the Council is the guarantor. The region is stronger when it speaks with one voice. The widespread support of the region for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is a good example, as is the support of the Arab world for maintaining the two-State solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“Mrs. Van Vlierberge (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary- General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Aboul Gheit, for their informative briefings. I also extend a warm welcome to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland. Regional cooperation is one of the pillars of Belgium's foreign policy. We therefore welcome this opportunity to discuss within the Council the cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States. In the same spirit, the European Union met with the League of Arab States in February. The Arab world is currently facing many challenges, ranging from conflicts in some of its countries to thematic challenges, such as the preservation and management of water resources.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“In that regard, my country believes that the future mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) should promote intra-Malian dialogue in the centre of the country and focus particularly on the protection of civilians, in support of the primary responsibility of the State authority. In conclusion, only the people of Mali hold the key, and the United Nations must support them in their efforts.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source
“More generally, as the Council constantly emphasizes, the solution cannot be based on security alone, although that is an essential precondition. The aspirations expressed with regard to governance, the fight against corruption, justice and basic services must be heard. Coexistence and refusal to stigmatize any particular ethnic group, local mediation and the fight against impunity are essential elements for restoring State authority and legitimacy throughout the territory. In that connection, Belgium welcomes the implementation of the political framework for crisis management in central Mali. A solution to the crisis can be found only through a genuine, Malia-owned political process, which must be as inclusive as possible and take all of the dimensions of the conflict into account.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8547 (2019) · source