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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

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“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, we would like to thank and congratulate the Secretary-General for his report (S/20l9/103), which highlights the latest trends in the international terrorist threat posed by Da'esh. We also thank Ms. Coninsx and Mr. Voronkov for their excellent briefings. We are pleased to note that the Security Council has the necessary tools, through the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Monitoring Team, to conduct an independent and in-depth analysis of the threat posed by Da'esh. We commend its fruitful cooperation with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and encourage it to continue on that path.”
2019-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8460 (2019) · source
“The challenges currently facing Kosovo are, however, primarily addressed in the context of European integration, in cooperation with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Furthermore, as I have already recalled, the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo is conducted under the auspices ofthe European Union. Therefore, we join our European colleagues in their call for the efforts of UNMIK to be refocused and fully adapted to this development. Ultimately, we are convinced that Serbia and Kosovo have a European future, but achieving it remains to a large extent in their hands.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“We call on the Serbian and Kosovar Presidents to fully engage in the dialogue conducted under the auspices of the European Union. Both parties must uphold their commitments to creating an environment conducive to dialogue. We stress the importance of including civil society, including women and young people, in this process. Belgium fully supports the efforts of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Federica Mogherini, to that end. We welcome the compromise reached in the Council on reducing the cycle of meetings and reporting on this subject. The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the United Nations have undoubtedly contributed to an improvement of the situation in comparison with the situation 20 years ago.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“While we recognize Kosovo's sovereign right to legislate in this area, Belgium regrets the timing of this initiative and the lack of national and international consultations. We also regret the imposition of an import tax on goods from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we call on the Kosovar authorities to lift it immediately. It should be noted that the two measures that I have just mentioned are part of a broader context of conflicting relations between the two parties. We therefore call on Serbia and Kosovo to refrain from any action or statement that may stoke tensions. The conclusion of a comprehensive legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations is the only way to achieve regional stability.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Tanin, for his briefing. I also welcome the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacie, and the Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States, Ms. Vlora Citaku, for their statements. At the outset, I would like to turn to recent developments, which I regret to say have not been conducive to creating a climate for the normalization of relations between the two parties. We have taken note of the adoption by the Kosovo Assembly of laws strengthening the mandate and capacity of the Kosovo Security Force.”
2019-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8459 (2019) · source
“Our national efforts are therefore important, and we believe that the most vulnerable States deserve to be supported, because we are all affected. The support provided by the United Nations and a number of its entities, particularly the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is extremely useful and should be increased. However, we all know that our national efforts will be in vain if they are not accompanied by genuine regional and international cooperation. Here, too, we can and must do better, because crime thrives when our efforts are fragmented. Lastly, we cannot properly understand the phenomenon of maritime crime without examining its deep roots, including deteriorating economic conditions for large sections of a population and a lack of future prospects.”
2019-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8457 (2019) · source
“Secondly, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Belgium has adopted a very progressive law that provides flexible options for interviewing, arresting and detaining pirates' accomplices and involves close cooperation between judicial, police and naval personnel. Belgium has also developed a legal framework for deploying private armed guards to protect merchant ships. We have also taken a strong stand on the issue of maritime drug trafficking. At the port of Antwerp, in one of the first arrangements of this kind in the world, local and federal police, the social inspectorate, customs authorities and the public prosecutor's office are working under a single administration to promote exchanges and increase efficiency.”
2019-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8457 (2019) · source
“Finally, every year since 2013, our navy has sent a ship to the Gulf of Guinea to support the countries of the region in strengthening their maritime capacities. On the policing and judicial front, Belgium has taken a number of important steps. First, thanks to international legal cooperation, new legislation and the proactive efforts of our police and justice services, several notorious pirates have been convicted in Belgium. The best-known case is probably the 2013 conviction of Mohamed Abdi Hassan, who was behind the 2009 attack on the Belgian dredging ship Pompeii.”
2019-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8457 (2019) · source
“A comprehensive and integrated approach is needed to meet this multidimensional challenge, and measures must be taken in many areas, including defence, security and justice. First, on the defence and security front, Belgium has engaged in several important international efforts. We are participating in Operation Atalanta, which combats maritime piracy in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman. We have deployed a frigate to the Operation for four periods of three months each and have also taken part in the command of the Operation. Belgium also helped to create the Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa, in which marine forces and commercial shipping cooperate closely.”
2019-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8457 (2019) · source
“Since 2013, Belgium has joined the Group of Seven Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea to support the Yaounde interregional process. As a member of the European Union's task force for maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea, Belgium provides concrete assistance to the European Union Action Plan 2015-2020 in support of the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Gulf of Guinea Commission. Transnational maritime crime is a complex and multifaceted issue that makes use of legal and security gaps in international waters, the difficulties of ensuring full control of all maritime coasts and of inadequate regional cooperation, and the deep-seated roots of organized crime and terrorism.”
2019-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8457 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): We thank Equatorial Guinea for organizing this important and timely debate on maritime security. We also thank Mr. Fedotov and Mrs. Ukonga for their briefings. As you mentioned, Mr. President, 90 per cent of world trade is maritime, and Belgium has always been a hub of international maritime trade. Several Belgian shipping and dredging companies are active worldwide and are particularly exposed to maritime crime. The port of Antwerp is the most important maritime hub for trade transactions between the European Union and the African continent and has established close links with several ports in the Gulf of Guinea, including Dakar, San Pedro, Cotonou and Kribi. We are concerned about the increase in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2019-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8457 (2019) · source
“In this area, as in others, we advocate for a strengthening of cooperation among States. The Security Council already has at its disposal mechanisms aimed at affecting the interests of the sponsors and organizers of mercenary activities, in particular targeted sanctions aimed at those individuals who act against efforts towards peace and at their means of financing. Here I would cite the illicit trafficking of weapons, illicit financial transfers and the illegal exploitation of natural resources. In conclusion, all States can be faced, one way or another, with the issue of mercenary activities, to which they must respond. Belgium, for its part, will always opt for transparency and international cooperation.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“To contain the phenomenon of mercenary activity, which usually has an international dimension, States should take full advantage of existing international instruments, in particular the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. Allow me on this point, Mr. President, to congratulate your country on having ratified that Convention. Given that today only 36 Member States, including Belgium, are signatories thereto, we call on all Member States to ratify it without further delay. That being said, the legal standards and instruments to which we are signatories will have an impact only if States enforce them at the national level. Here we refer to international humanitarian law; international texts on human rights; and texts emanating from regional organizations.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“Mercenary activities can also be a source of financing for armed groups created for other purposes, while other such groups are merely seeking to enrich themselves. While there are various definitions of mercenary activities, a debate such as today's is useful in terms of broadening our understanding of the issue. In its work, the Council is currently dealing with several cases of mercenary activity. For example, in Libya combatants from Darfur sell their services to the various factions. In doing so they remain operational and pose a threat to the Sudan or, eventually, other countries of the region. In Yemen, we are concerned at the use of children by mercenary groups. And let us not forget either that maritime piracy can also represent a form of mercenary activity, but here I do not wish to infringe on tomorrow's debate on this topic.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“Several of those countries are in Africa, but the continent is certainly not the only one concerned by this problem. Mercenary activity not only complicates and compounds conflicts that are already under way, but can also contribute to the germination of latent conflict. We must therefore remain attentive in the context of an approach aimed at conflict prevention. As indicated in the concept note for this debate (S/2019/97, annex), tackling these kinds of activities is a complex task, as they most often take place in a context with an overlapping array of various interests and motives that encompass organized crime, violent extremism and attempts to achieve political goals through non-democratic means.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me at the outset, Mr. President, to congratulate you on Equatorial Guinea's assumption of the presidency of the Council. I should like also to congratulate the delegation of the Dominican Republic on the outstanding work it did during its presidency of the Council last month. I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this debate, and the Secretary-General and the Chairman of the African Union Commission, as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, for their interesting statements. This debate is very timely given that mercenary activities are a destabilizing factor that have had a significant impact on a number of countries on the Security Council's agenda.”
2019-02-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8456 (2019) · source
“The detention of demonstrators and acts of violence against them are a source of serious concern. Belgium calls on the authorities to put an end to the arbitrary detention of demonstrators and political opponents and to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of detainees. The freedom of the press must be guaranteed. In the same vein, we call on the authorities to take concrete measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis and facilitate access to humanitarian aid in order to meet the most urgent needs of the population. In conclusion, we call for a non-violent and democratic solution to the crisis to be found. We recall that this crisis can be resolved only through dialogue and that dialogue alone can lead to a process of reconciliation.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Belgium reiterates its deep conviction that a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political stalemate and the serious social crisis it has caused. Alongside the European Union, we call for the urgent holding of free, credible and transparent presidential elections with full respect for the Constitution and in accordance with democratic standards. If the organization of new elections with the necessary guarantees is not announced within the next eight days, we will take additional measures, including recognizing the constitutional role of the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaido, in line with article 233 of the Constitution. Fourthly, the fundamental rights of the Venezuelan people mustbe respected.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Belgium recognizes and fully supports the National Assembly as a democratically elected institution. We implore that its powers be restored and respected. Furthermore, I call on the authorities to guarantee the civil rights, liberty and security of all members of the National Assembly, including its President, Juan Guaido, while respecting their immunity as enshrined in the Constitution. Thirdly, we must listen to the people of Venezuela. The citizens of this country have bravely made their voices heard on many occasions in recent years. Some have paid with their lives. When they voted for change, their voices were not heard. Today they are in the streets of Caracas to claim the right to choose their future.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Mass protests in Venezuela over the past few days have been the subject of indiscriminate violence by the authorities, resulting in the tragic deaths of many people and leaving many injured. Belgium extends its sincere condolences to the families of those deceased. We strongly condemn the excessive use of force by the security forces and, like Ms. Bachelet, we call for an independent investigation to be conducted. Secondly, Belgium calls for the restoration of the constitutional order. The presidential elections that took place in May were neither free and fair nor credible, thereby depriving Nicolas Maduro's Government of democratic legitimacy. Venezuela urgently needs a Government that truly represents the will of the people and can initiate a process of reconciliation.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Eduardo Stein, Joint Special Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Organization for Migration, in their work to help Venezuelan refugees. As the situation on the ground is most unstable, I would like to echo the statement issued today by the European Union to make four main points: first, to call for restraint and the de-escalation of the situation; secondly, to stress the need to restore constitutional order in Venezuela and begin a process ofreconciliation; thirdly, to emphasize the importance of listening to the Venezuelan people themselves; and, fourthly, respect for their fundamental rights. First of all, I would like to urge those who bear influence over these events to exercise restraint.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): When 3 million people flee their country because of its economic and political collapse, the threat to the stability of the region becomes evident. For Belgium, it is clear that the Security Council has a responsibility to address the situation in Venezuela, which constitutes a threat to international peace and security. In order to prevent further deterioration of the situation, we call on all members of the Council to work together to promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis. I also wish to commend the countries ofthe region for showing great solidarity and generosity towards those Venezuelans seeking refuge in their countries. Belgium expresses its support for those countries, as well as for Mr.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“We cannot let this historic opportunity pass us by. Belgium, along with the other members of the Council, is fully committed and ready to collaborate.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“Further progress must be made in ensuring legal protection for former FARC-EP members. (spoke in Spanish) Before I conclude, I would like to make some remarks to the representative of Colombia. His country serves as an inspiration throughout the world. Regions affected by conflict see his country as a model to overcome the past and to choose to build a peaceful future. The coming year will require a concerted effort on the part of the Government, the political parties and civil society to reap the benefits of the peace agreement with the FARC-EP. Last week's atrocious terrorist attack reminds us of the urgent need for action. Belgium recognizes that the situation in Venezuela has an extremely negative impact on neighbouring countries. As such, we commend Colombia for its show of solidarity towards Venezuelans who seek refuge.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“Finally, with regard to the socioeconomic and legal reintegration of the FARC-EP, Belgium believes reintegration to be a key element in the successful implementation of the peace agreement and underscores the need to make progress at the national, regional and local levels. Even as we ensure transitional justice, we must show ex-combatants, who have laid down their weapons, that it is in their interest to be on the right side of history. Access to legal revenue sources and to land is at the heart of effective reintegration. In that context, Belgium is pleased to note that illegal-crop-substitution policies continue and have been successful. Belgium underlines the central role of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which must have the necessary means to be able to carry out its mandate independently.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“In that connection, the implementation of the action plan for their protection, in consultation with civil society, is key. We welcome the recent convening of the National Commission for Security Guarantees. Violence against former FARC-EP combatants is also a source of concern. We strongly encourage the Colombian authorities to consolidate the State's presence throughout its territory, not only in order to ensure security but also to promote social programmes that focus on health care and education so as to meet the expectations of rural communities and historically marginalized ethnic minorities, in accordance with the recommendations of Special Rapporteur Michel Forst.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“Today more than ever, after last week's cowardly attack, the implementation on the part of all parties of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace is essential in the framework of an urgent, inclusive and concerted effort to advance the peace process throughout the country. In that regard, Belgium calls for the implementation of the affirmative action policies contained in the agreements on the role of women. My second point has to do with human rights. Belgium is very concerned about violence against human rights defenders and social leaders, too often committed with total impunity. In 2018, a human rights defender or leader was murdered, on average, every 48 hours. January is not yet over and already seven people have been killed, as indicated by the Special Representative.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I would like to highlight three points 4 first, the Colombian Government's commitment to the peace process; secondly, the unacceptable violence towards human rights defenders and local leaders; and, thirdly, the socioeconomic and legal reintegration of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Eje'rcito del Pueblo (FARC-BF). At the outset, Belgium welcomes the new Government's commitment to the peace process as demonstrated by the "Peace with legality" plan, which recognizes that rural poverty and inequalities are the root causes of the conflict.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to congratulate Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu on his new role and thank him for his briefing. I also thank his predecessor, Jean Arnault, for his considerable contribution to the peace process. Finally, I welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia and express the sympathy and condolences of the Belgian Government following last week's attack against a police academy in Bogota. We condemn that attack in the strongest terms. The year 2019 is crucial for peacebuilding in Colombia.”
2019-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8450 (2019) · source
“We encourage Palestinian leaders to strive to build strong, inclusive, responsible and democratic institutions that are based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. We urge the Palestinian Authority to work towards credible democratic elections. I would like to conclude by repeating the fact that there can be no alternative to a two-State solution. A just and lasting peace can be realized only by responding to the legitimate aspirations of all the parties. Recent developments clearly show that the current situation is untenable. It is no longer the status quo. It is deteriorating and creating instability that the region definitely does not need. We should continue to work on the issue together with our Palestinian and Israeli friends.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“But a humanitarian response alone is not enough; a fundamental change in the situation in Gaza is necessary, one that would include a lifting of the blockade and the full opening of crossing points, while taking into consideration Israel's legitimate concerns regarding its own security. A political solution to the crisis also requires that control of the territory be returned to the Palestinian Authority. We deplore the fact that intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks appear to be deadlocked and urge all parties to invest in dialogue and, to that end, commend the efforts made by Egypt. We take note of the dissolution of the Palestinian Legislative Council and express our concern at this development, since it is an elected body of the Palestinian Authority.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“In no case did there seem to be any imminent threat that could have justified the use of live fire. We are concerned by this number, which is much higher than in 2017. Belgium urges Israeli leaders to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms, which should include in-depth, independent investigations into each case involving the death ofa child. The humanitarian and socioeconomic situation in the Gaza Strip must be urgently improved. We support the Special Coordinator's efforts to that end as well as the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“We urge Israel to respect the right of the Palestinians to demonstrate peacefully and to abide by its legal obligations to protect civilians. However, irresponsibly inciting the inhabitants of Gaza to cross the perimeter fence into Israel and cause damage cannot be tolerated either. We condemn all acts of provocation and incitement to violence. Demonstrations must remain strictly non-violent and not be exploited for other purposes. We firmly condemn the rocket fire towards Israeli territory and urge all stakeholders to demonstrate restraint in order to avert a fresh cycle of violence. I would like to draw the Council's attention to the fate of the most vulnerable in this conflict. In 2018, 57 children were killed, most of them in the context of the Great March of Return in Gaza.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“We urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider and to rescind their decisions on that issue. Furthermore, we note with concern that there has been an increase in the use of violence not only by settlers, but also against them. We reiterate our firm condemnation of all use of violence, regardless of the perpetrators. These developments bring us closer to a point of no return for the two-State solution; the only diminish the already fragile prospects for peace between the two parties. The situation in the Gaza Strip continues to command our full attention. Demonstrations intensified in recent weeks, with violent incidents. While we recognize the right of Israel to ensure its own security, we condemn the disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“The year 2018 reaffirmed the trend that started in 2017 of a relentless pursuit of the settlement policy, including in the heart of the West Bank, in areas that are strategic to the territorial continuity of a future Palestinian State. Belgium is also concerned about the fact that ongoing settlement activity on the ground is accompanied by legislative initiatives aimed at facilitating further such activity. In line with resolution 2334 (2016), we are resolutely opposed to that settlement policy and to the measures taken in this context, including forced displacement, evictions and demolitions, which also increased in 2018, in particular in East Jerusalem. Settlement activity is illegal in the eyes of international law, undermines the establishment of the trust necessary to any peace process and contributes to fuelling tensions.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“International law and the relevant Council resolutions must be the basis for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace plan. Belgium believes that all credible diplomatic initiatives must be based on these parameters, which enjoy international consensus. My statement today will focus on international efforts to facilitate the two-State solution - the only solution that could realize in a lasting manner the legitimate aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. However, Belgium believes that such a solution will requires a more peaceful international and regional environment - a far cry from the current one given the developments that have taken place recently, on which Belgium and the other members of the Security Council will have to express their views shortly.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I should like at the outset to sincerely thank Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his briefing and for the work that he and his team are doing. I should like also to welcome the presence here today of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. As this is my first statement on this item as a member of the Council, I should like to underscore a number of points that are of vital importance to my country. Belgium sees no option other than a negotiated solution based on the coexistence of two States, with the city of Jerusalem as their future capital, in line with agreed international parameters, all of which must be respected.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“In addition, Belgium supports UNSMIL in its work to coordinate the reunification efforts of organizations like the Central Bank of Libya and the National Oil Corporation. In conclusion, it is my hope that the integration of economic structures canpavethewayforthereunification of political and security-related institutions.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“The United Nations has documented incidents that have affected displaced persons and migrants, including children, who have been denied freedom, raped or subjected to prostitution or other forms of sexual violence. It is essential that we protect children today to prevent new cycles of violence and conflict tomorrow. Responsibly and transparently managing the country's significant sources of revenue, whether from oil or taxes, for the benefit of all Libyans is a major issue. Economic reforms, such as the elimination of fuel subsidies and devaluation, also warrant priority attention. We are encouraged by recently taken economic reform measures and call on the relevant bodies to continue along that path, especially with regard to their work in developing a coherent and responsible budget for 2019.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“The security situation in Tripoli remains fragile despite the ceasefire and the security arrangements agreed in September thanks to the efforts of the Mission. We call for strict compliance with those agreements and for the parties concerned to implement their commitments. In that regard, we condemn the recent fighting south of Tripoli. Regrettably, the terrorist threat in Libya continues. The absence of a political solution to the conflict can only encourage the re-emergence of terrorism and of Da'esh in particular. In addition, I would like to draw attention to the plight of children in Libya. Cases of the use of children by armed groups in Libya continue to be reported. Children have been deprived of their liberty by the parties to the conflict and used in prisoner exchanges.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“We therefore support the work of the Special Representative and UNSMIL as a whole in their ongoing efforts to convene the national conference in the near future. Belgium calls on all Libyan actors to cooperate constructively with UNSMIL towards the holding and success of the national conference. The latter should adopt all the principles and commitments necessary to enable parliamentary elections to be held. There is no military solution to the conflict in Libya. Only a political solution can put an end to the violence and make it possible to rebuild strong institutions for the benefit of all Libyans, such as unified and professional defence and security forces under civilian control.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me first to thank Mr. Ghassan Salame, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing. I would like to particularly commend his efforts, as well as those of the entire staff of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), who work in a particularly challenging environment. I also thank Ambassador Schulz for his briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. Belgium remains committed to the implementation of the amended United Nations action plan for Libya. As several speakers before me have said, in order to break with the status quo, progress is necessary on three tracks - political, security and economic. They are inseparable as part of an inclusive process, led by the Libyans themselves.”
2019-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8448 (2019) · source
“Even ifit is possible that the weapons-collection campaign organized by the Darfur authorities has led some combatants to resell their surplus, the efforts to curb this traffic must continue. The arms embargo on Darfur is one ofthe more useful measures in that regard. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the valuable work of the Panel of Experts, which fills out the view that the members of the Council have of the situation on the ground with detailed and verifiable information and in-depth investigations. Its task is extremely important, and in order to ensure that the Council receives the best information possible, it is crucial to preserve its independence. We call on all parties, in the Sudan and elsewhere, to cooperate in good faith with the experts and enable them to conduct their mission without interference.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“Belgium supports making sexual violence a separate designation criterion, which means that the experts working for Sanctions Committees must be trained in the area. We also see the value of similar collaboration with the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. There are other elements in the report of the Panel ofExperts that alarm us. One is the continuing presence of armed groups outside the Sudan. These combatants offer their services to the highest bidder and are highly mobile, which poses a threat to the entire region, including the Sudan itself. Another is the fact that weapons originating in Darfur are in circulation in the region.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“We call on all parties to join the peace process. The briefing we just heard reminds us that, even as we reflect on a strategy for the withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the suffering of the population is unfortunately not over. Conflict-related sexual violence continues to affect women and girls in particular. We are deeply concerned about their lack of access to legal remedies. We call on the Government of the Sudan to strengthen its national capacity for legal, medical and psychosocial support for victims of sexual violence. In that regard, we support the work of Special Representative Patten and look forward to continuing to work with her and, especially, listening to her within the framework of the meetings of the Sanctions Committees.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this briefing. I also thank my colleague the Permanent Representative of Poland for her detailed account of the activities of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan. I commend her dynamic way of leading the work of the Committee. In broad strokes, we can say that the situation in Darfur is following a positive trend but still requires our attention. We are concerned about the violence observed during recent demonstrations throughout the country. We deplore that such violence led to death and call on the authorities to exercise restraint. We are also concerned about the possible impact of the political situation in the Sudan on the Darfur peace process.”
2019-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8446 (2019) · source
“It is essential that the resources available to the United Nations as a whole in Mali be used to the fullest and in the most efficient and integrated way possible. Similarly, Belgium remains attentive to the integrated nature of MINUSMA and encourages all pillars to work together closely. Finally, allow me to commend the efforts of all Mission staff, and in particular Special Representative Annadif.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“I also hope that MINUSMA - within the limits of its mandate - will act in support of the authorities and also protect civilians from the violence. More generally, as the Council regularly points out, the solution cannot be related only to security, although that is essential. The aspirations expressed in terms of governance and social services deserve to be heard. Living together, the refusal to stigmatize specific ethnic groups, local mediation and combating impunity must all support the security response. Only Malians hold the key, and MINUSMA must support them in those efforts. Belgium welcomes the development of an integrated strategic framework by MINUSMA and the United Nations country team. We call for its finalization as soon as possible.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“I therefore encourage the Government to exercise its sovereign authority by ensuring the security of its population with the strictest respect for human rights, as Mali undertook to do in January 2018 during its Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council. With the courage and responsibility they assumed, which deserves respect, the Malian authorities publicly acknowledged, on 19 June 2018, the existence of mass graves involving certain members of the Malian armed forces and announced the opening of a judicial inquiry. We call on Mali to continue its efforts to open and conclude the investigation. I also welcome the fact that the International Commission of Inquiry has begun its activities, and I encourage all parties involved to cooperate fully with its work.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source
“Finally, given the centrality of the peace agreement, I would like to stress that Belgium welcomes the sanctions imposed on those who hinder the implementation of the agreement. Belgium will not oppose new sanctions in the future if they prove necessary. Let me stress two essential conditions for the return of lasting peace: respect for human rights and, more specifically, the fight against impunity. Part of the Mopti and Segou regions, in central Mali, remain affected by violence that shows no signs of waning. In addition to terrorist acts, intercommunity violence appears to be on the rise. That phenomenon is worrisome in a country such as Mali, which is historically a country of diversity and peaceful coexistence. Terrorists and aggressive militias must not be allowed to take root.”
2019-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8445 (2019) · source