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

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“As for Belgium, we are working closely with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the judicial authorities in Belgium have had no hesitation in starting investigations of individuals suspected of being involved in trafficking.”
2019-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8679 (2019) · source
“We welcome the increased attention to the effects of climate change, ecological change and natural disasters on the stability of Central Africa and encourage the mission to continue on that path. As the report points out, we must recognize that we can and must do more. Lastly, the illegal exploitation of natural resources remains a major issue in the region, and we should therefore provide the various missions covering Central Africa with a robust mandate to enable them to tackle it. We should also work closely with regional partners that are already active in that context, such as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.”
2019-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8679 (2019) · source
“Nor should we forget the other crises in Cameroon, on the humanitarian front and with regard to the problem of Boko Haram's terrorism. The lack of coverage of the humanitarian plan, which has reached only 41 per cent, only increases the country's challenges. We call on all partners to do their best to contribute to that end. Secondly, we would also like to take this opportunity to revisit the climate and security issue. The report ofthe Secretary-General (S/2019/913) notes several positive developments. Among them are Gabon's adoption of new penal and penal procedure codes that substantially increase the penalties for environmental crimes, as well as the adoption by the Economic Community of Central African States ofa subregional common position on the contributions of Central African forests to the fight against climate change.”
2019-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8679 (2019) · source
“We would also like to commend all the parties for their commitment to Switzerland's mediation in order to resolve the crisis in the English-speaking regions. On the other hand, the situation on the ground has not yet changed substantially. The English-speaking regions unfortunately continue to be the scene of hostilities and human rights abuses by all parties, while an entire generation is at risk ofbeing denied access to education. In addition, the recommendations of the national dialogue have been neither endorsed nor implemented. We therefore call on all the parties to work for concrete results. That applies to both the national dialogue and mediation. Only through dialogue and negotiation can solutions be found.”
2019-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8679 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): We would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fall and Mr. Lezhnev for their briefings. As the Special Representative said, the political, security and humanitarian situation remains very fragile in several States in Central Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to make a few remarks. First, we remain concerned about the situation in Cameroon. While 9 February 2020, the date scheduled for the next legislative and local elections, is fast approaching, the situation is still complicated. On the one hand, we commend the Cameroonian authorities for holding a national dialogue and for the recommendations that followed it and the release of political prisoners. Those are encouraging signs.”
2019-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8679 (2019) · source
“Moreover, although the Islamic State is militarily defeated, the causes that allowed Da'esh to arise remain. Everything possible must be done to avoid its resurgence. Lastly, we encourage Iraq to continue its policy of constructive engagement with its neighbours. The fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity should guide the actions of all actors. We call for a joint commitment from the region and the international community to that end.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Lastly, we support the important role that the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq has played in recent weeks. In order to ensure the country's long- term stability, we encourage the continuation of efforts in the following areas. First, as Archbishop Warda mentioned, reconciliation is ofparamount importance. Looking at the painful past, acknowledging and understanding it, and especially transcending it together, is the best way to ensure that it does not happen again. Such reconciliation must continue and allow families to return to their communities. The importance of such reconciliation cannot be underestimated, especially to avoid creating new space for Da'esh to take advantage of. Secondly, the Government has already taken important and courageous initiatives on security sector reform. We must keep them going.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“First, we call on all actors, especially the security forces, to follow the President's instructions to act with the utmost restraint at all times. Secondly, every abuse must be investigated, and the perpetrators must be held to account. Thirdly, all parties should engage in constructive dialogue. Fourthly, we encourage the authorities to expedite their efforts to meet the demands of the demonstrators, namely, combating corruption, starting economic recovery, creating jobs, providing basic services to the population and bringing about tangible improvements in people's lives. Electoral reform has also been a central demand of many peaceful demonstrators, and we encourage the Iraqi authorities to implement legislative solutions that respond to public calls for credible, free and fair elections.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“The institutions working towards that goal, however, are fragile. The process takes time. In the meantime, the authorities must respond, in the short term and in a difficult context, to the aspirations of their people - aspirations for a better life and better opportunities for all. The freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights that must be respected. They are crucial to the progress of democracy. Belgium is deeply concerned by the fact that some of the demonstrations resulted in acts of violence, including the use of live ammunition by the security forces, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. Also troubling is the presence reported of elements who could derail peaceful demonstrations. Those developments put Iraq on a dangerous trajectory. How can we overcome that situation?”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and reassure you of our full support. I would also like to thank the British delegation for the efficiency with which it conducted its presidency last month. I would furthermore like to thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her briefing this morning and for the outstanding work that she carried out last week. I would also like to thank the observer of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Archbishop of Erbil. Iraq faces unique challenges today. The country, emerging from the conflict, has embarked on the long road towards reconciliation and reconstruction.”
2019-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8676 (2019) · source
“I would also like to highlight the close cooperation that has developed between the Iraqi authorities and the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD). Mr. Khan described that cooperation as exemplary and remarkable, which is very good to hear. I would also like to pay particular tribute to the bill introduced by the Iraqi Parliament to enable the prosecution of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We encourage UNITAD to collaborate with the Iraqi authorities and other United Nations bodies in order to ensure that the bill becomes law, taking into account the policies and good practices of the United Nations and international law. Belgium remains fully committed to supporting UNITAD in its work.”
2019-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8675 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I was intending to speak during our informal consultations, but I will also say a few words here. I would first like to thank Special Adviser Karim Khan for his report (S/2019/878), and for the work that has been done and the progress made in recent months. I would of course also like to pay tribute to Mr. Kachi's very poignant testimony, and I would like to commend his courage, which demands our respect and admiration. I think it reminds us of the importance of responding to survivors' expectations so that the crimes committed are recognized, those responsible are brought to justice and the country's reconciliation and reconstruction is made possible.”
2019-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8675 (2019) · source
“The importance of that resolution is indisputable, and its renewal highlights the collective responsibility of the Council in meeting the most basic needs of 4 million people.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“The Syrian Government has a particular obligation to ensure a safe, stable and calm environment throughout the country as a backdrop to the peace talks in Geneva. That also includes protecting rights and preventing reprisals, repression and forced recruitment into the armed forces. Thirdly, the Special Envoy reminds us every month about the importance of implementing confidence-building measures. Thousands of Syrians continue to be arbitrarily arrested and detained. We call on Syria to take on board the crucial importance of combating that issue as a sign of good faith towards its own population. Finally, I would like to remind members that the Council will soon be considering the renewal of resolution 2165 (2014), on cross-border humanitarian aid.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“We call on all the parties to honour their commitments by allowing representatives to do their job and seize the historic opportunity that the Constitutional Committee represents. Belgium continues to support an inclusive political solution in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). Secondly, with regard to the situation on the ground, the unfortunate reality is that the Violence continues in north-eastern and north-western Syria. We are particularly concerned about the latest reports of attacks, including on a camp for internally displaced persons in Qah on 20 November, as others have mentioned. Such violence is unacceptable and must cease immediately. We call on all the parties to establish a nationwide ceasefire, as called for in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing and also for his work on and commitment to reaching a political solution in Syria. 1 would also like to thank Ms. Sabah Al Hallak for her testimony. First, with regard to the Constitutional Committee, we share the Special Envoy's positive assessment of its first meeting. Its work can and must be a first step in the political process and towards realizing the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, both at home and in the diaspora. In order to do that, the representatives of the Committee must be able to carry out their work in a propitious environment.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“In parallel, we continue to call on all parties to fully implement the Stockholm Agreement, including the Al-Hudaydah Agreement, the agreement on the exchange of prisoners and the statement of understanding on Taiz. Finally, the parties must respect their obligations and commitments under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8672 (2019) · source
“We encourage the continuation of those efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities throughout the country. Humanitarian access remains very difficult, as Ms. Mueller told us. It is essential that all parties facilitate access for humanitarian assistance and respect international humanitarian law. In particular, we call on the parties to lift all restrictions on humanitarian access and commercial imports. We encourage the Government of Yemen to suspend the implementation of Decree 49 until a lasting solution to the oil crisis is found. We encourage the Houthis to provide access to the FSO SAFER tanker in order to facilitate an assessment of the situation and to prevent a potential environmental disaster.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8672 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Mueller for their briefings. I, too, would like to welcome the signing of the Riyadh agreement between the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council. We commend Saudi Arabia for its mediation efforts and its leadership. We hope that this positive momentum can be maintained during the next stages in the political process, which must be inclusive, with the meaningful participation of women and young people, and reflect the ethnic, geographical, social and political diversity of the Yemeni population. We welcome the de-escalation efforts, although the civilian population is still suffering disproportionately.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8672 (2019) · source
“Finally, in the humanitarian areas, the fate of the Somali population remains at the heart of our concerns. The figures we have heard illustrate the extent to which Somalia is vulnerable to climate shocks, manifesting as ever-more frequent droughts. Against this challenging backdrop, which is exacerbated by the insecurity and violence generated by Al-Shabaab and Da'esh as well as by other tensions and conflicts between communities or between federal member states, it is the most vulnerable - women and children - whom we have a particular duty to protect.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“These capacities must now help establish the conditions for the handover of responsibilities from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). In this regard, I would recall the support provided to Somalia by the European Union, including through its financing of AMISOM. and the missions of the European Union Training Mission for Somalia, the European Union capacity-building mission and the counter-maritime-piracy force, Operation Atalanta. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/884) confirms once again that Al-Shabaab is the leading threat to security and stability in Somalia. Terrorist attacks have continued bring mourning to Somalia, and we strongly condemn them. Indeed, the Security Council has just renewed the sanctions regime that aims precisely to degrade Al-Shabaab's capacities.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“The time has also come for progress in preparing for the universal suffrage elections in 2020 and 2021. It is good news that Parliament has resumed its work. We call on the federal authorities to redouble their efforts to respect the established timetable by reaching an agreement with the federal member states that incorporates key electoral issues and by promptly adopting the electoral law with the necessary amendments. The law on political parties also requires amendment. The National Electoral Security Task Force must get to work quickly. Secondly, in the security sector, the transition plan must remain the common thread of the Government's actions. The operations of the Somali National Army are an encouraging Sign of the way national capacities are developing.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I should like to thank all the briefers for their contributions. I should also like to join other speakers in expressing our condolences to the family of Ms. Almaas Elman, who worked tirelessly for peace in Somalia. In her honour, we must redouble our efforts to make her dream a reality. I should like to make a few remarks on the political situation, security issues and the humanitarian situation in Somalia. First of all, Belgium welcomes the progress made by Somalia and the political will of its President. We are all aware of the challenges. To overcome them, political decisions require consultation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states. It is therefore imperative that relations between these levels of power be relaunched.”
2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source
“It is therefore truly a global effort of governance and prevention that must be carried out in those territories so that the people can lead a normal, peaceful and dignified life.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Let me conclude on a very important point. Belgium deplores the worrisome developments in the security and humanitarian situation in part of the Sahel. Unfortunately, there have been countless attacks on uniformed personnel, as well as civilian massacres. However, as in any crisis, the solution is above all political, and there are many measures that can be taken. We must of course provide a firm security response by dismantling terrorist networks, draining their sources of funding and thwarting their deadly narrative. But it is also necessary to meet people's aspirations in terms of development, the delivery of basic services, anti-corruption andjustice, to ensure respect for human rights, combat all forms of the stigmatization of certain ethnic groups or communities and also fight impunity.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Certainly, some equipment promised to the Force has not yet been delivered, which has had an impact on operational planning. However, there is no shortage of work in progress, and some progress is possible without additional resources. The functioning of the permanent secretariat, the development of the police component, the establishment of the headquarters, the drafting of an updated concept of operations and the establishment of an international coordination mechanism are examples of areas where the G-5 Sahel can broadly pursue its operationalization from this point forward. Moreover, I call on all G-5 States to cooperate fully with the Office ofthe High Commissioner for Human Rights in the full and speedy implementation of the human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“For instance, Belgium supports the Nigerian army and provides technical advisers to the European Union (EU) Training Mission in Mali and the EU capacity-building mission Sahel Mali. In that same spirit, Belgium supports the objectives of the partnership for security and stability in the Sahel. Belgium welcomes two recent positive developments: the relaunch of operations of the Joint Force and the support for the Joint Force from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). We strongly encourage the G-5 Sahel to maintain its operations over the long term and gradually to increase its ambition as the national defence and security forces grow stronger. With regard to MINUSMA's logistical support, I recall that Belgium committed â‚¬1 million in 2018 to meet that objective.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Allow me at the outset to thank the various briefers. I would especially like to welcome the presence of Minister Barry, whose country holds the presidency of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). In a context of extreme fragility, the initiative of the G-5 countries to join forces for peace and development in the Sahel deserves our support. Belgium shares and supports the objective of strengthening cross- border security cooperation through the creation of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, and more broadly that of strengthening the security sector of the five member States. For several years, my country has been involved in such efforts.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Today we are celebrating World Children's Day. We are deeply concerned about the impact this conflict is having on children. The excessive use of force resulted in the deaths of 16 Palestinian children in the first half of 2019 alone, while violent attacks led to the deaths of three Israeli children during the same period. Attacks on schools are on the increase, as are arrests of children on their way to school and their administrative detention. We are also very concerned about the extremely elevated and increasing number of refusals of, and delays in obtaining, permits from the Israeli authorities for children in need of medical care outside Gaza. We expect all parties to act in full compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the thirtieth anniversary of which we are currently commemorating in the General Assembly Hall.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“Settlements constitute a flagrant violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016), and international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention. Settlement policy also leads to increased tensions and violence on the ground and undercuts the trust needed to achieve ajust, stable and lasting peace. We call on the Israeli authorities to end it immediately. In that context, we also reiterate that we will not recognize any changes to the pre-l967 borders, including in Jerusalem, other than those agreed by both sides. In anticipation of the December briefing on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), we reiterate our request for a written report on the issue, in accordance with the usual practices of the Security Council, including presidential not S/2017/507.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“We encourage Palestinian leaders to work towards ensuring strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights. A credible electoral process throughout the Palestinian territory - in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in the Gaza Strip - should contribute to meeting that goal. Concerning developments on the ground in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the ceaseless pursuit of settlements, including related measures, is fundamentally undermining, and will soon irrevocably compromise, the two-State solution, which we support. Settlements are illegal under international law, which is unambiguous and not subject to interpretation.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“We call on the Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation on the air strike that resulted in the deaths of eight members of the Al-Sawarkah family. The cycle of violence facing the Gaza Strip recalls the need to take concrete steps to improve the economic and humanitarian situation, including lifting the blockade and fully opening the crossing points, while taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel. A political solution to the crisis also demands the return of that territory to the control of the Palestinian Authority. In that regard, we also reiterate our call on Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov and Ms. Tania Hary for their briefings. The Gaza Strip continues to be the scene of persistent cycles of violence that is undermining the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace and security. We condemn in the strongest terms the firing of rockets into Israeli territory to target populated areas as a response to an Israeli operation. We welcome the ceasefire established thanks to the efforts of the United Nations and Egypt and call on all parties to exercise maximal restraint in order to ensure that the ceasefire holds. The obligations to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law, including its principles of distinction and proportionality, must be respected.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source
“In that context, it is a positive that the new integrated standards for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are now also just as focused on transitional justice. The same should apply to exit strategies for peace operations. On the basis of those various experiences, we could conduct a broader review in order to identify some key principles for guiding the Security Council in its future decisions in this area. Belgium believes that when circumstances permit, transitional justice is a tool that the Council should continue to consider as part of its mandate to maintain international peace and security.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, it is important to restore the trust of citizens in their institutions. In that regard, it is important to address the feeling of insecurity and mistrust that some may have towards the police, the judiciary or other public institutions. The Security Council has been well aware of the contribution of transitional justice to reconciliation efforts, since as long ago as 2004, in a presidential statement adopted on 6 October (S/PRST/2004/34), it drew attention to the full range of justice mechanisms that could be considered during periods of transition, including international, national and mixed criminal tribunals and truth and reconciliation commissions. It also included the promotion of transitional justice measures in various forms in the mandates of several peace operations, in support of national capacities.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“For example, as part of the peace agreement in Colombia, a large number of local reconciliation initiatives have been taken, such as Cinema for Reconciliation in Meta and the Paddling for Peace project in the Caqueta department, which brings Victims and ex-combatants together in a rafting tournament. Those initiatives are helping to restore social relations where they were previously impossible. And then there are inclusive processes. As others who spoke before me have said, women, young people, children, refugees, displaced persons, minorities and other vulnerable groups may all have dealt with particular experiences during conflict and may therefore have specific needs within the reconciliation process. Their experiences must be heard and taken into account, and their participation should be more than merely symbolic.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“A series of measures can be taken in the short, medium and long terms to achieve that, and each country emerging from conflict must strive to find the right combination of measures to prevent new conflicts. For, as many have said this morning, reconciliation is the best way to achieve prevention. Some factors can increase the chances of success in reconciliation processes. Let me mention three of them. First, a victim-centred approach must be taken to reconciliation. Victims often demand recognition of what they have been subjected to, and even some form of reparation; those elements can complement the action of the criminal justice system. Such an approach must necessarily take into account the local and human dimensions of conflicts.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Transitional justice processes, we believe, can contribute to that. Reconciliation is an issue that has affected us all at different times. My own country began a process of reconciliation after the two World Wars that has repercussions to this day. Reconciliation is a complex exercise, and there is no single formula for it. However, history shows us that reconciliation is indeed possible. Each society must find its own way to reconciliation. It involves a very long and painful process, which must respond to the pain and suffering of victims, understand the motivations of those who have violated the rights of others, bring divided communities closer together and seek to find the path to justice, truth and, ultimately, peace.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I am grateful for the holding of this debate. Allow me to thank the Secretary-General and the briefers for their interventions. As the Secretary-General said, quoting Desmond Tutu, "There is no handy road map for reconciliation. There is no shortcut or simple prescription for healing the wounds and divisions ofa society in the aftermath of sustained violence." Creating trust and an environment that fosters mutual respect and resilience in the face of intolerance is an extremely difficult challenge. However, it is essential to promoting lasting peace and restoring the social fabric. Examining a painful past, acknowledging and understanding it and, above all, transcending it together is the best way to ensure that it does not happen again.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“In the long term, it will also be necessary for the distribution of Libya's wealth to benefit all citizens. I would also like to reiterate my country's commitment to ensuring that crimes committed in Libya do not go unpunished, be it before national courts or before the International Criminal Court. I recall that it is the responsibility of the belligerents to protect civilians, including the most vulnerable, such as migrants and children. In conclusion, allow me to commend once again all staff of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and Special Representative Salame for their courage and determination.”
2019-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8667 (2019) · source
“Therefore, the arms embargo must be respected by all, the delivery of arms must stop and the recruitment of combatants, including foreign mercenaries and elements engaging in terrorist and criminal activities that are listed by the Council, must stop. At the same time, a political dialogue must resume without conditions in order to bring Libya out of the crisis. My country therefore supports Germany's efforts to bring the Berlin process to a successful conclusion, in close cooperation with the Special Representative. I also welcome the efforts made to support an inclusive political dialogue among the various Libyan stakeholders. I call on all those parties to engage in these efforts in a spirit of compromise and goodwill for the benefit of peace and stability in Libya.”
2019-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8667 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I encourage everyone to cooperate with the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1973 (2011) for the purpose of reporting to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) and to the Council. In that connection, I would like to point out that, in order to effectively carry out the mandate entrusted to them by the Council, the experts enjoy immunity and cannot be prosecuted. The military spiral must stop. No one can deny that it leads to nothing. We must bear in mind that the conflict continues to claim casualties among the civilian population, including vulnerable segments of it, as a result of indiscriminate attacks on populated areas. No supremacy in the air can lead to lasting peace in Libya.”
2019-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8667 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Special Representative Ghassan Salame' for his briefing, which once again demonstrates his ongoing commitment to peace in Libya. I would also like to thank Ms. Rida Al Tubuly for her briefing and to welcome the presence among us of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Libya. We meet again today to discuss the situation in Libya, even though the situation on the ground has not really changed since our last exchange. Low-intensity fighting continues on the ground, air attacks are on the rise, civilians and migrants are suffering and international humanitarian law is blatantly violated. Moreover, the sanctions regime is being infringed, not only by the belligerents but also - and I deeply regret this - by several States Member of the United Nations.”
2019-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8667 (2019) · source
“Finally, we welcome the convening of the Constitutional Committee as a first step in the political process and we reiterate our support for Special Envoy Pedersen in his efforts to reach a political solution in Syria on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex).”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“No lasting peace in Syria will be possible without justice and accountability. We reiterate our support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Those Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. We also welcome the board of inquiry that was recently established by the Secretary-General and which is now operational. With regard to the return of refugees our position remains unchanged. All returns must be safe, voluntary, dignified and well-informed. We reiterate our call for a nation-wide cessation of hostilities in accordance with Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2401 (2018). There is no military solution to the conflict in Syria.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“More than half of the current population in Idlib is made up of internally displaced persons, many of whom remain displaced close to the Turkish border, facing dire humanitarian circumstances in overcrowded camps as the winter sets in. We remain equally concerned about the situation in the south-west, including around Damascus, where a total of 2.8 million people remain in severe humanitarian need of essential protection, water, sanitation, health care, food, education and other relief. The security situation, which remains volatile in this region, adds to the challenge. The situation in Rukban also remains dire. We continue to call for a durable and lasting solution for the remaining inhabitants and underline, in this context, the importance of providing United Nations access to the camp. Finally, I will make four more points.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“In the north-west, despite a reduction in hostilities since the end ofAugust, a recent upsurge in violence has been reported, leading to civilian casualties, especially in southern and western Idlib, and further impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Once again, we are deeply concerned about recent reports of attacks on medical facilities. We have also condemned the attacks perpetrated by Security Council-designated terrorist groups, while reiterating that counter-terrorism efforts can never absolve the obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law, including that of adherence to the principles of distinction and proportionality.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“In north-eastern Syria, clashes continue to be reported, adding further risk to the already dire humanitarian situation. They have led to civilian casualties and, although the number has dropped, many people remain displaced. It is of prime importance that humanitarian access not be impeded. At this stage, we are paying particular attention to the Allouk water station and call on all parties to ensure the continued full functioning of the station, which provides water to almost half a million people in Al-Hasakah. Some 68,000 residents, 94 per cent of whom are women and children, remain in Al-Hol camp. We call for continued and full humanitarian access to the camp and for its specific protection needs to be addressed.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“As the Secretary- General notes in his report, "Without this operation, we would see increased numbers of civilian deaths, greater prevalence of disease and even greater suffering being inflicted on a population who cannot be reached at this scale, in such a timely and direct manner, through any other means." (S/2019/820, para. 44) We share that assessment, which is why the co-penholders will work closely with all members of the Council and the countries concerned or involved in order to renew the resolution on cross-border operations - a purely humanitarian resolution - before the end of the year. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that resolution 2165 (2014) is renewed so that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners can continue to alleviate the humanitarian needs of all people in Syria.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“To this date, the mechanism continues to allow the United Nations and its partners to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches millions of people. In fact, this year has been extremely busy. Never have there been as many humanitarian cross-border convoys as during the month of October, owing to the situation in the north of the country. Moreover, as Mr. Lowcock explained in detail, the Monitoring Mechanism linked to cross-border operations is robust and reliable. It is known to be among the most effective and detail- oriented systems of all humanitarian operations run by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs across the world. The current mandate of cross-border operations ends by the beginning of next year. The renewal of the mandate is of prime importance.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source