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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“We must make every effort to structurally strengthen the capacity for integrated planning and coordination within missions and with country teams. We also welcome the work under way by the Departments of Peace Operations and of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs on the issue of stabilization and on how to tailor peace operations to the context of complex conflicts characterized by the presence of armed groups using terrorist tactics. As a contributor of uniformed personnel to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, we face this reality on a daily basis. The tools under development by the Secretariat - tools that are not only reactive but also preventative - will certainly be very useful. Finally, I turn to my third point: partnerships.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“Such mandates must be clear, comprehensible and benchmarked. Indeed, mandates must be understandable and unequivocal so as to ensure that those entrusted with their implementation fully comprehend them. Our collective efforts in this regard must continue when we consider forthcoming mandate renewals. These mandates must also be achievable, meaning that each mission must be allocated resources commensurate with the scope of its mandate. It falls to each mission to use the necessary leeway in deploying its resources so as to best deliver on its mandate. Turning to my second point - working together to ensure efficient and effective operations - performance depends heavily on the way missions work and, in particular, on the integration of their various components.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“We welcome the Member State fact- finding exercise currently under way, marking the first anniversary of the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Every Member State, through concrete actions, brings its particular experience and expertise to peacekeeping. Sharing ideas and best practices helps and inspires us all. Today I will focus on three aspects of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative: first, our collective responsibility to ensure that mandates are clear, benchmarked and adequately financed; secondly, efforts in the area of performance; and, thirdly and finally, the added value of partnerships. This Security Council plays a central role in defining the mandates of peace operations, be they peacekeeping operations or special political missions.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): We welcome the efforts made to reform the Organization in general, and peacekeeping in particular. I thank Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his informative remarks on the impressive steps taken over the past several months. The Action for Peacekeeping initiative is now the collective road map for all of us as contributors of uniformed personnel, the Secretariat, Security Council members and host countries, so that together we can pool our efforts in the coming years. We welcome the fact that the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations has chosen Action for Peacekeeping as the frame of reference for its report. We now have the road map; it is now a question of implementing it.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“We are in favour of the Special Envoy and the United Nations playing a central role in that process, as envisaged by the Astana guarantors who initiated the idea of the committee. We continue to support the efforts of the Special Envoy in that regard and eagerly await the rapid establishment of the committee. Its establishment, however, is not an end in itself. It must constitute the basis of a credible political process able to bring together all Syrians who seek peace.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“It can be resolved only through a negotiated political process, pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex), under the aegis of the United Nations. We support all Mr. Pedersen's efforts to implement the resolution, including the implementation of a national ceasefire, the initiation of a political transition through the holding of national elections, to include the Syrian diaspora, and the fostering of a safe, stable and calm environment. For my country, the establishment of a Syrian- owned, Syrian-led constitutional committee, facilitated by the United Nations, will be an important step forward, provided that the committee is credible, in other words, balanced, inclusive and representative, and that it works under clear rules and is facilitated by the United Nations.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“I would like to conclude this intervention by recalling the following: with the crisis in Idlib in mind, cross-border operations, as renewed under resolution 2449 (2018), are more than ever of life-saving importance. There is no other way to provide adequate support to the 3 million civilians in the area who rely on that mechanism. (spoke in French) Allow me to continue with some comments in my national capacity with regard to the political aspect. First, I wish to thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing and his commitment. I wish to assure him that he can count on our full support. We are all aware ofwhat we are facing. There can be no military solution to the Syrian crisis.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“In Al-Hol camp, over 70,000 persons still receive humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian agencies have been able to scale up their response, but the situation remains of deep concern nonetheless. In southern Syria, across Dara'a, Quneitra and rural Damascus, where high levels of population movements continue to be recorded, 2.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. In Rukban, the United Nations was able to conduct an assessment mission last week. This is welcome news, but what is crucial now is that the United Nations be permitted back in Rukban in the weeks to come in order to provide assistance to those who decide to stay in the camp and to help others leave in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Since the beginning of the de-escalation in Idlib at the end of April, the humanitarian co-penholders have strived to keep the attention of the international community on this important humanitarian situation. We have found support among many around this table. Today we call for the Council to urgently take a unified stance, with us, against this violence that has caused so much human suffering. The situation cannot continue. That is why the co-penholders regarding the humanitarian situation in Syria - Kuwait, Germany and Belgium 4 have presented a draft resolution to the members of the Council that aims to urgently alleviate the humanitarian situation in Idlib. We look forward to working constructively with all Council members on the text. In the meantime, our attention also goes to other parts of Syria.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“We have condemned the violations of international humanitarian law and have called for accountability. We have also condemned the attacks perpetrated by Security Council-designated terrorist groups while, at the same time, reiterating that counter-terrorism efforts can never absolve any of the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction and proportionality. We have called for a surge in diplomacy among key players to urgently stabilize and de-escalate the situation - tragically, for all concerned on the ground in Syria, to no effect so far. OCHA has repeatedly called for a unified Security Council to take action, a call Mr. Lowcock repeated this morning.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Lowcock for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) during its briefing, over 500 civilians - including many children - have been killed. Over 400,000 people have fled the violence once or several times, not knowing where to spend the night, with camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) being overcrowded. Hospitals, schools, markets and IDP locations have been targeted, hit and destroyed by air strikes. Many of those strikes occurred in de-confliction zones, which means that the parties that launched the attacks were well aware of their location. Time after time, we have called upon the parties to uphold the September 2018 memorandum of understanding on Idlib. We have called for the protection of the 3 million civilians living in the region. We have deplored the loss of innocent civilian lives.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“The Secretary-General stated last week that he was "deeply troubled by the continued escalation in north-west Syria and the prospect of an offensive deeper into Idlib, which could trigger a new wave of human suffering, possibly impacting up to 3 million civilians [and] strongly condemns continued attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including on health-care and educational facilities." (SG/SM/19705) Over the past four months, the ongoing military campaign using continuous air strikes, shelling and - reportedly - barrel bombs has caused immense human suffering and taken an enormous toll on the population. It has caused death, displacement and destruction. As described once again in detail by Mr.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“I deliver this statement on the humanitarian situation in Syria on behalf of the three co-penholders, namely, Kuwait, Germany and Belgium. We would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his important briefing today on the humanitarian situation in Syria.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Finally, Iraq and its people can only flourish anew in a context of domestic and regional stability. The fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity should guide actions. To that end, we call for the joint commitment of the region and the international community.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“The apparent calm in the south of the country, compared to recent years, is a positive development, but continued attention is needed. In addition, given the strong influence of the effects of climate change on Iraq and its population, it is desirable that UNAMI step up its role in that area. As Iraq looks to the future, reconciliation is of paramount importance. That must continue and families must be allowed to return to their communities and resume normal lives. We support UNAMI's important mission to promote justice and the protection of human rights. Lastly, the security sector and its reform remain a challenge for the Iraqi authorities. Although the Islamic State has been defeated militarily, the causes that allowed it to develop remain. We must therefore do all we can to prevent the re-emergence of the terrorist group.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Belgium looks forward to the rigorous implementation of that order by all parties concerned. Moreover, as Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, Belgium encourages the Government of Iraq to develop, sign and implement an action plan on this issue, with the support of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). That would be a significant step towards delisting Iraq from the annex to the Secretary-General's annual report. We also welcome the Government's efforts in the fight against corruption. Other important challenges remain, namely, the economic situation and the business environment. Providing basic services to the population and creating jobs are important factors to ensure the continued support of the people.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Let me begin by thanking Ms. Hennis- Plasschaert for her briefing. Iraq is at a crossroads in its history. Much progress has been made, but many challenges remain. Belgium welcomes the establishment of the federal Government, now nearly complete. To meet the many challenges, Iraq needs a strong and inclusive Government, supported by robust institutions and well-functioning public services. Belgium also calls for the appointment of women to decision-making positions. Belgium encourages the Government to continue its efforts to implement its programme. Executive Order 237, which stipulates that the popular mobilization forces should be under the exclusive control of the Government, is an important step forward in particular.”
2019-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8606 (2019) · source
“Belgium very much welcomes the attention devoted in these resolutions to the importance of human rights, international humanitarian law and international refugee law in our efforts and policies to combat terrorism. In particular, it is necessary to guarantee the necessary space for the daily actions of humanitarian workers in a situation affected by terrorism. Belgium will co-organize a side-event on this subject with the European Union during the high- level week of the General Assembly in September. Finally, Belgium is of the View that it is important to closely monitor the polarization created within our societies by the attacks perpetrated by or in the name of Da'esh and the resulting responses. Indeed, recent attacks inspired by extremist and violent ideologies in some Member States should give rise to vigilance and prevention.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source
“At the end of detention, monitoring continues at the local level, through police services, psychosocial services and local administrations, which continue to exchange the necessary information. Following the Secretary-General's previous report (S/2019/ 103), several resolutions were adopted to help the international community tackle the terrorist threat, such as resolution 2462 (2019), on the financing of terrorism, initiated by France; resolution 2467 (2019), on the use of sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism, initiated by Germany; and resolution 2482 (2019), on the link between organized crime and terrorism, initiated by Peru.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source
“There is a particular risk stemming from individuals who were prevented by the authorities from joining Da'esh and still wish to contribute to the terrorist movement through an individual act. In the face of such threats, a comprehensive approach, including the prevention of violent extremism, is indispensable. Belgium concurs with the Secretary-General's analysis that there is still a risk in prisons, which remain an environment conducive to alienation and, potentially, radicalization. Part of the problem lies is the lack of awareness of this constantly evolving phenomenon and of appropriate training. Monitoring of prisoners is also crucial. In reconsidering its prison system, Belgium has opted for a tailor-made approach based on an individual risk assessment and management.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Coninsx and Mr. Voronkov for their interesting briefings. We take note of the fact that, even after its military defeat and the territorial end of its self-proclaimed State, Da'esh continues to seek a global role, in particular through its affiliates and isolated attacks by individuals who subscribe to its hateful ideology. In addition, the situation in the detention camps and facilities in Syria and Iraq remains a great concern, especially with regard to radicalized women and to children. That is the reason behind the policy of Belgium to repatriate those people. Belgium believes that the threat is far from over, including in Europe.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source
“Those parameters were defined and endorsed by the Council. It is therefore necessary for the Council to guarantee their implementation. Belgium will continue to work to that end in order to meet the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“We urge Israel, as the occupying Power, to put in place preventive and protective measures. We call on Palestinian movements to refrain from encouraging children to participate in violence. We are also concerned about the detention of children and the circumstances in which it takes place. We call on the Israeli authorities to respect international norms governing juvenile justice, to stop submitting children to administrative detention, to end all forms of ill-treatment in detention and to refrain from enlisting child detainees as informants. Belgium remains convinced that there is no other option than a negotiated solution, based on the coexistence of two States, with the city of Jerusalem as the future capital of the two States, in accordance with the internationally agreed parameters.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“Beyond humanitarian support, there will be lasting stability in Gaza only through a negotiated settlement, which involves lifting the blockade and opening up crossing points, while taking into account Israel's legitimate concerns about its security. In the meantime, we call on the Israeli authorities to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian and development actors and goods. A political solution to the crisis also requires the full return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. We reiterate our call to the parties to relaunch the intra-Palestinian reconciliation process. Children continue to be severely affected by this conflict, as also shown in the report of the Secretary- General on Children and Armed Conflict of 20 June 2019 (S/2019/509). We call on all parties to refrain from the excessive use of force.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“Moreover, we condemn the attacks against the Israeli population. We are also concerned about the recent clashes at Al-Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount. It is imperative to preserve the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem. For 12 years, life in Gaza has been dominated by the blockade, which is seriously affecting the health and education sectors, among others. Women and young people are especially impacted. We welcome the efforts of humanitarian actors. In particular, I would like to stress the importance of the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. Once again, we note that the situation is deteriorating, and tensions are mounting. The settlement-building policy and related measures of eviction and demolition are continuing unabated in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This policy undermines respect for the basic rights of Palestinians, as well as fundamentally - and soon, irremediably - undermining the two-State solution, which we support. Belgium strongly condemns the policy of settlement building, as well as any initiative aimed at consolidating it. We will not recognize any unilateral annexation of the occupied territories. We recall that Israel, as the occupying Power, is obliged to ensure the protection of the rights of the Palestinian population.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we look forward to the joint report of the United Nations and the African Union, which will formulate a shared political strategy with options for an appropriate and carefully calibrated presence in Darfur. In conclusion, the Sudan is experiencing a historic moment in its history as a result of the courage and aspiration to freedom, peace and justice of its people. Significant challenges to sustainable peace remain, but the Council will continue to support the country as it continues its transition.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“The fact that, unfortunately, some groups in Darfur rejected the 17 August agreement shows that Sudanese stakeholders must continue to work for a peaceful and equitable solution for all, including a peace agreement between all Sudanese parties and the different rebel groups. We have been presented with a unique opportunity to put an end to the various conflicts that have been ravaging the country for far too long. The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) mandate will be reviewed once again by the Council in October. In the meantime, the Council must continue to follow closely the situation in the Sudan in general and in Darfur in particular. The UNAMID exit process cannot be disconnected from developments in the rest of the country.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“Belgium welcomes the crucial mediation role played by the African Union and Ethiopia and the support provided by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the United Nations and the entire international community. We encourage those actors to continue to support the Sudan. However, we remain concerned about the situation in Darfur. Darfur remains a fragile region where the root causes of the conflict, including access to land and the future of displaced persons, have not yet been fully resolved, as Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Commissioner Chergui reminded us.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, impunity must be addressed by, for instance, putting in place an independent commission of inquiry into the deadly events of 3 June, establishing a country office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and engaging in dialogue with the International Criminal Court to ensure that those who are under an arrest warrant are brought to justice, either before the International Criminal Court or the national courts. And, fourthly, civilians must be protected, including by allowing unhindered humanitarian access. Belgium fully supports the transition process and looks forward to engaging with the civilian-led transition authorities.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“All efforts must now be directed towards implementing the agreement in the same spirit of compromise and reconciliation that enabled the stakeholders to achieve this historic milestone. In that connection, I would like to stress the importance of the following aspects. First, there is a need to ensure inclusiveness by bringing together all segments of society, especially women, who were often at the forefront of the peaceful protests, and representatives of all regions of the country. Secondly, the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Sudanese people, including the right to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of religion, must be respected.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the Under- Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean- Pierre Lacroix, and the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Sma'i'l Chergui, for their briefings. We welcome the signing of the constitutional declaration in the Sudan on 17 August. The agreement is the result of long negotiations and represents a key step towards long-lasting peace, democracy and prosperity in the Sudan. We also welcome the appointment of the 11 members ofthe Sovereign Council and the swearing- in of the Prime Minister, Mr. Abdalla Hamdok, on 21 August. We commend the Sudanese people, in particular women and young people, for their strong yet peaceful action.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“Lastly, I would like to underscore that the global non-proliferation regime is a crucial element of the multilateral system, based on international law. We all have a national interest in a global order based on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“More specifically, Belgium calls on Russia and the United States to engage in productive dialogue in order to develop initiatives to strengthen strategic stability and take resolute steps to reduce their nuclear arsenals, including weapons systems of all kinds. We also stress the importance of extending New START beyond 2021. The Treaty's expiration would end any limitation on the strategic nuclear forces of both countries. Let us also not forget the responsibility of other nuclear-weapon States to contribute to arms control through their actions and participation in international deliberations. The development of new capabilities and the expansion of arsenals take us away from the objectives agreed under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“We regret the fact that Russia has not responded to repeated international calls for it to resume the implementation of its Treaty obligations. The dissolution of the Treaty was the result. However, our debate cannot be limited to accusations and recriminations. It is important that Russia and the United States engage in active and constructive dialogue in order to agree on stabilization and confidence-building measures. A new arms race is in no one's interests. Furthermore, the unparalleled destructive power of nuclear weapons reminds us of the need not only to prevent any proliferation, but also to make progress in the area of disarmament.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“This environment is presenting a daunting challenge to the global non-proliferation and disarmament architecture and makes achieving the progress urgently required at a time of increasing risks of proliferation even more difficult. As was stated earlier, the INF Treaty was a pillar of European and international security for more than 30 years. Thanks to the Treaty, nearly 3,000 missiles equipped with nuclear or conventional warheads were removed from European soil and destroyed in a verifiable manner. The Treaty therefore represented a tangible contribution to the fulfilment of the disarmament obligations of the United States and Russia under article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Belgium therefore deeply deplores the dissolution of the INF Treaty.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing Belgium is particularly concerned about the current risks in the area of non-proliferation and disarmament. The end of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, threats to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the uncertainties surrounding the future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty and the North Korean issue are all worrisome. Those recent developments reflect the increased polarization within the international community, wherein trust and cooperation among States have taken a major step backwards.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, I would also like to underline the key role played by regional and subregional organizations. I welcome their close coordination with UNOWAS and encourage them to maintain this coordination in the future.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Nevertheless, my country believes that the conflict cannot be resolved by ignoring human rights; doing so will mean that the successes of the security forces will be fleeting and will jeopardize reconciliation and the ending of long- lasting crises. Furthermore, as the Secretary-General emphasizes in his report (S/2019/549), a response to the challenges facing West Africa cannot involve security alone. A holistic approach is needed to address violent extremism, while also highlighting good governance, the fight against impunity and sustainable and inclusive development. UNOWAS plays a leading role in studying the impact of climate change on security, as part of a conflict-prevention approach. This work is crucial, and I encourage the Special Representative to continue this effort.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“The persistence of conflicts between herders and farmers deserves special attention, as these tensions are currently a major factor of insecurity in the subregion and beyond. I would like to congratulate the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) for broadly raising awareness on the subject. It is now a matter of implementing the various good practices that have been identified, particularly in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States. Belgium applauds the courage and sacrifice of the security forces in their fight against terrorists throughout the region.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French):Attheoutset,letmethankSpecialRepresentative Chambas for his very comprehensive insights. Belgium commends the Special Representative's daily work on prevention, mediation, lasting peace and the promotion of the rule of law in West Africa and the Sahel. The precarious security situation continues to be a cause for our concern. In particular, I note the intensification of intercommunal violence in several countries of the region, such as Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as unabating terrorist attacks. This deterioration has a direct impact on the humanitarian situation, causing the suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent people.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, as the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and that of the Great Lakes region remain closely linked, we call on all stakeholders to take advantage of the current positive momentum. After the recent quadripartite presidential summit held in Luanda and the latest initiatives to strengthen the National Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, we hope that this dynamic will prove to be sustainable and have tangible effects. Improved regional cooperation could have considerable benefits for the Congolese population, in the contexts of the struggle against the various armed groups, economic cooperation and the fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“Therefore, within the framework of the Mission's current independent strategic review, Belgium expects the development of benchmarks to clearly measure the capacity of the Congolese authorities to take over the various tasks currently being carried out by MONUSCO. The adequate protection of civilians and respect for human rights in all circumstances remain imperative. Belgium also welcomes the renewal of the sanctions regime and the new mechanism for updating the sanctions list. While welcoming the positive cooperation between the Congolese authorities with the sanctions regime's Group of Experts and the commitment of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi to improve the human rights situation, we also hope that the forthcoming renewal of the sanctions regime can be used to make them more effective and better targeted.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“In this regard, it is troubling to note that the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo and the Congolese National Police were able to continue to commit human rights violations during the period covered by the latest report of the Secretary- General (S/2019/575). Security sector reform, which involves the professionalization of the security forces, must remain a priority. Secondly, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the new sanctions regime continue, and must continue, to contribute to ensuring the protection of civilians and the restoration of peace and State authority throughout the country. By supporting the Congolese Government, MONUSCO continues to play a key role.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“We are concerned about inter-ethnic violence in Ituri, which has already displaced more than 300,000 people, as the Special Representative informed us. We call on all parties to reduce tensions and show respect for the civilian population. We also remain concerned about the humanitarian situation. In addition to the Ebola epidemic, there have already been more than 87,000 cases of measles since the beginning of the year, and cholera continues to exact a heavy toll. As the President stated, respect for human rights and the restoration of the rule of law remain crucial challenges.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo for their briefings. Today, I would like to focus my statement on three major points. First, we welcome the new positive momentum given by President Tshilombo Tshisekedi. Nevertheless, the situation in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo continues to be complex. Belgium remains concerned about the security situation, especially in the two Kivus and Ituri. We strongly condemn the latest attacks on the Ebola standby teams in North Kivu.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“In this context, Belgium reiterates the key role of the Security Council as the guarantor for any comprehensive, just and lasting solution, in line with its previous resolutions and full respect for international law. As was eloquently stated by the Permanent Representative of Germany, we believe in international law and that it must be respected. Belgium will continue to work to that end in the Council and jointly with our Palestinian and Israeli friends.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“The vision towards which the international community must work is in fact the coexistence oftwo States with Jerusalem as their future respective capitals, in accordance with internationally agreed parameters - and, yes, those parameters have been internationally agreed. This approach can be supported by economic measures, but these economic measures cannot replace a political solution. An end to the occupation, free access for Palestinians to their lands and resources, freedom of movement and access to the whole territory and the ability to integrate into the regional market are essential to enable the Palestinian economy to fully develop. In conclusion, it is high time for the parties to resume the path of dialogue and endeavour to build peace. We are convinced that this is in the clear interest of both the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“A political solution to the current crisis also requires the return of control of this territory to the Palestinian Authority. We call on the parties to resume constructive dialogue and welcome the Egyptian and Russian efforts to that end. Last month, the United States presented a series of economic measures, entitled "Peace to Prosperity", at a workshop hosted by Bahrain in Manama. During the presentation of the plan, we took note of the recognition of the need to incorporate the proposed measures in a political plan. Indeed, as we have already stressed, peace can be comprehensive, just and lasting only if it meets the legitimate aspirations of each of the parties to make its national destiny a reality in peace and security within a stabilized region.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“In the meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority must continue to accept tax transfers on a provisional basis, which in no way constitutes a legal or political endorsement of Israeli deductions. The security situation in Gaza continues to be a source of concern for us. We call on the parties to continue to exercise the utmost restraint and respect the ceasefire reached thanks to the efforts of Egypt and the United Nations Special Coordinator. A political, comprehensive and lasting solution must be found to the social, economic and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That implies a fundamental change that includes, in particular, the lifting of the blockade and the opening of crossing points, while taking into account Israel's legitimate security concerns.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source