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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“These demolitions illustrate once again the pressure brought to bear on the Palestinian presence in and around East Jerusalem. They contribute to a significant change in the demographic character of the city of Jerusalem, which is detrimental to negotiations on its final status as the capital of the two States. The continued pursuit of this policy calls into question the prospect of a two- State solution. Another immediate concern is the financial crisis of the Palestinian Authority. We expect the economic and budgetary agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to be fully implemented, including Israel's obligations under the Protocol on Economic Relations between the Government of the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“The project supported three communities and sought to expand land use through the rehabilitation of water supplies and pasture-management techniques. Some 35 families were affected by the destruction, 63 per cent of whom were young people. This is not empty rhetoric or sloganeering, but simple facts. Belgium notes that the destruction of property and objects necessary for the survival of civilians is contrary to international human rights law. In the same vein, we condemn the recent demolitions and evictions in the Silwan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, as well as the massive demolitions of buildings yesterday in the community of Sur Baher, mostly located in Areas A and B of the West Bank, but on the west side of the separation wall.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): Belgium aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the members of the European Union. At the outset, I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. The situation on the ground is deteriorating day by day with the continuing colonization policy as one of its main catalysts. This policy, together with such measures as forced displacements, expulsions and demolitions, is illegal under international law. We condemn the destruction on 4 July of the facilities of an Oxfam humanitarian project funded by Belgium in the village of Khirbet Ad-Duqaiqah, which included three water tanks and at least 2,500 trees.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“We remain very concerned about the sharp increase in the recruitment and use of children, primarily by non-State armed groups. We regret the persistent polarized atmosphere around elements of the peace agreement, which demonstrates the need for inclusive dialogue among all political actors. Everyone must overcome mistrust and unite behind peace. There is no doubt that the historic decision to end the armed conflict was the right one, despite the current challenges. This morning, we spoke at length about the now-famous tomatoes (see S/PV.8580), and it is true that to see these ex-combatants, who for years lived with weapons in their hands, today devoting their energy to growing tomatoes is a powerful image. I assure all parties ofBelgium's unwavering support for the peace process.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“While recognizing that the vast majority of former FARC combatants are honouring their commitments under the peace agreement, I stress that it is crucial that all FARC leaders set an example and actively contribute to telling the truth in all the cases being considered by the Special Jurisdiction. The actions of a small minority of detractors of the agreement must not be instrumentalized by others to undermine the implementation of the agreement, which requires the continuous courage of all political actors. Belgium is monitoring, in particular, the situation of children in armed conflict. We encourage the Government to prioritize the protection of children, and I commend the Colombian Family Welfare Institute for its work.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Security guarantees are therefore needed, especially in the context of a broader extension of the full presence of the State into former conflict areas. Belgium welcomes the adoption of the statutory law of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which is consolidating its autonomy and independence and is the cornerstone of the restorative-justice model in Colombia. I also commend the work of the Truth Commission and the Unit for the Search for Persons deemed Missing in the Context ofand Due to the Armed Conflict. These transitional-justice institutions must be given adequate resources to carry out their mandate.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“We also recognize the progress made in the reintegration of ex-combatants, the pursuit of a pragmatic solution for the 24 concentration areas, the approval of national and regional development plans and the proposal to strengthen the land registry. It is now important to bolster these reintegration and rural-reform efforts. The October elections will be an important stage in the political reintegration of the FARC. We urge the authorities to protect social leaders, human rights defenders, candidates and FARC politicians in the run- up to the elections. Women leaders, in particular, are vulnerable. It is deeply worrying to note that, since the signing of the peace agreement, the murders of 123 former combatants and several hundred social leaders have been confirmed. Too often, the perpetrators have not been held to account.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“From President Duque Marquez, leaders of the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC), heads of peace-agreement institutions, representatives of civil society organizations and former combatants from Santa Rosa to Cauca and the communities with which the latter live, the main message we heard was the need and desire to make the peace agreement work. I personally left Colombia convinced that, despite the considerable challenges, the country continues to set a shining example to the regions of the world in conflict that need inspiration. The request to extend the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia is a clear sign of this commitment.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Ruiz Massieu for his briefing and Foreign Minister Trujillo Garcia for his presence today in the Security Council. I would also like to thank the delegations of Peru and the United Kingdom, as well as the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and the Colombian authorities for organizing our trip last week. As all my colleagues who preceded me have said, it was a valuable opportunity for the Council to express its support for the peace process and to better understand the challenges facing Colombia in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Belgium welcomes the strong commitment expressed by all parties during the visit.”
2019-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8581 (2019) · source
“In that regard, Belgium is alarmed by the imposition of the death penalty by the Houthis on 30 people in Sana'a. Those people are on the list for the exchange of prisoners. The agreement on the prisoner exchange must be implemented as soon as possible.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“It is imperative for all parties to facilitate access for humanitarian assistance and to respect international humanitarian law. In particular, we strongly condemn any misuse of humanitarian aid. Assistance must be provided to those who need it. We are concerned that the situation in Sana'a remains unresolved. As David Beasley announced, we hope that an agreement will be signed soon. We note with concern the financial situation, as described by Mark Lowcock. Belgium has paid its contribution to the Yemen Humanitarian Fund and calls on other contributors to do the same. Lastly, it is crucial to continue to look into the violations committed in the territory. We call on the parties to respect their obligations and commitments under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“Violence in the rest of the country continues, exacerbating the lack of trust between the parties. In addition, such violence has an impact on humanitarian access. We call on all parties to cease hostilities throughout the country. Belgium remains deeply concerned over the high number of child victims, particularly as a result of air strikes and ground fighting, and urges all parties to take immediate measures to protect children. Furthermore, we strongly condemn the attacks with drones and missiles on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia claimed by the Houthis. Those attacks are unacceptable. Efforts are needed to improve the humanitarian situation, which remains catastrophic, as we have heard once again this morning. We commend the humanitarian agencies for their outstanding work, despite difficulties.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“We call on all parties to fully implement the withdrawal agreement, to respect the ceasefire in full and to resolve the outstanding points of disagreement, including the issue of local security forces. We continue to call on all parties to implement the Stockholm Agreement in its entirety, including the prisoner-exchange agreement and the memorandum of understanding on Taiz. Moreover, Belgium continues to encourage the Special Envoy to continue to prepare the next steps in the political process, which must be inclusive. The Al-Hudaydah agreement is of particular importance to the humanitarian situation, but the core of the conflict requires a sustainable and inclusive political solution. We reiterate our full support for the efforts of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Mr. Mark Lowcock and Mr. David Beasley for their briefings. We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2481 (2019) on the renewal of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement and call on all actors to facilitate its full implementation within a reasonable time frame. We note with satisfaction the results of the latest meeting of the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC), held in Al-Hudaydah, including the agreements on de-escalation and the concept of operations for the first and second phases of the redeployment.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“It is indeed essential that the Mechanism be able to continue its activities in a peaceful atmosphere. The mandate of the Mechanism is unique. In addition to its judicial activities, it has other residual functions such as assistance to national courts. The latter is directly involved in States' responsibility to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate the perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law. Belgium fully supports the Mechanism in the pursuit of its mandate, which allows hundreds of victims of the Balkan wars and genocide in Rwanda to make their stories heard and to testify about the atrocities of the 19905 so that they will never be forgotten. The Mechanism is thus a model that the Security Council is rightly highlighting today, 17 July, Day of International Criminal Justice.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“My country also regrets a further slowdown in regional judicial cooperation in the Balkans, without which those responsible for war crimes will go unpunished. We therefore call on the States concerned to reverse the current trend and recall, in particular, the commitments they made in that regard a year ago at the Western Balkans Summit in London as part of the Berlin process. In resolution 2422 (2018), the Council encouraged the Mechanism to consider the introduction of a conditional early release scheme. The aim was to respond to the concerns expressed by some Member States following the early release of several sentenced persons. Belgium welcomes the new Chairman's intention to consult with other interested parties and is currently considering appropriate solutions in this regard.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“Council members must, of course, set an example for others to follow and we are delighted that South Africa has expressed its willingness to cooperate. We support the Prosecutor's appeal for the South African authorities to now honour that commitment in practice as soon as possible, which will contribute significantly to the fight against impunity for the crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity that were committed in Rwanda. In the same vein, Belgium is very concerned by the persistent reports from the Office of the Prosecutor regarding the denial of crimes and the glorification of war criminals in some countries of the former Yugoslavia. The role of the Mechanism in combating hate speech and any ideology advocating discrimination is paramount, but it requires the full cooperation of the States of the region.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“Fighting impunity and ensuring justice for the most serious crimes under international law are fundamental obligations that are primarily the responsibility of the States concerned. The efforts of Member States, supported by the Mechanism, contribute directly to the process of intercommunal reconciliation. That is why it is essential that all the countries concerned cooperate, not only among themselves but also with the Mechanism. In this regard, it is regrettable that eight individuals indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda are still at large. Belgium recalls that all United Nations Member States have an obligation to cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor in its efforts to locate and prosecute the remaining fugitives.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank Judge Carmel Agius and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for their written reports (S/2019/417, annexes I and II) and the briefings they have just delivered to the Security Council. I also congratulate Judge Agius on his appointment as President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Belgium commends the work of the Mechanism, which of course has been marked over the past six months by the verdict of the Appeals Chamber in the Karadeic' case, sentencing him to life imprisonment. Despite a reduced budget, the Mechanism continues to demonstrate a high level of activity while upholding the Security Council's vision of being a small, effective entity of a temporary nature.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“Their identification does not end the investigation, and Belgium continues to call on all countries to lend their cooperation, in accordance with resolution 2166 (2014), so that all those responsible can be prosecuted and justice can be rendered in an independent, honest and transparent manner to the victims and their families.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“We condemn any obstruction of navigation and free passage in the Kerch Strait. The militarization of Crimea and any illegal use of force could further destabilize the region and escalate tensions. We urge Russia to ensure free passage through the Sea of Azov without hindrance, in accordance with international maritime law. As other colleagues have recalled, tomorrow will mark five years since Malaysia Airlines Flight MH- 17 was shot down over the southern part of Ukraine. That tragic event claimed the lives of 298 people, including several Belgians. The Joint Investigation Team, of which Belgium is a member, recently made public the names of four suspects allegedly involved.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“We hope that the new President will continue on the path of the political and economic reforms that the country needs, particularly in the context of the implementation of the European Union Association Agreement. Belgium will continue to offer its support to that process, as well as to the Ukrainian people. We reiterate our deepest concern over the escalation in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov, as well as over Russia's violations of international law. In that regard, we regret that Russia has yet to comply with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea's order, dating back to May 25. We call on Russia to uphold that legally binding decision and to release without delay the 24 military personnel captured in November 2018, as well as the three vessels.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“All actors must respect the ceasefire and uphold international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian structures. They have a responsibility to improve humanitarian access by ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers and removing bureaucratic obstacles. The parties must guarantee the freedom of movement of OSCE observers throughout Ukraine, including along the Ukrainian- Russian border and in Crimea. We are particularly concerned that the technical instruments of the OSCE Mission are being targeted and blocked on an ongoing basis. I take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. We reiterate our support for the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group, the OSCE and the Normandy format.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Belgium encourages Russia to participate constructively with the new President, and we call on the Russian authorities to consider this political momentum in Ukraine as an opportunity not to be missed. The implementation of the Minsk agreements is the only way to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict. Ukraine should, for example, take fully heed the Venice Commission's recommendations on the law on education, in accordance with its commitment, and the law on the use of languages should be in line with the obligations of the Minsk agreements. We therefore expect all parties to refrain from taking unilateral measures that could exacerbate tensions, to implement those agreements promptly and fully and to honour their commitments.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo and Mr. Lamberto Zannier for their insightful briefings. The population of Ukraine has just elected a new President, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyi, through a democratic electoral process. The outgoing President, Mr. Poroshenko, has ensured a constructive transition. Those are two important achievements in a complex political, economic and security environment. In addition, Mr. Zelenskyi, has expressed openness towards the entire Ukrainian population, including zones not controlled by the Government. In recent days, Mr. Zelenskyi has reached out to the Russian Government to hold consultations.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Secondly, in the context of capacity-building in connection with applying international standards and best practices in the area ofjustice, it is necessary that all perpetrators of crimes, regardless oftheir affiliation, be able to answer for their actions before Iraqi courts and tribunals. To that end, in accordance with resolution 2379 (2017), Belgium will explore how it might share its expertise and provide the Iraqi Government with the necessary assistance. It is in the light of those various objectives that Belgium will continue to monitor the work of the Investigative Team particularly closely during our term on the Security Council. This mechanism represents an immense hope for the many victims, and it is our duty not to let them down.”
2019-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8573 (2019) · source
“I would like to highlight two issues that are of particular importance to us. First, with regard to sharing evidence, as an independent and impartial United Nations mechanism, the Investigative Team must ensure that it complies with United Nations policies and good practices, as well as international law. The aim is to follow the established practice of the international tribunals and mechanisms established by the United Nations, whether in the area of procedural guarantees, the protection of Victims and witnesses or the non-application of the death penalty.”
2019-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8573 (2019) · source
“The work carried out with regard to its operationalization, the initial activities involved in the collection and analysis of evidence and the discussions on the support it could provide within the framework of national processes are very encouraging. We also noted with interest the consultations held with the Iraqi authorities on ways to incorporate war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of genocide into domestic law, as well as on the possible establishment of specialized bodies to prosecute their perpetrators. That is in line with the efforts by Belgium and other European countries to explore the viability of the various possible avenues of international cooperation to try foreign terrorist fighters. My country expresses its full confidence in the ability of Mr. Khan and his team to carry out their mandate rigorously.”
2019-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8573 (2019) · source
“In that context, Belgium co-sponsored resolution 2379 (2017), which established the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (see S/PV.8052). On that occasion, the Council played its part in ensuring that the necessary measures were taken to combat impunity and promote respect for international law - two objectives that contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security Belgium commends the work done by Mr. Khan since he assumed his functions almost a year ago. We welcome the positive cooperation with local authorities, which was highlighted during the Council's recent field mission to Iraq, as well as the contacts maintained with all components of Iraqi society so as to garner collective support for the Investigative Team.”
2019-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8573 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Karim Khan, Special Adviser, for his written report (see S/20l9/407) and for his very enlightening briefing to us this morning. In a context that remains difficult in terms of security given the significant threat that Da'esh continues to pose, the stability of Iraq is our priority now more than ever. In order to rebuild a resilient society on solid foundations, Belgium is convinced that it is essential to fight against impunity for the atrocity crimes committed there. Da'esh is one of the main perpetrators of the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law that took place in Iraq.”
2019-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8573 (2019) · source
“We therefore see some merit in spurring an enhanced dialogue on increasingly technical and military issues in order to allow for horizontal dialogue among the experts of the respective contributors. Consideration should be given to the role that the Military Staff Committee should play in a triangular structure. Lastly, Belgium supports the proposal in the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions to ensure that information is available to stakeholders further in advance of planned Council meetings. We hope that that proposal can be adopted quickly.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“From that perspective therefore, we have a financial interest in its success. I would like to quote from a recent report of the Boutros-Ghali Peacekeeping Observatory. "The participation of financial contributors in meetings concerning mission implementation would, first and foremost, enable the format of the mandate to be adapted to the financial resources available and overcome operational difficulties that hinder its design and conduct." That would indeed be a useful step in our efforts to align mandates and resources. Some mandates are implemented in increasingly challenging security environments, thereby requiring greater efficiency, performance and operational responsibility.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“Small and medium-sized contributors should also make their voices heard. As a member of the Council, we have everything to gain from such exchanges as they highlight operational difficulties and elements on the ground that countries believe the Council must take into account. Lastly, we welcome the fact that interpretation is provided at the majority of the meetings held by those two forums, thereby addressing multilingualism and accessibility concerns. Secondly, with respect to other approaches, while making good use of existing forums is a useful first step, we can certainly make a greater effort. We believe that it is important to hear from financial contributors, regardless oftheir rank. As a Member State, we provide human resources for peacekeeping but we all also invest financial resources to ensure that peacekeeping functions well.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“Since we became members of the Council, my delegation has endeavoured to take full advantage ofthose meetings as opportunities for sustained and substantial exchanges among the Council, the Secretariat, the host State, the missions concerned and contributors. Let us be frank - a dysfunctional format cannot be publicly deplored in the General Assembly unless we make the effort to bring such interactions to life. I would also like to encourage the penholders in the Council to take into account the considerations expressed by contributors when drafting resolutions for mandate renewals. Furthermore, all meetings of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations are held in open format. We therefore encourage all troop- and police-contributing countries, as well as mission host States, to participate.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by expressing my thanks to today's briefers and to the Peruvian presidency. It is indeed essential that the interaction between the Council and the troop- and police-contributing countries proceed in the direction of improved mutual understanding on the basis of the provisions of the note of the President contained in document S/2017/507. Today I would like to focus on a series of concrete measures that would achieve that objective, first, by making better use ofexisting mechanisms and, secondly, by advancing our thinking on other approaches. First, with regard to making better use of existing mechanisms, I would like to begin with the issue of meetings between the troop- and police-contributing countries and the Security Council.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“We reiterate the importance we attach to the fact that no measure taken in the context of the fight against terrorism and organized crime should hinder the work of humanitarian organizations, whose activities are neutral and impartial. Respect for international humanitarian law and the fundamental principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions remains paramount everywhere and in all circumstances. We also note the importance of strengthening the capacities of States in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, and welcome the important role played in that connection by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Office of Counter-Terrorism. We once again thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate. You can count on our cooperation in the drafting of this new resolution.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Those practices have been used by Da'esh, Boko Haram and other terrorist movements. In addition, terrorist movements continue to exploit arms trafficking both to finance their operations and to supply themselves with weapons. They focus on small arms and light weapons, which allow them to pursue their dangerous and violent objectives, leaving many innocent victims in their wake. We strongly condemn the illicit transfer of weapons to terrorist movements. We welcome the draft resolution initiated by the Peruvian mission, which not only seeks to understand the complexity of the links between criminal organizations and terrorist movements but also proposes concrete measures.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“These individuals were radicalized and joined terrorist groups with a speed that greatly outpaced us and through a process that differed from the radicalization processes we have known until now. They were deliberately targeted by Da'esh through a rhetoric of redemption for their past crimes. This process of radicalization occurred mainly within our prisons, which has led us to reconsider our analysis of both the radicalization processes, but also of our prison systems. In addition, it is also important to understand the close links among several types of organized crime and how terrorist movements benefit from them. We note that there is an important link between trafficking in human beings and terrorism. That link exists not only in the financing of terrorist movements, but also through sexual exploitation as a terrorist tactic.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“We also note that the dividing line between terrorism and organized crime, both transnational and domestic, can be very blurry. While terrorist movements often finance their operations through criminal activities, criminal organizations sometimes adopt methods similar to terrorist movements to achieve their ends. The links between terrorism and organized crime varies greatly by region. Multilateral actions to combat terrorism and organized crime must take those different realities into account and our measures must be adapted to different regional contexts. Unfortunately, Europe has also seen many violent terrorist attacks on its territory in recent years. Belgium has not been spared, having been attacked in March 2016. Most of the terrorists who participated in these recent attacks had a criminal history, often involving petty crime.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): We thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this debate, and we thank all the briefers for their informative presentations. I also welcome our new French colleague, Mr. Nicolas de Riviere. In addition, I congratulate Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu on his new functions and thank him for his exemplary cooperation over the several months we have spent together on the Council. Although several Security Council resolutions have already expressed the Council's concern about the links between terrorism and organized crime, those links need to be further identified and addressed. They may include financial assistance to terrorist movements, logistical assistance or even the formation of an ad hoc coalition.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“We support the efforts of the Special Envoy to implement the resolution by establishing a nationwide ceasefire, a political transition through free and fair national elections that the Syrian diaspora can participate in, and the building ofa safe, stable and peaceful environment. Lastly, we must not forget the millions of Syrians who continue to be subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention. We encourage the Special Envoy to continue his efforts on that important issue.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“However, only the creation of a credible constitutional committee can demonstrate the political will of the parties to the conflict to work constructively towards a solution to the crisis. What is needed is a balanced and inclusive committee that represents all elements of Syrian society, with clear working procedures. It seems to us that despite all the diplomatic efforts, the process is moving too slowly. We must redouble our efforts. It is time for the crisis to end. The peace that the Syrian people are waiting for is outlined in resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex).”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“We urge the parties to reaffirm their full commitment to the ceasefire agreements of the Russia-Turkey memorandum signed on 17 September 2018 and reiterate our call for a nationwide cessation of hostilities. We call on all stakeholders to take advantage of every opportunity there may be to achieve a lasting solution, including on the sidelines of the forthcoming Group of 20 meeting. There is no military solution to the Syrian crisis. It was clear from the start and remains so more than eight years later. The only possible solution is a political one. In my country's view, the constitutional committee must be Syrian-owned and -led and facilitated by the United Nations. We support the important role of the Special Envoy in its establishment.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“As we all know, that has created a situation could be disastrous for Syria and the region on both the humanitarian and regional security fronts. In that regard, I would like to recall the statement made by the representative of Germany on behalf of the co-penholders on Tuesday (see S/PV.8561). We reiterate that the parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians and respect the principles of distinction and proportionality in international humanitarian law. As Ms. DiCarlo mentioned last week, "Our unflagging efforts to find a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people cannot move forward in an environment of open conflict" (S/PV8553, 17.2).”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing and commitment. Since the start of the conflict nine years ago, violence has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians. Syria and its people have witnessed some of the most serious crimes under international law. Millions of Syrians have left their country and are still abroad to this day. Thousands of Syrians await signs of life from relatives who have been arbitrarily detained or are missing. It was against that backdrop that the Special Envoy took up his duties a few months ago. The situation has deteriorated even further since the end of April, owing to the escalation ofviolence in Idlib.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“There is no credible alternative to this approach, which is the very foundation of the Security Council. There is no credible alternative to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and our duty is to preserve it.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“We understand Iran's difficult economic situation, but like our European partners, we reject a "less-for-less" approach and call on Iran to comply fully with resolution 2231 (2015), including the restrictive measures set forth in annex B of the resolution. Belgium calls on stakeholders to exercise restraint. Dismantling a working nuclear agreement would not put us in a better position to discuss regional issues or provide an immediate solution to the risks it already addresses. We also call on them not to underestimate the devastating and counterproductive effects on the entire existing and future non-proliferation regime. Non-proliferation and conflict resolution require joint negotiated solutions, developed collectively, in full respect of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“Let me come back to the nuclear agreement. Like the Secretary-General and the members of the Council, Belgium regrets the withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. It also regrets the reimposition by the United States ofunilateral sanctions and the recent lifting of exemptions in the nuclear sector, which prevent not only Iran but also other States Members of the United Nations - parties and non-parties to the JCPOA - from implementing their commitments under resolution 2231 (2015), agreed by all members of the Security Council and supported by a large majority of the international community. Belgium is extremely concerned about Iran's announcements of non-compliance with some of its commitments.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is more than a nuclear agreement; it is a confidence-building tool. We share the concerns of our European partners with regard to Iran's activities in the ballistic field. We call on Iran to refrain from such activities, in particular ballistic-missile launches, which are in contradiction with resolution 2231 (2015). These activities reinforce mistrust and do nothing but contribute to growing tensions in the region. We are concerned about Iran's activities that contribute to regional instability, including in the area of missile and arms transfers to State and non-State actors in the region, in particular the Houthi in Yemen. We call on Iran to comply with all relevant Council resolutions and engage in a serious dialogue on these concerns, including with other actors in the region.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) (spoke in French): I will now speak in my national capacity. First of all, I would like to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union for their briefings. As the Secretary-General has pointed out, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a masterpiece of multilateralism. It is above all one of the great successes of nuclear non-proliferation. Since its entry into force more than three years ago, it has guaranteed the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian programme, as has just been confirmed for the fifteenth time by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It is also the result of 12 years of intense diplomatic activities based on dialogue and respect for the parties.”
2019-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8564 (2019) · source