YouSaid · the spoken record

Pedersen

lines on the record: 597
first: 2012-10-15
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 54
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Hostilities have also intensified on other fronts, especially in western Aleppo, where Government forces have advanced. During the same period, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham — a terrorist organization designated by the Council — and armed opposition groups launched several attacks and counter-attacks along those fronts, including western Aleppo and Al-Bab, in northern Aleppo. There were reports of intensified shelling in civilian areas of western Aleppo and of civilian casualties. There are reports of weaponized drones being launched on Syrian and Russian military installations south-west of Idlib. The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that Russian military personnel have been killed. Turkish forces and Syrian Government forces have directly clashed inside Syria.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“Yet heavy clashes and mutual shelling continued despite the ceasefire. Two days later, air strikes by the Syrian Government and its allies resumed. Syrian Government forces have since launched a ground offensive in areas south-east of the Idlib de-escalation zone. They have made significant advances, most recently establishing control over the major town of Maarat Al-Numan, whose population has fled from earlier attacks. Maarat Al-Numan lies on the strategic M5 highway. Pro- Government forces have continued to push north, reaching the city of Saraqib, the junction of the M4 and M5 highways and close to Idlib city. In Idlib city there are already reports of deep fear and of civilians fleeing or preparing to flee. There are also reports that aerial bombardment in support of the Government’s offensive continues.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the alarming situation in north-west Syria, which has further escalated since last week’s briefings (see S/PV.8707 and S/PV.8708). Heavy strikes, from both the air and the ground, are causing massive waves of civilian displacement and major loss of civilian life. We are witnessing the humanitarian catastrophe about which the Secretary- General warned and about which Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock will brief the Council very shortly. It is causing human suffering, which is totally unacceptable, and endangering international peace and security. Yet it can, and therefore must, stop now. On 12 January, Russia and Turkey announced that they agreed on a fresh ceasefire for the north-west.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“We must enable de-escalation leading towards a nationwide ceasefire, as well as a cooperative, lawful approach to countering proscribed terrorist groups. As part of the dialogue, we must generate concrete action on detainees, abductees and missing persons. I think that all of that could take shape for the benefit ofall Syrians through a steps-for-steps approach, and I think that a key part of this is for international discussions to deepen and for a new international format to take shape to underpin the process. We know that none of this will be easy, and I will continue to count on the full engagement of the Syrian parties and the full support of the Council.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“When I first briefed the Council (see S/PV.8475), I said that my priorities were a sustained dialogue with the Syrian Government and the opposition, the launch of the Constitutional Committee as a door opener, a wider dialogue with civil society, action on detainees, abductees and the missing, and international discussions in support of a political solution. Those remain my priorities, but it is now time to update them. The Committee has been launched but needs to work expeditiously and continuously to produce results and continue progress. I appreciate my open and direct dialogue with both Syrian parties, but if we are to take it to the next level, we will need to address the full array of issues.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“Many of these issues touch upon constitution-making, and some could be discussed under a constitutional rubric, but a constitution-making process itself is not likely to resolve them in a way that meets the urgent and legitimate concerns of the Syrian people. I remain convinced that the steps-for-steps model could help unlock practical progress - steps that build trust and confidence among Syrians and between Syrians and the international community, undertaken in a reciprocal fashion. I continue to press on this in all my engagements with the Syrian parties and international stakeholders. I continue to offer my good offices in that regard, and I continue to support the convening of a new international format to bring together the will of the key players. This is my last briefing of my first year as Special Envoy.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“We continue to consult with the Syrian Women's Advisory Board on the concerns and priorities of diverse Syrian women and their perspectives on a sustainable and inclusive political solution. Syrian civil society should be fully included in any broader process. Ultimately, the process should help develop a safe, calm and neutral environment that sees the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees to their places of origin or places of their choosing; an environment in which a new constitution, adopted by popular approval, can be genuinely reflected in institutions and in practice; and an environment in which inclusive, free and fair elections can take place, which include the diaspora and which are administered under the supervision of the United Nations, in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“Countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups is also imperative through an approach that is cooperative, ensures the protection of civilians and respects international humanitarian law and human rights law. As always, while the security situation is the most devastating threat, Syrians are also facing increasing economic hardship, including as a result of commodity shortages and entrenched poverty. A broader process must ultimately address that too. A broader process should respect and ultimately restore Syria's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and independence, and such a process should achieve long- lasting, real and genuine reconciliation. A broader process must also be inclusive.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“The devastating humanitarian cost of a full-scale military offensive for the 3 million people living in north-western Syria is a price that they simply cannot afford to pay. All sides must de-escalate urgently. Civilians also continue to suffer in north-eastern Syria, where the security situation remains volatile, even if it is calmer relative to the days and weeks after Turkey first launched its intervention. It is crucial that the various ceasefire understandings negotiated among actors there be respected and lead to a sustained de-escalation in violence. The security situation in southern Syria also remains turbulent and should be addressed.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“My Deputy and I will continue directly engaging with the Syrian parties, as well as with all the relevant actors. We also remain committed to actively contributing to the efforts of the working group that was set up to deal with that issue. In this context, I met with senior officials from Russia, Turkey and Iran in Nur-Sultan last week and, along with discussions on other issues, I stressed the need to move beyond the one-for-one exchanges and to see the release of children, women and the sick on a meaningful scale. De-escalating violence and a nationwide ceasefire should underpin a wider political process. North- western Syria has seen a deeply troubling escalation of violence in recent days. Assistant Secretary-General Mueller briefed the Council in detail yesterday (See S/PV.8694) on the terrible suffering of civilians there.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“The Government and the opposition reaffirmed that when they agreed in the terms of reference and core rules of procedures on the need for a broad political process moving forward to build trust and confidence and implement resolution 2254 (2015). Indeed, I believe that, while the Constitutional Committee cannot solve the crisis, it can help foster the trust and confidence among the parties that can open the door to a broad process. Such a broad process can equally feed positively into the work on constitutional issues. I believe that a meaningful, wider political process will be one that delivers tangible actions, such as progress on the release of detainees and abductees, and clarification on the fate of missing persons. It remains a matter of great frustration for me that there has not been meaningful movement on that issue.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“Secondly, any proposed agenda must comply with the terms of reference and core rules of procedure agreed between the Government and opposition. That means that all issues are open for discussion within the Committee, without preconditions and without making considerations on one issue when its outcome depends on the resolution of another issue. It also means that issues should be framed and fall under a constitutional heading. The Constitutional Committee is mandated by agreement to prepare and draft the constitutional reform as a contribution to the political settlement. If the Constitutional Committee is to deliver on that, it must focus on its constitutional mandate. Thirdly, the second round only underscores the need for a broader and comprehensive political process.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“I do, however, believe that there are several lessons that we can draw from the experience of the second round. Let me highlight three experiences. First, the Constitutional Committee is and will remain fragile. Progress depends on the Syrian Government and the Syrian Negotiations Commission, the two sides whose agreement made the creation of the Constitutional Committee possible, allowing their members to work professionally on the constitutional issues and without dissociating themselves from the work of those nominated. The Constitutional Committee needs to be nurtured and genuinely supported if it is to succeed. That is the responsibility ofthe Syrian parties. International stakeholders also have a supporting role to play. I know I can count on the support of the Council in that regard.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“This past month, I met with the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Turkey, Italy, Jordan and Algeria, as well as senior officials from the United States, France, Iran and Germany, and they all expressed support for my mediation efforts. I hope agreement can be reached promptly on an agenda that falls in line with the terms of reference and core rules of procedure of the Constitutional Committee. As things stand, and absent an agreed agenda, I see no reason to convene another session of the small body. When I last briefed the Council, we had just concluded a successful opening session of the Constitutional Committee. That second session was obviously very different in both substance and tone, but disagreement on the agenda is typical for any political process.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“By the end of the week, however, it was clear that consensus would not be reached and that the meeting of the small body was not possible. During that recess, I remain focused on facilitating agreement on an agenda for the next session of the small body. To that end, I hope that I will soon be able to consult directly with the Syrian Government in Damascus, as well as with the Syrian Negotiations Commission. My team also remains in contact with the middle third civil society delegation and I stand ready to support them along the lines I outlined in my most recent briefing to the Council (see S/PV.8674). I have also met with international stakeholders with regard to that and all other aspects of the process.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“For his part, the Syrian Negotiations Commission co-Chair stated that national pillars could be discussed, provided that that would occur within the context of the agreed terms of reference and core rules of procedures or within an agenda of basic constitutional principles. From 25 through 29 November, I sought, in line with my mandate and consistent with the Syrian leadership and ownership of the process, to facilitate consensus between the co-Chairs and bring their viewpoints closer together. We had serious discussions in that regard. Different formulas were put forward that might have enabled both sides to table and discuss the issues of interest to them within the scope of the Constitutional Committee's mandate.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“I had asked each co-Chair to put forward proposals for an agenda for the second session, in line with the terms of reference and core rules of procedures. On 21 November, the co-Chair designated by the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission sent me a proposed work plan with 10 constitutional headings, as well as an agenda focusing on the preamble to the Constitution and basic principles of the Constitution. On 25 November, the co-Chair designated by the Syrian Government proposed an agenda regarding national pillars, that is to say, national pillars of concern of the Syrian people. At the same time, the co-Chair designated by the Government insisted that constitutional issues could not be discussed until those national pillars were discussed.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: One year ago, many believed that the Syrian conflict was winding down. Yet the past 12 months have seen a steady stream of violence punctuated by escalations that continue to this day across many areas of Syria, such as the north-west, the north-east and south. Proscribed terrorist groups have also not been defeated and continue to pose a major security threat. All of that serves as a constant, grim reminder that the need for a comprehensive political process, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2254 (2015), is more pressing than ever. Today, let me start by updating the Council on one aspect of that process - the Constitutional Committee. On 25 November, the small body of the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned Constitutional Committee convened for its second session. Before arriving in Geneva.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“It is my firm hope that with the Constitutional Committee as a door opener, the Government and the opposition will be able in time to establish a relationship; violence will abate and conditions on the ground will change; and a comprehensive and decisive solution will finally emerge for the benefit of all Syrians. The Syrian parties, who are leading and owning this process, must seize the opportunity that the launch of the Committee offers. And they, and all of us, must build around it a mutually reinforcing dynamic for the sake of the Syrian people. I appreciate the support of all members as I continue to work in this direction, in implementation of my mandate as contained in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Within the Astana group, the dialogue among countries supporting different players in Syria continues, and I continue to support the convening of an international format that could bring the key players together in a common effort. Ultimately, I believe that all these efforts should lead towards the establishment of a safe, calm and neutral environment. That would allow any constitutional reform to be matched by emerging positive conditions on the ground, as well as an environment that would allow for inclusive, free and fair elections administered under the supervision of the United Nations, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Clearly, the steps necessary to create such an environment would also contribute to refugees having the confidence to return in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“But I also remain convinced that a broader set of concrete actions would likely have to follow a steps-for- steps model, with some element of reciprocity, building trust and confidence between Syrians and with the international community. I continue to pursue a discussion with the Syrian parties on the wider dimensions of the process and to offer my good offices to the key regional and international players on these issues. Russian and American officials continue to meet to discuss steps that could be taken. I had a valuable discussion on this with German Chancellor Merkel and senior officials in Berlin last week.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“The unsolved challenge of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the danger of the resurgence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and the continuing threat of foreign terrorist fighters only underlines the need for a cooperative approach - one that ensures stability, protects civilians, fully upholds international humanitarian law, promotes real calm and prioritizes a political solution. As the violence and suffering continue, Syrians on all sides are demanding concrete actions from this process to improve their lives. I continue to consider unilateral releases of detainees/abductees and steps for clarifying the fate of missing persons by all parties and at a meaningful scale as crucial entry points in that regard.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes near Damascus, which Israel said was in response to rockets launched towards Israel, reportedly killed two civilians. All these dynamics are extremely worrying. We must step away from any trend that could lead towards a deeper international conflagration over Syria and the continued infringement of Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. Resolution 2254 (2015) also calls for nationwide ceasefire and a common approach to combating terrorism.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Meanwhile, there have been significant developments in the north-east: a Turkish military intervention into Syria together with Syrian armed opposition forces; the Syrian Government deploying troops in the north-east following an understanding with the Syrian Democratic Forces; a United States- Turkish ceasefire understanding; a Turkish-Russian understanding, leading to joint patrols along the Turkish border; and, of course, the redeployment of United States forces from large parts of the north-east to Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah, including close to oilfields. While these understandings have reduced violence in the area, reports of clashes and shelling continue. More than 90 civilians have been killed, and, while many have returned home, more than 75,000 remain displaced.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“As the Council is aware, there are 3 million civilians in Idlib, many of whom have fled from fighting elsewhere in Syria and who have suffered and continue to suffer. There has been an escalation these past weeks in aerial bombardment, as well as ground-based attacks from both sides. Just two days ago, at least a dozen civilians were killed and 50 injured, including children, when a missile reportedly launched from Syrian Government territory struck a camp for internally displaced persons near a maternity hospital.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Let me thank the Security Council for uniting to support the Constitutional Committee. I was also glad to meet with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran, Russia and Turkey, and earlier with representatives of the small group in Geneva before the launch of the Committee. This brings me to the bigger picture. Undoubtedly, the work of the Committee can build trust and confidence. But if confidence is to develop among the Syrian people in the political process, dynamics on the ground need to begin to change, and that must start with fully respecting international humanitarian and human rights law and the protection of civilians. I am extremely concerned about the renewed violence in Idlib.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Gender equality and women's rights issues - raised by both men and women - were prominent in discussions and are areas where I sensed some potential for initial common ground. I should add that the Syrian Women's Advisory Board was convened in Geneva as the Constitutional Committee proceedings began, and its members showed, once again, an example of how a cross-section of Syrians can build trust and work together. I look forward to them convening again in Geneva in the not- too-distant future. I also look forward to continuing the process of consultations by the United Nations with a wide cross- section of Syrian civil society from both inside and outside Syria through the work of our Civil Society Support Room, and we expect further engagement in that framework fairly soon as well.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Let me say a few words on the middle third, whose members include civil society, independents, experts and other Syrians of standing. They have no formal political affiliations, and none of them speaks for any other. Like Syrian society in general, there are differences in their opinions, experiences, fears, objectives and connections. Despite that, they sat together, worked together and began their own long task of building trust and confidence with one another. As this effort proceeds, it will be important to enable the 15 in the small body to consult the remaining 35 in their group. I look forward to furthering initial discussions with them and the co-Chairs in that regard. Let me also point out that around 30 per cent of members are women. They made their voices heard on all issues.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“There is work to be done in that regard. It is too early to say that there is agreement on constitutional principles. Nor is there yet agreement on which issues should be addressed in a future constitutional text and which should be addressed in other ways. But there was a solid initial discussion and there are commonalities on which to build. I have urged the members to reflect, during the recess, on What was discussed and return ready to build on it. The 15 small body representatives of the Government and the opposition have been meeting with the remaining 35 of their respective groups to that end. I have discussed with the co-Chairs that we need them to propose a forward-looking agenda for the coming work, and they have agreed with me that that is indeed important. My good offices are at their disposal.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“The members of the Committee agreed on an initial agenda and listened to each other's discourse. Efforts were made through language, tone, gesture and positioning to signal openness to dialogue. With each passing day, those efforts gradually increased. I appreciated the business-like approach of the two equal co-Chairs - Mr. Ahmad Kuzbari, nominated by the Government and Mr. Hadi Al-Bahra, nominated by the opposition. They respected their responsibilities and alternated the chairmanship of meetings. They enabled Committee members to speak openly and frankly. They dealt in good faith with me and my team. Let me also note that, while we focus on what the parties say in the room, it is important that public statements show commitment to the Committee's work, based on the political agreement that both parties reached to launch it.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Thereafter, the small body - 15 from each group of 50 - convened and reviewed ideas and proposals in the speeches delivered by the members in the large body and offered other ideas, too, in order to identify potential constitutional principles. There were extensive exchanges and ideas put forward, and they agreed to return to Geneva on Monday, 25 November. I commend Committee members for their courage and patriotism in participating in those initial proceedings and for the way that they did so. It was not easy. There was mistrust, suspicion and strong feelings among the members. There were deep feelings of anger and loss, personal and national. Narratives, positions and proposals diverged sharply. At times, proceedings were painful, and emotions ran high. And yet everyone stayed engaged.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“This launch was a sign of hope for the Syrian people and a chance for the Syrian parties to begin a direct dialogue that they lead and own on the future of a broken country. It opened a door to a political effort to overcome nearly nine years of conflict and chart a path to a new day for Syria, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), which has all the necessary elements for a political settlement. Over the next two days in Geneva, members of the large body offered visions for Syria's future constitutional arrangements. They adopted, by consensus, a code of conduct and a set of initial procedural practices, and agreement was reached on the 45 members to work in the small drafting body.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: On 30 October, 150 Syrian men and women gathered in Geneva to launch a Syrian-led and -owned, credible, balanced and inclusive Constitutional Committee, facilitated by the United Nations. There were 50 members nominated by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, 50 members nominated by the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission and 50 civil society activists, experts and other independents from inside and outside of Syria - a so-called middle third. This was a potentially historic moment. It brought Syrians together in one room in the context of the formal political process mandated by the Security Council for the first face-to-face talks in five years - for the first time ever, following a political agreement between the Government and the opposition and, for the first time ever, with civil society present.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“I appeal to the Council to unite behind a revitalized effort by the United Nations with the parties so as to move the Geneva political process forward. I believe that this moment is an opportunity for the Council to publicly support the process that it mandated in resolution 2254 (2015). The road ahead will be long and difficult but if the Council can unite, and remain united, behind the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process that the United Nations will seek to facilitate, I believe that we can begin to make a real difference to the people of Syria, the region and international peace and security.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“I know that it will not be easy but I sense among my key partners an honest understanding that it is necessary. I will keep working to that end. Ultimately, the Syrian people must be able to participate in free and fair elections under United Nations supervision, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), in which all Syrians, including those in the diaspora, are eligible to participate. Elections, held to the highest international standards, take a long time to prepare. That is why I have already begun to think about how the United Nations could plan for that task, of course in dialogue with the Syrian parties. Let me conclude with a simple request to the Council. I have greatly appreciated the excellent dialogue that I have had with members of the Council, and I will need their support in the difficult work ahead.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“I hope that the Syrian parties and the international community can find the right words to clearly signal their good intentions - to each other and to the Syrian people - to open a new chapter and create new and better realities on the ground. Ultimately, I hope that we can begin to build a positive dynamic step by step by the Syrian parties, as well as by the international parties. We need to build the kind of safe, calm and neutral environment that could make Syrians feel that the political process can restore their country and respond to their aspirations. That requires genuine international dialogue and cooperation in support of the Geneva process. Any concrete steps should be reciprocal, building trust among Syrians as well as between Syria and the international community.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Millions continue to live in poverty, facing widespread commodity shortages and an economy that lies in tatters. Lawlessness and fragmentation abound, weakening the social fabric and prospects to build the rule of law and a culture of respect for human rights. This too must be our concern. That is why, as we look towards the first meeting of the Committee, I urge all stakeholders - the Syrian parties and their backers - to think more broadly, more inclusively and with the ultimate objective of a country at peace. I appeal for them to seize upon the momentum that the Committee offers and take concrete actions to build trust and confidence. Language matters too.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“A ceasefire - with a shared international understanding of how to combat terrorism in a manner that protects civilians and upholds international law - is vital in its own right and would help animate the political process. Tens of thousands remain detained, abducted or missing, their families suffering from untold pain and daily challenges. I appeal for action on detainees, abductees and the missing, particularly the release of women and children. This action would be a vital step. Now is the time. Now is the time for action on this issue. Millions remain displaced, inside and outside Syria, many mired in hopelessness and fear. Meaningful steps will be required to create an environment for refugees and internally displaced persons to return in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“A solution that does not endanger civilians is essential - a solution to Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and other extremist groups in Idlib, and to a resurgent Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant elsewhere. Violent confrontations between international players remain frequent, within Syria and across its international borders. The spectre of a broader regional conflagration still looms over the country. The country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence are not being respected. De-escalation steps towards a nationwide ceasefire are absolutely essential because the violence and killing must stop, because there is no military solution and because resolution 2254 (2015) tells us so.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Let me assure the Security Council and all the Syrian people that I am fully aware that the Constitutional Committee obviously cannot resolve the conflict alone. We must look squarely at the facts and address the conflict and the crisis more comprehensively, in line, of course, with resolution 2254 (2015) . A humanitarian crisis continues, in Idlib in particular, and in many other parts of Syria. Idlib is calmer today than it was last month, but violence continues, and there is an ever-present threat of Idlib or other parts of Syria being engulfed in all- out conflict. Meanwhile, terrorist groups, listed by the Security Council, continue to metastasize, touching all Syrian communities.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“I will continue to consult Widely and closely among Syrian civil society, including through the Civil Society Support Room and with the Syrian Women's Advisory Board, and with all components of Syrian society, including in the north-east of the country. Let me, above all, stress the following: the future Constitution of Syria belongs to the Syrian people and to them alone. This effort is about meeting the aspirations of the Syrian people. The United Nations will jealously guard the Syrian-owned and Syrian-led nature of the process. Syrians, not outsiders, will draft the Constitution, and the Syrian people must popularly approve it. We will be there to facilitate the process in a manner that ensures its continuing credibility, balance and inclusiveness, and to help when needed.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Hundreds, if not thousands, of Syrian experts and activists, men and women, on all sides, have done outstanding work throughout the years of this conflict, developing ideas and proposals as a basis for lasting peace. In so doing, they helped create a public space for democratic and civic debates. We have actively supported and facilitated this process. Not all of them could be on the Committee, but I am confident that they will continue to make their voices heard and I am equally confident that Committee members understand their responsibilities towards all Syrians and their obligation to listen to and take on board the ideas of others.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Any viable, sustainable peace process needs to have women of all political persuasions at the table, since they represent over half its population and since, throughout the course of the conflict, they have taken on an ever more prominent role in their communities. We have worked hard to secure guarantees - and here I quote from the agreement - that "members of the Constitutional Committee and their relatives or political and civil society organizations and entities of which they are part are not subject to threat or harassment or actions against person or property directly related to their work in the Constitutional Committee and to addressing and resolving any incidents and concerns should they arise" (S/2019/775, annex, para. 19). These guarantees have been solemnly given and must be respected.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Beyond the Government and opposition nominees, the middle third comprises 50 civil society actors. They hail from different religious, ethnic and geographical backgrounds, hold a range of political leanings, and include respected experts. Some live in Syria; others are based outside the country. Facilitating agreement on this list has been the most complex part of the deal. Ensuring sufficient credibility, balance and inclusiveness in a manner that keeps all on board has been a key priority for us. The result is, of course, a negotiated compromise, and like all compromises, no one is completely satisfied. We are proud that nearly half the civil society list are women, and that we have around 30 per cent women in the overall 150.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“The parties have agreed and committed to working expeditiously and continuously to produce results and continued progress, without foreign interference or external deadlines, and also without preconditions or insisting on agreement on one point before discussions can begin on another. The parties have welcomed and embodied in the agreement the facilitation role of the United Nations, including using good offices and reporting to the Council on progress. Both parties have told me that they have confidence in the United Nations and want to work with us in a sustained and constructive manner. We will do everything we can to meet their expectations. The names of the 150 members will be released by the United Nations once all nominees have formally confirmed their participation, but let me say a few words about them.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“There is a clear, balanced and, I believe, workable structure. There will be two equal co-chairs from the Government and the opposition who will proceed in consensus and exert the prerogatives necessary to ensure the Committee's smooth functioning. There is small body of 45 - 15 Government nominees, 15 opposition nominees and 15 from civil society - to prepare and draft proposals. And there is a large body of 150 - 50 Government nominees, 50 opposition nominees and 50 from civil society - to discuss and adopt proposals. The agreement promotes consensus within the Committee where possible, but also specifies a decision-making threshold of 75 per cent. All main components need to be on board for proposals to move forward. No one bloc can dictate the outcomes, and the incentives exist to reach out to the middle ground and across the divide.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“It shall, within the context of the United Nations- facilitated Geneva process, prepare and draft for popular approval a constitutional reform as a contribution to the political settlement in Syria and the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). The constitutional reform shall, inter alia, embody in the constitution and constitutional practices of the country the letter and spirit of the 12 living intra-Syrian essential principles that emerged in the Geneva process and were affirmed in Sochi. The Committee may review the 2012 Constitution, including in the context of other Syrian constitutional experiences and amend the current constitution or draft a new one. The constitutional reform adopted by the Constitutional Committee must be popularly approved and transposed into the national legal order by a means that will need to be agreed.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“The Secretary-General transmitted the agreed Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure of the Constitutional Committee via you, Mr. President, to the Security Council; all members now have it in document S/2019/775. The agreement is framed by key principles that must underpin any process and any settlement. These include respect for the Charter of the United Nations; Security Council resolutions; Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity; and the Syrian-led and owned nature of the process. The principles also include the objective of United Nations-supervised elections envisaged in resolution 2254 (2015), based on a new constitution. They also recognize the need for a broader political process to implement resolution 2254 (2015). The Constitutional Committee has a clear mandate.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Iparticularly thank Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al-Moualem, and Syrian Negotiation Commission leader Al-Hariri for their engagement with me in a sustained dialogue to help bring this about. Like the Secretary-General, I am grateful to the wide range of Syrian women and men f including the Women's Advisory Board, participants in the Civil Society Support Room and Syrians from all parts of the country - who have offered their counsel and insight. Ijoin the Secretary-General in expressing my particular appreciation to the Governments of Russia, Turkey and Iran for their support in the conclusion of the agreement. I also join the Secretary-General in expressing my thanks for the support of the members of the Council, including all five permanent members, and my appreciation to the Small Group for their support.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Syria remains in the gravest crisis, with violence and terrorism continuing, five international armies operating on its territory, appalling suffering and abuses, a deeply divided society and a sense of despair among its people inside and outside the country. Trust and confidence are almost non-existent. The Constitutional Committee will really matter if it becomes a step along the difficult path out of this conflict and to a new Syria, and if its launch and work are accompanied by other steps to build trust and confidence among Syrians and between Syria and the international community. The Secretary-General formally announced the agreement on 23 September. Allow me to join the Secretary-General in welcoming the progress made by the Government and the opposition.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source