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

“This is indeed the first concrete political agreement between the Government and the opposition to begin to implement a key aspect of resolution 2254 (2015) and to set a schedule and process for a new constitution. It implies a clear acceptance of the other as an interlocutor. It commits their nominees to sit together in face-to-face dialogue and negotiation, while at the same time opening space for civil society at the table. It is also a shared promise to the Syrian people to try to agree, under the auspices ofthe United Nations, on new constitutional arrangements for Syria - a new social contract to help repair a broken country. This can be a door-opener to a wider political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. Seizing this opportunity will not be easy.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: 1. In one month, on 30 October, I intend to convene 150 Syrian men and women for the launch of a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned, credible, balanced and inclusive Constitutional Committee facilitated by the United Nations in Geneva. I believe that this should be a sign of hope for the long-suffering Syrian people. It comes after the agreement of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Syrian Negotiation Commission to a package deal of the nominees to the Committee and a Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure to guide its work. We should stop for a minute and take stock of the significance of this agreement.”
2019-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8628 (2019) · source
“That could enable the United Nations to convene a constitutional committee, accompanied by the first steps to overcome deep mistrust, build confidence and offer some hope after a long period of darkness. It will not be easy, but this is the one path towards a better future for Syria and a step-by-step implementation of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“If the Syrians are to overcome their mistrust and division and move step by step along the path towards healing Syrian society and restoring Syria's place in the international community, a common international support format for Geneva will be absolutely key. I ask for the Council's support in making that happen. I am deeply conscious of the profound grief and suffering of the Syrian people everywhere and of the need to end this conflict for the sake of Syria, the Syrian people, the region and the world. We are entering a crucial month for the parties to engage with the United Nations in finalizing the constitutional committee and key international players to stabilize Idlib, the north- east and regional tensions, as well as to come together behind the United Nations effort.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“My invitation for that meeting to take place in Geneva, as part of the working group's rotating consultations, still stands. International players have the responsibility to deepen their dialogue too, as well as to support the United Nations-facilitated process as we work directly with the Syrian parties. I have no doubt that the Astana format and the small group format will continue. The United Nations takes a practical approach to working with such important groupings. But the time has come to bring together the will embodied in both ofthose formats and in the permanent membership of the Council in a very practical way, namely, a group of key players in a common forum in Geneva, supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process facilitated by the United Nations in the discharge of its mandate from the Council.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“The Government and the opposition must collect, protect and manage information they have on individuals they are holding, monitoring or seeking. Again, an internationally recognized neutral intermediary, such as the ICRC, could play a key role in supporting all sides, including families, with the compilation of information on detained and missing persons, as well as in keeping that information safe and handling it confidentially. With the support of the ICRC, my team has developed procedures for conducting searches for missing persons in Syria in line with international humanitarian law and in the true spirit of resolution 2474 (2019), unanimously adopted by the Council in June. Those procedures will be put on the agenda of the next working group meeting.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“During the reporting period, a fourth simultaneous release operation took place under the umbrella of the Iran- Russia-Turkey-United Nations working group. I am pleased that, owing to the strong insistence ofthe United Nations, there was clear progress in terms of respect for basic provisions of international humanitarian law. For the first time, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was allowed to act as a neutral intermediary, and members of my team observed the operation, too. But that and all other release operations to date have been vastly insufficient in scale. In line with resolution 2254 (2015), all sides should engage in unilateral releases and move beyond one-for-one exchanges. I believe that women, children, the sick and the elderly must be released at scale.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“I have found the insights from a broad range of Syrian civil society and Syrian women, including Via our Civil Society Support Room and Women's Advisory Board, to be extremely important in that regard. They reveal an underlying reality: a viable process cannot just be about meetings in Geneva. It needs to address real-life problems for Syrians from the outset. To be a meaningful door-opener and to be the moment that turns the page towards a new Syria, the launch of a constitutional committee should be accompanied by measures that have real impact on the ground. Real action on detainees, abductees and missing persons could be one such measure, if done in a meaningful way and on a meaningful scale.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“I have no doubt that the summit of the Presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran planned for mid-September can contribute to the efforts under way. I appreciate the strong support provided by the United States and several European and Arab countries for the overall United Nations effort, as well as the active support of the European Union. I look forward to visiting and holding consultations in Washington, D.C., later this week. I continue to strongly urge the United States and the Russian Federation to deepen their own direct dialogue, building on the efforts they have made during the year. In recent months, I have heard some Syrians react with scorn at the notion of progress on the constitutional committee in Geneva while violence surges and no progress is being made on other files.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“The outstanding differences are, in my assessment, comparatively minor. I am convinced we can conclude negotiations. I am in contact with both the opposition and the Government. I have also conveyed my readiness to return to Damascus in the very near future as part of completing the work. I am quietly hopeful that the United Nations will be in a position to announce an agreement before the start of the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly. The Governments of Russia and Turkey have been of particular assistance and are fully supporting the United Nations leadership of the negotiation process on the constitutional committee. I will be visiting Iran shortly and look forward to its continued support.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Throughout, it has been clear that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. Nonetheless, there is a strong understanding on two equal co-chairs, one nominated by the Government and the other by the opposition; United Nations facilitation through my good offices; a 75 per cent voting threshold, while striving for consensus; a large body of 150 members and a small body of45 members; and a clear commitment to guaranteeing the safety and security of the committee members and their relatives. In early July, I held productive talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Moualem and the leadership of the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission on all remaining details ofa package to resolve outstanding names and agree on terms of reference and core rules of procedure. The package is nearly finalized.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“That is why, even amid the fighting, I have spared no effort in discharging my mandate to facilitate intra-Syrian negotiations that begin a process to develop a new constitution, pursuant to which free and fair elections, under United Nations supervision, shall take place, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). I have been carefully consulting the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the opposition Syrian Negotiations Commission in order to establish a solid agreement on a credible, balanced and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian- owned constitutional committee, convened under United Nations auspices in Geneva, that can serve as a door-opener to a broader political process. I thank both the Government and the opposition for the substantive and open dialogue each has with the United Nations.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Syrians also face unprecedented levels of poverty, economic shortcomings and a sense ofhopelessness. Millions of Syrian refugees continue to see obstacles to a safe, dignified and voluntary return. It should be clearer than ever that there is no military solution to the situation in Syria. A nationwide ceasefire, stipulated in resolution 2254 (2015), has never been more relevant and necessary, including as a matter of international peace and security. And it is clear that only a political process and, ultimately, a political solution can restore Syria's sovereignty, protect the rights and future of all Syrians and begin to address the deep divisions within Syrian society.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Hizbullah said that two of its fighters were killed in the strikes and has threatened to retaliate from Lebanon. Such escalatory actions are extremely worrisome. I urge all parties and, indeed, all States in the area, to respect the sovereignty of Syria by refraining from attacks and provocations and showing maximum restraint in actions and rhetoric alike. Fourthly, in south-west Syria, reports of detentions, demonstrations, disappearances and assassinations are a source of serious concern. Mr. Lowcock just highlighted the challenges in Rukban and Al-Hol and I really have nothing to add to that. Fifthly, let us remember that Syrian families face multipronged dangers of violent conflict, terrorism, displacement, conscription, arbitrary detention, torture, separation, gender-based violence and myriad other protection issues.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“But, as the Secretary-General said, a concrete political settlement is needed - one that respects Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity, takes into account legitimate Turkish security concerns, provides for the well-being of the diverse Syrian population in that area and allows their voices to be heard. Thirdly, with regard to Israeli-Iranian tensions, Israel confirmed that it conducted air strikes on the outskirts of Damascus on 24 August. Israel said its aim was to pre-empt drone attacks staged from Syrian soil, which it stated were being planned by Iranian Al-Quds Force operatives and Shiite militias in Syria. Syrian State media said that Syrian air defence systems had intercepted hostile rockets before they reached their targets.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“But counter-terrorism cannot put 3 million civilians at risk. They have the right to protection under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The actions killing and displacing them must stop now. The situation in Idlib needs a predominantly political solution. Secondly, let me turn to the situation in the north- east. Tension flared in July with troop concentrations on the Turkish side of the border. Advances in United States-Turkey talks in August helped avert conflict. We are closely following developments, as the first steps appear to have been taken to implement those interim understandings.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Meanwhile, its observation post in Morek has been encircled by pro-Government forces * a reminder that the situation risks sparking international conflict. President Putin and President Erdogan met on Tuesday, 27 August, and indicated that they had reached a common understanding on how to stabilize the situation based on the September 2018 memorandum of understanding. We can only welcome that high-level diplomacy and that statement and hope that it will bring calm to Idlib. But let me express the gravest concern that the violence is, so far, not abating. No one pretends that there is an easy solution to the challenge of countering the Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham or groups such as Huras Al-Din and foreign terrorist fighters. Their attacks must cease.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Despite an attempted Russian-Turkish reinstatement of the ceasefire announced in early August, hostilities in and around Idlib quickly resumed. A major Government offensive retook the southern tip of the de-escalation area, pro-Government air strikes, shelling, rockets and mortars continue. More civilians have been killed, as Mr. Lowcock just highlighted, and many more have fled their homes. More health facilities and other civilian infrastructure have been hit, including markets, schools, camps for internally displaced persons and water stations. Towns have been almost entirely depopulated as civilians, including women and children, flee shelling and are stranded without shelter, food or water. Turkey reported that one of its military convoys into Idlib faced aerial attacks.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: The scale ofviolence and instability in Syria is extremely alarming. We have an ever-rising civilian death toll, millions displaced, untold tens of thousands detailed or missing, large parts of the Syrian territory fragmented among various actors, confrontations between States on multiple axes and a resurgent Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant stepping up its guerrilla attacks. But we do not yet have the launch of a real political process. Those dynamics can and must change. Let me highlight the dangers before us and the prospects for launching the political track. Let me also underline the importance of the support of the Security Council if we are to begin to shift the dynamics. Let me highlight five major immediate concerns regarding the situation on the ground. Let me start with the situation in the north-west.”
2019-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8609 (2019) · source
“These are the kinds of actions that would signal that we are at least moving along a political path that is in keeping with resolution 2254 (2015) - through a constitutional committee unfolding in a safe, calm and neutral environment, paving the way for free and fair United Nations-supervised elections, as envisaged in the resolution, and a lasting political settlement.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Since the beginning of my tenure, the Council has offered its full support for my mission, and I have greatly appreciated that. Six months into the job, I appreciate just how complex and difficult it is, but I also see the possibilities to chart a path out of this conflict. It is now time for the Idlib situation to be stabilized and a nationwide ceasefire pursued. It is in fact past time to launch a constitutional committee. It is also time to try to develop a climate of confidence-building measures, and we clearly need renewed international support.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“That is why I continue to work on inviting a group of key players to a common forum to support a Syrian-led and -owned process in Geneva in a very practical way. Tomorrow, at the Group of 20 Summit, world leaders will have many items on their agenda. The Secretary-General and I have urged that Syria should be high among them. We hope that Russia and Turkey can work at the highest level to stabilize the situation in Idlib. We also hope that Russia and the United States can build on recent talks and deepen their dialogue, because cooperation between them will be a key element for international cooperation on Syria. Finally, we hope that cooperation can be built in a way that all other key players are involved in supporting a Syrian-led and -owned process facilitated by the United Nations in the discharge of its Council mandate.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“That is not to undermine the Syrian-led and -owned nature of the process. It is simply a recognition of the extent of international involvement in Syria and the centrality of international support for any viable future for the country. Real steps on the ground could and should see national actions too. That would build trust and confidence among Syrians and between Syria and the international community. At present, no currently active international grouping brings together all key international players, whose support can guarantee concrete and reciprocal steps across all dimensions. I believe my efforts would be helped by bringing together the will embodied in the Astana format, the small group format and the permanent membership of the Council.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“They and many others stress the critical importance of a constitutional committee made up of at least 30 per cent women. But they too emphasized their lack of faith that Syrians, men and women, have in the political process. This is why a political process must be about more than just meeting in Geneva. It must include concrete actions on the ground to inspire trust and confidence. I will therefore continue to intensively consult a wider spectrum of Syrians on what they see as practical and constructive entry points for trust-building actions. But ultimately, of course, it falls upon the parties to take those actions. Unblocking the impasse will be difficult. There is much mistrust. Positions are entrenched. But I believe that international discussions and cooperation can help Syrians overcome these obstacles.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“My invitation for the working group to hold its next meeting in Geneva stands. In truth, a series of steps will be needed if a cycle of trust and confidence is to develop. That has been impressed upon me by Syrians from many walks of life. I have met with many civil society actors and networks recently, including through the Civil Society Support Room. All of the Syrians, from both inside and outside and irrespective of their political orientations or backgrounds, are eager - even desperate - for a political solution. But it strikes me that they do not really believe that a real process that could lead to a solution is likely. This week, I also engaged with the Syrian Women's Advisory Board, which met in Geneva to deepen its understanding of how constitutional processes can protect and advance women's rights.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“I strongly believe that progress on detainees, abductees and missing persons, if done in a meaningful way and at a meaningful scale, could make a large impact. I have prioritized action on the unilateral release of women, children, the sick and elderly. Improving access to information and communication is another step. The Government and the opposition should compile and consolidate lists of individuals they hold, have information on or seek. Deputy Special Envoy Khawla Matar and I will continue to engage in earnest on this very difficult but critical file. In parallel, we will also continue to press Russia, Turkey and Iran - countries participating with us in the working group on this issue - to exert the efforts needed to try to achieve more concrete results on this file.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“In my upcoming engagements, I look forward to testing directly whether a formula that I have been careful to ensure has the buy-in of all can advance the establishment of the committee. I appreciate recent engagement by senior Russian officials to support the efforts of the United Nations. I look forward to consultations with the Government in Damascus in the near future and with the leadership of the Syrian Negotiation Commission. It is time to finalize outstanding issues to enable the United Nations to facilitate the work of the constitutional committee in Geneva. The constitutional committee can indeed open doors, but it will not alone solve the conflict or the challenges facing Syria. That can come about only ifwe begin to see real trust and confidence developing via tangible and reciprocal steps, including on the ground.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“An immediate priority has been to launch a credible, balanced and inclusive Syrian-led and -owned United Nations-facilitated constitutional committee that fully respects Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, if at all possible. That has been a key item in my sustained dialogue with the two parties - the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic and the opposition Syrian Negotiation Commission. I have also ensured the continued support for a common way forward among the Sochi conveners and others, including the small group, which I saw in Paris earlier this week. The Secretary-General himself discussed the issue with the Russian leadership during his recent trip to Saint Petersburg. I believe the path to concluding the constitutional committee's composition and the rules of procedure may now be open.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“If that is achieved, we must then avoid the risk of a no-war/ no-peace scenario - with front lines mostly frozen but periodic conflict and unrest lingering and five international armies in perpetual risk of confrontation; with the continual violation of Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence; with internally displaced persons and refugees still not returning, at least not in any critical mass; with the tragedy of the detained, abducted and missing still unresolved; with a strengthened insurgency of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, with terrorist groups and foreign fighters still regrouping and posing a challenge; and still no political solution. We all agree that there is no military solution to this conflict. I have sought to revive a Syrian-led and -owned political process based on resolution 2254 (2015).”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Najat Rochdi, urged the Syria Humanitarian Task Force, here in Geneva, to support the Organization's efforts for humanitarian access, support the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and find durable solutions. The current escalation and unrest also send exactly the wrong signal to Syrian refugees. It reinforces only their doubts about the security conditions, conscription and livelihoods in Syria. We must stabilize the situation in Idlib.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“There are exchanges of fire and fatalities in northern rural Aleppo and continued signs of instability in the south-west. The fate of the north-east remains unresolved, which demands a solution. There are immense humanitarian and protection needs across the country, and outside too. There is grinding poverty, exacerbated by commodity shortages and rising prices in many parts of Syria. We have seen a terrible spate of fires ravaging wheat fields and jeopardizing Syria's food security. The internally displaced are acutely vulnerable. In addition to Idlib, two grave humanitarian situations, in Rukban and Al-Hol, remain at the top of our agenda. Emergency Relief Coordinator Lowcock briefed the Council on this two days ago (see S/PV.8561). Today, my Senior Humanitarian Adviser, Ms.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“But the only way to find one is for hostilities to stop and for key stakeholders to engage in a cooperative approach towards countering terrorism, an approach that safeguards the protection of civilians. Both Turkey, which I visited earlier in the month, and the Russian Federation, which I will visit next week, have reassured me that they remain committed to the September 2018 memorandum of understanding and have set up a working group. But we must see that assurance reflected on the ground. I strongly reiterate the Secretary-General's appeal to Russia and Turkey to stabilize the situation without delay. We must in fact pursue a nationwide ceasefire, as envisaged in resolution 2254 (2015). We see the importance of that when we see unrest across Syria.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“As the Secretary-General said last week, even in the fight against terrorism, there needs to be full compliance with international human rights law and humanitarian law. Strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including de-conflicted health facilities and humanitarian workers, are absolutely unacceptable. They must cease without delay. Reports of close military exchanges between the Syrian Government and Turkish observation posts are also of grave concern. They remind us that Idlib is not just a humanitarian issue - or is it an issue that is exclusively about Syria - rather, it is a potential powder keg of regional escalation. Undoubtedly, there is no easy solution for Idlib.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: Let me start with the very worrisome situation in and around the Idlib de-escalation zone. Regrettably, the fighting continues, with reports of air strikes, shelling, rockets and mortar attacks that all too often involve the indiscriminate use of force. Civilians continue to be killed, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Front lines have not shifted, at least not significantly. The Security Council-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham is a significant presence within the de-escalation zone. Its attacks must cease. All due protection must be afforded to the up to 3 million civilians in Idlib, many of whom fled there from earlier fighting, and to civilians in the surrounding areas as well.”
2019-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8567 (2019) · source
“Once more, I want to thank the members of the Council warmly and offer my congratulations to Germany, as I understand that this may be the last meeting under the German presidency.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“As I said, I have received good responses, but what I need is tangible results. I will therefore continue that work, together with my team and hopefully also with the support of relevant international actors. I hope to be able to report more on that when I return to the Council next month. I want to emphasize that after eight years of war, it is difficult for the warring parties to take the first step. That is why I believe it is extremely important that the Syrian parties, the Government and the Syrian National Council continue to hear from the Security Council that it is united behind my mandate and supports a political process, and that hopefully we can soon start to work seriously in Geneva.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“I have emphasized from day one that I think the constitutional committee could be a door-opener for the political process. In itself it will not mean much if there is no political will to use that door-opener, and of course it should be the beginning ofa process. We need the Council's support to continue that work. Listening to everyone today, I am confident that I will have it. From day one, one of my top priorities has been the issue of detainees, abductees and missing persons. As I highlighted to the Council, both in my briefing in March (S/PV.8475) and today, that has been one of my key messages to both the Government and the opposition. I have emphasized to the Government that in my view unilateral action is needed when it comes to the issue of detainees and missing persons.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“With regard to the constitutional committee, I want to emphasize that I do believe we are making progress. As I said, it is a package. It is a discussion of names and the rules of procedure. As I tried to make clear in my briefing, we have made what I believe to be tangible progress on the rules of procedure, and it should be possible to come to some kind of agreement in that regard. When it comes to the names there is still some work to be done, but what we have achieved is also good, I believe. As I said, we have agreed that six names have to be replaced. We are currently discussing how we can establish a format that could be agreeable to all parties in the Government and the opposition so that we can move forward on it.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In the past few weeks, as was rightly stated, we have seen attacks on Government positions and on civilians by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, and we have also seen the Government respond by striking various targets in Idlib governorate. As I said in my briefing, that has led to increased civilian casualties and further displacement. However, I think it is also important to remind ourselves that the situation has been relatively more stable in the wake of the ceasefire agreed on through Turkey and Russia. As I said in my briefing, we encourage Turkey and Russia to continue to uphold the ceasefire and to increase the patrolling in the area, which we believe is key. I also emphasized in my briefing to the Council that all counter-terrorism activities must respect international humanitarian law, and I want to repeat that once more.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: I would like to thank all the members of the Security Council for their firm support for my mission and for the work that I and my team are trying to do in delivering a new Syria. As I said, that must obviously be a Syrian-led and -owned process, but we also need strong international support in order to move forward. I am encouraged by what I have heard here today. I am, of course, looking for what unites us and not what highlights Council members' differences. I have been asked several questions. Let me start by emphasizing that I think that we all share the concern about the increased violence, which I mentioned in my briefing, not just in the north-west but elsewhere too.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“I believe that they all understand the need for international cooperation on Syria. I will continue to use my good offices to help the key players with influence to join in one active conversation to provide common support to a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process under United Nations facilitation. As we approach agreement on the constitutional committee, I would like to use the opportunity to facilitate a revitalized and broad-based international process of cooperation. To realize my mandate, a common forum supporting the Geneva process must be found. I believe that we are making progress. I hope that the next time I brief the Council I will be able to report tangible achievements on the long road towards a political settlement of the conflict in Syria.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“I will discharge my mandate while fully respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). External intervention poses real threats to international peace and security. Five international armies operate across Syria's land and airspace, in tension or even in conflict, generating risks for dangerous escalation. Those risks must be contained and ultimately removed. Different formats of international cooperation for resolving the Syrian conflict exist at present. I had useful conversations with the Astana guarantors in Nur-Sultan on 25 and 26 April. I will hold formal consultations with them in Geneva in May. I will consult with the members of the small group in Geneva on Friday. I remain convinced that key international players agree on much more than might be apparent.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“For my fifth priority I spoke of the need to improve international dialogue on Syria. Yes, a credible and sustainable political settlement must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned. Yet the process and its outcome must enjoy international support and legitimacy. The conflict is highly internationalized, and external intervention is one of its hard realities. Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be respected and restored - but saying so will not make it so. In that context, let me emphasize once again that the United Nations position regarding the occupied Syrian Golan will continue to be determined by the Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on that issue.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Both the Syrian Government and the opposition have been constructive on those points, and I am grateful to them. I believe that the final terms of the mandate can be agreed on with a modicum of goodwill. It is now agreed that six specific names on the earlier so-called civil society list need to be removed. Work continues to identify a set of names that, when viewed in totality, will have the support of all concerned in order to enhance the quality and credibility of the list. Efforts are being made to achieve the objective of at least 30 per cent female participants. Those are all the elements of the process on which I believe it is now possible to advance. I have expended a lot of effort to build buy-in. If everyone is prepared to compromise just a little, the process can move forward.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Clearly, much hope rests on at last convening a constitutional committee. It could be the first sign of real progress. It could, if approached in the right spirit, help unlock a broader political process that leads to the holding of United Nations-supervised elections in a safe, calm and neutral environment. I will continue to work towards a final agreement on the composition and terms of reference of a credible, balanced, inclusive and viable constitutional committee. Many earlier differences have indeed been narrowed down. While nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, we have a clear understanding on balanced co-chairing arrangements, a formula for decision-making, a shared acceptance of the United Nations facilitation role and a political commitment to ensure the safety and security of all those who will be involved.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“The appalling scale of Syrian's suffering and the uncertain future of millions weighs heavily on me, as it should, of course, on us all. I believe that most people will judge a political process on the basis of its ability to deliver improvements on the ground and to take into consideration the needs and priorities of all Syrian men and women. I strongly believe in the importance of engaging a wide range of Syrian interlocutors. I intend to further my outreach and engagement with Syrian refugees, civil society, women's organizations and other Syrian actors, including through the Civil Society Support Room. The Women's Advisory Board continues to remind us of the specific security, economic and human rights concerns of Syrian women, who bring diverse experiences and views to the table and share the right to have a voice at the table.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In close coordination with the ICRC, my Office is developing procedures for compiling, consolidating, safeguarding and exchanging information, as well as conducting searches for missing persons. The scale of the issue is of unprecedented proportions that oblige us to continue our collective attempts to make progress - months, if not years, of meticulous and committed work will be required to complete the process. For any political solution to be durable, it must meet the aspirations of the Syrian people. I have made it a priority to engage a wide spectrum of Syrians in recent weeks. In calling for concrete action, I recollect the voices of those many Syrians, from refugees in neighbouring countries to people living in shelters in Homs.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“However, there is considerable room for improvement in terms of the procedures to be followed during future release operations to ensure consistency with international humanitarian law. We need to scale up and speed up the release of detainees/abductees, particularly vulnerable ones, such as women, children, the elderly and the sick. The Syrian Government and the opposition should ensure the detainees/abductees' protection prior to, and following, their release. They should move away from the one-for- one exchange framework and address the issue on a larger scale. The fate of the tens of thousands of persons who have gone missing since the beginning of the conflict must be clarified.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In parallel with my bilateral engagements, my Office participated in two additional meetings of the Working Group on the subject, held in Moscow and in Nur-Sultan. The Working Group was made up of representatives from Iran, Russia and Turkey, with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also represented. I am ready to host the next meeting of the Working Group in Geneva. The Working Group was able to secure the release of a small group of detainees/abductees in northern Syria on 22 April. For the first time, members of my team were present on the ground as observers, which enabled us to make an assessment of how the operation was to be conducted and share recommendations with the Working Group. My team's observations included some positive elements.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“The deployment of a third humanitarian convoy to Rukban remains urgent in order to avoid the further suffering of more people in the camp. As I have remarked to all stakeholders, the more steps we see taken to address the issues of which I speak, in coordination with the United Nations, the more momentum is created to build confidence within Syria and internationally. I have discussed in depth with the Syrian Government and the opposition the specific need for concrete action on the release of detainees/abductees and the clarification of the fate of missing persons. Meaningful progress on that key humanitarian issue would send a positive signal to Syrians and would be an important confidence-building measure. I appreciated the openness to consider more meaningful actions in my dialogue.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source