YouSaid · the spoken record

Pierce

lines on the record: 1,742
first: 2006-06-20
most recent: 2020-03-12
sittings or episodes: 239
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

“I would like to join other colleagues in thanking Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. I would also like to join other colleagues in making clear that the United Kingdom also condemns Hizbullah's building of tunnels leading into Israel. As others have noted, that is a clear violation by Hizbullah of resolution 1701 (2006). It threatens Israel's security, Lebanon's security and regional stability. We are clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hizbullah and all other armed militia groups that put its security at risk. All Israelis and all Lebanese have the right to live in peace without fear for their security. As other speakers have noticed, we have witnessed for too long Hizbullah's blatant disregard for the resolutions of the United Nations.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“It follows from this that we continue to believe that a two-State solution remains the best outcome of a peace process. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with both parties, as well as regional and international partners, in support of this goal.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“For the United Kingdom, it is very clear that the well-known parameters are the most viable framework for a just and lasting peace. First, there must be an agreement on the borders of the two States, based on the 4 June 1967 lines, with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed between the parties. Secondly, security arrangements for the Palestinians must respect their sovereignty and show the occupation is over; for the Israelis, they must protect their security. Thirdly, a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the refugee question must be put in place. Fourthly, the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem need to be fulfilled and a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We continue to support tangible steps towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation and uniting the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the effective functioning of the Palestinian Authority. I welcome the efforts of the Special Coordinator in this respect. I would like to address what Ambassador Haley said about the peace process. We very much welcome the confirmation that a United States plan is ready and we look forward to receiving it and studying it in due course. We agree that both sides will clearly be asked to make difficult decisions to achieve peace and we agree that European and Arab States will have an important role to play in supporting any peace plan. We look now to the parties to take steps to build confidence and to build the right environment so that any peace process can succeed.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“In the context of the Hamas resolution in the General Assembly recently (A/73/L.42), I note that it would have been adopted by a majority of 30 had there not been a required two-thirds majority. However, I think that majority of 30 is very significant and shows the direction in which the tide is going. Turning to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, yesterday the United Kingdom announced an additional $7 million of emergency funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to provide food to refugees in Gaza. The immediate priority must be to ease restrictions on movement and access, reduce tensions and avoid another conflict. We expect Hamas, the Palestinian Authority and Israel to do their utmost to prevent escalation.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The United Nations has said that this demolition could amount to forcible transfer, in violation of international humanitarian law. As I have said before in this Chamber, Israel is in no way obligated to demolish Khan Al-Ahmar. It has the power to change its mind, and we urge it to do so. We look to the Israeli Government to provide a clear, transparent route for Palestinian construction to end the cycle of illegal building and demolitions. Turning to some of the other issues that the Special Coordinator raised, I have no hesitation in joining him in unreserved condemnation of all terrorist attacks, no matter against whom they are perpetrated. We share his concern about the intensity of these attacks, and we convey our condolences to the families of the victims on both sides.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We are concerned by the demolition of 16 small businesses in the Shuafat refugee camp on 21 November. There are no valid town plans for the camp, and this forces Palestinians to resort to building without permits. We are also closely monitoring developments in Sheikh J arrah and Silwan, where many hundreds of Palestinians are at risk of eviction. This risk is exacerbated by recent Israeli legislative developments and court rulings. We will continue to support the Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem, including through legal aid programmes for those facing demolition or eviction. We welcome the temporary postponement of plans to demolish the Bedouin community of Khan Al-Ahmar, but we remain gravely concerned about the fate of that community.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The Government of Israel has also moved forward with retroactive legislation of the outpost Havat Gilad. We are deeply concerned about the Government's announcement last week to retrospectively legalize thousands more homes in the West Bank, construct 82 new residential units in the Ofra settlement and advance the construction of two new industrial zones in the West Bank. The United Kingdom's position on settlements is clear. They are illegal under international law. Settlements present an obstacle to peace, and they threaten the physical viability of a two-State solution. That is why we supported resolution 2334 (2016), and we urge the Government of Israel to reverse its policy of settlement expansion. At the same time, we see continued demolitions taking place, including in East Jerusalem.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Before I start, could I, through the American delegation, pass on a tribute to Ambassador Haley in connection with her time on the Council. Her ambition for the Council and her commitment to delivery and effectiveness have really helped moved issues and ourselves forward. So I would ask the United States delegation to please thank her very much indeed for that, and I will come to what she said about the peace process a little bit later. I also thank the Special Coordinator. I completely echo the Swedish Ambassador in paying tribute to him and his team in such difficult circumstances. As others have noted, it is two years since the Council adopted resolution 2334 (2016), and no steps have been taken by Israel to cease settlement activity during this period. In fact, settlement activity has continued.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Both countries must now focus on a sustainable normalization agreement through the dialogue, an agreement that enhances security, enjoys popular domestic support and benefits both countries. We stand ready, as we have always done, to support such an agreement.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“Obviously, I do not find it surprising, since I took part in it, that a statement was delivered today on behalf of the EU-8, the five EU members of the Security Council - France, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom - along with Italy, Belgium and Germany. But the reason it is not surprising is because it is our region. We still care very deeply about what happens in the Western Balkans. While EU countries and the EU itself have put a great deal of effort into helping stability and security there, it is their future - the future of Kosovo and Serbia. As other speakers have done today, I urge them to take all the steps necessary to normalize their relations through the EU-facilitated dialogue. I call on all their leaders, who have been elected to represent their people's interests, to enable that to happen.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“The only way forward is through normalization, and we look to both Kosovo and Serbia to make progress in that way. We note with optimism the resolution that the Assembly ofKosovo adopted on 15 December establishing a cross- party negotiating team. Ijoin my French colleague and others in urging both sides to return to negotiations through the EU-facilitated dialogue. Progress on the dialogue is vital to stability, security and prosperity in the two countries in the region. The final agreement itself must also contribute to local, regional and global stability. The two sides have to keep in mind that any proposals they put forward through the negotiations must enhance the safety and security of all - I repeat, all - their citizens.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“I think it is irresponsible that one member of the Council has repeated them today. I agree with that member that there is a risk ofa return to turmoil, but it is not caused by that decision. It is caused by those outside Kosovo who would seek to exploit it for their own ends. However, I take encouragement from hearing about Russian support for NATO today, which I think may be a first in this Chamber. As other speakers have noted, the fundamental reason that we are here and that those problems persist is because of the lack of normalization. At every step, settlements and progress have been blocked. The United Nations, the European Union (EU), the United States and Russia have tried and, unfortunately, at every stage of trying to settle the issue, there has been a blockage, which I am sorry to say has come from Belgrade.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“It has been a long time since the Council visited Kosovo, but I was on one of the earlier trips, during which we visited the Kosovo-Serb community in the north, where we heard from many people - but not all of them - who supported the account given by President Vucic' and the Russian Ambassador today. Nor do we share Belgrade's perception that the Kosovo Security Force's expansion in size and mandate over the next decade risks jeopardizing regional stability. We look to Belgrade to respond in a measured way, including in public statements. In the light of that, the United Kingdom considers the assertions by senior politicians and officials about the possible use of force by Serbia unhelpful, and we reject the idea that even the notion of such use of force might be floated.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“That said, we continue to urge Kosovo to act responsibly, transparently and in consultation with NATO allies, and to uphold its existing commitments to arrangements with the Kosovo Force. What President Thaci said about his assurances today in that respect is welcome, but needless to say we expect to see it put into action. I have noted the claim that the transition of the Kosovo Security Force represents a threat to the Kosovo- Serb community. That claim is not borne out by Kosovo's genuine efforts to make the Force a multi-ethnic force, as NATO allies have requested, and we regret that those efforts have been undermined by external pressure. We encourage the Kosovo Government to continue its outreach to the Kovoso-Serb community in order to allay anxieties.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom's interpretation of resolution 1244 (1999) is that it does not - I repeat, it does not - contain anything that precludes the future transition of the mandate of the Kosovo Security Force. In fact, I reread it at lunch time. I then went on to read the document that followed it, the constitutional framework and the United Nations Ahtisaari plan, the so-called Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement. I can assure the Council than nothing in any of those three documents precludes the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force. The constitutional framework set up a Kosovo Protection Force. The Constitution builds on that proposal and this recent decision builds on the Constitution. I just wanted to establish that.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“I thank the Under- Secretary-General for his briefing. I also listened very carefully to what President Vucie and President Thaci said today. We believe that Kosovo's development of its own armed forces is within its sovereign right as a self-governing independent State, and we urge Kosovo to do it - and on this I agree with the French representative - in close consultation with NATO and the wider international community. I note from Kosovo's announcement that this development is to take place over the course of 10 years. Since resolution 1244 (1999) was adopted, Kosovo has become an independent, self-governing State recognized by more than 100 members of the United Nations, and its decision to extend the mandate of the Kosovo Security Force should be viewed in that context.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“We call on all partners to do more, not just to respond to the current crisis, particularly the ongoing drought, but to help strengthen the resilience of Afghanistan's most vulnerable people in the long term. I think we all know that 2019 will be a critical year for Afghanistan. There is a significant opportunity for progress on its path towards peace and democracy. The United Kingdom is fully committed to supporting the Special Representative, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan Government as they continue their important work to help the Afghan people, the Government and the peace process.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“It is important that we think about how we might approach supporting Afghanistan's reform and development after any peace settlement, even if that seems to be some time away at this point. Today's briefing by Ambassador Umarov on the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) reminds us of the important role sanctions play in the pursuit of peace. However, for a sanctions regime to be credible and effective, it is essential that relevant procedures be followed at all times. In particular, any request for travel-ban exemptions need to be submitted in a timely manner. Others have mentioned the humanitarian situation. We join them in worrying very much about the dire situation, and the food insecurity issue should only add impetus to the peace process.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I think that General Assembly resolution 73/88, on the situation in Afghanistan, made clear that States Members of the United Nations want efforts to be driven by Afghanistan. Furthermore, they want all other efforts to reinforce the Afghan Government's efforts in that respect. It is critical that the international community give that its full support. It is also critical that the countries in the region give it their full support. I want to take a moment to commend the efforts of President Ghani and his Government so far and to encourage them, as other speakers have done, to focus on inclusivity, particularly of women and youth, and on ensuring engagement at the community level in electoral and peace processes. I think that what Ms. Haress said about women's rights and human rights is absolutely vital in that connection.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“President, for an update from the United Nations on that issue in the new year. Turning to peace, recent developments include the efforts of the new United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Mr. Khalilzad, who I used to know in this Chamber. His appointment, the creation of a high advisory board for peace and the announcement of an official Afghanistan negotiation team offer a real opportunity to move the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process forward. To give it the best chance of success, it is vital that all other peace efforts underpin Afghan efforts in a way that reinforces the indigenous progress. Any parallel process would simply risk undermining progress and empowering the Taliban.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“It is important that the Afghan people get the transparent and credible presidential elections that they deserve next year. As today's debate and the report have shown, there are a number of technical and operational challenges that affect the elections and that need to be ironed out. Also, the lessons learned and the necessary reforms must be implemented so that those issues are resolved before the next presidential elections. In that context, I want to welcome the support of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for those efforts and its work to capture lessons learned. As part of that process, I would urge the Mission to consider what more UNAMA could do and what additional resources it needs to strengthen its support ahead of the 2019 elections. I would ask through you, Mr.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Peace needs to be durable and must increase political, social and economic opportunities for every Afghan, as the Afghan Ambassador made clear. I think it is a message the Taliban needs to heard loud and clear from all members of the Council. The Taliban lives in an Afghanistan of the past, which no one wants to see restored. I think the Council can really help to make that message understood, loud and clear. To that end, we call on the Taliban to recognize that in the elections, the wishes of Afghans across the country to have a say in their country's future and their strong desire for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan have been heard loud and clear. In contrast, we are forced once again to condemn intimidation and attacks on civilians. A number of speakers look forward to next year's presidential elections.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I would like to sincerely thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing on the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/1092). I would also like to thank Mr. F edotov and Ambassador Umarov for their briefings today. I join other colleagues in thanking Ms. Ghizaal Haress for her insights into the elections process. As other have said, it is very helpful to have her here as we discuss today's important issue. I would like to start by congratulating every Afghan who participated in the October parliamentary elections, in the face of violence and intimidation. I think they reflect what the Afghan representative and the Dutch representative have both said. There is a new generation of Afghans knocking on the door of a new Afghanistan.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I would ask all colleagues on the Council to join me in pledging that the Council will do its very best to stay united and to work tirelessly, together with partners throughout the United Nations membership, to support What has been achieved and advance the work to the desperately needed next stage.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“That is an extremely good step forward. We understand the importance of monitoring compliance and of the United Nations having a leading role in supporting the ports. We hope to be able to work expeditiously with colleagues to bring about a draft resolution that will give the firmest possible support what has been achieved so far and provide Mr. Griffiths and the parties with a solid foundation as they move towards the end of January agreement and framework. We wish him the best of luck with that. It is vital that the parties that have made such good strides thus far continue to act in good faith and take urgent steps to fully implement those agreements.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“It is a very sobering reminder of the human consequences still at stake and of how many starving, sick and desperate people remain in the most vulnerable of situations. We therefore have no time to lose. As Mr. Lowcock said, we need to bring about tangible improvements for the people of Yemen, and we need to do that as swiftly as we can. Ithank the Governments of Sweden and Switzerland for agreeing to hold a pledging conference. Mr. Lowcock set out an update on his five asks and refined them. We support that. As the penholder, the United Kingdom will resume work on the draft resolution with all of our colleagues. We plan to endorse the agreements reached, support their implementation and set out urgent next steps. As requested, we will want to address the monitoring requirements with colleagues. We welcome the news about General Cammaert.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“The Council's united support has helped Mr. Griffiths and the United Nations get to this point. I will speak briefly today because I think we all have important work to do now to support Mr. Griffiths. I will comment on Mr. Lowcock's remarks afterwards. I was struck by what Mr. Griffiths said about trust among the parties and about international consensus. For the first time in two years, the people of Yemen have been put first, and we commend all the parties for taking that important step. We recognize their leadership and we endorse the agreements they have reached, but Mr. Griffiths' cautions about it being a humanitarian stopgap are very well taken. I want to refer now to what Mr. Lowcock said about the humanitarian situation on the ground.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“I would like to welcome the new Yemeni representative to the Council. This is a good day for all onemen. I want to congratulate and commend Mr. Griffiths and his team for the work they have done to bring about these developments. But, as Mr. Griffiths himself said, we should also thank and commend the Swedish Government, the parties themselves, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, President Hadi and the representatives of the Governments of Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Oman. My Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt was very pleased to have been able to join his Swedish counterpart in Stockholm for these important developments. Above all, I want to stress how much we owe to Mr. Griffiths and his team and, of course, to the Secretary-General. IfI may say so, this is what the United Nations is for.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“At the same time, it also sends a very clear message that aid should never be use as a weapon and must reach those who need it without impediment. It is also an important reminder that, notwithstanding our differences, as the Dutch Minister further reminded us, the Council can - and should - act on Syria.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We therefore call on the Syrian authorities to cease doing that respond to the requests of the United Nations and engage with the political process to pursue a credible, balanced political settlement, which provides the only foreseeable way out of the conflict. We look to Russia to use its influence with the Syrian authorities to press them to do that, maintain the ceasefire in Idlib, in accordance with the Sochi agreement, and ensure that humanitarian access continues for as long as it is necessary. I also want to echo that reconstruction money will not be available from my Government or from our partners until there is a viable and lasting political process. Adopting today's resolution sends a clear message from the international community that we remain committed to supporting the people of Syria.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We want to look forward to a time when humanitarian aid is no longer necessary, when we can offer help in rebuilding and reconstruction and when conditions allow the Syrians who have had to flee to return to their homes voluntarily, in safety and dignity and in line with international humanitarian law. But we need to be crystal clear that we are not there yet; Syria is not there yet. This resolution, as both my French and American colleagues noted, is emphatically not a call for refugee return. It is for the Syrian parties to create conditions that are conducive to their safe and voluntary return. That is a critical distinction. The Al-Assad regime, supported by its backers, has not only created an environment that makes humanitarian aid essential for millions of Syrians, but it continues to use aid as a weapon of war.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Every month there is a list from Under-Secretary-General of requests that the United Nations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have made for access for humanitarian assistance, and every month, very sadly and almost criminally negligently, the Syrian Government does not grant the request of the United Nations humanitarian wing. I think we all need to demand a really comprehensive answer as to why the requests from OCHA are not being met when so many people depend on humanitarian assistance for their survival. I really would appeal through you, Mr. President, to both the Russian and Syrian representatives in the Chamber today to let us have a proper explanation or, better, to grant the requests of OCHA so that those people can get the help they need.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“The decision to renew resolution 2165 (2014) by way of today's adoption is therefore positive, but it is no cause for celebration, as the need for its renewal is the result solely of the dire situation on the ground. Approximately 13 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance, and 5.2 million of them are considered to be in acute need. As the Dutch Minister reminded us, every month we come to the Council, we hear a briefing from the Under- Secretary-General and we say the same things.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“I thank Under- Secretary-General Lowcock for being at this meeting, for his briefing and for all the work that his team is doing on the ground to help the people of Syria. The United Kingdom joins other colleagues in welcoming the adoption of resolution 2449 (2018). This ensures that aid can continue to move across borders to reach those people who depend on its arrival. We thank the co-penholders, Sweden and Kuwait, for their sustained efforts to make agreement today possible. As others have noted, this resolution keeps open routes for humanitarian aid that offer a lifeline to millions of Syrians, including those in hard-to-reach areas and those who could not otherwise receive the support they need. The United Nations has stated that 2.6 million people are accessible only through these cross-border routes.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We support Iran in its quest to benefit from economic development and we want it to fulfil its undoubted potential as a vibrant economy and an important Power. But those are not unconditional goals. Iran can never achieve them without a vital change in its approach to the issues that I have mentioned. It must take steps to address the Council's concerns seriously and recognize that its expeditionary and expansionist security doctrine will only provoke more challenge and lead to greater instability within the region. That is why, together with its European partners, the United Kingdom continues to participate in the JCPOA. We will continue to work with everyone to convince Iran to take a radically different approach to the region and help secure a more prosperous future for itself.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“I have made it clear every time that Iran's habit of testing weapons that threaten its neighbours, and defying the Council by exporting weapons and militias around the regions, makes it very difficult to see how Iran can play a constructive role in its region and means that its complaints when the Council puts such behaviour on its agenda have no legitimacy. I have long said that Iran has legitimate security interests in the region. We recognize that, but the way Iran goes about pursuing those interests is leading to increasing destabilization and is simply not legitimate in the modern world. Iran has a different approach available to it, one that concentrates on reintegration into the global economic community and into diplomatic engagement.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“I accept the fact that it is important to note that Iran has expressed its strong support for the talks in Sweden, but the situation in Yemen remains of serious concern and the Secretary-General's report today includes information about ballistic missiles fired at Saudi Arabia by the Houthis as well as anti-tank and surface-to-air missiles recovered in Yemen. Those weapons had characteristics and components consistent with those known to be manufactured in Iran. In the course of my work I have recently been to Tehran to discuss many of those issues with the Iranian leadership.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Iran has proactively shipped weapon systems into Syria, inflaming tensions with its neighbours as well as violating the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015). For example, in just the past week, Israel has had to take action to prevent Iranian-backed Hizbullah militants from tunnelling under its borders. Those Hizbullah activities are a clear violation of resolution 1701 (2006) and are further evidence of Iran's destabilizing activity. The United Kingdom condemns the existence of those tunnels, which threaten the security of Israel and Lebanon. The violation of Israeli sovereignty is deeply worrying, and moreover it literally takes Iran's destabilizing activity to new depths. In Yemen, we are watching the ongoing talks in Stockholm carefully and we welcome the attendance of the Houthi delegation.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Testing them is provocative and the Council should respond. We therefore demand that Iran cease the activity that defies resolution 2231 (2015) and that it and all Member States fully comply with the resolutions prohibiting the proliferation of missile technology to and from Iran - and by the way, there is no doubt that those are indeed legally binding. On our second objective, we note with deep regret, and also concern, that Iran continues to play a negative role throughout the region in support of non- State actors that undermine the stability of its neighbours. In Syria, Iran has been the key supporter of Bashar Al-Assad's murderous seven-year campaign. Militias funded and controlled by Iran have been integral to Al-Assad's military campaign to retake opposition-held territory, committing gross abuses ofhuman rights in the process.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Another fallacious argument that I am sure we will hear today is that the MTCR is irrelevant and is only an arms-export regime. The MTCR is itself an important part of international efforts against proliferation. Its category I describes a platform of first-generation nuclear weapons commonly defined as capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kilogrammes to a range of at least 300 kilometres. So it matters that Iran test-fired a ballistic missile with a capability that falls under MTCR's category I. Those missiles are not harmless tools of self-defence. They are a source of concern and they are included in resolution 2231 (2015) because if Iran were to develop a nuclear weapon, those missiles would be its delivery vehicle. They therefore threaten not only the region but Europe, and potentially others beyond.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“It is clear that those recommendations should be taken seriously by Member States rather than openly flouted. The call to Iran to comply with the request not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons has a clear purpose, and that purpose is to reduce international and regional tension. In defying the Council's clearly expressed view, Iran is not contributing to the stability of the region, to say the least, but is rather ignoring the Council's express wishes. Tendentious arguments that seek to diminish the Council's voice in that regard serve only to undermine its prerogative and authority and encourage other States to disregard its resolutions. We should all be deeply concerned about such irresponsible behaviour.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“We heard a number of arguments when we met to discuss this issue in consultations, and I am sure we will hear many of them again today, so I would like to address them briefly now. Some colleagues have made the point that the language in paragraph 7 of resolution 2231 (2015), and in paragraph 3 ofthe resolution's annex B, is not binding. The second part of that argument is that the Council should therefore not concern itself with Iran's behaviour because we argue that it is inconsistent with it. We believe that this is both an extraordinary and a flawed argument for two reasons. Leaving aside the question ofwhetherthe language is legallybinding ornot, the Council has the power to make recommendations to Member States with a view of resolving any matter that threatens the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Businesses will not invest there, and public finances should be spent at home, not diverted to adventurism abroad. The Under- Secretary-General's briefing today was very clear, and the findings in the Secretary-General's report should continue to trouble the Council. As the report notes, the United Kingdom, along with its E3 partners France and Germany, raised concerns about the recent Iranian ballistic-missile launches into Syria in a letter to the President on 20 November (S/2018/1062). Since then, as the Security Council discussed on 4 December, Iran has tested a medium-range ballistic missile with a capability that falls under category I of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Like those referred to in our letter, that latest launch is inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015).”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“To that end, in September we announced the creation of a European special purpose vehicle to help facilitate that. That work continues and we hope to announce further progress soon. There remains, however, much work to do towards the second objective - the ending of Iran's destabilizing regional behaviour. No one should have any doubt about the strength of our concern and our commitment to tackling that issue. Compliance with the JCPOA, important as it is for all of the reasons that the French Ambassador set out, is not a license to engage in destabilizing behaviour elsewhere, whether or not that has a nuclear link. Iran cannot expect to improve its relations with the rest of the world or ensure its economic prosperity and security while pursuing its current path.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“I agree with what the French Ambassador said with regard to the way forward. We were also clear that the nuclear deal contained elements designed to encourage Iran on a path to normalcy in its trade and diplomatic relations with the outside world. The Secretary-General's report (S/2018/1089) records that Iran continues to comply with its nuclear-related obligations, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency in its 12 November report. We expect that commitment to continue, and we look to Iran to continue to fully abide by its obligations under the deal. Because our first objective continues to be met, the United Kingdom - together with France and Germany - has been working to ensure that Iran continues to receive the economic benefits from sanctions relief agreed as part of the nuclear deal.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“IfI may, I would like to set out the policy of my Government towards Iran. We are motivated by three objectives - first, and most critical, to uphold the global non-proliferation regime and prevent Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities that would threaten the Middle East region and Europe beyond; secondly, to constrain Iran's destabilizing actions in the region; and, thirdly, to encourage Iran to normalize its economic and diplomatic relations with the region and the West and assume its rightful role as a responsible Power constructively engaged. The United Kingdom participated in negotiations on a nuclear deal with Iran to secure the first of those objectives, and we believe the JCPOA has done so. It remains critical for our national security and, we believe, for the shared security of our partners and allies.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Yet, throughout the negotiations and at the adoption of the resolution, we were clear that the Council was not only addressing nuclear issue, but continuing to impose binding restrictions to curb Iran's ballistic missile and proliferation activity because it threatens the region and beyond. I want to stress that ballistic missile proliferation is not solely about nuclear missiles, although there is a link with nuclear capability. Any conventional payload would cause extensive harm to civilians and infrastructure, and Member States in the region will naturally be deeply concerned about confronting such a threat from Iran. It heightens instability in the region and increases the risk of miscalculation. As Secretary Pompeo said, the international community has been trying to curb that activity since at least 2006.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling this debate. We are very grateful to United States Secretary of State Pompeo for taking the time to be here today. This debate comes at a very important moment. The world is an unpredictable place right now. The developments that we are going to discuss today risk making it more so. I would also like to join others in thanking the Under-Secretary-General and the Dutch representative and his team for all their work concerning resolution 2231 (2015). Today's agenda is the implementation of that resolution, which was an endorsement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“That is a last-resort step that we can better avoid by mobilizing all the tools at our collective disposal for early peacebuilding and prevention so as to avoid escalation.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source