YouSaid · the spoken record

Pressman

lines on the record: 643
first: 2014-10-24
most recent: 2016-10-19
sittings or episodes: 73
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

“A third lesson is that the effective collaboration of international partners and mechanisms is key part of making sanctions work effectively. We saw that in Liberia with productive cooperation among the sanctions committee, the Panel of Experts, the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the Liberian Government. That was a testament to what can be achieved when sanctions are deployed with purpose, grounded within a clear strategy for promoting international peace and security and coupled with the necessary political progress from Governments. The fourth and last is less a lesson that a reminder. Sanctions, even the sanctions that last the longest, do not last forever. Sanctions end. We saw another example of that earlier this year with the termination of the C6te d'Ivoire sanctions regime.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source
“The Liberia Panel of Experts, and the Panel of Experts on Sierra Leone before it, reported on many issues that States saw as sensitive: organized smuggling networks, trafficking in diamonds and control over and the use of revenues from the timber industry. The sensitivity of that reporting only serves to illustrate the importance of it. The need could not be cleared then, or indeed today, for candid, diligent and detailed reporting in driving the evolution of sanctions to better address the challenges that the international community faces. After all, we establish such panels to provide us with information about situations that pose a threat to international peace and security. We should be ashamed when we prevent them from doing their jobs, as some are doing in other contexts today, even if we disagree with what they have to say.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source
“One lesson is that the Security Council must be creative and courageous in its design of sanctions. The Liberia natural-resources sanctions were well- tailored to the context and demonstrated the Council's determination to address unconventional sources of conflict financing. We would do well to consider similar measures to target the funding and fuelling of conflict in other situations we face today. That is neither unprecedented nor novel. It is effective, and one need look no further than Liberia. A second lesson is that the effective monitoring and enforcement of sanctions is imperative.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source
“The timber sanctions were geared towards ensuring that revenues from that industry were not used to fuel conflict. Over time, as the situation in Liberia stabilized and the criteria were progressively met, the Security Council responded by gradually terminating the natural-resource sanctions, scaling back the arms embargo and, finally last year, terminating the targeted sanctions measures. Today, more than 12 years after the end of Liberia's brutal civil war and the Council's imposition of sanctions, Liberia continues to consolidate its progress, and the Security Council has determined that the criteria for lifting the sanctions have been met, thereby allowing us to fully terminate the regime. What lessons can we learn from that history that may be applicable to the threats to international peace and security we face today?”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source
“Those innovative natural-resource sanctions, which were carefully tailored to the specific context in Liberia, made a powerful contribution to Liberia's peace and security. The Council adjusted the sanctions as the situation on the ground changed, adding atargeted assets freeze. Importantly, the Council clearly articulated the objectives of those measures, and therefore when it would be prepared to terminate them. The arms and travel sanctions were aimed at supporting the ceasefire, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts and the implementation of the peace agreement, as well as establishing and maintaining stability in Liberia and, more generally, in the region. The sanctions on diamonds were aimed at preventing diamonds from fuelling the conflict and at supporting the establishment of a certificate-of-origin regime.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source
“As we terminate sanctions today, it is worth recalling how far Liberia has come. Today is the first day that Liberia is not subject to United Nations sanctions since 1992. The current sanctions date from 2003, shortly after Charles Taylor went into exile and a comprehensive peace agreement had been signed. At that time, the Security Council took swift and effective action to establish a strong sanctions regime aimed at supporting Liberia's peace agreement. The sanctions first included an arms embargo, a targeted travel ban and import bans on the principal natural resources that were funding the conflict, namely, round logs and timber products originating in Liberia and rough diamonds from Liberia.”
2016-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7695 (2016) · source
“Small steps, such as partnering with Kosovo through INTERPOL and other organizations, is in all of our interests and will serve well our collective efforts to advance peace and security.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“Kosovo's work through its national strategy to counter violent extremism and its law criminalizing foreign terrorist fighters are important contributions to that effort, rendering all the more offensive and counter-productive - I would say - the recent rhetoric of some officials in the region suggesting that recognizing Kosovo is akin to recognizing the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham. In closing, let me direct some words to my colleagues, representatives of States Members of the United Nations. A minority of them have not yet recognized Kosovo. The United States urges them to consider taking steps to better integrate the citizens of that young country into the international community. It is the right thing to do, it is in line with Charter of the United Nations, and it will serve us all.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“That is especially true in the Balkans. Kosovo's police continue to demonstrate their professionalism and capabilities, in cooperation with their neighbours and the international law enforcement community, but for too long, Kosovo's police have been excluded from the international community of police. It is critical that Kosovo fully integrate into that community, including the International Criminal Police Organization. Including Kosovo in our collective effort to counter common threats does more than benefit Kosovo. It serves the entire Balkans region and all ofus worldwide. Once again, the United States would like to thank Kosovo for its contributions to the global fight against terrorism and efforts to counter the scourge of foreign terrorist fighters.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“While Kosovo's Government has adopted some pro-growth economic policies, there is still serious work to be done on the economic issues that continue to hold Kosovo back, including corruption and unemployment. Specifically, Kosovo should implement e-procurement; it should be more transparent about ongoing corruption cases in the civil service, and it should pass legislative amendments to ensure that political appointees who are convicted of corruption do not get to retain positions of power. Stronger policies and actions will result in less corruption, and less corruption in Kosovo, as in any country, will lead to more opportunities for all. As we have discussed here in so many different contexts, law enforcement cooperation across borders is an essential component of any viable strategy to combat terrorism and counter organized crime.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“The participation of Kosovo athletes in the European Judo Championships, a competition hosted in Kazan, Russia, was appropriately a source of great pride, and all the more so when Kosovo judo competitor Majlinda Kelmendi took the gold medal home to Kosovo. It was a powerful and inspiring moment of victory for a country that deserves it. Her victory, as well as the decision ofthe Union of European Football Associations and, just last Friday, the Federation Internationale de Football Association to accept Kosovo's participation will inspire Kosovo's young people and are wonderful examples of the change that has taken place. After years of isolation, Kosovo's athletes can indeed pursue their dreams and do so as proud representatives of their country. On the economy, more must be done.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“We also applaud the well- managed collection of ballots in Kosovo for Serbian elections, supported by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. That is exactly the kind of cooperation needed between the two countries to improve the lives and protect the rights of their people. Kosovo has made some strides. The signing between Kosovo and the European Union of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the decision of the European Commission to support Visa liberalization are enormous milestones signaling confidence in Kosovo's path towards European integration. Those are significant developments that have the potential to meaningfully impact the economy and the lives of the people of Kosovo. We also witnessed an extraordinary moment in April.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“They now need to redouble their efforts to normalize relations through those discussions. European Union High Representative Mogherini's continued leadership is critical to advancing that important effort. Discussions without implementation, however, will lead nowhere. For the sake of regional stability and Kosovo and Serbia's EU aspirations, we call upon Pristina and Belgrade to fully implement the commitments they have made throughout the dialogue talks, including those made in August 2015 regarding telecommunications, energy, freedom of movement and the establishment of the association/community of Serb majority municipalities without any more delay. We were pleased to witness the peaceful democratic transition of power from former Kosovo President Jahjaga to President Thaci, underscoring Kosovo's democratic maturation.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“The only reason we continue to meet with such regularity has nothing to do with the security situation in Kosovo. It has to do with politics. Let us be clear. Now is the time to seriously reduce the footprint of the United Nations Mission. We have some very talented staff in UNMIK whose skills are desperately needed in other missions. There is no need for all of them to remain in Kosovo. In that regard, it is appropriate to reduce UNMIK's budget, and we welcome the reduction in UNMIK's budget request. The Council seems stuck in the past, needlessly convening here every three months, and we repeat our call to extend the Secretary-General's reporting period on UNMIK from every three months to every six months. Pristina and Belgrade are rightly focused on the dialogue facilitated by the European Union (EU).”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tanin for his briefing. I also thank Foreign Minister Dacie and Ambassador Citaku for their statements. Since 1999, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has made critical contributions to assisting the people of Kosovo in developing multiethnic democratic institutions to uphold the nation's rule of law, while respecting the rights of all of its citizens. We thank Special Representative Tanin and his long line of predecessors for their dedication and service to that effort. But as we hear today, and as we too often convene in this Chamber on this topic, we must acknowledge what we acknowledge every three months. UNMIK's mandate has largely been accomplished.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“Owen gave of his own time and energy to serve as the Presiding Arbitrator of the Arbitral Tribunal for Dispute over the Inter-Entity Boundary in the Brcko Area, and we are grateful for his unwavering dedication to establishing irreversible peace and stability through his work at Dayton and on the Tribunal.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“For instance, despite the recent surge and local engagement on Mostar, political leaders remain unwilling to make the compromises necessary for the city to hold elections for the first time since 2008. That same intransigence blocks progress on other fundamental issues, such as the release of the 2013 census data, and reflects on individual leaders' credibility with regard to Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina's leaders and all members of the international community to support the actions and reforms needed to reach that milestone and provide all necessary support to the High Representative as he fulfils his mandate. Finally, I would like to just reiterate the High Representative's own sentiments in his report (S/2016/395, annex) in connection with the death of Mr. Roberts Owen. Mr.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“In the interest of greater stability and security, we encourage the Republika Srpska National Assembly to formally withdraw its decision to hold a referendum on the State-level Court and Prosecutor's Office. We look forward to the day when Bosnia and Herzegovina meets the objectives and conditions established by the Peace Implementation Council for the closure of the Office of the High Representative, and when we can say with absolute confidence that Bosnia and Herzegovina has reached full compliance with the Dayton Peace Agreement and is now a peaceful, viable State irreversibly on the course for European integration. We have seen progress, but that day has not yet arrived.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“I am particularly disturbed by the truly outrageous and dangerously provocative decision to name a building in honour of Radovan Karadzie and the timing of the proclamation in advance of the ruling of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in his case. Honouring a man who has been charged with and, days later, convicted of genocide is despicable. Such craven political manoeuvres do a disservice to his victims and the country and undermine the spirit of peace and reconciliation needed for Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward. The United States also remains deeply concerned by politicians who seek to erode the competencies of State-level institutions.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“The United Statesjoins the High Representative in his call for the registration of defence properties within the Republika Srpska and continued registration of additional properties within the Federation. We also continue to encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to make genuine progress on the EU socioeconomic reform agenda. As the High Representative noted, new labour laws in both entities are important steps towards improving the business climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina and making the country more competitive in the global market place. However, critical work remains to be done to enhance the rule of law, tackle corruption and improve the overall political climate in the country, which are steps that will benefit all of Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens. Impunity and divisiveness are not acceptable.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“It is in that spirit that we welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina's positive steps towards greater Euro-Atlantic integration. The submission of its European Union (EU) membership application in February was an important milestone, and I would like to congratulate Bosnia and Herzegovina on that step. The United States also welcomes the Government's full registration of 21 defence properties within the Federation, which is a positive sign of tangible progress to meeting Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO Membership Action Plan. Despite those positive steps, continuing down the path of Euro-Atlantic integration will require vision. It will require political will. It will require real follow- through on commitments, and it will require focus to meet the conditions set by the Peace Implementation Council.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“I thank High Representative Inzko for his briefing, service, representation of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and stewardship of the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United States again reiterates its strong support for High Representative Inzko's mandate under the Dayton Peace Agreement as the final authority with regard to the interpretation of the civilian implementation of the Peace Agreement. We of course look forward to the day when Bosnia and Herzegovina meets the objectives and conditions established by the Peace Implementation Council for the closure of the Office of the High Representative, but let us be very clear - that day has not yet arrived. The United States commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's success is enormous, and our commitment to peace there enduring.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“In addition to strengthening financial institutions in Somalia, the United States Government has provided more than $240 million in humanitarian aid since October 2014, supporting emergency food assistance, nutrition interventions and health-care programmes, among other forms of lifesaving assistance, and has invested in resilience programming to help bolster the ability of households and communities to weather such shocks. Together, we must do more. We urge the international community to support the humanitarian response plan for 2016. In conclusion, while we have made truly important gains, we have a long way to go. We must maintain a sharp focus, steady coordination and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that stability takes root and that ultimately peace prevails once and for all in Somalia, for all Somalis.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Lastly, the chronic humanitarian crisis in Somalia demands our attention. Too many people, some 40 per cent of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance; too many, more than 1.1 million, are suffering from displacement; and too many children are malnourished. Those challenges have been exacerbated by the effects of the El Nifio weather phenomenon. The United States has been at the forefront of raising international awareness about El Nifio's impact in Africa, while partnering with governmental and non-governmental aid operations to prevent, mitigate and respond to emergency needs related to food, water and health.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“In connection with that, we encourage the Federal Government of Somalia to set up a human rights commission to ensure respect for the freedom of expression, make additional progress on ending the use of child soldiers and hold security forces accountable for violations, including those related to sexual exploitation and abuse. All security forces in Somalia, including the Somali National Army and AMISOM, must respect human rights. In the face of the challenges we are confronting, the international community must do its part to support Somalia's progress by engaging in actions that empower rather than exploit the nation's economy. With that in mind, we emphasize that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Somalia's waters has the potential to stoke instability in an already fragile nation.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“We agree on the imperative of creating space for inclusive politics, pursuing economic recovery, reducing unemployment among young people, enhancing education and encouraging further defections from Al-Shabaab by providing a future for disengaged combatants. Those are very difficult steps, to be sure, but they can be helped by promulgating a coordinated and comprehensive national security policy that includes the establishment of clear police, justice and corrections models for Somalia in the context of federalism. Security advances will not be sustainable and cannot take root unless respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is central and safeguarded.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“In order to achieve that ambitious goal, the unique partnership among AMISOM, the Somali National Army, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia requires close cooperation and coordination. That includes a number of steps, including making sure that AMISOM. has the right equipment and that it is operationally sound, including through the provision of critical enablers to the Mission. That support is vital to ensuring that both AMISOM. and the Somali National Army can bring further military pressure to bear on Al-Shabaab and avoid costly losses such as the harrowing ones they have suffered in recent months. What comes after an area is liberated from Al-Shabaab has a direct connection with how we, Somalia and the international community, can combat terrorism.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“and the Somali National Army must press the offensive against Al-Shabaab. In particular, we urge them to initiate coordinated planning aimed at recapturing the Juba River Valley. Their success will create much-needed space for political and economic development throughout the country. As part of that effort, we echo the call of President Mohamud and Mr. Francisco Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, for enhanced international support for the creation of a capable, professional and inclusive Somali National Army that respects international humanitarian law.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“Creating an atmosphere where inclusive politics can thrive requires security, and there major challenges persist. There is no question that, thanks principally to the efforts of the African Union and the countries of the region, acting through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and with the support of the United Nations, security in Somalia has improved considerably. We commend the bravery of the AMISOM. troops and the Somali soldiers and pay particular tribute to the willingness of Ethiopia and Kenya to continue to lead the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa. For its part, the United States will continue to use the tools at its disposal, financial, diplomatic, intelligence and military, to help dismantle Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups. Both AMISOM.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“This year's vote is essential, not just in itself but because it is a critical step towards universal elections in 2020, based on one person/one vote. Against that backdrop, the United States welcomes the progress that the Somali Government has made with the state-formation process over the past three years. For the first time in decades, the map of Somalia's Federal states is nearly complete. We encourage the Government to continue those efforts and to finalize the formation of the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. As the election season approaches, time is of the essence, if Somalia is to ensure that those two regions can also take part in the electoral process later this year. Their transition to Federal state status is part of that.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“To achieve success, we need to act purposefully, quickly and collectively in order to help the Somali people build strong institutions of democratic governance and rule of law, to continue taking the fight to Al-Shabaab and to help the nearly 5 million Somalis who cannot meet their basic daily needs without assistance. It is an election year in Somalia, as the President has stated and as we all know, and the Government's tenacious work to reach an agreement on an electoral model was an important step forward. Our hope is that the Somali Parliament can finalize the implementation plan quickly and that the next steps can proceed swiftly in the spring and summer - steps such as launching voter-education programmes, vetting candidates, finalizing financing and security modalities and other efforts to help put voting structures in place.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“To this end, at our next discussion on Somalia, we would welcome the chance to hear from Special Representative Madeira, whose insights into the situation in Somalia could be useful for us to consider as we approach the mandate renewal for the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) next month. One thing is certain - the Somali people are fighting for the future of their country. The Al-Shabaab campaign of terrorism, which has cost the lives of so many people, must only strengthen our determination to make progress in securing a peaceful and prosperous future for the Somali people.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“I welcome President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to New York and thank him for being here. We appreciate the important work he is doing, his optimism about Somalia's future and the clear portrait he has painted of the opportunities and the challenges his nation faces at this pivotal moment. I would also like to thank Special Representative Keating for his briefing and for his efforts to galvanize and ensure the coherence of the international effort in Somalia. I also thank Ambassador Antonio for his briefing; certainly the strong partnership between the African Union and the United Nations has been one of the keys to the successes we have achieved to date, and this partnership will be critical as we move forward.”
2016-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7674 (2016) · source
“The next steps in Syria are as urgent as they are clear. There must be a permanent cessation of hostilities, full humanitarian access and an end to the violence, and all Member States must support the political transition in Syria.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“As such, we commend the United Nations efforts in the recent successful airlift of food supplies for the approximately 4,000 residents in Deir ez-Zor besieged by Da'esh, while noting the remaining challenge to address the needs of all 200,000 in the city. We also hope that the recent United Nations trip to Darayya will lead to the immediate delivery of assistance to its people, who have not received one crumb of aid since 2012. The world is witnessing an intentional massive starvation campaign in real time. All actors, including the regime, need to allow food to reach people who are literally dying for it. We once again call on the Syrian regime to comply with international law, including resolution 2254 (2015) and the demands of the international community, to allow assistance to reach all Syrians in need.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“The regime deployed that new strategy in the Damascus suburbs ofArbeen, Zamalka and Zabadin, as all three regions had been approved for assistance delivery but were stalled as the United Nations had to renegotiate with the Syrian regime exactly how many people were in need of assistance. Instead of feeding people, the United Nations is forced to negotiate and renegotiate exactly how many starving people will be fed. For those trapped within the besieged areas, where people are intentionally starved and maliciously denied access to international assistance, ofthe 486,000 people in 18 besieged locations the United Nations has been allowed to reach only 12 locales and 152,500 people. We must do better, and we must do so quickly because people are literally starving to death.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“Once again, the Syrian regime needs to end the killing and the violence, and it needs to do much more with regard to humanitarian access in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Of the 4.1 million Syrians in hard-to-reach locations, the United Nations has been permitted to reachjust 249,000 this year - 249,000 out of 4.1 million, or little more than 6 per cent of those in hard-to-reach areas. The main reason for that is clear: the deliberate obstruction by the Syrian regime, including disputing the United Nations population figures as a new mechanism to prohibit aid from reaching starving populations.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“We continue to press the opposition to resist being drawn into violence as a result of Jabhat Al-Nusra and regime actions. We have urged the opposition to maintain compliance with the cessation of hostilities. There must be a halt in the escalating violence in Aleppo and in other areas, including Latakia, Hama and the suburbs of Damascus, where recent events pose a serious threat to the durability of the agreement. To understand the human dimensions of violations to the cessation of hostilities, I want to say just a word about Dr. Hassan Al-Araj, a respected cardiologist in the norther part of Hama, who was killed in an air strike last week. As of today, there are very few doctors left in Hama, and there are no cardiologists. Hearts that need care will have no one.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“And certainly with regard to both the cessation of hostilities and improving humanitarian access, more can and must be done. The cessation of hostilities is holding in parts of the country and has improved the day-to-day reality of numerous Syrians' lives in those areas, but violations continue. We remain particularly disturbed by the regime's ongoing attacks on parties to the cessation of hostilities. Those violations not only harm and kill Syrian civilians, but also place great strain on other parties to the cessation of hostilities, many of whom have made great efforts to show restraint. The regime's behaviour will only strengthen the position of groups like Jabhat Al-Nusra that consistently try to undermine the cessation of hostilities.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“As resolution 2254 (2015) states, the only sustainable solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, including through the establishment of an inclusive transitional governing body with full executive powers, which shall be formed on the basis of mutual consent while ensuring continuity of governmental institutions. That is the heart of the effort undertaken by the International Syria Support Group and the process that Special Envoy De Mistura aims to move forward in Geneva. We are acutely aware that the Geneva talks and the situation on the ground in Syria are deeply interwoven. Success or failure in one area intimately affects the others. The stakes are enormous.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“Turning briefly to the political process, as the Quartet principals jointly stated in Munich in February, the status quo is unsustainable, and significant steps are urgently needed to stabilize the situation and reverse negative trends on the ground. Both sides must demonstrate through policies and actions a genuine commitment to a two-State solution in order to rebuild trust and avoid a cycle of escalation. We believe that the Quartet's upcoming report will help to inform international discussions on the best way to advance a two-State solution. Turning now to the ongoing horrific situation in Syria, we welcome the third round of intra-Syrian talks, which resumed in Geneva last week, and thank Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura for his efforts.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“We remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The United States provided an initial contribution of $43.4 million to the $403 million emergency appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, for its operations in the West Bank and Gaza, and we thank those in the Council and within the international community who have made contributions. But far too few have stepped up with resources. We ask others to join the United States in meeting those vast needs. We note that the Government of Israel has expanded the Palestinian fishing zone off of Gaza's coast from six to nine nautical miles, which we hope will somewhat improve the livelihoods of Palestinian fishermen in Gaza.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“As we have repeatedly made clear, we continue to look to both sides to demonstrate with actions and policies a genuine commitment to a two-State solution. Nowhere are Palestinians suffering more than in Gaza, where the slow pace of reconstruction remains concerning. The stranglehold that Hamas wields over the population in Gaza forces the pace of reconstruction to stall further, as the taxes it levies and its diversion of construction materials leave Palestinians in Gaza with much less than they would otherwise have to rebuild their homes, communities and infrastructure. It was announced just today that the Israeli military discovered a tunnel extending into Israeli territory from Gaza 10 days ago. We all have an obligation to ensure that reconstruction materials are used for their intended purpose.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“That is why we are deeply troubled that, since 1 January, there have been a number of Israeli declarations of State land in the West Bank, including expropriating approximately 600 acres south of Jericho and 250 acres south of Bethlehem. Just last week, the Government of Israel advanced the construction of hundreds of housing units in West Bank settlements in various stages of the planning process. Many of those units are located beyond the separation barrier deep within the West Bank. Those actions - the process of land expropriations, settlement expansions and the legalization of outposts - are wrong and fundamentally undermine the prospects for a two- State solution. Similarly, we are deeply troubled by the demolitions and evictions undertaken by the Israeli authorities in several locations throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“We remain deeply concerned about the shooting on 24 March in Hebron of a Palestinian assailant by a member of the Israeli security forces, and we are closely following the legal proceedings against the accused perpetrator. We note that just today charges of manslaughter were brought against the soldier. It is critical that every possible effort be made to show restraint, guard against the unnecessary loss oflife and de-escalate tensions. In cases where anyone from either side acts outside of the law, they must be held accountable. As we have stated repeatedly, the United States strongly opposes settlement activity. It is incompatible with, and calls into question the Israeli Government's commitment to, two States.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“There is no justification or rationalization for terrorism. Terrorism is terrorism. It is wrong, it is bloody and it must stop. Anyone who aspires to achieve a viable and independent Palestinian State must understand that engaging in incitement to violence serves only to undermine that goal. Only a political outcome, without violence, will enable that goal to be realized. The United States continues to call on the Palestinian leadership, publicly and privately, to do everything possible to combat all forms of incitement and to explicitly condemn terrorist attacks. All perpetrators of violence should be brought to justice, and justice should be blind, fair and equal.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“It is important that both sides demonstrate, through concrete policies and action, a genuine commitment to achieving a two-State solution in order to reduce tensions and restore hope in the possibility of peace. What we have seen on the ground, and what people such as the Meir family present here today have experienced first-hand, is absolutely unconscionable. The recent spate of violence that has been going on for more than six months has included stabbings, shootings and vehicular attacks, including, as the Israeli Ambassador just noted, reports of a bus exploding in Jerusalem. Acts of terrorism have taken too many lives, including those of Americans. The victims have included soldiers and civilians, pregnant women and mothers, Israelis and Palestinians. That must come to an end. Let us be clear and unequivocal.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his briefing. The commitment of the United States to peace in the Middle East and to advancing the vision of two States, living by side by side in peace, is unwavering. Many are rightly frustrated with the lack of progress, and we are too. We will continue to be steadfast in our support of efforts that will advance dialogue, peace and progress, and to oppose those that do not. Progress will be born out of hard choices made by both leaders with the aim of advancing the cause of peace over parochial politics. As such, we remain very concerned about the recent wave of terrorism and violence and about the utter lack of progress the parties have made towards a two-State solution.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673 (2016) · source
“The United States appreciates the efforts the Security Council members and our colleagues made to find consensus on this important resolution.”
2016-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7664 (2016) · source
“With this resolution, the Security Council urges the Government of Burundi to deliver in reality what it has committed to in the press. With this resolution, the Security Council has sent a strong message to the Government of Burundi and the opposition to cease all violence, refrain from provocation and commit to peacefully resolving this crisis through dialogue - a dialogue based on respect for the Arusha Agreement. And with this resolution, we are today sending a more robust, larger international civilian presence into Burundi to advance political dialogue, security and the rule of law. We are also asking for options for the deployment of a police mission, which should include options on the deployment of formed police units, to Burundi to advance rule of law.”
2016-04-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7664 (2016) · source