YouSaid · the spoken record

Raguttahalli

lines on the record: 599
first: 2021-05-25
most recent: 2023-10-24
sittings or episodes: 111
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

“The lives of ordinary civilians, particularly women and children, have worsened with increased displacement and abuses. The halt in offensive operations and the “republican dialogue” should provide respite to affected populations and an opportunity for the international community and the United Nations to scale up the humanitarian assistance. There is also a need to expedite the process of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation and security sector reform. The support of MINUSCA and the Central African Republic’s international partners will be important even as the peace process gains traction. We also note with concern incidents violating the status-of-forces of agreement and call on the Central African Republic authorities to proactively address that issue.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“We commend and support the role consistently played by the leadership of the ICGLR and the Economic Community of Central African States in ensuring the commitment of the countries of the region to finding a lasting solution in the Central African Republic and the region. We continue to underscore that the peace agreement is the only way forward to achieve national reconciliation and bring political stability to the country. The appointments of several women leaders, including as the President of the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation, is another positive development. While those developments deserve our collective appreciation, we cannot ignore the fact that the security situation remains fragile and volatile. A state of perpetual insecurity exists in the areas of offensive operations and violence-prone areas.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“There is also forward movement on the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and related issues. President Touadera announced a unilateral nationwide ceasefire a few days ago. That is an important step and the fulfilment of a commitment made at the third mini-summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), held last month in Luanda. The announcement provides an opening for all stakeholders, including the signatory armed groups, and could positively impact the “republican dialogue”. We hope that the armed groups will respond by giving up arms and engaging in dialogue.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“Since our meeting in June this year (see S/PV.8802), important political developments have taken place in the Central African Republic. The successful conclusion of the electoral cycle; the formation of the new Government, with increased representation of women; the holding of the second ordinary session of the National Assembly; and the progressive extension of State authority and rule of law institutions are indeed positive signs and reflect serious efforts being made on the ground. We appreciate the role played by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in supporting the electoral process and the ongoing assistance for the preparations for the local elections scheduled for next year.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“At the outset, let me join others in acknowledging the presence of His Excellency Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic, and thank him for his briefing. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mankeur Ndiaye for his briefing regarding progress on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the update on the recent political developments in the Central African Republic. I extend our appreciation to Ambassador Bankole Adeoye and Ambassador Olof Skoog for their respective briefings. I also thank the civil society briefer, Ms. Pamela Derom, for her insights.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source
“We have taken note of the activities of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) during the reporting period as a further part of an international cooperation effort. We have also noted that Kosovo Force troops from 20 NATO and 8 non-NATO troop- contributing countries have continued to effectively fulfil their mandate under resolution 1244 (1999). Their close tactical cooperation with police authorities in Pristina and EULEX has contributed to overall safety and security. In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation that UNMIK has continued to implement its mandate of promoting security, stability and respect for human rights in the region. We call on all parties to fully cooperate with UNMIK and facilitate its work.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“Both sides need to implement already- signed agreements, including on the establishment of an association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo, and find common ground to overcome unresolved political, ethnic and other issues. We are concerned about the recent developments, and it is important to de-escalate tensions through engagement and dialogue. The issue of missing persons is an important humanitarian aspect, and we hope that, with the support of UNMIK, the authorities will be able to determine the fate of persons who are still missing. The voluntary and safe return of internally displaced persons from other countries in the region is also essential as a confidence-building measure. UNMIK should continue to work with other international presences to encourage the Pristina authorities to address the concerns of all communities.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“I would like to join colleagues in thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zahir Tanin for his briefing on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I welcome His Excellency Mr. Nikola Selaković, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. Let me begin by reiterating India’s principled position of supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. We believe that all outstanding issues need to be resolved through peaceful negotiations. In this regard, we take note of the meetings held in recent months between Serbia and authorities in Pristina under the auspices of the European Union. However, there was no outcome from these meetings. It is important that meetings are held without any preconditions. Both sides need to resume the dialogue in good faith.”
2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source
“The international community needs to support the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in this journey. On its part, India will continue to support and assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the path towards lasting peace, stability and prosperity.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2589 (2021), adopted by the Council in August, requests the Secretary-General to report on certain key tasks, as reflected in paragraphs 4 (a) and 4 (b), concerning crimes against peacekeepers. We look forward to such reporting in the upcoming MONUSCO reports. We also request the Democratic Republic of the Congo to take measures to ease restrictions that are currently hampering the peacekeeper turnovers. In conclusion, I would like to recall India’s long association with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people since the 1960s. A peaceful and stable Democratic Republic of the Congo will contribute immensely to the peace and development of the region. The progress made by the Democratic Republic of the Congo in recent years has been impressive.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The stabilization of conflict-affected provinces will depend on curbing the illegal exploitation of mineral resources. The transition plan also needs to be in line with the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. Every effort needs to be made to ensure that the transition and exit of MONUSCO is gradual, responsible and orderly. We have also taken note of the assessment of the performance of the force and police components mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/807). We also expect a similar assessment of the civilian component of the Mission in future reports. The Comprehensive Planning and Performance Assessment System should be applied uniformly to all components of the Mission.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“MONUSCO’s role is to support the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo in addressing the threat of armed groups and in disarmament and demobilization efforts. In that regard, we welcome the establishment of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme and look forward to its effective implementation. We have taken note of the details of the transition plan, including the 18 benchmarks, agreed between MONUSCO and the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The assessment of progress on the benchmarks needs to be realistic. In that regard, the continued implementation of the security strategy at the national and provincial levels, as well as a plan of action for security sector reform, will be crucial.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The attacks against civilians by armed groups have intensified, despite the state of siege. The assertion made by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in his speech to the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session last month (see A/76/PV.3) about the presence of terrorists operating under the cover of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda and the ADF in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema needs to be taken seriously. The interconnected link between the presence of armed groups and the exploitation of mineral resources in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has always been a major factor for instability in the region. In that regard, my delegation underscores that the primary responsibility to protect civilians lies with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The heightened bilateral engagements with Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda have contributed to the regional approach for peace and development in the region. The reform measures of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have also received the support of the international financial institutions. The participation of women in the political process has been further advanced, including with the appointment of the first female Governor of the Central Bank. We welcome those positive developments. We hope the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and opposition parties will maintain the positive trajectory in the run-up to the 2023 elections. On the security front, the situation in Ituri and Kivu has remained volatile, with increasing activity by the ADF and CODECO.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The reform measures concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission will strengthen the electoral process. The Government’s action to address the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has received the support of all stakeholders, including the opposition. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has also engaged proactively with neighbouring countries to address the threat of armed groups, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO). Those efforts have resulted in the adoption of a two-year action plan and the establishment of an operational cell in Goma. President Tshisekedi Tshilombo has been elected as the next Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Ms. Bintou Keita, for her briefing on the most recent developments concerning the implementation of MONUSCO’s mandate. I also thank Ambassador Abdou Abarry for his briefing on the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and civil society briefer Nelly Mbangu for her insights. I welcome the presence of the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in today’s meeting. Political developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the past three months have been reassuring.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The most recent report of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (see S/2021/419) also referred to the repeated deployments of chemical weapons by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant against civilian populations between 2014 and 2016. That is a cause for serious concern and needs to be acted upon. Lastly, we believe that technical issues such as Syria’s chemical weapons file need to be dealt with in an objective manner. Progress on those matters could potentially help the political track positively.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible and objective, while scrupulously following the provisions and procedure embedded in the Convention and in conformity with the delicate balance of power and responsibility enshrined in it to establish the facts and reach evidence-based conclusions. As a member of the Security Council, India has repeatedly cautioned against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including in the region.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“We have taken note of the upcoming visit of a Syrian delegation to The Hague to engage with the Declaration Assessment Team. We hope that both the OPCW and Syria will resolve the relevant issues expeditiously. The Chemical Weapons Convention is a unique, non-discriminatory disarmament instrument for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. We attach high importance to the CWC and stand for its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation. We support the collective efforts by all to ensure that the credibility and integrity of the Convention is maintained to the fullest. India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time and under any circumstance.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by joining other speakers in thanking Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu for her update. We also welcome the presence of the representatives of Syria and Turkey at today’s meeting. We have taken note of the contents of the most recent, ninety-sixth, monthly report (S/2021/842, annex) of the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We also note the submission by the Syrian Arab Republic on 16 September of its ninety-fourth monthly report, detailing the activities undertaken to implement its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). It is important that the visit of the Declaration Assessment Team to Syria take place soon.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, India has contributed to humanitarian efforts by extending development assistance and human resource development support to Syria through grants and lines of credits for development projects, the supply of medicine and food, artificial limb-fitment camps and capacity-building training programmes. India remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Syria through development and humanitarian assistance.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Access for humanitarian aid and assistance is pivotal, and concrete steps need to be taken to address the hurdles that obstruct the functioning of both cross- border and cross-line operations. With regard to cross-line aid delivery, we welcome the first such convoy to Aleppo from Damascus, which coincided with the Under-Secretary-General’s visit. We once again stress the need for an effective monitoring mechanism, which involves Syrian Government authorities, to enable the smooth and efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance. Serious efforts are needed to expand cross-line assistance, including to areas currently not accessible. Reconstruction efforts and funding concerns related to the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Syria also need to be examined as a priority by the international community.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“There are reports from the ground that United Nations-proscribed terrorist groups, such as Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, are attacking civilians in rural Idlib and Hama and in the north-east of Syria. That has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation. We have been calling for enhanced and effective humanitarian assistance for all Syrians throughout the country, without discrimination, politicization or preconditions. The international community needs to engage purposefully to address the situation and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. We also need to look into the worsening situation in camps for internally displaced persons, such as Al-Hol, where nearly 10,000 third-country nationals, including women and children, are suffering in worsening conditions.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Active coronavirus disease cases are increasing every day, particularly in north-western Syria, while vaccination levels have remained very low. In that context, the visit by Under-Secretary- General Griffiths and his assessment of the current situation have again reminded us what needs to be done urgently. We welcome his visit and his engagement with the Government and the leadership of Syria. We have consistently emphasized that the answer to the humanitarian crisis lies in a political solution. Without forward movement on the political front, the humanitarian crisis will persist and the people of Syria, particularly women, youth, children and the elderly, will continue to suffer. The presence of foreign forces, as well as external support to armed groups, is only making the situation worse.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths, for his update. We welcome his latest insights provided by his recent visit to the region. I also thank Ms. Amany Qaddour, Regional Director of Syria Relief and Development, for her briefing on the issue. The humanitarian crisis in Syria has not seen much improvement in recent months. More than 13 million people across Syria are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, which has been further aggravated and compounded by the water crisis. One million people have been affected by the disruption of the Allouk water station. The drought conditions and reduced water flows in the Euphrates River have further added to problem.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“India’s principled position is that, as a general rule, transboundary water issues do not belong to the domain of the Security Council. It is therefore important to place on record, as mentioned in the last paragraph of the presidential statement, that this statement does not set out any principles or precedent for the Council to intervene or adjudicate in any other transboundary water disputes. The meeting rose at 3.10 p.m.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8860 (2021) · source
“We are equally conscious that negotiations on transboundary water-sharing are complex and need considerable data, expertise and time to come to a satisfactory agreement, since it directly involves the lives of people. Such negotiations are best held among experts bilaterally or facilitated by relevant technically qualified institutions. Consequently, India is of the view that the negotiating parties should continue their bilateral engagements, as well as cooperate fully, in a focused manner, to reach a mutually acceptable long-term solution to the relevant issues. Only such a solution will endure and serve the developmental needs of the upper- and lower-riparian basin countries. We also urge other countries concerned to support the efforts of the African Union in that regard.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8860 (2021) · source
“I take the floor to explain India’s position on presidential statement S/PRST/201/18, just adopted on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. India has historic relations with Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan. We are also cognizant of the significance of the River Nile as the source of livelihood and development for Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan. We also note the progress made in the negotiations based on the agreement on the declaration of principles signed by the three countries in 2015. Since India is an upper, middle and lower riparian State, with several rivers entering and exiting our land, any discussion on matters relating to such issues in the Security Council are of direct interest and importance to us. It is important that that be recognized by all Member States in the Council.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8860 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, 10 years ago, India joined other Council members in welcoming South Sudan into the comity of nations on 9 July 2011. India congratulates the Government and the people of South Sudan on their tenth anniversary as an independent and sovereign State. We believe that, in this transformative phase, South Sudan requires the wholehearted support of the international community, including from IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations. For its part, India will continue to support South Sudan and its people.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“The Indian contingent in UNMISS is also contributing to the sustainable development and welfare of the people of South Sudan. Computer training and veterinary assistance camps have been organized by the Indian battalion during this month. It is a matter of immense pride that 135 of my fellow countrymen, serving as part of UNMISS, have recently been awarded United Nations medals for their outstanding performance in Jonglei state and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to Indian peacekeepers Corporal Yuvraj Singh and Mr. Ivan Michael Picardo, who were posthumously awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal this year for their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“We condemn the targeting of and attacks against humanitarian workers and assets, including the looting of humanitarian supplies in conflict-affected areas, which have had a significant negative impact on operations. India has been one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UNMISS since its establishment a decade ago. Last month, India contributed to and partnered with the United Nations in rolling out the UNITE Aware platform, initially in four United Nations peacekeeping missions, possibly including UNMISS. We firmly believe that contemporary peacekeeping must be anchored in a strong ecosystem of technology and innovation that can facilitate United Nations peacekeeping operations in implementing their mandates in complex environments.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“We appreciate the continuing cooperation between the Transitional Government and UNMISS in providing protection to internally displaced persons in camps for the internally displaced, which are currently under the control of the Government. We urge UNMISS to continue to move forward on the transition of the Malakal protection-of-civilians site as conditions permit and in line with its mandate. The humanitarian needs of the population are increasing, and the international community needs to step in to bridge the funding gap in the budget. We remain concerned about violations under the status-of-forces agreement. That needs to be addressed in a proactive manner by the Transitional Government, working together with UNMISS authorities.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“The defections, internal disputes and fighting within Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition has unfortunately resulted in fatalities. We commend the mediating role of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in addressing the situation. The continuing violence calls for the early establishment of the unified command of the military and the graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces, which is a critical aspect of the agreement. In that regard, we support the call made by the presidency of South Sudan for the cessation of hostilities among the rival factions and the observance of a reasonable distance to prevent further violence.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“It is important to resume talks on a priority basis to revive the reconciliation process between the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity and the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance. We also note the launching of the consultative process for the establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing. We hope that the South Sudan leadership and parties will work towards consolidating those positive developments in the coming months. It is encouraging that economic reforms have continued to improve the macroeconomic stability and public finances in the country and have helped mitigate the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. On the security front, it is again encouraging that the ceasefire has continued to hold, although localized violence has increased.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“The peaceful cohabitation of various political parties is reassuring and provides hope for peace and stability. The presidency and leadership of the Republic of South Sudan have taken noteworthy steps. The appointment of new members to the Council of States, with a large representation of women, their swearing into office in August, the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, the appointment of the first woman Speaker and new political appointments are indeed all positive signs. We encourage the Legislative Assembly and the Council of State to focus on the much-needed legislative work to meet the benchmarks set in the revitalized agreement. Nevertheless, the recent suspension of the Rome initiative, in the wake of killings on the Juba-Nimule road, is a matter of concern.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“At the outset, let me thank Mr. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the recent developments in South Sudan. I also thank Ms. Reena Ghelani, from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and Ms. Lorna Nanjia, civil society activist, for their useful updates and insights. The developments in South Sudan during the past three months have provided the impetus for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Political violence has decreased and the parties have been, by and large, faithful to the revitalized agreement.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“We are concerned at the frequent reports of the resurgence of terrorist groups in Syria and in the region. As we have learned from the consequences of complacency against terrorism in the past, the international community cannot afford to ignore terrorist activities in Syria and beyond. The Council came together in July this year by unanimously adopting resolution 2585 (2021). We showed the world that progress on the Syria file, after a decade of conflict and impasse, is possible provided we are willing to take that extra step and work in tandem while taking cognizance of one another’s concerns. Let us continue to advance the same constructive spirit with regard to the chemical-weapons discussions.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“We support the collective efforts by all to ensure that the credibility and integrity of the Convention are maintained to the fullest. India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time, under any circumstances. India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible and objective, following scrupulously the provisions and procedures embedded in the Convention and in conformity with the delicate balance of power and responsibility enshrined in the Convention to establish facts and reach evidence-based conclusions. Since we joined the Council in January, India has been repeatedly cautioning against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“We note the recent announcement by the Director-General to deploy the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) to resolve the outstanding issues regarding Syria’s initial declaration and subsequent submissions, and the response from the Syrian National Authority proposing to receive the DAT team in October. We encourage the two sides to work out mutually acceptable dates at the earliest. Our views on the Chemical Weapons Convention have been consistent. The Convention is a unique, non-discriminatory disarmament instrument. It is a model for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. We attach high importance to the Convention and stand for its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating the delegation of Ireland on its assumption of the presidency for September and extend to it our best wishes. I also thank you, Madam President, and others for the kind words towards my delegation for our August presidency. I join others in thanking the Under-Secretary- General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her update. We have taken note of the contents of the latest, ninety- fifth monthly report by the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council has before it the text of a statement by the President on behalf of the Council on the subject of today’s meeting. I thank the Council members for theirvaluable contributions to this statement. In accordance with the understanding reached among the members of the Council, I shall take it that the members of the Security Council agree to the statement, which will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2021/16. The meeting rose at 12.30 p.m.”
2021-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8836 (2021) · source
“We remain committed to supporting countries in West Africa through capacity-building and the strengthening of democratic institutions.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“India has opened five new diplomatic missions in the region in the past year and a half and is in the process of opening another four by the end of the year. To date, India has provided soft loans, amounting to $3.3 billion, for projects in West Africa in sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, water supply, energy, solar and health. Under the ambit of the India- United Nations Development Partnership Fund, we are also providing $9 million for livelihood projects in nine West African countries. India also has a robust security partnership with countries in the region. We have also commenced counter-terrorism training in the region. Under our Defence Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation training programme, we currently provide approximately 250 training slots to countries in the region.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“The Secretary-General’s report mentions that 29 million people in the Sahel are in need of humanitarian assistance this year. The coronavirus disease pandemic has also increased the vulnerability of the population. Moreover, several countries in the region are among the youngest countries in the world. Due to poverty and unemployment, many of them fall victim to drug trafficking, leading, in turn, to a further increase in criminality, kidnappings and banditry. It is unfortunate that the humanitarian situation in the region does not receive the requisite attention of the international community. There is an urgent need to scale up assistance, including by increasingly utilizing African capacities, products and services. Lastly, India attaches high importance to its relations with West Africa.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“The support and assistance of bilateral and international partners to Mali, including the United Nations, the African Union and the ECOWAS, is critical during these difficult times. We echo the call of the Secretary-General to ensure predictable and sustainable funding to the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel. We also extend our appreciation to the work of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which plays an instrumental role in counter-insurgency operations. On the piracy front, it is matter of concern that the Gulf of Guinea remains a piracy hotspot, with as many as 17 incidents having occurred over the past six months. Several Indian sailors have also been victims of piracy and kidnappings. There is an urgent need to increase surveillance to ensure maritime security in the area, through increased international collaboration.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“On the security front, the situation in the region remains stable, except in the countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and Lake Chad basin. Terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions bordering Mali and the Niger, have continued unabated. Terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime have also increased. Those developments underscore the urgent need to further intensify efforts to combat terrorism, which spills over into other countries and regions. The political instability and volatile security situation in Mali is a cause for concern. All stakeholders in Mali should renew their commitment to the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and its implementation, and assume ownership of the transition road map.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“The countries of the region have also made significant progress towards reconciliation, constitutional reforms and enhancing the participation of women in governance structures. The political environment in West Africa is more vibrant and inclusive than ever before. Those who highlight the negative aspects of developments need to keep in mind that until not so long ago, the Council dealt with several country-specific agenda items. That is not the case today. We believe that these positive developments deserve the unequivocal appreciation of the Council, although there may be a few aberrations to the trend. With more elections scheduled in the coming months, the countries in the region require the continued support of bilateral partners and the international community.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“West Africa and the Sahel, as illustrated in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/612), have made notable progress on the path towards democracy and good governance. The reporting period has witnessed elections in Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and the Niger. Those elections were held in a peaceful environment, despite security-related challenges. The new Governments have assumed charge in those countries and in Ghana, which is a model of democracy for the region. In the Niger, the democratic transfer of power through elections was unprecedented. In Benin, peaceful elections have taken place with the increasing participation of its citizens in the election process. The leadership in those countries has risen to meet the hopes and expectations of the people. We extend our felicitations to the elected leaders and their peoples.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Annadif for his briefing. I also thank civil society representative Ms. Ayemou for her insights. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel is a political mission with a mandate for preventive diplomacy, political mediation and facilitation efforts. It is important for the mission to remain focused on its mandate and work with national Governments and regional organizations, particularly the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and assist them in their efforts to address the challenges faced by the region. I will focus my comments today on political, security and humanitarian developments in the region.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“The drawdown needs to be based on the security situation on the ground and the capacity of the FARDC to address challenges. With respect to the Comprehensive Planning and Performance Assessment System, we call for its uniform implementation, covering both the uniformed and civilian components, including the leadership. There should be no selective approach, holding only the troop-contributing countries accountable for the effective performance of the Mission.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source