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

  1. We strongly believe that at this critical phase, South Sudan needs more constructive engagement and encouragement in order to move forward confidently in its pursuit of peace, stability and development. To that end, the international community, including the Council, must spare no effort in addressing the concerns that South Sudan has repeatedly raised regarding the sanctions, including the arms embargo and targeted measures. Similar views have been expressed by other countries in the region. The international community has to recognize the enormity of the challenges faced by South Sudan and appreciate the efforts it has made. The resolution that we just voted on falls short of those expectations and continues to maintain the sanctions measures without giving due consideration to the positive strides made by South Sudan.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9045 (2022) · source

  2. The security situation in the country is more stable and the level of violence has decreased. There has been more inclusive political dialogue among all stakeholders. The constructive engagement with South Sudan of the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, has contributed to the improved situation. India has historically enjoyed close ties with South Sudan and is cognizant of the enormous challenges confronting it on its path to peace and stability. As one of the largest troop-contributing countries to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, with a peacekeeping contingent of approximately 2,400 troops, India remains firmly committed to the cause of securing peace and stability in South Sudan.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9045 (2022) · source

  3. I am taking the floor to explain India’s vote on resolution 2633 (2022) on South Sudan, which was just adopted. South Sudan is a young member of the United Nations, emerging from the ravages of civil war and facing a multitude of challenges on the political, security and development fronts. They are typical for any newly independent nation, irrespective of time or place on the globe. During the past year, as mentioned by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2022/156), South Sudan has made steady progress in its implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. That includes developing and formulating its strategic defence and security review and the process of unifying the necessary united forces.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9045 (2022) · source

  4. However, it is equally important to ensure that the focus of UNAMI not be distracted by additional responsibilities that either duplicate or can otherwise be efficiently executed by the competent agencies in Iraq. Furthermore, we have consistently maintained that issues of climate change should be addressed holistically through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in accordance with its provisions and principles, especially those concerning climate finance and adaptation, and the Paris Agreement, and that no artificial link should be drawn between climate change and security-related issues without any firm scientific basis. The meeting rose at 10.10 a.m.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9043 (2022) · source

  5. India welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2631 (2022) to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Our vote in favour of the resolution reflects the historical and long-standing friendship between India and Iraq. Iraq and its people have been wearied by the scourge of terrorism. As Iraq continues its efforts towards economic recovery, reconciliation and reconstruction, it needs the support of the United Nations and the international community. In that regard, India appreciates the work of UNAMI and its close cooperation with the Government of Iraq in providing the necessary assistance sought by it to tackle the multiple challenges faced by the country.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9043 (2022) · source

  6. After the renewal of its mandate by 3 June, we expect UNITAMS to focus on implementing the core activities of the four strategic objectives in close partnership with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. India has long-standing relations with the Sudan and its people. Over the years, India has assisted the Sudan through several projects under concessional lines of credit, capacity-building and humanitarian assistance. India wishes to see the Sudan emerge as a prosperous, peaceful and stable country and, towards that objective, will continue to support the Sudan and its people in these challenging times.

    2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source

  7. We believe that the international community needs to avoid linking humanitarian and developmental assistance with progress in the political process. As evident from Secretary-General’s report, these measures are exacerbating the humanitarian suffering. There is also an urgent need to scale up assistance as well and to ensure that humanitarian agencies receive the funding they need to fully execute their plans without politicizing the basic needs of people. UNITAMS support for the Sudan will be critical during the coming months, particularly in assisting the political transition, implementing the Juba Peace Agreement and supporting peacebuilding efforts.

    2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source

  8. The recent intercommunal violence in West Darfur is a matter of concern and reflects the complex reality on the ground. It is important to take measures to de-escalate tensions and promote active engagement between communities in order to build trust and confidence. There is no room for negative rhetoric or fault-finding. We acknowledge the efforts being made by the Sudanese authorities to open channels of dialogue between the conflicting parties in such places as South Darfur. On the economic front, we note with concern the points made by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2022/400). The report states that the temporary suspension of a significant portion of international donor assistance, together with the pause in engagement by international financial institutions, severely affected the inflows of overseas development assistance.

    2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source

  9. We encourage the mechanism to continue its efforts and to assist Sudanese stakeholders in finding a way forward. In this regard, we note the steps undertaken by the Sovereign Council, particularly the release of political detainees. We continue to underscore the importance of the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement. In this regard, we note the positive developments, such as further advances in the establishment of governance structures and operationalization of security arrangements in Darfur, including the Permanent Ceasefire Committee and the initiation of the Standby Force. This momentum needs to be sustained in the coming days. We encourage reconstitution of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission to facilitate integration of signatory armed movements into a security arrangement.

    2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source

  10. Let me begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Volker Perthes for his detailed briefing on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) concerning the implementation of resolutions 2524 (2020) and 2579 (2021). I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of the Sudan at today’s meeting. The reporting period has not seen any forward movement on issues related to the constitutional order and the democratic transition process. In that context, the formation of a trilateral cooperation mechanism comprising the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the United Nations to support a Sudanese-led process is a welcome initiative. The mechanism has brought about some momentum in the intra-Sudanese talks in recent weeks.

    2022-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9041 (2022) · source

  11. India continues to support Somalia through development assistance and capacity-building programmes. As the new Government in Somalia takes charge, we reiterate our commitment to support Somalia and its people.

    2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source

  12. Ensuring sustainable and predictable funding for ATMIS is an obligation of the international community. The consolidation of the security gains achieved in Somalia in the recent years also requires constant support from the international community to Somalia and ATMIS. The international community should not lose sight of the humanitarian situation in Somalia. More than 7.7 million are need of urgent assistance, especially in the wake of the worst drought in the Horn of Africa in 40 years, which puts millions at risk of famine. Scaling up humanitarian efforts must be a top priority, as the 2022 humanitarian response plan, requiring $1.5 billion, remains barely funded. In conclusion, India and Somalia share two millenniums of civilizational exchanges across the seas.

    2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source

  13. Equally important is to recognize and address the linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime. Against that background, we encourage the new Government to take measures to strengthen the security forces and address the governance issues in the areas dominated by Al-Shabaab, as well as other priorities, including constitutional and judicial reforms. The challenges posed by Al-Shabaab also require concerted efforts and action from the countries in the region. The implementation of the Somali Transition Plan and national security architecture needs to be prioritized with better coordination and integration of regional security forces. ATMIS has several onerous responsibilities, primarily to reduce the threat posed by the terror group Al-Shabaab. We note with concern that ATMIS financing issues have yet to be resolved.

    2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source

  14. At the top of the list is the security situation, which has remained worrisome, with Al-Shabaab continuing to perpetrate attacks in recent months against the Somali security forces, the African Union Mission in Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The Al-Shabaab terror attack on the ATMIS forward operating base in Ceel Baraf, on 3 May, once again demonstrated its striking power. We express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the 10 Burundian peacekeepers who were martyred in the attack and to the people and the Government of the Republic of Burundi. Terrorism is the biggest threat to Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. Preventing terror outfits such as Al-Shabaab from accessing financial resources is crucial.

    2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source

  15. That would not have been possible but for the resolve and commitment of the Somali leadership, as well as the persistent efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union, the United Nations and the international community. We welcome those developments and congratulate the people of Somalia and its leadership. We also extend our best wishes to His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and fondly recall his long-standing association with India. The challenges to the new Government in Somalia are many. The Special Representative of the Secretary- General referred to the priorities outlined by the new President.

    2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source

  16. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General James Swan and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Francisco Madeira for their respective briefings on the most recent developments in Somalia. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Somalia at today’s meeting. The people of Somalia have the unique honour of being Africa’s first democrats. The culmination of the election process, although delayed, is an opportunity to revive that legacy. The democratic process in Somalia, despite its constraints, has finally resulted in a peaceful transfer of power.

    2022-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9040 (2022) · source

  17. We therefore reiterate our call for sustainable and predictable support to be provided to the Joint Force by its international partners, as well as through United Nations-assessed contributions. The Secretary-General proposed various support options in his previous reports. The Council should overcome its indecisiveness and examine those options seriously. India has a long history of helping to meet to the defence and security needs of African countries, including in the Sahel region. We remain committed to supporting them by exchanging expertise and providing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training to African defence and security forces. The prosperity and well-being of the peoples of the G-5 Sahel are very important to us, and in that pursuit, India remains steadfast in its commitment.

    2022-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9035 (2022) · source

  18. We believe it is important for Mali and the Economic Community of West African States to reach an agreement on the political transition and elections. The key to peace in Mali lies in a Mali-owned and Mali-led process and one that is seen as inclusive and representative by the people of Mali. Peace in Mali is a prerequisite for peace in the Sahel. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, a lack of consensus among partners and donors on the support mechanism for the G-5 Joint Force has proved to be a significant obstacle to its effective functioning. The Force is suffering from capacity constraints such as a lack of training, equipment, air assets, logistical support and so forth. It is important that traditional peacekeeping be complemented by regional operations in order to neutralize terrorist groups and entities.

    2022-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9035 (2022) · source

  19. In recent months, the G-5 Sahel security mechanism has been seriously affected by a lack of political direction and coordination on the ground. Mali’s decision to withdraw from all G-5 Sahel organs and entities changes the dynamics of the regional efforts in play. Coupled with the political uncertainty over transition timelines in Mali and Burkina Faso, this development will have an adverse impact the operations of the Joint Force. Operations in the Liptako-Gourma tri-border area shared by Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger, which has been the hotspot for terrorism in the region, have already seen a halt in recent months. Effective collaboration and trust-building among the G-5 Sahel countries is needed to enable the Joint Force to undertake counter-terrorism operations.

    2022-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9035 (2022) · source

  20. We strongly condemn last week’s barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack on a military outpost in Togo — a country that has so far remained free of terrorist violence — wherein eight brave soldiers were martyred. That incident is another reminder to the international community that terrorism’s contours are not just regional but also global. Defeating it requires a decisive, zero-tolerance approach across all levels — national, regional and international — and jointly by all the stakeholders involved. Addressing the threat of terrorism is a prerequisite for achieving any meaningful peace in the Sahel region. At the same time, the regional security initiatives such as the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel have an important role to play.

    2022-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9035 (2022) · source

  21. Let me begin by thanking Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee, Executive Secretary of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) Eric Tiaré and the civil society briefer, Ms. Bandiaky- Badji, for their respective briefings. As evident from the Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/382), terrorist forces are taking advantage of the unstable political and security situation in Sahel region, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso. The consolidation and expanding footprints of terrorist groups in the Sahel affiliated with Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and their growing nexus with organized criminal networks have enabled their easy access to arms, equipment, technology and financial resources and have contributed to the expansion of their influence towards the coastal region of the Gulf of Guinea.

    2022-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9035 (2022) · source

  22. We have been consistent in calling for a cessation of hostilities and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue to address the situation. In that regard, we support the good-offices efforts of the Secretary-General. It is important to undertake those efforts keeping in mind the need to respect the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

    2022-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9033 (2022) · source

  23. The convention contains binding obligations on States parties to never develop, acquire, stockpile or transfer biological agents for purposes other than peaceful ones. We support the full and effective implementation of the Convention in letter and spirit. We also believe that any matter relating to obligations under the Convention should be addressed as per the provisions of the Convention and through consultations and cooperation between the parties concerned. India has been underscoring the need for the negotiation of a comprehensive and legally binding protocol providing for an effective, universal and non-discriminatory verification mechanism to strengthen the implementation of the Convention by States parties. We remain deeply concerned at the worsening situation in Ukraine.

    2022-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9033 (2022) · source

  24. We deeply mourn the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. His Highness will be remembered as a great statesman and a visionary leader who modernized and empowered the United Arab Emirates. He laid the foundation for the transformation of the relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates. The people of India convey their heartfelt condolences to the people of the United Arab Emirates. May his soul rest in peace. Turning to today’s subject, I would like to thank Mr. Thomas Markram, Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for his briefing. India attaches high importance to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) as a key global and non-discriminatorydisarmamentconventionprohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.

    2022-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9033 (2022) · source

  25. In conclusion, we continue to reiterate that the global order is anchored in international law, the Charter of the United Nations and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  26. While responding positively to the evolving humanitarian requirements is an obligation and responsibility of the international community, it is in our collective interest to work constructively, both within the United Nations and outside, towards seeking an early resolution of the conflict. Since the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict, India has stood for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives, especially those of women and children. Allow me to reiterate once again the importance of the United Nations guiding principles for humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian action must always be guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, namely, humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Those measures should not be politicized.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  27. Just last week, a further tranche of aid, including essential medicines and medical equipment, were handed over to the Ukrainian side. We support calls for guarantees of safe passage to deliver essential humanitarian and medical supplies, including through the establishment of humanitarian corridors. We hope the international community will continue to respond positively to the evolving humanitarian requirements. The food security challenges emanating from the conflict require us to respond by going beyond constraints that presently bind us. Energy security is also a serious concern and needs to be addressed through cooperative efforts. We acknowledge the efforts made by the Secretary-General, particularly the findings of the Global Crisis Response Group Task Team.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  28. The efforts of the Government of Ukraine to protect schools and other learning spaces, students and teachers to ensure uninterrupted education for children needs the unequivocal support of the international community. Let us not forget that the situation has also affected foreign students, including those from India. India facilitated the safe return of 22,500 Indian nationals, most of them students studying in various universities in Ukraine. We are exploring options to minimize the impact on our students’ education. We appreciate the relaxations made by the Government of Ukraine for this academic year in respect of medical students. India has been sending humanitarian supplies to Ukraine and its neighbours, which include medicines and other essential relief material.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  29. We commend the efforts by the neighbouring countries of Ukraine that have welcomed refugees from Ukraine, especially for treating women and children with compassion and dignity. As a country that has welcomed refugees over centuries, India knows the importance and value of treating them equally and with dignity and catering to their needs and requirements. The impact of the situation on the education of children has also been severe. It has further aggravated the pandemic-related challenges that children were already facing. There are reports that more than 900 education facilities and schools have either been damaged or destroyed in Ukraine.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  30. While the protection of the rights of children, including their access to education is the primary responsibility of the national Government, the international community has the obligation to do its utmost to provide succour to children affected by this conflict. India is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and appreciates the ongoing efforts, including those of UNICEF, to alleviate the suffering of the children. We also support UNICEF’s efforts to scale up its operations. The conflict has also forced more than 5 million people to take shelter in the neighbouring countries and another 7.1 million are displaced within Ukraine. Out of those, women and children constitute the majority.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  31. Let me begin by thanking the briefers from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and UNICEF for their insights on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, particularly on the impact of the conflict on children and education. We have carefully noted the points made by them. Children constitute a third of humankind — the most important third, as they are our future. They are also the most vulnerable to suffering, particularly in situations of armed conflict, and therefore need additional protection and care. The conflict in Ukraine is no doubt severely affecting the 7.5 million children across Ukraine.

    2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source

  32. In conclusion, India supports all efforts, including those of the European Union, in promoting dialogue and compromise towards the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source

  33. We must support all endeavours towards cooperation, development and peace and avoid divisive rhetoric that could undermine the Peace Agreement. We hope all parties and leaders will re-commit themselves to work together in a constructive and inclusive manner. In that regard, it is important that the Office of the High Representative work with all parties objectively, understand differing viewpoints and aim to build trust and strengthen the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We reiterate that the General Framework Agreement for Peace provides the basis to find solutions related to inter-ethnic conflict settlement through dialogue by the parties based on equality and mutual respect, compromise and consensus.

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source

  34. The Office of the High Representative, as an ad hoc international institution mechanism, has been overseeing the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Agreement. The disagreement over the Office of the High Representative needs to be resolved through constructive engagement, in line with the Peace Agreement. The expeditious implementation of the 5+2 agenda should continue to remain the top priority for the Office of the High Representative. However, we remain concerned that the recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina undermine the progress made in the past 26 years. To realize the objectives of the General Framework Agreement for Peace, all sides need to engage in dialogue in a spirit of mutual understanding and empathy towards each other’s positions.

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source

  35. Let me begin by thanking Mr. Christian Schmidt for his briefing on the most recent report (see S/2022/374) submitted pursuant to resolution 1031 (1995). I also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Šefik Džaferović, Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the representatives of Serbia and Croatia, at today’s meeting. The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is fundamental for building enduring peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Agreement continues to define the framework to find solutions related to inter-ethnic conflict settlement through dialogue by the parties on the basis of equality and mutual respect, compromise and consensus.

    2022-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9029 (2022) · source

  36. There is also a need to scale up humanitarian assistance and shore up donor support for the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Syria. It is still underfunded, particularly with regard to building resilience and access to basic services. We also continue to believe that it is critical to achieve progress on the implementation of resolution 2585 (2021) concerning early recovery and infrastructure. In conclusion, for its part, India has continued to extend development assistance and human resource development support to Syria, and will continue to support the people of Syria in their quest for lasting peace and stability.

    2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source

  37. On the humanitarian front, with the conflict in its twelfth year, the needs of the population continue to grow. More than 14 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance, the largest number at any time since the start of the conflict in 2011. We must not lose sight of the suffering that the Syrian people endure on a daily basis. The ongoing cross-border operations continue to negatively impact the sovereignty of the Syrian State. In the north-west, we believe there is considerable scope for expanding cross-line operations, and we welcomed the recent operation that took place last month. We continue to encourage the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other United Nations agencies to expand efforts to enhance cross-line operations.

    2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source

  38. United Nations-designated terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham are gaining influence in Iraq as well as Syria. We reiterate that the global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political gains. The credibility of the international community’s collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only by ensuring accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by terrorists and terrorist groups. To that end, India has contributed $200,000 to support the work of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, including on the development and use of chemical and biological weapons by ISIL in Iraq.

    2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source

  39. We also welcome the proactive engagement of the United Arab Emirates with Syria. On the security front, we remain concerned about the overall situation in Syria. As pointed out in the Secretary-General’s recent 60-day report (S/2022/330), violence continued in the Idlib de-escalation area in the north-west, including through air strikes, mutual shelling and clashes. There is an urgent need for genuinely serious attempts to broker a comprehensive nationwide ceasefire in Syria. We believe that the withdrawal of foreign forces is essential to realizing that objective. India has also continued to point to the looming threat posed by the resurgence of terrorist groups in Syria.

    2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source

  40. In order to ensure credible progress, all sides need to engage constructively and purposefully, with a sense of compromise. Efforts to exert external influence on them can only be detrimental to the overall political process. It is for the Syrians to determine and decide what is best for Syria and their own future. The Special Envoy has been making efforts to bring out all sides and facilitate the political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). We support his proactive diplomacy aimed at building momentum for the political track, including through the step-for- step process. India has consistently called for support for regional efforts to find a long-term solution to the conflict. The progressive normalization of Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbours in recent months is an encouraging development.

    2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source

  41. I join others in thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya for their briefings. I also thank Ms. Nirvana Shawky of CARE International for her insights. I acknowledge and welcome the presence of the representatives of Syria, Turkey and Iran in today’s meeting. On the political track, there has been very little progress since the meeting of the seventh session of the small body of the Constitutional Committee held last month. We note that the Special Envoy has remained in touch with the two co-Chairs with regard to convening the next session. We are of the view that convening the next session is important to maintaining momentum in the talks. In that regard, we note the announcement by the Special Envoy today about the holding of the next session on 28 May.

    2022-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9022 (2022) · source

  42. In conclusion, I reaffirm India’s unwavering commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel. There is no other alternative to a negotiated two-State solution.

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source

  43. The ongoing incidents once again underscore the need for the immediate resumption of peace talks between Israel and Palestine. The absence of such direct negotiations is not conducive to securing long- term peace and will only increase the risk of recurrence and the escalation of such violence. An early return to the political dialogue process by launching credible direct negotiations, while addressing the security and economic challenges, is an immediate necessity. India has consistently called for direct peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood and Israel’s legitimate security concerns. The United Nations and the international community must prioritize the revival of those negotiations.

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source

  44. The recent rocket fire from Gaza and the retaliatory air strikes by Israel demonstrate the fragility of the situation and the potential for escalation. We call on all parties to de-escalate and respect the ceasefire. The continued precarious financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains a matter of concern, as the Palestinian refugee community in the Palestinian territories and elsewhere depend on the services provided by the Agency. I reiterate India’s commitment to supporting UNRWA financially and helping the Agency overcome its liquidity crisis. India has already contributed $20 million over the past four years and has also pledged $5 million for the UNRWA programme budget for the year 2022.

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source

  45. We extend our support for all steps that are aimed at reducing tensions and restoring calm. We appreciate the efforts made by the Secretary-General and the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process in that regard. We are also gravely concerned about the acts of terrorism and incidents of violence in Israel and the West Bank. We have consistently advocated against all acts of terrorism and violence. We strongly condemn such acts, which have resulted in an increasingly high number of casualties, including women and children. It is time to show restraint, desist provocative actions that fuel tensions and abide by resolution 2334 (2016). We urge all sides to take immediate steps for a complete cessation of violence.

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source

  46. I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing. We are deeply concerned about the series of incidents at holy places in Jerusalem during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan. The historic status quo at holy places in Jerusalem must be respected and upheld. All acts of obstruction, vandalism and desecration, which violate the sanctity of the holy places — be they in Jerusalem, Nablus or elsewhere — must be unequivocally condemned. We recognize the efforts made by Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and other countries to avert escalation. It is unfortunate that despite those efforts, the situation on the ground has once again deteriorated. We appeal to all parties to stop the provocations and incitement, which could further worsen the situation.

    2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021 (2022) · source

  47. We also welcome the progress made in the ongoing process of the reconfiguration of UNISFA’s force. India is committed to the peace, stability and development of Abyei. In that regard, I would like to mention that an Indian contingent of 570 peacekeepers will soon be joining UNISFA, and its deployment is already under way. In conclusion, India’s long-standing and friendly relations with both the Sudan and South Sudan have stood the test of time. We are confident that both countries will successfully resolve all outstanding issues and continue to emerge stronger. On our part, we remain steadfast in our support for both Juba and Khartoum in this journey.

    2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source

  48. It is important that these be addressed by the Sudan and South Sudan authorities in earnest. Those include the operationalization of the Athony airstrip and the issuance of visas for formed police units. We also call for the establishment of Abyei Police Service. We note with concern the attacks against UNISFA forces and freedom of movement violations. In that context, we underscore the importance of ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers. We welcome innovative technological initiatives such as the “smart camp” project to improve the Mission’s performance. For the Mission’s sustenance and ability to fulfil its mandate, all efforts need to be made for better coordination with the host Governments. We note that work in respect of quick-impact projects has begun. Those projects should be implemented expeditiously.

    2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source

  49. Recent months have witnessed several security incidents resulting in the killing of innocent civilians. We believe that regular meetings of the Committee are crucial for effective administration and to address the security challenges in Abyei. The continuing violent clashes involving the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities are a matter of concern. In that regard, we appreciate UNISFA’s efforts in bringing together elders of the two communities. We welcome the efforts to reconvene the joint traditional leaders peace conference, which is now scheduled to take place next month. Regarding the mandate implementation of UNISFA, the Mission has carried out key tasks including the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, despite the operational and administrative challenges.

    2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source

  50. While the domestic political developments in the Sudan and South Sudan have taken precedence over the final status of Abyei, we hope that, in the coming months, both the parties will move forward in the process for a political settlement. To this end, convening of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee is a priority, as highlighted at the Joint Political and Security Mechanism meeting held in Juba in October last year. The Committee, which was mandated to meet every month, has not met since November 2017. We support the ongoing efforts being made by the Africa Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development towards resumption of these meetings. We also call for the implementation of the decisions of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism.

    2022-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9020 (2022) · source