YouSaid · the spoken record

Rice

lines on the record: 1,272
first: 2005-10-31
most recent: 2013-06-19
sittings or episodes: 170
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

“We believe in the potential of the Libyan people. We believe that they deserve leaders who share and support their aspirations to freedom, democracy and dignity. Through his brutal oppression, Al-Qadhafl has demonstrated time and again that he is not interested in a Libya that honours his people's hopes and rights.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“He has said that he plans to submit an application for an arrest warrant in the coming weeks. The spectre of ICC prosecution is serious and imminent, and should serve as a warning to those around Al-Qadhafi of the perils of continuing to tie their fate to his. The Prosecutor has also indicated that further cases may be opened, as would be appropriate against individuals involved in further crimes that may be committed in the days ahead. Tomorrow, members of the international community will gather in Rome to examine ways of supporting a political process that will advance the rights and aspirations of the Libyan people. Several proposals have been put forward to resolve the crisis. We continue to discuss those and other potential solutions with our allies and partners, including United Nations Special Envoy Al-Khatib.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“All of that underscores the gravity of what we are witnessing in Libya today. New reports make clear that the Al-Qadhafl regime continues to directly target civilians, so the need for justice and accountability persists. Those reports further underscore the message, which we have repeated in our statements and in our diplomatic efforts, that Al-Qadhafi has lost any and all legitimacy to lead Libya. As the ICC process continues, it is important that the international community remain united in its commitment to protecting civilians and civilian- populated areas under the threat of attack, to ending violence against the Libyan people, and to defending the universal rights that all of us share. My Government welcomes the swift and thorough work of the Prosecutor.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Prosecutor for his very important and very informative briefing. In resolution 1970 (2011), this Council unanimously decided to refer the situation in Libya to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). By doing so, the Council reflected the importance that the international community attaches to ensuring that those responsible for the widespread and systematic attacks against the Libyan people are held accountable. The Prosecutor has highlighted the deeply troubling actions of the Libyan Government and its security forces, including incidents in which Al-Qadhafi forces fired on civilians, reports of torture, rape, deportations, enforced disappearances, the use of cluster munitions and heavy weaponry against targets in crowded urban areas, and the blocking of humanitarian supplies.”
2011-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6528 (2011) · source
“The Syrian Government must acknowledge its people's legitimate calls for substantial and lasting reform. Words must be backed by actions to ensure real reform in Syria. The Syrian people's cries for freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and the ability to freely choose their leaders must be heeded.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“Casting blame on outsiders instead of addressing its own internal failures is no way for a Government to respond to legitimate calls for reform from its people. Syrian security and military forces continue to attack civilian protesters, while the Government continues to seek Iranian assistance in repressing Syria's citizens through the same brutal tactics that have been used by the Iranian regime. The Syrian Government must stop the arbitrary arrest, detention and torture of civilians, especially journalists and activists. We call on the Syrian Government to allow the media, including foreign journalists, as well as human rights monitors, to verify events independently on the ground, which include reports of indiscriminate attacks on populated areas by Syrian forces.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“We are particularly concerned about continued reports of gratuitous violence against unarmed demonstrators. I am pleased to note that the Human Rights Council decided this morning to hold a special session on the situation of human rights in Syria on Friday. The United States is one of the many supporters of this decision and believes the event to be an important and timely response given the horrific actions taking place. These brutal acts are those of neither a responsible Government nor a credible member of the international community. Syrian Government actions up until now have not been serious responses to the demands of its people. Instead, the Syrian Government's violent repression of peaceful protesters is continuing.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“I should like to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing on the deteriorating situation in Syria. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent violence used by the Government of Syria against its own people. My Government calls on President Al-Assad to change course now and heed the calls of his own people. We also call on the international community to respond to this brutal crackdown and to hold accountable those who are perpetrating these gross human rights violations. The United States has expressed its position to the Syrian Government, and we are considering a range of options, including targeted sanctions, to respond to the outrageous and ongoing use of violence against peaceful protesters.”
2011-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6524 (2011) · source
“Finally, we urge the Syrian Government to respect the human rights of its people and to implement meaningful political reforms that meet their legitimate aspirations. Let me close by restating my Government's deeply held commitment to promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in the region and around the world, including the freedoms of expression and association. We demand accountability wherever those freedoms are violated. We urge all Governments to create an environment in which journalists can carry out their work free from fear and intimidation. We call on all Governments to protect civilians, not to attack them, and to respect their citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We are deeply concerned by continuing violence and arrests in Syria, where the Government's brutal crackdown on political protests has already resulted in more than 200 deaths and hundreds of arbitrary arrests, according to credible human rights organizations. We are particularly disturbed by reports that medical personnel have been targeted while attempting to help people injured at the hands of their own Government, and by reports that the injured fear seeking medical attention at hospitals owing to the presence of Syrian secret police. We urge the Syrian Government to allow foreign media, diplomats and human rights organizations to independently verify humanitarian conditions throughout all of Syria.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We likewise continue to support the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and we reiterate our call on all parties to refrain from any interference or attempts to influence its work. The United States is pleased that, during the 14 April incident along the Blue Line, both parties demonstrated restraint, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) immediately dispatched patrols to defuse tensions and prevent escalation. We continue to urge both parties to cooperate with UNIFIL in swiftly marking the entire Blue Line to help prevent such incidents. The parties must respect the Blue Line in its entirety.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“He also concluded that Hamas had "done nothing" to investigate the allegations of its war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. The United States urges the United Nations to end once and for all its actions in relation to the Goldstone report. Let me now turn to Lebanon. We continue to urge that Lebanon's constitutional process be followed as it forms its next Government. We encourage all parties to avoid threats or other actions that could cause instability in Lebanon and the region. The Council and the international community as a whole must remain firm in their support for Lebanon's sovereignty and independence, resolute in their commitment to all Security Council resolutions related to Lebanon, and vigilant to threats to international peace and security.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We also urge all Member States to reinforce this message with their nationals and organizations, and to use every legal means at their disposal to discourage additional flotillas to Gaza. As colleagues know, the Goldstone report (A/HRC/12/48) is back in the news. We have long said that the issues that it raised should be resolved through credible domestic investigations and follow-up. Israel has the democratic institutions and the ability to carry out serious investigations and is doing so. Justice Goldstone recently concluded that Israel had undertaken an appropriate review process and made changes in its combat doctrine. As we made clear when the Goldstone report was first presented, we did not see evidence that the Israeli Government had intentionally targeted civilians. Justice Goldstone has now reached the same conclusion.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We are also deeply concerned about reports that groups are organizing another flotilla that will attempt to sail to Gaza, ostensibly to deliver humanitarian assistance. The recent seizures of advanced weaponry underscore that Israel has clear security interests regarding cargo bound for Gaza. There are existing mechanisms to deliver goods to Gaza and there is no justification for attempts to sail directly to Gaza. We therefore strongly urge all those who wish to deliver goods and assistance to Gaza to do so through existing mechanisms and avoid any provocative actions. That will ensure that the Palestinians' humanitarian needs are addressed and that Israel's legitimate security needs are met.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We strongly condemn Iran's recent attempts to export advanced weapons and munitions in violation of several resolutions, including resolution 1947 (2010). The interception of Iranian weapons in Turkey, along the Egyptian-Sudanese border and aboard the M. V Victoria, which was carrying sophisticated anti-ship cruise missiles and other munitions, all clearly demonstrate that Iran is trying to flout the Council's will, dramatically increasing the risks of conflict and instability in the region. We urge all Member States to make clear to Iran the consequences for regional security of its reckless behaviour. All countries have obligations under Security Council resolutions to prevent illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We also call again on Hamas to immediately release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, abducted and held by Hamas since 2006. The United States remains concerned about conditions in Gaza. We note that the humanitarian situation has improved over the past year, including increases in the range and scope of goods and materials moving in, an increase in international reconstruction activity and a gradual expansion of exports. We will continue to work with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and others to do more to ensure that the needs of the people of Gaza are being met. That includes increasing the flow of commercial goods and construction supplies while taking appropriate measures to ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of rocket and mortar fire from Gaza into southern Israel. We are particularly disturbed by reports indicating the increased use of advanced weaponry, including rockets, in attacks against Israeli civilians. After enduring dozens of rocket attacks on civilian targets in southern Israel, including the deeply disturbing use of an advanced anti-tank missile in a fatal attack on a yellow school bus, Israel responded by exercising its inalienable right to self-defence. We must work together to stop Hamas and other violent extremists from launching terrorist attacks and bringing increased misery to the people of Gaza. Let there be no doubt: there is no justification for targeting innocent civilians, and those responsible for these terrorist acts must be held accountable.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“At the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians held in Brussels on 13 April, the United States welcomed the progress the Palestinian Authority has made on the crucial task of building public institutions and capacities and improving conditions for economic growth. We also underscore the importance of moving forward on the other track - political negotiations that will result in a future Palestinian State. Palestinians deserve the dignity and justice of a State of their own and the freedom to chart their own destiny, and Israelis deserve to live in security, at peace with their neighbours and confident in their future. We condemn in the strongest possible terms recent attacks on innocent civilians.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Negotiations between the parties remain the only path to a solution that resolves all issues and establishes a sovereign State of Palestine alongside a secure State of Israel as a key part of a comprehensive peace among Israel and all of its neighbours. In that regard, let me say a word about settlements. Like every United States Administration for decades, we do not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity. We have long urged both parties to avoid actions, including in Jerusalem, that could undermine trust or prejudge negotiations. The fate of existing settlements must be dealt with by the parties along with the other permanent status issues. We will continue to work with the Palestinian people as they lay the foundations for a future Palestinian State.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing today. The United States remains deeply committed to a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, agreed to by the parties. As President Obama said after his recent meeting with Israeli President Peres, "With the winds of change blowing through the Arab world, it is more urgent than ever that we try to seize the opportunity to create a peaceful solution between the Palestinians and the Israelis". We continue to consult with the Israelis and the Palestinians, as well as to work with the Quartet and our partners in the region, towards our shared goal of a two-State solution.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Now is the time for all Ivorians to embrace the path of peace and to unite in rebuilding Cote d'Ivoire so that future generations can enjoy the stability and prosperity that all Ivorians deserve.”
2011-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6508 (2011) · source
“Gbagbo and his supporters can continue to cling to power, which will only lead to more innocent civilians being wounded and killed and more diplomatic and economic isolation, or Mr. Gbagbo and his followers can finally reject violence and respect the will of the Ivorian people. If that path is chosen, Ivorians can reclaim their country and rebuild the vibrant economy that was once admired by all ofAfrica. The United States urges the Security Council to support and work with President Ouattara in his efforts to create a peaceful and prosperous future for all Ivorians - a future based on inclusive governance, reunification and reconciliation. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid violence against civilians.”
2011-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6508 (2011) · source
“The United States welcomes the unanimous adoption of this strong resolution this afternoon. The Council has met on numerous occasions in an attempt to find a peaceful end to the ongoing crisis. We have strongly condemned the violence. We have urged former President Gbagbo to step aside so that President Ouattara, as the duly elected President of Cote d'Ivoire, can govern. We have stressed our support for the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and its mandate to protect civilians. And we have adopted targeted sanctions against those most responsible for obstructing peace. This resolution sends a strong signal that Mr. Gbagbo and his followers should immediately reject violence and respect the will of the Ivorian people. As violence continues, Cote d'Ivoire stands at a crossroads. Mr.”
2011-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6508 (2011) · source
“The resolution freezes the assets of seven more individuals and five entities, including key State-owned Libyan companies. The resolution empowers the newly established Libyan sanctions committee to impose sanctions on those who violate the arms embargo, including by providing Al-Qadhafi with mercenaries. Finally, the Council established a panel of experts to monitor and enhance short- and long-term implementation of the sanctions on Libya. The future of Libya should be decided by the people of Libya. The United States stands with the Libyan people in support of their universal rights.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“On 12 March, the League of Arab States called on the Security Council to establish a no-fly zone and to take other measures to protect civilians. Today's resolution is a powerful response to that call and to the urgent needs on the ground. The resolution demands an immediate ceasefire and a complete end to violence and attacks against civilians. Responding to the Libyan people and to the League of Arab States, the Security Council has authorized the use of force, including the enforcement of a no-fly zone, to protect civilians and civilian areas targeted by Colonel Al-Qadhafi, his intelligence and security forces, and his mercenaries. The resolution also strengthens enforcement of the arms embargo and bans all international flights by Libyan-owned or operated aircraft.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“Today, the Security Council has responded to the Libyan people's cry for help. The Council's purpose is clear - to protect innocent civilians. On 26 February, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council demanded a halt to the violence in Libya and enabled genuine accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity by referring the situation to the International Criminal Court. We adopted strong sanctions that target Libya's leadership. We have also strongly supported all aspects of United Nations Special Envoy Al-Khatib's mandate. But Colonel Al-Qadhafi and those who still stand by him continue to grossly and systematically abuse the most fundamental human rights of Libya's people.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“Libya's leaders will be held accountable for violating these rights and for failing to meet their most basic responsibilities to their people.”
2011-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6491 (2011) · source
“It takes new steps against the use of mercenaries by the Libyan Government to attack its own people. And, for the first time ever, the Security Council has unanimously referred an egregious human rights situation to the International Criminal Court. As President Obama said today, when a leader's only means of staying in power is to use mass violence against its own people, he has lost the legitimacy to rule and needs to do what is right for his country, by leaving now. The protests in Libya are being driven by the people of Libya. This is about people's ability to shape their own future, wherever they may be. It is about human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Security Council has acted today to support the Libyan people's universal rights. These rights are not negotiable. They cannot be denied.”
2011-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6491 (2011) · source
“When atrocities are committed against innocents, the international community must speak with one voice and today, it has. Tonight, acting under Chapter VII, the Security Council has come together to condemn the violence, pursue accountability and adopt biting sanctions targeting Libya's unrepentant leadership. This is a clear warning to the Libyan Government that it must stop the killing. Those who slaughter civilians will be held personally accountable. The international community will not tolerate violence of any sort against the Libyan people by their Government or security forces. Resolution 1970 (2011) is a strong resolution. It includes a travel ban and an assets freeze for key Libyan leaders. It imposes a complete arms embargo on Libya.”
2011-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6491 (2011) · source
“We regret that this effort was not successful and thus is no longer viable. The great impetus for democracy and reform in the region makes it even more urgent to settle this bitter and tragic conflict in the context of a region moving towards greater peace and respect for human rights. But there simply are no shortcuts. We hope that those who share our hopes for peace between a secure and sovereign Israel and Palestine will join us in redoubling our common efforts to encourage and support the resumption of direct negotiations. While we agree with our fellow Council members - and indeed with the wider world - about the folly and illegitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity, we think it unwise for this Council to attempt to resolve the core issues that divide Israelis and Palestinians.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“It is the Israelis' and Palestinians' conflict, and even the best-intentioned outsiders cannot resolve it for them. Therefore, every potential action must be measured against one overriding standard: whether it will move the parties closer to negotiations and an agreement. Unfortunately, this draft resolution risks hardening the positions of both sides. It could encourage the parties to stay out of negotiations and, if and when they did resume, to return to the Security Council whenever they reached an impasse. In recent years, no outside country has invested more than the United States of America in the effort to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace. In recent days we offered a constructive alternative course forward that we believe would have allowed the Council to act unanimously to support the pursuit of peace.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“Continued settlement activity violates Israel's international commitments, devastates trust between the parties and threatens the prospects for peace. The United States and our fellow Council members are also in full agreement about the urgent need to resolve the conflict between the Israel and the Palestinians on the basis of the two-State solution and an agreement that establishes a viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine once and for all. We have invested a tremendous amount of effort and resources in pursuit of that shared goal, and we will continue to do so. But the only way to reach that common goal is through direct negotiations between the parties, with the active and sustained support of the United States and the international community.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“The United States has been deeply committed to pursuing a comprehensive and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. In that context, we have been focused on taking steps that advance the goal of two States living side by side in peace and security, rather than complicating that goal. That includes a commitment to work in good faith with all parties to underscore our opposition to continued settlements. Our opposition to the resolution before this Council today should therefore not be misunderstood to mean we support settlement activity. On the contrary, we reject in the strongest terms the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity. For more than four decades Israeli settlement activity in territories occupied in 1967 has undermined Israel's security and corroded hopes for peace and stability in the region.”
2011-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6484 (2011) · source
“Now that the referendum has passed, we will continue to work closely with the Sudanese people in the North and the South to ensure that the referendum is not the end of a process but the beginning of a better future for both nations.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“We call on the Government of the Sudan and rebel movements to reach an immediate ceasefire agreement and to engage seriously to find a political solution to a conflict that has lasted far too long. The United States has repeatedly made clear that if its relationship with the Government of the Sudan is to reach its full potential, as we fervently hope it will, the Government of the Sudan must bring peace to Darfur, fully cooperate with UNAMID, provide unrestricted humanitarian access to Darfur, implement a comprehensive peace agreement and contribute to efforts to achieve accountability, justice and reconciliation, while upholding international law and complying with all Security Council resolutions. This is, at its essence, a moment of hope after a long time of trial. The Sudan has suffered far too much for far too long.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“Ending aerial bombardment and ensuring full freedom of movement for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and humanitarian aid workers are essential steps that would clearly demonstrate the Government of the Sudan's commitment to ending the violence in Darfur. The renewed fighting in December, chiefly between the Government of the Sudan and the Minni Minnawi faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement, displaced tens of thousands of civilians. Regrettably, the Government of the Sudan continues to refuse UNAMID full freedom of movement. This Council has had numerous discussions on this issue, including last week with Joint Special Representative Gambari. We have a responsibility to the civilians of Darfur who live under the continual threat violence to press UNAMID to fully implement its Chapter VII mandate.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“The African Union (AU) is also actively engaged on these issues, and we fully support the work of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel and its Chair, President Thabo Mbeki, including his engagement in Darfur. The United States remains strongly committed to ensuring lasting resolution of the Darfur conflict, and we are deeply concerned about the region's deteriorating security situation. United States Senior Adviser for Darfur, Ambassador Dane Smith, will work with all parties to ensure justice and accountability, and to reach a comprehensive political solution. We will also persist in our efforts to improve security and humanitarian conditions for the people of Darfur. We continue to condemn in the strongest possible terms the Government of the Sudan's use of aerial bombardment, and we also ask Council members to join us in doing so.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“We urge the parties to swiftly resolve the remaining issues of citizenship, security, water, debt and assets, currency, oil management and wealth-sharing. Resolving these issues will facilitate international assistance to the Sudan, both North and South, and help to ensure a peaceful post-CPA transition. Alternatively, leaving them unresolved is but an invitation to trouble. We believe that the United Nations should continue to play an important role in assisting the parties to implement their CPA-mandated responsibilities, and we urge the parties to consider ways that a United Nations peacekeeping presence might help their peace efforts and support post-CPA agreements, especially on security.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“We are deeply grateful to Special Representative Menkerios for his leadership, and we look to him and the United Nations to continue to play a very active role. As long as Abyei's status remains unresolved, it could indeed trigger further instability across the Sudan, so his work and that of others in that regard is very important. We also consider peaceful and inclusive popular consultations in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states that reflect the will of the people to be essential components of implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). We urge the parties to ensure that these processes are completed before the interim period ends. Beyond resolving outstanding CPA issues, we hope that the parties will also work to quickly complete post-referendum arrangements.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“The people of all parts of the Sudan need to know that they have our full support during this critical period. With the referendum process completed, it is more important than ever that outstanding issues, such as the status of Abyei, be resolved as quickly as possible. We are pleased to note the 21 January meeting of the presidency, at which the Sudan's leaders agreed to continue to discuss ways to swiftly resolve the Abyei impasse. We urge that these negotiations continue at the highest level. We appreciate the parties' efforts over recent weeks to maintain calm on the ground in Abyei, and it is imperative that a compromise be found to break this impasse and maintain peace in that very tense region.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“We call special attention to the African Union's intention to recognize the referendum's outcome and its call on all States to do likewise. Official recognition of the new State will be crucial and, as President Obama has announced, it is the intention of the United States to formally recognize Southern Sudan as a sovereign, independent State in July 2011. By summer, the international community will welcome a new nation - the Republic of South Sudan. That nation will face the task of providing security and stability for its people after decades of war. The international community came together in support of the referendum, and this broad multilateral unity was essential to the process' success. It is now time to support the people of the Sudan as they move into a new phase of their history.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“On behalf of the people of the United States, let me again congratulate the people of South Sudan on a successful and historic referendum in which the overwhelming majority of voters chose independence. We welcome the announcement of the final referendum results and the Government of the Sudan's acceptance of that outcome. We thank the Secretary- General's Panel on the Referenda in the Sudan, led by President Mkapa, for its crucial role in the process. We are grateful that the entire process was peaceful, and we commend both parties. Respecting the referendum's outcome is our best hope for preventing renewed conflict, and we appreciate the positive statements made thus far by the Sudan's leaders and by international actors.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“I thank Special Representative Menkerios, President Mkapa, Ambassador Osman on behalf of Foreign Minister Karti, Minister Deng Alor Kuol, and the representative of President Mbeki for their very encouraging comments here today. We deeply appreciate their ongoing dedication to the cause of peace in the Sudan. After decades of conflict, the images of millions of Southern Sudanese voters deciding their own future was an inspiration to the entire world and another step forward in Africa's long journey towards justice and democracy. Now all parties have a responsibility to ensure that this historic moment of promise becomes a moment of lasting progress.”
2011-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6478 (2011) · source
“To that end, the United States Will convene, on 1 March, in Washington, DC, an ad hoc meeting of Contact Group participants on the financial aspects of piracy, as called for by the Contact Group, to develop a strategy and an action plan on this topic. Over the past few years, pirates having been using more and more violence. Their tactics have become more sophisticated, and their vessels have hunted further and further out at sea. We must work together and remain vigilant. In cooperation with the international community, the United States will do its part to combat this common and urgent threat.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“The United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are supporting prison rehabilitation projects. But additional support and options for long-term incarceration are needed. We encourage States to work with and through UNODC to develop additional facilities where convicted pirates can serve their sentences. The lack of places to incarcerate convicted pirates significantly hinders additional national prosecutions and makes it harder to ensure judicial consequences for piracy. Finally, as the report notes, we must pay more attention to the instigators, leaders and financiers of piracy. We look forward to the conclusions of the next Contact Group plenary meeting about how to move forward. It is critical to disrupt the financial flows that make piracy both possible and profitable.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“As we continue to discuss additional mechanisms, we should also support and strengthen prosecution-related programmes in the region that are already under way. My Government also remains open to exploring creative solutions to increase and facilitate domestic prosecution. The report suggests forming specialized piracy courts in Somaliland and Puntland, as well as a Somali court seated in another country in the region. We would support further consideration of these ideas, including in the legal working group on piracy off the coast of Somalia, which has been exploring prosecution mechanisms for some time now. But as the United Nations report recognizes, incarceration may be the most significant constraint on piracy prosecutions.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“We welcome the call in the report for all States to strengthen their commitment and ability to prosecute. In cases where American vessels have been attacked, we have prosecuted the suspects. We also recognize the need to develop one or more reliable, practical options for prosecution in the region. Kenya and Seychelles are successfully prosecuting piracy cases in their national courts. Tanzania has changed its laws to allow it to prosecute suspected pirates captured elsewhere. The experience of these countries indicates that prosecution in the region is potentially viable. We should continue to support efforts by States in the region to try suspected pirates in their national courts. Not only does such support help ensure that piracy bears judicial consequences; it also enhances the judicial capacity of the region as a whole.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“The United States also agrees that prevention, prosecution and incarceration are essential elements of any counter-piracy initiative. We strongly support the report's recommendations that all States criminalize piracy as defined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and adopt universal jurisdiction with regard to this grave crime. The report recognizes the need to raise awareness, to encourage piracy's victims to testify against their attackers and to explore means to provide such testimony, including via videoconference. We agree. The United States has long encouraged flag States and States whose crews and vessel owners have fallen prey to pirates to pursue prosecutions in their domestic courts to the greatest extent possible.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“Under other International Maritime Organization provisions, such as the International Safety Management Code, documentation that a vessel has implemented the appropriate best practices can be issued. We welcome assistance in further encouraging the adoption of such best practices. We encourage nations to contribute ships to patrol the waters off the Somali coast, as several of our fellow Council members have already done. We also support the recommendation in the report that targeted cooperation with Somaliland and Puntland be increased. But the best long-term solution to piracy is a stable Somalia. That is why the United States supports a wide range of economic development programmes there, including microcredit and good governance initiatives. Tailored initiatives that actively involve the local community may do the most good.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source
“Many members of the Council participate in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, which has proved a flexible and efficient forum for coordination and information sharing. Much is being done to combat piracy, from disseminating best practices to youth employment projects but, plainly, much more work remains to be done. As the report notes, industry adoption of best management practices in naval operations off the coast of Somalia reduced the rate of successful pirate attacks. Several mechanisms can certify such steps - for example, reviewing measures as part of the process whereby a vessel's security plan is approved under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.”
2011-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6473 (2011) · source