YouSaid · the spoken record

Rycroft

lines on the record: 1,262
first: 2015-05-12
most recent: 2018-01-10
sittings or episodes: 197
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

“In addition, we remain concerned by Iran's ballistic missile program, and we urge all Member States to continue to enforce the sanctions regime on ballistic missile technology and to act on and report all suspected violations. As one ofthe architects of the JCPOA, the United Kingdom remains committed to ensuring that the Iran deal is a success.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“But in order to benefit fully from the lifting ofUnited Nations, European Union and United States sanctions, Iran must build that confidence among the international community and show that it has changed its disruptive behaviour in the region. Therefore, it is vital that Member States continue to enforce the sanctions regime by acting on and reporting all suspected violations. We echo the Secretary-General's call for all Member States to take the necessary measures to prevent entry or transit of Iranians subject to travel bans. We also urge Member States to consider whether exporting arms to Iran is in the best interests of the region.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report makes clear, the leader of Hizbullah stated that Iran supplies all their weapons and missiles. Senior Iranian individuals listed under resolution 2231 (2015), continue to flout the travel ban imposed by the Council, with Major General Soleimani pictured in Aleppo in September, in a show of support for the Syrian regime. Those actions show that Iran chooses to complicate, not extinguish a conflict that has persisted for far too long, and that is simply not the way to build our confidence. Iran must take clear steps to improve its engagement in the region, this year. We welcome the latest International Atomic Energy Agency report (S/2016/983, annex), which confirmed that Iran continue to comply, broadly, with its nuclear commitments and we expect Iran to continue to do so, this year.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“Away from the nuclear file, Iran continues to play a destabilizing role in the region. That is most clearly seen in Syria. Iran has failed to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law in Syria, for instance, by failing to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid into eastern Aleppo, as it was besieged. So we need to recognize the fundamental tension in Iran's engagement with the world. On the one hand, through the Iran deal, they were part of an indisputable diplomatic success, one that degraded a significant threat to the region, and yet on the other, we need only look to the victims of Aleppo to see how Iran's engagement in the region remains, so often, misguided. Iran continues to provide substantial military and financial support to Hizbullah and the Syrian regime.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“Applications are being approved, confidentiality is being respected and we hope to receive applications from many more countries over the coming year. And in turn, we have also seen economic prospects improve in Iran with United Kingdom exports, for instance, to Iran growing by 42 per cent in just nine months, last year. We remain committed to ensuring that trade continues to grow to the tangible economic benefit of the Iranian people under the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). The second phase of sanctions lifting, which will commence a maximum of eight years after implementation date, provides a further incentive for Iran to comply with the deal, but we remain committed to ensuring that the sanctions that remain in place, continue to be enforced robustly.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“Cardi to his new role as facilitator for resolution 2231 (2015). He takes on the role at an important time. We have a significant year ahead of us on the Iran nuclear dossier, but 12 months on from implementation day, I think it is right to first look back on how far we have come. We have seen Iran remove 13,000 centrifuges, as well as associated infrastructure, and eliminate its stock of 20 per cent enriched uranium. We have seen the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons disappear for over a decade. We have seen Iran work with us and our E3+3 partners, in the Joint Commission and the working groups established under the deal, and we are pleased that the procurement channel, established for the export of nuclear-related goods and services to Iran is fully functional.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“I want to begin by paying tribute to Ms. Power in her final appearance in the Security Council. Throughout my time here, she has been that hard pedaling dynamo that she just described. She has been a tireless advocate, a passionate campaigner, a trusted ally and a true friend. She has shown an unrelenting personal commitment to tackling the most troubling issues: Syria, Ebola, the Central African Republic and human rights. And on all those issues and so many more, she has grounded our diplomacy in humanity, bringing the voices of real people affected by those conflicts into the Chamber. Turning to Iran, let me join others in welcoming the second report of the Secretary-General on the implementation ofresolution 2231 (2015) (S/2016/1136). I thank our briefers for their remarks just now. I would also like to welcome Mr.”
2017-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7865 (2017) · source
“The frameworks for dialogue are there, but they cannot exist on paper alone. And those who have perpetrated terrible crimes in Syria continue to escape justice. As we work together to find peace this year, we must pursue accountability in tandem. To that end, the United Kingdom and France will be putting forward a draft resolution to ensure that those members of the regime who were involved in the abhorrent use of chemical weapons will face the consequences. We urge all members to support that vital initiative when it comes before the Security Council.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The ceasefire agreed by Russia, Turkey and Iran, which came into force on 29 December, is still very fragile. Reports of violations are commonplace. We must continue to monitor developments in the coming days and weeks and ensure that all those directly involved in violations and those with influence adhere to the ceasefire. We are especially concerned by the situation in the Wadi Barada area of Damascus. Civilians there are facing intense bombardment from pro-regime forces. More than 5 million people across Damascus also remain without access to the central water supply. And there are still more than 700,000 people in besieged areas in Syria, the vast majority besieged by the regime, whose activity has been abetted by external actors. We can therefore be under no illusions. The task to bring peace to Syria remains painfully incomplete.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“But although 2016 began with promise - the International Syria Support Group, resolution 2254 (2015) and the London Conference - the year that followed saw some of the worst violence since the start of the conflict. We owe it to the people of Aleppo, and so many others, to ensure that in 2017 we seen the end of atrocities by the Syrian regime. That means that this year must be the year that we see a full, nationwide cessation of hostilities, one monitored by the United Nations and that leads to a return to genuine and inclusive political negotiations led by the United Nations. We will support all efforts that bring about that reality. For that reason, we welcome the adoption of resolution 2336 (2016) last year. It is time for that resolution, and all those before it, to be fully enacted.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“It has long been our position that Israeli settlement activity is illegal and undermines the viability of two States for two peoples. But we should also recognize that the resolution calls upon all parties to exert efforts to launch credible negotiations on all final-status issues and urged the intensification and acceleration of international and regional efforts to support a comprehensive peace. We recognize that, utlimately, an agreement can be achieved only by direct negotiations between the parties. But international action has an important role to play in supporting those bilateral efforts and in helping bring about peace - and it is long overdue. Turning briefly now to Syria, we begin 2017 much as we did 2016, with some cautious and fragile optimism.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“At the root of this violence lies a seemingly unending cycle of poisonous rhetoric and incitement. The British Government strongly condemns the use of racist, anti-Semitic and hateful language. We deplore incitement, wherever it comes from. As the Quartet report (S/2016/595, annex) made clear, this spiral of violence and incitement is only eroding the prospects of a two-State solution. It is critical that the Palestinian leadership implement the recommendations of the report and continue their efforts to tackle terror and incitement, strengthen institutions and develop a sustainable economy. It was because of the United Kingdom's long- running support for the two-State solution and our commitment to Israel as the Jewish homeland that we voted in favour of resolution 2234 (2016) last month.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“I thank Nickolay for his briefing just now, which made clear that we are beginning a difficult year for the Middle East. Fifty years since the Six Day War and almost six years since the start of fighting in Syria, peace for many in the region is but a distant memory. Years of Violence are now, sadly, the norm. We saw that last week on the streets of Jerusalem. Let me take this opportunity to condemn that horrific terrorist attack and to offer my sincere condolences to the four victims and their families. There simply can be no justification for this kind of terrorism. The United Kingdom urges the authorities to take appropriate actions against those who commit such crimes. And we call upon Hamas and other terrorist groups permanently to end their violence and rocket fire against Israel.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The year 2017 will not be an easy year for the Israel-Palestine issue, 50 years since the Six-Day War and the subsequent occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and 100 years since my country issued the Balfour Declaration. However, we must all uphold our responsibility, as the Council has finally upheld its responsibility today, in order to deliver the long-term security that Israelis deserve and the statehood and end to the occupation that Palestinians are calling out for.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“Thirdly, the resolution calls upon all parties to exert collective efforts to launch credible negotiations on all final-status issues, urging the intensification and acceleration of international and regional efforts to support a comprehensive peace. We have long held that if negotiations are to be successful, they will need to lead to a safe and secure Israel, living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders with agreed land-swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capitol of both States and a just, fair, agreed and realistic settlement for refugees. In closing, we recognize that the adoption of the resolution will not change the situation on the ground overnight.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“We believe that Israeli settlement activity represents a clear and present danger to our shared vision of two States for two peoples. The United Kingdom's long-standing View is that settlement expansion is illegal and not in Israel's long-term interests. Today's resolution also takes important and balanced steps to support peace through, first of all, calling for immediate steps to prevent incitement and all acts of violence against civilians, including terror. It also calls for a strengthening of efforts to combat terrorism, including through existing security coordination, as well as clearly condemning all acts of terrorism. Secondly, the resolution calls upon both parties to act on the basis of international law and to refrain from provocative actions in order to build trust and create the conditions for peace.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“The Quartet report warns of sliding into a one-State reality of perpetual occupation and conflict. That is no future at all. The United Kingdom is a dear and close friend of the State of Israel. We reject all efforts to delegitimize or undermine Israel. The movement for boycotts, divestment and sanctions, rooted as it is in a culture of prejudice and hostility to Israel, is a barrier to peace. My Government will never support any resolution that advances the cause of boycotts or delegitimization in any way. It is because of our steadfast and stalwart commitment to Israel's security - and its existence as the Jewish homeland - that we voted for today's resolution and worked tirelessly to secure a balanced final text.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“It is critical that the Palestinian leadership implement the recommendations ofthe Quartet report and continue their efforts to tackle terror and incitement, strengthen institutions and develop a sustainable economy. The United Kingdom will continue to provide the Palestinian authority with professional support in helping develop its security institutions. But goodwill alone will not secure peace. Today's resolution is a sober recognition that the two-State solution is slipping away. By undermining the prospects for a contiguous Palestinian State, settlement construction is corroding the possibility of a two-State solution. Since the Oslo process in 1993, the population of settlements has doubled to 570,000, including 85,000 settlers deep in the West Bank.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016) today. It is the first Security Council resolution on the Israel-Palestine issue in over seven years. The adoption of the resolution is first and foremost a clear reinforcement of the international community's conviction that a two-State solution remains the only viable route to sustained Arab-Israeli peace. As the Quartet report in July 2016 highlighted, the foundations of peace - trust and goodwill - are being corroded from all sides because ofviolence, incitement, demolitions and settlement activity. Ultimately, as long as terrorists are treated as martyrs, peace will be distant. The scourge of anti-Semitic, racist and hateful language must be excised from the region.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7853 (2016) · source
“There is also more work to be done to strengthen the Government of Liberia's efforts to combat sexual and gender-based crimes, and it is important that this work be handed over smoothly to the United Nations country team as UNMIL winds down. The focus now needs to be on peace consolidation and preparation for the departure of UNMIL. We call on UNMIL to use all available resources in its final 15 months to ensure a smooth and orderly close down. In that regard, we are disappointed that $81.6 million of assessed contributions in the special account for UNMIL remain unpaid. That must be addressed in the month ahead.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7851 (2016) · source
“It demonstrates the real difference that United Nations peacekeepers can make to civilians on the ground. But we must use our peacekeeping resources Wisely, where they are really needed. The UNMIL success means that we should not draw out its lifespan unnecessarily. There is no active conflict in Liberia and we do not expect armed groups to reform, so it is not appropriate to include the protection of civilians by UNMIL in the mandate. We welcome the inclusion of the human rights promotion and protection mandate, with special attention to continuing violations and abuses committed against children and women.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7851 (2016) · source
“The United Kingdom abstained in the voting on the final mandate renewal for the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) because we do not agree that the mandate put forward for adoption represents the best approach to closing the Mission or for continuing to operate in Liberia over the next 15 months. The United Kingdom is clear that there is a role for a continued United Nations presence in Liberia, with a focus on peace consolidation and paving the way for an orderly, timely exit. Six months ago, we saw the successful transfer of responsibility for security from UNMIL to the Government of Liberia. That was an important and successful step taken by the Government of Liberia, and it was a step towards the departure of the United Nations peacekeeping mission. UNMIL has been a success, and a success for United Nations peacekeeping.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7851 (2016) · source
“Up to 6,000 people per day fled for Uganda this month. That is the reality that we needed to change. Words are not good enough. We must now see concrete action resulting from those promises. Today we had a chance to take a small step towards changing this reality, and yet we have been failed to do so. Inaction today does not abscond us all of our responsibilities. In fact, it places an even heavier burden on us. The Security Council, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and all parties to the conflict in South Sudan have a responsibility to redouble our efforts for peace in the year ahead. The people of South Sudan have asked for it for long enough.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“Families have been destroyed and tens of thousands have been killed in a country that went from one civil war to another. We have done nothing to reduce the number ofweapons at the disposal ofthose who would choose to commit those unspeakable acts. We have welcomed the repeated promises and offers of the Government and the opposition to stop fighting and to work towards a political process. We welcomed the Government's announcements to conduct an inclusive national dialogue and we welcomed their commitment to the deployment of a regional protection force. But the reality does not reflect kindly on those promises. In reality, the United Nations Mission continues to face chronic restrictions. In reality, the humanitarian situation has gotten worse, not better and people are suffering. In reality, they are voting with their feet.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“We had a chance today to show those individuals that there are very real repercussions for their role in that war. But instead, we have done nothing. We have done nothing despite knowing what is really at stake. We can all recall Adama Dieng's grave warning to this Council just two weeks ago. He spoke of hateful rhetoric, of ethnic divides. He spoke of possible genocide. If the dire situation in South Sudan spirals into that tragic place, we will all need to examine our consciences. And Adama's warning was just the tip of the iceberg. We should not forget that atrocities have already been committed in South Sudan. Sites established for the protection of civilians have instead been the scenes of murder, robbery and rape. Millions have uprooted their lives and fled their homes.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“Today, the Security Council had a chance to show that we would no longer tolerate business as usual in South Sudan. Tragically, for the people of South Sudan, we have been unable to do so. For a long time it has been Clear to many of us in the Chamber that a different approach was needed, that different pressure needed to be brought to bear. Despite repeated promises, repeated atrocities, repeated warnings of ethnic violence, the fighting has continued to rage and the fragile peace agreement has continued to sour. That is why the United Kingdom has long advocated for an arms embargo on South Sudan. Today, we had a chance to curb the flow of weapons and to save lives. It is why we advocated targeting those individuals who have fuelled the violence - individuals at the top of both the Government and the opposition.”
2016-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7850 (2016) · source
“We will judge any proposal that emerges on its merits and on whether it supports progress towards peace, but there is a great deal that we can all agree on, and I hope that we can make progress towards a lasting peace in the days and weeks ahead.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“We are appalled at the violence committed by extremist settlers against Palestinians. We unequivocally condemn all such incidents. Before I give up the floor, I recognize that it will take more than the Council's words to finally make progress. We also need to work with partners in the region and internationally to produce improvements on the ground and build trust between the parties, if we are to secure progress towards meaningful negotiations. With that in mind, it is incumbent upon the Council to take appropriate action in support of those efforts. We believe that there is clear merit in a Council resolution that commands the full support of the Chamber.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“Donors must honour their commitments made at the International Cairo Conference on Palestine for Gaza Reconstruction. Too many are still outstanding. The United Kingdom stands ready to play its part. Turning to my third point, we are pleased to see that the levels of violence have dropped in recent months, but again there is much for both parties to do to de-escalate tensions and prevent incitement. We cannot underestimate just how corrosive racist, anti-Semitic and hateful language is in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Together, we must deplore incitement on all sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including any comments that stir up hatred and prejudice. Sadly, such hatred is not limited to words alone. We are appalled by terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“Terrorist groups in Gaza must permanently end rocket fire and other attacks against Israel. But the woes of Gaza go beyond the unacceptable acts of those groups. It is estimated that 90 per cent of Gaza's water is not fit even for agricultural use, and that Gaza continues to have the highest unemployment rates in the world. Some progress is being made - education and health facilities have now largely been rebuilt - but reconstruction is far from complete. Efforts need to focus on house rebuilding and reviving the economy, stimulating exports and creating jobs. So we encourage the Israeli authorities to improve Gazans' access to clean water and to improve the flow of the necessary construction materials into Gaza, such as concrete. In tandem with that, let us recognize that our support is needed too.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“Should that proposal go ahead, it would be a serious blow to the prospects for a two-State solution. It would pave the way for an exponential rise in settlements deep in the West Bank and create more grievances, hopelessness and anger among Palestinians. The United Kingdom regularly raises the issue of settlements with Israel, at all levels. The Foreign Secretary raised it when he met Prime Minister Netanyahu on 30 September. But we should also use the voice of the Council to make that call, to urge Israel to cease its policy of settlement expansion so that that grave barrier to peace can be lifted. Turning to Gaza, it is clear that there is a real risk of a return to conflict. As we saw in October, rocket attacks have continued, as have the Israeli responses. We should speak loudly and clearly in the Chamber.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“What can we do together to ensure that the people ofIsrael and Palestine enjoy decades of peace ahead rather than relapse into more decades of division and hatred? I want to focus on three issues where our activism is needed most: illegal settlements, Gaza, and incitement and violence. The United Kingdom's position on settlements is clear. It is a position shared by all of us around the table, I think. The settlements are illegal under international law and take us further away from the two-State solution that we all want to see. Despite the findings of the Middle East Quartet report this year, the situation has only gotten worse. As the Foreign Minister of New Zealand said, we are especially concerned by the land regulation bill in the Knesset, which would retroactively legalize settlement outposts in the West Bank.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“I want to begin by welcoming the Secretary-General's briefing, as this will probably be his last public meeting on the issue. I want to thank him for his unflinching activism on the Middle East peace process. It has been a difficult and, at most times, frustrating portfolio, but he has not wavered in his resolve to bring a conclusion to what is one of the longest-running issues on the Council's agenda. I agree with every word that he said in his briefing just now. But it is perhaps with his successor in mind that I want to talk today. He faces a challenge on which we, in the broadest possible sense, have failed for over 60 years. So, what can we do, as members of the Security Council, to make sure that the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations does not have to endure the frustrations of his predecessors?”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“The Council cannot turn a blind eye on this gravest day of this most heinous conflict of the twenty-first century. We cannot be distracted by false claims of fighting terrorism. And we cannot, we must not, allow there to be impunity for these war crimes. We owe it to the people of Aleppo, the living and the dead, to ensure that there is accountability for the horror perpetrated by Al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“He will only hold a third of Syria, and he will be in debt to those foreign Powers that would rather help him destroy his country than help the Council save it. The irony is that, as the as they carry out these barbaric attacks in the name of defeating terrorism, it is the real terrorists, the real threat, who are resurging elsewhere in Syria. This week Palmyra fell again to Da'esh. Palmyra is now in the hands of a group whose bloodlust is rivaled onlyby that of the Al-Assad regime. Instead of fighting them, Al-Assad has enabled them. He has enabled them through obsessively, systematically brutalizing his own people. He claims that he is fighting terrorism. If it were not so tragic, so horrific, those claims would be laughable.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“In the coming days, hundreds, if not thousands, of people will be killed or disappeared, their fates unknown. But the fall of Aleppo will not be a victory for Al-Assad. He will have sacrificed his country and the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians just to keep his grip on power. How can he expect to lead a country that he has so callously destroyed? How can he expect to unite a country that he himself has wilfully divided? A doctor from Aleppo illustrated this best earlier this month. He said, "Assad gave people in Aleppo only two choices: either to go back to his control or to die by bombing. We will not go back again to Assad's control." The war will not end with the fall of Aleppo. Al-Assad will never control the hearts or minds of those crying out for freedom.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“We will have different arguments from Russia this morning, but I sincerely hope that, despite the differences, Russia and others on the Security Council who opposed the ceasefire last week could at least agree to these basic steps: first, to allow the United Nations to access eastern Aleppo so that it can provide eyes on the ground, get aid in to those who need it and protect civilians; secondly, join my call today that we will hold accountable anyone from any side who commits war crimes; and, thirdly, help bring peace to Syria through the only route possible, that is, a political solution. With the eyes of the world watching, we should be clear what will happen if this does not come to pass. Aleppo will become a memory - a city only known to the dead.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“How can you abide such an abuse of the Charter of the United Nations, words that we all claim to uphold? Therefore, re-find your moral compass, re-find your believe in the dignity and worth of the human person. Re-find these things before it is too late, and help us bring an end to the suffering. We know what needs to happen. The attacks, the killings must stop. The suffering of those left in Aleppo has gone on for far too long. The United Nations stands ready to help get aid in and get civilians out. The opposition has agreed to the plan. But in order for it to happen, the regime and its backers must put humanity first and grant the United Nations the permission needed.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“All those reports evoke the darkest days of the history of the United Nations. When it happened before, we said "never again". Well, it is happening again, today. There must be protection for civilians. Even wars have rules. We urge the Al-Assad regime and Russia and Iran to respect those rules, and indeed to respect the will of the vast majority of Security Council members and the vast majority of members of the General Assembly. We urge those who chose to back Al-Assad to think again. As the Secretary-General has just told us, the Security Council has failed. It has failed because Russia has used and abused its veto time and again, even to prevent a seven-day ceasefire. To those who backed Al-Assad and blocked action in the Council we ask: How can you side with such cruelty?”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for agreeing to hold this emergency meeting at the initiative of France and the United Kingdom. This is a dark day for the people of Aleppo, surely the darkest of the past five years. Al-Assad's forces, propped up by Russia and Iran, have once again redefined horror. They have gone from siege to slaughter. Today the United Nations has received reports that pro-Government forces have been entering homes in eastern Aleppo. They have been going door to door executing people on the spot. Eighty-two people have been murdered, 13 of whom are women and 11 children. None were terrorists. We have heard reports of women committing suicide in order not to be raped. We have heard reports of people being burned alive. We have heard reports that hundreds of men have disappeared while fleeing Aleppo, taken by the regime.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7834 (2016) · source
“We also look forward to the outcome of the Secretary-General's strategic review in 2017 and stand ready to make substantive adjustments to the mandate of the Mission if needed. I thank Council members for their engagement and support on the mandate renewal. Our combined efforts will continue to play an important role in Libya in 2017 and beyond. At a time when other issues divide us, I am pleased that we continue to work together constructively to support the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7832 (2016) · source
“Through the resolution, we have empowered the Mission to redouble its efforts to support the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement and to use its convening power under the good offices of the Secretary-General to support all Libyan stakeholders, including those not currently fully engaged in the process, so that they can work together with the Presidency Council to chart the way forward. In extending the time period from six to nine months, which was the point that my Russian colleague just made, we have also sent a clear message of the United Nations continued commitment in Libya as it takes forward work to re-establish a permanent presence in Libya in the new year.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7832 (2016) · source
“But as we heard from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General earlier this month (see S/PV.7827), Libya continues to face a daunting set of challenges - on security, on the economy, on human rights and on criminality, such as migration traffickers. It is crucial that the international community continue to speak with one voice in support of Special Representative Kobler and UNSMIL's work to build on this consensus, to encourage all Libyan sides to compromise, to continue to support the Government of National Accord to deliver, and to urge military de-escalation. I therefore again warmly welcome the clear message sent through this resolution of continued international support to Libya at such a crucial time.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7832 (2016) · source
“The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2323 (2016) today, which renews the mandate ofthe United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). It sends a strong signal of Security Council unity and commitment to resolving the situation in Libya. As the penholder on this issue, I want to thank all Council members for their support today. This is a vital renewal at an important time for Libya. Almost a year since the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement in Skhirat, the Agreement and the Government of National Accord remain the only credible pathway to peace and stability in Libya. Some progress has been made with the establishment of the Presidency Council in Tripoli, and in the fight against terrorism with the Government's announcement today of the completion of military operations against Da'esh in Sirte.”
2016-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7832 (2016) · source
“If a terrorist struck any of us, we would want the tools that today's resolution outlines in order to make sure that all of our investigators and prosecutors can work together. Today's debate should encourage each of us to re-examine what we are doing to bolster those ties.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“There are many opportunities for Member States to work closely in fighting terrorism, but that cooperation should not come at the expense of human rights or civil liberties. We can find ways to share digital data, and we should. But we should minimize the sharing of extraneous, private information, and ensure that these protocols do not suppress freedom of expression. Similarly, timely extraditions are important, but we must ensure that Member States follow all the applicable legal requirements. A desire to expedite matters cannot be an excuse for denying rights to the accused. There is no question that this issue is a technical one, but let us zoom out and look at the big picture. Terrorism is a threat to our collective security.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“Our laws differ from country to country, as do our courts, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. The paperwork related to judicial cooperation can be complicated and time-consuming, and rightly so, since we are talking about arresting people and putting them on trial, and therefore do not want to make mistakes. But we do have a lot to learn from one another. We can help each other understand our requirements for sharing information. We can talk to each other about the ways we have disrupted terrorist organizations. We can share strategies for how to gather evidence and build a case against terrorist networks, which do their best to keep their activities hidden. That is why the United States strongly supports the calls in today's resolution to make sure that United Nations entities are helping to provide that expertise.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“That would go a long way to speeding up the sharing of information and resolving the highly technical issues that come with international requests for legal assistance. It also goes without saying that our national law enforcement agencies should improve their cooperation with existing multilateral entities and help share information, such as through INTERPOL. That is especially true when we talk about how to counter foreign terrorist fighters, regularly uploading information on them to INTERPOL's I-24/7 secure global police communications system. Systematically checking against I-24/7 at ports of entry can make a substantial difference in preventing travel by foreign terrorist fighters. The third thing we have to do is to help one another build the requisite capacities. Judicial cooperation is no easy task.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“The United States sends 60 resident legal advisers from its Department of Justice to our embassies around the world to offer training and technical assistance to prosecutors, along with nine justice attaches who focus on extradition and coordinating international legal cooperation on legal cases. The United States also supports assemblingjoint investigative teams in which investigators from different States come together to look at a specific incident. We can talk a lot here in the Security Council about building cooperation on counter-terrorism, and of course we, as diplomats, are used to speaking with representatives of other countries. But all of us should do more to make sure that our prosecutors and law- enforcement officials also have the chance to work directly with one another.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source
“In the past, mutual legal assistance was a slow and often cumbersome process. It was hard for States to talk to each other and judges often had to authorize requests for evidence. In our modern mutual legal assistance treaties, prosecutors, through coordinating central authorities, can work with each other to make requests for evidence. Modern extradition treaties pave the way for the extradition of terrorists. The United States is working to make it easier for countries to share evidence and extradite terrorists with robust legal safeguards. Thatbringsmetomysecondpoint-implementation. We can strengthen our laws and agreements, but actually disrupting terrorist networks requires that our law enforcement agencies talk to one another. Proximity helps here.”
2016-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7831 (2016) · source