YouSaid · the spoken record

Safronkov

lines on the record: 808
first: 2008-04-30
most recent: 2020-03-12
sittings or episodes: 103
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

“Competition over areas ofinfluence shouldbe eliminated immediately, as should involvement in domestic affairs. We need to combine our efforts to ensure that there is national reconciliation in the country, that we eliminate the problem of terrorism and that we help Afghanistan back onto the path of sustainable development. We particularly stress the fact that the situation can be resolved only through good-neighbourliness, open international and regional cooperation and cooperation with the legitimate Government of Afghanistan, while respecting that State's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“In February, Russia provided free delivery of weapons and munitions to meet the needs of Afghanistan's security forces. We will continue to help Kabul in training members of the structures of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces through the relevant Russian services, particularly since our two countries historically enjoy a high level of cooperation and mutual assistance in these areas. We will continue that work both bilaterally and through cooperation with international partners, despite the changes in the approach of the United States, NATO and many Western countries to implementing, together with the Russian Federation, joint projects to support Afghanistan. The task of consolidating the efforts of the main external players remains the primary precondition for resolving the main problems in Afghanistan.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The drug problem poses a serious threat to the stability of Afghanistan itself, its neighbours in the region and the world at large. In addition to the direct harm it causes, drug production provides substantial and determinative financial support for terrorism. In that context, we believe it is necessary to step up efforts by the international community to fight drug trafficking from Afghan territory. We have no illusions about the 2015 statistics showing a significant drop in opium production in Afghanistan. We are concerned at forecasts of a significant increase in the poppy harvest this year. The key to improved stability of the situation in Afghanistan is a militarily capable Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, which should on its own be able to ensure peace and stability in its own country.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“It must not be forgotten that Russia voted in favour of resolution 2189 (2014), on launching the Resolute Support operation, based on the belief that the North Atlantic alliance would report to the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan in the context of that operation. NATO and the United States of America have a special responsibility for training the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and ensuring its effectiveness and security in Afghanistan. Another area of work is to ensure that no threat to third-party countries should come from Afghan territory. That said, the situation in this area - and I will say this directly - is alarming. An example of this is the situation in northern districts of Afghanistan, where there is a growing presence of foreign terrorist fighters and an increase in the activities of ISIL.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We see considerable potential in enhancing counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics cooperation between Afghanistan and the SCO and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. However, in this context we must say that the new NATO Resolute Support Mission has not yet achieved its declared goals. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, which is courageously fighting the terrorist threat, is suffering major losses as it counters the opposition, as well as experiencing serious difficulties in effectively pushing back the opposition's onslaught. We take note of the decision of the United States Administration to halt its withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, which reflects a recognition that the security problem has not yet been resolved.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We believe it is important that, in the contex of such activities, regional stakeholders themselves should have a decisive role to play. We are convinced that efforts to support Afghanistan should mainly be undertaken using the structures that have proved their worth, for example, first of all, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), whose stakeholders, observers or partners in dialogue include practically all of the countries of the region, including Afghanistan. We welcome Afghanistan's official application to become a member of the SCO. We actively support steps by the Afghan Government, to which Ambassador Saikal referred, to establish economic cooperation and integration with regional neighbours.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We call on the armed opposition to rise to the level of State responsibility for the fate ofAfghanistan and its people, end its military activities, stop its reprisals and acts of terrorism and enter into a significant, substantive dialogue with the country's legitimate authorities. Russia is ready to establish constructive cooperation with the Afghan leadership in order to support stability and an independent path forward for Afghanistan, so that the country can be free from terrorism and the drug threat. We take note of the world's growing understanding of the important regional dimension of settling the conflict in Afghanistan, as well as the increased number of regional platforms that focus on Afghan issues.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We support any efforts made in that regard, but we are convinced that national reconciliation will be lasting only when it takes on a genuinely national character. The main challenge in terms ofreconciliation means involving the Taliban movement in the peace talks, but that has not yet been achieved. The Quadrilateral Coordination Group on the Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Process needs to organize direct talks between the Government and the Taliban, although the important decisions that have already been taken have not, it would seem, led to any significant results.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Yamamoto, will pay careful attention to this dangerous phenomenon. We support the Government's approach to achieving national reconciliation. We are ready to support progress in the negotiations process, including being flexible on the possible softening of sanctions set up by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), on the Taliban, if it is not contrary to Afghanistan's national interests. We welcome the appointment of the country's leading religious figure, Mr. Gilani, to the Head of the High Peace Council. We hope that, with his participation, the national reconciliation process will be given renewed dynamism. We take note of the Afghan Government's intention to develop a dialogue with the armed opposition.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The Taliban movement, having announced the start of its spring offensive, is systematically carrying out high-profile attacks in various parts ofAfghanistan, and most of them are against civilian populations. The series of terrorist attacks that took place on 20 June in various parts of the country is further evidence of this fact. I would ask Ambassador Saikal to convey our sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Afghanistan. We are particularly concerned about the increase in the number of members of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the attempts of that group to absorb other armed opposition groups, mainly in the north of Afghanistan. It is our hope that the future leadership of UNAMA, in particular the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Mr. Safronkov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): First of all, we would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and for his courageous work as Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We listened closely to the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Mahmoud Saikal. For many years now, developments in the security situation in Afghanistan continue to be the subject of our extreme concern. Unfortunately, the situation is going from bad to worse. We fear that the armed opposition and terrorist groups will this year pursue their efforts to seize strategically important towns and gain control over large swathes of the country's territory.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“However, we must remember that this document plans for the approval of the composition of the Government of National Accord and the Parliament in Tobruk. Unfortuantely, in spite of our multiple requests, that was not reflected in the resolution and was simply ignored. We call on all Member States to come together in an effort to resolve regional conflicts and combat terrorism and avoid trying to implement their own agendas. We call on Member States to be united rather than divided.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“That is demonstrated, inter alia, by evidence of a foreign military presence in Libya not approved by the Security Council, as well as the flow of foreign terrorist fighters into the country. We need to find our position in this context. Are we going to work together or not? Let us not forget that there are forces in Libya that are loyal to General Haftar which are effectively pushing back against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other armed terrorist groups. It is inadmissible to ignore this fact. The general philosophy of the resolution leads us to believe that the sponsors are, frankly, not being very sincere in their fight against ISIL and the terrorist presence in Libya. We underscore that we are fully committed to the full implementation of the Skhirat Agreement.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“Creating united forces is reflected in the joint Vienna Communique, of 16 May, and is enshrined in resolution 2291 (2016), of 13 June, which extended the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Without an effective central Government, a loyal army and police, Libyans will be unable to deal with all of the challenges ahead. The position adopted by the Security Council as it drew up today's resolution leads one to believe that there is a hidden agenda behind the resolution that will not unite long-suffering Libya. It is possible that somebody is seeking a carte blanche so as to manage the weapons flow into Libya as they see fit. Today, that means helping some Libyans against others, which makes a peaceful settlement to the crisis even more remote.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“We shall scrupulously follow the content and review of such requests most carefully. With respect to the provision of lethal weapons for the needs of the Government of National Accord of Libya, we would welcome the establishment of viable national armed forces with a central chain of command. However, such forces do not exist today in Libya. Nevertheless, due to the position of some delegations, the resolution does not stress the goal of establishing united security forces, which is of critical importance to restoring the unity of the country and its State institutions. Everyone knows how the United Nations is working towards these ends.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“First, the resolution sets forth procedures that do not go beyond the framework of those agreed earlier by the Security Council, namely, resolution 2182 (2014) on Somalia and resolution 2240 (2015) on combating illegal migration. We hope that approaches to obtaining the agreement of flag State for planning inspections will indeed be upheld in full, and not just in words. We are guided by the clear provision of international maritime law that only the flag State has jurisdiction in the high seas. This reflects one ofthe most important freedoms of the high seas - the freedom of navigation. Secondly, we believe that requests for exemptions from the arms embargo, in particular with respect to the provision of lethal weapons, will be submitted for review to the Sanctions Committee, which applies the principle of consensus.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“Furthermore, we saw unilateral, one-sided approaches put forward regarding the key issue of a political settlement in Libya that did not abide by the provisions of the Skhirat Agreement, which is the core of the inter-Libyan agreement and the joint Vienna Communique. This is a very dangerous trend because, in this context, the undermining consequences of NATO's actions are being overlooked as even as they negatively impact stability in the Mediterranean basin, North Africa and in the Middle East as a whole. But we are still disentangling the violations and broad interpretations of resolution 1973 (2011) and the violations perpetrated by NATO members in 2011. Our decision not to hinder the adoption of the resolution was based on two ideas.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“Mr. Safronkov (Russian Federation) (Spoke in Russian): The Russian Federation did not prevent the adoption of resolution 2292 (2016). When we began working on the draft, we had the impression that this initiative was supposed to bring order to the illicit trafficking in weapons in Libya. That is why our delegation joined the discussions, intent on creating an additional effective filter in international waters of the Mediterranean. But we were totally disappointed by the approaches of some colleagues when working on the document. When matters of principle had to be addressed, which requires diplomacy, they instead relied on ultimatums. Indeed, some partners decided that they wanted to see the Brussels decision to broaden the mandate of the military maritime Operation Sophia approved at any price.”
2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7715 (2016) · source
“In that connection, we say that the appeals that have been made today to radically reduce and drawdown the Mission or even to reformat its mandate have no grounds. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2016/407) clearly states that a huge amount of work remains to be done to build a democratic, multiethnic society in Kosovo.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“We think that it is also counterproductive to try to promote Kosovo's membership in international organizations, which we have been seeing more and more recently. Resolution 1244 (1999) remains valid. Given the current unstable conditions, it is obviously very important to maintain the United Nations presence in Kosovo, through the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, and the Mission must have all the necessary financial and human resources to carry out its mandate. Today's discussion has demonstrated the timeliness of this issue. It is also very important to continue to follow the situation closely. Statements that run counter to this need also run counter to reality.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“We believe that the solution to the situation is not to try to sweep the problems under the carpet, but rather to urge Pristina to immediately implement its obligations, including first and foremost the establishment of the association/ community of Serb majority municipalities. That will be a real litmus test for their readiness to respect the independence of minorities and ensure their security. It is not simply about shouting slogans, but about undertaking concrete steps and ensuring security and living up to the commitments undertaken in the framework of the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. Further delays will lead to a continued deterioration of the situation in and around Kosovo.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“All of this obviously is conducive to the use ofthe territory of the province by extremists for recruitment and training purposes. As far as the graffiti about ISIL on the churches that I mentioned, it is a clear sign very dangerous attitudes among the locals. Kosovo is a leader in Europe in terms of the number of combatants fighting for ISIL per capita, while the population ofthe province is less than 2 million. This is a problem that affects not only the security of the Balkans, but Europe as a whole. It requires far more attention. We will see how the expected visa-free travel to Europe will impact migration flows into Europe.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“A good example of this is the Visoki Decani monastery, whose ownership is being contested. We have demanded that these problems be resolved for a long time in this Chamber. Those are international demands and requirements. The rate of return of refugees and internally displaced persons is very slow. Furthermore, as we see it, Kosovar Albanians are very interested in going to Western Europe due to the extremely difficult socioeconomic situation in the province. We would like to point out that, owing to the weakness of law enforcement and the security situation in general, the province as a whole risks becoming a grey area in the middle ofEurope, used as a refuge and a transit hub, not only by representatives of organized crime, but also by radical Islamists.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“Serbian monasteries, churches and cemeteries have once again become targets of violations and desecration. The international presence must step up it efforts to protect Serbian cultural and religious heritage. A great deal has been said about international requirements and the international presence. They are exactly the international requirements we need to fulfil, not just abstract slogans. There are other problems as well. There have been clear attempts by the Kosovar authorities to acquire the Trepca mining complex, the main interest owner of which is the Foundation for Serbia's Development, a major employer of Kosovar Serbs in the north. They are also major problems with Serb properties in Kosovo. Some 30,000 units of Serb real estate have been encroached upon. This is an old problem that has not been resolved.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“We have very serious doubts about the impartiality of justice, the effectiveness of the work of judges and prosecutors and are concerned about the high level of corruption, the violations of the freedom of the press and organized crime, including human trafficking and drug trafficking. These problems need to be addressed. The situation of the Kosovar Serbs remains very difficult. There are still cases of physical violence against them. In January, the participants of an anti-governmental demonstration in Pristina desecrated the unfinished Church of Christ the Saviour in that city. The Kosovar police did nothing to intervene. I also point to the graffiti on the cathedral in Pristina praising the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). What is the meaning of that? There are other problems as well.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“We hope that the specialist court established to investigate the crimes committed by the fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army will begin its work as soon as possible and will not resume the unsuccessful methods of the work of the former International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We are convinced that criminals, no matter what positions they currently occupy, must be punished. Time is passing. It seems that there are already problems with potential witnesses. In April, for example, a former fighter of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Bedri Curri, was killed. The only plausible reason for this crime is that apparently he might have been able to testify for the prosecution. We note the continuing gaps and problems with regard to the rule of law in the province.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“Conflict with the Kosovo opposition, which demands a rejection of the agreement on the association/ community of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo and a revision of the border with Montenegro, is becoming increasingly brutal. Instead of defending its position through dialogue, the opposition has decided to use violence. The European Union-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is a mechanism for normalizing the situation in the province and yet, since August 2015, there has not been any progress. They key pending issue is the establishment of an association/ community of Serb majority municipalities. The reason for this is neglect by the Kosovar Albanian side of their obligations and their attempts to revise them unilaterally and, unfortunately, with the silent consent of the European Union mediators.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“Secondly, a lot has been said about the need for recognition and the need for truth. I agree with that. It is true that, to resolve the very complex issues of Kosovo, they need to be acknowledged and we need to speak of them truthfully. We should not remain silent about the real challenges in the province. Unfortunately, the main part of today's discussion has been devoted not to these problems and the issue of stability in the Balkans, but rather to technical and organizational matters. Nevertheless, the situation in the province is one of constant crisis and legal scepticism. The political situation remains unstable.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“Mr. Safronkov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We welcome the presence here of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacic'. We share his comments. We would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Zahir Tanin, for his briefing on the work of the United Nations mission in Kosovo. We also listened very carefully to statement made by Ms. Vlora Citaku. Given the trajectory of the discussion, I would like to make a number of comments. First of all, resolution 1244 (1999) was and remains the only platform for resolving the situation in Kosovo. No one has the right unilaterally to revise the resolution. Security Council resolutions may be altered only by the Council itself.”
2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source
“There can be no alternative to inter-Bosnian dialogue, free of external pressure. The creation of conditions for advancing such dialogue and for the search by the Bosnian parties of mutually acceptable options for reforms based on the Dayton principles is the priority task for the international community. Consolidating Bosnia and Herzegovina and ensuring the functionality of its central structures will be successful only if they are the result of consensus among the three constituent peoples. That, I believe, is an axiom.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Vucie, to the Investment Development Conference in Srebrenica. The parties are quite capable of coexisting if no one interferes, and they can promote national reconciliation. Mindful of all those factors, we are in favour of a further reduction in the budget and personnel of the Office of the High Representative, based on the fact that the path towards transferring responsibility for the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Bosnians themselves is by now well justified and must continue to be appropriately reflected in the methods of action of the international presence. The time for protectorates is long gone. Under the current conditions, we consider the use by High Representative of his extraordinary authority under the "Bonn Powers" to be unacceptable.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“It is important that the Bosnian parties, without foreign interference and without pressure or threats, be able to reach agreement on new parameters for membership in the Constitutional Court, alongside the agreements already achieved on clarifying the modalities for the operation of the Court and the Prosecutor's Office, which would substantially contribute to overcoming the palpable crisis of confidence in the common Bosnian justice system. Let us turn now to the positive. We believe that it is useful to acknowledge the joint steps taken by the leadership of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to forge intergovernmental cooperation, including the first joint session of the Government of Serbia and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in November 2015, as well the visit by the Head of the Government of Serbia, Mr.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“In that respect, we urge our colleagues in the Council, as we have done before, to familiarize themselves carefully with the latest report of the leadership of Republika Srpska on their implementation of the Dayton Agreement, which includes a great deal of useful information and constructive considerations for making progress on a settlement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We would like to especially emphasize the undesirability of any interference by the High Representative in discussions on the sensitive topic of reforming the Constitutional Court in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Attempts by the High Representative to preserve the current situation, where the last word in that key body lies with foreign justices, are counterproductive.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Instead of that, the High Representative continues to focus on imaginary challenges to the Dayton Agreement, in an unjustified way, laying almost all responsibility for every problem in the stabilization process on the Bosnian Serbs. His discussion of the recent verdict of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia with regard to Karadeic' and Seselj reveals a similar approach. We believe that in that situation it would have been good for the High Representative to distance himself from his personal feelings, which would undoubtedly help the members of the Security Council to form an objective picture of the processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Inzko's predecessors that led to the impasse around the prospect of forming a multi-ethnic society in the city. It is important that the report refer to the growing threat of Islamic extremism facing Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are convinced that that is one of the most serious problems and should, in the future, be featured as one of the key elements in the reports of the High Representative, whose task it is to fully promote the efforts of the competent bodies and organs in Bosnia and Herzegovina involved in combating terrorism, and to promote their cooperation with partner agencies in neighbouring countries and international agencies. The problem of terrorism presents yet another strong argument in favour of a unifying agenda. It is necessary to focus on strengthening inter-agency coordination for counter-terrorism purposes.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“It should be considered in an unbiased way, as it is intrinsically linked to the broader issue of civilian versus State property. He should - not just in words, but in fact - promote inter-Bosnian dialogue. That, after all, is the last open point on the 5+2 agenda. He should take more seriously the political agreements that were reached back in 2012 among the leaders of the country's main parties. That is also true of Euro-integration-related aspects. It would seem that, although a decision was made to split the two mandates in 2011, the High Representative continues to combine his position with that of the European Union Special Representative. A great many here today referred to the problem of Mostar. In that regard, it would seem that everyone has simply forgotten that it was interference by one of Mr.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“That is why we consider inappropriate for him to present his Views with regard to his support for the activities ofa number of specialized bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina dealing with the fulfilment of the criteria required for the country to launch the programme of action leading to NATO membership. In pushing the NATO topic, Mr. Inzko is acting counter to his basic task, which is to seek unifying factors for the country. In fact, he is siding with but a part of Bosnian society. As is well known, there are other views in the country i ones that are far from being in favour of NATO membership. We also believe that the topic ofreallocating defence property is one that should be considered exclusively as one of the conditions for winding down the mechanism ofthe High Representative.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“It merely notes that there are problems in Bosnian society, without attempting to understand their essence or the objective reasons for which they have emerged. We hope that in the future the High Representative will - to a greater extent - focus on assessments of the implementation of his mandate and the activity of the structure that was entrusted to him during the reporting period, and that he will limit himself strictly to the issues having to do with Dayton. Moreover, we expect the High Representative to bear in mind and be respectful of the views of all of the peoples of that State.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Mr. Safronkov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to welcome Mr. Inzko, High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is with a great deal of attention that we have familiarized ourselves with Mr. Inzko's report to the Security Council (see S/2016/395, annex) and listened to his briefing today. However, we must be candid. The assessments that he made do not promote national reconciliation in that long-suffering country. That is quite unfortunate, as national reconciliation and the promotion of a mutually respectful relationship among the country's peoples are today gaining key importance given the challenges faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once again, we are forced to note that the High Representative's report is far from being objective and balanced in nature.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“However, we would particularly stress the fact that we appreciate our good and historically friendly relationships with countries in the region, including, of course, Morocco, which are based on their multidimensional plans for development and respect and concern for each other's interests. Concerning the artificially exacerbated situation with regard to MINURSO, we should not forget the key task, which is to get a dialogue going between the parties, and that is of fundamental importance to efforts to support security and stability in that part of the world. In that regard, a positive role could be played by the African Union.”
2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source
“The confrontational approach must be replaced by a responsible one based on unconditional respect for Security Council decisions. The work of the Mission must be fully re-established. We need to bring all staff back to their responsibilities as soon as possible, so that they can fulfil unhindered the functions that have been assigned to them. In our View, the text of resolution 2285 (2016), which extends the mandate of the Mission for the next 12 months suffers from substantive shortcomings. We were therefore unable to vote in favour of the resolution. The ninth preambular paragraph mentions serious and credible efforts to move the process forward towards a solution. Everyone who is aware of the current situation will say that that text has been outpaced by events and sends the wrong political message.”
2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source
“Monitoring the ceasefire is one of the key roles of the Mission; however, the political component is also of considerable importance. Since no one has changed the final goal, which was established through international decisions, the parties must realize that, without United Nations assistance, the difficult path towards a mutually acceptable settlement is unthinkable. The situation concerning the Mission is, however, a cause for deep concern. We know that specific steps are being taken in order to diffuse the tension, but they have not yielded the hoped-for result. The actions that have been taken with regard to United Nations personnel may negatively impact the situation in the region, and what is very important for international peace and security, namely, United Nations peacekeeping efforts, has been made more difficult to implement.”
2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source
“Mr. Safronkov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which was set up by the Security Council and includes Russian military observers, has played an extremely important stabilizing role. Its work has been effective and has allowed for the establishment of an environment that is conducive to advancement towards a political settlement ofthis long-standing issue, based on Security Council resolutions. The relevant Security Council resolutions clearly set out that the form of the settlement must be acceptable to the parties, Morocco and the Polisario Front, and must provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara within the context of the procedures and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2016-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7684 (2016) · source
“The lines for yesterday's vote on resolution 2265 (2016)), on the Sudan, were drawn up by the United States last week, and led to disagreement in the Council. We are ready for constructive discussion of ways of increasing the effectiveness of the Security Council's subsidiary bodies. We think it would be helpful to turn to the under-utilized and regrettably half-forgotten mechanism of the Informal Working Group on General Issues of Sanctions. There was a time when the Working Group contributed significantly to increasing the effectiveness ofthe Security Council's efforts in the area of political and diplomatic settlements of crises around the world, and especially in the maintenance of global security.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source
“The parameters for the functioning of each individual committee are unique and specific to the issues it examines, and therefore we should not attempt to universalize the principles of the work of the sanctions committees. What is useful in some areas could be counter-productive in others. There can be no doubt that the Security Council would benefit from a degree of democratization of its work, which would produce a more equitable distribution of duties for informal work on its various dossiers through the so-called penholders. Unfortunately, at the moment, some Council members abuse that right, regarding various countries or even regions as their property and themselves as mentors on certain issues. We do not have to look very far to find examples of that.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source
“We are prepared to give careful consideration to any constructive ideas for optimizing the activities of the Council's subsidiary bodies, but we reiterate our opposition to the creation of additional bureaucratic layers, whether intergovernmental or at the level of the Secretariat, not to mention the possibility of assigning them the function of reviewing existing Security Council committees. If that happens, it will result in a great many administrative and bureaucratic obstacles and very little effectiveness and efficiency. Within the United Nations, as an intergovernmental organization, the prerogative of making decisions must rest exclusively with sovereign States. The business of improving the working methods of its subsidiary organs requires a professional approach.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source
“It is crucial that we do not ignore the fact that sanctions cannot be a means in and of themselves; they have their own objectives, which are to ensure lasting political solutions. We think that talk about broadening the Ombudsperson's powers is dangerous. In our View, the mandate of that Office, established by a unanimous vote on resolution 2253 (2015), provides for an optimal level of transparency and fairness, and that any further measures would only end up watering down the Security Council's counter-terrorism sanctions regime.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source
“In light of the specific focus of the sanctions committees, we are not sure that convening open briefings would enhance their effectiveness. That matter will have to be carefully addressed so as to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of sanctions- related activities. We also question the proposals to publish reports and even verbatim records of the Committees' meetings. That would essentially transfer the Committees' work into an open format, which could negatively impact the effectiveness of their work and turn sanctions into a tool for bringing political pressure to bear. We insist that the consequences of sanctions regimes must be carefully analysed as they are being drawn up.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source
“We are open to proposals to increase the transparency of the activities of the subsidiary bodies, but relevant steps should be carefully balanced so as not to create the opposite effect, which would reduce their flexibility in carrying out their functions. Given the heavy workload of the sanctions committees, in our view it will be difficult to increase the intensiveness ofconsultations with interested parties and the frequency of the briefings by chairs, while ensuring the dissemination of relevant information in international media. A heavier workload should not create an obstacle for Committees in carrying out their primary responsibilities, which are to support the work of the sanctions mechanisms.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source
“Mr. Safronkov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's meeting. We note that the delegation of Venezuela is making an important contribution to the work of the Security Council in the area of sanctions. We listened closely to the statements delivered by the representatives of Sweden and Chile. By definition, the goal of improving the effectiveness of the working methods of the Security Council is important, in particular as it pertains to the Council's responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2016-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7620 (2016) · source