YouSaid · the spoken record

Schwalger

lines on the record

237

first

2014-04-25

most recent

2023-10-24

sittings or episodes

43

sources

un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

1. “We look to Afghanistan's leadership to deliver on its obligations - first to the people of Afghanistan and, secondly, to those countries that have invested so much to provide them with the opportunity to restore Afghanistan to a fully functioning State. We recognize the scale and the complexity of the task, and we commend the continued resilience and determination of the Government and security forces of Afghanistan in the face of these enormous challenges. The second point we would make is that there can be no peace in Afghanistan in the long term without a meaningful peace and reconciliation process.Again, we do not underestimate the challenges faced in achieving progress, particularly in the current circumstances, but we must ensure that we are laying the groundwork now for a successful process.”

   2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

2. “First, to meet these challenges Afghanistan needs resolute, unified and effective national leadership like never before. We urgently need the National Unity Government to lift its game in providing this. That means getting serious about tackling rampant corruption, and it means ensuring strong leadership in key portfolios, including the security sector. The international community continues to have an important role to play in providing support for these efforts. We commend the work of UNAMA in providing focused, quality technical assistance, and sustaining funding in support of the long-term capacity of the Government of Afghanistan. But all of this will amount to little without focused and effective national leadership.”

   2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

3. “With the summer fighting season set to commence, prospects for the year ahead look even more challenging, as a number of speakers here have mentioned today. The record of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in meeting these challenges has been mixed. They have displayed considerable courage and resilience on a number of occasions, scoring notable victories. At other times, they have displayed a worrying fragility. The economy remains extremely weak, with unemployment high and few prospects for improvement in the year ahead. It is clear that if it is to meet these challenges, Afghanistan will remain dependent on assistance from its core international partners for the foreseeable future. Against that bleak backdrop, several points merit highlighting.”

   2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

4. “We too thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom and Ambassador Saikal for their briefings, and commend Spain for its skillful stewardship of the mandate renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The first year of Afghanistan's transformation decade has been a difficult one for the people of Afghanistan. As we have heard today, the security situation continues to deteriorate. Intense fighting has seen record numbers of civilians killed and wounded and the Taliban has now asserted its authority over a third of Afghanistan's district centres. Sadly, child casualties caused by ground engagements continue to rise, and an estimated 2 million refugees have fled the country in the past nine months alone.”

   2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source

5. “The Security Council has a responsibility to act on sexual exploitation and abuse and address the negative consequences of the peacekeeping operations that we members of the Council mandate, including to implement the standards we have all agreed. We encourage all partners to work together going forward. Only our close cooperation to implement zero tolerance and build capacity, with a real investment of political will, can make the difference that is so desperately needed for the victims, United Nations peacekeeping, and the credibility of the Organization.”

   2016-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7643 (2016) · source

6. “New Zealand voted in favour of resolution 2272 (2016) because of the clear and pressing need for more robust action to combat sexual exploitation and abuse. New Zealand respects the sacrifice and commends the meaningful contribution of the vast majority of United Nations peacekeepers. The measures in this resolution support the Secretary-General's efforts with respect to sexual exploitation and abuse, in particular to address the systemic failure represented by the ongoing allegations. The past 10 years, and especially this past year, have demonstrated that the status quo is neither working nor acceptable.”

   2016-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7643 (2016) · source

7. “The measures contained in the resolution will send a clear message to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, specifically that it will not benefit from its provocative and combative behaviour and that the best path available to it is a return, in good faith, to negotiations on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We commend the United States and China for the leadership they have shown in preparing the measures contained in today's resolution. It is now incumbent on all Member States to ensure they are implemented fully and effectively.”

   2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7638 (2016) · source

8. “When the Council met on 6 January, following the latest nuclear test, we committed to beginning work immediately to agree further significant measures in response. Today's resolution represents the fulfilment of that commitment. New Zealand co-sponsored today's resolution in recognition of the continued threat the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's actions pose to international peace and security and to the security of our Asia-Pacific region. We do so with a heavy heart, wishing that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea would choose a path of providing for the well-being and basic needs of its citizens, rather than preoccupying itself with the development of a nuclear weapons programme.”

   2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7638 (2016) · source

9. “Wetoo congratulate Angola on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. New Zealand welcomes the adoption of resolution 2270 (2016), imposing strengthened and expanded sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Our long-standing commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons is well known. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's continued pursuit of its nuclear weapons programme, as demonstrated by its most recent nuclear test and ballistic-missile launch, represents one of the most serious threats to the international nonproliferation regime. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's actions stand in defiance of international law and the Council's resolutions.”

   2016-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7638 (2016) · source

10. “Sadly, the same cannot be same for many of the other pressing issues requiring the Council's time and attention. On this basis, we reiterate our view that the Council should adopt a more flexible approach as to how and when it considers this agenda item. I should also like to take this opportunity, as I did not this morning, to thank you, Mr. President, for your stewardship of the Council this month, and we look forward to working with Angolan colleagues, who will be presiding over the Council in March.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

11. “Political leaders must reject all acts that undermine the proper functioning of democratic institutions. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tanin has given us some useful food for thought today in his call to shift the focus away from political battles and towards more fundamental issues. We continue to follow the progress towards establishing a special court to address serious allegations arising from the work of the European Union Special Investigative Task Force. In this regard, we welcome the recent agreement by the Netherlands to host this court. Like others, we hope that the court will be in a position to commence its work as soon as possible. While there are ongoing challenges, the security situation in Kosovo is generally stable, as we have said.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

12. “We urge both sides to engage constructively to deliver on the commitments without delay. While the overall security situation in Kosovo has continued to be generally stable, we are concerned, as others have noted, about the recent incidents of politically motivated violence. There is no place for this in a democracy. All parties should reject the use of violence and intimidation to achieve political aims. Disagreement can be resolved only through dialogue. In this regard, it is most unfortunate that some members of opposition parties are not setting a better example through their own actions. The physical disruption of the Kosovo Assembly, including the use of tear gas, serves only to encourage those who wish to use force to achieve political goals.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

13. “1, too, thank Special Representative Tanin for his briefing, and we also welcome First Deputy Prime Minister Dacic' and Ambassador Citaku to this discussion. The European Union-facilitated dialogue continues to play an important role in normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. New Zealand is pleased to see continued constructive engagement in this dialogue by the leadership of Serbia and Kosovo, including the recent high-level meeting in January. Under the auspices of this dialogue, both sides have made a number of commitments to each other, as we have heard today. While many practical steps have been taken to fulfil these agreements, important work remains. This includes the ongoing process of establishing an Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities in Kosovo.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

14. “The parties to the Minsk agreements decided that local elections in eastern Ukraine would be held in accordance with OSCE standards and monitored by the OSCE. These elections will need to take place in a safe and stable environment, which is another reason why security aspects of the Minsk agreements need to be implemented urgently. As Foreign Minister Steinmeier noted, the United Nations and the OSCE share many common goals and responsibilities. As others have mentioned here today, we hope that the two organizations can strengthen their cooperation to mutually reinforce their efforts to maintain peace and security.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7635 (2016) · source

15. “Yet on almost all counts, implementation by the parties is far from perfect. Lives continue to be lost, the humanitarian situation is poor and the availability of weapons presents the ongoing risk of a resumption of conflict. As we have heard today, the OSCE reports almost daily that its monitors are encountering freedom-of-movement restrictions, mostly in separatist- controlled areas. We commend the OSCE monitors for their work under challenging circumstances, and call on all parties to ensure their safety and security at all times. OSCE monitors must be allowed to access all areas necessary to verify a ceasefire and the withdrawal of proscribed weapons. We repeat our call on Russia to use its influence over the separatists to ensure that they comply with all aspects of the Minsk agreements.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7635 (2016) · source

16. “The OSCE's stature and reputation mean that it is often the best suited to tackle security challenges or support conflict resolution in its region. We applaud the OSCE's continuing and important role in maintaining security in many parts of Europe that have been and continue to be troubled by conflict, as outlined by Minister Steinmeier this morning. This is most obviously evident in Ukraine, where the parties have bestowed particular and difficult roles on the OSCE to monitor and verify compliance with the terms of the Minsk agreements. The Minsk agreements remain the best path to a durable peace. This was recognized by the Council, which endorsed the package of measures for implementing the Minsk agreements and the OSCE's important role in monitoring them when it adopted resolution 2202 (2015) last February.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7635 (2016) · source

17. “It is therefore not surprising that on many occasions we have highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. The OSCE is no exception. It has a long history of defusing conflict and promoting human rights and democratic principles, and it continues to demonstrate its relevance today in a number of conflict zones and across a wide array of security issues, all of which complement the Council's mandate of maintaining international peace and security. With respect to territorial disputes, the OSCE is carrying out important work to reduce tensions and engage parties in dialogue. We also welcome its programmes aimed at countering other threats to security, such as Violent extremism, radicalization and human trafficking.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7635 (2016) · source

18. “We appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from Minister Steinmeier on the priorities that Germany will pursue as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We welcome in particular the Chairperson's goal of strengthening OSCE capacities in all aspects of conflict, from early warning and prevention to ending conflict and restoring lasting peace. This aligns closely with the Council's mandate, including areas where it needs to improve, especially in terms of conflict prevention. New Zealand is a strong advocate of the positive role of regional organizations in addressing conflict. Experience in our region has shown that regional organizations can be highly effective and support the United Nations efforts to prevent conflict and restore stability.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7635 (2016) · source

19. “Finally, we call on the Security Council to remain seized of the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We should be ready to explore options to ensure that we are getting accurate information. The frequency of our meetings should correlate with the country's progress in addressing the situation. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the centrality of the Korean peninsula to the security of the Asia-Pacific region, of which New Zealand is a part. Addressing the militarization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as it manifests itself in Pyongyang's nuclear programme and the treatment of its citizens, is a task to which the Security Council and the wider international community must remain committed. To that end, we welcome the inter-Korean dialogue scheduled for 11 December in Kaesong.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

20. “First, we call on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to put an immediate end to human rights violations, deliver on the promises made in the Universal Periodic Review, sign, ratify and implement key human rights instruments, open the door for discussions on human rights and unconditional visits by the Special Rapporteur and the United Nations leadership, engage in the newly established contact group on human rights, in which the country is a welcome member, and resume the discussions with OHCHR on technical cooperation. Secondly, we call on Member States to continue to engage the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on human rights, where possible. We need to do what we can at the human level to bring North Koreans out of their enforced isolation. At the same time, Member States should continue discussions on accountability.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

21. “We were pleased that the country accepted New Zealand's recommendation to work closely with humanitarian agencies to ensure their free and unimpeded access to all populations in need. Humanitarian assistance must be distributed transparently and reach the most vulnerable citizens. We require a collective effort to ensure that the human rights situation genuinely improves. New Zealand makes the following three calls for action.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

22. “The safety and security of United Nations staff must be respected. New Zealand shares the concerns of other Council members on reports of abductions, forced labour, refoulement, human trafficking and much more. New Zealand acknowledges certain positive developments over the past two years. Pyongyang has invited High Commissioner Al Hussein to visit and to follow up on his Office's interest in technical cooperation. There have been positive signs of improvement for persons with disabilities, including free medical care and specialized education. Over 200 recommendations were made during the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's second Universal Periodic Review, with Pyongyang accepting close to half of them.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

23. “I thank High Commissioner for Human Rights Al Hussein and Under-Secretary-General Feltman for their briefings. New Zealand is deeply concerned about the situation they have outlined. According to the Special Rapporteur's report issued earlier this year (see A/70/362), 1,382 people were publicly executed between 2010 and 2014. Some of those victims were alleged to have done nothing more than challenge State policies or have their loyalty to the regime questioned. As we have heard today, the commission ofinquiry estimated that prison camps hold up to 120,000 political prisoners. There are violations of freedoms of thought, expression and movement. New Zealand concurs that North Korea's threats of merciless punishment for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Seoul are completely unacceptable.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

24. “Respect for the rule of law is intimately linked with international peace and security. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has engaged in an exercise of extreme militarization under its Songbun - "military first" - policy. That policy is predicated on the repression of North Korean citizens. The commission of inquiry estimated that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea devoted up to 25 per cent of its gross national product to defence spending. Even a minor redistribution of that amount would significantly alleviate suffering in the country. This time last year, the Security Council added the question of the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to its agenda. With no discernible improvement in the country over the year, it is appropriate for the Council to discuss the situation again.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

25. “New Zealand believes that it is right for the Council to meet today to discuss the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The situation there demands our continuing attention because it remains a threat to regional peace and security. Two years ago, the commission ofinquiry on human rights in the Democratic Republic of Korea, established by the Human Rights Council, brought the gravity of the violations in that country to the attention of the global community. Violations were described as gross, systematic and widespread. The commission found that, in many cases, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea had committed crimes against humanity based on State policies. We see little evidence that the country's regime shows respect for international law, including international human rights law.”

    2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source

26. “We welcome the adoption by the Government of Kosovo of a five-year strategy for the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization. The terrorist attacks in the Middle East, Turkey and, most recently, France underline the critical importance of addressing violent extremism before it takes hold. We urge the Government of Kosovo to implement its agreed action plan. The progress under way in Kosovo should be taken into account when considering a more flexible approach to how and when the Council should dedicate its limited time and attention to this agenda item.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

27. “We also said that, while important first steps had been taken, there remained much to do in order to fully establish the court. That is still the case today. We echo the Secretary-General in calling on all stakeholders to move expeditiously in order to complete that process. Engagement in the Working Group on Missing Persons stalled during the reporting period. That is deeply regrettable. Addressing the issue of missing persons is an essential component of reconciliation and is of fundamental concern to affected families. We urge that all the necessary steps be taken to enable the Working Group to continue its important work. Progress on returnees to Kosovo and the careful curation of cultural and religious sites will also be important for reconciliation.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

28. “Their people need to see their leaders living up to their commitments. Gains made need to be banked. Disagreement and vigorous debate is part of a healthy democracy. However, we note with concern efforts by some political actors to physically disrupt the workings of the Kosovo Assembly. Such actions are irresponsible and risk undermining confidence in a critical democratic institution. We urge all political actors in Kosovo to refrain from such actions and fully respect democratic principles. The last time the Council discussed the situation in Kosovo (see S/PV.7510), New Zealand welcomed Kosovo's progress towards establishing a specialist court to address serious allegations arising from the EU Special Investigative Task Force.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

29. “1, too, thank Special Representative Tanin for his briefing and join others in wishing him well in his new role. I also welcome Deputy Prime Ministers Dacie and Ambassador Citaku to this discussion. As mentioned, the leadership of Serbia and Kosovo have concluded several agreements since the Council last considered this agenda item (see S/PV.7510). Of particular note is the agreement relating to Serb- majority municipalities in Kosovo. New Zealand welcomes that significant progress. It demonstrates the ongoing importance of the European Union (EU)- facilitated dialogue in normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. We hope that both sides will renew their commitment and energy to that process of normalizing relations through dialogue and will implement that which has been agreed.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

30. “Such measures will advance the political process, which is the only real answer to the humanitarian crisis. They will also protect civilians in the short term. Their implementation is long overdue. Finally, we welcome the strong role envisaged for the Security Council by the Vienna process. We look forward to working closely with Council members to reinforce the progress made in Vienna and to engage on questions emerging from the process. New Zealand is encouraged to see momentum building towards finding a political solution. It is shameful that it has taken nearly five years, with well over a quarter of a million people dead, and with 4.2 million people - almost the exact population of New Zealand- fleeing Syria, to get to where we are today. We must commit to ensuring that now is the beginning of the end of the conflict in Syria.”

    2015-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7560 (2015) · source

31. “New Zealand is concerned that cross-line access continues to be obstructed, particularly by the Syrian Government. Humanitarian access into ISIL-controlled areas remains almost nonexistent. New Zealand supports the efforts of Special Envoy De Mistura, but he needs the support of the international community. In that regard, New Zealand welcomes the ongoing talks in Vienna. They are an important step towards a political solution, affirming the benefits of pragmatism and diplomacy. We also welcome the agreement reached by the International Syria Support Group to encourage confidence-building measures by parties on the ground, including better implementation of resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014) and 2191 (2014), increased humanitarian access and an end to the use of indiscriminate weapons.”

    2015-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7560 (2015) · source

32. “At the community level, the views of women must be included in needs assessments, programme design and the implementation and evaluations of humanitarian and development programmes. Accountability for international humanitarian law violations and human rights abuses in Syria is not optional. It is essential for justice; it is essential for healing. New Zealand is working with Jordan and Spain to renew resolution 2191 (2014), which has enabled cross- border access for humanitarian assistance seeking to enter Syria. Resolution 2191 (2014) has enabled the delivery of food assistance, non-food humanitarian items and medical supplies for millions of people. However, millions more remain hard to reach, including those in besieged areas, who are intentionally denied basic necessities as a cruel tactic of war.”

    2015-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7560 (2015) · source

33. “The desperate economic situation of families is exploited, with young girls being coerced into early marriages. ISIL must be singled out for its brutal campaign of sexual Violence. Sexual violence is not a women's issue. It is a weapon of war. It terrorizes individuals, and it destabilizes families and communities. We need to move beyond the narrative of women being victims of conflict. They must be provided with the opportunity to be powerful agents of change in transforming their societies. Syrian women have shown immense resilience and strength. At the political level, Syrian women must be included in policy dialogues about Syria's future, as called for by Special Envoy De Mistura last week and echoed in the Chamber today.”

    2015-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7560 (2015) · source

34. “They underpin many of the conflicts that come before the Council. That is especially evident in Syria. A common feature of conflict is the disproportional impact that it has on the most vulnerable. That is true in Syria for women and for children. As we have heard today, 2.7 million Syrian children have been deprived of their right to education - some for four years or more. The fact that more than half of all attacks on schools worldwide over the past four years have taken place in Syria says it all. As we have heard today from other colleagues, children continue to be recruited and indoctrinated by ISIL and non-State armed groups. Women and girls inside Syria and those who have fled the conflict are subjected to sexual and gender- based violence, sexual exploitation and harassment.”

    2015-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7560 (2015) · source

35. “New Zealand too expresses its condolences for the recent loss of life in Paris and Beirut, as well as in attacks in Ankara, Egypt, Iraq and beyond. We must do all we can to counter the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). That includes finding a political resolution to the Syrian conflict, which is a major driver of ISIL. The recent attacks show that the human cost of the conflict reaches well beyond Syria. Within Syria, however, it also continues to escalate. Twenty-one months ago, the Council adopted resolution 2139 (2014) on Syria, which demanded that all parties immediately cease and desist from all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. That call has not been heeded. A brutal and lawless conflict continues. Human rights violations and abuses can lead to and fuel conflict.”

    2015-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7560 (2015) · source

36. “As detailed by the High Representative, referenda have been proposed that challenge the authority of Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina judiciary and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. Such moves are provocative and divisive. They undermine reconciliation efforts and distract from advancing on the Reform Agenda. We hope that such proposals can be left behind as Bosnia and Herzegovina moves forward in a greater spirit of unity and inclusiveness. We believe that this is the best route to stability, peace and prosperity.”

    2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source

37. “We welcome the steps taken by leaders both within Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the region to address those developments. We also support the presence of the EU- led stabilization mission as a means of contributing to a stable security environment, and are pleased that the Council has acted today unanimously to reauthorize that mission. In addition to the presence of the European Union-led peacekeeping force, the Office of the High Representative retains responsibility for civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Accords. We encourage further efforts to make progress on the five objectives and two conditions set by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, which remain prerequisites for the Office closure.”

    2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source

38. “That was a significant move towards delivering on the commitment made by Bosnia's leadership to carry out necessary reforms aimed at supporting national institutions, strengthening the rule of law and improving the socioeconomic conditions of the entire population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. With those goals in mind, efforts must now focus on converting a shared aspiration into shared action. The adoption of the Federation Labour Law is one example of concrete progress that should be built upon. We wish the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina well in the undertaking and welcome the European Union (EU) support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in moving the Reform Agenda forward. Reconciliation remains a work in progress. We note with concern episodes of violence that have taken place this year, including some with an ethnic dimension.”

    2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source

39. “I thank the High Representative for his briefing today, which continues to be a useful way for the Council to stay abreast of developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As noted by others, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Today, it is appropriate that we celebrate their success in keeping the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina over the past two decades, while also acknowledging the unfinished business that remains in their implementation. Since the High Representative last briefed the Council (see S/PV.7440), the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have taken the important step of adopting the Reform Agenda.”

    2015-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7555 (2015) · source

40. “In the twentieth year of the Dayton Peace Accords, progress is clearly evident, yet still much remains to be achieved. The five objectives and two conditions set by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, which are prerequisites for the closure of the Office of the High Representative, have not yet been accomplished. While the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina is, as it should be, in the hands of its citizens, the international community has a responsibility to encourage and support Bosnia and Herzegovina. To that end, New Zealand reiterates its commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina and wishes it well on its path to unity, stability and lasting peace.”

    2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source

41. “While healthy debate stimulates a healthy democracy, unlocking a country's full potential requires all parties to share a common aspiration for a united and prosperous future. The divisive rhetoric once again identified in the High Representative's report is therefore concerning. Attempts to undermine the unity of the country, such as through calling for a referendum on secession, distract from the important reform agenda Bosnia and Herzegovina has ahead of it. As the High Representative pointed out, they also directly challenge the basic tenets of the General Framework Agreement for Peace. We hope that such rhetoric can be left behind and for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward together in the spirit of reconciliation.”

    2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source

42. “The commitment of representatives from across the political spectrum to social and economic reforms, with a view to closer engagement with the European Union through the Stabilization and Association Agreement, is a positive step. The socioeconomic and good governance reforms that are part of this process will benefit all the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The strengthening of institutions and the rule of law will support lasting stability and prosperity within a well-functioning State. We encourage the international community, especially neighbours in the region and the European Union, to support Bosnia and Herzegovina as it undertakes the necessary but difficult reforms ahead.”

    2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source

43. “The briefing and report of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/2015/300, annex) today are frank in noting areas of concern, but also show that some important and positive developments took place over the reporting period. New Zealand welcomes the formation of a new Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina subsequent to the elections in October 2014. Electoral arrangements are complex, making the holding of peaceful elections and an orderly installation of the duly-elected Government a significant achievement. We wish the Government well as it confronts the many challenges ahead. Navigating these challenges will require strong political will and determination.”

    2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source

44. “Neighbouring countries' attempts to alleviate the consequences of the conflict are to be saluted. However, a lasting solution will be found only by addressing the root causes of the conflict and finding a sustainable political solution. Today's presidential statement (S/PRST/2015/10) demonstrates that the Council can speak with one voice on Syria. Now it is time for Council members to act with unanimity.”

    2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source

45. “That is completely unacceptable. In eastern Ghouta, 10 patients have died due to a lack of dialysis equipment, with remaining supplies expected to run out in the next few weeks, thus threatening the lives of 23 more patients awaiting treatment. That is why we support calls that, as a concrete step, the Council should request the Secretary- General to conduct a humanitarian assessment mission to besieged areas and report its findings to the Council as soon as possible. Many here will recall that before there was Security Council action on chemical weapons and on cross- border humanitarian access, it was all deemed too hard. Yet, still, progress was made. Let us do the same with other aspects of resolution 2139 (2014). Donors have been generous in responding to humanitarian appeals.”

    2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source

46. “We must think creatively about the pragmatic things we can do to make a difference in the lives of the Syrian people and those affected by the crisis in the region. New Zealand will continue to work with Jordan and Spain, as co-penholders on Syrian humanitarian issues, to pursue concrete action on medical neutrality, humanitarian access to besieged areas and other options outlined by Under-Secretary- General Amos this morning. We encourage fellow Council members to join us in doing so. The terrible situation in Yarmouk has served to remind us why wider action on humanitarian access to the 440,000 people trapped in besieged areas throughout Syria is so important. As well, as we heard this morning, the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2015/264) informs that only 0.3 per cent of besieged areas had access to medical assistance in March.”

    2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source

47. “The adoption of resolution 2139 (2014) gave hope that the humanitarian situation would improve. However, more than a year later, and in the fifth year of the conflict, it is clear that there has been little improvement. Non-compliance has become the new norm. As we heard this morning, possible responses to the unfolding catastrophe, such as an arms embargo, a no-fly zone or boots on the ground, have not come to fruition. This afternoon, we will hear more on Special Envoy de Mistura's freeze proposal, but we cannot be optimistic about that, either. We all know what is off the table; the time has come to ask what is on the table. As the carnage in Syria continues to unfold, the Council must find renewed will to put aside its differences.”

    2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source

48. “New Zealand is grateful to Jordan for presiding over today's debate. Jordan's positive role in the region, and the generosity it has shown to Syrian refugees, is highly appreciated. It is increasingly apparent that the burden of the Syrian conflict for Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq is unsustainable. We cannot expect countries in the region to absorb its effects indefinitely. The economic and social impact will seriously damage basic institutions and the social fabric. We are already seeing the devastating impact on children who are unable to access basic education and are losing hope for a productive and dignified future. Over the past four years, the Council has watched Syria disintegrate from a stable middle-income country to one of ruin and despair.”

    2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source

49. “At the conclusion of the P5+1 talks with Iran, there will be a need for clear communication with Member States on the implications for the existing sanctions regime. We look forward to working constructively as a member of the Committee to provide guidance to Member States at the appropriate time. Finally, we take the opportunity afforded by today's briefing to encourage all parties involved in the talks to sustain the commitment and the political will required for a positive outcome.”

    2015-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7412 (2015) · source

50. “New Zealand was encouraged by the briefing to the Security Council provided several weeks ago by the High Representative of the European Union, Federica Mogherini, in which she noted that the parties had "never been so close to what could be a turning point in the history of Iran's relationship with the West and with the region" (S/PV. 7402, p. 7). New Zealand trusts that hope will be realized. For now, however, it is important to remember that the existing sanctions remain in place and that, as the 90-day report notes, States have an obligation to duly implement them. New Zealand is aware of the challenges involved in implementing complex sanctions regimes such as the one set out in resolution 1737 (2006), particularly for small States.”

    2015-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7412 (2015) · source