YouSaid · the spoken record

Secretary-General

lines on the record: 2,998
first: 1995-09-26
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 363
sources: un-security-council

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“Gaza also remains a cause for concern. Ultimately, a sustainable two-State solution will require Palestinians to overcome their divisions. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will begin 2014 with an expected end-of-year shortfall of $67 million under its regular budget. I encourage all Member States to explore ways to strengthen their cooperation with UNRWA and provide additional funding, in particular to its regular budget. I hope that the parties will reach a framework understanding. It must be fair and consistent with principles on all core issues outlined in Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles - including land for peace - the road map and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“United States Secretary of State Kerry has worked diligently to lay out a framework on all core issues to address Israeli and Palestinian aspirations in a fair and balanced manner and to allow for continued negotiations towards a final status agreement. I also pay special tribute to Jordan for its essential role. Israeli and Palestinian leaders will be required to make bold decisions and painful compromises for peace. They must prepare their peoples for these necessary steps. The failure of political progress could fuel a downward spiral on the ground. I am alarmed by recurrent violence and incitement on all sides, as well as by continued settlement activity, which is illegal under international law. Building settlements is not consistent with building a long-lasting peace agreement. Both parties must act responsibly and with restraint.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“All must build on the stability that has prevailed along the Blue Line under resolution 1701 (2006). The Security Council and the International Support Group for Lebanon have called for generous support for the humanitarian response and stabilization efforts, as well as for the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pledged $3 billion in assistance to the Lebanese army. I welcome the momentum to form a Government, and encourage all parties to ensure that presidential elections are held on time. The people of Lebanon look to their leaders to work together to steer their country through this difficult time. The year 2014 will be decisive in helping Israelis and Palestinians draw back from a perilous and unsustainable status quo.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“That is vital to prevent the Syrian crisis from exacerbating tensions in Lebanon, as we have seen with the recent acts of terrorism and bombings. Nine years after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, last week's opening of the trial of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon is a reminder of the fight to end impunity in Lebanon. Violations of Lebanon's border with Syria continue, including a worrying escalation of rocket firing and airstrikes into Lebanon's Bekaa region. Refugees continue to cross into Lebanon in large numbers, now totalling over 860,000 - a sixfold increase over last year. The situation in the area of operation of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remains relatively stable thanks to the cooperation of the Lebanese and Israeli authorities to contain recent incidents.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“I was reassured by their pledge to hold parliamentary elections as scheduled on 30 April. Today, I reiterate my message to the Iraqi political leaders to fulfil their responsibilities to ensure inclusive dialogue, social cohesion and concrete political progress. I also visited Kuwait. I am extremely grateful to the many countries that pledged generous funding at the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference on Syria. In addition, I had a meeting with the emir of Kuwait, and I am encouraged by the improving bilateral relations between his country and Iraq. We also discussed the implementation of resolution 2107 (2013). Turning to Lebanon, I commend President Sleiman's leadership in upholding the country's disassociation policy.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important meeting on the situation in the Middle East. Before I start, let me say just a few words on the situation regarding the talks on Syria. Participants will be aware of the latest developments concerning the Geneva conference on Syria. Intensive and urgent discussions are under way, and I will have more to say about the situation later in the day. For the moment, let me just appeal again to all involved to keep the needs of the Syrian people foremost in mind. I have just returned from the region and my fifth visit to Iraq. The country is again facing serious threats to its stability. I discussed my concerns with many Iraqi leaders and urged all sides to remain committed to political dialogue and to uphold respect for the rule of law and human rights.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096 (2014) · source
“The parties are responsible for ending the conflict. In the end, political dialogue is the only solution. I have consistently called on President Salva Kiir and opposition political leaders to come to the table and to find a political way out of the crisis. Whatever the differences, nothing can justify the violence that has engulfed their young nation. They must do everything in their power to immediately ensure that their followers hear the message loud and clear: continued Violence, ethnic or otherwise, is completely unacceptable. Now is the time for South Sudan's leaders to show their people and the world that they are committed to preserving the unity of the nation that was born out of their long struggle for independence.”
2013-12-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7091 (2013) · source
“Those responsible will be held personally accountable. They should know that the world is watching. Human rights are a cornerstone of our efforts and I am urgently strengthening our human rights capacity in the country. I welcome the urgency and collective resolve of the Security Council today. I trust that the Council and other Member States will continue to do their part to provide the personnel, equipment and logistical support required to ensure a timely deployment of those additional troops and enablers. Without such support, the Secretariat will not be able to quickly deploy the additional capacity required. Even with the ongoing support, the strengthening of UNMISS protection capabilities will not happen overnight. Even with additional capabilities, we will not be able to protect every civilian in need in South Sudan.”
2013-12-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7091 (2013) · source
“We are coordinating closely with other United Nations missions to ensure that the redeployments do not affect the implementation of their respective mandates. I commend our brave peacekeepers and all United Nations personnel who are helping to protect civilians, provide humanitarian assistance and monitor the human rights situation, under very difficult circumstances. We have lost two peacekeepers in the past week and one was wounded. One International Labour Organization employee was killed. Earlier today, three UNMISS personnel were injured at the United Nations base in Bor, Jonglei state. Attacks on civilians and United Nations peacekeepers must cease immediately. The United Nations will investigate reports of those incidents and ofthe grave human rights violations and crimes against humanity.”
2013-12-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7091 (2013) · source
“At the same time, I am determined to ensure that UNMISS has the means to carry out its central task of protecting civilians. I welcome the resolution adopted today (resolution 2132 (2013)), which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the opening of dialogue, demands that all parties cooperate fully with UNMISS, and authorizes the temporary strengthening of protection capacities with additional troops, police and logistical assets from other United Nations missions. I have spoken with a number of regional leaders and want to acknowledge their efforts and vital support. I thank the troop- and police-contributing countries that have agreed to the temporary relocation of their personnel and assets.”
2013-12-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7091 (2013) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Security Council for its action and engagement in addressing the mounting crisis in South Sudan. We are all deeply troubled by the events that have unfolded in recent days. There are reports of ethnically targeted violence, including extrajudicial killings and mass graves. The displacement of civilians is growing and spreading, with some 45,000 people seeking protection at the bases of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). I reiterate the calls for maximum restraint by all communities in South Sudan. There is no military solution to this conflict. It is a political crisis that requires a peaceful political solution. We are working closely with the regional leaders and parties on the ground to establish a basis for negotiations.”
2013-12-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7091 (2013) · source
“Solutions are not easy and will take time. Let us commit ourselves to working together for dignity and a better sustainable future for all of the people of West Africa and the Sahel.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“We must promote a coherent, integrated and pragmatic international response, rooted in sustainable development and full respect for human rights. I encourage Member States to actively engage in a broad and open discussion leading up to the September 2016 General Assembly special session on the world drug problem. As we work to advance the post-2015 development agenda, the challenges of organized crime must be a fundamental part of the discussion. Our aim must be not only to relieve citizens of the burden of crime, but also to lift them out of the conditions that enable crime to grow. That means addressing corruption, poverty and the lack of essential services. It means providing better education, promoting the rule of law and expanding opportunities for women, young people and marginalized groups.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“We are working with Member States to stop the movement of precursor chemicals used to make illegal drugs, while also boosting efforts to dismantle criminal networks. We are also helping with drug treatment, prevention and rehabilitation programmes. Above all, we need a coordinated approach, and action in this area is an important part of the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. In the same vein, our law enforcement and health efforts should fully support the Economic Community of West African States Regional Action Plan to Address the Growing Problem of Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime, and Drug Abuse in West Africa. Drug trafficking presents an enormous challenge to peace, stability and economic and social development in West Africa and the Sahel.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“Engagement with civil society and community groups is critical. There is also a need for a strong transatlantic approach that combines efforts from Latin America, West Africa and Europe. In too many places, however, weak intergovernmental cooperation stands in marked contrast to the closely networked structure of transnational criminal groups. We must help countries of the region strengthen their capacities to ensure public safety and security. At the same time, we must act against money-laundering and the use of illicit wealth to commit additional crimes such as human trafficking and arms smuggling. The United Nations is taking action in all these areas and supporting projects that offer technical advice and build national capacities. These include initiatives to analyse containers in ports, as well as the movement of goods at airports.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“A rising portion ofthe drugs reaching West African coasts use the Sahel route on the way to the Mediterranean. In a particularly disturbing development, West Africa is no longer just a transit route for drug traffickers, but a growing destination, with more than 1 million users of illicit drugs. Rising consumption aggravates an already-challenging public health environment and threatens socioeconomic development. Our work is guided by the Conventions against organized crime, drug trafficking and corruption, as well as the international instruments on terrorism, which must be implemented in full compliance with human rights standards and norms. I urge all Member States to ratify and fully implement those conventions and instruments without delay. We also need to generate partnerships to support victims.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“Iwelcome this initiative to focus on drug trafficking in West Africa and the Sahel. Around the world, drug trafficking and transnational organized crime threaten security, undermine respect for the rule of law and jeopardize peace and stability. In a growing number of countries, organized criminal networks also fuel the activities of terrorist and extremist groups. Corruption, porous borders and the lack of resources and cooperation only compound the problem. Given the reach of drug-trafficking networks and their rapidly evolving methods, we must constantly refine our understanding to formulate the most effective response. We face a particular challenge in West Africa and the Sahel. Our latest estimates have identified $1.25 billion of cocaine transiting through West Africa each year.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“The United Nations will continue its efforts to promote security, good governance and resilience. I came back from the visit with a clear sense that we need to do much more to fight poverty, empower women, provide employment opportunities for young people and ensure that all the people of the Sahel have what they need to build a better future. I look forward to hearing the views of Council members on how we can achieve that, and I count on all partners to live up to their promises so that this important vision can break the cycle of poverty and insecurity and usher in an era of prosperity and stability for all.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“Mali has made progress toward re-establishing constitutional order. The first round of legislative elections was conducted in an orderly manner. But the political process between the Government and armed groups has been delayed. I remain concerned about the security situation in the north. Across the region, terrorist acts, the trafficking of arms, drugs and people and other transnational forms of organized crime, are threatening security. We must do more to address the food crises that plague the Sahel. We also have to improve conditions in migrants' communities of origin while also generating more legal opportunities for migrants to work abroad. The Sahel's vast size and long, porous borders mean that such challenges can be addressed successfully only if the countries of the region work together.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“They welcomed the African Development Bank's establishment of an action fund, which will help jump-start underfunded projects and contribute to longer-term development. Going forward, the ministers will meet twice a year to calibrate responses to the Sahel's challenges. I also had a very moving visit to Timbuktu. People there are struggling to recover from human rights abuses and upheaval. I was given an opportunity to view the cultural treasures that had been damaged in the attacks. This was a terrible loss for Mali and for our common global heritage, but with UNESCO's help, we are moving to safeguard that heritage. I condemn all attacks against places of worship and call for reconciliation and accountability. We must continue to strengthen the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“In addition, we will hear a briefing by my Special Envoy, Mr. Romano Prodi, on the progress we have made in the implementation of the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. The representative of the African Union, Mr.Tete Antonio, will present the point of view of the continent on all of these elements. At every stop during the visit, I had in-depth exchanges with national leaders, who are working to meet the challenges and find solutions. (spoke in English) We took an important first step in Mali at the regional meeting. African ministers as well as regional and international organizations and financial institutions came together to improve coordination and address the Sahel's fragility.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“I express my deepest thanks to you, Mr. President, for having organized the present meeting. We are gathered here to uphold our commitment to the population of the Sahel at a time when the needs are immense. This meeting of the Security Council follows my visit to Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad last month with the President of the African Union Commission, the President of the World Bank, the President of the African Development Bank and the European Commissioner for Development. We visited those countries to demonstrate our solidarity, underscore the links between peace and development, and make a commitment to continue our support. During that visit, the World Bank and the European Union pledged to provide more than $8.2 billion to the region. We will hear in some detail today how those funds will be disbursed.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“Let us keep working together to foster a culture of peace and co-existence, through efforts such as the Alliance of Civilizations. Looking ahead, the United Nations and the OIC must continue to deepen their strategic dialogue. We have made significant progress, including through formal partnership agreements and joint workplans, staff exchanges and joint mediation deployments. We were also proud to assist the OIC in establishing its new Peace, Security and Mediation Unit. Let us together pledge to work from this foundation ofprogress to build a better world for all.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“Terrorism is not associated with any particular religion, culture or peoples. However, in recent years, terrorist violence has disproportionately affected countries that are members of OIC, from the Sahel and North Africa to the Middle East and South Asia. The OIC and its member States have been making significant efforts to mitigate the terrorist threat, particularly in countering incitement to commit terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance. I stress the importance of addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of extremism and terrorism, including by strengthening efforts to resolve conflict peacefully, promote the rule of law, protect human rights and ensure good governance. Intercultural dialogue between and within faiths is more important than ever.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“I appreciate the efforts of the OIC, including through its presence in Kabul and its support for an Afghan-led reconciliation process. In Mali, following the milestone presidential election, the United Nations, the OIC and other partners should work together to help Mali promote dialogue and reconciliation, improve governance, undertake security sector reform, re-establish State authority in the north and protect human rights. In the Sudan, I commend the OIC's continued efforts, especially those facilitated by the State of Qatar, to bring peace to Darfur. I count on the ongoing cooperation with the OIC to encourage the Government of the Sudan to reach out to all stakeholders. We must also continue to work for progress on issues that extend beyond regional boundaries.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“The status quo in the occupied Palestinian territory is not sustainable, and in the long run, the occupation is deeply damaging to Israelis and Palestinians alike. The OIC can help forge a way forward within the agreed time frame. As Myanmar continues on the path of reform, a key challenge will be to address the underlying factors of communal tensions, including the question of citizenship for the Rohingya population. Myanmar must act firmly against the dissemination of hate literature, and instigators must be punished. I urge the Government and other key opinion leaders to address those fundamental issues. I am pleased that an OIC delegation will soon Visit Myanmar, and I welcome its constructive engagement to reduce tensions. In Afghanistan, efforts to enhance regional cooperation and build trust are crucial at this time of transition.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“The war has also heightened tensions between Sunni and Shia communities. We have seen tragic and violent manifestations of those divisions in many parts of the Muslim world. That is profoundly worrying. I believe the OIC could be uniquely placed to launch a major initiative, working with the United Nations and others to help bring an end to this upheaval that has caused the loss of so many civilian lives and represents such a threat to wider security. I urge the OIC and all leaders to do everything possible to repair rifts and rebuild confidence between Muslim communities, as well as to stem the influence ofradical armed groups and violent extremists. On the Middle East peace process, direct talks have resumed, but Israelis and Palestinians must quickly see visible peace dividends.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“To be successful, we mustjoin forces and craft joint strategies that draw on respective strengths. The United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are working closely on issues ranging from conflict prevention and conflict resolution to counter- terrorism, from human rights and humanitarian affairs to intercultural dialogue and sustainable development. I shall touch on a number of specific issues where our work continues to be critical. With regard to Syria, our ongoing cooperation includes humanitarian and political efforts. The United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons are making progress in dismantling and destroying Syria's chemical weapons programme. But we must spare no effort to reach a comprehensive political agreement, one that reflects the will of the Syrian people.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“Let me begin by recognizing Mr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary- General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and thanking him for his many years of leadership and service. I congratulate his successor, the incoming OIC Secretary-General, Mr. Iyad Madani, who also joins us today. Last year, I was honoured to be the first United Nations Secretary-General to visit the OIC headquarters. I look forward to building on our partnership in the years to come. Mr. President, I really appreciate your taking the time to preside this very important Council meeting, and I count on your leadership and commitment to peace and security in the Council presidency. The challenges of peace and security are too complex and interlinked for any country or organization to address alone.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“But the success of such processes depends fundamentally on their inclusiveness and the involvement of women, of minorities, of aggrieved parties, and of all stakeholders. The year 2015 will mark the fifteenth anniversary ofthe adoption resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. The Council has called for a high-level review meeting to mark that occasion. I am confident that with the Council's continued support, we can achieve concrete results and measurable change in the lives of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We have more distance to travel, but we have never been this far before. Women's participation in peace efforts is a matter of gender equality and universal human rights, and crucial to achieving sustainable peace, economic recovery, social cohesion and political legitimacy. Today's resolution makes that point loud and clear. Societies emerging from conflict face a wealth of challenges unique to their circumstances, but all encounter a crucial moment at which they can begin again, draw lessons from the upheaval and gain a new path of stability and progress. Transitional justice, with its various mechanisms to promote reconciliation, redress and compensation, has proven to play a critical role.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“This is her first such appearance before the Security Council. My report this year notes progress, but also calls for a more determined global effort to improve the protection of women and girls and enhance women's participation and leadership. I have sought to lead by example by appointing more women to senior positions throughout the United Nations. For the first time in history, five United Nations peacekeeping operations - in South Sudan, Liberia, Cyprus, Haiti and Cote d'Ivoire - are led by women. Last year, Ms. Aichatou Souleymane - who now heads our efforts in Cote d'Ivoire - served as acting Joint Chief Mediator in Darfur. This year, I appointed Mary Robinson, my Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region of Africa, as the United Nations first woman lead mediator in a peace process.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“I am pleased that the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women is advancing a new general recommendation on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations. Notwithstanding these advances, the fact remains that while we have seen a slow but steady increase in women leaders in business and politics, this progress has not been matched around the peace table. Gains in the representation of women are often achieved through the use of temporary special measures, including quotas. Similar special measures could help to increase the number of women at all levels of mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. I am pleased that my report (S/2013/525) will be introduced today by Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“The United Nations is developing good practices to embed gender dimensions in transitional justice and peacebuilding. We are working to ensure that women are represented on all United Nations mediation support teams. All United Nations-led or co-led peace processes are reaching out to women's civil society organizations. Our United Nations Global Focal Point on Police, Justice and Corrections is integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of our rule of law activities. We have significantly increased the percentage of female police peacekeepers and are helping local security sectors tackle sexual and gender-based violence. We have also completed a study on ways to enhance women's access to justice in conflict-affected settings. Human rights mechanisms are also critical.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Women must be involved at every stage of efforts to reassert the rule of law and rebuild societies through transitional justice. Their needs for security and justice must be addressed. Their voices must be heard. Their rights must be protected. I urge the Council to deal with the full range of women's rights violations that occur during conflicts. The mandates of political and peacekeeping missions should support national prosecutions for serious international crimes against women, and special measures should be taken to provide women with opportunities to engage in the design and delivery of transitional justice. Gender-responsive transitional justice measures can also help to redress historic gender-based injustices and combat the security threats and other obstacles that often restrict women's full engagement in public life.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“I thank the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing this debate on the theme of women, the rule of law and transitional justice. I commend the Security Council for having adopted resolution 2122 (2013) today, underscoring the central importance of women's participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. I welcome the call for concrete actions not only to increase the number of women in peacemaking but also, crucially, to improve the way gender issues are addressed by peace and security institutions, including the Council itself. These priorities are also featured in my seven-point action plan on gender-responsive peacebuilding. The rule of law, women's access to transitional justice and women's participation are deeply connected.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“The regional actors have a responsibility to challenge those who would actively undermine the process and those who do not fully respect Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The Security Council members, individually and collectively, have a key role to play in ushering the Geneva process forward towards a lasting peaceful solution.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“On Wednesday, at my working lunch with the Foreign Ministers of the five permanent members of the Council, we agreed to make sure that the Syrian participants come to the conference to negotiate in good faith. Today, the Joint Special Representative of the League of Arab States and the United Nations, Mr. Brahimi, and I continued these discussions with Member States. We are aiming for a conference in mid-November. In the meantime, Mr. Brahimi will launch all the necessary preparations to ensure success. No one is naive to the challenges of ending the conflict peacefully. The Syrian side must engage constructively towards the creation of a democratic State that guarantees the human rights of all in Syria.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“Some besieged communities have received no assistance in more than 10 months. The Council has agreed that the only way to bring peace to Syria is an inclusive and Syrian-led political process based on the Geneva communique of 30 June 2012 (S/2012/523, annex). Today's resolution calls for convening an international conference on Syria to implement the Geneva communique as soon as possible. It is time to make that happen as soon as possible. The United Nations has completed all the preparatory work. President Al-Assad has stated that he is prepared to send a delegation to Geneva and the Syrian National Coalition has expressed its willingness to engage. Our conversations ofthe past week have focused on launching "Geneva II".”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“I will provide my recommendations to the Security Council in due course. As we mark this important step, we must never forget that the catalogue of horrors in Syria continues with bombs and tanks, grenades and guns. A red light for one form of weapons does not mean a green light for others; it is not a licence to kill with conventional weapons. All the Violence must end. All the guns must fall silent. We must capitalize on the newfound unity of the Council by focusing on two other equally crucial dimensions of the conflict - the dire humanitarian situation and the political crisis. We expect Council members to firmly demand that the Syrian Government and the opposition uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the lifting of all obstacles to all humanitarian access.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“In Syria, the inspectors, who are scientists and technical experts, will have to contend with the realities of the continuing conflict. The success of the Mission will depend on the Syrian Government implementing its obligations faithfully and without delay. That includes ensuring the safety and security of OPCW and United Nations personnel. The cooperation of opposition forces will also be important. All sides share a common interest in the permanent destruction of these weapons. The process will also require the active engagement of the international community. I am grateful for the pledges of support for United Nations and OPCW activities received today. In the days ahead, the two organizations will further explore how to facilitate the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons programme.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“Given the scope of the task and the continuing conflict in Syria, the United Nations and the OPCW have a preliminary agreement that will be fully developed based on the resolution and will form the basis for my proposal to the Council. I thank OPCW Director- General Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu for his collaborative spirit. We will be dispatching an initial team to Damascus on Tuesday. The inspection teams will have the full support of all relevant United Nations departments and offices. Resolution 2118 (2013) will ensure that the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme happens as soon as possible and with the utmost transparency and accountability. Ensuring the verified destruction of chemical weapons is a difficult task in any circumstance.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“I will promptly transmit its final report to the Security Council and all Member States. At the same time, the international community has a responsibility to ensure that these weapons of mass destruction never re-emerge of as an instrument of war or terror. As the UnitedNations is a depository of the Chemical Weapons Convention, I welcome Syria's accession and its declaration to implement it on a provisional basis. Today's Vital decision by the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) establishes ambitious but realistic deadlines for the verified elimination of the Syrian programme.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“Today's historic resolution is the first hopeful news on Syria in a long time. For many months, I have said that the confirmed use of chemical weapons in Syria would require a firm, united response. Tonight, the international community has delivered. I commend the members of the Council. I am especially grateful for the efforts of Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United States Secretary of State John Kerry. As the Mission sent to investigate the allegations confirmed, chemical weapons were used in Syria. The perpetrators of that crime must be brought to justice. This week, the mission under Professor Ake Sellstrom returned to Syria to complete its investigations, including of the incident at Khan al-Asal. I expect that the team will complete its fact-finding activities by next week.”
2013-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7038 (2013) · source
“The challenge lies at the intersection of human rights, security, development, crime, international trade, public health and counter-terrorism. Small arms are a source of crises, conflict and criminality. Member States, the United Nations system, regional organizations and civil society have made progress, but much remains to be done. I want once again to commend the Security Council for taking up vital issues of disarmament and non-proliferation. I urge that to continue. Let us commit to advance our work together and build a safer more secure world for all.”
2013-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7036 (2013) · source
“My report includes a number of recommendations that the Security Council may wish to consider when mandating peacekeeping operations and special political missions. In the past year alone, more than a dozen peacekeepers in Darfur, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been killed in action by small arms. Peacekeeping missions are addressing the challenge in a number of ways, including assistance with stockpile management and the collection and destruction of weapons. United Nations police observers in Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire, for example, have developed a guide to record arms and ammunition. And an embargo- monitoring capacity has been effectively established by the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire. Small arms remain a big concern.”
2013-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7036 (2013) · source
“Similar proof is evident from the lawlessness that currently prevails in Guinea-Bissau, the Central African Republic, Iraq and even on the high seas. Moreover, poor management of munitions stocks multiplies the risk of explosions, which would then endanger the lives of people and the environment. (spoke in English) I am pleased that the Council has recognized that States require additional support in weapons management. The standards on weapons and ammunition management developed by the United Nations can be of great assistance. Innovations such as weapon-tracking technologies and the personalization of firearms can help. Arms embargoes are also vital. Yet unscrupulous brokers are adept at evading such strictures. The various monitoring groups of Security Council Sanctions Committees need more and better information.”
2013-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7036 (2013) · source
“The Treaty will also help address weapons diversion from Government stockpiles - a growing and disturbing source of arms for pirates, rebels and warlords. The Arms Trade Treaty will complement and strengthen a number of existing international instruments. I urge all States to sign and ratify it without delay. Already more than half of all Member States have signed. I want to thank members of the Security Council that have helped to lead the way. (spoke in French) As I mentioned in detail in my report (S/20l3/503) presented recently to the Security Council, the absence of regulation, the ease of access to arms and the great profitability of the illicit trade in weapons constitute an explosive cocktail. By way of proof, the pillage of Libyan arms depots was one of the factors that contributed to the instability of the Sahel.”
2013-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7036 (2013) · source
“It leads to a vast range ofhuman rights violations, including killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforced disappearance, torture and the forced recruitment of children by armed groups. It exacerbates inter-community violence and organized crime. And it undermines our work for social justice, the rule of law and the Millennium Development Goals. The world is over-armed and peace is underfunded. Earlier this year, States took a historic step forward by adopting the Arms Trade Treaty, which fully includes small arms and ammunition in its scope. That landmark measure obligates States to regulate international arms transfers, including prohibiting shipments to Governments that fail to use them in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations.”
2013-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7036 (2013) · source
“I thank you for your initiative, Madam President. At the outset, I would like to sincerely welcome your participation to preside over the Security Council immediately after your appointment as Foreign Minister of the Australian Government. You can count on me. I wish you all the best and continued good success. In recent years, the Security Council has recognized the devastating impacat of small arms on peace and development. The excessive accumulation of arms has fuelled insecurity and conflict from Mali to Afghanistan and beyond. But weapons trafficking has affected far more than the immediate security situation. Armed conflict is the main cause ofpeople fleeing their homes and of food insecurity. The uncontrolled availability of guns and bullets threatens peace processes and fragile reconciliation efforts.”
2013-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7036 (2013) · source