YouSaid · the spoken record

Sison

lines on the record: 852
first: 2014-12-22
most recent: 2018-01-23
sittings or episodes: 124
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

“Collectively, we must contribute more to this relief effort. By numbers of people at risk, the stakes in Yemen are the highest, as Mr. O'Brien has impressed upon us. The United Nations has assessed that 65 per cent of all households in Yemen are food insecure. Some 7.3 million people need food and emergency aid, and 460,000 children under five years old are suffering from severe, acute malnutrition - which is up 200 per cent since 2014. Moreover, we hear that the United Nations Children's Fund now estimates that one child dies every 10 minutes in Yemen from malnutrition-related causes. We know that Yemen is overwhelmingly dependent on imports for its food and that humanitarian aid is insufficient to meet the enormity of the need. Commercial food imports are critical to averting famine.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“No country should be destined to face famine in a world that has more than enough food to feed every single person. It is not too late to prevent famine from spreading. It is not inevitable. However, preventing famine means that the parties fighting on the ground have to prioritize access to food, health care and other life-saving aid. They must also take measures to reduce the impact of hostilities on the civilian population. We therefore call on the members of the Council to use their influence over the parties in these four situations to allow unfettered access and not obstruct aid. Additionally, it is Vital that the United Nations and its partners have the resources they need in order to respond. Right now, only 1.6 per cent ofthe four appeals for Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria are funded.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General O'Brien, whose briefing was clearly not just a set of business-as-usual remarks. Mr. O'Brien just described what could soon become the most serious food-security emergency in the modern era, unless States members of the United Nations act now to stop it. The United Nations is warning us that more than 20 million people are starving in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and the Lake Chad Basin. As Mr. O'Brien pointed out in his briefing, famine has already been declared in some areas of South Sudan. The same could soon follow in Yemen, Somalia and the Lake Chad basin if the international community does not intervene immediately. Every member of the Security Council and of the United Nations should be outraged that we are confronting famine in the year 2017. Famine is a man- made crisis with man-made solutions.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“In that challenging environment, UNAMA is an essential partner for the people and the Government of Afghanistan and for the international community. The United States therefore strongly supports the renewal of UNAMA's mandate for an additional year. UNAMA plays a critical role in supporting peace and reconciliation, empowering women's voices, defending the human rights of all Afghan citizens and coordinating humanitarian assistance. I also want to highlight that UNAMA's 12 provincial offices are in many places the only permanent international presence outside of Kabul. Those offices are critical in engaging Afghan citizens outside of the capital as well. In conclusion, we look forward to working with all members on finding ways to maximize UNAMA's very important efforts.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“But they are within the power of Afghanistan, its neighbours and the international community to address. The Taliban, including the Haqqani Network, affiliates of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and other armed groups are increasing their attacks, resulting in the death and injury of thousands of Afghans and delaying the progress that Afghanistan so badly needs. The internal displacement of citizens fleeing insecurity presents a humanitarian challenge that is exacerbated by the return of more than 850,000 refugees and undocumented migrants from neighbouring countries. And while development assistance remains robust, a precipitous decrease in domestic and foreign investment has stalled the private-sector-led growth that Afghanistan requires to employ its youth, reduce poverty and provide hope to communities.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The progress made in implementing the peace agreement with Hizb-i Islami gives us hope for similar progress towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict with the Taliban. The United States calls upon the Taliban to enter into negotiations with the Afghan Government. We also call on Afghanistan's neighbours and the international community to increase pressure on the Taliban to come to the table for talks with the Afghan Government. A political settlement between the Taliban and the Afghan Government remains the best way to end violence and to bring stability to the region. However, despite those positive developments, Afghanistan continues to face challenges that would test even the strongest Government. Regrettably, those challenges are not new; we have discussed them repeatedly in the Council.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Since we last met to discuss Afghanistan in December (see S/PV.7844), we have been encouraged by progress towards the goal that we all share of ensuring a secure, inclusive and democratic Afghanistan for all Afghan people. President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah continue to work together to strengthen the National Unity Government, establish mechanisms for determining Government appointments, and combat corruption. Election reform is making steady progress, as demonstrated by the transparent and consultative process to select and install commissioners, as well as President Ghani's appointment of Mohammad Warimach as Chief Electoral Officer on 1 March. We commend the Afghan Government for its continued commitment to an inclusive, Afghan-led peace process, in spite of the continuing attacks.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto for his briefing and for the work of the team of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in supporting the restoration of peace, reconciliation and development in Afghanistan. I also thank Ambassador Saikal and Ms. Samar for being with us here today. The United States joins in the strong condemnation of the deadly attack on an Afghan National Army hospital in Kabul on 8 March. Deliberately targeting a medical facility that provides care for the brave Afghans working to protect their fellow citizens has no possible justification. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims of that senseless and cowardly act.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Enabling access for the humanitarian actors, both from the United Nations and the implementing partners, the non-governmental organizations in each of the four countries we visited will be absolutely essential to turning back famine and to improving food security, especially for vulnerable populations such as mothers and their young children. For all of us colleagues, I think the resolve and energy we have voiced here in our interventions today must be sustained if we are to make a real difference in the lives of those we met during this very important Security Council trip.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“Respect for human rights on the part of the military, security services and Governments of the Lake Chad basin is also key to establishing and building trust with local communities that have been impacted by the conflict. That was also a subject ofconversation with the Governments and leaders, who agreed wholeheartedly with this approach on the respect for human rights. Finally and more broadly, the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis, particularly the food insufficiency challenges and the spectre offamine, is really difficult to overstate.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“The leaders of the Governments of Cameroon, Chad, the Niger and Nigeria recognized that fact in their interactions and conversations with us. Thousands of women have been victims of abduction, sexual slavery, forced recruitment and other terrible abuses, and we were humbled in our meetings with the mention ofjust a few of those acts and first-hand stories. Furthermore, some of those victims, once out of Boko Haram's clutches, face stigmatization in their communities or suffer secondary or tertiary displacement as a result of such stigma. Still, we were encouraged during our trip by reports of defections from Boko Haram and other extremist groups. That trend underscores the importance of establishing regionally coordinated disarmament, demobilization, deradicalization and reintegration programmes.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“We also witnessed the extent of the United Nations regular engagement with women's civil society organizations and women's community leaders on peace and security matters. We note that youth and women's voices and efforts are absolutely critical to re-establishing peace and security in the Lake Chad basin subregion and in creating the conditions for meaningful change, sustainable economic development and sustainable livelihoods - as noted by the Deputy Secretary- General - especially for households headed by females. Those voices and efforts are also crucial to preventing extremism and creating more inclusive societies. We also looked at the ongoing training of security forces to prevent and respond to sexual and gender- based violence. Still, the protection challenges remain significant, especially for women and children.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“We welcome the new Deputy Secretary-General. We look forward to working with her. The stories and courage of the women, men and youths we met during our trip are indelibly etched in our minds and will continue to inspire all of us as we work to address the urgent challenges of the people of the Lake Chad basin. We were particularly interested in our Lake Chad basin trip and the United Nations approach to demobilization, reintegration and support for the ex-Boko Haram, especially with regard to the women and girls coming out of association with Boko Haram, as well as the need to ensure that any identified accountability initiatives are responsive to women and girls and include following up on any allegations of sexual and gender-based abuse.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“The OSCE's support for two Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 1540 (2004), is part of the global effort to address weapons' proliferation, and resolution 1325 (2000) to end violence against women and ensure women are at the centre of efforts to resolve conflicts and counter violent extremism. The United States applauds the OSCE for its work to reinforce security throughout Europe. The United Nations-OSCE relationship is central to the Council's work in the region. We look forward to continuing and deepening the decades of dialogue and cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE.”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“We call on the sides to enter into negotiations and complete confidence-building measures agreed last spring. This conflict cannot be resolved by force. We are firmly committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Transnistria conflict. We believe that the 5+2 talks can play an important role in resolving the conflict, but any 5+2 meeting must deliver concrete results. The OSCE mission must have unrestricted access to all of Moldova, including the Transnistrian region, and we call on the Transnistrian authorities to grant OSCE monitors consistent, unfettered access. Finally, we would like to highlight the OSCE's vital role in supporting the implementation of our decisions in the Security Council.”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“The United States remains fully committed to supporting the OSCE's efforts in other areas as well. In Georgia, the OSCE plays a positive role in keeping all sides accountable and we encourage the Organization to remain actively engaged as the conflict with Russia in Georgia's occupied territories continues to undermind European security. As a participant in the Geneva international discussions, the United States looks forward to continuing our work with the OSCE to find a peaceful resolution that guarantees Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. As one of the three co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States supports the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The sides have made progress over the years towards a comprehensive settlement through this process.”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“They must be granted full and unfettered access and safe passage to better perform their mission, particularly in areas held by Russian-backed separatists. We continue to be concerned about threats made to the Special Monitoring Mission and underscore the importance of all sides to protect them and their work in monitoring the situation on the ground. The United States continues to support the Minsk agreements and their full and immediate implementation, as the best path to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering in eastern Ukraine. This should remain a priority of the OSCE and we reiterate our call on Russia to adhere to its commitments. We must not forget the situation in occupied Crimea. We once again call for an end to the Russian occupation and attempted annexation of the peninsula.”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“As recent weeks have seen, an increase in violence, including the use of heavy weapons, civilian causalities and damage to critical infrastructure have compounded a desperate humanitarian situation. The Special Monitoring Mission has worked with humanitarian organizations on both sides of the line of contact to ensure that civilians enduring freezing conditions, on top ofthe relentless fighting, have access to heat, water and electricity. OSCE monitors risk their own safety to fulfil their mandate to document ceasefire violations and to provide critical information of the situation on the ground. They deserve our respect and support as they press all sides to bring an immediate end to violence.”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“We commend the long-standing commitment and ongoing efforts of the OSCE in support of regional security. From promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts to working with Governments on the rule of law and anti-corruption, the OSCE plays a key role in strengthening security and stability, addressing humanitarian needs of conflict- afflicted populations and promoting good governance in the region. We believe that the organization should also continue its focus on supporting civil society and independent media and on promoting tolerance and non-discrimination throughout the OSCE region. We urge Mr. Kurz to make the full implementation of all human dimension commitments by all OSCE participating States a priority of his chairmanship. The commitment and bravery of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine deserves particular recognition.”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“I thank Foreign Minster Kurz for his briefing on the planned activities under the Austrian chairmanship. The track record of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) clearly demonstrates the unique and significant role that that organization plays in Europe. The United States fully supports the organization's comprehensive approach to security. We look to the OSCE and its independent institutions and field missions to assist all 57 participating States with the full implementation of their OSCE commitments, and we look to the OSCE to hold those States accountable when they fail to do so. As Ambassador Nikki Haley made clear yesterday, the United States is committed to the institutions that help keep Europe safe (see S/PV.7886).”
2017-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7887 (2017) · source
“Post liberation, Iraqis from all sects, ethnicities and creeds will need to commit to the challenging, often frustrating and compromise-driven process of political reconciliation. Meaningful reconciliation will be essential if Iraq is to avoid a future resurgence of extremism and violence.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Finally, turning to Iraq, in Mosul, the Iraqi security forces - supported by the international counter-Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant coalition - are making strides against Da'esh, having liberated almost half of the city, with the rest soon to follow. The humanitarian situation, however, remains dire for the millions of internally displaced and other civilians impacted by the conflict. The United States has partnered with the Iraqis, the United Nations and others to fund and coordinate the delivery of life-saving assistance. We also note the Government of Iraq's close attention to preventing and minimizing civilian harm in the course of ongoing combat operations. Yet, the eventual defeat of Da'esh will not mark the finish line.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“In Lebanon, we welcome the formation of a cabinet and encourage the new Lebanese Government and President Michel Aoun to seize this opportunity to respond to the needs of the Lebanese people and to address the pressing security, economic and humanitarian challenges facing the country. The United States reaffirms its strong commitment to Lebanon's security, stability and sovereignty, and we look to all parties in Lebanon to uphold its international obligations, including those contained in resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006). We will continue to support Lebanon's State institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security forces, which defend Lebanon's borders and contain Violent spillover effects form the Syrian conflict.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“While the current ceasefire has somewhat reduced violence, attacks continue and thousands of Syrians remain under siege. For months, no United Nations assistance has been delivered to those trapped by the regime, Iran and Hizbullah in towns outside Damascus, despite the presence of United Nations warehouses just a few kilometres away. I remind the Council that those cynical siege tactics and attacks on civilians are a real threat to international peace and security, since they drive the radical extremism that the perpetrators claim they are trying to fight. We cannot remain silent while those atrocities serve as a recruitment tool for terrorists.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Given the grave situations Syrians continue to find themselves in, we support all genuine efforts to de-escalate the Violence in Syria and pave the way for renewed intra-Syria talks. To that end, we support recent Russian and Turkish efforts to bring about a true ceasefire that is respected by all parties. We expect those efforts to lead to the resumption of United Nations-led talks between the regime and the opposition, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), as well as the Geneva principles of 30 June 2012. As we have long said, the parameters for those talks must include a viable nationwide ceasefire, the delivery of humanitarian assistance for all who need it and a Syrian-owned and -led political process that can bring about a more representative, peaceful and united Syria.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Our commitment to peace in the Middle East has never wavered and it never will. Let me move now to Syria. Since 2012, the Council, through numerous resolutions, has called for investigations into chemical weapons use for a nationwide ceasefire and political process to end the war, for sustained humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in need and for steps to be taken to halt the unceasing hell the Syrian people have been living through since the conflict started. Yet here we are in 2017, just a month after the United Nations alerted the world to credible and continuing reports of terrible atrocities in Syria, including summary executions, intense bombardment of areas still populated with civilians and dire humanitarian conditions.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Unfortunately, trends continue to move in the wrong direction. We must all work together to reverse those trends. As reaffirmed by the participants at the French ministerial-level Middle East Peace Conference over the weekend, the international community stands ready to help the parties realize a two-State solution. The ministerial's communique reflected the principles outlined by Secretary Kerry. We ask the parties to restate their commitment to the goal of two States and take urgent steps to reverse trends on the ground that threaten it. Nobody can make decisions on final status issues for Israel or the Palestinians; rather, they must come together to negotiate this themselves in meaningful direct negotiations. It is up to Israel's and Palestinians to make the difficult choices for peace, and if they are ready, we can all help.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) very clearly addresses the need to prevent acts of terror and to condemn them, observe calm, exercise restraint and refrain from incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. As we all know, the viability of a two-State solution is increasingly at risk. We have called for both sides to take significant steps on the ground to reverse current negative trends, and to send a clear message that they are prepared to fundamentally change the equation without waiting for the other side to act. We have repeatedly and emphatically stressed to the Palestinians that all incitements to violence must stop and that all acts of terror must be condemned. Our position regarding settlement activity has also been clear. Meanwhile, we have strongly opposed unilateral efforts to deligitimize Israel in international forums.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“I thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Mr. Mladenov, for briefing the Council today, and him and his Office for their tireless efforts to keep the Council informed while working with all sides. Let me begin by reiterating in the strongest possible terms the United States condemnation of the horrific vehicular attack on 8 January by a terrorist in Jerusalem. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the four Israeli soldiers who were killed, including United States citizen Erez Orbach, and we hope for a full and fast recovery of those injured. The United States and the Security Council both issued statements condemning the attack. There is absolutely no justification for such brutal and senseless attacks. Moreover, we cannot allow attacks like these to deter achieving lasting and durable peace in the Middle East.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we hope that the reconciliation of any differences - or an explanation of why there are differences - will occur swiftly. We especially stress that paragraph 2 of the resolution just adopted emphasizes the need for the full implementation of resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2268 (2016). Likewise, it is clear from paragraph 3 that talks in Astana will relate directly to the United Nations process.”
2016-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7855 (2016) · source
“We voted in favour of resolution 2336 (2016) because it strikes the right balance between cautious optimism and support, predicated on hope but tempered by a realistic need to wait to see how this arrangement is implemented before casting the full weight of the Security Council behind it. We would highlight two key points. Our hope is that a ceasefire will truly hold and will not serve as a justification for further unacceptable offensives. In that regard, we are concerned at reports of a regime offensive, supported by Hizbullah militia, in Wadi Barada. The Security Council's adoption of this text should be seen as a strong signal that such activities must cease. We have also seen press reports that some signatories are concerned about differences between regime and opposition versions ofdelegation documents.”
2016-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7855 (2016) · source
“Yesterday, we learned from our Russian colleagues about a proposed arrangement that Russia and Turkey had concluded to introduce a cessation of hostilities and restart intra-Syrian discussions. Their goals are laudable and we welcome all efforts to end the violence in Syria and strongly support a nationwide ceasefire accompanied by unfettered humanitarian access to all besieged areas. That having been said, we are still learning more about this initiative, including details regarding its implementation. In this regard, we regret that the annexes to the agreements, which outline the ceasefire arrangement brokered by Russia and Turkey in detail, have not yet been made available.”
2016-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7855 (2016) · source
“Today's adoption of a short-term extension of the processes and escrow accounts related to winding up the oil-for-food programme brings us a step closer to closing the book on that programme. The Government of Iraq and the United Nations requested this temporary extension to tie up a few outstanding issues. The United Nations and the Government of Iraq have made substantial progress on this file in the past year, having held successful negotiations and resolved a number of complex legal matters. We hope that both parties might take today's adoption as an indication of the Security Council's support for their efforts to close this file once and for all. The meeting rose at 10.05 am.”
2016-12-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7854 (2016) · source
“Cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is vital to addressing the region's water scarcity and ensuring the survival of the Dead Sea. Still, additional steps are urgently needed to stabilize the economic situation, especially in Gaza, and to reverse current trends. We continue to stress the importance of both sides demonstrating through policies and actions a genuine commitment to a two- State solution in order to reduce tensions, rebuild trust, avoid a cycle of escalation and restore hope.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“This is the type of cooperation that can benefit all. Economic development is also necessary, and the private sector can play a vital role. For example, the first Coca Cola factory opened in the Gaza at the end of November. The plant will create 300 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs in the Gaza supply chain. The licensed manufacturer of Coca Cola in the West Bank and Gaza also committed an initial $1.3 million to a corporate social-responsibility fund to create additional jobs for Gaza youth and improve access to clean drinking water in a Gaza refugee camp. On 1 December, donors pledged at least $175 million in grants and $270 million in soft loans for the trilateral Jordanian-Israeli-Palestinian Red Sea-Dead Sea water project.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“Authorities should conduct timely and transparent investigations into these incidents and ensure that appropriate measures, including prosecution when warranted, are taken to follow through on the findings. There are some positive examples of coordination between Israelis and Palestinians that should be encouraged. For example, coordination between Israeli and Palestinian security forces has played a key role in preventing a greater deterioration in the security situation, and that coordination should continue. We have also seen coordination among civil-society actors work to the benefit of both sides. Facing some of the worst fires in recent memory, Palestinian civil-defence teams funded by the United States Government again came to the aid of their Israeli counterparts, battling fires in Haifa and in Beit Meir and Nataf, near Jerusalem.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“We are further troubled when Ministers in the Israeli Government say publicly that there will be no Palestinian State. Terrorism, incitement to violence, glorification of terrorists and other violent acts also profoundly threaten efforts to advance peace. We continue to stress to the Palestinian leadership the importance of strongly opposing violence in all forms. We continue to make clear that the terrorism and incitement to violence must end. Such acts run contrary to efforts to preserve prospects for peace. We strongly condemn terrorist acts and other violence against Israelis and Palestinians. There is absolutely no justification for such acts. We are also deeply concerned about reports of excessive use of force by Israeli security forces against Palestinian civilians.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“In his recent remarks at the Saban Forum, Secretary Kerry made clear that Israel now faces a choice between continued settlement activity and a two-State solution in the future. As he said, while we do not believe that settlements are the root cause of the conflict, they clearly represent a barrier to achieving a two-State solution. The number of settlers in the West Bank has increased from 110,000 at the time ofthe Oslo Accords, in 1993, to nearly 400,000 today. We are deeply disturbed by Israel's moving forward on the unprecedented legalization under Israeli law of outposts deep in the West Bank. We believe the potential legalization of thousands of settlement housing units that are currently illegal under Israeli law would profoundly damage prospects for a two-State solution.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“We continue to call upon all sides to demonstrate with actions and policies a genuine commitment to the two-State solution, which will enable a resumption of meaningful negotiations in the future. The current United States Administration has consistently opposed every effort to delegitimize Israel or undermine its security, including at the United Nations. We will continue to oppose any draft resolutions that would seek to do so. As the Council knows, we are very concerned about the situation on the ground and believe that current trends are moving in the wrong direction. That includes our serious concerns about continued settlement activities. Make no mistake: the United States views settlements as illegitimate and counterproductive to the cause of peace.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and for his efforts throughout his tenure to secure peace and protect civilians in the Middle East and throughout the world. With regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the trends are indeed discouraging, which is why it is so critical that we all work to keep the possibility of peace open. There really is no alternative. The United States remains committed to achieving a lasting resolution of the conflict and we will continue to work to advance the interest that we all share - bringing about a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. We remain in close consultations with the parties to the conflict and key stakeholders to try to move things in a more positive direction.”
2016-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7839 (2016) · source
“The existential threat we all face from these weapons, and from those who would use them, cannot be overstated. This resolution makes meaningful progress towards countering that threat.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“Now that the comprehensive review is concluded, we look forward to working with our colleagues to evaluate what more can be done within the framework of resolution 1540 (2004) to prevent the proliferation of WMDs, including to our through non-State actors. On a particular note, we would welcome a discussion in the Council on optimal approaches to the enforcement ofobligations under resolution 1540 (2004). Our new resolution 2325 (2016), which incorporates the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the 1540 Committee based on the comprehensive review will promote the implementation of the resolution in the coming years by providing better guidance to the 1540 Committee and the international community. We commend Spain for the substantial achievement of the resolution's adoption today.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The comprehensive review yielded a range of valuable insights for enhancing the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) to better address the increased risks. Among its contributions, the report of the 1540 Committee drew attention to the rapid developments in science and technology affecting the proliferation environment and highlighted the importance of those developments in our preventive responses. The report emphasized the need for States to better account for and control vulnerable materials and to better enforce resolution 1540 (2004) within their respective systems. The report updated its information on the implementation of the resolution for all 193 States Members since the first time since December 2010. Based on those results, and others, we see the comprehensive review process as a meaningful success.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“For example, we know that there can be vulnerabilities in national export control regimes, which can be exploited by outside States seeking to proliferate. The Council has decided that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security, and that States shall take and enforce effective measures to prevent proliferation. It can be comfortable to think of resolution 1540 (2004) as a resolution that addresses only the proliferation threats posed by non-State actors, but that is a dangerous oversimplification. Resolution 1540 (2004) applies equally to both State and non-State actors, which leads me to an important point about implementation.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“Together, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, the Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions and resolution 1540 (2004) provide the foundation for combating the use of weapons of mass destruction by State and non-State actors. What the threat calls for is not a new legal mechanism, but more effective and dedicated implementation of the existing instrument that form this comprehensive foundation. The comprehensive review has illustrated for us that the pathways of these weapons and materials can be permeable and go in more than one direction. We have seen that non-State, actors such as private-sector companies, can contribute to illicit State programmes for weapons of mass destruction under sanction by the Security Council.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The proposal for a convention on the suppression of chemical and biological terrorism is founded on the faulty premise that there are legal gaps in the existing international framework to combat the use of chemical and biological weapons by non-State actors. In fact, the problem is inadequate implementation of the existing framework. Through diplomatic efforts, the United States bolsters efforts to prevent non-State actors' use of chemical and biological weapons - by sponsoring bilateral programmes that enhance the security of weapons of mass destruction applicable expertise, material and infrastructure worldwide.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“As we have stated before, the United States condemns in the strongest terms any use of chemical weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, and it is in all of our interests to do so. There are today robust and multifaceted tools available to combat the threat of use of chemical and biological weapons by non-State actors. In addition to its proposals in resolution 1540 (2004), the United States recently presented several proposals under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention to strengthen those tools even further. We urge Member States to support those proposals so that we can collectively strengthen our efforts to combat the threat of non-State actors' use of chemical and biological weapons now, not later.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The second comprehensive review has reinforced the importance, urgency and relevance of resolution 1540 (2004) and its implementation. The review was inclusive. It gave voice to many dozens of States, international and regional organizations and, in a major improvement over the 2009 review, academia, civil society and industry representatives - all of whom play a role in implementing the resolution. The comprehensive review has shown us in vivid terms that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their use is a persistent and expanding threat. We know that State and non-State actors have used chemical weapons in Syria. It was documented clearly for us in August and October by the United Nations-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Joint Investigative Mechanism.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“As we convene here today in one of the world's most populous metropolitan areas, we must remain mindful of what our world could look like if a successful WMD attack were perpetrated on this population or one like it. We must remain vigilant against those who have demonstrated their clear intent to use these weapons on civilians. We must emphasize that preventing such an attack is Vital and necessary. We must acknowledge that effective prevention cannot be achieved without effective collaboration among States and other relevant institutions. The role of the Security Council is central to that effort, and resolution 1540 (2004) provides the international community with one of the most valuable tools for pursuing it.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“I would like to express our appreciation to Spain for holding today's important debate on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and non-State actors. We welcome today's unanimous adoption of resolution 2325 (2016), which we had the privilege to co-sponsor. We extend our particular thanks to Ambassador Oyarzun Marchesi and his team for their excellent work over the past two years, especially in guiding the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) through its second comprehensive review of the resolution 1540 (2004). The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their potential use remain the gravest of threats to international peace and security.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source