YouSaid · the spoken record

Skoog

lines on the record: 1,817
first: 2015-03-16
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 248
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

“At the same time, in a fractured world it is essential that all Member States allow the United Nations to play its role as a platform for dialogue. The message of the new leadership of the European Union is clear. The EU is and will continue to be a guardian of multilateralism, standing up for the rules-based international order, including the protection of human rights, with the United Nations and its Charter at its core. The EU will continue to support the institutions that have served us so well and the rules and norms that have laid the foundation for the progress we have seen and benefitted from over the past 75 years. To uphold the multilateral system and respect for the United Nations Charter is not only in the interest of all member states; it is also the responsibility of all Member States.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Power is not a zero-sum game, and respect for the international, rules-based system, is in everybody’s best interests. The unfolding escalation in the Middle East is an extremely serious case in point. It could jeopardize regional security and strengthen global terrorism. The EU is deeply concerned about the latest increase in violent confrontations in Iraq and underlines the need for de-escalation and dialogue and for respecting Iraqi sovereignty. The only way forward is a regional political solution in line with international law. In this context, the EU attaches great importance to preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and to its full implementation. It is a fundamental element of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and crucial to the security of the region and of the world.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“While we live in an era of unprecedented quantity and range of multilateral structures, the multilateral system is also increasingly being challenged. New competition and tensions are undermining the system. Widely accepted treaties and agreements seem to be put into question. It has been argued that this is the result of a shift of power, and the seemingly powerlessness of multilateralism in the face of modern challenges; that the legitimacy of the multilateral system is vanishing and that the ideals it represents are out of date. But let us base our discussion here today on facts. Sidelining the multilateral system and returning to the rules that predate the United Nations Charter would bring us back to something that we, not least us Europeans, know all too well — chaos and violence.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“It works for all of us — countries that have military might and economic dominance and those that do not. We all benefit. The Charter serves us all. At the same time, we must recognize that new types of threats are on the rise, including hybrid warfare, foreign interference and violent extremism. Fundamental global developments, climate change, changing demography and disruptive technology will continue producing new kinds of challenges to peace and security. We have to continue finding ways to prevent and handle these challenges by developing, strengthening and reforming the multilateral system. Our only point of departure for tackling complex, interconnected, global challenges is multilateral cooperation that binds us all. The United Nations Charter is at the very core of that.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“For almost three quarters of a century, the Charter of the United Nations has not only served as the legal basis of this Organization but has also stood as an enduring symbol of multilateral cooperation and the rules-based international order. Written at the end of the darkest days in the history of humankind, the Charter represented new hope for the peoples of the world. The United Nations Charter is as relevant and important today as it was when first signed. Upholding agreed rules and norms is the only starting point we have for handling increasingly complex challenges. The Charter and the multilateral cooperation that it has established have been a remarkable success. There has been a clear decline in violence and in the type of inter-State conflicts that the Charter was designed to handle.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on the behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. Turkey, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement. Out of respect for all the subsequent speakers this afternoon and possibly tomorrow, I have abbreviated my statement considerably. The full version is available online. I want to start by conveying our sincere condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane crash outside Tehran yesterday morning. Congratulations to you, Sir, and to Viet Nam for assuming the presidency of the Security Council. The EU welcomes your choice of topic for today’s open debate.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“That is why the EU, together with other partners of the international community, will continue to work relentlessly to preserve the JCPOA while calling on Iran to reverse its course of action.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“The EU-led discussions, together with France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, focus on exchanging views with Iran on regional stability. That dialogue, as well as other channels of communications between the European Union and Iran, continues to be a useful platform for discussions on shared interest and concern. The absence of direct channels of communication might easily lead to spaces where the risk of misunderstandings and miscalculations thrives. Let us not forget what the purpose of the JCPOA is: it is a nuclear non-proliferation agreement. Let us not forget what it has been able to deliver: it kept Iran fully compliant with its nuclear-related commitments for three and a half years. Let us not forget that there is no credible, peaceful alternative.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“We expect that all Security Council members will continue supporting the channel's preservation in line with resolution 2231 (2015). While the JCPOA addresses nuclear non-proliferation aspects, a series of events outside the nuclear domain are increasingly worrisome. The EU continues to urge all actors to reduce tension, refrain from escalatory rhetoric and prevent a military build-up in the region. The European Union has repeatedly urged Iran to refrain from activities that could deepen mistrust, such as ballistic missile tests, which are inconsistent with resolution 2231 (2015). The EU is a strong promoter of multilateral diplomacy and continues to advocate for dialogue and constructive engagement. It is thanks to the JCPOA that the EU has been able to hold discussions with Iran on the situation in the region.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“In the eighth Joint Commission report on the status of the Procurement Working Group's decisions and on any implementation issues, submitted to the Facilitator on 4 December and subsequently circulated as a document of the Security Council (S/2019/925), the remaining participants stated their commitment to continue reviewing proposals in an impartial and independent manner. In that context, it is a positive signal that the channel keeps receiving proposals, albeit at a decreased pace. A substantial amount of outreach has been conducted during the past few years, and countries around the world are aware of the procedures of the channel. Our outreach efforts will continue, together with colleagues from the Secretariat and the Facilitator.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“Established under annex IV of the JCPOA, the procurement channel remains aunique non-proliferation, transparency and confidence-building instrument. It is a key mechanism to prevent the misuse of nuclear and dual-use items and to ensure that exports of such items are consistent with the JCPOA. We recognize the challenges brought about by the withdrawal of the United States from the J CPOA and the re-imposition of sanctions. The procurement channel, however, remains a Security Council mechanism, and the decision on a proposal for transfer is endorsed by all its 15 members.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“In a statement on 11 November, together with the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the High Representative of the European Union expressed extreme concern about the latest step taken by Iran with regard to restarting uranium enrichment activities at Fordow. A number of projects are being implemented in support of annex III of the JCPOA, on civil nuclear cooperation, particularly in the field of nuclear safety and regulatory support. Annex III helps us to gain a better understanding of Iran's nuclear needs and gradually build confidence in Iran's programme. It also plays a significant role for Iran, as it balances the limitations of the nuclear programme with civil nuclear development and longer-term engagement.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“It is essential that we continue to preserve this tool and not let it derail into an irreparable situation. That is why the EU continues to be resolutely committed to the JCPOA. We continue to support it and are determined to work with the international community to preserve it. We should not assume that another opportunity will be presented to the international community to address Iran's nuclear programme in such a thorough manner as the one presented by the JCPOA. The EU has been consistent in its commitment to the continued full and effective implementation of the Agreement, as long as Iran abides by its commitments. That has been repeated in numerous statements. The course of action taken by Iran to reduce its nuclear-related commitments is deeply worrisome.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“We welcome the fact that efforts have been intensified in recent weeks, particularly on the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), with a view to facilitating legitimate trade with Iran, consistent with international laws and European regulations, as well as to support the needs of the Iranian population. We welcome the decision announced on 29 November by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to become shareholders of INSTEX along with the original shareholders, namely, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The JCPOA is a key element of the new global nuclear non-proliferation architecture, and we should not forget that it was unanimously endorsed by resolution 2231 (2015). It is the only tool available to provide the international community with the necessary assurances on Iran's nuclear programme.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“In addition, the United States decision not to fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects could bear significant security implications. The EU expresses its strong support for the continuation of key nuclear non-proliferation projects that are an essential part of the JCPOA. We welcome continued efforts by the Arak Working Group co-Chairs - China and the United Kingdom - in taking the Arak modernization project forward. We also welcome the efforts of Russia to continue the implementation of the project at Fordow for the production of medical stable isotopes. The European Union, for its part, lifted its sanctions in line with its JCPOA obligations. It remains committed to work on the preservation of the agreement, including towards the objective of normalizing economic and trade relations with Iran.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“That is something that the European Union deeply regrets, and we strongly urge Iran to change its course of action. The JCPOA is a nuclear non-proliferation agreement with obligations on all parties. Alongside the implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments, the lifting of sanctions that allows for the normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran constitute essential parts of the J CPOA. In that regard, the European Union and all 28 member States deeply regret the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement. The United States subsequent reimposition of unilateral sanctions and its decision not to extend waivers with regard to trade in oil are having a significant impact on Iran's economy.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“The reasons are clear, and it is important to remember where we were before the JCPOA. The plan rolled back Iran's nuclear programme, set strict limitations, blocking Iran's access to plutonium and high-enriched uranium, and established the most robust verification mechanism by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Once the JCPOA was agreed upon, more than four years ago, Iran fully complied with the nuclear-related provisions for three and a half years, including for 14 months after the United States withdrew from the plan and reimposed unilateral sanctions. That has been verified and reported by the IAEA through the Agency's robust monitoring mechanism on the Iranian nuclear programme. However, earlier this year, Iran decided to embark on a worrisome path of decreasing its nuclear-related commitments.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“In addition, I would like to convey my deep appreciation for the work done by colleagues in the Secretariat, including in relation to the procurement channel - as just mentioned by Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo - and work to prepare the latest report (S/2019/934) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the resolution. Today we are witnessing a major challenge, as the JCPOA is under increasing pressure. We have a responsibility, as members of the international community, to prevent it from falling apart. The remaining parties to the JCPOA at the latest Joint Commission meeting, on 6 December, emphasized the key importance of full and effective implementation by all sides, as well as their determination to pursue all efforts to preserve the agreement.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“Mr. Skoog: It is an honour to back in the Security Council, now in my new capacity as Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the United Nations. I address the Council today on behalf of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Commission established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). I would also like to extend my gratitude to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Mr. Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve, Ambassador of Belgium serving as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), for the great collaboration over the past months.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“The Group of Like-minded States on Targeted Sanctions therefore urges the Security Council and the Secretary- General to pursue their efforts to ensure that due process is afforded and that human rights are respected, both in the process of imposing sanctions and in subsequent implementation measures. Similar due process concerns to those faced in the lSIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida sanctions regime exist in relation to other Security Council sanctions regimes. Courts and tribunals are increasingly faced with questions emanating from other sanctions regimes and have underlined the lack of due process protection that they provide. That is why we ask that the Council address this issue by creating an Ombudsperson or a mechanism that provides equivalent protection for other sanctions regimes.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“This is a matter not only of working methods but also of ensuring that individuals placed on United Nations sanctions lists enjoy fair and clear procedures and are afforded due process. The fairness of such processes is a determinant for the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Security Council's sanctions system, which could otherwise be challenged by national or regional courts. In that regard, we wish to recall our letter to the Security Council dated 7 December 2018 (S/2018/1094), which also includes other proposals for improving due process with regard to the Office of the Ombudsperson. We all have an interest in ensuring efficient sanctions that are legitimate as well as perceived to be legitimate.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“When the function and Office ofthe Ombudsperson were established, it was underscored that it should be able to carry out its mandate in an independent and impartial manner. The members of the Group of Like-minded States on Targeted Sanctions are today especially concerned that this independence is being undermined by the current contractual status of and institutional arrangements for the Office of the Ombudsperson in the Secretariat. We therefore urge the Secretary-General to ensure that the capacity of the Office of the Ombudsperson is strengthened and that necessary arrangements are made "to ensure its continued ability to carry out its mandate in an independent, effective and timely manner", as stated in paragraph 65 of resolution 2368 (2017).”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“December will mark the 10-year anniversary of the creation of the Office of the Ombudsperson for the sanctions regime of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, which was established precisely for the particular purpose of strengthening due process and fair and clear procedures in the sanctions regime. We have seen the work of the Ombudsperson develop and deepen. It has had a real impact on individuals' right to due process in the sanctions listing and delisting process. That achievement of the Ombudsperson has also been recognized by various regional and national courts.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“I will address the Council today on behalf of the Group of Like-minded States on Targeted Sanctions, which is made up of Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and my own country, Sweden. I will focus on one of the issues raised in the concept note for this debate (S/2019/450, annex), namely, how transparency and efficiency can be improved in the work of the Council's subsidiary bodies, including the strengthening of due process.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Council for this month, and pay tribute to the very strong, energetic and dynamic leadership of Kuwait on the issue of the working methods of the Security Council. I also wish to thank the Kuwaiti presidency for convening this open debate today. I also wish to thank the briefers for their very useful and interesting statements. I think that, having listened to many statements by the wider membership today, there are a host of extremely useful issues that will help the Council in improving its working methods.”
2019-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8539 (2019) · source
“We believe that the upcoming climate summit in September would be the appropriate venue to push this forward. Finally, the Swedish Government will remain an active partner on this urgent agenda by building on our experiences from pursuing these issues on the Security Council for the past two years. That includes through our significant contribution to all the relevant climate funds and our world-leading national policy on cutting carbon emissions, which is now enshrined in our national laws.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“That was already being called for in the presidential statement driven by Germany on climate and security in 2011 (S/PRST/2011/15) and must now be made a reality. Secondly, as we begin to better understand the risks, there is a need to develop approaches that more effectively address them, including through updated mission mandates, programmes and allocation of resources. We must also ensure that diplomatic efforts, training and mission deployments, as well as development policies, are informed by due risk assessments. Thirdly, we should increasingly consider climate-related challenges within mediation efforts. To meet the challenges related to climate and security, we need a true institutional home for those issues within the United Nations. The coordination mechanism is an important first step and could be further developed.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change special report Global Warming of I.5Â°C makes that abundantly clear. The world has already crossed some of its planetary boundaries - I think the briefer from the World Meteorological Organization stressed the same issues in his briefing this morning. Of course, this has far-reaching consequences that are not yet known, including on international peace and security. I would like to make three brief practical suggestions on the way ahead when it comes to addressing the more immediate concerns. First, the Council - and other key decision-making bodies within and outside the United Nations need comprehensive climate-related security risk information, forward-looking analysis and early-warning mechanisms to be able to make informed decisions.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We have now moved beyond the question of whether climate change impacts peace and security; this has been established and recognized. It is now about what to do, how to do it and to do it now. Some negative effects of climate change on security are already evident, including water and food insecurity, increasingly frequent extreme weather and natural disasters and sea-level rise. Those are phenomena that we know risk leading to loss of life, displacement and competition over scarce resources and social tensions, and indeed the triggering of conflict. The fact that countries all over the world are reflecting those threats in their respective national security strategies just goes to show how real and widespread the issue has become. We are entering into unknown territory.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We very much welcome the steps taken by the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme to form a coordination mechanism to that end, which we see as an embryo of improved analysis of the common threats that exist between climate change and security and which need to be put to the Council on a more frequent basis. In July 2018, during our presidency of the Security Council, we organized a thematic debate - as you, Mr. President, are doing today - which demonstrated broad and cross-regional support to take the agenda forward. In that light, we thank the Dominican Republic for taking up the baton and organizing today's timely debate.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“The Council repeatedly emphasized the need for adequate risk assessments in order to make our conflict prevention efforts more effective. I agree that there is a need for, and that it would be useful to have, a stand-alone resolution of the Security Council recognizing the connection between security and climate change. But let us not forget, as I said, that there are several decisions that are significant enough to keep the Security Council busy and should hold it to account when it comes to following up on these issues.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We express our thanks to the briefers this morning. I want to say that, from day one, climate and security was a top priority for Sweden during our tenure on the Security Council over the past two years. We listened to so many countries asking the Council to better pursue this agenda based on the realities on the ground. We have heard that again today, but with further urgency - of course, without prejudice to the mandates of other bodies inside and outside the United Nations. With conflict prevention as our point of departure, we fully integrated climate-related security risks into our country- and region-specific work. During our two-year term, the Council clearly recognized the links between climate change and security in a number of distinct geographical contexts.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Swedish engagement on Yemen will continue beyond our tenure on the Council. During our term, we have made continued efforts to keep Yemen high on the Council's agenda, including addressing the humanitarian disaster. We will, for the third time, co-host, together with Switzerland, the pledging event for the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Yemen, on 26 February 2019, as a further response to the humanitarian disaster. We have also continuously emphasized the importance of an inclusive political process with the meaningful participation of women and young people. As we stated in this Chamber last Friday, the breakthrough made by the parties in Sweden is truly significant and it brings hope but it will be meaningful only once it produces results for the Yemeni people (see S/PV.8424).”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source
“We stand ready to participate in the United Nations presence that will be established in Hudaydah. We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis and the looming threat of famine. The measures in the Stockholm agreement will serve to alleviate humanitarian suffering, but further measures are urgently needed, as outlined several times to the Security Council by Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock. Looking ahead, we welcome the Special Envoy's intention to convene the two sides again in January for continued discussions on the many issues at hand, including further confidence-building measures and the framework for a forward-looking political process. The parties should show the same level of commitment as there was in Stockholm to move forward on those issues.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source
“As tensions remain on the ground, following years of conflict and lack of trust between the parties, it is important that the Security Council insists on the full respect of the ceasefire by all parties and that the United Nations is authorized to monitor it. We now look forward to the swift establishment and deployment of the advanced team to begin the monitoring and facilitation of the implementation of the Stockholm agreement, and we appreciate that the Secretary-General has moved very swiftly to ensure that the United Nations fulfils its part in this implementation. The United Nations does have a key role in working with the parties to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld and that ports and roads can remain open so that provisions can enter the country.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source
“The resolution does not address all the issues of the multifaceted crisis that Yemen faces, but the implementation of the concrete measures in the Stockroom agreement will provide much-needed steps in that direction, with a direct and positive humanitarian impact for the people of Yemen. We commend the Yemeni parties for engaging constructively at the United Nations-led consultations. We welcome the tireless efforts of Special Envoy Griffiths, and we also reiterate our deep appreciation for the personal engagement of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Implementation of the key provisions of the resolution is urgently needed and must be our primary focus. The ceasefire announced in Hudaydah as from 18 December is the most pressing of several important steps.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source
“We voted in favour of today's resolution on Yemen (resolution 2451 (2018)), and we strongly welcome its adoption for all the reasons that my colleague from the United Kingdomjust mentioned. I want to thank her and her team and all other Council members for having worked hard in favour of this resolution. As stated by Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, the Stockholm agreement can be the breakthrough for peace and a turning point for the crisis in Yemen. Today's resolution endorses the agreement, calls on the parties to implement it, authorizes the United Nations to support its implementation and sets out next steps in the process.”
2018-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8439 (2018) · source
“The Security Council must therefore wholeheartedly support the United Nations-led political process and remain actively engaged.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Sustainable peace can happen only if the perpetrators of the horrible crimes witnessed in Syria are brought to justice. The international community must not allow impunity. We encourage increased funding and support for the mechanisms established to ensure that evidence is preserved for future criminal proceedings, and we believe that the Council should refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. It is only through a United Nations-led process, trusted by all Syrians and supported by the international community, that we can achieve a political solution in Syria - one that addresses the fundamental grievances of the Syrian people, guarantees their rights and aspirations, and creates the conditions for peace and stability for them.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Sweden, like the rest of the European Union, will be ready to assist only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex), is firmly under way - as that is deemed necessary in order to reach sustainable peace. Finally, accountability is also necessary for sustainable peace. The conflict in Syria has been characterized by a flagrant disregard for international law and by disrespect for human life. The Special Envoy recently stated that he has never, in his long United Nations career, seen a conflict with the use of such indiscriminate brutality as in Syria. Upholding the international rules-based order is fundamental to efforts to end conflicts and prevent new conflicts from unfolding.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“They would now also face discriminatory legislation undermining their housing, land and property rights. They all know family and friends who have been arrested, imprisoned and tortured. There are no excuses for the Syrian authorities to hold those unlawfully held in prison. The authorities should release those detainees and uncover the fate of all of those Syrians who have disappeared. In order to create the conditions for the return of refugees, a political solution and respect by the Syrian authorities for international law, including international refugee law and international human rights law, is therefore fundamental. As part ofbuilding sustainable peace, we recognize that the reconstruction of Syria will eventually be needed.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“In that connection, the 12 principles referred to and repeated by Staffan De Mistura today are fundamental to efforts to move the entire process forward. Thirdly, on the conditions for sustainable peace, the conflict has led to a disaster far beyond Syria's borders. Six million people have been displaced within the country, and five million have fled to neighbouring countries. The conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees are not yet in place, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Let us be clear. The primary reason why refugees and internally displaced persons are not returning is not primarily the lack of schools, hospitals and roads. It is first and foremost because they fear for their safety. They fear retribution, persecution and detention.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We fully trust the United Nations judgement in ensuring that the committee's composition and its rules of procedure meet the requirements needed for international legitimacy. There is not much time left. Every effort must now be made to establish the committee in a way that satisfies the United Nations criteria. The committee must then be swiftly convened in Geneva under United Nations auspices. The failure to establish that committee would, however, rest fully with the Government of Syria, owing to its lack of constructive engagement and willingness to compromise to date. We urge the Government of Syria and those with good relations with Damascus to ensure full collaboration. Constitutional reform represents a stepping stone towards elections, which must be free and fair, with all Syrians eligible to participate.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“A safe, calm and neutral environment on the ground is necessary for progress towards a political solution. Secondly, a sustainable political solution to the Syrian conflict that is acceptable to the international community can happen only through a United Nations- led political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). Women's full and effective participation in that process is critical, and I want to thank Mr. Staffan de Mistura for dedicating all his efforts to that agenda. We appreciate the update on the constitutional committee. It is deeply disappointing that, one year after Sochi, that committee has still not been established. As just stated by Mr. Staffan de Mistura, there is still an extra mile to walk to ensure a credible, balanced and inclusive committee.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“We welcome the Astana guarantors' renewed commitment to uphold the ceasefire in Idlib, and we reiterate our expectations of the guarantors in that regard. We are encouraged that the agreement to cease hostilities continues to hold, although there have been worrying signs of violence recently. We are therefore deeply concerned by continued military operations by Syrian Government forces and allies, particularly in Idlib, where there are reports of civilian casualties. We are also concerned by Turkish statements regarding a possible military operation in north-eastern Syria. Turkey is a critically important actor in that crisis and a key partner of the European Union. As stated by European Union High Representative Mogherini, we expect Turkey to refrain from any unilateral action that would risk further instability in Syria.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“That is the only way to ensure that the grievances of the Syrian people that led to that tragedy can be addressed and that all of the people of Syria can come to feel trust in the future. Since the beginning of our tenure on the Security Council, we have tried to leave no stone unturned in seeking progress towards bringing the conflict in Syria to an end and ensuring that the humanitarian needs are covered. Today, I will focus on the importance of immediate military de-escalation, the urgent need for progress towards a sustainable political solution, and the necessary conditions for lasting peace. First, on the importance of de-escalation, we call on all parties to the conflict to de-escalate and show restraint, as well as to fully respect their obligations under international law.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“I would like to start by expressing Sweden's immense appreciation to Special Envoy Staffan De Mistura for his tireless efforts for the people of Syria. I want to thank Mr. De Mistura for his perseverance, creativity and energy, and may I add, civility and dignity in circumstances where those values have been in short supply. We, of course, welcome incoming Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, and we assure him that he will have Sweden's full support. It is important to maintain focus, momentum and, I believe, the unity of the Council in backing him in his difficult task. After almost eight years of conflict, we fully understand those who claim that the international community has failed the Syrian people. The international community has a responsibility now to remain actively engaged on Syria.”
2018-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8434 (2018) · source
“Building the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces is important and requires an increased focus. We strongly encourage continued efforts in this regard, including in the maritime sector, to enable an incremental and controlled reduction of UNIFIL's naval component in future. We also encourage increased efforts to ensure that the LAF model regiment in southern Lebanon becomes operational as soon as possible. There is full unity in support of Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, as demonstrated by the high-level held conferences in Rome, Paris and Brussels earlier this year. The international community must now continue to assist Lebanon in delivering on its commitments and build on the results of those conferences. Lebanon must stay on its path towards stability and peace.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“We therefore encourage the parties to make full use of UNIFIL liaison, coordination and tripartite mechanisms in the de-escalation of any tensions. The paramilitary capabilities of Hizbullah remain a clear risk to the stability of Lebanon and elsewhere. The provisions in resolution 1559 (2004) must be swiftly implemented, including the provision on the disarmament ofall Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. We welcome positive signs that a Lebanese Government is to be formed soon. That is needed for Lebanon to be able to take steps towards a politically and economically stable and secure future. We welcome President Aoun's renewed commitment to developing a national defence strategy once a Government is formed. We encourage political leaders to support the President in that endeavour.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“UNIFIL's monitoring and reports of violations of the resolution are crucial, and the Security Council should be kept informed. We condemn all violations of resolution 1701 (2006) by both sides, including the almost-daily Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace. We call on all parties now to show restraint and de-escalate tensions. UNIFIL plays an important role in sustaining peace in Lebanon and in the region as a whole. We welcome that UNIFIL has now stepped up its efforts to preserve stability, and we emphasize the importance ofUNIFIL's close cooperation with both the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces. It is crucial to avoid any misunderstandings that could lead to escalation.”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source