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

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“We also reiterate our calls on all donors to contribute generously to the underfunded Syria appeals. We would like to focus our remarks yet again on Idlib, and thank Staffan De Mistura and Mr. Lowcock for keeping us up to date on the different aspects of the extremely serious situation there, and of the intensive work of the United Nations to prevent what we have been warned could be the biggest humanitarian catastrophe of this century. We received reports that there were days without airstrikes last week, which shows that, when there is political will, a cessation of hostilities can be achieved. We are encouraged by the statements from the meeting in Sochi yesterday, and we hope that a cessation of hostilities in Idlib will now ensue and be respected by all and that dialogue rather than military escalation will prevail.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“I also want to express my condolences to Russia for the recent loss of life, which adds to the list of immeasurable losses of life in Syria and highlights the need for an urgent political solution. I speak on behalf of Sweden and Kuwait. I would first like to thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his briefing on the humanitarian situation and the humanitarian assistance provided by the United Nations in very difficult circumstances. We reiterate our call for safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need across Syria, including to areas that have recently changed control. The reports of the Secretary-General continue to be clear that all methods of delivery, including cross- border aid, are essential to the effective provision of humanitarian assistance and to ensuring a needs-based response.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“Creative diplomacy will also continue to be needed in the next steps. Lastly, with regard to the humanitarian situation, there is no doubt that the responsibility for the dire humanitarian situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea rests with the Government. At the same time, there are continued concerns about reports of the adverse indirect impacts of sanctions on humanitarian aid delivery and the ability of humanitarian organizations to respond to life-saving humanitarian needs. Enhanced efforts are needed to ensure that the humanitarian exemptions in our resolutions are effectively implemented.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source
“The summit between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Singapore in June was very significant. It is important now that both parties work to maintain momentum and take positive steps. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea should without delay translate its commitments into legally binding undertakings. Signing and ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty would be an important step for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to demonstrate its seriousness. It is also important that the International Atomic Energy Agency get a role early in the verification of the denuclearization and disarmament process. We welcome the fact that the Secretary-General and the United Nations system stand ready to support those diplomatic efforts.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source
“It is never acceptable for Member States to interfere with the work of the Panel of Experts, seeking to influence its findings and conclusions. That threatens to seriously undermine the integrity of the United Nations independent panel reporting process. Any difference of use should instead be addressed through constructive discussions within the framework of the sanctions Committee. Secondly, diplomatic efforts and dialogue towards a peaceful solution should be encouraged, acknowledged and supported. We welcome the continued progress in the inter-Korean dialogue and the upcoming summit tomorrow. The inter-Korean family reunion process is also a positive step forward, and we hope that further such reunions can take place soon.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source
“First, we must effectively implement and uphold the sanctions on North Korea until the demands of the resolutions are fully met. It is with great concern that we see widespread violations of the sanctions regime continue in a range of areas, including arms exports, petroleum trade and financial transactions. We call on all Member States to fulfil their obligations and ensure their full implementation. We have worked actively in the European Union to ensure that all countries have the necessary guidance and capacity. We commend the thorough work of the Netherlands and the tireless efforts of our dear colleague, Karel Van Oosterom, as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006). The important work of the Panel of Experts should also be recognized, and we stress the need to respect its independence and impartiality.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing this morning, and I would like to say that I am very happy to see our colleagues from the Republic of Korea and Japan around the table. The situation on the Korean peninsula has momentous implications for international peace and security. The unity ofpurpose among Council members in addressing the situation has been decisive for the progress made so far. Continued unity in our approach will be critical to achieving our common objective ofthe complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The Security Council must stand with the same unity in the implementation of the resolutions we have adopted. I would like to make three briefpoints on sanctions, diplomatic efforts and the humanitarian situation.”
2018-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8353 (2018) · source
“We look forward to receiving further information and risk analysis to that end. We also welcome the resilience and recovery framework launched by the Government at the Somalia Partnership Forum, which will help us be proactive instead of reactive in the face of climate-related threats. In conclusion, I should like to thank once again Special Representative of the Secretary-General Michael Keating for his relentless engagement and valuable work with regard to Somalia's development. We welcome his reform of UNSOM. and the introduction of the comprehensive approach to security, which paved the way for a more effective approach of the international communities' efforts in Somalia. We are also highly appreciative of the good cooperation that we have enjoyed with him and his staff in Somalia and wish him every success in his next assignment.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“The Council needs to stand with the Federal and state Governments in their efforts to advance gender equality. Dedicated support for women's participation is needed, not just regarding elections, electoral reforms and the constitutional review process, but also for efforts to advance national and local reconciliation, prevent violent extremism and reform the security sector. In that regard, Sweden is working to create a women's network for mediation in Somalia. We commend the reporting on gender equality and women's empowerment in order to better follow up on those issues. We would welcome the use of gender- disaggregated data in future reports. We also welcome the reporting with respect to climate-related security risks, as there is no doubt that they have a direct impact on the stability and security of the country.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“To that end, strong commitment by Somali actors, as well as by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), its troop-contributing countries and other partners, will be vital. Improved coordination of international support will also be crucial. We need to acknowledge, however, that the build-up of security in Somalia will take time. We must therefore also continue to address the challenges to AMISOM's efforts, including by ensuring adequate, predictable and sustainable funding. We commend the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) to engage women and its efforts to increase their political representation. The Executive Director's briefing shows how gender issues are central to peace and security in Somalia.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“We welcomed the successful outcome of the Somalia Partnership Forum in July, co-hosted by my Government, Somalia and the European Union, as it was an important opportunity to take stock of progress made and setting subsequent priorities. Active support from the international community for Somalia's development remains crucial. We commend the Federal Government's ambitious and successful economic reforms. Continued reforms are central for the overall State-building process in Somalia and for restoring trust in the Government. It is important that efforts now be geared towards the implementation of more demanding reforms. We also commend the steps taken by the Government and the federal member states in security sector reform. The adopted transition plan needs to be swiftly and successfully implemented.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“It is important that a constructive and inclusive political dialogue continue at all levels, while taking on the challenging tasks that lie ahead, not least, with regard to the constitutional review, the strengthening of federalism and preparing for the 2020-2021 general elections, which will be the true peace accord for Somalia. The recent deterioration of relations between the federal member states and the Federal Government are of great concern in that regard. We urge all stakeholders to promptly meet in the National Security Council to address current grievances through mutually respectful dialogue. Functioning collaboration between the Government and the member states is a precondition for moving forward the Government's ambitious reform agenda and for Somalia's aspiration towards debt relief and advancing economic development.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“I will take this opportunity to welcome, as others have done, our new colleague from Ethiopia, and repeat how important it is that, we, the Security Council recognize and acknowledge the historic significance of the decisions taken, not least by Ethiopia, and the positive momentum that those decisions have had for the entire region and how such leadership should serve as a model for so many other situations that are frequently on our agenda. It is imperative, in that light, that Somali actors seize this opportunity for historic and significant change and continue the positive trajectory in addressing their own internal conflicts, not least the aggravated situation between Somaliland and Puntland. We strongly welcome the Federal Government's positive agenda and the high goals that it has set for Somalia.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“I thank Special Representative Keating, Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson for Somalia Madeira and Executive-Director Mlambo-Ngcuka for their briefings this morning. Their remarks and the report of the Secretary-General(S/2018/800)underlinethesignificant political progress that has been made in Somalia and the region during the reporting period. The past few months have seen positive regional developments take place at an astonishing pace, mainly driven by the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The tripartite summit in Eritrea and last week's high-level meeting in Djibouti among the Foreign Ministers of the region hold out the prospect of true change and a possibility to end the instability that has plagued the Horn of Africa for far too long.”
2018-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8352 (2018) · source
“Cases of abuse, such as those we heard during Sarah Blakemore's testimony here today, are unacceptable and must be followed up both for the victims and to ensure accountability for individual perpetrators. Lastly, in two weeks' time the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations will be adopted. We will endorse the Declaration and call on others to do the same. We believe that the performance of peacekeeping can be improved if we all live up to our joint commitments and the implementation of the Declaration.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Experience clearly shows that women's participation in peacekeeping missions increases operational effectiveness and performance. Women's participation and active engagement in peace processes and peacebuilding are also crucial for achieving sustainable peace. We must all step up our efforts and deliver on promises to include more women in those processes and in our missions. We also stress the importance of the full implementation of the human rights due diligence policy, the human rights screening policy and the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. Those are all important measures for preventing violence and abuse in connection to peacekeeping, and, as such, they contribute to strengthening the legitimacy of United Nations operations.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“In addition, enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, not least of which the African Union, is important for increased effectiveness. Uniformed units must have the right training, skills and equipment to be able to protect civilians as well as themselves and to deliver on mandates. We need to hold troop- and police-contributing countries accountable in that regard but also support predeployment training, including in human rights and international humanitarian law. Sweden, as a contributing country, will continue to take full responsibility for its units so that they are fully trained and equipped to meet the challenges that they face in their peacekeeping missions. We also commit to continue our support to other troop- and police-contributing countries through training and capacity-building.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Secondly, the Secretary-General's reform agenda foresees a greater delegation of authority to the field. That, together with the multidimensional nature of peace operations, requires well-prepared and cohesive leadership on the ground. Crisis management situations also require clearly defined roles and chains of command. Thirdly, making peacekeeping more effective and efficient is a shared responsibility between troop- and police-contributing countries, Member States, the United Nations and host States. It also requires a broad approach to performance encompassing military, police and civilian personnel. We welcome the development of a comprehensive performance policy on peacekeeping. Harmonized and integrated standards and guidelines are crucial in the field.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“It is also our most costly and exposed instrument, and it will be truly effective only if all other parts of the system fall into place. Today, I will focus on three aspects that we find particularly important to the discussion on peacekeeping and performance, namely, situational awareness, strong leadership and accountability of our peacekeepers. First, for the Council to be able to engage effectively in conflict prevention, management and resolution, access to candid and timely information and analysis is critical. That is also crucial for ensuring the safety and security of both peacekeepers and civilians. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's efforts to streamline and coordinate information and situational awareness within the Secretariat and encourage the continued implementation of the new policy on peacekeeping intelligence.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We stand firmly behind the Secretary-General's reform agenda, while putting prevention and sustaining peace at the heart of our efforts. We also strongly support the Secretary-General's action plan for peacekeeping initiative to strengthen global partnerships. Its holistic approach, in which performance together with peacebuilding, partnerships, people and politics form the basis, will make United Nations delivery more effective and efficient on the ground, but that requires that the United Nations as a whole be able to engage flexibly and effectively throughout the conflict cycle, from prevention to transition. Peacekeeping is one of the most effective instruments available in that regard and a crucial means to protect civilians and create conditions for successful political processes.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We very much welcome this annual debate on peacekeeping and the implementation of resolution 2378 (2017), which takes place within the context of our collective efforts to strengthen peacekeeping and move from words to action in making peace operations fit for the twenty-first century. I want to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing and Ms. Sarah Blakemore for sharing her very important perspective and the important work that she and her organization do. I believe that this is an appropriate occasion to pay tribute to the thousands of women and men peacekeepers who do a tremendously important and courageous job every day in implementing decisions by the Security Council, often in complex and dangerous circumstances. Sweden aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later today by the observer of the European Union.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Now is the time for the Security Council and the broader international community to renew our support for the United Nations Special Envoy and to call on the parties to de-escalate, respect international humanitarian law, ensure accountability and engage in an inclusive United Nations-led political process without preconditions. If we could express that through a press statement or something of the like, as suggested by my British colleague, we would be in favour.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“With that in mind, we are concerned about the rocket attacks against Saudi Arabia, the latest escalation in Al-Hudaydah, reports of intensified clashes and air strikes, as well as of the unrest in the South. Again, all of that results in unacceptable levels of civilian casualties. We therefore once again remind the parties that a full-scale escalation in Al-Hudaydah would aggravate the humanitarian disaster even further and risk hundreds of thousands of lives, while clearly undermining the political process. Yemen's ports, including those at Al-Hudaydah and Saleef, must remain open and functioning to allow for unhindered humanitarian and commercial imports.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“We therefore commend the Government for its constructive engagement. We join others in welcoming the active participation of the technical advisory group of Yemeni women. It is regrettable that the Houthis did not make it to Geneva - an opportunity that they should have seized. Nevertheless, we are happy to note the Special Envoy's assessment that there is willingness to take the political process forward, and we strongly urge the parties to engage. We support the approach outlined by Mr. Griffiths today for moving forward by travelling to Sana'a and the region to continue the political consultations building on the discussions in Geneva. However, now more than ever, it is crucial that the emphasis remain on the political track.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“I can be quite brief. I will not repeat our longstanding and well known positions on the broader humanitarian and political situation. However, I wanted to take the floor to express our appreciation to Martin Griffiths for his briefing and, more important, for the very determined and energetic efforts he is making in Geneva. Despite the challenges and temporary setbacks, I think it is important to echo what he was saying: things are difficult; it is understandable that there are challenges after years of conflict and distrust. We are encouraged by the launch of the consultations and the steps taken in Geneva. The discussion with the Government in Yemen on vital confidence-building measures related to Sana'a airport, medical flights, the release of prisoners and the economy is one such promising step.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8348 (2018) · source
“We remain available to explore all options for preventive action by the Council. We reiterate our full support for the Special Envoy, including his efforts to swiftly establish a constitutional committee. A United Nations-facilitated political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), is the only way to ensure a sustainable solution to the crisis, to end the suffering and to address the legitimate concerns of all Syrians.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“It is urgent for them to act now to avoid the enormous humanitarian catastrophe that would unfold before our eyes in a large-scale military offensive. This is not hypothetical, as we have witnessed all de-escalation areas turning into escalation areas over the past year. The responsibility and ability to avoid a catastrophe and allow time for dialogue lies with Syria and Russia. The Council, however, should also explore all meaningful options to prevent military escalation and find a peaceful solution to Idlib, in accordance with international law. Last Friday, Special Envoy De Mistura presented some ideas that merit consideration. We need to explore any concrete, meaningful suggestions and proposals over the coming days to ensure that the Council collectively shoulders its responsibility.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“We reiterate that all parties in Syria must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian objects and to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and avoidance of unnecessary suffering. We have said before and repeat now that Idlib is different from other areas as there is nowhere to flee. There are 3 million civilians living there, including many children and internally displaced persons. Idlib is a de-escalation area established by the Astana guarantors, and that is why we all looked to their meeting last Friday with some hope. It is key that they step up efforts to immediately implement their own de-escalation agreement in Idlib, ensure humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, and avoid further military escalation.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“I want to convey my country's profound condolences, sympathy and friendship to the people of the United States on this very significant day, and underline the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder in the quest for peace. First, Iwould like to thank the Russian representative for his briefing, which is very timely. Last week, during and after the meeting we expressed our alarm over the signs of a possible military offensive in north-western Syria, as it would risk leading to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, which are avoidable and must be avoided. We are deeply concerned, however, by the recent escalation of violence on the part of Syria and Russia in Idlib and surrounding areas.”
2018-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8347 (2018) · source
“If we can build effective, accountable and inclusive public institutions and provide access to justice for all, we decrease the risk of a society sliding or relapsing into conflict. It is for that reason that corruption is and should remain part of the Council's agenda in the broader context of prevention and sustaining peace.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“Prendergast has put forward additional ideas, including on how we could improve sanctions policies, which we believe are well worth considering and are very much in line with the work we have started in order to ensure that sanctions instruments become more efficient. It is also important to ensure that the support that the United Nations provides to Member States in their anti-corruptions efforts is coherent. Missions, United Nations country teams and United Nations entities, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, must all work together. We must also continue to support models for international cooperation among practitioners, prosecutors and law enforcement. Not only does anti-corruption work address the crippling effects of corruption on societies, economies and lives, it is first and foremost about prevention.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“For example, we organized the Stockholm Tax Conference, held in May, to promote capacity-building in the area of taxation. Efficient, transparent and effective tax administration supports poverty reduction and equality and is closely linked to the fight against corruption. Every day in the Council we see the devastating effects that conflicts have on countries by undermining institutions and the rule of law, thereby creating more avenues for corruption. It is crucial to keep that aspect in mind when we plan for United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions. Work against corruption must be clearly included in mandates and in the support we provide to capacity-building and the reform of rule-of-law institutions. Mr.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“Resolution 2282 (2016), on sustaining peace, stresses the importance of strengthening the rule of law and promoting accountability, good governance and gender equality. It also highlights the need to respect and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Addressing corruption is part and parcel of honouring those commitments. Anti-corruption efforts are a high priority for my country at home, at the multilateral level and through our development cooperation. We support increased democratic participation, which requires strong and independent judicial systems, political institutions and free media. That in turn reinforces transparency and accountability, thereby making the abuse of power more difficult. We also support partner countries in their fight against corruption by strengthening institutions such as tax and audit authorities.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“Knowing that everyone is treated equally gives the most disempowered in particular a sense of belonging and security, while offering better opportunities to end the cycles of violence that are the result of political exclusion. Our multilateral efforts have produced strong political commitments to supporting anti-corruption initiatives. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially Goal 16, on stronger institutions, and Goal 10, on reducing inequality within and among countries, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the United Nations Convention against Corruption are important foundations for those commitments. The peacebuilding and sustaining peace agendas of the United Nations are also directly relevant to the fight against corruption.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“Women are often more at risk of suffering the consequences of corruption. That is because they tend to have weaker access to services and are also at higher risk for sexual extortion and physical abuse. We recognize how corruption contributes to the destabilization of fragile States and is ultimately one of the drivers of conflict. The recent United Nations and World Bank study Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict also mentions corruption as an underlying source for conflict and violence. In contrast, when people trust their service providers, institutions, Governments and elected officials, the path to stable societies is firmer.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his briefing earlier this morning and to Mr. John Prendergast for his account of how corruption affects societies and drives conflict and for his concrete recommendations to the Security Council. The Security Council's mandate to maintain international peace and security, prevent conflicts and address their root causes makes the topic of corruption highly relevant to its work. We therefore welcome today's discussion, especially as it places significant emphasis on prevention and sustaining peace. Corruption can be defined as the abuse of power and trust for private gain. It affects all countries, does not recognize boundaries and can spread through all levels of public agencies. Corruption cuts across entire populations but hits the most disempowered members of society the hardest.”
2018-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8346 (2018) · source
“De Mistura today, over the weekend or whenever, if need be, in order to explore any concrete meaningful suggestions and proposals to ensure that the Council also collectively shoulders its responsibility and explores and fully exhausts all possible preventive actions.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“So while it is clear where the responsibilities lie, it is also incumbent on the Council to continue to explore all meaningful preventive options. We have therefore advocated for this meeting in order to enable the Council to prevent this scenario, to express our support to Mr. De Mistura and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and to push for a political solution. We hope that the clear public calls that have been made around the table today and by the 10 elected members earlier this week and the European Union members yesterday (see S/PV8344) will have the desired effect. But we are also prepared to sit down in close consultation with Mr.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“Many have expressed their grave concern about the escalating military action by Syria and Russia, which have been reminded, along with other parties, of their obligation to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. Theirs is the primary responsibility for preventing further humanitarian disaster. It has also been stressed around the table how important it is that the Astana guarantors, who are meeting at the highest level today, immediately implement their own de-escalation agreement in Idlib and prioritize the protection of civilians. I echo the many speakers who have emphasized how urgent it is that the guarantors act now in order to avoid the enormous humanitarian catastrophe that would unfold before our eyes if there were to be a large-scale military offensive in Idlib.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“The Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait also spoke on behalf of Sweden this morning, so I can be very brief and reiterate some of the key points that he and others made. I think that the way in which Idlib is different from Aleppo, eastern Ghouta and Dara'a has been clearly stated. The people there have nowhere left to flee to. The size of the population, 3 million, has been mentioned, and it includes many children and internally displaced persons. The catastrophic consequences of a full-scale military escalation have been highlighted, not least by this morning's briefers, Mr. John Ging and Mr. Staffan de Mistura.”
2018-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8345 (2018) · source
“I express our alarm about allegations that chemical weapons may be used again and remind all parties of the clear and absolute prohibition on the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances. It is more critical than ever than we avoid escalation and revert to the track of diplomacy for a political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015). We reiterate our total support for the United Nations-led political process and the indefatigable efforts of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. A sustainable political solution is the only way to end the suffering of the Syrian people after more than seven years of conflict.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“All parties, including Syrian allies, need to be reminded of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian objects, and to comply with the principles ofdistinction, proportionality and avoidance of unnecessary suffering. We therefore urge all parties to abide by the de-escalation agreement in Idlib and the Astana guarantors to uphold their commitments regarding de-escalation and humanitarian access. We must ensure that Idlib will not become the next Aleppo or eastern Ghouta. It is vital that Russia, Turkey and Iran find a way during their meeting tomorrow to avoid further escalation. This Council also has a preventive role to avoid a disaster, and together with Kuwait and all other members of the Council, we stand ready to explore all meaningful options in that regard.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“Finally, we note the intention of the Director General to issue a second progress report, ahead of the October session of the OPCW Executive Council, on the implementation of the decision of the special session regarding attribution for chemical weapons attacks in Syria. We look forward to the Security Council being kept informed on that important matter. We are alarmed by the signs of a possible military offensive in north-western Syria. Idlib is a de-escalation area, established by the Astana guarantors. However, one after the other of the de-escalation areas has turned into escalation areas. A full-scale military offensive would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Idlib is different from other areas. There is nowhere to flee. There are 3 million civilians living there, including 1 million children and internally displaced persons.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“First, we note that the Declaration Assessment Team is analysing the response of the Syrian authorities to the questions regarding the outstanding issues. Let me emphasize that all open issues must be closed without further delay. All remaining chemical weapons must be declared and destroyed, in line with resolution 2118 (2013). We urge the Syrian authorities to cooperate fully and actively with the OPCW so that the accuracy and completeness of its declaration can ultimately be verified. Secondly, we would like to reiterate our full support for the OPCW and our complete confidence in the independent, impartial and professional work of its Fact-finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. We look forward to the upcoming reports regarding a number of pending investigations, including the final report on the alleged attack in Douma.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“We therefore supported the decision of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention at its special session to put in place arrangements to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. While a mechanism established by the Council would have been preferable, the issue was too important to be allowed to be blocked indefinitely. That does not, however, as has been stated in the Council previously, relieve the Council of its responsibility. I want to make a few remarks with regard to the latest progress report (see S/2018/804) on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria from the Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) .”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“I want first to thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs for her briefing. During the conflict in Syria, we have witnessed numerous systematic and flagrant violations of international law, including violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, by all parties to the conflict andparticularly by Syrian forces. Chemical weapons have been used repeatedly. We condemn such use in the strongest terms. It is a serious violation of international law and constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Such use in armed conflict amounts to a war crime. The proliferation and use of chemical weapons by State and non-State actors alike must end and those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable. Impunity is not and will not be an option.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8344 (2018) · source
“We reiterate our strong condemnation of the use ofa nerve agent on British soil and express our full solidarity with the United Kingdom, our close friend and European Union partner. Once again here in the Chamber, we condemn in the strongest terms all use of chemical weapons, strictly prohibited under international law. It is a common responsibility to ensure that the chemical-weapons ban be respected. It can be argued that permanent members of the Security Council have special responsibilities when it comes to curbing weapons of mass destruction. The rules-based international system protects us all, and we must ensure its integrity. In that regard, we reiterate our full support for the OPCW - the independent international organization charged with overseeing the chemical-weapons ban.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8343 (2018) · source
“We thank the United Kingdom for its timely update. We note the significance of the new information from the British investigation; we underline our confidence in the British findings. We call on Russia to change course, cooperate with the ongoing investigation and prosecution and fully disclose any nerve agent programmes to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The most recent information provides further evidence that it is highly likely that Russia was responsible for the attack, as previously stated by the European Council. We regret that, since the Council last discussed these developments (see S/PV.8237), a British national in Amesbury tragically died following contact with a substance that the OPCW confirmed to be the same Novichok nerve agent that poisoned Sergei and Yulia Skripal.”
2018-09-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8343 (2018) · source
“It is crucial that we continue to stand united in our support. We therefore support the issuance of a press statement, as suggested by the representative of the United Kingdom today, to refelct the unity of the Security Council and its support for the efforts of the Special Representative.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source
“The reports on arbitrary detention, torture and sexual and gender- based violence - for instance, in Mitiga, Zuwarah, Abu Salim and eastern Libya - are unacceptable. Such violations and abuses must immediately come to an end. Humanitarian access mustbe ensured and violations must be investigated, including of alleged summary executions, and those responsible for such crimes must be held to account. The Libyan authorities must also fully implement the human rights due diligence policy and ensure proper vetting processes. Now is a decisive moment for Libya. The Security Council and the broader international community must rally behind the Special Representative, support the urgent implementation of the United Nations action plan and respect the leading role of the United Nations in the mediation efforts.”
2018-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8341 (2018) · source