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

“We are looking forward to welcoming the international community to the Brussels Conference and call for everyone’s continued generosity and support. The European Union remains persuaded that the only path to sustainable peace for Syria is a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015), with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and in line with the 2012 Geneva communiqué (see S/2012/522, annex). After more than a decade of conflict, it is essential that the international community continue to pursue a sustainable and comprehensive political solution in Syria.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The emergency response includes the distribution of food, tents, blankets and medical assistance. The European Union and its member States are the largest donor and since 2011 have provided €27.4 billion to meet the needs arising from the Syrian crisis, including more than €4.8 billion at the sixth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region. Syria will continue to be a high priority for us. We will host a seventh Brussels Conference on 15 June, preceded by a day of dialogue with civil society, in order to both focus international pressure for a political solution to the conflict and to generate pledges of humanitarian support for Syria and in support of Syrian refugees and their host communities in the region.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“On 15 March 2023, we marked the twelfth anniversary of the beginning of the peaceful protests throughout Syria that were brutally repressed by the Al-Assad regime, provoking a conflict that continues to this day. Adding to this tragedy, on 6 February 2023, northern Syria and Türkiye were struck by devastating earthquakes, further exacerbating the suffering of the Syrian people in the region. The President of the European Commission, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Ulf Kristersson, co-hosted an international donor conference on 20 March, in Brussels, to support the people in Türkiye and Syria affected by the earthquakes. Some €950 million in grants were pledged for Syria. Following the earthquake, the European Union has allocated €100 million, out of which €75 million are for humanitarian assistance.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Until there is a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the refugee issue in accordance with international law, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains crucial for providing the necessary protection and essential services for Palestine refugees and for supporting peace and stability in the region. The EU will continue to support UNRWA in all its fields of operation, including in East Jerusalem. The EU will closely monitor developments and their implications on the ground and remain ready to contribute further to the protection and the viability of the two-State solution. I would now like to say a few words about Syria.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We call on Israel to refrain from any action that would prevent these organizations from continuing their critical human rights, humanitarian and development work in the occupied Palestinian territory. Anti-terrorism legislation should not be used to undermine civil society and its valuable work and contributions to the pursuit of accountability. In preparation for the next Ad Hoc Liaison Committee meeting in Brussels on 3 and 4 May, the EU calls for implementation of the commitments made at the previous meetings.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It urges all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process, adhere to previous agreements, renounce violence and terrorism, recognize Israel’s right to exist and commit to democratic principles, including the rule of law. Democratic Palestinian institutions based on respect for the rule of law and human rights are vital for the Palestinian people, and, ultimately, for the two- State solution. Palestinian civil society must be allowed by all parties to carry out its important tasks freely, while freedom of expression must be upheld. The EU is proud of its continued support for civil society, which contributes to peace efforts and confidence-building between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Josep Borrell Fontelles, the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan A.F. Al Furhan Al-Saud, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, agreed to explore ways to revive and safeguard the prospect of the two-State solution and achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. The EU reaffirmed its proposal of an unprecedented package of economic, political and security support in the context of a final-status agreement, as endorsed in the European Council conclusions of December 2013. In this effort, we look forward to working closely with Arab and other international partners. The EU will continue to call upon the Palestinian Authority to hold free, transparent and inclusive national elections without further delay.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip requires further easing of restrictions, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns. The EU reaffirms its commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-State solution, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition and with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. It is vital to restore a political horizon towards a two-State solution. Only a negotiated agreement offers a chance of security and peace for all. On 13 February, the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Union, Mr.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In line with the EU’s commitment to implementing resolution 2334 (2016) and recalling that settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-State solution impossible, the EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and actions taken in this context. We also condemn indiscriminate violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians, including the destruction of homes and other properties. Israel must stop the expansion and legalization of settlements, prevent settler violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The EU will not recognize changes to the 1967 lines unless agreed by the parties. Military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Underlining the necessity to respect as well as the status quo for the Christian sites, which are under increasing pressure, the EU reiterates the importance of maintaining the peaceful coexistence of the three monotheistic religions. The EU condemns the indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza and the territories of Lebanon and Syria. We firmly condemn recent terror attacks in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as all forms of terrorism. We deplore the tragic loss of lives, including those of European citizens, and we remain committed to Israel’s security and the prevention of and fight against terrorism and violent extremism. There must be an immediate end to terror attacks, which should be condemned by everyone, and to the practices that support them.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We continue to call on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to de-escalate the situation and refrain from actions that will increase tensions. We commend the efforts of the United States, Jordan, Egypt and Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process to de-escalate the situation and support commitments taken by the parties in Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh. All parties should observe these commitments in good faith. This upsurge in violence followed days of tension and clashes at the holy sites. The EU condemns the violent incidents that have occurred at the holy sites, recalls that the use of force must be proportional and calls for upholding the status quo put in place in 1967 for the Temple Mount/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, in line with previous understandings and with respect to Jordan’s special role.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I want to express our appreciation for the briefing earlier today by the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and acknowledge the presence of Foreign Minister Al-Malki in the Chamber. We regret the fact that the other side has left the room and is not listening to this debate. I speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as San Marino, align themselves with this statement. The European Union and its member States are deeply concerned at the increasing violence and extremism in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which are leading to appalling numbers of Israeli and Palestinian victims, including children.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As we speak, Russia is violating the United Nations Charter with its war of aggression against Ukraine. On 23 February, the General Assembly reiterated its demand that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders (General Assembly resolution ES-11/6). Some 141 Member States supported this demand. If Russia cares about effective multilateralism, that is the first way to prove it.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“And the United Nations is leading the removal of over a million barrels of oil from the decaying FSO SAFER tanker off Yemen’s coast with a view to averting a humanitarian and environmental disaster. Across the daunting spectrum of global challenges, the EU is proud to work with its partners around the world in leading the multilateral response. We pay tribute to the courage and professionalism of United Nations staff around the world dedicated to defending the United Nations Charter and protecting those most in need. And we will be relentless in our commitment to upholding international law and to working as a force for inclusive peace, sustainable development and the promotion and protection of human rights. This cannot be said for everyone around this table.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We call on new and non-traditional humanitarian donors to step up their contributions in line with the appeals of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, brokered by the Secretary-General, has bolstered global food security and needs to be fully implemented and extended. The veto initiative to convene the General Assembly automatically every time a veto is cast increases transparency and accountability. The High Seas Treaty will ensure protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, and the agreement on the Global Biodiversity Framework provides an action agenda for the next decade. The African Union’s mediation proved invaluable in advancing peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The international community must remain firmly committed to ensuring accountability for the crimes committed in and against Ukraine. The EU also remains a steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court, and we continue to call for the universal ratification of the Rome Statute. Effective multilateralism is making a difference. At the United Nations, we have often managed to find pragmatic and agile solutions or throw our support behind the lead of regional organizations such as the African Union. Let me share some recent concrete examples. On a daily basis, United Nations-led humanitarian assistance saves the lives of people affected by natural disasters and armed conflict.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Far too many people are left behind when it comes to the enjoyment of human rights. The EU will continue to vigorously promote and defend the universality and indivisibility of human rights within the United Nations system. Our joint commitment to human rights is contained in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary this year. We are strong advocates of the integrity, independence and functionality of the United Nations human rights mechanisms. We also support the Secretary-General’s new vision of the rule of law that puts people at the centre of justice systems. We are committed to strengthening transitional justice and accountability for serious violations and abuses of human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains our universal and indivisible road map, and we must accelerate its implementation. The Sustainable Development Goals Summit in September will be a crucial moment. As a sign of our commitment, the EU will submit its voluntary review at the High- Level Political Forum. The EU Global Gateway, mobilizing €300 billion in investments for sustainable and high-quality projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, will be a tool for progress. We also need far more ambitious climate and biodiversity action by accelerating the green transition in a just way. The EU’s Green Deal puts us on track to meet our climate commitments, and we are the largest contributor of public finance worldwide for climate and biodiversity, with €24 billion per year.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We are proud to partner closely with the United Nations in all our crisis-management operations. In Libya, Operation IRINI contributes to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation Althea assists the authorities in maintaining a secure environment for all citizens. We support the Secretary-General’s call for a New Agenda for Peace and reiterate our commitment to adequate, predictable and sustainable financing of peace-support operations led by the African Union (AU). The EU supports the use of United Nations-assessed contributions for AU-led operations authorized by the Security Council and the implementation of the AU human rights compliance framework in this context. Our efforts to maintain peace and security are closely linked with our ability to promote sustainable development.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU stands fully behind this vision, and we are committed to delivering on it with an ambitious outcome at next year’s Summit of the Future. Last week’s recommendations by the High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism serve as a contribution to our deliberations. The EU and its member States are committed to engaging in a sincere and open exchange on an equal footing with other States Members of the United Nations to jointly address our common challenges, and we are convinced we have a lot to bring to the table. We have a strong track record of cooperation with the United Nations on peace and security. At the moment, we have 21 civilian and military missions deploying over 5,000 women and men around the world, from the Niger to Armenia and from Mozambique to Ukraine.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We do this both politically and financially, as the largest collective contributor to the United Nations budget. Our action is based on our deep conviction that there is no alternative to a strong United Nations as a catalyst of effective multilateralism. It is no secret that the United Nations and our system of global governance, including the Security Council, are in need of reform. The Secretary-General has provided us with a dire analysis of its shortcomings in his report “Our Common Agenda”. He reiterated that this morning. He has also presented an urgent call for action to reinvigorate multilateralism, making it a more inclusive and more effective way of working, as a bulwark against uncertainty, as he said this morning.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Conflicts are proliferating, the climate crisis is spiralling out of control, democracy and human rights are under systematic attack, and global inequalities are deepening. There is no shortage of global challenges that need our urgent and full attention. Upholding the rules-based order, a term Russia deliberately misinterprets, means respecting international law and the United Nations Charter, and ensuring that these rules apply to everyone — in a phrase, that might does not make right. It means engaging in multilateral diplomacy to work out new rules as necessary. Like many other members of the United Nations, the EU and its member States are doing their part. For almost 80 years we have supported the United Nations and its three interlinked pillars: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I also underline at the outset that Russia’s violations have come at a high cost. The Ukrainian people have paid the heaviest price, but the damaging impacts are felt across the world. In close dialogue with our partners, the EU has stepped up to address the global consequences of Russia’s war. In this context, I want to reassure the members of the Security Council that every effort in support of Ukraine has come in addition to, and not instead of, our global commitments. Despite the blatant hypocrisy of this initiative, effective multilateralism is too important to not be defended. As the EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles recently stated in this Chamber (see S/PV.9268), our world is suffering from an immense deficit in multilateralism.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“If Russia were truly interested in the topic on today’s agenda, it would cease its violations of the United Nations Charter and international law and immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine. It would respect the order of the International Court of Justice of 16 March 2022. It would stop abusing its veto power to cover up its consistent rule-breaking. And it would abide by the resolutions adopted by the General Assembly with an overwhelming majority. Russia’s failure to do these things brings the Security Council into disrepute, and only more so during its presidency this month. Today is yet another deplorable example of Russian information-manipulation, disinformation and abuse of its membership in the Security Council.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the potential candidate country Georgia and the European Free Trade Association countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, all align themselves with this statement. Let me start by stating the obvious. By organizing this debate, Russia is trying to portray itself as a defender of the Charter of the United Nations and multilateralism. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU and its member States will continue to monitor the situation closely, in coordination with all our partners. It being your last day as President of the Security Council, Sir, I want to congratulate you and Mozambique on a very successful presidency.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Through its unacceptable and dangerous nuclear rhetoric and by regularly alluding to the use of nuclear weapons in a war of aggression that it itself started, and coupled with the 25 March announcement on deploying nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, Russia is acting in stark contradiction to the commitments of which it has undertaken to be a guardian. That announced step also runs counter to the commitment of Belarus taken into account in the Budapest Memorandum to eliminate all nuclear weapons from its territory. The EU therefore calls on Russia and Belarus to reverse that decision and to abide by all their above-mentioned commitments. The EU also calls on Russia to resume the implementation of the New START Treaty.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Besides the reaffirmation of the commitments by the depositories, including Russia, to “respect the independence and sovereignty and the existing borders” of Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan and to refrain from the threat or use of force against their territorial integrity or political independence, the Memorandum also takes into account the commitments by the three States joining the NPT, including notably Belarus, “to eliminate all nuclear weapons from [their] territory”. Let me recall that a little more than a year ago, on 3 January 2022, Russia signed up to the joint statement by the nuclear-weapon States signatories to the NPT, reaffirming that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. Furthermore, it reiterated that commitment just three days before its 25 March announcement in the 22 March joint statement with China.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“However, Belarus can still make the choice to decline to host Russian nuclear weapons. We therefore call on the Belarus authorities to put an immediate stop to their support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and reverse any decision that would only contribute to heightening tensions in the region. As was recalled at today’s meeting, on 5 December 1994, the three depositories of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), including Russia, signed the Budapest Memorandum with Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan upon their respective accession to the NPT.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Just a month ago, the General Assembly adopted resolution ES-11/6, on a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, calling on all Member States to cooperate in the spirit of solidarity to address the global impacts of the war, including with regard to nuclear security and safety. The Belarusian regime is an accomplice in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The deletion of Belarus’s declared stance as a non-nuclear territory from the revised Constitution, adopted last year, was a worrisome development. Last week’s announcement that Russia intends to deploy nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory is yet another dangerous step. Threats, and the use of, nuclear weapons are inadmissible. Russia’s decision will not weaken our resolve to support Ukraine.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I address the Security Council on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. In addition, the candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the potential candidate country Georgia, and Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino align themselves with this statement. The EU condemns the announcement by Russia on 25 March of its intention to deploy nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus and the fact that an agreement was reached with Belarus to that end. That announcement, which is part of the continued reckless nuclear rhetoric by Russia, constitutes yet another irresponsible step, escalating an already tense situation, in view of Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9300 (2023) · source
“Finally, let us not forget that the 2030 Agenda is indivisible. Peace and security go hand in hand with sustainable development, human rights and gender equality. That is why progress in achieving the SDGs is key in setting us on the path towards silencing the guns in Africa by 2030. We thank Mozambique again for its initiative in convening today’s meeting, and we reiterate our strongest support for investing in sustainable development to foster peace and security in Africa.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Part of the Global Gateway package is support for Africa’s regional integration process, for example, through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Another area is climate adaptation, where the EU is supporting the African Union Great Green Wall initiative to combat the effects of climate change. These investments will bring people closer together through 11 strategic transport corridors that will facilitate trade, and which will also bring people closer to services, education, health care and economic opportunities. These investments are fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating resilience in societies and ultimately contributing to silencing the guns. In all these stable investments, we underline the importance of accountability, transparency and conflict sensitivity.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We recently adopted a renewed Great Lakes regional strategy and are committed to supporting the countries in that region in moving from tensions to trust and from trafficking of natural resources to trade and sustainable development. To this end, we will contribute to improved natural-resources management, cross-border cooperation and cross-border infrastructure. The EU is Africa’s closest partner. Together with our 27 member States, as Team Europe, we are the largest provider of official development assistance, the largest investor in Africa and Africa’s number one trade partner. Through the Global Gateway Africa- Europe Investment Package, the EU is mobilizing at least €150 billion by 2027 in such sectors as transport, education, health, energy and digitalization.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We encourage all States Members of the United Nations to find consensus soon within the Fifth Committee in order to ensure the implementation of General Assembly resolution 76/305 on financing for peacebuilding. More broadly I want to reiterate the EU’s commitment to continuing to support African- led peace support operations, including by making urgent progress in the ongoing discussions to use United Nations assessed contributions for operations authorized by the Security Council. On the second point, a regional approach is crucial. The EU is in itself an example of how greater connectivity and integration have fostered peace across our own continent, and we stand ready to support African regional integration as well.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU is addressing these issues, for example, by supporting mediation efforts between local communities and security forces in Kenya, and by training security forces in protection of civilians and engagement with local communities in Nigeria. In our experience, the inclusion of women, youth and marginalized groups is particularly crucial for such efforts to be successful. We know that investments in prevention and peacebuilding can have a positive return: every United States dollar invested in peacebuilding could save $16 on the cost of conflict and violence. The international community must make this sensitive investment and direct resources towards addressing the root causes of conflict.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“One example where the EU is providing such support is Mozambique: in that country, together with the UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund and local authorities in the project ResiNorte-Resilience for the North, we are enhancing social cohesion and reinforcing peace and stability through the interconnected humanitarian, development and peace spheres, and very much with local ownership. Another example is through the updated EU integrated strategy in the Sahel, which focuses on the need to strengthen governance and provide basic services to the population as crucial factors in stabilizing the region. Limited State presence and public services can lead to a sense of isolation or neglect, which can result in mistrust between population groups and public authorities and increase the risk of conflict.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Supporting initiatives to prevent radicalization and the spread of violent extremism, particularly among young people, is key. For the effective implementation of these initiatives, it is crucial to understand the motives for joining terrorist organizations, be they political, religious, economic or by coercion. The study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) entitled “Journey to Extremism in Africa: Drivers, Incentives and the Tipping Point for Recruitment” demonstrates that to silence the guns, we have to break the vicious circle of poverty and exclusion.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I would like to focus on two aspects in this rich discussion: first, the importance of investing in sustainable development to address the root causes of conflict, and secondly, the need to promote greater connectivity and integration across the African continent to improve access to basic services and economic opportunities. On both topics, we in the EU believe that we are delivering on our commitments, and always in close coordination with the African Union and its members. Further, through both strands of work, we are supporting the achievement of Africa’s own Agenda 2063. On addressing the root causes of conflict, with almost half of all terrorism-related deaths globally occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, the region has emerged as the new global epicentre of violent extremist activity.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Georgia, align themselves with this statement. First of all, I want to thank the President and Mozambique for hosting today’s open debate on a topic that we often return to, and which remains one of the core concerns for us at the United Nations: how to invest in sustainable development to foster peace and security. We all know that in order to silence the guns, we must create prosperous, resilient and inclusive societies where no one is left behind. This is why we must maintain a laser focus on achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is clear that a large majority of the United Nations membership, including Council members, are committed to peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations. But while the General Assembly once again called for a peaceful long-term solution based on the Charter and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Russia has continued and is in fact stepping up its offensive. We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately cease all hostilities and unconditionally, completely and immediately withdraw all its forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. While Russia’s war lasts, the European Union will remain steadfast in its support to the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency issued a warning about safety and security at the plant. That is extremely worrying for all of us. The EU fully supports the work of the United Nations in assisting Ukraine in ensuring nuclear safety and security and maintaining the implementation of the safeguards pursuant to Ukraine’s obligations. Finally, we reiterate our call for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with resolution ES-11/6, adopted by the General Assembly on 23 February with the support of an overwhelming majority of the States Members of the United Nations. We express our support for President Zelenskyy’s peace formula and reaffirm our commitment to working actively with Ukraine on the 10-point peace plan.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“We note that the military operation is led by the infamous Wagner Group, known for its abuses and serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law, and not just in Ukraine. We want to once again recall the importance of upholding human rights and international humanitarian law, and of ensuring that all commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of war crimes and other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine are held to account. Russia must also enable safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to the temporarily occupied territories through the front lines. On 9 March, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant was again cut off from Ukraine’s power grid for several hours, with cooling depending solely on diesel generators, for the sixth time since the start of the war.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Russia’s shelling is killing civilians and depriving them of electricity, heat and water during winter. The accumulated damage to the energy system and the consequent difficulties in accessing electricity and heating services are exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Many of Ukraine’s cities have been bombed to ruins. We just heard the Russian Ambassador say that Russia uses only high-precision weaponry, which would seem to constitute a confession that such destruction is intentional and deliberate. We welcome the fact that following the General Assembly’s adoption of resolution ES-11/5, on a register of damage, all such acts committed by Russia in Ukraine will be carefully recorded. We are also extremely concerned about the Russian offensive against Bakhmut.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Griffiths eloquently described earlier today. The EU remains consistently at the forefront of efforts to meet those needs. Secondly, as we have heard, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine set up by the Human Rights Council concluded yesterday that Russia has committed numerous violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, in addition to a wide range of war crimes. The findings are shocking. The crimes include sexual violence, forced deportation, torture and other forms of inhumane and degrading treatment as a tactic of war. We also heard about cases of rape just now. We continue to be appalled by Russia’s continued, systematic and indiscriminate attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, which we condemn in the strongest possible terms.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Russia conveniently omits to mention its own export taxes and quotas on both cereals and fertilizers, which lead to artificial increases in global prices and the profits of Russian companies at the expense of those most in need. At a time of unprecedented humanitarian needs, the EU not only supports Ukrainians but remains collectively among the largest donors of humanitarian aid globally. We are grateful to all countries that are generously supporting those in need in Ukraine and elsewhere and encourage all to step up their assistance, in line with the appeal by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for aid for this year. I want to make one absolutely thing clear here. The humanitarian funding that the EU allocates to Ukraine does not come at the expense of other humanitarian needs worldwide, which Mr.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Through the Grain from Ukraine programme, 175,000 metric tons of grain have been donated to countries in need. Many EU member States are also proud to be part of that Ukrainian initiative. Let us be absolutely clear. It is Russia’s war that has rocked the markets. Russia’s fertilizer exports are exempt from EU sanctions. United Nations data clearly demonstrates that the volume of the total exports of Russian fertilizers to developing countries remained stable in 2022 compared with previous years. Moreover, Russian revenue from fertilizer exports jumped by 70 per cent in the first 10 months of last year compared to the same period in 2021, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“We echo the plea made by 14 members of the Council this afternoon for the Black Sea Grain Initiative to be renewed in order to provide the continuity and predictability needed by operators and to avoid discontinuations in shipments of grain to developing countries. The Initiative has been instrumental in bringing down global food prices and it needs to run at its full potential. In addition to the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the EU’s solidarity lanes have enabled the export of more than 29 million tons of Ukraine’s food and agricultural goods to the world. Vessels chartered by the World Food Programme have transported more than 481,000 metric tons of wheat through various Black Sea ports, including to Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Kenya. Ukraine is also helping those in need, despite the effects of the war on its population.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“While the world is suffering from soaring food prices, Russia’s war continues to hamper efforts to export Ukrainian grain. That must end. I will emphasize three points today — first, the global consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion; secondly, its systematic attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure; and thirdly, the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. First, the war has disrupted agricultural production and trade and has driven world food and fertilizer prices to unprecedented levels. We must all work together to address those serious consequences, and we welcome the Secretary-General’s engagement in that regard.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I would like to say a few words on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the potential candidate country Georgia and Andorra, align themselves with this statement. For more than a year now Russia has been struggling to find any justification whatsoever for its war of aggression against Ukraine. We are well aware of the toll that Russia’s escalating aggression is taking, with daily missile strikes that are costing innocent Ukrainians’ lives. We have just heard living examples of that from the Ukrainian Ambassador and from many other speakers around the table today.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source