YouSaid · the spoken record

T.S. Tirumurti

lines on the record: 281
first: 2020-10-26
most recent: 2021-08-18
sittings or episodes: 37
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

“All parties should immediately eschew violence and implement the ceasefire provisions of the Hodeidah Agreement. We commend the efforts of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) in engaging the parties to defuse the situation in Al-Hudaydah governorate, and we call on all parties to remove restrictions on UNMHA’s movement to facilitate its patrolling. The preservation and full implementation of the Stockholm Agreement are even more critical today to ensure smooth commercial and humanitarian imports into Yemen. India condemns the attack on Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The targeting of the civilian airport is a violation of international law and cannot be justified for any reason whatsoever.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“The formidable economic, security and political challenges confronting the people of Yemen have only increased, leaving them in acute need of humanitarian assistance. Today a sizeable portion of the population of the country does not have reliable access to food. Malnourishment among children has reached high levels, which will only worsen with the forecast of famine. However, the underlying factors contributing to the humanitarian situation in Yemen need to be urgently addressed. The most pressing issue of all is the need to end the conflict. Grave food insecurity and hunger are clustered in areas affected by the conflict. We are deeply concerned by the renewed hostilities in Ma’rib and Al- Jawf, triggered by recent military operations of Ansar Allah, and continuing civilian casualties in Al-Hudaydah.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings. I also thank my dear friend Ambassador Rhonda King for her briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). Ten years ago, the people of Yemen poured into the streets demanding political, administrative and economic reforms in the country. The Security Council started discussing the situation in Yemen, and we were part of those discussions then as well, with the objective of ensuring a peaceful political transformation. The Yemeni people hoped that such a transformation would bring a positive change to their lives. It is disheartening to see that a decade later the conflict in Yemen still has no end in sight.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“That cooperation has continued even during the coronavirus disease pandemic. I am also happy to note that under the Air Bubble Arrangement between the countries, more than 10,000 Iraqi nationals have travelled to India during the last four months alone for medical treatment. The Government of Iraq is taking encouraging steps to achieve stability, reconciliation, peace and development in the country. As a reliable and longstanding friend, India will remain a willing partner of Iraq in its nation-building endeavours to deliver prosperity to its people.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“We recognize the significant support provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross to facilitate progress in this matter. India’s friendship with Iraq is steeped in history. India has always been supportive of a democratic, pluralistic, federal, unified and prosperous Iraq fulfilling the aspirations of its citizens. Our people-to-people ties and trade relations are very strong. We have always responded to the urgent needs of Iraq for relief and reconstruction and contributed $30 million. That includes supporting the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq, a contribution through the World Food Programme and capacity-building under our Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme. India is the preferred destination for medical treatment for many Iraqi friends, who visit every year.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The stability of the country should be of paramount importance to the region, and Iraq should not become a theatre for regional or global conflicts. I reaffirm India’s steadfast support for Iraq’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We welcome the cooperation between the Governments of Iraq and Kuwait in finding an amicable solution on the issue of missing Kuwaiti persons and third-country nationals, as well as the return of Kuwaiti property. The recent identification of Kuwaiti nationals from the remains sent by Iraqi authorities last year resulted in solace for the families of the deceased. Besides being important from the humanitarian perspective, this has furthered reconciliation between the two countries.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“We encourage both sides to continue constructive dialogue so as to reach a mutually satisfactory long-term sustainable agreement on these issues, including on revenue-sharing and budget allocations. We are also pleased to see the commencement of the implementation of the Sinjar agreement. The continued attacks on diplomatic establishments and convoys by non- State armed groups, including yesterday’s attack in Erbil, are a serious challenge to maintaining the fragile peace that prevails in the country. We appreciate the efforts by the Government of Iraq to provide protection to all diplomatic missions. We hope that a long-term solution can be found to this issue. We applaud the Government of Iraq’s determined efforts to maintain friendly and cordial ties with its neighbours and other countries of the region.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“We are pleased to note the positive progress made in preparation for the upcoming elections. The passage of the electoral law and allocation of funds to the Independent High Electoral Commission are significant steps in that regard. It is important that the remaining conditions for smooth elections, such as the completion of biometric voter registration and agreement on the members of the Federal Supreme Court, are also fulfilled in a timely manner. We acknowledge the valuable support provided by UNAMI in the electoral process. We commend the concerted efforts of the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to resolve all outstanding issues.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“International assistance to the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq and observation of the electoral process by the United Nations would also enhance the credibility of the elections and build confidence about the integrity of the results among the Iraqi people. In that regard, India fully supports the Government of Iraq’s request for United Nations observation of the upcoming elections in the country. We will support any process that respects the country’s sovereignty, strengthens the democratic exercise and makes it credible, and therefore acceptable to the people of Iraq. In line with our strong democratic traditions, India has contributed to democratic and electoral processes in Iraq by training Independent High Electoral Commission officials and sending election observers.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“In that context, my Minister for External Affairs proposed an eight-point action plan for effectively countering terrorism at the Security Council’s ministerial meeting last month (see S/2021/48, annex 5). The upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq, scheduled for October 2021, will be a valuable opportunity to strengthen the roots of democracy in the country. A transparent, free, fair and inclusive election, conducted in a violence-free environment and with high voter turnout, will empower the new Government to implement reforms, improve accountability, meet the genuine aspirations of Iraqi people, especially women and youth, and promote inclusiveness and reconciliation.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The report (see S/2021/68) of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, mentions that the threat posed by ISIL to international peace and security is again on the rise and that the majority of the active 10,000 ISIL fighters in the region are in Iraq. This is deeply concerning. The focus of the Security Council should be on eliminating every threat posed by ISIL and other terrorist groups, in Iraq and elsewhere in the world. In order to ensure effective action, a holistic approach in the global fight against terrorism needs to be adopted.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The attacks are a stark reminder that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) continues to pose a significant challenge to peace and stability in Iraq and the region. Terrorism remains the gravest threat to humankind and endangers its very foundation. It is important for the international community to continue its support for the Iraqi security forces and the Government so that they can credibly address the menace of terrorism and provide an environment free of terror and fear.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her comprehensive briefing. We appreciate the close cooperation of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) with the Government of Iraq in providing the assistance needed to tackle the multiple challenges it is facing. Let me begin by expressing my deep condolences to the Government and the people of Iraq and the families of those who were killed in the terrorist attacks in Baghdad on 21 January. We strongly condemn those attacks on innocent civilians and express our solidarity with the Government and the people of the country. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were grievously injured in those despicable attacks.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“India has been at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts, has taken part in all major global initiatives against international terrorism and is a party to all United Nations sectoral conventions relating to terrorism.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“We also attach importance to the role played by UNOCT in building the capacity of Member States both through its capacity-building arm, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, and through its work with other United Nations agencies in the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. India also contributed to the United Nations trust fund for counter-terrorism in order for UNOCT to implement capacity-building projects in East and Southern African countries on border management and countering the financing of terrorism. In conclusion, we reiterate our full support for counter-terrorism cooperation under the auspices of the United Nations.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“We welcome the global programmes launched by UNOCT to assist Member States in building their capacities to prevent and counter terrorism, and we acknowledge the direct utility of the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Programme and the Global Programme against Money-Laundering, Proceeds of Crime and the Financing of Terrorism to prevent and detect the travel of foreign terrorists and the funding of terrorist entities, respectively. We also believe that enhanced United Nations coordination with the FATF would go a long way towards effectively countering terrorism. However, we ask UNOCT to tread carefully on efforts by countries to change the narrative on terrorism to suit their narrow ends and undermine our collective efforts.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“First, we must summon the political will, and should not allow terrorism to be justified or terrorists to be glorified. Second, there must be no double standards. Terrorists are terrorists. No distinction should be made as to whether they are good or bad. Third, no blocks or holds should be placed on listing requests without any reason. Fourth, we must discourage exclusivist thinking. Fifth, we must enlist and delist objectively, not for political or religious considerations. Sixth, we must recognize the linkage with organized crime. Seventh, we must support and strengthen the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Eighth, we must provide greater funding to the UNOCT. It is therefore imperative to collectively build on those principles in ensuring that we are able to defeat the scourge of terrorism for good.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“The world is fully aware that such groups also perpetrate terrorist activities from safe havens in Pakistan, including through violent attacks in Afghanistan, which have disrupted the peace process. We are also witnessing the relocation of terror groups to Afghanistan, especially in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, across the Durand Line. To not name them in the report is doing a disservice, as it gives only a partial and biased view of the situation in the region. For the United Nations system to effectively address the threats posed by terrorists, I would like to reiterate the urgent need to implement the eight-point action plan that India’s External Affairs Minister, Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, proposed to the Security Council on 12 January (see S/2021/48, annex V).”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“He has close links with the proscribed Haqqani Network and earlier operated in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region as an Al-Qaida commander. It is essential that we do not lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network and its supporters, especially with support from the Pakistani authorities, have worked with prominent terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaida, ISIL-K, et cetera, in South Asia. In our view, the Secretary-General’s report on ISIL should also cover activities of the proscribed terrorist entities under the ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions regime, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan-based terror groups, including Jaish-e- Mohammad, and front organizations that raise funds for their activities.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“As a result, ISIL is gaining strength not only in Syria and Iraq, but also in Yemen, the Sahel, West Africa and the Central Africa region. Al-Qaida, the Haqqani Network, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba continue to flourish and operate with impunity in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The modus operandi of ISIL has also changed, as is evident from the lone-wolf attacks occurring in Europe. That changed and reinvigorated ISIL poses a new set of challenges to our collective efforts in our fight against ISIL and terrorism. The Secretary-General’s report also provides an account of the activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K), including the appointment of its new leader, Shahab al-Mujahir.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“The report makes it amply clear that, despite its territorial defeat, ISIL (Da’esh) activities are on the rise, and its presence and activities are affecting significant parts of Africa beyond its core area of operations in Syria and Iraq. The coronavirus disease pandemic has further resulted in terrorism getting a fillip across the world. Easy access to new and emerging technologies, including drones, virtual currencies, encrypted communications and artificial intelligence, has enabled ISIL and other terrorist groups to adapt to the pandemic-affected world and exploit the current conditions to their advantage. Social media networks have also contributed to the radicalization and recruitment of young people. Those new methods have resulted in greater freedom and tactical autonomy for ISIL affiliates.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“We also acknowledge the important role played by the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, under the chairmanship of Mr. Voronkov, in ensuring coordination and coherence among all the implementing agencies through its thematic working groups. It is an undeniable fact that terrorism continues to pose the gravest threat to humankind. Terrorism not only grievously impacts human life but also uproots the very foundation of humanity. Let me take this opportunity to convey our sincere condolences to all countries, including our immediate neighbour, Afghanistan, which continues to suffer from cross-border and international terrorism. The current report of the Secretary-General on ISIL reiterates the necessity for a forceful and decisive global fight against terrorism.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary- General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and Ms. Michèle Coninsx, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), for their briefings on the twelfth report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) to international peace and security (S/2021/98). The Secretary-General’s periodic report on ISIL is an important tool for Member States to reflect on the threat posed by ISIL and strategize a collective approach towards global terrorism. We appreciate the activities undertaken by various United Nations entities, including UNOCT and CTED, to help build the capacity of Member States to counter that threat.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“India genuinely wishes to see enduring peace and stability return to the country. India remains committed to supporting Libya and the Libyan people in this endeavour.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“India’s relations with Libya have always been close and mutually beneficial. Indian companies and Indian expatriates have had a large presence in Libya in the past, numbering at times nearly 100,000. Indian public sector and private companies have contributed significantly to critical infrastructure projects, such as roads and highways, power plants and transmission lines in Libya. The presence of Indian professionals in the critical oil sector, steel manufacturing, as well as in the education and health sector, helped the Libyan society and economy tide over the difficulties of international isolation in the past. The steel plant, power stations, transmission lines and oil pipelines built by Indian companies are positively contributing to the Libyan economy to this day.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“The ongoing selection mechanism to set up a temporary executive authority must ensure genuine and true representation of the Libyan people, in order to take the right decisions and measures for a credible electoral process. The timelines for elections are ambitious and achieving them will not be easy. It is indeed unfortunate that peace and stability have remained elusive in Libya primarily owing to the interference of foreign countries and the presence of foreign mercenaries and terrorist fighters. The opportunity that has been presented by the signing of the ceasefire agreement and the events in the aftermath need to be seized by the Libyan parties and we hope that the international community will render all support to them. This has also become relevant in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic and related humanitarian issues.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“There are several forces within Libya that have the potential to spawn and strengthen terrorism and conflict in the region, especially in the Sahel. The international community must speak in one voice against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Finally, while the political process and conduct of elections are the immediate goal for us, it is important to further note that sustainable peace and stability require national reconciliation. We should not lose sight of this larger goal in our desire to get a quick-fix solution to the crisis. The international community must be prepared to provide any assistance which Libya may ask for in this process.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“Fourthly, a lasting ceasefire in Libya and lasting peace will not be possible without strict compliance with the sanctions regime, as well as the departure of foreign fighters from Libyan territory. We are well past the deadline of 90 days set by the Libyans themselves when they signed the ceasefire agreement for departure of all foreign fighters. The credibility of the sanctions regime depends on the strict compliance of its provisions. Blatant violations of the arms embargo are a serious threat to peace and stability in Libya and need to be condemned. The Council should also look at options to address the issue of the management of frozen assets. Fifthly, we must also ensure that terrorist forces do not take advantage of the move for a peaceful, negotiated settlement.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, it is also important that the international community and the Security Council fully support the efforts geared towards peace and stability in Libya and ensure full commitment to all aspects of the ceasefire agreement. In this regard, we have noted the report of the Secretary-General of 30 December 2020 highlighting the requirements from the perspective of the United Nations for a Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism (S/2020/1309) and have also heard the Special Representative on this topic. India supports the role of the United Nations in implementing the Libyan ceasefire monitoring mechanism, as requested by the Libyan parties. We will work with other members of the Security Council in determining the best way to move this forward.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“The Council today has an important task cut out for itself — how does it support the ceasefire and what measures does it take to advance the political process that is currently under way and ensure lasting peace and stability in Libya? In this context, let me underline the following observations. First, it is evident that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Libya. This is very clear from the decade-long turmoil in the country. A peaceful settlement through inclusive and broad-based dialogue and consultations, taking into account the legitimate concerns and aspirations of all stakeholders in Libya, is the only way forward. Secondly, the peace process should be fully Libyan-led and Libyan-owned, safeguarding the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Libya.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“We have also noted the progress made in the political and military track during the past two months, including municipal elections, the holding of a constitutional committee meeting in Egypt, the progress in the Berlin process, agreement on a unified exchange rate and exchange of detainees. India was a member of the Security Council when resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011) on Libya were adopted in 2011. We had then conveyed our reservations on the way those two resolutions were rushed in the Council. India had called for a calibrated and gradual approach and stressed the importance of political efforts to address the situation. Ten years later, enduring peace still remains a dream in Libya and the Libyan people continue to bear the brunt of actions taken by the Council and the international community.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by extending our appreciation to Ms. Stephanie Williams for her untiring work as Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya carried out under the most challenging and difficult circumstances. We wish her well in her for her future endeavours. I also thank her for today’s briefing. Libya is at a critical juncture, both in terms of political process and military conflict. It has been three months since the ceasefire agreement was signed between the Libyan parties in Geneva in October last year, which was welcomed by the Council; the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum has also made notable progress and has agreed on timelines for elections.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“We also organized an artificial-limb fitment camp in Damascus during December 2019-January 2020, which benefited more than 500 Syrians. We have also provided 1,000 scholarships for Syrian students to study in India. As Syria’s reliable and long-standing friend, India stands ready to continue to render all possible help and support to the Syrian people.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“India supports the United Nations continuing its humanitarian relief operations through all possible channels, with the cooperation of the Syrian Government. In that regard, it is important to delink humanitarian assistance from progress on the political track. We believe that the noble and necessary cause of humanitarian assistance should always be free of politics. Since the conflict broke out in 2011, India has provided $12 million in humanitarian assistance to the Government of Syria through bilateral and multilateral channels. Furthermore, India has set up a biotech park and an information technology centre and extended $265 million in lines of credit for projects in the steel and power sectors. In July 2020, in order to help Syria fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we sent a gift of 10 metric tons of medicines to Damascus.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“As emphasized by Under-Secretary-General Lowcock, the Syrian people are facing very harsh conditions compounded by these cold winter months. In the past two months, the prices of fuel and bread have doubled, the Syrian pound has devalued, people lack fuel to withstand the cold and half of households report poor food consumption. Those are all serious concerns that must be addressed as a priority if we are to avoid a dire humanitarian situation. We call on the international community to provide assistance to Syria in rebuilding its infrastructure, safeguarding people’s livelihoods and fighting COVID-19. In this situation, compounded by both economic and humanitarian crises, we should be sensitive to the debilitating impact that sanctions continue to have on the lives of the common people of Syria.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We note that, since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in March last year, the situation has been generally calm in north-west Syria, which is a positive development. We hope that the Astana guarantors will further strengthen interaction with the United Nations to maintain the sanctity of the ceasefire on the ground. However, it is a matter of concern that hostilities in other parts of the country have continued unabated. The presence of foreign terrorist fighters, along with continued terror activities, has worsened the situation on the ground. It is imperative that all parties adhere to their international obligations to fight terrorism and terrorist organizations in Syria, as designated by the Security Council. Allow me to now address some issues of immediate concern on the humanitarian side.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We hope that the conflict in Syria will end completely sooner rather than later and that the reconstruction of Syria will begin, so that Syria reclaims its place in the comity of nations as well as its historic role in the Arab world. Towards that objective, India is ready to play a constructive and meaningful role in the Council. On the political track, the fifth session of the drafting body of the Constitutional Committee is scheduled to meet in Geneva on 25 January. As agreed at the fourth session, held a month back, the Committee will be discussing basic principles of the constitution. We hope all parties will show the commitment, flexibility and compromise necessary to move forward on the political track. The international community, including the United Nations, should continue to assist the parties in that process.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“The conflict has become even more complex with the involvement of regional players. Terrorism emanating from Syria has spread far, reaching even parts of Africa. Foreign fighters involved in the Syrian conflict have also moved to other places as mercenaries. The humanitarian situation has worsened, further exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The fact that the conflict has been so long-drawn and intractable points to the inevitability of a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), culminating in constitutional reform and free and fair elections.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“By December 2012, three resolutions had already been adopted on Syria, but there had hardly been any progress in terms of their implementation. The politicization and militarization of the conflict brought disastrous consequences. Terrorist groups took advantage of the situation and entrenched themselves. The humanitarian consequences of the conflict rendered more than 1 million people homeless and nearly 300,000 as refugees in neighbouring countries. When Lakhdar Brahimi took over from Kofi Annan, the failure of the international community in addressing the crisis had already started affecting the entire region. As we begin our new Council term eight years later, it is indeed disheartening to note that the ongoing crisis in Syria still has no end in sight and the political process is yet to take off.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary- General Mark Lowcock for their briefings on the recent political developments and the humanitarian situation in Syria. As we are all aware, discussions on the Syrian conflict began in March 2011, during the initial days of our previous innings in the Security Council. Amid prevailing sharp differences, the impasse was then broken with the adoption of the first presidential statement, under India’s presidency in August 2011 (S/PRST/2011/16). Subsequently, the first resolution on Syria was adopted in March 2012 (resolution 2042 (2012)), despite deep divisions among Council members, endorsing the six- point plan of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Before I conclude, let me also welcome the reconciliation and rapprochement among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the signing of the Al- Ula Declaration at the recently concluded GCC Summit in Saudi Arabia. India acknowledges the key role of a unified GCC in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in Yemen. We also look forward to enhancing India’s institutional dialogue and partnership with the GCC in the coming months.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I reaffirm India’s steadfast commitment to a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process with the goal of achieving an inclusive and peacefully negotiated settlement to the conflict. We urge all Yemeni parties to work efforts towards such a settlement. We take note of Special Envoy Martin’s efforts to initiate direct talks between the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah to finalize the joint declaration. We believe that creating a conducive environment for such talks is also vital. The cessation of violence and other confidence-building measures, like prisoner exchanges, can help create such an environment. We encourage all parties to explore those measures.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“The two countries are connected through the Indian Ocean, which has contributed to the flow of people between the two nations. In the past, Indian freedom fighters visited Aden to support Yemen’s independence; today Yemeni students come to India to study. There are nearly 300,000 Indians of Yemeni origin living in India, and 200,000 Indian-origin diaspora members in Yemen. A large number of Indians were working in Yemen until 2015, when we were forced to evacuate them. That strong connection with Yemen makes the instability, violence and suffering in Yemen painful for India and all Indians. If we are serious about finding a long-term solution to Yemen’s challenges, then the Council should press urgently for a sustainable and comprehensive political settlement of the conflict.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“The preservation and full implementation of the Stockholm Agreement is even more critical today as there are predictions of a widespread famine in Yemen in 2021. It is extremely important that the Al-Hudaydah port and the other Red Sea ports remain operational to facilitate humanitarian shipments to Yemen. In his briefing, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock referred to the plight of the millions of Yemenis who face severe food insecurity and the Yemeni children who suffer from acute malnourishment. I cannot overstate the need for prioritizing humanitarian assistance to the people of Yemen. Having provided food and medical aid amounting to $5 million in the past, India will continue its assistance to the people of Yemen. India’s relationship with Yemen is centuries old, and its cornerstone is our people-people ties.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We also commend the new Government’s resolve to continue its efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen, despite the recent attacks. In 2020, there was also an increase in threats arising out of Yemen on commercial ships navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. India is deeply worried by that trend, which threatens not only the safe passage of commercial vessels but also maritime security in the region. That issue deserves the Security Council’s immediate attention and calls for greater deliberation. We also remain concerned by the uptick in incidents of violence in Al- Hudaydah and Taiz, which has resulted in civilian deaths, especially of women and children. Those attacks are a flagrant violation of the ceasefire provisions of the Stockholm Agreement, and I urge all parties to fulfil their commitments under the Agreement.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“These recurring incidents highlight the safety and security issues faced by humanitarian workers in Yemen. India commends the valiant efforts of all humanitarian workers to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Yemeni people in need, despite the daunting challenges they face. However, this indiscriminate act should not be allowed to overshadow the recent significant achievements in the pursuit of peace in Yemen — the formation of the new Cabinet and the security redeployments in southern Yemen, as envisaged under the Riyadh agreement. India welcomes those positive steps, which have triggered a wave of hope. We appreciate the role played by Saudi Arabia and others in facilitating these developments.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“The targeting of the civilian airport and the killing of innocent civilians is unacceptable and cannot be justified for any reason whatsoever. The perpetrators of this heinous act should be held accountable, and I urge the international community to support the Government of Yemen in its efforts to do so. Similar missile attacks within Yemen and across the border into Saudi Arabia continued unabated in 2020. A strict implementation of the arms embargo, as envisaged in resolution 2216 (2015), and its effective monitoring are necessary to create the conditions for the complete elimination of such threats in future. We are also saddened by the tragic death of staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the airport attack.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Allow me to begin by welcoming to this meeting Mr. Ahmed Awad Ahmed Binmubarak, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen. I also thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, David Beasley, for their briefings. I join other colleagues in conveying my heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Yemen and to the families of those who were killed in the attack at Aden International Airport. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were grievously injured in that heinous attack. India strongly condemns the attack and views it as a deliberate attempt to undermine the ongoing peace efforts in Yemen.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“Under the auspices of the India-United Nations Development Partnership Fund, we are also providing $9 million for livelihood projects in nine West African countries. India has a robust security partnership with countries in the region. We have also commenced counter-terrorism training in the region. Under our Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation defence training programme, we are currently providing about 250 training slots to countries in the region. We remain committed to supporting countries in the region through capacity-building and the strengthening of democratic institutions. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate India’s support for the activities of UNOWAS and its collaboration with subregional organizations in achieving political stability, lasting peace and sustainable development of the West Africa and the Sahel region.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“In the Gulf of Guinea, India is engaged in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security and safe navigation. In 2020, India became a full-fledged member of the Friends of the Gulf of Guinea of the Group of Seven. To tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, India has been extending support to Governments in the region, including by providing essential medicines to 12 countries in West Africa. India is also participating in the Group of Twenty Debt Service Suspension Initiative to provide debt relief, including to countries in the region. India has to date provided soft loans amounting to $3.279 billion for projects in the agriculture, irrigation, water supply, energy, solar and health sectors.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source