YouSaid · the spoken record

Thomas-Greenfield

lines on the record: 1,605
first: 2021-05-27
most recent: 2023-12-22
sittings or episodes: 219
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

“No one can argue that United States strikes were — or will be — without warning, and as United States Secretary of Defence Austin stated after the recent strikes, the United States will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people. At this perilous moment for the region, the protection of civilians must be at the forefront. We are outraged by the relentless attacks carried out by the Al-Assad regime and by the Russian attacks in northern Syria, which killed scores of civilians, displaced more than 100,000 people and destroyed vital infrastructure. In just the last week, the regime or its Russian allies struck a displacement camp in north- west Syria, killing innocent children, and we continue to see attacks on schools and medical facilities.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“Moreover, we have made clear that we will respond to attacks on our own personnel and facilities in Syria or against United States interests and, where appropriate, exercise our right to self- defence forcefully, proportionately and in a manner that minimizes civilian harm. The narrowly tailored United States strikes on Iranian militia sites in eastern Syria conducted on 27 October were in response to the repeated attacks made on United States forces in Syria and Iraq since 17 October and were an appropriate exercise of our right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“The Syrian regime has allowed Iran and terrorist groups, including Hizbullah, to use its international airports for military purposes. By doing so, the Al-Assad regime has put civilian travellers at those airports at risk. The regime should stop playing the victim card. It is fully within the regime’s power to prevent Iran from using Syrian civilian airports to transport weapons and fighters that are then used to threaten neighbouring States. We call on the regime to curb the activities of Iran-backed militias in Syria, stop the flow of foreign arms and fighters through its territory and cease escalatory actions in the Golan Heights. The United States has warned all actors not to take advantage of the situation in Gaza to widen or deepen the conflict.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Wosornu for their continued attention to the ongoing conflict and dire humanitarian needs in Syria. Before Hamas’s horrific terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October, the Special Envoy warned the Security Council that increased military activity in Syria had the potential to spill over into neighbouring countries. Unfortunately, the Special Envoy’s words proved prescient. Terrorist groups, some backed by the Syrian regime and Iran, are threatening to expand the conflict beyond Gaza by using Syrian territory to plot and launch attacks against Israel. We have also seen attacks on United States forces in Syria, whose mission has been — and continues to be — to defeat Da’esh.”
2023-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9459 (2023) · source
“The United States stands by its draft text. And we stand ready to work with all Member States to support the efforts of the Secretary-General, President Biden and Secretary Blinken, in cooperation with many countries around this table and in the region, to build a more peaceful and secure future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“The United States is deeply disappointed that Russia and China vetoed draft resolution S/2023/792, which, as I have said, was strong, balanced and the prod- uct of consultations among the members of the Secu- rity Council. We listened to everyone, we incorporated feedback and we worked to forge consensus around a draft resolution that would send a clear message to the world — and most importantly, to Israelis and Palestini- ans — that the Council is determined to meet this moment. We should not encourage Russia’s cynical and irresponsible behaviour by voting in favour of its text, draft resolution S/2023/795, which, as I said earlier, was offered up at the very last minute, with zero consultation, and which contains a number of problematic sections. Though today’s vote was a setback, we must not be deterred.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“It stresses that Member States must take concrete steps to prevent an expansion of the conflict beyond Gaza. It underscores the need to work together to deprive Hamas of the funding and weapons it uses to spread terror. It makes clear that we must continue to work towards a future in which two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace. That is clearly not what Hamas wants to see. The United States worked exhaustively to draft a strong and balanced text that meets the present moment, and we urge all Council members to vote in favour of it.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“Instead, we should come together around the draft resolution proposed by the United States — a resolution that not only includes but also builds on many elements of the draft resolution that Brazil put forward last week (S/2023/773). Our draft resolution unequivocally condemns the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups. It affirms the right of Member States to defend themselves against the threat to peace and security posed by acts of terrorism. It urges all parties to fully respect and comply with their obligations under international law. It underscores the need to protect civilians and humanitarian workers, including United Nations officials and medical personnel. It calls for all measures, specifically humanitarian pauses, to allow for full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“We were determined to craft a draft resolution that would enjoy broad support, reflect the facts on the ground and bolster the work of the United Nations and the urgent, direct diplomacy that the vast majority of Council members support. Our approach stands in stark contrast to Russia’s. Russia has put forward a draft resolution (S/2023/795) at the very last minute with zero consultation. I will note that when putting together our draft resolution (S/2023/792), we gave Russia’s feedback the same consideration we gave to that of other Council members. The bottom line is this: Russia has offered up yet another draft resolution in bad faith and the Council should not stand for it.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“This moment is a test for all of us — for the international community and for the Council itself. The United States has worked to forge a consensus around a draft resolution that is strong and balanced. We solicited input. We listened. We engaged with all Council members to incorporate edits, including language on humanitarian pauses and the protection of civilians fleeing conflict and language on the importance of deconfliction mechanisms to protect United Nations facilities and personnel. Those are important additions to the text — ones that we support and ones that we should all support. This draft resolution (S/2023/792) also reflects input from numerous humanitarian organizations working to save lives. The United States was not interested in putting forward a draft resolution just to put forward a draft resolution.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“We also welcome the release over the past few days of four people who were being held hostage by Hamas. We thank Qatar and Egypt for their mediation efforts. But roughly 200 people are not yet free. We heard yesterday, in this very Chamber, how so many families still do not know the whereabouts or conditions of their loved ones (see S/PV.9451). Parents lie awake at night wondering if they will ever see their child again. Yesterday I met with two of those parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin. Their 23-year-old son, Hersh — an American citizen — was seriously injured and taken hostage by Hamas. No parent should have to experience that kind of agony and pain. It is heartbreaking, and it is infuriating. A vote for this draft resolution (S/2023/792) sends the message that every single hostage must be released immediately, without conditions.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“Last week, I said that the Council needed to let diplomacy play out and that we needed to give Secretary-General Guterres, President Biden and Secretary Blinken, as well as regional leaders, the chance to move progress forward (see S/PV.9442). Over the past few days, we have seen the fruits of that diplomacy. Thanks to the leadership of the United Nations, the United States, Israel, Egypt and other countries and partners, humanitarian aid has started to reach Gaza. However, much more help is needed. The United States will continue to work with our partners to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian relief into Gaza. This draft resolution (S/2023/792) will support that effort. Our text calls for the rapid expansion of aid delivery. We must do everything in our power to meet the dire humanitarian needs of the Palestinians in Gaza.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9453 (2023) · source
“We must lift up those women, and all women who are leading efforts to provide assistance to people in need, including survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Women and girls across the world are looking to us, and we must send a clear message that we stand with them and support them. We support them today, tomorrow and every day after that.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“Last month I was in Chad, where I met with a group of Sudanese women who had fled a brutal conflict where women and girls have been victims of rape and other forms of conflict-related sexual violence. In their eyes I saw pain and fear. It was the same pain and fear that I saw in the eyes of women whom I met in Ukraine who had endured unthinkable cruelty at the hands of Russian forces. But those women, and all women living under conflict, are also examples of strength. As just one example, in Ukraine, women have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership. Ukrainian women have been first responders, front-line defenders serving in the military, heads of households and advocates for justice and accountability.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“The United States is also heartened to see that more troop- and police-contributing countries are meeting the United Nations gender-parity goals, including countries we partner with on capacity-building for peacekeeping, and we hope to see those trends continue. The United States stands ready to support all Member States in adopting, implementing, adapting and revising national action plans and strategies for women and peace and security. By doing so, we help women and girls, especially in conflict areas, achieve stability, economic prosperity and future growth. Everywhere I go, I make it my mission to meet with women leaders, human rights defenders and activists.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“Right now, around the world, women and girls are under threat from conflict, repressive regimes and a growing, coordinated and highly resourced pushback on the exercise of their human rights. Those women are counting on us, on the Council and on all Member States. And as we work to advance women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in ensuring peace and security, we must place justice and accountability at the forefront of the women and peace and security agenda. The United States applauds the efforts by Member States to improve the full and meaningful participation of women in peace operations, especially in leadership positions. We also support the Secretary-General’s call to increase women’s participation in local efforts to respond to conflicts and to mitigate and resolve them.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“On 7 October, when Hamas launched its barbaric terrorist attacks against Israel, more than 1,000 people were slaughtered and innocent civilians were taken hostage and caught in the crossfire, including women, girls, babies and elderly women. It is sickening, and there is never any justification for terrorism. We also know that women and girls in Gaza, who have endured years and years of Hamas’s cruelty, are in dire need of humanitarian aid and are also victims of Hamas’s horrific actions on 7 October. For our part, the United States is providing $100 million in new humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, and we continue to work around the clock to ensure that aid can reach people in need. We know that is urgent. The bottom line is this.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“We are also proud to join broad coalitions of previous and current Council members in signing up to the statement of shared commitments on women and peace and security, and we encourage the incoming Security Council members to do the same. As a member of the group of signatories to the statement of shared commitments to advance the women and peace and security agenda, we are committed to amplifying women’s voices and following up on the re commendations of civil society. This year’s report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/725) paints a gruesome picture of the risks women and girls face, including kidnapping, torture, killing and gender-based violence in the Sudan, Ukraine, Syria and in conflicts around the world.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“In that vein, later this month, the Biden Administration will launch the updated United States strategy and national action plan on women and peace and security, which will encourage partners around the world to mainstream the agenda’s principles across policies and strategies. It is well established that women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, as leaders, negotiators and peacebuilders, increases the likelihood of a just and lasting peace. However, more financing for women and youth peacebuilders is needed, and the United States hopes to work through the Peacebuilding Commission to move forward on that.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“I thank Brazil for convening today’s open debate as we mark the twenty-third anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. I thank the Secretary-General and Ms. Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as all of today’s briefers, for all they do to promote and protect the rights of women and girls. As the first country to adopt a comprehensive law on women and peace and security, the United States remains fully committed to advancing resolution 1325 (2000). We must all do our part to live up to that resolution and the ideals we subscribe to.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“The loss of any innocent life is heartbreaking and unacceptable, and we must all do everything possible to protect civilians.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“By slaughtering Israeli civilians and continuing to attack Israel, Hamas has wrought misery and destruction on Palestinians and the region, and it has done so for decades. As the Council knows, Secretary-General Guterres is on his way to the region, and President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken are on the ground and are deeply engaged on this issue. Just today, President Biden announced that the United States is providing $100 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. That money will support over 1 million displaced and conflict- affected Palestinians. The United States will continue to work closely with the Israeli Government, other countries in the region, the United Nations and other partners to minimize the risk of civilian casualties.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“While we continue to collect information, our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery, intercepts and open-source information, is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. The President of the United States has made clear, as have I in the Council, that we stand unequivocally for the protection of civilian life during conflict — unequivocally, in this conflict and in any conflict. We have communicated at the highest levels that every step must be taken to protect civilian lives — every step. In the face of this horrific tragedy, we stand with Palestinians in Gaza, who are suffering through no fault of their own. Let us not lose sight of the fact that Hamas bears responsibility for this war.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their sobering briefings. President Biden just spoke to these issues in Israel, and he has made clear that the United States is outraged and saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. We mourn this terrible loss of life. We mourn all the innocent civilians killed or wounded in this tragedy. Today all of our hearts are heavy. My heart is heavy, and it is with the victims and their loved ones. I cannot imagine the pain, the grief and the anguish they are going through. Last night, President Biden directed his national security team to continue gathering information about what exactly happened.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“Hamas’s own actions have brought on this severe humanitarian crisis. Hamas has caused so much needless suffering, death and destruction. Every Member State should condemn Hamas’s terrorism and cruelty and every Member State should call on Hamas to cease its endless barrage of rockets against Israel. That is not complicated, and it is not controversial. It is the bare minimum. At this difficult moment, let us all call for the protection of civilians and unequivocally condemn Hamas. Let us all affirm Israel’s right of self-defence and support the urgent diplomatic efforts under way. Let us stand with the United Nations and other partners as they work to alleviate the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza. And let us all support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Though we could not support this draft resolution, we will continue to work closely with all Council members on this pressing issue, just as we will continue to reiterate the need to protect civilians, including members of the media, humanitarian workers and United Nations officials. When I talk about the protection of civilians, I mean all civilians. The United States is horrified and saddened by yesterday’s explosion at the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. We mourn this tragic loss of life. On the humanitarian front, we are working with Israel, its neighbours, the United Nations and other partners to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is critical that food, medicine, water and fuel begin flowing into Gaza as soon as possible. Families, the elderly and children are in dire need. Let us be clear.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Yes, resolutions are important, and yes, the Council must speak out. But the actions we take must be informed by the facts on the ground and support direct diplomacy efforts that can save lives. The Council needs to get this right. The United States is disappointed that this draft resolution made no mention of Israel’s right of self- defence. Like every nation in the world, Israel has the inherent right of self-defence, as reflected in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, Following previous terrorist attacks by groups such as Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, the Council reaffirmed that right. This text should have done the same.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“As we meet, President Biden is in the region. His trip is a clear demonstration of the fact that the United States is actively engaging at the highest levels to secure the release of hostages, to prevent the conflict from spreading, to stress the need to protect civilian lives, to address the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza and to demonstrate to the Israeli people that the United States stands with them in their time of sorrow and need. We are on the ground doing the hard work of diplomacy. While we recognize Brazil’s desire to move forward draft resolution S/2023/773, we believe we need to let that diplomacy play out, especially when Secretary- General Guterres, President Biden, Secretary Blinken and regional actors are engaged in intensive dialogue on the very issues we are deliberating on today.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“All Congolese civilians deserve the right to live in peace and to have their voices heard at the polls. I again thank Special Envoy Huang Xia for his efforts. It is my sincere hope that the next time he briefs the Council, we will have made strides towards achieving peace. There is no time to waste.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Malimukono once again for her extraordinary efforts to bring attention to their needs. According to the World Food Programme, the ongoing political instability has devastated food production and distribution, resulting in widespread food shortages. Some 1.5 million people are facing emergency levels of food insecurity, and that is simply unacceptable in the twenty-first century — a human-made political crisis has become a human-made humanitarian crisis, and it must end. We must pursue diplomatic solutions. To that end, I call on leaders in the region to maintain an open dialogue, especially as the national elections of the Democratic Republic of the Congo approach. The elections must be free and fair for everyone, including women and minority communities.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“I want to once again urge all Council members to avoid endorsing greater support on the part of MONUSCO to the EAC regional force without appropriate safeguards, in line with United Nations policies aimed at addressing human rights, accountability and command-and-control concerns. Those safeguards are vital to ensure that we do not inadvertently worsen an already dangerous security situation. As we heard today, because of the region’s instability, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated alarmingly. Conflict has displaced more than half a million people in 2023 alone, many of whom are being forced to live without access to adequate food, water or medical care in camps filled far beyond capacity. Thousands of women and children are being exploited by organized sex-trafficking operations. I want to thank Ms.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Once again, I repeat our call for Rwanda to immediately end its support for the M-23, which is under United Nations sanctions, and to withdraw from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. And we call on the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo to cut ties with the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, which are also under United Nations sanctions. We call on troops from the region deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, whether bilaterally or through the East African Community, to coordinate with each other and MONUSCO. They must also avoid human rights violations and abuses and illicit activities, including illicit mineral extraction.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Six months ago, during our last briefing on the Great Lakes region (see S/PV.9307), we called on all the parties to act expeditiously to meet their commitments under the Luanda communiqué in full, including the withdrawal of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) to the Sabyinyo line, followed by cantonment and disarmament. While the States of the region have stepped up to help with the process, the M-23 has blocked access to pre-cantonment sites, hampering disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts and interfering with the important work of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Xia for his informative briefing. I also thank Mr. Caholo and Ms. Malimukono for their briefings and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in today’s meeting. The United States appreciates all that the Special Envoy has done to generate international support for the East African Community (EAC)-led Nairobi process and the Luanda process. Despite those efforts, the security situation in the Great Lakes region remains dire and has continued to deteriorate as tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have grown.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s rights to dignity and self-determination. The path of terror that Hamas is engaged on has not improved the life of a single person or done anything to advance peace and stability. On the contrary, all Hamas has ever brought to the Palestinian people and the region is misery, chaos and destruction. Over the coming days, weeks and months, let us work together to prevent the conflict from spreading and to address the humanitarian crisis. Let us also work together to hold Hamas accountable for its terrorist acts against Israel and for standing in the way of the peace and stability that Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“We are doing all we can to help facilitate access to basic necessities, including food, water and medicine. As President Biden made clear, we are working with Israel to ensure that it has what it needs to defend the Israeli people, rescue hostages and take the necessary action to hold terrorists accountable for the attacks. The United States has reiterated to its Israeli partners the need to protect civilian life, consistent with international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians and the protection of people who are trying to get to safety must be a central focus for everyone involved. We will continue to urge our Israeli partners to work to minimize the risk of civilian casualties. The bottom line is this: you cannot claim to stand with the Palestinians and their legitimate aspirations if you do not stand squarely against Hamas.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“We are also actively engaged with other partners in the region and the United Nations to help meet the needs of people in Gaza. It is critical that civilians have access to essential food, water, medicine and shelter. Let me repeat: it is critical. We have called on countries in the region to allow for and facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza, in line with the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. The United States is proud to be the largest international humanitarian donor to the Palestinian people. The United States announced yesterday the appointment of Special Envoy David Satterfield, who will lead United States diplomatic efforts to promote the safety of civilians and urgently address the humanitarian crisis, in coordination with the United Nations and United States partners.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“The United States could not support Russia’s draft resolution, which, in ignoring Hamas’ terrorism, dishonours victims. We agree that the Council should take action, but we have to get it right. And we will work intensively with all members on the Council to do so. The vast majority of families in Gaza are suffering through no fault of their own. As I have said, Hamas set the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in motion, and we cannot allow the Council to unfairly shift the blame to Israel and excuse Hamas for its decades of cruelty. As we speak, Secretary Blinken and the White House are engaged in intensive discussions with the highest levels of the Israeli Government and other countries in the region to secure the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and facilitate humanitarian access and relief.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“And Hamas’ actions have led to the dire humanitarian crisis facing the people of Gaza. Civilians should not have to suffer for Hamas’ atrocities. The Council and the entire international community have a responsibility to help address the humanitarian crisis, unequivocally condemn Hamas and reaffirm Israel’s inherent right to self-defence under the Charter of the United Nations. Unfortunately, Russia’s draft resolution (S/2023/772) submitted today does not meet all those responsibilities. Russia’s draft resolution, which was put forward without any consultations, makes no mention of Hamas — none. By failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalizes innocent civilians. It is outrageous, it is hypocritical and it is indefensible.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Just over a week ago, terror was unleashed on Israel by Hamas, whose stated purpose is to destroy Israel and kill Jews. That was the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. I want to say that once again: that was the worst massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. It was an appalling human tragedy that has brought to the surface the painful scars left by a millennium of anti-Semitism. Hamas terrorists slaughtered more than 1,000 civilians, including American citizens — entire families, children, babies and the elderly. And Hamas took innocent people hostage, including American citizens and the citizens of several members of the Security Council. The brutality of Hamas brings to mind the most heinous atrocities committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“The Libyan people deserve the opportunity to elect a unified Government of their choosing, and we urge Libya’s political leaders to take concrete actions to deliver on that promise without delay.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“We also welcome steps towards the unification of east-west command to facilitate a joint unit that could help to reduce criminality in the south, secure Libya’s borders and prevent the spillover of regional turmoil. However, we remain deeply concerned by the destabilizing activities of the transnational criminal organization Wagner Group, both in Libya and throughout the region. Wagner has made no secret of its disregard for Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, or of its ambition to deepen its foothold in the region. We are fast approaching the second anniversary of the parties’ broken promises to hold elections in December 2021, and that is shameful.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“The United States stands firmly behind Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bathily’s work to convene key Libyan stakeholders, galvanize the political process and consolidate support for elections as soon as possible. A unified international voice in support of those efforts will be critical to making concrete progress. We urge all Libyan actors to engage constructively and transparently with Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bathily to reach a political agreement, finalize electoral laws and set Libya on a path to free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections. The United States also commends the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to remove foreign forces, fighters and mercenaries from Libya and advance efforts towards possible disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Nevertheless, whichever modality Libyan leaders adopt, it must approach reconstruction in a coordinated, apolitical manner in order to ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons. This is not a moment for division and political posturing. The devastating floods, recent violence in Tripoli and turmoil along Libya’s southern border also underscore the urgent need for unified Libyan governance. It is far past time for political actors to put aside their differences and work together, not only in the post-flood reconstruction effort but in the pursuit of a credible path to elections and a dignified Government that delivers for the Libyan people.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“For its part, the United States has provided more than $13 million in humanitarian programming and more than 29 metric tons of commodities to thousands of people affected by the floods. We strongly support the call by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for a unified and coordinated Libyan national mechanism that will help to deliver humanitarian assistance and address reconstruction in a transparent and accountable manner and that will help to facilitate additional support and technical assistance from the United States and other international partners. As the Libyan people work to rebuild east- west cooperation on flood reconstruction, planning is essential. The high financial committee established in July is one such avenue for cooperation.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“Let me thank Special Representative Bathily for his briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Japan, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, and welcome Libya’s presence at this meeting. We meet a little more than a month after devastating floods swept through parts of Libya and left enormous destruction and death in their wake. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and with those struggling to rebuild as they cope with unimaginable loss. We deeply appreciate the efforts of the United Nations to marshal a response to Storm Daniel. The United Nations visit on 16 September to the hardest-hit city of Derna helped to galvanize international relief efforts.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9438 (2023) · source
“That is the least that they can expect from their Government. MONUSCO needs the Council’s support, but it also needs the support of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Threats and attacks against MONUSCO are unacceptable. The United States is committed to an orderly and coordinated transition of MONUSCO and to assisting the Government to strengthen key governance, justice and security institutions.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“Finally, free and fair elections are key to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s future stability. I want to thank MONUSCO for its logistical support, including transporting electoral materials in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. We appreciate President Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s condemnation of hate speech, but urge the Government to take more concrete actions to protect minority communities from violence. The United States is also concerned about political repression as elections approach, including infringements on civic expression, harassment and violence towards opposition and civilian society members by security forces, as well as judicial proceedings involving two declared presidential candidates. All Congolese people should be able to cast votes for the candidates of their choice, free of worry about security and safety.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“I appreciate the important efforts of African regional bodies to work towards peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially through the Nairobi and the Luanda processes. The next session of the Nairobi process must be scheduled in order to demonstrate progress towards a negotiated solution. I am concerned about the continued reports of sexual violence against women and girls, as briefed today by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Ms. Modi. In fact, I am appalled and ashamed that such attacks continue to happen, as they have, and we should all be appalled by what is happening there. We have an obligation to do everything possible to provide protection and support to women and girls. We should support their right to contest elections and their right to vote in elections without fear.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“In addition to condemning Rwanda’s actions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo last month, the United States imposed sanctions on six individuals for contributing to the escalation of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. And on 15 September the United States listed Rwanda under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act for its support to the M-23, which has recruited or used child soldiers. As a result, certain elements of United States bilateral security assistance will be prohibited. We are committed to designating additional individuals and entities that threaten the peace and security of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we urge other Council members to join us in that process. The region has also stepped up.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source