YouSaid · the spoken record

Vale De Almeida

lines on the record: 397
first: 2015-11-10
most recent: 2019-07-09
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

“Although the overall security situation remains stable, it is nonetheless fragile due to tensions caused by the electoral climate. The European Union commends the professionalism of the Haitian National Police, which successfully managed the recent events on its own, for the most part. It believes that the presence of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in the country, and in particular its support in maintaining security during elections, always bearing in mind respect for and the protection of human rights and the principles of sovereignty, remain important, even now, in ensuring that the process continues and that peace and stability prevail. Once conditions allow, based on the Secretary-General's recommendations, we encourage reflection on the future of MINUSTAH.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“This financial support from the European Union, however, depends on respect for democratic principles, including the right of the people to choose their own Government through the ballot box, and not through street demonstrations. Political conditionality clauses are an integral part of the Cotonou Agreement, which links the European Union to the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of which Haiti is a member. Institutional stability is essential if European aid is to be effective and produce lasting effects that benefit the population. It is urgent and necessary to establish democratically elected and legitimate institutions that can immediately address the major economic and structural challenges the country faces.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“As soon as possible the country must return to constitutional normality, with a President and a Government that are elected in transparent, inclusive and credible elections. The European Union has taken note of the revised electoral timetable, which was announced by the Provisional Electoral Council, and the delay in the balloting planned for 9 October due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew. We call upon all political actors in Haiti, in particular the interim President, to do everything possible to complete the electoral cycle under way and return to constitutional order as soon as possible. Everyone must demonstrate responsibility and restraint in that regard. The European Union is a long-time supporter and a friend of Haiti. It is also one of its main donors in terms of emergency assistance and in development aid.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“However, the annulment of the results of the first round of the presidential elections and its consequences, which in fact go against the conclusions of the European Union election observation mission, led the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission to take the decision to withdraw that election observation mission. Beyond the judgment that the international community might draw on the annulment of the first round of the presidential elections, following a process that was not provided for under Haitian law and was not based on any agreement, it is clear that, in any case, the electoral process must continue and lead to peace, inclusion, transparency and legitimacy.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“The European Union supported the holding of general elections in Haiti both in August and October 2015 in two ways: through a financial contribution of â‚¬5 million to the Trust Fund managed by the United Nations system, and by sending an election observation mission, which was requested by the Haitian authorities and in agreement with them. That mission, in a totally independent manner and according to a methodology and an established code of conduct in line with international standards, verified the compliance of all stages of the process with regional and international obligations and standards for elections, as well as with Haitian legislation. According to the mission's observations, despite some irregularities, there were no significant problems with the outcomes of the first round of the presidential elections.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“The completion of the electoral process in a context of legitimacy and transparency is the fundamental precondition for ensuring political and institutional stability. Concluding the process is also an urgent need to allow Haiti to face up to the many economic, social and environmental challenges facing the country. As in recent years, the efforts of all to ensure stability and security continue to be vital for the democratic consolidation process. The European Union remains a faithful partner of the Republic of Haiti and continues to be determined to support the country during this delicate stage, working with other partners.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“The European Union, in solidarity with the people of Haiti, has decided to step up its support with a contribution of â‚¬1.5 million of emergency assistance to meet immediate needs. That funding is in addition to the â‚¬255,000 of humanitarian aid initially provided by the European Union and the funds made available by our members under the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Following the contested outcome of the elections in August and October 2015, the first round ofpresidential elections was annulled. The term of office of the interim President, which expired in June this year, was not renewed. The country is therefore in an anomalous institutional situation, and one that is very fragile.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 28 member States. I thank the Secretary General for his report (S/2016/753), and the Special Representative for her briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his statement. The following countries align themselves with this statement: the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; potential candidate country Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia. At the outset, I would like to convey our condolences to the Government and the people of Haiti, who have been affected by Hurricane Matthew.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“In that respect, the Joint Commission has endorsed several documents relating to the work of the Procurement Working Group, namely, the information on the procurement channel, the optional application form, the optional end-use certification and the relevant explanatory notes, as well as the statement on confidentiality in the Procurement Working Group and the Joint Commission for matters relating to the procurement channel. All of those documents have been published on the Security Council website. Let me conclude by reiterating our strong interest and sense of responsibility in the successful operation of the Procurement Working Group and of the JCPOA as a whole.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“To be more precise, since JCPOA implementation, the Group has collectively engaged with third States and briefed representatives of the Security Council, as well as of States Members of the United Nations, during an open briefing organized by the facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). Participants also held separate bilateral discussions with a number of interested third States. We have taken note of the points raised by States during those meetings.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“This is the first report of its kind; it is factual, and it aims at providing the facilitator and Security Council members with an overview of the work undertaken by the Procurement Working Group in the period since JCPOA implementation day, 16 January 2016, up to 6 July. During that period, the participants in the Procurement Working Group - the E/EU3+3 and Iran - worked intensively to establish the Group and define its modalities for operation. Participants held seven meetings, at one of which the IAEA participated as an observer. The Group has made great efforts to be as transparent as possible, without compromising confidentiality, by reaching out to third States and promoting a better understanding ofits aims, objectives and review process.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“Transparency has been one ofour guiding principles during the negotiations and a cornerstone of the J CPOA. According to paragraph 6.10 of JCPOA annex IV, "the Joint Commission will report to the United Nations Security Council at least every 6 months on the status of the Procurement Working Group's decisions and on any implementation issues" (resolution 223] (2015), annex A, p. 92). In this context, on 8 July, the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group submitted to the facilitator, on behalf of the Joint Commission, the report of the Joint Commission to the Security Council on the status of the Procurement Working Group's decisions and on any implementation issues.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“I would also like to take note ofthe report ofthe Secretary-General (S/2016/589) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), as outlined by the Under- Secretary-General. I will now focus on the work of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission. The Coordinator of the Joint Commission and the Procurement Working Group is responsible for the smooth operation of that newly established mechanism, which has been tasked to review the proposals of States seeking to engage in activities with Iran that are for nuclear and non-nuclear civilian end-uses. On implementation day, the Joint Commission established the Procurement Working Group, which is comprised of E3/EU+3 and Iranian representatives. The Group has been in full operation since then.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“We have a strong interest in and responsibility for the successful implementation of the deal, which we believe is a clear demonstration that with political will, perseverance and multilateral diplomacy, workable solutions can be found to the most difficult problems. In that respect, another meeting of the Joint Commission with the E3/EU+3 and Iran will take place in Vienna tomorrow. I would also like at this point to extend my gratitude to the facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), my good friend His Excellency Mr. Roman Oyarzun Marchesi, for his excellent cooperation since implementation day, and to thank our colleagues in the Security Council Affairs Division for their unwavering support regarding the establishment of the procurement channel.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“So far, all parties have fulfilled their commitments, as confirmed by the two reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Iran's nuclear commitments and by the lifting of the agreed nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions on implementation day. However, JCPOA implementation is still a work in progress and we expect the full and effective implementation throughout the lifetime of the agreement on the part of all sides. We remain committed to that goal. As Coordinator of the Joint Commission, the body established by the JCPOA, the High Representative and its representatives oversee the successful implementation of the deal, as well as the effective operation of its working groups.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I thank you, Sir, for giving me the floor. I am honoured to address the Council today on behalf of the designate representative of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in her capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Commission established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to whom I shall refer hereafter as the "Coordinator". The date of 14 July marked the first anniversary of the conclusion of the JCPOA and six months from its implementation day. In this first year, important steps have been taken by all parties, the E3/EU+3 and Iran, towards the successful implementation of the deal. We are also pleased to say that JCPOA implementation is on track.”
2016-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7739 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, we remain strongly committed to an ever-stronger partnership with the AU, as well as increased triangular cooperation among the EU, AU and the United Nations, in order to fully achieve the establishment of lasting African peace and security capacities in full respect of African ownership.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“The heavy dependence by the AU and African regional organizations on international partners and on EU funds limits African ownership and the establishment of lasting African capacities to address Africa's peace and security issues. The recent appointment of the highly respected former President of the African Development Bank, Mr. Donald Kaberuka, as AU High Representative to the AU Peace Fund is an important sign of the AU's commitment to tackle financial challenges. Mr. Kaberuka visited Brussels last week, where he exchanged views about his plans for the implementation of financial commitments made by AU leaders at recent AU summits and about his deliberations on setting up the AU Peace Fund with sustainable and predictable financing. We look forward to further cooperation with Mr. Kaberuka in that regard.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“A further agreement was reached recently for â‚¬710 million to ensure funding for the African Peace Facility for the period 2016-2018. At the same time, the EU also realized that it was necessary to gradually reorient our support towards more practical, physical capacities such as logistics and deployment, and decided to reorient the African Peace Facility to that effect. That will not suffice, however. Some of the new threats, such as the fight against terrorist groups, will require significant resources and take time. The situation warrants urgent additional support from African and non-African partners and the United Nations to effectively support African-led peace support operations. The African Peace and Security Architecture is an African-owned process. Long-term sustainability and African ownership are intrinsically linked.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Other EU instruments and programmes are increasingly involved in that area, in particular the eleventh European Development Fund Regional Indicative Programme and the instrument contributing to stability and peace, which supports regional mediation efforts by IGAD in South Sudan and the East African Community in Burundi. The EU's emergency response mechanism is used to support early civilian and/or military interventions such as ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanisms. It recently helped fund the deployment of AU human rights and military observers in Burundi. In July 2015, EU member States addressed the sustainability challenges of the African Peace Facility. They agreed on an increase to the African Peace Facility envelope from â‚¬750 million to â‚¬900 million.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the regular meetings between the Council and the AU Peace and Security Council. The EU has provided substantial financial support for African peace operations. In the 10 years since 2004, the EU has provided nearly â‚¬2 billion to AU-led peace operations through its African Peace Facility, by which, among others, we support the efforts of the African Union Mission in Somalia against Al-Shabaab, and the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism in South Sudan led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as the multinational joint task force against Boko Haram and the Economic Community of West African States Security mission in Guinea-Bissau.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“The EU and its African partners have laid the foundation for cooperation on a number of security challenges with several regions in Africa - for instance, in the Sahel, the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa. They all address security threats and forms of organized crime, including trafficking in arms, drugs and persons and the issue of piracy. On an institutional level, the EU Political and Security Committee and AU Peace and Security Councils hold an annual joint meeting and retreat, where the two Councils have an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest. Regular contacts between the Chairs of the EU and Councils also contribute to deepening the political dialogue between the two bodies, which also undertook a joint field visit to Mali last year.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Within the framework of the EU's comprehensive approach to tackling conflicts and its causes, and building on the experiences of our Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations, such as those in Mali, the Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and the Central African Republic, the EU is committed to working in close collaboration with Africa in the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture, in support of African-led peace operations and, more generally, with African efforts in such areas as security sector reform, border management, peacebuilding or post-conflict reconstruction or reconciliation, through the provision of advice, mentoring and training.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Every day, like many others from around the world, those peacekeepers are putting their lives at risk to fight insurgents, protect civilians and try to prepare the ground for peace. They deserve our support, and the EU has been providing just that.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“The EU also funded a command and control coordination information system designed to manage AU-led peace support operations, which will be fully operational in 2017. We also welcome the progress that has been made to date in enhancing the capacity of the African Union to manage crises on the continent. We value the positive role that the African Union has played in the context of several electoral crises on the continent and in recalling very clearly the principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance. In that context, we especially welcome and appreciate the intense participation of African countries in peace support operations on the continent - be it in United Nations missions or hybrid or African Union-led missions.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“We strongly support the African aspiration and commitment to ensuring peace, security and stability on the continent, in the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture, in order to improve the African capacity to prevent or respond to crises, we are committed to operationalize the multidimensional African Standby Force and recognize the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises as a transitional and complementary tool to the African Standby Force for further enhancing the AU capacity to respond rapidly to crises and reinforce the support to the Continental Early Warning System. Consultations were held last year to identify common priorities for capacity-building support for 2016 to 2018.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“We welcome the recommendations of the United Nations reviews on peace operations, the peacebuilding architecture and resolution 1325 (2000), and expect that follow-up work will include concrete steps to enhance the overall effectiveness of the global security architecture, in full recognition of the role of regional organizations and the AU-United Nations partnership. The EU also promotes the improvement of engagement of the United Nations and regional organizations with civil society in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and mediation. Improved cooperation and coordination with and among regional organizations is indeed a priority. We are pleased, in that regard, with the long-standing and fruitful partnership that we have developed with the African Union.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“We very much welcome and support the expansion and intensification of United Nations- African Union (AU) peace and security cooperation over the past 10 years since the launch of the Framework for the Ten-Year Capacity-Building Programme for the AU in 2006. For its part, the European Union has always been committed to effective multilateralism and to intensifying its cooperation with the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union. We have also invested in strong triangular cooperation among the EU, the AU and the United Nations to face immediate challenges and build capacities in a comprehensive and long-term perspective. The added value of that cooperation is clearly illustrated by the results of our joint efforts in Somalia, Mali and the Central African Republic, as well as in other parts of Africa.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I have the pleasure to speak on behalfofthe European Union (EU) and its 28 member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which are all candidate countries to join the European Union; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Allow me to thank you, Sir, for having taken this initiative and the good concept note (S/2016/428, annex). Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations explicitly recognizes and encourages the role ofregional arrangements in peace and security and strengthening partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Overall, we are experiencing a growing and possibly still underestimated threat to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. It is therefore the right moment to consider how we can do more collectively to prevent the situation from worsening further. The work should proceed on several fronts - root causes, law enforcement, capacity-building, maritime domain awareness and job creation. From the outset, the EU has been a fully committed partner of the Gulf of Guinea countries and is determined to remain so. Local ownership and local leadership, particularly on the part of regional States and organizations, is essential if our support, and that of other international partners, will be focused where it is most needed.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“We also acknowledge the work already done by several United Nations bodies, such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the IMO, and others such as Interpol. We remain committed to working closely and effectively with them. The African Union summit on maritime security and safety and development in Africa, to be held in Lome' on 15 October, will offer an excellent opportunity to sustain momentum and awareness regarding the Gulf of Guinea. To that end, we are ready to support the Togolese Government and the African Union in their work preparing for concrete deliverables at the Summit. In conclusion, today's debate comes at a decisive moment. I would therefore like to once again thank Angola, China and Senegal for taking the initiative to hold this debate.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“We also highly value the supportive work in the Group of Seven Plus Friends of the Gulf of Guinea, which is currently under Portuguese presidency and meets twice every year. In our View, that is the adequate forum to develop ideas and actions to support the implementation of the Yaounde' Code of Conduct and to ensure that partners work in synergy. As already stated, the European Union and its member States are already active in the Gulf of Guinea with the implementation of national and regional projects. Further such support is underway. By the end of this year, additional projects will be formulated that will support the Yaounde' architecture, in full alignment with the 2050 African Union Integrated Maritime Strategy.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“We welcome the high-level meeting held in February, which should allow for the operationalization of the Interregional Coordination Centre based in Yaounde by July. We encourage all the parties concerned to implement the Code of Conduct swiftly and in full. Financial and technical support has already been provided by the European Union to the International Criminal Court and to the Regional Centre on Maritime Security in Central Africa, based in in Pointe Noire, Congo. The European Union and its member States have also developed a concept for live exercises at sea and crisis response training, and have also provided training for maritime stakeholders carried out by two universities in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“Just like the Yaounde Code of Conduct, the EU strategy goes beyond piracy and armed robbery at sea and also addresses illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, trafficking, and pollution, including oil bunkering. It also contains measures to address conducive causes on land, by promoting the development of coastal economies and the strengthening of law enforcement. In March 2015, the EU strategy was complemented by an action plan, a first report on whose implementation so far has just been finalized. The EU and its member States are committed to continuing their assistance to the countries ofthe Gulfof Guinea to make the Yaounde' Code ofConduct successful, under the leadership of the three organizations that the region itself has chosen - ECOWAS, ECCAS and the GGC.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“Beyond the immediate threat against the shipping industry, it is also the complex, interconnected and often cross-border nature of the threat that is worrying, as it has the potential to endanger the authority and stability of some States in the region. From the outset, the European Union has been fully supportive of regional and international efforts to stem piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. Following the adoption of resolution 2018 (2011) and resolution 2039 (2012), as well as the interregional Summit in Yaounde' in June 2013 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), in March 2014 the European Union adopted its own strategy for the Gulf of Guinea, in support of the Yaounde process.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“The risk of piracy and armed robbery at sea exists both in international waters and in the territorial waters of the countries in the region, especially at anchorage sites and in the Niger Delta. Safe waters and safe passage at sea are ofparamount importance for the economic and human development of the countries of the Gulf of Guinea. The maritime domain is an enabler of prosperity and sustainable development. The growing threat of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea is therefore in the first place a threat against the coastal States of the region and to their development.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Gulf of Guinea accounts for nearly 40 per cent of all piracy and armed robbery at sea reported worldwide so far this year. In 2015 the Gulf of Guinea represented the third-most dangerous maritime area of the globe. Since the beginning of this year, there has been a 36 per cent increase in reported incidents as compared to the same period last year, and the number of people kidnapped from ships already matches the total for the whole of 2015, with several particularly violent incidents being a source of particular concern. On average, there are approximately 40 European Union member State-flagged or owned vessels at any one time in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea. The constant risk of criminal attacks in the Gulf of Guinea is therefore a widely shared international concern.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 28 member States. The following countries align themselves with this statement: the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia. Let me start by thanking the Chinese presidency for organizing this open debate, and Angola, China and Senegal for the thoughtful concept note (S/20116/321, annex). Allow me also to thank the Assistant Secretary- General for his briefing. The European Union and its member States remain concerned about the continued incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2016-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7675 (2016) · source
“Together with international partners, and hopefully with crucial input by the core parties to the conflict, the European Union will continue its concerted efforts to prevent the further escalation of violence and defend the viability of the two-State solution.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“While the EU has delivered on all its pledges made at the Cairo Conference in 2014, we urge all others to follow suit. Increased access to Gaza through legal crossings would also contribute to an improved situation in accordance with resolution 1860 (2009). Let me end by noting that, in our view, the forthcoming Quartet report should be the basis to set out in more detail the concrete steps that both sides must take to recreate the political horizon for a two- State solution with the full support of the international community. Together, we need to find ways to prevent further disasters in the Middle East mainly for humanitarian reasons, but also because despair can breed radicalization and further violence.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We therefore urge Palestinian factions to bring ongoing reconciliation efforts to a rapid and successful conclusion, on the basis of democracy and the principles of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Palestinian unity and accountable and democratic Palestinian institutions will be crucial in establishing a viable Palestinian State. We welcome the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians, the main mechanism for aid management and donor coordination, being held in Brussels today and tomorrow in the presence of the two parties. Its role is to underpin political efforts to achieve a two-State solution by supporting the development of institutions in preparation for Palestinian statehood. There must also be accelerated efforts to address the dire situation in Gaza.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“As it has consistently reaffirmed in its Council conclusions, and most recently in January 2016, the EU is strongly opposed to Israel's settlement policy and to actions taken in that context, such as the recent increase in demolitions, including those of EU and EU-member States' funded projects in Area C, the declaration of private land as State land, the legalization of unauthorized outposts and confiscations, as well as the forced transfers of people. Settlement activity in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. By the same token, jointly addressing the needs of the Palestinian population should be a top priority for Palestinian political leaders.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The support and active participation of both sides of the conflict remain a crucial prerequisite for the success of any peace initiative. Both sides will need to demonstrate through policies and actions that they are genuinely committed to the two-State solution. They must end all actions that undermine the viability of the two-State solution. The EU is highly concerned by the ongoing erosion of the viability of a two State-solution. In that context, we reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-State solution impossible.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The Arab Peace Initiative could serve as an important pillar of any future comprehensive peace agreement, while it also provides an opportunity for building a regional security framework. The Security Council has an obvious and crucial role in that context. We take this opportunity to offer our full support to the Secretary-General's Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process, Mr. Mladenov. The EU believes that an integrated approach among international stakeholders can help revive the Middle East peace process. We look forward to working closely with partners in the months ahead towards that common goal. The power to change the situation is obviously primarily in the hands of local leaders and societies.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“In that context, it is vital to ensure that all international initiatives are directed towards that goal. The EU will play a leading part, not least through the its Special Representative for the Middle East peace process and the Quartet, which is currently drafting a report on the dangers of the current trajectory with significant recommendations on the best way to advance a two-State solution. In that context, the European Union also welcomes other initiatives in the international arena, such as the international peace conference proposed by France, as one part of a broader and coordinated effort to preserve and strengthen the two-State solution. The role of regional partners remains essential.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The EU has taken a clear stance and condemned acts of terror and violence against innocent civilians from all sides. In January, our Foreign Affairs Council also urged all sides to refrain from actions that could fuel further tension by way of incitement and provocation, while adhering to the principles of necessity and proportionality in the use of force. We also recognize the special significance of holy sites and urge all to uphold the status quo for the Temple Mount, Al-Haram Al-Sharif. However, we remain convinced that security and short-term measures alone are no substitute for sustainable political solutions. Only significant policy shifts on the ground and the re-establishment of a political horizon can end the violence, rebuild trust and pave the way for meaningful negotiations on the outstanding issues.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“As we have stressed in the past, the Middle East peace process remains vital not only for those directly affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but also for the stability of the wider region and thereby also for the European Union. Despite current challenges on the ground, the EU remains united in its commitment to achieving a two-State solution based on the parameters set out in the Council's conclusions of July 2014. We reiterate that there is no alternative to a negotiated two- State solution, which remains the only realistic way of ending the conflict to the main benefit of both Israelis and Palestinians. Regrettably, those populations are now adversely affected by the recent violence, which is taking a terrible human toll and further undermining trust on both sides.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“First is the consolidation and expansion of the cessation of hostilities. It is incumbent upon all parties to respect the agreement of 27 February. Secondly, there is the consolidation and expansion of humanitarian access, especially to besieged and still hard-to-reach areas. The Al-Assad regime has a particular responsibility in that regard, since a clear majority of the besieged areas are under its control. Thirdly, there is the release of arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children. Fourthly and, I would say, extremely important, is embarking upon a political transition, without delay and with the intention of reaching a lasting solution.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“The European Union is an active member of the International Syria Support Group and its two task forces, on humanitarian access and a cessation of hostilities, and fully supports the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General. There is no alternative to the intra-Syrian talks being conducted under the aegis of the United Nations if we are to reach the goal ofa political settlement. We expect all Syrian parties and their backers to engage in the process. In particular, we encourage the Syrian regime to engage in good faith and to address the substantive aspects ofa political transition. In that context, the EU emphasizes the importance of four key elements agreed on by the International Syria Support Group and endorsed by Security Council resolutions.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vale de Almeida: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The ongoing crisis in Syria, including the connected spread of Da'esh, poses an existential threat to the Syrian people. The consequences are also particularly felt by its neighbours and the wider region, and in Europe itself as well. If we want to tackle this threat, we must first intensify our joint efforts to put an end to the war in Syria by arriving at a political solution within the framework of the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) and resolution 2254 (2015). Secondly, we must all join forces against Da'esh in an even more effective way.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source