YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Oosterom

lines on the record: 1,049
first: 2013-08-19
most recent: 2019-10-29
sittings or episodes: 159
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We therefore regret the fact that some members of the Council insisted on having a public debate today rather than an interactive dialogue. In conclusion, we ask Serbia and Kosovo to demonstrate their political will and commitment to normalization by continuing to work in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“It is essential that both sides resume the EU-facilitated dialogue as soon as possible, without preconditions, and implement the agreements made in the past. They should realize that the status quo is not a long-term solution. Security depends on good-neighbourly relations. Everyone in the region stands to gain from political normalization, more economic integration and fewer trade barriers. It is key for Kosovo to improve the daily lives of all its citizens. The implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union, as well as of the European reform agenda, is crucial to achieving that lofty goal. Both parties should avoid unilateral actions that go against the spirit of dialogue and undermine mutual trust.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“We have recently seen both sides take a series of steps that have not been conducive to a climate furthering the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Almost two decades after the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999), Belgrade and Pristina have made significant progress in reaching agreement on important issues. Yet they still have to agree on many aspects of their future relationship. Understandably, the process is not easy and has its ups and downs. It is also the reason why we still have to spend time in the Council discussing the situation in Kosovo, even if it no longer constitutes an imminent or grave threat to international peace and security. We call on both countries to act responsibly and to work to calm the situation. That brings me to my third point.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“The Netherlands encourages Kosovo to work on the transformation in consultation with NATO and other relevant international actors. The inclusivity of the process is important to ensuring that the 10-year transition has the support of all in Kosovo and especially its non-majority communities. More broadly, Kosovo's path towards further normalization should be an orderly process in which the Council's resolutions and decisions should be respected and fully implemented by all players on the ground. That brings me to my second point, the background to the current tensions. The decision by the Kosovo authorities to start the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force comes at a sensitive moment.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean Pierre Lacroix for his briefing and welcome President Vueie of the Republic of Serbia and President Thaci of the Republic ofKosovo to the Council. I will focus on three points - first, the sovereignty of Kosovo; secondly, the background to the current tensions; and thirdly, the need for a resumption of the European Union (EU)- facilitated dialogue. On my first point, I want to emphasize that the Kingdom of the Netherlands fully supports the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Kosovo. As a sovereign State, Kosovo has the right to create its own institutions. That said, we believe that the transformation of the Kosovo Security Force should be a transparent and inclusive process, in line with Kosovo's Constitution.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“It is the responsibility of the Council to support the Special Envoy's efforts, as well as to urgently address the humanitarian crisis. The Council has a huge responsibility to help end the suffering of the people of Yemen as soon as possible. Let me end my statement by quoting Mark Lowcock: "This war has to stop now".”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Martin Griffiths just mentioned, and we express our full confidence in him. He is the right person for the job. The Security Council should also take action. We therefore welcome and strongly support the United Kingdom's initiative to back up what has been achieved in Sweden with a draft resolution, which should back up the agreement on a cessation of hostilities across Al-Hudaydah governorate, put humanitarian access front and centre and include OCHA's five asks. Let us adopt a draft resolution as soon as possible next week. As Mark Lowcock said, humanitarian funding is crucial, so we thank Switzerland and Sweden for organizing a pledging conference to be held in February 2019. In conclusion, despite those positive developments, we remain extremely concerned about the millions of Yemeni people on the brink of starvation.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Regardless of the positive developments in Sweden, the humanitarian crisis remains as alarming as it was two weeks ago. The five asks of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to the parties and the international community remain as pertinent as ever. Already, tens of thousands of innocent Yemenis have died of completely avoidable causes, and those staggering numbers will increase exponentially if the cessation of hostilities in Al-Hudaydah does not hold. We have reached a point at which any delay is inexcusable. We need concrete follow-up by the international community. First of all, we support the further involvement of the United Nations system in the implementation of the agreements. We commend the tasking of Patrick Cammaert with monitoring the implementation of the agreement, as Mr.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Once implemented, that will greatly benefit the ongoing humanitarian efforts. We also welcome the progress regarding the exchange of prisoners and the humanitarian corridors into Taiz. However, the lack of women in the delegations in Sweden is deeply regrettable, particularly after the clear calls made by the international community to address that ahead of the consultations. The parties now need to capitalize on what they have achieved, put their words into action and create a conducive environment for talks to resume in January. More work needs to be done with regard to the reopening of Sana'a airport, measures to address the economy and, above all else, a framework for a sustainable, peaceful political solution with the involvement of women. That brings me to my second point - the persistent threat of famine in Yemen.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“In that context, I will focus on three issues: first, the consultations between the parties; secondly, the threat of famine; and, thirdly, the urgent need for the Council to follow up. On my first point, we welcome the constructive participation of the parties involved in the consultations in Sweden. Like other speakers, we commend the efforts of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in bringing that about, as well as the unwavering support and involvement of the Secretary-General. We thank our Swedish colleagues for successfully hosting and facilitating those consultations, as well as the many other countries that contributed to making those talks happen, particularly Yemen. The cessation of hostilities throughout Al-Hudaydah governorate is a much-needed concrete result.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Let me first welcome the new Permanent Representative of Yemen to the Security Council and to wish him success in his new function. We thank Martin Griffiths and Mark Lowcock for their informative briefings. They presented us with a message of hope but also one of continued extreme human suffering on the ground. That human suffering should strengthen our resolve to take action in the Council. The agreement between the parties, particularly on a cessation of hostilities across Al-Hudaydah governorate, is an important spark of hope for the people of Yemen. Yet the threat of famine in Yemen remains unchanged, as Mr. Lowcock just mentioned. That means that the need for urgent action from all of us persists in order not only to support what has been achieved in Sweden but also to address urgent concerns on the ground.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“The JCPOA showed that the international community could come together and resolve even the most complex of issues. It showed that it is possible to overcome differences through dialogue and diplomacy. It is a clear example of effective multilateralism, and ensuring the continued implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) is in the interests of the Iranian people, of the region and of us all.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“The international community should ensure that Iran continues to benefit from the agreement, as foreseen, including trade through the procurement channel, as needed. The Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to play its part in ensuring the full implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) - nationally, as a member of the European Union, and, this year, as Facilitator for the resolution in the Security Council. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands sees it as a clear priority that the JCPOA participants, including Iran, and the international community remain committed to resolution 2231 (2015), including the JCPOA, especially now that the agreement seems to be at a crossroads. At the same time, Iran should address the international concerns about its ballistic- missile programme and its destabilizing role in the region.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“We are concerned about Iran's meddling in the internal affairs of such countries as Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, and about its support for such armed groups as Hizbullah and the Houthi. We condemn any Iranian involvement in the transfer of missiles and arms to actors in the region, including missiles to the Houthi in Yemen. We call on Iran to refrain from any such activities, to fully implement resolution 2231 (2015) and to engage in serious dialogue on these concerns. With respect to my third point, the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), as long as Iran continues to remain committed to the JCPOA, the international community should do so as well. We therefore call on the entire international community to continue to support and implement resolution 2231 (2015), including the JCPOA.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“The inspections have led to already 13 consecutive IAEA reports confirming that Iran is living up to its commitments under the JCPOA. It is in that light that we reiterate our deep regret at the decision of the United States to withdraw from the agreement. We believe that the JCPOA effectively blocks the route to an Iranian nuclear weapon. It is better than any alternative, which is why we call on the JCPOA participants to remain committed to the agreement. This brings me to my second point: our concerns about Iran's ballistic-missile programme and its role in the region. The Kingdom of the Netherlands shares the serious concerns expressed by many today about Iran's ballistic-missile programme, the recent ballistic-missile tests and Iran's destabilizing role in the region.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Preserving the agreement is a clear priority for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The agreement is crucial for the security of the region, of Europe and of the entire world. The JCPOA has been delivering on its objective, which is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an obligation it also has under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Further, the JCPOA is based on solid verification. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spend more than 3,000 calendar days per year on the ground in Iran and monitor more than 25 locations in the country on a 24/7 basis, which is an important endeavour for my country and one to which we have contributed more than â‚¬l.5 million.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“I will now speak in my national capacity. At the outset, I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo and the Charge' d'affaires ad interim of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Christiane, for their briefings. We also welcome the reports of the Secretary-General (S/2018/1089) and of the Joint Commission (see S/2018/1070). I will focus on three points: first, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J CPOA); secondly, our concerns about Iran's ballistic-missile programme and its role in the region; and, thirdly, the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). First, with respect to the JCPOA, in our view, the Plan is a product of years of negotiation, a major diplomatic accomplishment and a key non-proliferation achievement. It was unanimously endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2231 (2015).”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“As Security Council Facilitator for the resolution, we have aimed to support and improve its implementation through the facilitation of talks, transparency and trade. In that effort, I would also like to thank the Secretariat for its hard work in support of both myself and the format this year. We would also like to commend the leadership of Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and the European Union. As this is my last Security Council briefing in my capacity as Facilitator, I would like to wish my successor, Ambassador Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve of Belgium, every success.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“The channel reviews proposals by States seeking to participate in or permit certain transfers of nuclear and dual-use goods, technology or services to Iran. Since the beginning of 2016, 42 proposals have been submitted to the procurement channel by five Member States from three different regional groups. They include States that are not participants in the JCPOA. On average, proposals were processed in fewer than 50 calendar days. Since the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA, five additional proposals have been submitted through the Security Council. The channel is operational and effective. We encourage all States and the private sector to fully utilize and support it. In conclusion, the unanimous adoption of resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the JCPOA, marked a fundamental shift concerning the Iranian nuclear issue.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Iran also sent several letters in which it laid out its concerns with the United States withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of all its national sanctions that had been lifted or waived pursuant to the JCPOA. I now turn to my second point - the facilitation of transparency concerning the work of the 2231 format. Our reports have given a comprehensive overview of the work of the format this year, the continued monitoring activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the discussion on activities related to annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). The reports have also included key aspects of the functioning of the procurement channel. That brings me to my third point - the facilitation of trade by encouraging the use of the procurement channel.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“We discussed the findings and recommendations contained in the sixth report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/1089) on resolution 2231 (2015) prior to its public release. Under- Secretary-General DiCarlo already pointed to some of his findings and recommendations in her statement. Theformatheldanopendiscussiononballisticmissile launches by Iran, as well as on broader developments related to resolution 2231 (2015). During the reporting period, several Member States sent communications to the Security Council alleging transfers and activities by Iran that fall under the restrictions under resolution 2231 (2015). Those communications are listed in detail in my report (see S/2018/1106), together with the replies received from the Permanent Mission of Iran.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“We have built on the excellent work of Italy, which we succeeded as Facilitator in the context of our split term on the Council for the period 2017-2018. We consider three elements to be key to the role of Facilitator and to that of the format: first, talks; secondly, transparency; and thirdly, trade. My first point concerns talks. Our ambition has been to facilitate talks about the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). As Facilitator, we have facilitated such talks through communication with all parties, through the discussion of the Security Council in the 2231 format and through smooth correspondence within the format. The Security Council met on 10 December under the 2231 format.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by thanking United States Secretary of State Pompeo for gracing us with his presence in the Chamber today. We welcome him to the Security Council. I speak in my capacity as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). In July 2015, the Security Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015) (see S/PV.7488). Three months later, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) came into effect. The agreement aims to ensure that the Iranian nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful. Resolution 2231 (2015) terminated the previous Security Council resolutions on the Iranian nuclear issue and urged the full implementation of the JCPOA. It also established specific restrictions in relation to Iran. This year, as Security Council Facilitator for the resolution, we have aimed to support its implementation.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“We are deeply impressed by how his experience motivated him to put his life in service of ending the atrocities of war by virtue of the law. Justice must be done for the victims by holding accountable those who bear the greatest responsibility for the most serious crimes under international law. At the same time, he ensures that convicted war criminals are treated fairly. His contribution to international criminal law has been truly extraordinary and indispensable to its development. On behalf of my Government, I sincerely thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. On a personal note, I hope that he will write an autobiography.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“We support the intention of the Mechanism to attach suitable conditions when making decisions on early release. That is of key importance to the families of the victims and to the countries involved. The Mechanism has already achieved much of what the Council envisaged and is ready to face future challenges. Finally, allow me to say a few personal words to President Theodor Meron. In the open debate on upholding international law earlier this year (see S/PV.8262), he shared with us that he was 9 years old when his childhood in Poland was violently disrupted by the Second World War. He survived a forced labour camp and lost almost all of his family members during that war. Again this morning, he shared his life's history with us as his motivation for his professional legal work. He touched our hearts.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“We therefore urge members of the respective Governments first, to set the right example; secondly, to stop public denials and glorifications ofthe atrocities committed; and thirdly, to send a clear message to their armed forces that only by fully respecting international humanitarian law can they can truly defend their country with pride and honour. In conclusion, in January President Theodor Meron will step down as the first President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. He leaves behind an exemplary institution that operates as efficiently and effectively as possible. There is gender parity among the professional staff members; there is a special focal point for gender-related issues; and amendments to put conditions on early release are currently under consideration.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“The glorification of war criminals with the consent of or even organized by national authorities in the Western Balkans is disturbing and concerning. The denial of the Srebrenica genocide by parliamentarians of the Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina and leading politicians in Serbia is reprehensible. It shows a lack of respect for the victims, their relatives and the judgments of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. We firmly reject the ideology of discrimination, division and hate, especially in societies that have already borne the devastating consequences of hateful words being put into action. Let me ask a rhetorical question. How can one glorify ethnic cleansing, forcible displacements, the destruction of villages and communities, the rape of women and girls, and the killing of innocent civilians?”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my third point, the denial of war crimes and the glorification of convicted war criminals. Last Sunday, 9 December, marked the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. While observing that anniversary, we are deeply disturbed that the war crimes and the genocide committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia are being denied and even glorified. The conclusion that genocide was committed against the Tutsi has been crucial to re-establishing peace and security in Rwanda and to promoting reconciliation between the affected communities. In that spirit, the General Assembly designated 7 April as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“We note with appreciation that both the Registry and the Office ofthe Prosecutor continue to assist and support national criminal justice institutions in the Great Lakes region, East Africa and the Western Balkans. The assistance provided by the Prosecutor enables those national criminal justice institutions to carry out their responsibilities. We are, however, concerned about the current situation in the Western Balkans, where regional cooperation is decreasing. Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina should significantly strengthen their cooperation so that the suspected war criminals who are still at large can be brought to justice. That is in the interest of the respective countries, as it contributes to reconciliation, regional stability, economic development and sustainable peace.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“Prosecution by the Mechanism should send a strong and clear message that those who attempt to intimidate or to tamper with witnesses will be held accountable. We urge Member States, in the upcoming budgetary cycle, to provide the Mechanism with required resources that reflect the increasing workload of the Mechanism. Only then will the Mechanism be able to fully implement its mandate. That brings me to my second point, complementarity, or cooperation between national judicial institutions. States bear the primary responsibility to end impunity and to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for the most serious crimes under international law.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“In that context, I will focus on three challenges the Mechanism is currently facing: first, witness protection; secondly, complementarity; and thirdly, denial of war crimes. On my first point, witness protection, contrary to expectations, the progress report shows that the workload of the Mechanism is increasing and will continue to increase due to the prosecution of five suspects accused of intimidating protected witnesses. We strongly condemn any action that puts the safety and security of witnesses and victims at risk. Such actions endanger the legacy of the Tribunals and affect the confidence ofwitnesses and victims in international criminal justice. The protection of the more than 3,000 witnesses is a key residual responsibility of the Mechanism.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“On behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, let me express our sincere thanks to the President and the Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Theodor Meron and Mr. Serge Brammertz, respectively, for their progress reports and briefings here this morning. Let me also thank Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, Permanent Representative of Peru, for his impeccable leadership of the Council's Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. The work ofthe Mechanism is important to ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes under international law. Its work contributes to reconciliation, economic development and peace because there cannot be peace without justice.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“By better working together, we can do what the Charter calls upon us to do: "to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security".”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“It is also a hinge between the United Nations, regional organizations, subregional organizations and civil society. In building sustainable peace, the role of the Peacebuilding Commission is essential and should be enhanced. The Commission should ensure that experiences on the ground are shared here in New York both with the United Nations system and with other countries. Especially in transitional situations, the Peacebuilding Commission can provide subregional and regional organizations with a link to the Security Council, thereby ensuring that peacebuilding is inclusive. In conclusion, enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is imperative in all phases of the conflict cycle.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“As previous reports of the Secretary-General have rightly observed, regional interests and the proximity of neighbours sometimes complicate conflict prevention and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organization should therefore be determined by comparative advantage, complementarity and organizations' willingness to act. That brings me to my third point - the important role ofthe Peacebuilding Commission. In the Secretary- General's prevention and sustaining peace agendas, peacebuilding is increasingly important, and the Peacebuilding Commission has to play a central role. The Peacebuilding Commission is a hinge between the United Nations, host Governments and affected countries.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“An example of this are those with the Security Council, the AU Peace and Security Council and the EU Political and Security Committee to countries on the Council's agenda. Regional and subregional organizations should enhance partnerships through these joint missions. Additionally, let me emphasize the need for sustainable funding and streamlined compliance mechanisms for future AU peace support operations. We feel that the time has come for a draft resolution in this context by the Security Council, which will strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, and we commend the leadership of C6te d'Ivoire on this point and on peacekeeping more generally.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Through the signing of the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, some 151 Member States so far have committed to enhancing cooperation between international, regional and subregional organizations. Partnerships are essential to really improving peacekeeping, and there are several examples of this. One example is the EU-United Nations Strategic Partnership on Peace Operations and Crisis Management, and the trilateral cooperation between the AU, the EU and the United Nations in peacekeeping is another prime example of this cooperation and should be further institutionalized. Joint fact-finding missions should be the rule rather than the exception.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In particular, we would welcome joint risk assessment for all root causes of conflict, and this especially includes the adverse effects of climate change and water stress. Various Security Council mandates, together with conclusions of the AU Peace and Security Council and of the Council of the European Union (EU), recognize the link between climate change and conflict. This recognition creates a possibility to work together to address climate-related risks. If relevant regional and international organizations work together better to assess, analyse and address these kind of security risks, we ensure collective thinking for collective action. My second point concerns complementarity. One of the priorities of the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative, as he mentioned this morning, is partnerships.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In that context, I will highlight three points: first, the need to strengthen cooperation; secondly, the need for complementarity; and thirdly, the need to better use the Peacebuilding Commission. On my first point, enhanced cooperation of subregional and regional organizations with the United Nations is crucial to preventing the outbreak of conflicts. An example of this - and my American colleague just mentioned it as well - is the cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, in preventing the outbreak of conflict in the Gambia last year, when Italy was in this chair during our two- year split-term on the Council. Further institutionalizing cooperation will strengthen our efforts aimed at prevention. A good example of this is joint risk assessment and joint analysis.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“We express our sincere thanks to you, Sir, for presiding over today's important debate. We congratulate Cote d'Ivoire on a successful presidency thus far, and are honoured by your presence. We thank Secretary-General Guterres, African Union Chairperson Faki Mahamat and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States, Mr. Brou, for their briefings. We align ourselves with the statement to be made later by the observer of the European Union. Conflict prevention and peacebuilding are at the core of the external action of the European Union, and cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is a key element for prevention and peacebuilding.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“We count on the engagement and the support of the Council in connection with the two draft resolutions that we are currently working on together with Cote d'Ivoire, concerning the Action for Peacekeeping Declaration of Shared Commitments and peace, justice and corrections. Let me reiterate our most heartfelt thanks to the Secretary-General for his leadership, and to both him and AU Commissioner for their efforts.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We should also agree on compliance with relevant agreed standards on international humanitarian law, human rights and strategic and financial oversight. We encourage the continued drafting and implementation of a robust and comprehensive compliance framework in that context by the African Union in collaboration with the United Nations. In conclusion, we need to make progress in the following areas: first, implementing resolution 2320 (2016); secondly, enhancing peacekeeping performance through dialogue with TCCs and police-contributing countries; and, thirdly, ensuring the necessary conditions for predictable and sustainable financing for the African Union. The African Union will continue to find a partner in the Kingdom of the Netherlands with regard to efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership on peace and security.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We still have much to accomplish with regard to performance in peacekeeping, and an enhanced AU-United Nations partnership will help achieve that. Strengthening the AU-United Nations partnership should also lead to enhanced dialogue and clearer standards with regard to the performance of peacekeepers. Concerning my third point - the need for predictable and sustainable financing for the African Union - the AU's role in peace operations in Africa is essential, as resolution 2320 (2016) clearly states. We all therefore need to invest in the AU's capacities, and we should agree on a different mode of financing between the United Nations and the African Union. Sustainable, predictable and flexible financing is needed to enhance the effectiveness of AU peacekeeping.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We continue to work with Cote d'Ivoire on a draft resolution that will provide follow-up to the Declaration by improving peacekeeping mandates. We are also working with Cote d'Ivoire on a draft resolution focusing on peace, justice and corrections in the context of peacekeeping operations. Additionally, we express our appreciation for our collaboration with Rwanda on the Kigali Principles and for the peacekeeping preparatory conference to be held at The Hague in January 2019. We also welcome the ongoing collaboration with Ghana, Zambia, Senegal and South Africa on the Elsie Initiative on Women in Peace Operations, which focuses on strengthening the role of women in peacekeeping operations - an important issue mentioned earlier by the Secretary- General. We encourage other TCCs to join us in that endeavour.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We just mourned this past week the deaths of six peacekeepers from Malawi and one from Tanzania, who paid the ultimate price in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We welcome their efforts and honour their sacrifice. We need well-trained and equipped peacekeepers who are able and willing to act quickly when citizens, troops or the mission is at risk. The Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative is an opportunity to enhance collaboration between TCCs and partners on peacekeeping performance, as stressed in resolution 2436 (2018). For peacekeeping to be effective, troops must meet the highest standards. In that regard, we welcome the close collaboration with Cote d'Ivoire and Ethiopia in the lead-up to the Action for Peacekeeping Declaration of Shared Commitments.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Closer collaboration between the AU and the United Nations, as enshrined in resolution 2320 (2016), is therefore essential. In order to enhance the partnership, we encourage joint AU-United Nations analysis, planning and decision-making, and that includes the increased issuance of joint statements. By sharing and jointly developing early-warning information and analysis, we can reach a common understanding of emerging conflicts. Through consultative decision-making, we can develop collaborative approaches to effectively responding to conflicts. Concerning my second point, the strength of both United Nations and AU peace support operations is dependent on troop-contributing countries, and we pay tribute to the countries that contribute troops and police.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“I will focus on three aspects of strengthening the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the AU: first, enhancing the partnership; secondly, enhancing collaboration between troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and other partners; and, thirdly, financing for AU peace support operations. With regard to my first point - enhancing the AU-United Nations strategic partnership - AU and United Nations peacekeeping operations have the potential to be mutually reinforcing. A strong partnership enables the United Nations and the AU to respond more swiftly and decisively to addressing challenges to peace and security in Africa. The AU's ability to act as a first responder and move in quickly should be facilitated as much as possible. We attach great value to partnerships as an essential element of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We thank China for convening this important debate at a crucial moment. In addition, we would like to thank Secretary- General Guterres and Commissioner Sma'il Chergui for their informative briefings. As the concept note (S/2018/1004, annex) states, the African Union (AU) remains an important partner for United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa. We fully agree, and therefore hope that today's debate will serve as another step towards strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and AU in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. We align ourselves with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union (EU). The EU's contribution to peace and security in Africa is considerable, both in peace operations and in support for the African Union.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“The current situation is a painful reminder of the lack of progress on the peace process. Yet the goal on which we all agree is bringing an end to the conflict. Positive steps are now needed for the parties to return to the negotiation table and to restart a genuine peace process leading to a two-State solution, based on the well-known parameters. That is the only way to a sustainable solution, fulfilling the aspirations of both sides.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“A sustainable solution also includes the need for intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which should result in the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. My second point is on the developments in the West Bank. Rising tensions and an increase in violent incidents in the West Bank, leading to the loss of life on both sides, are highly concerning. The suspension of the demolition of the community of Khan Al-Ahmar is a positive development. However, the demolition plan must be withdrawn definitively for it to no longer pose a threat to a two-State-solution. Also in that regard, we are very concerned about the announcement of new settlements in East Jerusalem and Hebron. We reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and are a Violation of resolution 2334 (2016). That brings me to my third point, on the way forward.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source