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

“In our View, the involvement of relevant actors such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, religious leaders and organizations is key. The mediation in the Gambia in 2016 and 2017 as part of the joint effort of ECOWAS, the AU and the United Nations is a good example of successful collaboration for mediation. As has been said, mediation is key to prevention. To quote the Secretary-General, the television cameras are not there when a crisis is avoided. Prevention takes place under the radar and is discreet. Unfortunately, it is therefore often forgotten. Because it is forgotten, it is underfunded. Prevention is at the core of the work of the United Nations, and currently it is funded by voluntary contributions.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“Examples of effective efforts include the Mediterranean Women Mediation Network, FemWise and the Nordic Women Mediator's Network, and we pay tribute to those initiatives. We encourage the United Nations to seek active cooperation with networks such as those, as well as to appoint more women as envoys. On my third point, let me emphasize the importance of using mediation throughout the conflict cycle and of integrating it in the sustaining peace agenda. Successful mediation prevents the escalation of violence and helps to avert mass atrocity crimes. In addition, mediation efforts must go further than finding compromise among the parties. They must lead to solutions that are in line with international law, accountability and transitional justice.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“On my second point, the importance of inclusive mediation strategies, an inclusive approach ensures the involvement of all stakeholders, allowing civil society representatives, for example, to reach out to communities and to convey grievances. A good example of that is the Bangui Forum on National Reconciliation, which pulled the Central African Republic back from the brink of conflict. As other speakers have done, let me also focus on the specific role of women. Resolution 1325 (2000) not only recognizes the effects of conflict on women but also refers particularly to the essential contribution of women in peacebuilding. Women must be equal partners in peace processes, particularly in mediation efforts.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“That often results in a wide array of mediation initiatives by States and by non-governmental organizations. What is lacking is coordination. In many cases, the United Nations is well placed to provide that coordination with an ambition to build sustainable peace. The Council has its own role to play in supporting the efforts of the United Nations. However, the Council needs early warning to take early action, and we appreciate the Secretariat's ongoing efforts for more proactive reporting. While it is the Council's role to support the use of mediation and other tools mentioned in the Charter, we encourage the use of such tools before situations become a threat to international peace and security. That may benefit situations such as those in Cameroon and Nicaragua.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“On my first point, the role of the Security Council under the Charter of the United Nations, as set out in Article 33 of the Charter, on the pacific settlement of disputes, the Security Council has a responsibility to resolve and to prevent conflicts. An important instrument in that context is mediation, and we commend the Secretary-General for making that his priority. As the nature of conflicts changes, the Security Council and the United Nations need to find new approaches to address new challenges. Let me highlight examples such as Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, especially, Syria, where civil wars rage and non-State actors play decisive roles. Those examples demonstrate that we require an adaptation of the existing instruments. The international community is struggling to meet such challenges.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank the Secretary-General, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Ms. Qadeem for their impressive and inspiring briefings. Let me also thank you personally, Mr. Minister, for convening and presiding over this important debate. I align myself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. The Secretary-General emphasized the responsibility of all Member States to seize opportunities for mediation in order to prevent or manage conflict and to build and sustain peace. In that light, today I will focus on three specific points: first, the role of the Security Council in that context; secondly, the importance of inclusivity in mediation; and, thirdly, the relevance of mediation in all phases of the conflict cycle.”
2018-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8334 (2018) · source
“The position of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is clear and consistent. We support a United Nations-facilitated political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015). There will be no reconstruction support for Syria as long as a political transition has not taken place. In conclusion, let me echo the call from the Secretary-General's report: "[T]he perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable. Such a step is central to achieving sustainable peace in the Syrian Arab Republic." (S/2018/777, para. 45) In line with the Secretary-General, we call for the situation in the country to be referred to the International Criminal Court. Let me end with a word of respect and appreciation for aid workers and medical personnel who risk their own lives for the victims of the violence in Syria.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source
“In line with the principle of non-refoulement, guaranteeing voluntary returns is at the core of such a process. It is crucial that UNHCR and other protection actors have access to monitor compliance with the 21 protection thresholds. Related to that issue, we still have serious concerns about Syrian Law No. 10. That law seems to attempt to construct new demographic realities on the ground and challenges the future of refugees and internally displaced persons alike. Thirdly, a political solution is needed. The pursuit ofa strategy based on military violence and the violation of civil rights will never bring long-term stability and peace. Syrians need to see that they can trust their own Government to bring peace. Ultimately, stability and peace can be created only through an inclusive political solution.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source
“Once again, we stress the importance of a needs-based humanitarian approach in Syria, not just now but also in the coming year. We are shocked by the recent publication of the death records of hundreds of Syrians who died in the regime's detention centres. We cannot talk about the safe return of refugees so long as the regime is not even prepared to protect its own citizens throughout Syria. It remains unsafe to return to Syria. The 21 protection thresholds, as defined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and which we strongly support, are not in place. For any voluntary return, a safe political, social and economic environment needs to be ensured to enable refugees to return to their towns and villages and re-establish themselves in safety and dignity.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source
“The Astana guarantors and the Syrian regime have to work towards a non-violent negotiated solution. Upcoming meetings, such as the Istanbul conference, should be used to find the solution. Parties need to refrain from military action. Secondly, with regard to conditions for the safe return of refugees, Syrians - totalling approximately 5.6 million people - remain the largest group of refugees worldwide. We remain grateful to neighbouring countries for their hospitality and stress the importance of international support and solidarity. We appreciate the recent agreement on the humanitarian response plan, although it is long overdue. Like our Peruvian colleague, I would also highlight the dire plight of so many internally displaced persons.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source
“Such practices reflect shocking disrespect for international law and human dignity and decency. The parties to the conflict should provide protection to all civilians, especially to those fleeing violence. We share the concerns expressed in the Secretary General's report (S/2018/777) with regard to further military escalation in the north-west. Nearly 3 million civilians, including 1 million children, live in Idlib. Sixty per cent of them are internally displaced persons who have fled violence elsewhere in Syria and sought protection in the north-west. The Astana guarantors of the de-escalation area should provide such protection; that is their obligation under international humanitarian law. We urge the Syrian regime and the Astana guarantors to prevent an escalation of violence in Idlib.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source
“First, let me express appreciation to Mr. Ging for his sobering briefing. I will focus on three points today: the need to uphold international humanitarian law, in particular in Idlib; the conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees; and the need for a political process. First, with regard to international humanitarian law and Idlib, we have continued to witness the consequences of intensified military action in Syria, especially last month in the south-west. Cross-border aid is needed to fulfil humanitarian needs in that area; sporadic deliveries from Damascus are not sufficient. We underline the need to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians, including aid workers and medical personnel. Even when hospitals provide their coordinates to receive protection, they are targeted from the air.”
2018-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8332 (2018) · source
“We welcome that the Council will have an opportunity to discuss the situation tomorrow morning. In conclusion, the Council's upcoming visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo next October will be one of solidarity with the Congolese people. It will take place at a key moment. With the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and other relevant stakeholders, the Council will continue to work alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo throughout this crucial year. We cannot simply look away.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Solange LwashigaFuraha. Women comprise 12 per cent of candidates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a setback for the region. Certain political parties have no female candidates. Ms. Lwashiga Furaha is evidence, however, that the country does not lack female leaders. We call on all parties to intensify their efforts to include Congolese women in the electoral process. My third and final point is on the will of the international community to support the Congolese people. In addition to the electoral process, the fight against the new Ebola epidemic in the east ofthe country also requires international support. Combined with the serious security risks, this new epidemic could easily devolve into a new humanitarian disaster. All Member States must do all they can to prevent an escalation of the crisis.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Consequently, the continued lack of significant progress in the implementation of de-escalation measures is a cause for serious concern. All candidates must be able to participate under equal conditions of competition. The electoral process must be inclusive. CENI has deemed six candidates ineligible. We call on all stakeholders to continue to show maximum restraint pending the results of any appeals. We urge the authorities to ensure that the process is inclusive. Another critical step is the liberation of all political prisoners, including emblematic cases. I would like to note that prisoners of conscience, including the five members of Filimbi, have been denied their right to a fair trial. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is also gravely concerned by the low level of women's participation, as was underscored by Ms. Zerrougui and Ms.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“We note with satisfaction that the Congolese Government has funded apart of the electoral budget. However, it is essential that the remaining funds be transferred on time. We would like to know whether Mr. Nangaa believes the electoral budget will be covered. We emphasize the willingness of the international community to provide logistical support. We encourage Commission and the Government to make the relevant requests by the deadlines. We regret that the head of the Commission, Mr. Nangaa, had to cancel his participation in this briefing. My second point has to do with the importance of the implementation of the 31 December 2016 political agreement, which is incumbent upon all signatory Congolese parties. That agreement is the only possible way for the elections to be accepted by the entire Congolese population.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“We also welcome the recent increased engagement on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission and political parties, and we welcome the creation of additional provincial courts of appeal. Nonetheless, much remains to be done to ensure that the elections are free, credible, transparent and peaceful. It is essential that all parties have confidence in the Commission and in the electoral preparations. A number of political parties have expressed concerns regarding key steps, including the timely delivery, storage and distribution of voting machines, as well as their use. Furthermore, the means for a citizens' audit of the electoral list are still not clearly established. Those are all significant challenges for the Commission, and we encourage all parties to commit to dialogue in order to resolve them.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank you, Madam President, for having convened this meeting at the request of several Council members, including the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I thank the briefers for the enlightening information they have provided on the election preparations. I reiterate our support for Special Representative Leila Zerrougui. Today, I will address three main points: electoral preparations; the implementation of the New Year's Eve agreement; and the support of the international community. My first point relates to the electoral preparations. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes President Kabila's decision not to seek a third term, in accordance with the Congolese Constitution. This represents a crucial step in preparing for elections.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“We felt the real-life sorrow behind our discussion today. If we need any further motivation to transform our words into deeds, let it be the brave voices of the victims and survivors of terrorist acts who spoke here at the United Nations: they are counting on us, and we owe it to them.”
2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source
“We also continue to support efforts by the Investigative Team in Iraq and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) for Syria to collect evidence against ISIS fighters. We look forward to the Council's first briefing, in December, by the Special Adviser of the Investigative Team, and call on all Member States to cooperate with and support the Independent Mechanism. We must unite in holding ISIS fighters accountable for their heinous acts, in particular war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. In conclusion, last Friday here at the United Nations we remembered and paid tribute to the victims of terrorism. We heard impactful statements from the Secretary-General and Mr. Voronkov. But we also heard the personal stories of the families of victims of terrorism and of survivors of attacks.”
2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source
“Those good practices have led to practical guidelines, which will be endorsed at the GCTF ministerial meeting on 26 September here in New York. As Council members may be aware, the GCTF is co-chaired by Morocco and the Kingdom ofthe Netherlands. We will make sure that those guidelines are made available to all Member States. That brings me to my third point: accountability. We need to ensure that impunity for terrorism will not prevail. One of our key priorities in the Council is accountability. The Kingdom of the Netherlands favours the establishment of a specialized court for international crimes, as proposed by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.”
2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source
“We need a whole-of-society approach, and women and youngsters are key in that regard. At the same time, as Ms. Cook pointed out, we must acknowledge that women with ISIS may also be perpetrators of terrorist acts, while minors with ISIS are first and foremost victims, but may also pose a threat. Dealing with women and minors with ISIS therefore requires a case-by-case approach that integrates prevention, prosecution and rehabilitation. With that in mind, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States work very closely together in the framework of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). Together we have collected good practices to address the challenges of returning families of foreign terrorist fighters.”
2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source
“As ISIS changes into a covert network, we have to invest in financial intelligence and in public- private partnerships to counter its financing. As ISIS strengthens its affiliates around the world, we have to focus on prevention and on the resilience of local communities. And as ISIS fighters return and relocate, we have to detect and counter the travel movements of terrorists through passenger name record systems. We must strengthen international cooperation in this field. Terrorism continues to warrant our utmost attention. We cannot give in to counter-terrorism fatigue. We have to invest in international cooperation. My second point focuses on the role of women and children. The briefing by Ms. Cook today served to underscore the importance of civil society involvement for preventing and countering violent extremism.”
2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source
“Mr. President, let me start by thanking you for having come to the Security Council. It is a true honour to have you personally presiding over our meeting today. Allow me also to take this opportunity to thank you and your great team here in New York for a very effective and efficient presidency of the Council. Turning to today's discussion, I would like to thank Mr. Voronkov, Ms. Coninsx and Ms. Cook for their briefings. In my intervention, I will focus on three issues: first, the threat ofthe Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and our response; secondly, the role of women and children; and, thirdly, accountability. First, on the threat and our response, we just heard that the threat posed by ISIS has changed but certainly not diminished. This calls for a coherent international response.”
2018-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8330 (2018) · source
“We call on those with influence to ensure that Syrians in need can be helped by the United Nations. Furthermore, they should convince the regime to reconsider Law Number 10, as stressed by our French colleague. Complying with international humanitarian law and providing humanitarian access remain essential to improve the conditions of the suffering Syrian civilians. That particularly applies to the suffering Syrian children, as Virginia Gamba so clearly described. Respect for international humanitarian law is key if we want to prevent a repetition of eastern Aleppo, eastern Ghouta and Dar'a. Finally, we call for assurances that humanitarian workers in areas that have recently changed control will be protected and that humanitarian services for the people in those areas will continue to be available.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“Between January and April, a mere 22 per cent of aid in territories controlled by the Syrian regime was delivered to those in acute need. That is simply unacceptable. We therefore call on the Syrian regime, the Russian Federation and Iran to immediately allow unimpeded and sustained access for all humanitarian actors. If the regime continues to obstruct the ability of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to work from Damascus, it effectively blocks the possibilities for principled, evidence-based humanitarian action in Syria. As a consequence, many more innocent people and many more innocent children will suffer. In conclusion, let me stress the need for accountability for the ongoing crimes committed in Syria by all parties. We will continue our efforts in that regard both on and off the Council.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“In our opinion, the Council should send a very strong signal to the regime and its allies not to attack Idlib. We regret that we were unable to agree on such a signal last Wednesday in our meeting. That brings me to my third point - the continuing violations of humanitarian law and humanitarian principles in Syria. Years of bombardments, sieges and deprivation by the Syrian regime have in the past months led to the regime taking over several severely damaged areas. Even now, United Nations access to those areas is consistently denied by the regime. The Organization is often banned from inter-agency convoys, meaning that United Nations coordination and monitoring of the distribution of aid is hampered. As a consequence, aid is not being delivered to those who need it most. Let me give an example.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“We are deeply concerned about the fate of the 2.3 million civilians in Idlib, of which approximately 1.3 million are displaced persons from elsewhere in Syria. They are under constant threat of air strikes and of hostilities between armed groups. An assault by the Syrian regime will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe with grave regional consequences. Let me stress that the civilians in Idlib are neither terrorists, nor combatants. Civilians must be protected during armed conflict. Medical facilities need to be protected too, as the Council so clearly underlined in resolution 2286 (2016). The Astana guarantors have a particular responsibility to work on arrangements to prevent further human suffering, protect civilians and provide a non-violent exit to this growing tragedy.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“We pay tribute to the selfless work of the White Helmets in all parts of Syria, who have saved countless Syrian civilian lives. Let me underline that all sides of the conflict should accept and protect all aid workers. It is deeply disturbing that instead, many have to fear for their lives because of the advance of Syrian troops and their allies. We regret that the White Helmets in particular have been targeted both on the ground and here at the United Nations, by slanderous accusations. Let me also underline the point made by our French colleague about the need to guarantee the safety of journalists in conflict. That brings me to my second point - the situation in Idlib. Currently, the Idlib region is completely surrounded by forces of the Syrian regime.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“The Syrian regime should respect international humanitarian law and provide sustained access for humanitarian actors and protection to all people in need, including IDPs located near the Golan border. We call on all parties to provide cross-border humanitarian convoys with the necessary security guarantees, including the relevant guarantors of the de-escalation zone, as it was called at the time. Cross-border aid delivery remains of paramount importance and must be facilitated where it is the most effective, or the only way to reach those in need. Let me welcome the humanitarian operation that has led to the evacuation of a group of White Helmets and their family members from southern Syria. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is currently looking into the possibilities of a contribution to the resettlement plans.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“Hostilities in the past few weeks have been marked by civilian casualties, attacks on schools and hospitals and the rapid displacement of around 180.000 individuals. We strongly condemn the recent series of suicide attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. As Mr. Staffan de Mistura told us on Wednesday, 180,000 civilians have become internally displaced as a result of the ground and aerial offensives of the Syrian regime and its allies in the south-west. Some of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) near Quneitra remain without shelter and are exposed to the sun, in temperatures reaching up to 40Â°C. Humanitarian partners based in Damascus have not been granted access due to a lack of necessary approvals by the regime. Cross-border humanitarian operations are also suspended.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“It is deplorable that the Syrian regime ignores its international obligations, even when it comes to the protection of children. We expect the upcoming country report to address those issues in clear terms, and we support the idea of more frequent country reports. Today we are talking about the humanitarian situation in Syria, but let us not forget the fate of the 6.5 million refugees who have been forced to flee their country. In my statement I will address three points: first, the situation in southern Syria; secondly, the situation in Idlib; and thirdly, the continuing violation of humanitarian law and humanitarian principles in Syria First, we express grave concern about the violence in southern Syria.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on a very this important subject with these impressive briefers. We thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Special Representative of the Secretary General Gamba for their sobering briefings. Frankly speaking, I was shocked to hear yet again about the terrible suffering of Syrian children. Children should be protected, including in times of war, yet such protection is completely lacking in the Syrian conflict. We express our strong support for the mandate of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. We are grateful for the extremely valuable work that the Special Representative and her team have done regarding Syria - valuable work in spite of the lack of access and cooperation from the Syrian regime.”
2018-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8320 (2018) · source
“(spoke in Spanish) The peace dividends I have just mentioned, especially security, inclusive reintegration and transitional justice, are intimately connected. A sustained commitment to implementing the agreements in a comprehensive manner can ensure that peace in Colombia is stable and lasting. We call on all stakeholders to work together to this end and to continue to build on the great achievements that have been made. The international community is with Colombia, and Colombia can count on the continued support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Accountability and reconciliation are two sides of the same coin on the road to sustainable peace. This is why my Government is actively supporting the transitional-justice institutions, as well as victims' organizations in Colombia, with a contribution of â‚¬2.5 million. We underscore the need for the swift, effective and properly resourced implementation of the different transitional-justice institutions. In this regard, we express our full support for the workings of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and welcome the fact that public hearings have started. In this way, transitional justice offers the opportunity to address past grievances, putting the 8 million victims of the armed conflict at the centre of our peacebuilding efforts. We hope this will turn the page in Colombia. I will conclude in Spanish.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“That brings me to my second point, concerning the inclusive reintegration of former combatants, which remains a core component of the Peace Agreement. The stimulation of income-generating activities and the provision of social services are important tools for addressing the root causes of the conflict and ultimately promoting self-reliance. We encourage the Government, the former FARC combatants, the private sector and the local authorities to jointly design a comprehensive strategy aimed at fully reintegrating the former combatants into society, as foreseen in the Peace Agreement. It is essential that women and youth have a voice in this process. My third point concerns transitionaljustice, which is an essential aspect ofconflict resolution.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“We are also concerned about the continued violence against former FARC combatants. Their security guarantees are central to the Peace Agreement and form the bedrock of a durable peace. The Government has taken initiatives to address the violence, strengthening mechanisms to prevent, protect and hold the perpetrators to account. But in order to make these mechanisms work, a thorough analysis of the patterns behind the violence, including identifying the intellectual authors, would be useful. We look forward to a comprehensive stabilization approach that effectively asserts the presence of the State in the most vulnerable regions and communities. It should include institutions for security, infrastructure, education, health care and the rule of law.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“With respect to my first point, the security situation, we are deeply concerned about the high levels of insecurity in the zones most affected by the armed conflict. In these areas, social leaders, human rights defenders and journalists are increasingly being threatened and sometimes even killed. This often happens in areas where armed groups proliferate and continue to resist peacebuilding efforts. The Colombian people, State institutions and political parties alike have recently expressed themselves on this point in a so-called pact of repudiation of violence against social leaders, to which Mr. Arnault referred. The pact sends a strong signal that Colombians are not willing to accept the possibility that those who speak out are too often made to pay the highest price.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“The change of Governments in Colombia provides us with an occasion to take stock of what has been achieved so far and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, which ended the 50-year conflict, is historic by any standard. We pay tribute to the Administration of President Santos Calderon and the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC) for their courage and leadership in advancing the peace process. We hope that Colombia will now seize the opportunity to further consolidate peace. In that context, I would like to touch on three points - our concern about the security situation, the need for the inclusive reintegration of former FARC members and the importance of transitional justice.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“Our Kingdom is made up of four countries, of which Aruba and Curacao are close maritime neighbours of Colombia. The recently held presidential elections mark an important and commendable milestone in Colombia. The elections were fair, inclusive and peaceful, and saw the highest turnout in the country's recent history. We congratulate President-elect Ivan Duque on winning the election and welcome his expressed commitment to seeking unity. The Prime Minister of Curacao, Mr. Eugene Rhuggenaath, looks forward to attending the upcoming inauguration on behalf of our Kingdom. We also look forward to working closely with the new Government, based on the close friendship and interconnectedness between our two peoples.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Jean Arnault for his insightful and comprehensive briefing and for the important work that the United Nations Verification Mission is doing in support of the Peace Agreement in Colombia. He may be assured of our continued full support for his efforts. I would also like to welcome Vice-President Naranjo to the Security Council. We are grateful for his personal efforts and those of his Government to establish peace in Colombia. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is fully committed to supporting peace in Colombia, which is also the message that my Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Stephanus Blok, conveyed during his recent visit to the country. We follow developments in Colombia with particular interest.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8319 (2018) · source
“At the same time, our continued and combined efforts are ever more needed to make progress on the political track towards a two-State solution.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“We emphasize the important role of the Quartet in the peace process, and we underline the need for countries of the region to be involved. My third point concerns regional dynamics and the situation in the Golan Heights. We are concerned about the increased tensions in that area, including the Israeli border with Syria. We call on the parties to refrain from actions that can further destabilize the area, and we welcome all de-escalating measures. The Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomes the evacuation of the White Helmets last weekend, which serves as a good example of international cooperation in the region. Unrest in the region requires our continued attention as well as joint efforts to de-escalate.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“It enables the Israeli Government to withhold tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority as compensation for their contribution to Palestinian prisoners and their families. We consider that bill to be contrary to the Paris Protocol and the Oslo Accords. We also call upon the Palestinian Authority to change the system ofpayments to prisoners and their families. The issue has the potential to incite violence and is thus an impediment to the peace process. All developments underline the need for the resumption of meaningful negotiations, leading to a two-State solution based on known parameters and addressing all final status issues. We are therefore very interested in the American plans in this regard.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Together with many of our fellow European Union (EU) member States, and as has been expressed by the EU High Representative, the Kingdom of the Netherlands objects to the planned Israeli demolitions in Area C. We call upon Israel to respect its obligations under international law, and we consider the settlements to be illegal under international law. In line with the foregoing, we are concerned about the developments around the so-called Jewish nation-State bill. That bill seems to imply that Jews alone have the right to national self-determination in Israel, while downgrading Arabic from its status as an official language and encouraging the building of Jewish settlements. It is difficult to see how that contributes to a two-State solution. Furthermore, we have concerns about the bill recently passed in the Knesset on revenue clearance.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a political horizon and for a genuine peace process leading to a two-State solution within existing parameters, based on 1967 lines. That brings me to my second point, namely, impediments to the two-State solution and to the peace process. The last couple of weeks have shown a rapid deterioration of the situation on the ground with several legislative developments. The pending Israeli decision on the demolition of Khan Al-Ahmar is a pertinent example. That village is located in the so- called E1 Area and is seen by many as the last corridor that connects Palestinian lands on the West Bank. It can thus be described as essential for the viability of a future Palestinian State.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Mladenov if there are any remaining hurdles to starting the swift implementation of his plans, and how the international community, and certainly the Council, canassist in making his plans a reality. We also support the new efforts by the United Nations Development Programme, creating emergency jobs for youth and women in Gaza. We remain concerned about the financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and call on all to support the Agency. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has been an important UNRWA donor for many years. If its funding gap is not closed soon, UNRWA will not be able to continue the provision of the delivery of basic services in Gaza and elsewhere. More countries have to contribute.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The restoration of payment of public-service employee salaries is another measure that is needed to improve the economic conditions in Gaza. The situation there underlines the urgent need for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Gaza and the West Bank need to be reunited under one single and legitimate Palestinian Authority. We welcome the renewed efforts of Egypt in this regard and call on allparties to engage constructively. United Nations efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza are of the utmost importance. We once again express our full support for the efforts of Mr. Mladenov in that regard and for his plans for Gaza. We would like to ask Mr.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“We also strongly oppose the building of tunnels. We call on the de facto authorities in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority to do everything possible to ensure that this practice stops. We welcome the reopening of the Rafah crossing by Egypt, and we encourage Egypt to keep it open. We welcome today's reopening of Kerem Shalom for goods. Much-needed fuel for the people of Gaza is entering today. This is a first important step in the restoration of the permanent opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing. The opening of crossings is paramount and helps to decrease the already immense pressure on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We call upon Israel to ease restrictions on the movement of goods and people, while safeguarding its own security needs.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“That has been the call by so many in the Council - to prevent a new escalation of violence to step back from the brink. But unfortunately, today again I start my intervention by calling attention to the dire situation in Gaza. We have to conclude, especially after last weekend, that Gaza is still on the brink of war. We welcome the current truce. Now all parties should do everything in their power to prevent further escalation. They should implement measures to improve the living conditions in Gaza. The daily lives of the people of Gaza have to improve. That means that economic development, humanitarian aid and rebuilding infrastructure need to go hand in hand. The Kingdom of the Netherlands strongly opposes the sending of incendiary kites and balloons from Gaza into Israel, leading to forest fires and damage to Israeli crops.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source