YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Shalkwyk

lines on the record: 130
first: 2019-02-19
most recent: 2020-10-05
sittings or episodes: 24
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 conclusion, South Africa firmly believes that we should endeavour to approach the situation in Syria in a holistic manner, whereby the political, humanitarian and chemical weapons tracks all converge in a single unified path to long-term peace, security and stability for Syria. The only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue aimed at a political resolution reflective of the will of the people of Syria.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention should therefore unite in preserving the international norm against chemical weapons and the provisions of the Convention, along with its consistent and non-discriminatory implementation. As indicated on a number of occasions, South Africa will continue to work for the depoliticization of the relevant management and decision-making structures established under the Chemical Weapons Convention and also towards ensuring that States parties be held accountable for any violations of their obligations, based on credible, impartial and irrefutable evidence.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“South Africa remains committed to its international obligations as a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and as a member of the OPCW. The alleged use of chemical weapons by a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention is a very serious matter that would constitute a material breach of obligations under the Convention. In order to ensure that States parties adhere to their obligations, it is imperative that they have full faith and confidence in the work and processes of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. As it is the only technically competent international authority in this area, external interference in its work should not be tolerated.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“South Africa would like to thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing and the information she provided to the Council. South Africa strongly supports multilateralism and the international rule of law, which includes the non-discriminatory and consistent application of the provisions of relevant multilateral instruments and the preservation of the international norms against weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons. The use of chemical weapons undermines the international norms against the production, use and stockpiling of such weapons, established under the Chemical Weapons Convention. In that regard, South Africa reiterates its long-standing position against the use of chemical weapons. No cause can ever justify the use of any weapon of mass destruction by any actor under any circumstance.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“I am not going to dwell too long on the vote that we needed to take today. It is unfortunate that we had to vote on a briefer. My delegation would be the last to stifle any kind of view that should or needs to be brought to the Council, or that others feel should be brought to the Council, as long as it is relevant. And we believe that Mr. Bustani, as a former Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), eminently understands the procedures of the organization — how it works and how to deal with previous and current chemical-weapon States. Therefore, we were not open to supporting the stifling of any kind of view, whether we agreed with it or not. We would not necessarily have agreed with his opinions, but we would have wanted to hear them. Be that as it may, let me continue with my statement.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8764 (2020) · source
“We were pleased to host in December 2019, in collaboration with the Office of Counter-Terrorism, a joint subregional dialogue for select member jurisdictions of the Eastern and Southern Africa Money-Laundering Group on improving capacity to counter the financing of terrorism in the subregion. Allow me to conclude by reiterating that South Africa will continue to remain a committed and responsible partner in all United Nations counter- terrorism bodies, underpinned by the principles that have been highlighted.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we commend the Secretary- General’s international regional conferences, including the African Regional High-level Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, which was held in Nairobi in 2019. The outcomes of that meeting and other regional conferences elsewhere in the world will complement the counter-terrorism week to be held at the United Nations in June. Domestically, South Africa remains committed to improving its counter-terrorism capacity in line with all United Nations recommendations and actively cooperates with its region on those matters.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we value the work of the United Nations counter-terrorism bodies in assisting Member States to fight the scourge of terrorism, including through capacity-building measures such as the development of handbooks on children affected by the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters, as well as the guidelines on mutual legal assistance developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Association of Prosecutors. South Africa also welcomes efforts to improve cooperation with regional bodies, including the African Union, to improve our joint capacity to counter terrorism.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“It is also critical that counter- terrorism measures be implemented in full compliance with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and that States avoid unilateral counter-terrorism measures, which often result in unintended casualties, stoking further resentments and a continued cycle of violence. The international nature of the terrorist threat, which knows no boundaries, demands a multilateral response, which is best coordinated by the United Nations.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Allow me to reiterate South Africa’s steadfast commitment to standing together with our fellow African brothers and sisters in the fight against terrorism on the continent so that its terrible scourge is not allowed to erode the hard-won progress that we have collectively made in prioritizing the continent’s development. As previously stated, South Africa remains committed to addressing terrorism holistically. That is to say that we believe that, in order to effectively counter the scourge of terrorism, we must give the same weight to addressing the conditions and factors that give rise to and sustain it that we give to addressing its security dimensions.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“We commend the continued efforts of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant on the significant strides that it is making in that challenging task. We are of course particularly alarmed by the report’s findings concerning our continent. The report is in line with our own assessment, which suggests that ISIL has begun to expand its presence on the African continent in the face of pressure in the Middle East and elsewhere. Those efforts have seen the group attempt to exploit the continent’s security challenges to perpetuate its existence and agenda via regional affiliates that utilize Africa as an operational base and a target for attacks.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“It is clear that — despite having lost its territorial presence in its self-declared caliphate in the Middle East and having suffered the death of its leader and other senior figures — ISIL nevertheless continues to be resilient, remaining a threat to international peace and security, which merits the Security Council’s attention. That demonstrates the group’s highly adaptive and resourceful nature and the dogged commitment of some of its followers to its ideology and agenda, which will require our equal determination to effectively counter their actions and narrative. In doing so we must ensure that there is accountability for the group’s barbaric crimes.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Mr. Voronkov and Ms. Coninsx for their briefings, which we very much appreciated. We are also very grateful to the participant from civil society, Ms. Mona Freij, for her courageous briefing to the Security Council today. Her briefing serves to remind us of the horrors perpetrated by Da’esh, as well as the resilience of the human spirit in surviving and overcoming such devastating experiences. On the subject of resilience, we note with concern the findings of latest strategic-level report (S/2020/95) of the Secretary-General on the resilience of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its toxic ideology, despite seemingly devastating setbacks.”
2020-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8716 (2020) · source
“South Africa remains committed to supporting the protection of the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East region and the defence of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the basic norms governing international relations, including respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria. In conclusion, we must all remember that the people of Syria have the most to lose should the violence continue. We must do all we can to support efforts to prevent such suffering.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“An improvement in the humanitarian situation could improve trust and build confidence among the parties, which could in turn bolster progress and substantive dialogue on the political track. We call on all parties to make the necessary efforts to commit to continued dialogue under the auspices, and with the support of, Special Envoy Pedersen. That would include working to ensure that the Constitutional Committee’s third round of talks — with an agenda agreed by both parties — is convened soon and that substantive and sincere discussions are held to ensure that the people of Syria have a safe, stable and prosperous environment in which to live.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“A full military confrontation between the parties must be avoided at all costs, as civilians in already severe security and humanitarian circumstances would be left to face the eventual dire consequences. We once again urge all parties to abide by their commitments under the various ceasefire agreements that have been previously agreed and call for a cessation of hostilities throughout Syria. A cessation of hostilities would also ensure that the necessary humanitarian aid is provided to all those who require it. We call on the relevant authorities to ensure the safe, unimpeded and impartial delivery of that assistance. As we have consistently maintained, South Africa is firm in its belief that the political and humanitarian situations in Syria cannot be addressed independently of each other.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“Syria and its people have long endured the deadly misfortune of being a theatre of conflict that has involved several external role players, who have used the conflict as a proxy for their own interests. The escalation of tensions has reportedly led to the displacement, injury and death of civilians. Many of those civilians have already been displaced multiple times, with violence and hostilities appearing to follow wherever they flee. All parties to the conflict must adhere to their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. In that regard, civilians must be afforded access to humanitarian corridors. Civilians are facing impossible circumstances, with winter upon them.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank Mr. Geir Pedersen and Mr. Mark Lowcock for their briefings on the current situation in Syria. South Africa notes with concern the reports of the escalation of violence in north-west Syria. All parties to the conflict must make every effort to reduce tensions and refrain from any actions that may further exacerbate the situation. We reiterate that all States have the sovereign right to address the threat of terrorism in their countries. We emphasize that any action to counter terrorism must be in line with the obligations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. External support for armed groups must cease immediately.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8715 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we also encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts to produce a sustainable and peaceful solution. Let me conclude by joining other Council members in commending Mr. Rama’s efforts to prioritize the women and peace and security agenda, as that is also a priority for South Africa, and the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Turning to one of the key areas of the OSCE’s work, South Africa welcomes the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the four Normandy format countries — Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia — held in Paris in December 2019. My delegation also wishes to commend the OSCE on its efforts in Ukraine, as it diligently executes its mandate in monitoring the implementation of the 2015 Minsk agreements endorsed by resolution 2202 (2015) on resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. In that regard, it remains necessary for all parties to implement their respective commitments under the Minsk agreements. It is important for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to have unhindered access to monitor and verify compliance with the Minsk agreements in terms of its mandate.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Their efforts complement each other, and it is for that reason that cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations remains so important. New and emerging security threats continue to undermine the ways in which we prevent and address challenges, which may be faced by more than one region. In that regard, it may be useful for regional bodies to also cooperate and share experiences, as well as best practices. Deeper cooperation between the African Union — and more specifically its Peace and Security Council — and the OSCE, for example, could contribute to achieving regional and cross-regional peace and security objectives and addressing challenges.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“Article 54 of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, under which the OSCE is briefing the Council today, envisages strong cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security. Every regional organization faces a unique set of peace and security challenges that are determined by the regions in which they operate and the manner in which such threats are addressed. Therefore, increased cooperation with the Security Council remains critical. My delegation does not believe that the efforts of regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security absolve the Council of its Charter-mandated responsibilities as the custodian of international peace and security.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations — the Organization that we value as the embodiment of multilateralism and cooperation, particularly in upholding human rights and maintaining international peace and security, as well as promoting economic development. The three pillars of the United Nations are all bolstered through engagements with regional organizations that have insight into the local contexts in which they operate. South Africa’s support for that relationship is rooted in our belief that multilateralism is strengthened through enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“South Africa would like to thank Prime Minister Rama for his briefing in his capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We wish to commend the good work that he continues to do in his region to support the maintenance of international peace and security. Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in the area of peace and security remains a priority for my delegation, and we welcome all efforts made to strengthen the relationship between the OSCE and the United Nations.”
2020-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8714 (2020) · source
“South Africa’s National Conventional Arms Control Act is the cornerstone of the country’s conventional arms control legislation and contains specific guiding principles and criteria to be considered when arms transfer applications are assessed. Those provisions include the principle of adherence to international law, norms and practices and the international obligations and commitments of the Republic of South Africa, including Security Council arms embargoes. South Africa will therefore continue to take the necessary steps to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“The Peace and Security Council has reaffirmed that the elimination of the threat posed by the illicit transfer, circulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons is a critical component of realizing the goals of the Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 initiative and Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU). The Peace and Security Council requires AU member States to enact appropriate regulations and administrative procedures to ensure effective control over the production, export, import, transit or retransfer of small arms and light weapons, as well as related brokering activities, in order to prevent the illegal manufacture of, and illicit trafficking in, small arms and light weapons or their diversion to unauthorized actors. Those steps are required to curb the illicit flow of arms on the African continent.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“South Africa supports the need to address the linkages between curtailing the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons and the women and peace and security agenda, particularly with regard to the development of national action plans, security sector reform and the broader peacebuilding and policy spheres. In that regard, we support the Secretary- General’s call for the Security Council to consider how women can be actively engaged in efforts to prevent the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. The African Union Peace and Security Council has also been seized of the issue of the illicit proliferation, circulation and trafficking in small arms and light weapons on the African continent at both regional and subregional levels, as Mrs. Nakamitsu ably informed us.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“To that end, we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General in prioritizing disarmament that saves lives and his commitment to establish a trust facility in the form of the Saving Lives Entity, which is being established in conjunction with the Peacebuilding Support Office, the United Nations Development Programme and the Office for Disarmament Affairs. South Africa believes that support for peacebuilding efforts, especially those related to security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, are vital to curtailing the flow of illicit arms. Effectively combating the illicit flow of arms is also critical to efforts to create a better enabling environment for the protection of civilians by United Nations peacekeepers.”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“Let me start by thanking Under Secretary-General Nakamitsu for her briefing. We would like to emphasize that the issue of small arms and light weapons remains an important one for the African continent, as it exacerbates conflict situations and enables threats to international peace and security. We also thank Mr. Spleeters for his comprehensive briefing. South Africa supports the approach of the Security Council in including consideration of the issue of small arms and light weapons within the various United Nations peacekeeping mandates, as well as with regard to the imposition of arms embargoes. South Africa also welcomes and emphasizes the importance of supporting countries in implementing the provisions of resolution 2220 (2015).”
2020-02-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8713 (2020) · source
“South Africa also emphasizes that all necessary measures should be taken to respect the Geneva Conventions. More broadly, we reiterate our call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We wish to reiterate that the only sustainable solution to this conflict is a negotiated, Yemeni- led political settlement that is inclusive and fair and puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“The unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the country is a strong indicator of the human toll of continued military action and conflict that requires an urgent commitment to a ceasefire and the pursuit of a negotiated peaceful and inclusive solution to the crisis. In this regard, South Africa wishes to call on all parties to the conflict to allow the free, regular and unimpeded passage of food and other humanitarian relief and not to take actions that will deprive civilians of their right to food and health. In this context, South Africa welcomes the initiative of the coalition, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, that medical flights be permitted from Sana’a airport, which has been closed to civilian air traffic since August 2016.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“We welcome the efforts already undertaken to adhere to the Hodeidah Agreement, which we believe could be built on in order to create trust and instil confidence in fulfilling other aspects of the Stockholm Agreement. Similarly, South Africa welcomes the exchange of prisoners that has taken place between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis since October 2019. These confidence-building measures are to be commended and should continue to receive the sustained support of the Security Council and the broader international community. Secondly, with respect to the humanitarian situation, South Africa remains extremely concerned about the serious crisis in Yemen.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“South Africa remains firm in the belief that sustainable peace in Yemen will come only through assertive efforts at dialogue, instead of continued armed conflict, which has led only to devastation and a profound humanitarian crisis in the country. In addition, South Africa calls for the speedy implementation of the Riyadh agreement between the Yemeni Government and the Southern Transitional Council. We call on the Yemeni Government and the Council to agree on forming a joint delegation as called for by the Riyadh agreement. South Africa also wishes to reiterate its call for the full implementation of the December 2018 Stockholm Agreement, including demilitarizing the port of Al-Hudaydah, and for all parties to carry out their respective obligations in accordance with responsibilities under the Stockholm Agreement.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Martin Griffiths, and the Director of the Coordination Division of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, for the information that they provided to us today. My delegation would like to address the following two points in our statement today, namely, the political situation and the humanitarian situation. With regard to the political situation, South Africa wishes to welcome the ongoing talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. We urge all parties to the conflict to continue efforts aimed at undertaking dialogue and confidence-building measures that will contribute to a comprehensive political solution for Yemen.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“That is vital for the sustainable and successful integration of the FARC into Colombian society through, but not limited to, rural and political reintegration, work, access to land and opportunities, education, the protection of victims’ rights and the empowerment of women. Let me conclude by reiterating that it is important for the international community and, in particular the United Nations Verification Mission, to continue to support the full compliance with the agreement reached between the parties, as well as the cessation of hostilities and the laying down of arms.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“South Africa is concerned about the intimidation and increased killings of former members of the FARC- EP and of social and community leaders, who now also include members of the indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations. We call for a secure environment to be put in place for the protection of women, children, social leaders and human rights defenders, as well as all who are involved in the implementation of the peace agreement. In that regard, it is also important to strengthen the role of the National Commission on Security Guarantees, which can be used as a vehicle to swiftly implement the peace agreement. We welcome the Government’s efforts with regard to the territorial areas for training and reintegration, as well as the constructive role and responsive attitude of the FARC.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“In order to achieve continued and sustained progress in that regard, the demobilization should be accompanied by continued training and the creation of economic opportunities for former combatants. South Africa welcomes the recent progress made with regard to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which is playing a key role in addressing accountability for gross human rights violations committed during the internal conflict in Colombia. We furthermore call for respect for the judicial independence of the Special Jurisdiction. South Africa’s own experience with its Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirmed that it was crucial for achieving national unity. In Colombia, reconciliation processes can ensure that the road to peace is inclusive.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“That is consistent with South Africa’s principled stance that the only viable, sustainable resolution to the conflict remains in the full implementation of the peace agreement and an inclusive political settlement that is nationally led by and in the interests of the people of Colombia. In that regard, we welcome the relatively peaceful and successful holding of the local and departmental elections in October 2019, despite the challenges leading up to the day of elections. The participation of the FARC and former combatants is commendable and represents a positive step forward. South Africa commends the progress made on the demobilization and reintegration of former members of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP).”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the Verification Mission in Colombia, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, for his consistent and hard work in Colombia and informative briefing. South Africa remains fully supportive of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, which was signed between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) in 2016. We welcome the mechanisms of the peace agreement, such as the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement, and urge the Colombian people and authorities to use such mechanisms to address gaps and challenges related to the implementation of the peace agreement.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for the observance of two minutes of silence that you organized this morning. We would like to convey the condolences of the Government of South Africa to our brothers and sisters of the Niger on the terrible loss that they suffered. We also remember with sadness the large number of our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as well as the valiant United Nations personnel, who lost their lives 10 years ago. With regard to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, let me start by thanking the Foreign Minister for Colombia, Ms. Claudia Blum de Barberi, and welcoming her presence at this meeting. We appreciate her commitment and availability to brief the Security Council. I should like to assure her of South Africa’s full support for her country’s efforts to achieve long-term and sustainable peace.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“We urge all parties to continue efforts and consultations to ensure that the cross-border assistance mandate is renewed before 10 January 2020.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“South Africa is extremely disappointed that the mandate of the Syrian cross-border humanitarian assistance mechanism could not be renewed today. During the course of the negotiations, South Africa's position was and remains that we must ensure the renewal of that lifesaving humanitarian assistance programme. South Africa voted in favour of both draft resolutions (S/20l9/961 and S/2019/962) in an effort to accomplish that goal, as lifesaving assistance to the people of Syria remains critical. Today's unfortunate outcome, or rather non-outcome, is an indictment of our failure to carry out our responsibility as the Security Council. It once again underscores the need for us to evaluate the decision-making processes of the Council, particularly the need for concurring votes of the permanent members.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“South Africa calls on all Council members to make every effort to find a compromise and reach consensus to ensure that the mandate of that vital, life-saving humanitarian assistance programme is renewed.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“South Africa believes that the political and humanitarian situation in Syria cannot be addressed independently of each other. The continuation of violence and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation negatively affect the political process. In the same vein, progress in the political sphere will support efforts towards ensuring that all Syrians are able to live in a safe, secure and prosperous environment, free of violence and terrorism. The Council met yesterday (see S/PV.8694) to discuss the humanitarian situation in Syria and try to find consensus on the renewal of the cross-border assistance programme. We remind all Council members of their duty to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their moral imperative to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“Actions in that regard, at all levels of society and Government, including through the release of civilian detainees, would contribute to healing and reconciliation. We, as South Africans, know that trust and confidence among parties is an essential component of any negotiation and hope that actions that build on those principles will be of benefit to all. The only long- term solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive, Syrian-led dialogue that is reflective of the voice of the Syrian people and will safeguard the universal rights and fundamental interests of all Syrian society. In that regard, we call on all parties to fully implement resolution 2254 (2015) as the blueprint for a long-term political solution in Syria.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“We encourage all parties to recommit to the Constitutional Committee as an effective and essential part of the Syrian political process. In addition, my delegation urges the various parties to make every effort to work together, with the support of the Special Envoy, to find agreement on a realistic agenda, before the start of the next round of talks, to guide the work of the Committee. While the Constitutional Committee is part of a larger political process designed to bring peace and stability to Syria, it is a vital one that must be supported. With regard to the other components of the political process, and as a way to buttress the Constitutional Committee's process, there is a need to build trust and confidence among the various parties and communities.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing on the political situation in Syria. We welcome his dedicated efforts and those of his Office in carrying out his mandate. We also thank Ms. Rajaa Altalli for her briefing and statement. At the Council's previous briefing on the political situation in Syria (see S/PV.8664), South Africa welcomed the launch and first meeting of the Constitutional Committee, held in Geneva, and expressed our hope that it would lead to tangible progress towards a sincere constitution-building process. We welcome the convening of the second round of talks by the small body of the Constitutional Committee and note the need for building blocks to be put in place to achieve progress on substantive matters.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8696 (2019) · source
“South Africa urges all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint and not allow the situation to get out of hand. The Council must support initiatives aimed at the restoration of peace and stability, not only in the Persian Gulf but also in the broader Middle East region.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“South Africa is a staunch supporter of nuclear- weapon-free zones as one of the major contributors to nuclear non-proliferation and critical building blocks towards achieving the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. In that regard, my delegation wishes to highlight the urgent need for the establishment of a zone in the Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and, accordingly, we take note of the political declaration agreed at the Conference on the Establishment ofa Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, held from 18 to 22 November. Finally, with regard to the broader security of the region, South Africa joins others in expressing its concern about the growing tensions in the Persian Gulf and their impact on international peace and security.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“While we commend the benefits of the JCPOA as an essential instrument of nuclear non-proliferation, we wish to stress that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only guarantee that those weapons will never be used again by anyone under any circumstances. South Africa wishes to remind the Council that nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes. A lack of progress on nuclear disarmament will inadvertently affect the gains made in the area of nuclear non-proliferation. South Africa also wishes to underline the importance of respecting the inalienable right of States parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source