YouSaid · the spoken record

Vassily Nebenzia

lines on the record: 656
first: 2020-04-16
most recent: 2021-05-26
sittings or episodes: 80
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

“Today’s discussion clearly demonstrated where most Security Council members stand on this issue. They confirmed the paramount need to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Preservation of the JCPOA is important for the whole international community, including for the United States. I hope that the United States will finally be able to realize it and not to pursue its current path, which is not only illegal, but will simply not lead to achievement of the result that the United States envisages. My main point is to thank you, Mr. President, for the conclusion that you made in response to our question. I think it is a prudent step that you are taking given the positions of the member States of the Council on the matter that we raised.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“Could you inform us about the results of bilateral consultations with States member of the Council held after receiving the United States letter, and clarify your view on the United States claim? How will you proceed in this situation? In particular, do you intend to follow the procedures foreseen by operative paragraph 11 of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015)? Second statement by the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia Our position on this matter is very well known. It has been expressed consistently on many occasions, most recently in our communication to the President of the Security Council after the United States pointed out a snap-back that was allegedly triggered, which we challenged. That communication has been circulated as a Council document. I will not be repeating it.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We all know that our United States colleagues, on 20 August, handed to the President of the Council a letter (S/2020/815) with a claim that Iran’s actions allegedly trigger a snapback process, as foreseen in paragraph 11 of resolution 2231 (2015). Almost all Council members responded immediately with a letter to the President. As far as we can tell, an overwhelming majority of member States explicitly stated in those letters that the letter from the United States cannot be considered as a notification under paragraph 11 of resolution 2231 (2015), nor does it trigger the snapback procedure, since the United States has ceased its participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The United States is the only member of the Council that thinks otherwise. We would therefore like to ask you a question, Mr. President.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“The coronavirus exacerbated the problems of the local population. We call on the parties concerned to cooperate and fight the pandemic together. We share the concerns voiced about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We are also concerned about the increased workload of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as the need for additional funding for the Agency to respond to new challenges, including in countries hosting Palestinian refugees, primarily in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. We call on the international community to respond and to support UNRWA. In conclusion, we would like to raise another important issue directly related to the situation in the Middle East that has clear implications for regional and international peace and security.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“The aforementioned trilateral statement also confirms that the parties will continue their efforts to achieve a just and sustainable settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In that regard, we would like to recall that despite the existence of unilateral initiatives, the basis of such a settlement should remain the internationally recognized parameters. We emphasize that unilateral actions, including plans for annexation, which undermine the legal basis for a settlement, should be abandoned. Looking at the situation on the ground, we call on all parties to refrain from violence, including threats of rocket launches on Israeli territory, and on Israel to stop its settlement activity, the demolition of Palestinian property and evictions. We are concerned with the recent escalation around Gaza.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“In addition, Russia is actively engaged with various Palestinian representatives in order to overcome their differences, and is helping our Egyptian friends in that regard. We reaffirm the call to abstain from provocative moves and unilateral steps. International cooperation and joint action must accompany the advancement of the Middle East peace process. In that regard, we took note of the trilateral statement of the leaders of the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In accordance with that document, Israel will suspend the annexation of the occupied West Bank of the Jordan River. We consider that important since such plans were a key obstacle to the resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. Annexation would destroy the prospects for a viable, independent and territorially contiguous Palestinian State.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“It includes United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the fundamental principle of a two-State solution. This basis provides for the creation of an independent, sovereign and territorially contiguous Palestinian State within 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem, which would live in peace with Israel. Russia will adhere to those principles. The entire range of final-status issues should be resolved in direct negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis. Those negotiations should be launched as soon as possible. We call on our partners in the Quartet — the United Nations, the European Union and the United States — to intensify cooperation to assist the parties. We are ready for dialogue with key regional players.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. The Palestinian problem has a regional dimension, as reflected in the Arab Peace Initiative endorsed by the world community. Without its settlement, as history proves, it is impossible to establish peace in the region. A settlement that is acceptable to both sides — Palestinians and Israelis — is the only guarantee of a lasting peace. At all stages of work on the Middle East peace process, Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council and a member of the international Middle East Quartet of mediators, has always proceeded from the need to achieve a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the internationally recognized legal framework approved by the United Nations.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“It is totally unacceptable to prioritize human rights issues while denying innocent children their right to live. Russia calls on the Council to ensure support for the repatriation efforts of States. All counter-terrorism resolutions must recognize that problem.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“However, despite those obstacles, international and regional terrorist groups are rapidly adapting to the pandemic and gaining supporters. There is undoubtedly still huge room for improvement in the area of international cooperation, especially with regard to the repatriation of foreign terrorist fighters and their family members to their countries of origin. Among the most vulnerable in that connection are the women and children associated with foreign terrorist fighters, currently trapped in camps and detention facilities in the Middle East. The Secretary-General’s report once again sheds light on the insufficient repatriation rates and the horrific conditions in which these people have to fight for their lives. Unfortunately, this is the battle from which some of our colleagues, including in the Council, decided to withdraw.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in the activity of international terrorist organizations on the Internet, where calls for supporters to take various actions in order to increase panic in society are spreading. ISIL leaders are brainwashing their supporters and urging their followers to intensify their activities. At the same time, the pandemic has somewhat disrupted the relocation of terrorists to various hotspots and made it difficult to deliver funds and weapons to conflict zones. Some terrorist cells lack money and arms. In particular, branches of S/2020/836 S/2020/836 ISIL in North Africa can no longer profit from smuggling and human trafficking due to the closure of borders between countries.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“Recently, the leaders of the international terrorist organization have shown increased interest in South and South-East Asia, which, in their opinion, are promising for recruiting new supporters. The spread of COVID-19 provoked large-scale socioeconomic turbulence around the world and diverted the attention of many States from the counter-terrorism agenda, which in turn paves the way for the international terrorist organizations to increase their deadly potential. Terrorists are seeking to use the coronavirus pandemic to increase the number of supporters, primarily at the expense of those dissatisfied with the actions of the authorities in the context of the crisis, and in order to carry out hybrid attacks that combine terrorist attacks, biothreats, the spread of propaganda and the incitement of terrorist acts.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“At the same time, in addition to the States of the Sahara-Sahel zone, where ISIL branches are already actively operating, the countries of Central and Southern Africa are in their sights. A difficult situation is developing in Afghanistan, where approximately 4,000 ISIL fighters are present. The main units are concentrated in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar, where their numbers reach 2,000 terrorists. According to various estimates, there may be an additional 2,000 fighters in the north of the country. Supporters of the world caliphate regularly carry out large-scale terrorist attacks in various cities of the country, mainly against the Shiite minority.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“The principles of organization and tactics used by ISIL suggest that it has now fully transformed into a network structure with a high degree of autonomy of branches and sleeper cells in various countries and regions of the world. The high command of the organization has sufficient financial resources to restore mechanisms for coordinating and planning terrorist attacks in the border area between Syria and Iraq, and is doing just that. At the same time, the terrorists do not intend to abandon plans to revive the caliphate in Iraq. ISIL continues to build up its combat potential and is seeking to expand the area and scope of terrorist attacks in the country. The determination of ISIL to focus on expansion across the African continent is now obvious.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“At the outset, allow me to thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Assistant Secretary-General Coninsx for the in-depth analysis of the situation regarding countering the threats posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The eleventh report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/774) provides a comprehensive overview of the situation on the ground, including insights on how the terrorists adapt to the circumstances of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We note with appreciation that this document duly reflects assessments of those trends provided by various States, including Russia. At present, the level of the global terrorist threat, despite the failure of the leaders of ISIL to build a pseudo-caliphate in Syria and Iraq, remains high.”
2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source
“Drawing a conclusion from all this, we once again call for an early end to the foreign occupation of Syria and attempts to divide the country. The only way to bring peace to Syria is to return all its lands to the control of Damascus and promote a political settlement through a comprehensive and inclusive Syrian dialogue.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“They remain deaf to calls to waive sanctions amid the coronavirus pandemic and refuse to include some provisions of resolution 2532 (2020) in the resolution on the extension of the mechanism for cross-border humanitarian supplies. But what sort of ceasefire is this, if the United States, which, again, illegally occupies parts of Syria, strikes at Government forces? On 17 August, United States troops fired at a Syrian army post near the settlement of Tel-Dahab in the Al-Hasakah governorate, killing and wounding Syrian soldiers. We are also concerned about the situation in the internally displaced persons camps, primarily in Al-Hol camp, where the first coronavirus cases were recorded. There are never-ending reports of riots in prisons and the escape of terrorists.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I read an article that recently appeared in the magazine Foreign Affairs with the characteristic and telling title, “The Pointless Cruelty of Trump’s New Syria Sanctions”. Indeed, the coercive measures have one goal: to strangle the Syrian economy and increase the suffering of ordinary Syrians with a view to inciting social protests. Humanitarian exemptions do not work, according to humanitarian non-governmental organizations themselves. We draw the attention of our Western colleagues — who speak of the need to implement resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2532 (2020) and the call of the Secretary-General for a ceasefire — to the fact that they are very picky about the statements of the Secretary-General.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“We would like to have more information about this company from our American colleagues, as well as an explanation of how this agreement complies with international law and the sovereignty of Syria. We deem this deal illegal. It is not only about the purposeful plunder of Syria’s national natural resources, but also about undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. After all, we were reassured that the United States army would only protect oil from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham. But it is worth mentioning that, for the sake of trading oil from Syria, the United States made an exception to its own sanctions imposed on the Syrian oil and gas sector. It is a testimony for the whole world to see how those so-called humanitarian exemptions from sanctions work.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“The situation in Syria is further aggravated by the continued occupation by the United States of areas in the north-east. In addition to the problems in the United States-controlled areas related to the activities of ISIS and the dire humanitarian situation, those areas witnessed wide protests of the Arab population against the Kurdish authorities and the American occupation. We again point to the illegal extraction and smuggling of Syrian oil, which poses a threat to the environment not only in Syria but also in Iraq. We took note of the contract signed by the American company Delta Crescent Energy for the production and processing of oil in the Kurdish regions, the fact of which was confirmed by Secretary of State Pompeo.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“On 17 August, an explosive device was detonated along the patrol route, which damaged a Turkish vehicle. Terrorists remain present in other parts of Syria as well. On 18 August, a Russian military convoy was attacked while it was carrying out a humanitarian operation to deliver aid to the Deir ez-Zor area. As a result, Major General Vyacheslav Gladkikh, of the Russian Armed Forces, and Syrian military representatives died. Two Russian soldiers were wounded. All attacks by militants will be resolutely suppressed. It is obvious that lasting calm in Idlib and other Syrian provinces is possible only if the terrorists of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Shams (ISIS), Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and their affiliates are neutralized and their support from abroad is stopped.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“We consider it important to resume the political dialogue, which will facilitate the consolidation of Syrian people around a patriotic national platform and, accordingly, help to bolster the sovereignty and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic. The main obstacles to the normalization of the situation in Syria are well known — the presence of terrorists, foreign occupation of parts of the territory, attempts to overthrow the Government by means of sanctions and the playing of various ethno-confessional groups against each other. In the Idlib de-escalation zone, terrorists are sabotaging joint Russian-Turkish patrols. The shelling of positions of Government forces and nearby settlements and attacks on the Khmeimim air base are increasing, as are provocations along the M4 highway.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Deputy Special Envoy Khawla Matar, who was injured in an unfortunate incident in Lebanon. We are glad to hear that she is on the way to recovery. We thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his briefing. We wish him and the Syrian delegation success in resuming the work of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, starting on 24 August. We hope that the epidemiological situation will not interfere with those plans. Together with Turkey and Iran, Russia will continue to provide the Special Envoy and the Syrians with the necessary support, including within the framework of the Astana format. At the same time, we note that this is a Syrian-owned and -led process that must be safeguarded from any external interference.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“In addition, several Russian antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as diagnostics, have already been registered in our country. We are ready for international cooperation with all interested partners in developing and introducing vaccines and medicines to ensure a coordinated global response to the spread of COVID-19 and a joint victory over the pandemic.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“We are working with the World Health Organization in order to financially support its COVID-19 responses and promote compliance with the International Health Regulations. Our country also collaborates with the World Food Programme and the United Nations Development Programme in that respect. Through multilateral channels, Russia has allocated more than $30 million to foster responses to the pandemic. We also continue our bilateral assistance to countries in need by providing personal protective equipment, test systems and laboratory supplies and sending medical teams upon request. Yesterday the Russian Federation officially registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world. Clinical trials have shown its high levels of effectiveness and safety. Several other promising vaccines are being prepared for clinical trials.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“We reaffirm our support for the proposals of the Secretary-General and wish to stress the dangerous and aggravating socioeconomic effects of unilateral sanctions on sustaining peace, primarily in developing countries. Such restrictions impede the ability of countries to finance their peacebuilding and development activities. Lifting such sanctions would allow those countries to respond more effectively to the challenges posed by COVID-19. We propose that the Secretariat prepare a policy brief on the impact of sanctions on the fight against COVID-19, which could include an assessment of the negative consequences of coercive measures for peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Russia continues to contribute to the global efforts to counter the current pandemic and its consequences.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“In that regard, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) could help in mobilizing financial support to strengthen overstretched national health systems, at the request of host Governments. A comprehensive analysis of the adverse socioeconomic impact of the pandemic and its possible implications for the overall situation and humanitarian needs in a specific country on the PBC’s agenda, conducted in conjunction with the national authorities, could also be valuable. One of the urgent measures set out in the Secretary-General’s report on shared responsibility is the need to waive sanctions, which seriously limit the capacity of the affected countries to respond to challenges related to the pandemic.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“At the same time, we are concerned by reported attempts of illegal armed groups trying to take advantage of the pandemic situation to obtain benefits on the ground and undermine peace processes. In particular, increased terrorist activity was reported in the Sahara-Sahel region. It is therefore important that the humanitarian pause and cessation of hostilities do not apply to counter-terrorism operations, in accordance with resolution 2532 (2020). We appreciate the Secretariat’s efforts to promote the health and safety of United Nations personnel in the field, thereby contributing to the domestic COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in countries emerging from conflict. It is necessary to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of the United Nations peacebuilding efforts, while strictly adhering to the applicable public health guidance.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“Undoubtedly, the implications of pandemics impede the ability of some countries to fully implement their planned peacebuilding programmes and policies, and the gains achieved prior to the COVID-19 outbreak are at risk of being reversed, due specifically to unpredictable long-term socioeconomic consequences. In his March 2020 report entitled “Shared responsibility, global solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19”, the Secretary-General proposed specific measures concerning the response to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We supported most of those measures. We have also fully supported the Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“That proves the effectiveness of the Council’s country-specific, rather than global, responses to pandemics. Professional response, mitigation and recovery efforts should be made by the competent United Nations bodies responsible for those aspects. In particular, we wish to underline the crucial role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in ensuring the coherence of the multilateral response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, especially the medical aspects of the global response to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease. We believe the international community should jointly support the work of the WHO.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“President, to discourage speakers from abusing Security Council meetings and call on all to limit their remarks to the announced agenda. We are seeing the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impact the humanitarian situation in armed conflict and post-conflict countries. That leads to a wide range of challenges, including food insecurity, the degradation of national public health systems, difficulties in peacekeeping and special political missions and a slowdown of peace processes. We recall that in its response to the Ebola outbreak several years ago, the Security Council introduced specific measures into resolutions on Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo that contributed to containing the dissemination of the virus and mitigating its consequences, with the assistance of the United Nations and the international community.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“We welcome the participation in today’s discussion of the Indonesian Foreign Minister and other dignitaries who spoke earlier. We thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting and welcome it. We also wish to express our appreciation to today’s briefers — Secretary-General António Guterres; Mr. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary- General and Deputy Chair of The Elders; as well as Ms. Sarah Cliffe, Director of the Center on International Cooperation of New York University, for assessing and providing information on the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on peacebuilding and sustaining peace. One of the speakers used today’s debate to introduce a topic that is completely extraneous to the subject of today’s discussion. We would encourage you, Mr.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“However, those who may be held accountable in the end may not be those whom some consider to be the usual suspects. Not all is measured in American dollars, but we regularly — almost on a daily basis — provide bulletins on what we send to Syria in humanitarian assistance. I hope the members read the bulletins from time to time. But what is more important is that we have been saving the country from those who were or are still trying to ruin Syria, including from the outside, as some here once did with Libya. With one hand they provide humanitarian assistance; with the other they are trying to strangle the country. Those members’ reassurances that it does not affect ordinary people convince no one. At least, they do not convince us or Syrians.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“We also regret that our Western colleagues chose to ignore the obvious; the increase in cross-line assistance and the need to speed up efforts to make cross- line operations more effective in reaching all parts of Syria. The same applies to mentioning the need to assess the impact of unilateral coercive measures in the Secretary-General’s reports. The French Ambassador today referred to resolution 2532 (2020), which mentions the appeals and calls of the Secretary-General. However, they failed to concur with it in the resolution that we adopted on the cross- border mechanism. That is again an example of double standards. Some of our colleagues would rather sacrifice the resolution itself than have these important clauses included in it. I agree — accountability will come.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“In addition to the deepening shortages of food and medicine in local markets and growing inflation, which undermines the purchasing power of ordinary Syrians, such requisition of national resources undermines the ability of the legitimate Government to overcome the socioeconomic crisis. We find this approach inhumane and hypocritical. We must register our dissatisfaction with the way the co-penholders conducted the extension of the cross-border mechanism. They put their interests above the Security Council’s common interests, thereby making us struggle for over a week, and enjoyed seeing us exercise our veto instead of ensuring a swift adoption of the resolution.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Some 100,000 barrels are being produced per day, amounting to $30 to $40 million a month, yet nothing is being done to protect the environment. We regret that despite the obvious relevance of this topic to today’s discussion, our request to have an additional briefer from the Secretariat was not treated appropriately. Such reluctance raises a lot of questions and may force us to ask for a separate video teleconference on this topic. The responsibility for the humanitarian situation in Syria lies with those countries that deliberately and discriminately introduce unilateral coercive measures and sanctions against Syria and pretend that this does not have any effect on the lives of ordinary Syrians.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“From a damaged storage facility, oil is getting into nearby streams, poisoning the Euphrates. According to experts, it is an ecological time bomb, not only for Syria but also for Iraq. As a result, the area to the east of the Euphrates — a well- known granary of Syria — cropland is decreasing and harvest volumes are falling each year. The negative consequences on human health are also obvious; the number of miscarriages and birth defects — including haemophilia, anaemia and hypothyroidism — acute respiratory and oncological diseases, meningitis and skin inflammation has increased sharply. It is noteworthy that the United States, which is occupying Syrian oil fields, does not provide either financial or technical assistance to solve that problem.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“It proves that the Syrian Government observes the principle of non-discrimination in the provision of humanitarian assistance. That fact should not be perverted in an attempt to blame Syrians for their reluctance to cooperate openly and fruitfully. In the north-east, aside from the situation in Al-Hol camp, we are seriously concerned about the high risks of environmental disaster that would impact the overall humanitarian situation and the well-being of the people living there. During the Council’s meeting last week on Syria (see S/2020/743), we mentioned already the news spreading in the media about the oil spills. Such spills from the Al-Rmeilan oil field alone have amounted to 60 barrels per day for the S/2020/758 S/2020/758 last two years. A total of 50,000 barrels have already leaked into the environment.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“We also expect OCHA to report to us on what measures will have been undertaken in this regard. We once again want to draw attention to the fact that cross-line deliveries of humanitarian aid are growing, and that should be properly acknowledged. On 4 July, the World Health Organization provided a new cross-line supply of humanitarian aid by road to the province of Al-Hasakah. In total, since the beginning of 2020, when Al-Yarubiyah was closed, more humanitarian aid has been delivered to the north- east of Syria than in previous years, including through the aforementioned border- crossing. It is a fact that speaks for itself. At the same time, humanitarian deliveries, approved by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, go both to areas and medical facilities under its control and to those managed by the Kurdish authorities.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“We want to learn more about the declaration, cooperation with those armed groups, how fruitful the cooperation is and how it helps OCHA facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to the north-west of Syria, especially under new technical circumstances. We believe that it is the right of donors to expect a degree of accountability as to the effectiveness of their financial resources in terms of the final beneficiaries of the humanitarian aid. We expect that by the next Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria we will see progress in cross-line assistance to the north-west — but not only to the north-west. It is high time to engage fully with the Syrian authorities on increasing cross-line deliveries throughout the country.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Since the beginning of the year, many changes have taken place in the north-west, and those need to be reflected through reliable information. With regard to the difficulties the United Nations is facing in accessing the territories previously supported through the Bab Al-Salam border crossing, we have the following question. As the board of inquiry revealed, some armed opposition groups in north-western Syria have signed a declaration of commitment on compliance with international humanitarian law and humanitarian assistance under OCHA’s auspices, and the declaration helped to structure the engagement of humanitarian actors with armed opposition groups.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“We thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his briefing and we listened carefully to Ms. Amany Qaddour’s presentation. I would also like to wish Mr. Pecsteen de Buytswerve all the best in his new assignment in Geneva. Next time, we would like to hear information on the repositioning of the United Nations humanitarian deliveries to the north-west of Syria in accordance with the new format of work under the cross-border mechanism. We would be interested to receive more details in the future and hope that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will be able to organize the second United Nations inter-agency mission to that part of the country so as to conduct a first-hand assessment of the situation on the ground.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“The efficiency of the Security Council is directly linked to its ability to bridge different approaches by enhancing respectful dialogue and constructive cooperation. We are committed to acting accordingly in the interests of peace and supporting the victims of sexual violence and for the sake of building just societies.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“It is crucial to clearly distinguish between sexual violence as a war crime and sexual violence as criminal wrongdoing. The Security Council has to remain within its mandate of maintaining peace and security. We do not honour attempts to expand the interpretation of the relevant scope pertaining to armed conflict and post-conflict situations that has been agreed and laid down in resolutions of the Security Council. Finally, the United Nations and its affiliates must exhibit the highest standard of behaviour. The zero-tolerance policy on sexual violence has to be applicable to all, including peacekeeping missions. That also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the humanitarian actors and non-governmental organizations that are legally operating in countries affected by armed conflict.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“It is well recognized that the primary responsibility in protecting civilians in their territory is borne by Governments. Fighting impunity and ensuring accountability are the key parameters of a sovereign State. With increasing number of attacks by terrorist groups, including their use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, we need to intensify our efforts to address the threat of terrorism. Justice must prevail in the battlefield or be properly adjudicated, primarily in courts, where such crimes have been committed. We need to act jointly and vigorously. We must avoid politicization of the topic. Any information submitted for the attention of the Security Council must be verified. Speaking of human rights, it is important not to confuse the perspectives through which we address the issue of sexual violence in armed conflict.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“Last year, at the open debate on the same subject under the German presidency, the Secretary-General said: “Despite all ... efforts, the reality on the ground has not changed. Sexual violence continues to be a horrific feature of conflicts around the world” (S/PV.8514, p. 3). That is true, but sexual violence is not a stand-alone phenomenon; it is a dirty but inalienable part of an armed conflict. It might be naïve for the international community to rely on sniping at one particular crime in a situation of ongoing armed conflict. The eradication of war crimes goes along with resolving armed conflict itself. It is not possible to combat sexual violence without the active involvement of national authorities in this process.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“Let me thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the invited briefers. The Russian Federation strongly condemns all forms of violence against civilians in armed conflict, including sexual violence. We welcome the various multi-country initiatives and individual efforts designed to properly address this evil in any war. Russia therefore stands committed to international cooperation in this area. We acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Special Representative Pramila Patten and her Office. We appreciate her assistance in strengthening national capacities to counter sexual violence and her dedication to developing dialogue, supporting victims and drawing public attention to the consequences of those heinous crimes.”
2020-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/727 (2020) · source
“In Russia, a number of innovative medicines for the treatment of coronavirus infections, as well as their most serious complications, have been developed based on the results of clinical studies. Our scientists are continuing their research on other promising products, including vaccines against COVID-19. We are ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure a coordinated international response to the spread of the coronavirus, and look forward to its early and final retreat.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“In addition, our national experts took part in WHO country missions to combat the coronavirus outbreak. We consider it extremely important that the international community unanimously and unequivocally support the work of WHO, which is at the forefront of this challenge today. We would like to assure the Council that Russia will continue to make a significant contribution to global efforts to counter the pandemic and its consequences. We are contributing to multilateral efforts through WHO, the United Nations Development Program and other United Nations agencies. We are continuing our bilateral assistance to the countries in need by providing personal protective equipment, testing systems and laboratory supplies to 19 countries, as well as by sending medical teams upon request.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Attempts to generalize such a discussion will clearly take us outside of the scope of the Council’s mandate. As for the medical aspects of the international response to the outbreak and the global response to its socioeconomic impact, they fall to the relevant United Nations entities and agencies, namely, the World Health Organization (WHO), the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. The Russian Federation has consistently advocated for the strengthening of the leading role of WHO in international efforts in the field of health and response to infectious disease outbreaks, especially when coordinating multilateral efforts to counter COVID-19. In that regard, Russia has allocated financial aid and methodological resources to support the activities of this specialized United Nations agency.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source