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

“Combating climate change and its impact and other environmental issues require practical measures focusing on the instruments of the United Nations development system and the decisions taken in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as well as by the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. Each United Nations body should operate in strict compliance with its own mandate. Effective action in the area of development will help to achieve the practical tasks of the United Nations field missions, in line with Council mandates. Environmental degradation, inter alia as a result of climate change, may well have an impact on socioeconomic development, potentially leading to destabilization, particularly as concerns African States.”
2021-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/24 (2021) · source
“The leading role in resolving issues that are not directly linked to the maintenance of international peace and security should be played by those forums that have the relevant expertise and instruments necessary to develop long-term solutions. Furthermore, collaboration among various United Nations bodies and aligning their efforts can be useful, but only when it is appropriate and when all Member States have agreed. It is also important to avoid any duplication of effort among United Nations structures. The concept note for this meeting (S/2020/1296, annex) rightly states that some of the factors that undermine stability are the subject of debate in the Security Council.”
2021-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/24 (2021) · source
“We welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Kaïs Saïed, and we would like to thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres; the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat; and the former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, for their briefings. Of course, we express our condolences to the Niger in connection with the heinous and devastating terrorist attack that took place on 2 January. The topic of this meeting, on the challenges of maintaining peace and security in fragile contexts, is extremely broad. I believe that all would agree that it is pertinent in terms of discussions not only in the Security Council but in other United Nations bodies as well.”
2021-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/24 (2021) · source
“However, the Council should be mindful of the fact that that report, coupled with the artificial delay in resolving the outstanding issues related to Syria’s initial declaration, triggered a chain of unfair, discriminatory and oppressive initiatives against Syria, both in The Hague and in New York. One such unfortunate example is the campaign being led by Western countries to implement a decision of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention to disqualify Syria from the OPCW. That is another destabilizing step that could have severe and irreversible implications. The Director-General mentioned the Alexei Navalny situation in his briefing. We also have questions to raise on that issue, but I will save them for the closed consultations that will follow this meeting.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to remind the Director-General of the special responsibility that rests with him in leading a key pillar of the chemical-weapon non- proliferation regime, namely the organization responsible for its implementation and verification. Though it may be technical in nature, its conclusions have far-reaching political consequences that affect people’s daily lives. I have intentionally refrained from elaborating on the Executive Council’s disputed decision of 9 July, which is based on the controversial and biased report of the illegitimate IIT.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Has the Director-General been made aware of that, and what comments does he have in that regard? I will stop there. Eight questions will be enough for now, but I can assure Mr. Arias that we have many more. I want to draw the Director-General’s attention to the fact that yesterday we circulated as an official document of the Security Council and the General Assembly the summary of our Arria Formula meeting in September, which contains the statements of all the participants who sent them to us. I will make sure that Mr. Arias receives a copy of that document, which I believe will be of particular interest to him.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“It was these techniques that allowed the OPCW to conclude that chlorine gas had been released in the building in which the Syrian civilians died”. Regarding the draft letter that was leaked to Bellingcat, can Mr. Arias confirm whether the source of that leak was from inside the OPCW, whether he agrees with the information in the article and whether an investigation has been launched into the suspected leak? Eighth, over the past week new documents have emerged, again via the Grayzone, confirming that other senior officials also shared concerns regarding the Douma investigation and supported the dissenting inspectors. One senior official is reported to have made highly politicized and prejudiced comments that the Douma investigation could not be challenged because that would “feed into the Russian narrative”.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“But if we compare the final report with the original report that was leaked, it is clear that the bulk of the text was already written by June 2018. In the light of those facts, does the Director-General still stand by his assertion that the bulk of the Fact-Finding Mission’s investigation was carried out after the departure of Inspector B? Seventh, in recent weeks OPCW personnel are reported to have leaked a draft letter to the Bellingcat news website. The Bellingcat article claims that Mr. Arias said that Inspector B’s assumptions concerning the final report were wrong because “he simply wasn’t aware of the latest scientific techniques used by the OPCW, because they were developed after he had left the Organization.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Has an investigation been conducted to determine at whose behest it was carried out, and if so, what was the outcome of that investigation and what actions were taken as a result? Sixth, in October 2018 the Courage Foundation panel reported that there were detailed anomalies in the Fact-Finding Mission’s final report on the Douma incident, including with regard to chemical analysis, toxicology consultations, ballistics studies and witness testimonies. Those anomalies were corroborated by leaked documents and are now well understood. However, the OPCW has refused to respond to any of those clearly defined issues and instead repeatedly dismissed those issues based on the assertion that most of the work was carried out after the departure of Inspector B.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Fifth, it is now well established via leaked documents and the testimonies of former OPCW inspectors that the Fact-Finding Mission’s original interim report on Douma was heavily redacted and that there was a failed attempt to publish that redacted version without the knowledge of the Douma Mission team, including the insertion of a number of unsubstantiated conclusions. That failed attempt was widely reported and, as far as we know, has not been publicly denied. That incident constitutes a major act of deception on the part of the OPCW and was, as the Director- General is aware, the cause of the original rift within the Fact-Finding Mission. In an email recently published by the Grayzone news outlet, it is claimed by the OPCW’s former Chief of Cabinet that the report was not redacted at the behest of the Office of the Director-General.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Arias said that all views were taken into consideration, yet the inspectors say otherwise. Many, including the first Director-General of the OPCW, José Bustani, believe that an open and free discussion between the OPCW management team and all of the investigators would help the organization resolve that controversy. After all, the CWC provides for inspectors to attach any differing observations to inspection reports, including reports on the alleged use of chemical weapons. In that respect, has Mr. Arias met or would he be willing to meet with those inspectors to allow them the opportunity to share their concerns?”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Arias confirm that the issues concerning Syria’s initial declaration are not extraordinary for the OPCW? And if that is the case, then how does he explain the discrepancy in the way the Technical Secretariat has approached the Syrian initial declaration as compared to other countries? Why are the requirements for Libya different from those for Syria, for example? Fourth, the controversy surrounding the OPCW’s Douma investigation and report has been widely publicized. Some of the investigators claimed that there was irregular and scientifically fraudulent behaviour in the process involving the suppression and manipulation of, among other things, chemical and toxicological evidence, as well as a failed attempt to publish a doctored version of the team’s original report. Mr.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“There are indications that it is deliberately stalling the process by inventing further pretexts with a view to keeping the Syrian file open. In particular, Mr. Ian Henderson, a former OPCW inspector, who has first-hand experience of the situation, claims that several States had issues and gaps similar to the Syrian Arab Republic related to their initial declarations. Yet none of those countries have ever faced the same level of criticism as Syria. He described the Technical Secretariat’s approach to Syria’s initial declaration as “keep the file open” and “keep the pressure on”. The Technical Secretariat is also attempting to turn a blind eye to 200 tons of missing chemical-weapon precursors in Libya, while at the same time pressuring Syria to explain the disappearance of tiny quantities of chemical substances. Can Mr.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Does the Director-General accept that such practices violate the basic requirements of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), in particular with regard to preserving the chain of custody? What measures does he plan to implement in order to bring the working methods of the OPCW Technical Secretariat into compliance with the CWC? Third, at one point in time the OPCW Technical Secretariat offered to help Syria in submitting its initial declaration, which was prepared within a limited time frame and amid an ongoing military conflict on Syrian territory. It is evident, even to external observers, that the Syrian authorities are willing to cooperate with a view to closing all outstanding issues. However, the same does not appear to be the case for the OPCW Technical Secretariat.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“In contrast, during the investigations into the incidents in Douma and Khan Shaykhun, the evidence provided by notorious non-governmental organizations such as the White Helmets was accepted readily and without hesitation by the Technical Secretariat. What comments does the Director- General have regarding that clear example of double standards? Second, almost every Technical Secretariat report is based on the notion of “highly likely”, with evidence provided by sources whose reputation is questionable at best. Rather than collecting samples on-site, the Technical Secretariat is conducting its investigations remotely, relying on information from external and open sources. Meanwhile, States members of the OPCW are expected to be satisfied with those investigations.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“However, we reject speculation and political smear campaigns, which, unfortunately, are poisoning the OPCW on an increasingly frequent basis. In order to facilitate the Director-General’s work, we have prepared a series of questions. First, while investigating the incident in Aleppo in November 2018, the OPCW Technical Secretariat received exhaustive evidence from the Syrian authorities, including information from Russian military experts, showing that the opposition was responsible for that chemical attack. However, the latest report of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission claims that the available evidence is not sufficient to conclude that chemical weapons were used in that attack.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Arias, plays an important role in that process and is actively used by our Western colleagues to support their claims that Syria has used chemical weapons on several occasions. However, the conclusions of the OPCW have been repeatedly called into question, not only by external experts but also by those from inside the Organization who participated in the investigative activities. In general, the public has a lot of questions for the OPCW. We believe that those questions need to be addressed in order to uphold the credibility of the OPCW. That is why we insisted on inviting Mr. Arias to Security Council meetings and believe that he should be welcome to address the Council regularly. Russia attaches great importance to the OPCW and strongly condemns all instances of the use of chemical weapons, no matter who the perpetrators.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“To cut a long story short, Western countries made a number of serious accusations against Damascus, mostly on the basis of video footage from social media and questionable testimonies by witnesses on the ground, relayed through foreign-based Syrian opposition and non-governmental organizations such as the White Helmets, which formed the basis for the reports of the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team (IIT). The West has maintained its anti-Syrian narrative despite all the apparent discrepancies and evidence to the contrary put forward by Syria, Russia and independent experts, and Western countries continue to exploit the allegations as part of their political crusade against the Al-Assad Government. There can be no doubt that the OPCW, under the leadership of Mr.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“Arias to understand my questions without the possibility of anything being lost in translation. We all remember when, with our encouragement, Syria joined the OPCW, made its initial declaration and subsequently got rid of its stockpiles of chemical weapons, a fact that the OPCW has confirmed on numerous occasions. That development led to hopes that the allegations that Damascus had used chemical weapons against its own population would become a thing of the past. However, the situation gradually changed. Our Western colleagues consistently increased the pressure on the Syrian authorities, trying in vain to topple the Government with the help of the armed opposition groups that they supported. I will not dwell on the details.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing. I hope I can count on her understanding, as my statement will focus on the remarks made by the other briefer at today’s meeting, whose appearance before the Security Council has been highly anticipated and whose very participation has been the subject of intense discussion among the members of the Council. I would like to welcome Mr. Fernando Arias, the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and to take this opportunity to ask him a number of questions concerning the approach that the OPCW is pursuing with regard to the Syrian chemical dossier. With your permission, Mr. President, I will now switch to English to ensure that it is easier for Mr.”
2020-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1202 (2020) · source
“They must not affect the ability of States to respond to the threats such as organized crime and terrorism through efficient security bodies. Also, such regimes must not aggravate the humanitarian situation. In pursuance of the decisions of the first of its kind Russia-Africa Summit that was convened in October 2019, our country will further develop equitable cooperation with African partners. At this point, our priority is to help Africa overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and improve the epidemiological situation. We reiterate our readiness to promote cooperation on this track among other things in terms of supplies and the start of production on Sputnik-V, the vaccine that Russia successfully presented at the United Nations not long ago.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“We are ready to share our experience in countering terrorism with our African partners and to implement projects to help countries on the continent build their capacity to address threats of terrorism and extremism. Lastly, optimizing United Nations cooperation with African countries would also help to resolve problems related to the illegal unilateral sanctions that continue to be imposed on various States in Africa. In that context, we would like to once again express our support for the Secretary-General’s call for an end to unilateral restrictive measures that undermine States’ ability to address the COVID-19 pandemic effectively. We also continue to advocate for the timely review of Security Council sanctions regimes.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“We are ready for further constructive dialogue on this both in the Security Council and on other platforms within the Organization, once we have agreed on a united position on financing peacekeeping missions within the framework of the AU. It is also important to work on conflict prevention and the development of an early warning system on the African continent. Nor must we relax our efforts to counter the influx and spread of illicit weapons. We believe that the growing terrorist threat requires special attention. Terrorist organizations are taking advantage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to consolidate their positions. The recent severe deterioration of the situation in the Sahel-Sahara region is particularly alarming.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“We believe that United Nations cooperation with African regional organizations should be based on the understanding that regional actors should be the ones to take the lead in defining the paths to settling disputes on the African continent, based on Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. The aim of our global Organization to provide multifaceted support to these efforts is in the spirit of the African Union’s declared principle of African solutions for African problems. We believe that the effectiveness of further cooperation on this track will depend on how the following priority issues are resolved. First, we understand the concerns of our African partners regarding the provision of resources for African peacekeeping operations. It is important to improve their predictability, reliability and flexibility.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“We welcome the high level of coordinated action between the three African members of the Council, together with the like-minded Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We appreciate the South African delegation’s contribution to the work of the Security Council in addressing key problems in the maintenance of peace and stability over the past two years. It is important that Africans are increasingly taking the initiative in dealing with peace and security issues on their continent. In that regard, we should not omit to mention the efforts that you have made, Mr. President, to resolve the situation regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the crisis in northern Ethiopia. The decisive attitude of regional players is clearly evidenced by the flagship AU initiative to put an end to armed conflict on the continent.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“The Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council have been holding annual meetings and full-fledged conferences. The discussion of key problems on the African agenda in those formats, as well as joint events, field trips and visits by special representatives, helps to enhance the effectiveness of joint efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts. The African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, which has now completed its mandate, and the assistance provided by the United Nations to the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel are examples of successful cooperation on the ground. We are pleased that the African voice in the Security Council is united and resonant.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“We welcome your personal participation in today’s debate, Sir, in your capacities as President of the Security Council and the current Chair of the African Union (AU). We also welcome the participation of the high-level briefers, Secretary- General António Guterres and Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. We thank them for the information and assessments they have shared with us today. Russia consistently advocates for strengthening the cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. The dialogue between the two organizations on issues of peace and security in Africa has made genuine and tangible progress in recent years. Two framework agreements have been signed and are being successfully implemented.”
2020-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1179 (2020) · source
“Assisting it in developing a balanced strategy and a comprehensive approach to providing advisory and financial assistance to the countries on its agenda will also help to ensure the sustainability of national security structures. Inter-State cooperation within regions and coordination and interaction with regional and subregional organizations are also crucial for security sector reform. The exchange of best practices allows us to address current and emerging problems more effectively. The African Union is a vivid example of regional interaction. We appreciate the efforts of the South African delegation to coordinate the work of the Security Council in its negotiation of a draft resolution (S/2020/1158) regarding security sector reform, and we support its adoption.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“In order for the process to be successful, its implementation must be accompanied by other peacebuilding efforts and by a political process that includes national reconciliation and the strengthening of State institutions. An important role in providing assistance to post-conflict countries is played by United Nations peacekeeping missions, many of which also carry out peacebuilding tasks. Peacekeepers, where mandated to do so, play an important S/2020/1176 role in assisting security-sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes, as well as restoring law enforcement and the rule of law in general. The Peacebuilding Commission also plays a key role in post-conflict recovery, and in particular in security-sector reform.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“Consultative assistance should be provided based on full respect for the needs of the relevant countries and those countries’ own experience and culture. That will help build States’ national capacities. As we know from experience, taking into consideration the specific characteristics of States when providing them with assistance is crucial. However, such assistance should not be perceived as the imposition of blanket solutions, as we have often reiterated. Attempts to apply a universal approach to such important and sensitive areas as security will undoubtedly lead to failure and can actually provoke a resumption of conflict. We should also understand that security-sector reform cannot be a panacea. In and of itself it is unable to fundamentally change the situation in a given country.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“We believe that the State bears the main responsibility for ensuring security on its territory, and that therefore it is the Government’s sovereign right to determine and implement its own national approaches and priorities in the area of security-sector reform, taking account of the needs of the population. When providing international assistance to national security-sector reform efforts, it is crucial to respect fundamental principles such as the consent of the State receiving help and respect for its national sovereignty and political independence. When proposing support to post-conflict countries in implementing security- sector reform, there is a need to be constantly guided by the principle of national ownership.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“In that regard, restoring State authority and ensuring control in all sectors, including the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies, is a prerequisite for ensuring lasting peace and stability as well as strengthening the rule of law at the national level in the post-conflict period. Changes in this area lead to enhancing people’s trust in the State and to the creation of favourable conditions for a return to normal life. When citizens lend broad support to the authorities’ comprehensive reforms and to the security forces, it can play a decisive role in the process of national reconciliation. A transition from weak security bodies to effective and professional ones is never going to be easy. That is why international assistance, including through the United Nations, is particularly important.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“We welcome your personal participation, Madam President, in this video- teleconference as President of the Security Council. This reaffirms the importance of the topic under discussion today: security-sector governance and reform, in particular for African countries. Security-sector reform, of course, is one of the main components of international assistance in the area of peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Such efforts are particularly needed in a post-conflict period, when countries that are emerging from or have recently overcome the worst part of a crisis have limited resources for ensuring security and as a result risk encountering insurmountable challenges such as terrorism and crime.”
2020-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1176 (2020) · source
“In total, 133 Russian minors have been repatriated from Syria since 2017. Taking into account plans of the administration of north-east Syria to disband the Al-Hol camp, we draw the attention of our colleagues to the growing need for them to repatriate their citizens. At the same time, we should pay closest attention to the dire humanitarian situation in this camp. Also, we remind of the responsibility of the United States, as an occupying Power, for everything happening in the Rukban camp. We welcome the decision to hold a joint meeting on the political and humanitarian situations in Syria, as it optimizes the work of the Security Council and provides an opportunity to address the situation in the country in a comprehensive manner. We hope this practice will continue.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“They once again demonstrated the double standards applied to Syria and its people, or rather, those Syrians perceived by the West as the “bad” ones, who basically just want to live on in their country without overthrowing the Government. Thus, concrete efforts have been taken to undermine the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) — the resolution they relentlessly call for upholding and that directly states that refugees need to return to Syria. I am afraid I will have to disappoint our colleagues: the conference confirmed the need for substantive work on this track and gave start to this systemic and targeted process. Russia has set forth its efforts aimed at repatriating the children of our citizens from Syria. On 13 November, another group of 27 Russian children returned home.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“On 11 and 12 November, Damascus hosted an international conference to facilitate the return of refugees, which brought together representatives of more than 20 States and international organizations. Russia rendered assistance to the Syrian side in convening this event and took an active part in it. Unfortunately, the United Nations was represented only as an observer, which cut its ability to engage in the conference meaningfully. We hope the United Nations will participate in this purely humanitarian process more actively, without reference to political goals of some Member States. These goals of Western colleagues — in the first place of the United States, which boycotted the conference and called on others to do the same — are very self- explanatory.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“This time the guidance addressed Venezuela, Nicaragua and Iran, while the previous issuance had been dedicated to Syria. If one reads this document carefully, they will soon understand that all this humanity is not worth a dime — the guide stipulates such conditions for interaction with Syria that will scare away any prospective humanitarian actor. Despite external pressure and ongoing tightening — even amid the coronavirus pandemic — of illegitimate unilateral sanctions that target ordinary Syrians, the Syrian Government still makes efforts to reach a post-conflict settlement. Among its pivotal tasks is the restoration of housing and infrastructure for Syrian refugees who voluntarily return to their homes on a daily basis, no matter how our Western colleagues may dislike it.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Surprisingly, our colleagues say nothing about the parties’ unwillingness to reach an agreement or their violations of humanitarian principles, even though such criticism is constantly heaped upon Damascus, which is actually increasing the number of authorizations for humanitarians convoys to different regions of the country. We already heard today — and will most likely hear more — about the utterly humane principles of the sanctions that the European Union (EU), the United States and other countries have imposed on the Syrian people. We recently familiarized ourselves with the latest version of the guidance note entitled “Commission guidance note on the provision of humanitarian aid to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in certain environments subject to EU restrictive measures”.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“That pertains to both eastern and western Syria, as well as the occupied Syrian Golan, the visit to which by senior United States officials we consider an act of provocation. We note that the delivery of United Nations humanitarian assistance is sustainable through the cross-border mechanism in north-western Syria. We are convinced that humanitarian workers have enough capacity to prepare for the winter. We cannot fail to mention an issue that we are already tired of, namely, humanitarian cross-line convoy to the towns of Atarib and Darat Izzah, in north- western Syria. Since April, we have been hearing about a lack of agreement with all stakeholders regarding the organization of this convoy from within Syria.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“But in fact, they assiduously turn a blind eye when it comes to human rights in that part of Syria and in Idlib. At the same time, there are reports about militants being released from prisons and relocated to Damascus-controlled areas, and about planned trials, among others, of foreign citizens, but it is not clear what courts. The oppression of the Arab population is silenced and the plundering of oil fields and the polluting of the environment continue in Syria, but the United Nations, unfortunately, says nothing about that. Russia consistently advocates preserving Syria’s unity and respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call for the rejection of plans to divide the country and draw out the armed conflict there.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Nevertheless, it is public knowledge that some Western States have sponsored large media campaigns supporting an overthrow of the legitimate Syrian Government by force. We all saw those appalling and inhumane videos, the filming of which clearly had received funding from external sponsors. We are deeply concerned by what is going on in the territories where there is still an illegal United States military presence. Foreign occupation is not only provoking separatist tendencies and disrupting the historic ties among various ethnic and religious groups in Syria, but it is also undermining efforts to restore the territorial integrity of the country. Our Western colleagues offer verbal assurances that they “zealously commit themselves to promoting human rights” only when it is expedient.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“The situation in the territories under the control of the Syrian Government remains generally calm. The Syrian army is rebuffing attacks by terrorist sleeper cells. Idlib remains a hotbed of tension and a stronghold for terrorists from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham. Despite the suspension of hostilities, they continue their provocations and fire at army positions and villages. Clashes among various groups, mistreatment of civilians in Idlib and executions and attacks on humanitarian workers continue. Efforts to combat terrorism will persist despite the attempts of some Western representatives to protect the militants by calling for a ceasefire with them. The rebranding of terrorists is unacceptable.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“We trust that it will continue its work without disturbances this year and next. Unfortunately, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and related restrictions must be taken into consideration, since it is important to protect the health and safety of all Syrian representatives, Mr. Pedersen’s team and the Swiss side as host. We hope that the pandemic will not disrupt the Syrians’ plans. We will continue to support the mediation efforts of the Special Envoy. The negotiations held in Moscow on the 19 and 20 of November were very useful. Another important element is maintaining a Syrian-owned process, free of external interference. The work of the Constitutional Committee must not be subject to any deadlines. We believe that the role of the international community is to create a constructive environment for Committee’s operation.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“We thank Ms. Khawla Matar and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings today. We are glad to see Ms. Matar in good health. We would like to convey, through Ambassador Ja’afari, our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, Walid Al-Moallem, to his family, as well as the people and the Government of Syria. We will remember him as a wise and principled diplomat. He effectively tackled the foreign policy challenges that he faced during difficult years for Syria. He also significantly contributed to the development of Syrian-Russian bilateral relations. We welcome the agreement reached by the Syrian delegations to the Constitutional Committee on the agenda and schedule for the upcoming meetings of the Committee’s small group responsible for drafting.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“The parties arrived at specific agreements on the principles of the transition period. However, they still have to some important issues to deal with concerning the parameters for forming effective national authorities capable of ensuring the country’s unity. We believe that national dialogue requires the representation of the broadest possible spectrum of Libyan groups. That will help to ensure that Libya’s entire population accepts the agreements while safeguarding the country against further ordeals. The United Nations has played the central role in achieving a settlement in Libya. We are grateful to Ms. Williams for her efforts, but at the same time we call on the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy as soon as possible. That process has been unjustifiably prolonged.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We believe that supplies of weapons and the introduction of mercenaries fuel the conflict. That must end, especially since any provocations could disrupt the current ceasefire. The weapons that have continued to flow into Libya since 2011 create the conditions for spreading the threat of terrorism throughout the entire African continent. We believe that in the current critical situation, the States that can influence the parties in Libya should encourage them to work for further de-escalation. We have maintained a dialogue with all parties in Libya and continue to encourage them in constructive approaches. We closely monitored the progress made in the first round of talks in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, convened in Tunis under the auspices of the United Nations.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We commend the ceasefire agreement reached by the Libyan parties within the framework of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission. In the interests of strengthening that agreement, discussions are continuing on mutual confidence- building measures, including with regard to civilians. We welcome the steps taken to restore road connections and resume flights between the country’s various regions. Those decisions will help to normalize the lives of ordinary citizens and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance. The unification of the country’s security forces is another essential element, as is making arrangements for the stable functioning of the oil industry, on the understanding that the country’s natural resources belong to all Libyans. However, we are concerned about the reports of continuing violations of the Libyan arms embargo.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We thank Ms. Stephanie Williams for her briefing today on the situation in Libya. It has been our consistent position that the Libyan crisis can be resolved only by peaceful political and diplomatic means. We welcome the fact that the period of armed confrontation and fratricidal hostilities that has been tearing Libya apart since its statehood was destroyed in 2011 has given way to a phase of negotiations. Our principled approach to achieving settlement in Libya is based on the need to ensure that Libyans themselves make their own decisions without external interference. We have promoted the idea in various international forums that any proposals or initiatives must be approved by the Libyans themselves. When that condition is met, the chances of reaching a consensus and advancing the political process increase significantly.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“At the same time, we condemn all violence and missile launches against the Israeli territory. Such actions must stop. There is also an urgent need to join efforts in order to counter the terrorist threat. The task of restoring Palestinian unity remains highly relevant. We will continue our efforts on this front and continue to assist our Egyptian colleagues. Active international measures are necessary in order to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. We are extremely concerned by the reduction in funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The work of UNRWA encompasses both a humanitarian and a political dimension and significantly contributes to stabilizing the situation on the Palestinian territories and across the Middle East region.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“As the Special Coordinator informed us, on 15 November the Israeli authorities opened the bidding process for the construction of more than 1,000 housing units in East Jerusalem. We are concerned by that decision, which runs counter to the international legal framework for a Middle East settlement. The construction of a new block of settlements in the Givat Hamatos area would detach East Jerusalem from Bethlehem and violate the territorial contiguity of the Palestinian State provided for in United Nations Assembly resolutions. We reaffirm our principled position regarding the illegality of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank. We call for the cessation of settlement activity and the policy of demolishing Palestinian property. Annexation plans must also be definitively taken off the table.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source