YouSaid · the spoken record

Vrailas

lines on the record: 423
first: 2011-08-26
most recent: 2016-08-23
sittings or episodes: 43
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

“The overall positive momentum on the ground, however, continues to face important challenges flowing from the persisting political divisions and inefficient administrative and decision-making structures. In anticipation of the municipal elections to be held in October, we call for avoiding divisive agendas and rhetoric, as that might weaken the positive momentum and introduce inefficiency in decision-making at a time when the country needs to mobilize all its resources behind reforms. Particular concerns have been raised by the intentions of the leadership of Republika Srpska to hold various referendums. Such political initiatives distract attention from the mounting socioeconomic difficulties, blurring the responsibility of the local authorities, and have strong potential to undermine the stability.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina's authorities, with the support of the European Union and its international partners, have developed, agreed and are implementing the most comprehensive package of socioeconomic reforms that the country has seen in its recent history. Those efforts require a serious commitment and a readiness to make difficult political decisions in overcoming the long legacy of underinvestment, lack of structural reforms and burdensome administrative difficulties. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to re-energize its economy and make it more competitive. Meaningful progress in that regard is needed and will enable the Council of the European Union to decide on the next steps along Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU path.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“The European Union welcomed that as a broad and unequivocal expression of the country's commitment to continue its efforts along the EU path. The application follows a further deepening of the political dialogue with the European Union in 2015. That reaffirms the true and lasting commitment and engagement of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together with our international partners, including the international financial institutions, the European Union continues to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina's reforms. Those joint efforts support domestic stability and lay the foundation for future prosperity for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been a long-shared goal of the European Union and that of the Council.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“At the same time, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Residual Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, supported by the local judicial authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries of the region, are continuing to try to bring the perpetrators of war crimes to justice, and peace to their victims The European perspective ofBosnia and Herzegovina has been a central driver in overcoming challenges on the ground and in mobilizing citizens and their elected representatives behind the necessary political and socioeconomic reforms. A great majority of the country's citizens strongly desire that Bosnia and Herzegovina advance in its European aspirations. On 15 February, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted the country's application for membership of the European Union.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“The Council has contributed greatly to the advancements seen since the end of the armed conflict in 1995. Today Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively contributing to United Nations missions, gradually transforming from the role of the security consumer to that of security provider. The country held a seat among the Council's members and took its share of responsibility for global peace and security.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Montenegro and Albania, as well as Ukraine, align themselves with this statement. I join other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Security Council and in assuring him of the European Union's continued support. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina and thank him for his statement. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been subject to discussion in the Council for more than two decades. Over that period, we have witnessed an important transformation in the nature of these discussions, reflecting the strengthened stability and progress in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and socio-economic development in the country.”
2016-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7688 (2016) · source
“That is one element of the EU's broader efforts to intensify its engagement on countering violent extremism. In conclusion, the EU looks forward to working with African partners and others in the international community to realize the imperative of involving women as peacemakers and conflict preventers. That is important not only for its own sake but also as a vital element in maximizing the nexus between peace and security, human rights and development.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“Women and girls can, however, also be part of the problem when they serve as foreign fighters or recruiters, but they are nevertheless an indispensable part of the solution. With that in mind, the human rights of women and girls must be respected and safeguarded. The importance of ensuring women's participation and leadership in countering terrorism and violent extremism was underscored in resolution 2242 (2015). The Secretary-General's subsequent Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism incorporates significant elements in that regard. States, regional and international organizations and the United Nations system must all work towards that shared goal. For its part, between now and 2020, the European Union will allocate more than â‚¬100 million to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, including in Africa.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“We must intensify the international community's efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence in conflict and to tackle its root causes, as well as the impunity that so often follows such violence and the provision of support to survivors. Increasing women's political participation and leadership, including in the fields of justice and security, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, is a key facet of such efforts. Countering violent extremism is a growing preoccupation and priority that must be treated as an integral part of conflict prevention and resolution strategies. Extremism is the lifeblood of numerous conflicts, and it disproportionately affects women and girls.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“We commend the fact that the African Union Commission has created the position of Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, and we appreciate Ms. Diop's advocacy work. We look forward to the further development of initiatives aimed at implementing the African Peace and Security Architecture, in which gender mainstreaming is identified as a goal. At the United Nations level, it is also important to support the development of the Peacebuilding Commission's gender strategy, including engagement on the issues of gender equality and women's participation, and the country and civil-society consultations that are being pursued in that regard. We commend the African Union's firm zero- tolerance stance with regard to the accusations of sexual exploitation and abuse in conflict situations, including by forces deployed to protect populations.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“We wholeheartedly support the goals of resolution 1325 (2000) and the Council's subsequent resolutions on women and peace and security, including resolution 2242 (2015), which reinforce awareness about the agenda for women and peace and security and call for the dedication of greater resources by the international community for that agenda's implementation and monitoring. The EU welcomes the efforts under way in Africa to strengthen the role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict, both in the political and policy contexts and on the ground. We also welcome the progress being made under the African Gender, Peace and Security Programme, with financial support from several EU member States.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“The degree to which women are excluded from playing their full role in conflict prevention and resolution across the globe is illuminated by several sobering statistics. One is that, in the period between 1992 and 2011, women made up less than 4 per cent of the signatories to peace agreements and 10 per cent of the negotiators at peace tables. Nor can women's involvement be seen as a mere nicety. The findings of the global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), entitled Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, Securing the Peace, show that when women are included in peace processes, the probability of a lasting peace settlement increases significantly.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Turkey, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; the European Free Trade Association country Iceland, member of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Today's open debate on the topic "Women and peace and security: the role of women in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa" is a timely and welcome one, not least because 2016 marks the African Year of Human Rights with Special Focus on the Rights of Women. The concept paper (S/2016/219, annex) prepared in order to facilitate todays's debate provides an excellent foundation for reflection and action.”
2016-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7658 (2016) · source
“The European Union supports - when conditions permit - undertaking a review on the future of MINUSTAH, based on the Secretary-General's recommendations. The European Union encourages Haitian stakeholders to assume their responsibilities in concluding the pending electoral cycle. In conclusion, the European Union remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Haitian authorities, the United Nations and the international community to ensure a better future for the entire Haitian people.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“While the security situation remains generally stable, it has nevertheless been affected by the tensions in the electoral climate. The European Union welcomes the professionalism of the Haitian National Police, which managed the recent events successful and largely independently. The European Union stresses that the support of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MlNUSTAH) remains important in the current context. The European Union believes that the presence of MINUSTAH, and in particular its support for election security, while always respecting and protecting human rights and the principle of sovereignty, remains useful to ensure the continuation of the process, as well as peace and stability in the coming months.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“That financial support, however, is subject to compliance with democratic principles, including the right of people to choose their Government democratically through the ballot box, and not through mobilization in the streets. Conditionality clauses are an integral part of the Cotonou Agreement, which links the European Union to the countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions, including Haiti. Institutional stability is essential for European assistance to be effective and able Ito produce lasting effects for the benefit of the population. It is therefore both urgent and necessary to put in place freely elected and legitimate institutions to address without delay the huge economic and structural challenges the country faces.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“The electoral process should continue in accordance with the principles of peace, inclusion, transparency and legality and on the basis of the agreement. It is essential to achieve the early functioning of an inclusive transitional Government that is confirmed by the Parliament and the Provisional Electoral Council in order to take the necessary measures to allow the electoral process initiated in 2015 to take place transparently and in compliance with the new agreed timetable. The European Union is ready to continue to support that process, including through its electoral observer mission. The European Union has long been a supporter and a friend of Haiti. It remains one of its main donors of emergency assistance funds and development aid.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“The European Union takes note of the agreement of 5 February between the executive and the legislature branches aimed at ensuring institutional continuity, as a compromise whose implementation will avert a governance vacuum and ensure both the stability and continuity of the State and to allow for the continuation of the electoral process initiated in 2015, including the organization of the second round of presidential elections on 24 April. The European Union calls for the implementation of all the provisions of the agreement, in particular avoiding the transition to be extended illegitimately or that the electoral process is carried forward or suspended de facto in violation of the agreement. Everyone must show responsibility, restraint and a spirit of compromise in that regard.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“The European Union regrets the interruption of the electoral process following the deterioration of the security environment and threats that weighed on the process. The results announced by the Provisional Electoral Council should be the baseline for the organization of the second round. We should pay tribute to the Haitian people, who, in extremely difficult conditions, devoted themselves to ensuring the holding of elections, which is the only way to allow the Haitian people to choose their leaders.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“The European Union strongly supported the holding of elections in August and October 2015 along two tracks, namely, through a financial contribution of â‚¬5 million to the trust fund managed by the United Nations system and by sending an election observation mission, as requested by the Haitian authorities and agreed by them. The mission, in full independence and following a methodology and a code of conduct, observed all stages of the process in line with regional and internationl electoral obligations as well as Haitian law. The mission concluded that, despite some irregularities, mostly due to inadequate training of election officials, there was no significant disturbance of the result of the first round of presidential elections.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“It is urgent that Haiti complete the process in order to deal with the many economic, social and environmental challenges it faces. Haiti cannot afford a new major political and security crisis. It must safeguard the progress made following the devastating 2010 earthquake, even as new challenges emerge, especially related to drought and malnutrition. The European Union calls on all Haitian actors, including interim President Privert, to make every effort to ensure the stability and security of the country, the success of the pending electoral process and the democratic consolidation of the country. The European Union remains a loyal partner of Haiti and continues to be committed to supporting the country in this critical phase, in coordination with other partners.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. I thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2016/225), and the Special Representative for her briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his statement. The candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Stabilization and Association Process country and potential candidate; as well as Armenia and Ukraine, align themselves with this statement. Haiti is experiencing a sensitive political period. The European Union is concerned about the interruption in the electoral process following the disputed results of the elections held in August and October last year. Finalizing the elections is a necessary condition for political and institutional stability.”
2016-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7651 (2016) · source
“We look forward to its discussion and implementation, and trust that further preventive action will be taken by the Secretary- General and all bodies of the Organization, including by the Council, as well as Member States. We also look forward to engage in the upcoming tenth anniversary review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June 2016. It remains imperative that the United Nations ensures coherence and coordination of its actions in supporting Member States to fight this scourge. The European Union will continue to step up its efforts at home and with the external partners in this area, in line with the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as in accordance with international law, particularly human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The proclamation of implementation day on 16 January marks a further milestone in that process and demonstrates that diplomacy and multilateralism deliver effective results for peace and security. It shows that cooperation can prevail over confrontation. The fight against all forms of radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism continues to be of paramount importance to the European Union. The horrific attacks in Istanbul, Paris, Beirut and Garissa serve as a stark and most egregious reminder of the unacceptable costs of a collective failure to act swiftly and effectively. We welcome the Secretary-General's plan of action for preventing violent extremism, which was released in January.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Against the background of continued suffering in Syria and the significant challenges that still remain elsewhere, including in Libya, where the EU strongly encourages all parties to fully implement the political agreement, it is important to highlight that important progress has been made in the region. Last July, after years of difficult and complex negotiations coordinated by the European Union, an agreement was reached on the Iranian nuclear issue. The adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in October, endorsed in resolution 2231 (2015), marked another important milestone to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The European Union fully supports the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, and his efforts in Geneva to make progress in the Syrian political process on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015). Allow me, in that context, to also welcome the outcome of the recent international donors conference in London convened by the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Kuwait and the United Nations on 4 February, which managed to raise more than $10 billion. The EU has mobilized almost 65 billion so far. We already committed substantial support to Turkey, and are putting together comprehensive support packages for Jordan and Lebanon.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“It has also encouraged recruitment by, and the flourishing of, terrorist groups in Syria. The European Union calls on all parties to cease all attacks on civilian objects and take all the appropriate steps to protect civilians, including members of ethnic, religious and confessional communities, and to grant immediate access to humanitarian relief operations. They must fully respect international humanitarian law and implement the relevant Security Council resolutions. We also recall that the primary responsibility to protect its population lies with the Syrian regime. When that responsibility is not fulfilled, the Security Council is responsible for taking decisive action. It is indeed urgent to halt the conflict in Syria and put an end to the suffering of the population.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Nowhere are the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations being tested more severely today than in Syria. That conflict continues to rage, with disastrous consequences for the Syrian population, for the neighbouring countries and for the wider region, including for us in the European Union. We strongly condemn the use of starvation as a method of warfare, which most of all affects the weakest and most vulnerable, in particular women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. As Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recently pointed out, the use of starvation as a weapon of war is a war crime. In that regard, it is crucial to reaffirm our firm commitment to fight impunity. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas is unacceptable. It has led to mass displacements and huge refugee flows.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“We firmly believe that there is no place in the twenty-first century for the use of force and coercion to change internationally recognized borders in Europe or elsewhere. In that regard, the European Union recalls General Assembly resolution 68/262 and remains strongly committed to upholding the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Similarly, we are heartened by the positive momentum and the atmosphere surrounding the intensified unification talks in Cyprus under United Nations auspices. We look forward to bringing that process to a successful conclusion and to reaching a comprehensive settlement as soon as possible, on the basis ofthe relevant Security Council resolutions and in line with European Union principles.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The Secretary-General's Human Rights Up Front initiative also draws on the foundational human rights principles enshrined in the Charter, in the context of its aspirations to gear the entire United Nations system towards the advancement of human rights and to seek to ensure that mass atrocities become a thing of the past. In paragraph 4, Article 2, the Charter calls on all Members of the Organization to "refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State". It provides that all Member States shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means and fulfil in good faith the obligations assumed by them. The European Union and its member States are deeply committed to those core principles of the United Nations.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“In its work, the Security Council has increasingly embraced the advancement of human rights as a critical element of promoting peace and security and preventing conflicts and atrocities. Ranging from its consideration of country situations to taking forward the women and peace and security agenda, such efforts should continue and intensify. The Council also has the important power to refer situations in which genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes appear to have been committed to the International Criminal Court, as well as to decide on targeted sanctions.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“This debate also gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed themselves in the hope of a free, democratic and peaceful world, established on the basis of the universal values that not only underlie the United Nations but also inspired the foundation of the European Union. As we mark this year, the fiftieth anniversary of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and look ahead to the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2018, it is appropriate to recall that the Charter of the United Nations has provided the bedrock on which an extensive network of international human rights obligations and commitments have been built.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member State. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. We thank the Venezuelan presidency of the Security Council for providing the Council and the United Nations as a whole with this opportunity to reflect on and reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their continued relevance in the twenty-first century. More than ever, the Charter needs to be respected and implemented.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“The implementation day of the agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme demonstrates that diplomacy and multilateralism deliver effective results for peace and security. It shows that cooperation can prevail over confrontation. The EU is committed to continuing its active engagement in the International Syria Support Group and in the Global Coalition to counter ISIL/Daesh.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We will maintain close contact with the Envoy's team to define ways in which we can support a ceasefire and, once a ceasefire is in place, how we can step up our aid to the Syrian people. This also includes local governance needs, rehabilitation and the reconstruction of the country. The EU will continue to encourage the meaningful participation of women in the United Nations-facilitated political process for Syria. As Council members know, the EU is the biggest donor to the Syrian crisis. We have already committed to providing substantial support to Turkey and are putting together comprehensive support packages for Jordan and Lebanon. In addition, we need to step up humanitarian and stabilisation aid inside Syria.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The EU commends, in this regard, the work that is being done by Saudi Arabia and other States to reach out to the Syrian opposition in preparation for the first round of talks, and commends the opposition's continued commitment to negotiating. The EU calls on all the Syrian parties to adopt a constructive and flexible attitude with a view to the timely start of an inclusive and credible political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), and to fully commit to the political talks in order to come to an agreement on the political transition in Syria. The EU fully supports United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. The EU and its member States will provide support to the intra-Syrian talks and the entire Syrian-led transition process in terms of mediation, expertise and consensus-building.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“However, the terrorist group cannot be fully defeated if the civil war in Syria continues. Daesh bases its own survival and its propaganda on sectarian strife and chaos in Syria and in Iraq. The EU calls for the immediate implementation of concrete confidence-building measures in support of the upcoming intra-Syrian political talks, the release of political prisoners and an end to attacks on civilians, aerial bombardments and sieges of civilian areas. The European Union supports the goal of resolution 2254 (2015) to bring together the broadest possible spectrum of the opposition, chosen by Syrians, who will decide their negotiation representatives and define their negotiation positions so as to enable the political process to begin.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The EU calls on all parties to cease all attacks and bombings of civilian targets, take all appropriate steps to protect civilians - including members of ethnic, religious and confessional communities - put an end to sieges of civilian areas, fully respect international humanitarian law and implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, also recalling that the primary responsibility to protect its population lies with the Syrian regime. It is urgent to halt the conflict in Syria. In this context, the EU fully supports the work done by the International Syria Support Group, in which it is an active participant, and urges all parties to continue their efforts in view of a credible and inclusive transition process. Some progress has been made in the fight against Daesh in Iraq.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The future development of relations between the EU and both the Israeli and Palestinian partners will also depend on their engagement towards a lasting peace based on a two-State solution. The war continues to rage in Syria, with disastrous consequences for the Syrian population. People suffering and dying in Madaya, Deir ez-Zour, Fu'ah, Kafraya and elsewhere show us the cynicism of using starvation as means of warfare. Unconditional access to Madaya and all other besieged areas is an absolute prerequisite for alleviating the humanitarian suffering. The bombings and targeting of civilian areas and structures like hospitals and schools are unacceptable.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We urge the Palestinian sides to make the reconstruction of Gaza an overarching national priority. The Palestinian Authority must fully resume its governmental functions in Gaza. We welcome the steps that Israel has taken to ease some restrictions on Gaza. However the lifting of restrictions on the movement of people, services and goods - particularly those designated as dual-use items - is needed to allow reconstruction efforts and basic service delivery. We call on all parties to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The EU remains ready to engage with the parties and relevant stakeholders towards resolving the situation. The EU reiterates its offer to both parties of a package of European political, economic and security support and of a special privileged partnership with the EU in the event of a final peace agreement.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The EU will continue its support for Palestinian aspirations to statehood. The positive results of the past must not be lost, and Palestinian institutions must continue to grow stronger, more transparent, more accountable and more democratic. The EU calls upon the Government to work towards genuine and democratic elections for all Palestinians. The EU calls on all parties to take swift steps to produce a fundamental change to the political, security and economic situation in the Gaza Strip, including the end of the closure and a full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. Recent rocket fire by militant groups is unacceptable and underlines again the danger of escalation. All stakeholders must commit to non-violence and peace.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We urge Israel to end all settlement activity and to dismantle the outposts erected since March 2001. Settlement activity in East Jerusalem seriously jeopardizes the possibility of Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both States. The EU and its member States are committed to ensuring the continued, full and effective implementation of existing EU legislation and bilateral arrangements applicable to settlement products. The EU expresses its commitment to ensuring that, in line with international law, all agreements between the State of Israel and the EU must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territories occupied by Israel in 1967. This does not constitute a boycott of Israel, which the EU strongly opposes. The EU urges all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith in the reconciliation process.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The EU recalls its willingness to engage further with regional partners on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative. Compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law by States and non-State actors, including accountability, is a cornerstone ofpeace and security in the region. We call for the protection of children, highlight the importance for the work of civil society to go unhindered, both in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, and follow recent developments in this regard with concern. Settlements are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-State solution impossible. The EU reiterates its strong opposition to Israel's settlement policy and actions taken in that context.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The EU is united in its commitment to achieving a two-State solution based on parameters set out in the Council conclusions of July 2014. We strongly oppose all actions that undermine the viability of the two-State solution and urge both sides to demonstrate a genuine commitment to such a solution in order to rebuild trust and create a path back to meaningful negotiations. Securing ajust and lasting peace, ending all claims, will require an increased common international effort. The EU will work actively with all relevant stakeholders towards a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process. The establishment of an International Support Group and a further international conference are both possible ways to contribute to that end.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The EU also calls on both sides to jointly and resolutely fight incitement and hate speech. Only the re-establishment of a political horizon and the resumption of dialogue can stop the violence. Security measures alone cannot stop the cycle of violence. The underlying causes of the conflict need to be addressed. The EU reaffirms its support for the Quartet calls for the taking of significant transformative steps in order to restore confidence and rebuild trust. We urge both sides to implement such measures at the earliest possible juncture. A fundamental change of policy by Israel with regard to the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in Area C, will significantly increase economic opportunities, empower Palestinian institutions and enhance stability and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Mr. Vrailas: European Union (EU) Foreign Ministers adopted conclusions on the Middle East peace process one week ago, on 18 January. I refer to those conclusions as the latest statement of EU policy on this issue. The EU is deeply concerned that the continuing cycle of violence has led to a serious loss of human life in Israel and the Palestinian territory in recent months. We firmly condemn the terror attacks and violence from all sides and in all circumstances. The EU urges all parties to refrain from any action that would worsen the situation by way of incitement or provocation. We commend both sides for upholding security coordination. We welcome progress on the Duma investigation and call for Israel to hold all perpetrators of settler violence to account.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“With regard to cooperation within the broader region, the ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia Process in Islamabad on 9 December sent important and encouraging signs of an improving dynamic in the region, which deserve all our support and help in the coming months. The European Union will be a reliable partner on that path. In conclusion, it is important that the international community remain strongly committed to supporting Afghanistan towards long-term progress in the country. From our side, we will continue to support the transition process to promote the emergence ofa fully self-reliant, peaceful, democratic and prosperous society for the benefit of all Afghans.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“There is no alternative to increased regional cooperation in order to break out of the vicious circles of fragility, poverty, violence and extremism - from trade and energy cooperation, to protecting minorities, fulfilling the protection of human rights as well as combating jointly the militant groups that murder indiscriminately with no respect for international borders. All stakeholders in the region will need to invest real political and financial capital to that end. We applaud President Ghani's recent trip to Islamabad on 9 December as an important step towards a closer bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“The sources for aggregate demand will be scarcer in the future, and public investment and services will remain an important driver of growth - and so will the related international transfers. It is all the more critical to further improve the business and investment climate and to foster the development of intraregional trade and infrastructure, which will provide benefits for all countries in the region. We support all efforts at maintaining and improving such regional relations.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“We must protect the gains made by Afghan women since the fall of the Taliban regime, as their active involvement in rebuilding the State remains crucial. With a view towards enhanced women's empowerment and full and equal participation in all sectors of society, it is crucial that women be actively involved in negotiations on the future of their country. It is also significant that the recent General Assembly resolution recognizes the risks faced by human rights defenders in Afghanistan. Those individuals, groups and civil society organizations play a central role in protecting and promoting the rights of others, often at great personal risk. The resolution rightly condemns violence against them. The economic outlook for Afghanistan remains mixed, after impressive progress over the past decade.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source