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Vrailas

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423
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2011-08-26
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2016-08-23
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43
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un-security-council

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  1. Mr. Vrailas: I thank you, Mr. President, for giving the floor to the European Union (EU). We are honoured to participate in this important meeting of the Security Council under your leadership, Sir. The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Iceland; the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; the European Free Trade Association country Norway, member of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Armenia align themselves with this statement. As several speakers before me have stressed, the general elections in 2012 will constitute an important milestone for Timor-Leste, providing further evidence that the country is firmly set on its path to a consolidated democracy.

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

  2. Let me take this opportunity to once again express our gratitude for the whole spectrum of vitally important tasks undertaken by the Security Council committees, aimed at tackling the threat of terrorism. The European Union and its member States stand firm in their support for all of these actions, and remain committed to enhancing cooperation with the United Nations in this regard.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  3. The declaration also highlights the need for reinforcement measures for domestic visits to States by the 1540 Committee's Group of Experts in order to gather and exchange information on best practices and lessons learned for implementing the resolution. The EU is also working on initiatives in support of resolutions 1540 and 1977 (2011), with special focus on country visits and providing long-term solutions to challenges on the ground. These initiatives, together with the EU's capacity-building - especially concerning the establishment of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear centres of excellence throughout the world, including the Maghreb, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and soon in Central Asia and South-East Asia - are mutually reinforcing measures that provide a tangible contribution to the field of counter-terrorism.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  4. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and the risk that non-State actors, in particular terrorists, could gain access to such weapons continue to be a major threat to international peace and security that calls for a global approach, in addition to actions at the national and regional levels. We therefore commend the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We also welcome the adoption of resolution 1977 (2011). Only last month, we signed a joint EU-United States declaration aimed at further supporting the implementation of resolutions 1540 (2004) and 1977 (2011). The declaration confirms our focus on supporting countries in developing legislation related to weapons of mass destruction materials control, and developing relevant training programmes.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  5. In terms of thematic priorities, the EU supports the implementation of the specific recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on terrorist financing. In terms of geographical focus, the EU strategy for the Sahel, which combines security and development actions, fosters a global approach to countering terrorism. The EU is a key provider of counter-terrorism capacity-building to many countries, especially in the areas of the rule of law, criminal justice, law enforcement, countering violent extremism and terrorist financing. The EU fully supports the United Nations and its Member States in their efforts to implement the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  6. The European Union has developed specific instruments to support countries in their counter-terrorism efforts, and cooperates closely with the United Nations on this work. The EU fully appreciates the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and its Executive Director, Mike Smith. The EU has long-standing, excellent cooperation with CTED. The EU welcomes the updated global survey of the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). The European Union and its member States implement the various provisions of resolution 1373 (2001), in particular in the EU legal framework concerning border control, migration, asylum, police and judicial cooperation. The EU counter-terrorism strategy of 2005 provides the overall approach regarding the prevention of and fight against terrorism.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  7. The way the Ombudsman Office performs its duties will be meaningful from the due process perspective regarding the implementation of resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) in international, regional and national Courts. Regarding resolution 1373 (2001), we congratulate the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) on the successful special event commemorating the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution, and we note with interest the establishment of the United Nations Centre for Counter-Terrorism. Moreover, the EU fully supports the focus on deliverance of counter- terrorism capacity-building to the counter-terrorism efforts of countries. The EU looks forward to receiving the final report of this meeting.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  8. This enhanced procedure will further improve the effectiveness of the Al-Qaida sanctions regime. Moreover, resolution 1989 (2011) will also provide greater transparency in the process being followed by the Committee, including the possibility of bringing a particular case to the attention of the Security Council upon request of any Committee member. In this regard, access to relevant information is key to the Ombudsperson's ability to carry out her mandate. In particular, we note with satisfaction the first arrangements between the Office of the Ombudsperson and member States for access to confidential and classified information, which is often an indispensable precondition for a comprehensive analysis of the case.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  9. Therefore, we welcome the adoption of the resolution 1988 (2011) creating a new sanctions regime targeted at the Afghan insurgency, and of resolution 1989 (2011), adopted on 17 June, amending the existing 1267 sanctions regime to target individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida alone. We especially commend the work of the Office of the Ombudsperson, which provides individuals, groups, undertakings and entities with an opportunity to have their listings reviewed in an independent and impartial manner. Regarding resolution 1989 (2011), we particularly welcome the fact that the Ombudsperson now has the possibility to present recommendations with a view to de-listing concerned individuals and entities to the Committee. We also welcome the new and improved form of interaction between the Ombudsperson and the Committee.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  10. The EU stands firm on the position that the Al-Qaida sanctions regime continues to play an important role and is proving its effectiveness. We fully believe in the importance of an effective sanctions regime to disrupting the financial flows financing terrorist acts. We express our support for all improvements of the United Nations system aimed at reassuring that the procedures for designating individuals are fully compliant with fundamental rights. In order to improve transparency and visibility, narrative summaries of reasons for listing represent a particularly appropriate tool. We supported the Security Council's decision of 17 June to create a new sanctions regime for Afghanistan, while maintaining and improving the existing 1267/1989 counter-terrorism regime focused on Al-Qaida.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  11. The attack on the United Nations Office in Abuja in August took the lives of some of our United Nations colleagues who - as the Secretary-General rightly pointed out in his reaction - were those who devote their lives to helping others. The EU has a long-standing record of support for a wide range of counter-terrorism undertakings and will continue to uphold that record. Last week, Ms. Mara Marinaki, Managing Director for Global and Multilateral Issues in the European External Action Service, took part in a number of meetings in New York with relevant United Nations entities in order to foster our cooperation and set up the way ahead for joint EU-United Nations efforts to better tackle the challenge of terrorism.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  12. Mr. Vrailas: The candidate countries Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro; the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to be present here today at this timely and important briefing on issues of crucial significance to the European Union (EU) and its member States. I also thank the Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) for their comprehensive and informative briefings. Terrorism remains a serious threat to the international community.

    2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source

  13. Earlier this month, we sadly lost four peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. We hope that the results of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of their deaths will soon be considered. Finally, the EU wants to thank former Under- Secretary-General Le Roy for his dedication and determination. It wishes him all the best as he sets sights on new horizons.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  14. More generally, whether it concerns civilian capacities or military capabilities, the EU continues to support the Secretariat's ongoing efforts to put in place a comprehensive, capability-driven approach to peacekeeping. Of course, making peacekeeping more effective is about more than ensuring that the different pieces of the puzzle are on the table. They also have to fit together. In other words, we need to work hard on close cooperation among the civilian, military and police components of a mission, including through clear doctrine and comprehensive strategic and operational planning. Before I close, the EU would like to pay tribute to our men and women on the ground, serving in peacekeeping missions around the world, some of whom have paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of peace.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  15. That is the third and last challenge that the EU would like to briefly highlight today. These days, a peacekeeper needs more than a blue helmet. As we can read in the New Horizon report, "new peacekeeping tasks demand new equipment, from night vision and modern communication equipment to naval vessels". In that regard, we know that there is a pressing need for military helicopters, especially where the area of operations is vast and the infrastructure limited. The urgency of the matter at hand calls for pragmatic and swift solutions, and the EU looks forward to studying and discussing the Secretariat's forthcoming proposals.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  16. Recruiting civilian specialists for those newer peacekeeping tasks was identified as a particular challenge in the New Horizon report, and the comprehensive review came up with many ways in which we could rise to that challenge. Quite a few of the recommendations could be implemented without delay, and the EU encourages the Secretariat to do so. Other recommendations may require further elaboration, and we look forward to the upcoming report of the Secretary-General to flesh them out. The EU has ample experience in that field through our Common Security Defence Policy operations, and we are ready to share it, while systematically seeking synergies with the United Nations. Besides civilian capacities, we also need to secure military capabilities, including critical equipment.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  17. The EU hopes that the upcoming strategy for critical early peacebuilding tasks undertaken by peacekeeping operations will contribute to that. Of course, we also look to the Peacebuilding Commission to continue to play its role in further clarifying and concretizing the peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus. A closely related challenge is the implementation of the recommendations of the comprehensive review of international civilian capacities (S/2011/85). Civilian aspects of peacekeeping operations, such as election monitoring, police reform and support for the promotion and protection of human rights, have proven to be instrumental to mission performance.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  18. First of all, we must further clarify and concretize the peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus. Now that, after years of expansion, peacekeeping seems headed towards a consolidation phase, this is a policy area that demands our attention. Last year's New Horizon progress report rightly highlighted that. Peacekeeping operations can help national authorities and other partners to set peacebuilding priorities, facilitate their implementation by providing security, and take on some early peacebuilding tasks themselves. However, as the C-34 stressed this year, we need clarity and our peacekeepers need clarity. From the earliest stages of planning onward, they need to know exactly what is expected of them in that field and what is not.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  19. Whether we are talking about robust peacekeeping, the protection of civilians, early peacebuilding, implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, or the better use of intelligence for early warning, they know what it takes to get the job done. The EU supports the proposal of more regular contact with Force Commanders via video link. Such contact offers all of us at the Headquarters level a chance to learn how we can adapt, for example, peacekeeping doctrine, policy documents and training modules, including on the implementation of protection mandates, to make for a better fit with the field. Aside from taking stock, we would like mostly to use today's debate to prepare for the future. Allow me to briefly touch upon a number of current challenges.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  20. Peacekeeping stands or fails by the partnership among the Security Council, General Assembly bodies, contributing countries, host parties, regional and other partners and the Secretariat. To act in the spirit of partnership means, for example, that the Security Council involves contributing countries as early and as much as possible. It means that we all work to preserve a culture of consensus decision-making, where it exists, and the commitment of all partners to the objective of financially realistic and field-driven peacekeeping. I say "field-driven" because our men and women on the ground are often a few steps ahead of us, as we saw during last month's useful meetings of the Security Council (see S/PV.6592) and Committee of Thirty Four (C-34) with Force Commanders.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  21. It represents an important opportunity to take stock and prepare for the future, to paraphrase the useful concept note before us (S/2011/496, annex). In the future, the United Nations can continue to count on the EU's unwavering support for peacekeeping. The United Nations and the EU see eye to eye on crisis management, with a vision of all instruments - political, civilian and military - being mobilized in the interest of peace. Aside from the considerable direct support of the EU and its member States, our own EU missions buttress the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, depending on the strategic context and situation. Such EU missions come in different shapes and sizes, for example stand-alone, bridging and stand-by operations.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  22. The European Union strongly condemns that senseless act of violence towards the United Nations and its personnel. The answer to the question of whether peacekeeping works is a clear and resounding "yes". That is the conclusion of one of the many studies in the recent past to have sung the praises of peacekeeping. Bringing in peacekeepers reduces the risk of war recurring by no less than 84 per cent, according to factual evidence cited in that particular study. It is definitely a fact that we cannot take such a success rate for granted. Peacekeeping needs to keep up with a world constantly changing and the partnership underpinning it needs constant nurturing. That is why the EU would like to thank Council President India, a major troop-contributing country, for having organized today's debate.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source

  23. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; the European Free Trade Association country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration. We were deeply saddened by the loss of life in the brutal attack on the United Nations building in Abuja today. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, the Secretary- General, our United Nations colleagues and the Government and the people of Nigeria.

    2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603Resumption1 (2011) · source