YouSaid · the spoken record

Wood

lines on the record: 630
first: 1994-05-05
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 107
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

“Following the withdrawal of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the Panel of Experts is the only United Nations mechanism left to monitor and report on human rights abuses, as well as to facilitate efforts to implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The Panel’s elimination — as called for by Russia — would render the regime ineffective and not useful for Mali. Russia seeks to eliminate the Panel of Expert’s mandate to stifle publication of uncomfortable truths about the Wagner Group’s actions in Mali, which require attention. Russia is putting its own interests above those of the region.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“We find the Russian draft resolution for the sanctions regime (S/2023/639) disingenuous and lamentable. First, Russia’s draft resolution was introduced with no opportunity for discussion or negotiation. Although the text calls for maintaining the travel ban and assets freezes, the draft resolution ends the Panel of Experts’ reporting mandate. One must also question why Russia seeks to renew the sanctions for only six months and then add a sunset clause. The situation in Mali requires our sustained support. The text Russia put forward falls lamentably short in that objective.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“Too many people continue to suffer from the ongoing violence and, due to Russia’s actions, the Council has failed to renew some of the most important international initiatives for addressing the crisis. The provisions of the draft resolution remain critical to peace and security in Mali. The United States is committed to working constructively with its Security Council colleagues in the coming days to achieve a mandate renewal that accurately reflects the dire situation on the ground and the Council’s primary role to maintain international peace and security. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the next draft resolution before it. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. The United States is disappointed by the outcome of today’s voting. Once again, Russia has imposed its will on the Security Council in the face of opposition by countries from the region. The Council’s failure to agree on the urgent and necessary renewal of Mali’s sanctions regime due to Russia’s actions threatens peace and security not just in Mali, but in the entire region. We voted in favour of the text (S/2023/638) because the Panel of Experts’ reporting is a central source of information on the situation in Mali. The travel ban and assets freeze remain necessary to stem the illicit financial transfers and ill-gotten gains both from Mali and into a region in which numerous malign actors operate and, sadly, have proliferated.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention. The draft resolution has not been adopted, owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements after the voting.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“I shall now put to the vote the draft resolution contained in document S/2023/638, submitted by France and the United Arab Emirates. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America Against: Russian Federation Abstaining: China”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them documents S/2023/638 and S/2023/639, each of which contains the text of a separate draft resolution. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2023/578, which contains the text of a letter dated 3 August 2023 from the Panel of Experts on Mali established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) addressed to the President of the Security Council. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolutions before it. I shall now give the floor to those members who wish to make statements before the voting.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“I now invite interested Council members to move to the Consultations Room for consultations. The meeting was suspended at 4.05 p.m. and resumed at 4.55 p.m. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in Mali Letter dated 3 August 2023 from the Panel of Experts on Mali established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017) addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2023/578)”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“I shall now suspend the meeting for a few minutes so that we can make the necessary preparations. The meeting was suspended at 3.15 p.m. and resumed at 4 p.m.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“Again, as President, given the discussions that I had with a number of delegations and the remarks I made earlier about why we wanted to proceed to the voting, it is still my intention to proceed to the voting. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“As I said, we are prepared to hold consultations. But as is my prerogative as President, and after listening to the various views that have been communicated to my delegation, I am taking the decision as President — in addition to the comments that I just made, basically two times — to proceed to the voting. We are happy to have consultations following the voting, but we are proceeding to the voting. The representative of Mozambique has asked for to the floor.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“We are indeed not objecting to consultations, but we will have consultations after the voting. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“We are not refusing the request of members. We have spoken with members, and members are prepared to proceed with the voting. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“I also take note of China’s position. But given what I just said about the views that Council members have expressed and about the text being substantively the same as the one that passed silence last week, we are proceeding with the voting as scheduled. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“We take note of Russia’s position. Given the views of Council members and due to the fact that the text is substantively the same as the one that passed silence last week, we are proceeding with the vote as scheduled. The representative of China has asked for the floor.”
2023-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9408 (2023) · source
“If Russia were concerned about reducing conflict and mitigating the potential diversion of illicit weapons, it would choose to end the war it started and withdraw its forces rather than escalate with nuclear rhetoric, barrages of missiles, human rights abuses and war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of various Security Council resolutions and of the Charter of the United Nations. We once again renew our calls for Russia to do so immediately. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“Ukraine has been a transparent and willing partner, as we stress accountability and ensure robust processes to counter any attempts at illicit diversion. Battlefield losses occur in every conflict, and we cannot speak for what Russia does with the arms it captures. Pro-Russia forces pose the greatest risk of onward trafficking. Russia has even stated publicly that it will supply captured weapons to non-State actors. The best way to address that risk is for Russia to end its war of aggression.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“In fact, since we last discussed this topic in June (see S/PV.9357), it is Russia that has escalated its brutalization of Ukraine’s people and weaponized food through its unilateral withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Let us be clear: Western weapons provided to Ukraine to prevent Russia’s brutalization of Ukraine’s people are not the cause of this war, nor are they prolonging this war. That responsibility is the Kremlin’s alone. Russia remains the sole obstacle to peace in Ukraine. The Government of Ukraine and the United States continue to work together to maintain safeguards against diversion, while responsibly providing for Ukraine’s ability to exercise its inherent right of self-defence against Russia’s brutal war.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“Russia is once again acting recklessly in the Black Sea, and the effects of its unlawful war of choice are having ripple effects in terms of shipping safety and commercial activity, in addition to impeding the international community’s efforts to deliver food to those who need it most. Russia must comply with its international legal obligations and respect freedom of navigation. Further, Russia continues to use food as a weapon of war. Just yesterday, we awoke yet again to reports of Russian strikes on grain facilities and ports along the Danube. Those attacks are inexcusable. We cannot forget Russia’s brutal, unrelenting attacks against Ukraine and its people for the last 18 months. Putin has shown no interest in meaningful diplomacy since first starting this unprovoked war nearly one and a half years ago.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“Last month, on 20 July, the Department of State designated two individuals involved in the shipment of those munitions to Russia, including one Democratic People’s Republic of Korea national. Furthermore, in clear violation of Security Council resolution 2231 (2015), Russia has procured armed drones from Iran and then deployed those uncrewed aerial vehicles in cruel, lethal attacks against civilians in Ukraine. The United States renews its call on the Secretary-General to investigate those serious violations. We have seen reports that a Russian warship fired shots at the Sukru Okan cargo vessel headed towards a Ukrainian port through the Black Sea on Sunday, 13 August. We strongly condemn such actions.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“The Russian Federation is seeking increased military cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including by pressing Kim Jong Un to sell additional arms to Moscow to fuel its war in Ukraine. Such arms transfers are a violation of Security Council resolutions that Russia voted in favour of. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea already made an initial delivery of weapons to the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group last November, in violation of Security Council resolutions. On 16 August, the United States Treasury Department designated three entities connected to the Slovak national Ashot Mkrtychev, whom we previously designated for attempting to facilitate such arms transfers.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“Every day Russia continues those violations in Ukraine, which have united the international community in support of Ukraine and in support of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right to self-defence — all in the Charter. Russia’s decision to call yet another of these wasteful meetings instead is a clear tactic intended to distract from the Kremlin’s actions undermining international peace and security. While Russia attempts to brazenly rewrite history, we cannot be distracted from the truth of its destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere. Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its announced stationing of its nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus risk further aggravating an already highly dangerous situation.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“Russia is telling us that it is not the invading country that is responsible for the crisis, but rather alleging that it is the country that is doing everything in its power to defend itself from an illegal invasion that is at fault. That narrative is hypocritical and preposterous, and it strains credulity to breaking point. It is Russia’s full- scale invasion of its sovereign neighbour that violates the Charter of the United Nations and constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Russia’s efforts to insinuate otherwise are farcical. Again, Russia’s illegal invasion and continued aggression inside Ukraine’s borders, including daily rocket and drone attacks that hit civilian infrastructure and kill innocent people, are the undeniable cause aggravating the crisis and undermining efforts to find a peaceful solution.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. Let me first thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing today. Her continued leadership in the global effort to counter the diversion of weapons, and the steadfast efforts of the Office for Disarmament Affairs in that regard, is critical. The United States will continue to demonstrate its enduring commitment to supporting Ukraine’s self- defence, including through the provision of arms and equipment that enable Ukraine to defend its territory and protect its people from Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression. Russia continues to falsely allege that it is the unified support of Ukraine’s defence from more than 50 nations that is exacerbating the war and hindering peace discussions. Think about that.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Haiphong for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Ukraine to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, and Mr. Danny Haiphong, journalist. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mrs. Nakamitsu.”
2023-08-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9399 (2023) · source
“We also appreciate MONUSCO’s logistics support to the Independent National Electoral Commission throughout the spring in transporting electoral materials for voter registration in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. The swift provision of that mandated support was critical to protecting civilians and ensuring their ability to participate in the electoral processes. We emphasize that all mandated peacekeeping tasks that establish conditions for a protective environment should be implemented in a manner consistent with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Ultimately, the protection of civilians must be enshrined in political solutions to which United Nations peacekeeping strives to provide a bridge.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“We also appreciate efforts by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to stabilize the situation. We look forward to the release on 15 October of the United Nations external assessment of UNMISS’s protection-of-civilians performance. UNMISS remains a critical player in providing security and stability in South Sudan. Likewise, we would like to recognize the efforts by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to ensure the implementation of its mandate to protect civilians and continue assisting the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in strengthening key governance, justice and security institutions, despite the worsening humanitarian crisis resulting from violence in the eastern part of the country.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“We acknowledge the fact that Force Commanders and subordinate leaders often weigh difficult decisions between the protection of civilians and the protection of peacekeepers on a daily basis. Sound leadership, with an eye to robust mandate implementation, is fundamental to our efforts in protecting civilians. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon continues to provide a comprehensive model for developing a protective environment through concerted dialogue and engagement among the concerned parties. The tripartite mechanism is an exceptional example of how our missions help to mitigate the risk of violent escalation in dangerous operating environments. In South Sudan, we have been heartened that the violence seen in early June at the Malakal protection-of- civilians site has not escalated.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“United Nations peacekeeping missions must work in concert through dialogue, engagement and the positioning of forces to protect vulnerable civilians. We recognize that it takes an entire mission team to facilitate the three tiers of action for protecting civilians, and we join others on the Security Council in urging for integrated, mission-wide planning that leads to solutions that advance the protection of civilians. The protection of civilians should always be given priority in peacekeeping operations’ implementation of their mandates. We recognize the challenges inherent in weighing the protection of civilians with the responsibility for maintaining the safety and security of our peacekeepers, especially in dangerous operational environments.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and the Force Commanders for their briefings. I also want to thank the Force Commanders and the peacekeepers under their command for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. They are carrying out their duties in very challenging circumstances, and I want to express my country’s great appreciation for all that they do. Let me also offer my condolences to the Permanent Representative of Ghana and the people of Ghana on the death of the Ghanaian peacekeeper who died earlier today. The United States would like to echo the comments expressed today underscoring that the protection of civilians requires a whole-of-mission effort to continually set conditions for a stable environment that can enable a political process to take hold.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“We are also very concerned about the threat that those weapons could pose to the safety and security of peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. I would like to highlight that, under the terms of today’s resolution, Russia remains obligated to notify the Committee of all transfers of weapons and resources to its Wagner mercenaries in the Central African Republic. Any failure to do so would violate the terms of the sanctions regime.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9388 (2023) · source
“The United States is committed to lifting sanctions when conditions permit, but that is not yet the case in the Central African Republic. Although the Government has made progress in achieving the key benchmarks on security sector reform, further efforts are needed to strengthen stockpile management and address cross-border arms and natural-resource smuggling. For those reasons, we are disappointed that the Council did not include in this resolution an annex of weapons that would have required notification to the Sanctions Committee. We are increasingly alarmed by reports that man-portable air defence systems have been transported through the Central African Republic into the Sudan by the Wagner Group. Oversight of those weapons remains important for monitoring the security situation in the Central African Republic and the broader region.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9388 (2023) · source
“Today’s renewal also ensures that the Panel of Experts will continue its oversight and reporting responsibilities, which inform the Council and the Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), concerning the Central African Republic. The United States acknowledges the call by the Central African Government to fully lift the arms embargo, but we remain concerned about the security situation in the country and the disregard that some Council members and the Central African Republic authorities have for the sanctions regime’s notification requirements, as noted in the final report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2023/360). Notably, nothing in this or in previous sanctions regimes has kept Central African security forces from receiving any weapons or training they requested.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9388 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank the members of the Council for their engagement on this resolution and France for its leadership as penholder, especially through the extensive consultations. The United States was pleased to vote in favour of the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic and the renewal of elements of the arms embargo, travel ban and asset freeze. We voted in favour of resolution 2693 (2023) because its measures are crucial to promoting peace and stability in the Central African Republic and broader region. Most importantly, this resolution will help keep dangerous weapons and resources from reaching armed groups.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9388 (2023) · source
“We will continue our engagement with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to promote steps aimed at lowering tensions and restoring goodwill. Good-faith dialogue remains the best chance for achieving stability. The United States continues to believe Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve equal measures of security, prosperity and freedom, and we will keep working towards these goals in tangible ways in the immediate term. We continue to support a two-State solution, promote dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and seek ways to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“And we call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further inflame tensions, including settlement activity, evictions and the demolition of Palestinian homes, terrorism and incitement to violence, such as payments to the families of terrorists. While we are discussing international threats to peace and security, which is our mandate, we should not forget the destabilizing role Iran plays in support to groups in the West Bank and Gaza itself. We would also like to take a moment to urge Hamas to return the remains of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin and also release the two Israelis who are currently held captive by Hamas in Gaza. During Israeli President Herzog’s visit to the United States, we emphasized the need for the parties to work towards de- escalation.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Additionally, the United States condemns the practice of militants operating in houses of worship and seeking cover by establishing themselves near United Nations facilities and schools. We welcomed the 9 July decision of Israel’s national security cabinet to consider new steps to bolster the Palestinian Authority. We likewise applaud the steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to reassert control of Jenin. We encourage Israeli and Palestinian security forces to increase their cooperation to improve the security situation in the West Bank, including in Jenin and other areas that have been loci of violence.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, I want to reaffirm our long-standing position in support of the historic status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites. Israel faces real security challenges, and the United States supports its legitimate right to defend its people, including against threats posed by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorists and militants. We recognize that Israel took steps to avoid civilian harm during its operation in Jenin earlier this month. We are nevertheless concerned by the large number of injuries and the extensive damage to property resulting from the operation in Jenin. We urge all parties to comply with their obligations related to the protection of civilians, as well as to provide humanitarian access, particularly for medical care.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“We welcome the joint statement by top Israeli security officials, along with other statements from Israeli officials, condemning extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians. We expect the Palestinian Authority to also clearly denounce terrorist acts committed against Israelis, and we urge all parties to take proactive measures to counter all forms of violence and incitement and to ensure accountability and justice are pursued with equal rigour in all cases of extremist violence. To that end, the United States is concerned by the provocative visit an Israeli Minister made to Al-Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount in Jerusalem on 27 July and the accompanying inflammatory rhetoric. That holy place should not be used for political purposes. We call on all parties to respect its sanctity.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing. The United States remains deeply concerned by the level of violence in the West Bank. In the first six months of this year, the number of Palestinian deaths has already surpassed the number of deaths in all of 2022. The number of Israelis killed by terrorism this year is quickly approaching that of the whole of 2022. The escalating trend of violence underscores the fragility of the situation in the West Bank and the urgent need for the parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate and restore calm. We condemn all extremist violence — whatever the nationality of the perpetrator — and extend our deepest condolences to those affected by those senseless acts.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387 (2023) · source
“They are obstructing the work of United Nations peacekeepers and not only failing to address the immediate violent extremist threat, but contributing to the likelihood that it will grow. Finally, the United States calls on members of the Security Council to reinvigorate our collective action and engage with African partners in addressing the problems that cross borders. We applaud the efforts of the United Nations, UNOWAS, the African Union and ECOWAS to support the region and hope to soon see a presidential statement reaffirm that commitment.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Once the MINUSMA transition plan is finalized, we would welcome a serious discussion in the appropriate forum on what additional resources for UNOWAS might be needed to ensure continued support for UNOWAS and its increased activities. We remain deeply concerned about the spread of instability in coastal West Africa, both from national political dynamics and the proximity of violent extremism in the Sahel. The growing threats have cost thousands of lives and contributed to displacement across the region. We cannot ignore the fact that the Wagner Group is committing human rights abuses and endangering the safety and security of civilians, peacekeepers and United Nations personnel.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“We reiterate our call on the transition Government in Mali to pursue an independent, impartial, efficient, comprehensive and transparent investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the civilian killings in Moura, Mali, consistent with the recommendation in the relevant May 2023 report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The UNOWAS mandate is all the more important in the light of the Mali transition Government’s decision to end the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). It is critical that the transition Government of Mali fully cooperate with the United Nations to ensure the safe and orderly withdrawal of MINUSMA. That includes fully respecting the status-of-forces agreement until the final MINUSMA element departs, beyond December 31.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Turning from democratic transitions to humanitarian needs, we want to underscore the urgency of the arrival of the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Burkina Faso and share the concerns expressed by the United Nations on the transitional Government of Burkina Faso’s actions that led to the departure of the previous United Nations Resident Coordinator. The United Nations Resident Coordinator leads the United Nations work to support development efforts and is vital to leading the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance for the people of Burkina Faso. Given the situation in the region, accountability is especially important.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Although we are concerned about the lack of transparency in the tabulation process for the 24 June general elections in Sierra Leone and irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission, we applaud the people of Sierra Leone for participating in the elections, which play a vital role in any democracy. We reiterate our support to transition processes in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea and continue to call for a return to democratic governance. We support the United Nations and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leadership in holding transition Governments accountable to their stated timelines to return to constitutional order and for promoting stability in the region.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Simão and Mr. Touray for their very informative briefings. The United States remains gravely concerned about democratic backsliding across the region and strongly supports the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and its instrumental role in preventing and mitigating conflict, addressing election-related crises and promoting inclusive dialogue processes in the region. We recognize the continued efforts of UNOWAS to help promote and sustain democratic processes and advise transitional Governments in West Africa and the Sahel, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Sierra Leone.”
2023-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9384 (2023) · source
“Meanwhile, Member States must fully implement the relevant measures in annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). Iran has continued to flagrantly carry out activities related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, in defiance of paragraph 3 of annex B. The Security Council must be clear and united in condemning that activity. When Iran defies the Security Council repeatedly without consequences, it undermines the fundamental credibility of the Council itself.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“And the Council should view those actions with the seriousness that they deserve. Iran’s ballistic missile activity — especially in the light of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its threatening rhetoric — is an enduring threat to regional and international peace and stability. Even after certain restrictions in resolution 2231 (2015) terminate, the United States will continue to take vigorous measures to counter that threat and block the proliferation of sensitive ballistic-missile technology to and from Iran. We will also continue to sanction companies and traders contributing to that threat. In addition, Iran has continued to expand its nuclear programme and escalate tensions. Iran should take actions that build international confidence and de-escalate tensions, not continue nuclear provocations that pose grave proliferation risks.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“The failure to act will lead only to further attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and potentially the loss of civilian lives. It is our responsibility in the Council to do whatever we can to avert those outcomes, even if it means confronting one of our own members over their violations. In addition, in May, Iranian State media announced the test of a medium-range ballistic missile. That launch was inconsistent with paragraph 3 of annex B, which calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity involving ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology. Iran’s continued development and proliferation of such missiles pose serious threats to regional and international security.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source