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

“In fact, were expert investigators to examine the components, the United States believes that it would find that they appear to have design characteristics and markings similar to components previously recovered from the debris of ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Council must address any and all violations of resolution 2231 (2015), given the implications for not only peace and security in the Middle East, but also in Ukraine and the rest of the world. As such, we reiterate our previous calls for the Secretary-General to update the Council on his assessment of Iranian-made UAVs recovered in Ukraine within the next 30 days. I would say to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo that there should be no higher priority for the Secretariat.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“Despite proof of Iran’s complete disregard for its obligations under resolution 2231 (2015), Tehran continues to deny its role in the damage caused by its weaponry in Ukraine. In the face of such clear photographic evidence, those denials suggest that even Iran’s leaders are uncomfortable with Russia’s brutal use of the weapons against civilian targets. Also deeply troubling are Russia’s attempts to undermine publicly available and verified information confirming Russia’s use of Iranian UAVs in its war against Ukraine. Moscow even goes so far as to characterize evidence submitted to the Council by London and Kyiv as false and has rebuffed requests by Council members for the Secretary-General to examine the seized components, which falls under its reporting mandate.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“Security Council resolutions are not optional, and they must be upheld. It is no secret that Iran’s development and proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pose a global threat. That is why the transfer of those items was prohibited under resolution 2231 (2015). Russia’s acquisition of hundreds of Iranian drones and current production of those drones on its own territory, however, dramatically change the equation. That is a flagrant violation of resolution 2231 (2015). We should not be shy about condemning that destabilizing and dangerous behaviour. We have seen evidence submitted to the Council and to the Secretary-General extensively detailing components of Iranian UAVs recovered on the battlefield in Ukraine.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“The Ukrainian Air Force said it destroyed those drones, but three buildings were damaged by debris and one man was reportedly injured. That incident, together with several others, must be investigated, as it clearly constitutes a violation of resolution 2231 (2015), annex B, paragraph 4. We urge the United Nations to address those violations and, consistent with the mandate in resolution 2231 (2015), to report on the implementation of the provisions of the resolution. Specifically, the Secretariat should, without any further delay, send a team of investigators to Kyiv to examine the debris from the weapons used by Russia against Ukraine. Moreover, the Secretariat should send, without any further delay, a team of investigators to review materiel recovered by the United Kingdom. The mandate is clear and requires no less.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for the Secretariat’s work on the report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/473) and for her briefing to the Security Council today. I also thank Ambassador Frazier for her facilitation of the report. I also wish to thank Ambassador Skoog for his briefing. The United States remains gravely concerned about Russia’s use of Iranian drones against Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure in its unprovoked war against Ukraine. Both Iran and Russia have violated their obligations under resolution 2231 (2015) by participating in those transfers without obtaining advance approval from the Security Council. Just last weekend, public reports indicate that Russia used eight Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones to terrorize Kyiv.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“The United States urges fellow Council members to vote to allow the representative of Ukraine to speak under rule 37 during this briefing on resolution 2231 (2015). Both Iran and Russia have violated their obligations under resolution 2231 (2015) by participating in the transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without obtaining advance approval from the Security Council. Iranian UAV development has direct implications for Ukraine. Over the past several weeks, we have seen Russia repeatedly use UAVs in attacks that have killed Ukrainian civilians and destroyed Ukrainian public works. This is a matter of life or death for the Ukrainian people. It would be unconscionable to deny Ukraine the opportunity to speak at this meeting when it is experiencing the devastating effects of Iran’s violation of resolution 2231 (2015) first-hand.”
2023-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9367 (2023) · source
“By helping Ukraine and neighbouring States account for and safeguard arms and ammunition during transfer, in storage and when deployed, strengthening border management and security in Ukraine and in neighbouring States, and building the capacity of relevant Government agencies to deter, detect and interdict illicit trafficking of certain weapons, we are taking concrete steps to address threats posed by the potential diversion of weapons. As we have said on many occasions since the beginning of this crisis, if Russia is serious about bringing an end to this conflict, it can simply withdraw its troops from Ukraine and end its war illegal war of aggression. We once again call on Russia to do so, and to do so now.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“We are committed to ensuring Ukraine has the ability to exercise its right to self-defence against Russia’s illegal and brutal war, while working with Ukraine to maintain the highest safeguards that ensure the weapons its partners provide are not diverted into unintended hands. We will continue to stress accountability, as we have from the beginning of this conflict, and continue to ensure robust processes to counter attempts at illicit diversion. Throughout this conflict, Ukraine has been a transparent and willing partner in those efforts.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“No one wants this war to end more than Ukraine and its people. But as overwhelmingly articulated by members of the General Assembly, the conditions for a just and lasting peace must be rooted in international law. This includes Russia demonstrating a meaningful interest in ending this war and upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter through action, and not just empty words. It is Russia, in violation of resolution 2231 (2015), that has procured hundreds of drones from Iran and then deployed them in attacks, killing civilians in Ukraine. If Russia had any genuine desire for de-escalation, it would simply withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory and end its invasion. Instead, we see increased hostilities and brutality, waves of missiles wreaking havoc across Ukraine, and dangerous nuclear rhetoric.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“These weapons are not prolonging the conflict. The Kremlin bears that responsibility alone. These arms are preventing further brutalization of Ukraine’s citizens amid the Kremlin’s onslaught. This point must not be forgotten. Russia’s unrelenting and ruthless attacks on Ukraine and its people, and the all too familiar stream of false allegations to which Russia subjects us, are just further demonstrations that President Putin has no interest in meaningful diplomacy. Only two weeks ago, leaders from several African nations, members of a peace mission bound for Kyiv and Moscow, were forced to shelter in bunkers during their visit to Kyiv as Putin reigned missiles on that city. What clearer indication could we be given of the Kremlin’s utter disrespect or disinterest in peace or a diplomatic resolution to Putin’s war of choice?”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“It is Russia’s ongoing brutality against Ukraine’s people and its campaign to destroy Ukraine’s infrastructure that has rallied the international community to Ukraine’s aid, both in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and in respect for international law. It is Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its planned stationing of tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, which is complicit in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, that risk further aggravating an already dangerous situation. The overwhelming majority of States Members of the United Nations have repeatedly made those positions clear. The United States and more than 50 Member States have answered Ukraine’s call to support its self-defence against Russia’s aggression and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“Putin said: “I want to point out and I want everyone to know about it — the maintenance of the entire Wagner Group was fully provided for by the State. From the Ministry of Defence, from the State budget, we fully financed this group.” Russia has demonstrated time and time again its willingness to abuse its position on the Security Council to purposefully promote falsehoods and disinformation. We regret that Russia continues to deliberately misguide the international community, including through this meeting today. Just remember that in the lead up to its further invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Russia’s leadership denied it had any plans to send troops into Ukraine, even while it amassed forces on Ukraine’s borders.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“Russia’s familiar effort to try to divert our attention through false, ever-changing allegations and disinformation is painfully obvious. Just consider one example — the issue of Russia’s support for the Wagner Group. For years now the Council has heard the Russian representative repeatedly deny any connection between the Russian State and the Wagner Group. On Tuesday, the Russian representative insisted to the press outside of the Chamber that the Wagner Group is just a private military company and “detached from the Government”. But this week, President Putin finally nakedly admitted that the Russian Government fully finances the Wagner Group, providing almost $2 billion from State coffers in the past year alone.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“I thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing today. Her continued leadership to counter weapons diversion has been indispensable. As we have repeatedly stated in the Council, it is categorically false for Russia to allege that the international support for Ukraine’s legitimate self- defence support provided by over 50 countries somehow constitutes a threat to international peace and security. That is a transparent and clumsy attempt by Russia to rewrite the very plain facts of this conflict. Let us be clear — it is Russia’s full-scale war of aggression and its invasion of a sovereign neighbour, in violation of the Charter of the United Nations, that poses the threat to international peace and security, and it is from Russia’s full-scale war of aggression that Ukraine is defending itself.”
2023-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9364 (2023) · source
“The United States will continue to work with Israel and the Palestinian Authority to promote steps aimed at lowering tensions and restoring trust, which can create the conditions to bring the parties back to the table. Finally, while we welcome the end of the strike by the West Bank Staff Union of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which disrupted services for some of the most vulnerable, we remain concerned about the continuing financial crisis facing UNRWA, particularly as Palestinians are facing a prospect of rising food insecurity, among other humanitarian needs. Regional actors and the broader international community must urgently consider providing UNRWA with greater financial support.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“We call on all the parties to refrain from unilateral actions, including settlement activity, evictions and the demolition of Palestinian homes, terrorism and incitement to violence, all of which serve only to further inflame the situation. There have been moments over the past week in which some people have questioned whether such a future is possible. Other people have warned that we are witnessing an escalation of violence not seen for more than 20 years. I understand the reasons for their pessimism. The violence of the past week must serve as a call to action for all of us in the Council to redouble our efforts towards peace.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“We are actively engaging with the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to secure the welfare of our citizens and to provide equal measures of justice and security for all the Palestinian and Israeli civilians affected by that violence. We were also deeply troubled by Israel’s recent announcement that it would be advancing more than 5,000 settlement units, as well as the reports of changes to Israel’s system of settlement administration aimed at expediting the planning and approval of settlements. Going forward, it will be vital for both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take additional steps to de-escalate tensions.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“We extend our condolences to the families of those affected and have underscored to the Government of Israel the importance of holding fully accountable and prosecuting those responsible for those acts of violence. As the leadership of Israel’s security services has acknowledged, it is vital for community leaders to publicly denounce those acts and to contribute to the efforts to prevent them. We are also concerned about the impact of that violence on the United States citizens who have been victims of senseless acts of terror this year and of the recent violence in the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya, where United States citizens, including Americans, make up a majority of the population.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing, as well as Mr. James Zogby for his insights. We share their alarm over the violence in the West Bank and remain deeply troubled by the escalation we have witnessed this year. We were horrified by the brutal terror attack on 21 June on Israelis near Eli in the West Bank, which killed four people and injured several others. We condemn the attack in the strongest terms, offer our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wish the injured a speedy recovery. We also condemn the recent extremist settler attacks on Palestinian civilians, which have resulted in one death, injuries and significant property damage.”
2023-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9361 (2023) · source
“In order for the Mission to succeed, it deserves the support of the Security Council and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo deserve peace. The United States stands with them in their pursuit of a better future.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“I urge other members of the Council to press the Government of Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and cease support to the M-23 immediately. As that support to the M-23 demonstrates, this is a regional crisis, and it requires regional solutions that address the root causes of conflict. The United States supports the mediation efforts led by Angola, Kenya and the East African Community, and calls on them to coordinate and de-conflict their operations with MONUSCO. We are committed to ensuring that MONUSCO can deliver on its mandate to protect civilians and assist the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in strengthening key governance, justice and security institutions.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“We urge the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure that the reserve corps is carefully vetted and subject to the Demobilization, Disarmament, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme. We also call on the Government to ensure accountability. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has discouraged and denounced hateful rhetoric, but I want to emphasize how important it is to call out hate speech vilifying Rwandophone communities and peacekeepers alike. Such speech has led to arbitrary killings, mob violence and harassment. Of course, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not solely responsible for addressing those challenges. Rwanda’s continued direct support to the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23), which is also under United Nations sanctions, is a violation of Security Council resolutions and must stop.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“We are concerned about the collaboration of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with non-State armed groups in the east, including the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, which is under United Nations sanctions. As we have done numerous times, we again call on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to fully professionalize its security forces and work to end such cooperation. The United States is also concerned about the army reserve corps legislation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which could enable members of armed groups to become part of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo and hamper disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“In May, a military tribunal in South Kivu province sentenced a commander of an armed group to life imprisonment for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crime of forced pregnancy. The forced pregnancy conviction is the first time a national court has convicted anyone of such an offence. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office provided financial and technical support to the investigation and prosecution. This exemplifies how the United Nations, MONUSCO and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo can work together to bring justice to victims and accountability to perpetrators. Those important human rights and rule-of-law initiatives should continue for as long as the Mission is in place. But there is still work to be done and progress to be made, especially in the security sector.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“In order to address that pressing and urgent situation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region need political will, a commitment to dialogue and a willingness to make hard decisions and pursue much-needed reform. They also need MONUSCO. Fortunately, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken some important steps that will help achieve lasting peace. We welcome its report to the Security Council on weapons and ammunition management, which will provide valuable insight into the Government’s capacities and enable the international community to assist in the prevention of small arms trafficking and diversion.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“A precipitous withdrawal of MONUSCO would likely leave a security vacuum that State authorities will be unable to fill, with devastating effects for the region’s most vulnerable populations. Without MONUSCO, we will probably see more activity by the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham-Democratic Republic of the Congo, two armed groups that carried out shocking and brazen massacres at an internally displaced persons camp and school earlier this month. The humanitarian crisis is also worsening due to the continued violence, resulting in 1 million internally displaced persons, an appalling escalation in gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, and immense human suffering.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary-General Pobee for her briefing. The importance of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the broader region is clear. That is why the United States is concerned about the increasing calls by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the Mission to withdraw following the elections planned for December. As we have said many times, MONUSCO cannot and should not stay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo indefinitely. But there is broad consensus that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will not have met the benchmarks it agreed to as the minimum conditions for MONUSCO’s drawdown by the end of 2023.”
2023-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9358 (2023) · source
“UNAMA remains critical to advancing the inclusion, peace and stability we all agree is so important for Afghanistan and the region.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“We will also carefully watch the Taliban’s actions on the commitments they have stated they will uphold. We continue to expect the Taliban to allow unhindered humanitarian access, safe conditions for aid workers of all genders and independent and impartial provision of assistance. The Taliban must respect the human rights of all Afghans. We look to the Taliban to codify those principles in their policies and to demonstrate them with their actions. As the meeting of Afghan special envoys showed, so too does the rest of the world. We thank the Secretary-General for hosting that meeting. The United States underscores its strong support for UNAMA’s comprehensive mandate, including its vital reporting on human rights, particularly women’s rights and empowerment work.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Addressing this issue will require creativity, attention and energy from everyone. Thanks to generous donor support and bold action, such as the humanitarian exemption enshrined in resolution 2615 (2021), the international community averted relief actors’ worst predictions of widespread famine in 2021. However, this year, we can already see the impact of reduced international support for Afghanistan with the closure of women-led non-governmental organizations, ration cuts and reductions in the number of beneficiaries of food assistance. Despite obstacles and competing global priorities, we cannot turn our backs on the Afghan people’s growing humanitarian needs. As the world’s largest humanitarian donor, the United States will continue to do its part to support the people of Afghanistan.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“The people of Afghanistan do not deserve to suffer further as a result of the Taliban’s abhorrent decisions. That is why we support a flexible and principled approach that prioritizes non-discrimination, the inclusion, safety and security of female staff members, as well as the inclusion of women and girls as recipients of assistance efforts. The Taliban’s grave restrictions demand a strong response from Afghanistan’s neighbours and the rest of the international community. The continued deterioration of humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan, in large part due to Taliban interference in humanitarian operations, will lead to more Afghans being internally displaced. This displacement will increase the number of Afghan migrant and refugee flows to neighbouring countries.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Over 90 States Members of the United Nations co-sponsored the resolution, which sent a clear message to the Taliban, to the Afghan people and to the world: we will not stand for the Taliban’s repression of women and girls. The Taliban continue to prevent women from working for non-governmental organizations. National female staff members remain unable to gain access to United Nations offices, including those of humanitarian organizations. The Taliban are choosing to jeopardize the lives of millions of innocent Afghans who depend on critical aid, and they are increasing the burden on women-headed households that are already among the most vulnerable. We support the United Nations decision to continue operating in Afghanistan while prioritizing the safety and security of all staff members.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Otunbayeva and Ms. Basij-Rasikh for their briefings. Let me also thank the entire the team comprising the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for its work in advancing the Security Council’s goal of a stable, prosperous, inclusive and secure Afghanistan. The United States again condemns the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s and girls’ ability to exercise their human rights. These restrictions are indefensible. They are not seen anywhere else in the world. We call for the immediate reversal of these restrictions. Today we do so on the heels of the Security Council’s unanimous call for the same: in April, the Security Council adopted resolution 2681 (2023), the third resolution on Afghanistan adopted unanimously this year.”
2023-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9354 (2023) · source
“Despite the challenges the country faces, South Sudanese officials need to make progress on implementing the road map and political transition. We again stress that the only way for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to achieve a successful transition to a permanent Government is to create and maintain a stable environment in which civilians are protected. South Sudan’s transitional leaders must deliver the results to which they committed in the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan and address immediate issues, such as the ongoing violence in Upper Nile state and the dire humanitarian situation. The United States remains committed to the cause of peace and to the people of South Sudan.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“More than 100,000 individuals have crossed the border from the Sudan into South Sudan, with the expectation that 180,000 more will cross over the next three months, according to the emergency response plan of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration. Coupled with a cost-of-living crisis, consecutive years of flash floods that have damaged viable land for cultivation and livelihoods, and a continued outbreak of waterborne and other diseases in several states, the crisis has placed a further strain on social cohesion. The immediate implementation of the Transitional Government’s commitments is the best way to ensure the effects of the Sudan crisis can be mitigated in South Sudan.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“We urge UNMISS, in close coordination with state authorities, but unilaterally if it must, consistent with its mandate, to restore calm and security and ensure the protection of civilians and internally displaced persons inside and outside the camp, especially vulnerable populations. We further urge South Sudanese transitional authorities to prevent such movement by armed groups towards the protection of civilians site. The influx of civilians from continued fighting in the Sudan has further deteriorated South Sudan’s already declining humanitarian situation and caused greater strain on the protection of civilians site.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“While we also commend UNMISS for its rapid deployment of peacekeepers to quell the violence, we are concerned that the Mission had not adopted measures to address potential violence in advance, despite early signals of tensions between the two communities. We look forward to the results of the independent assessment by 15 October on UNMISS’ implementation of its protection of civilians mandate and where we need to help the Mission to address gaps. We are gravely concerned about the welfare of civilians and internally displaced residents, who remain in a vulnerable and life-threatening situation in and around the Malakal camp. We are also alarmed by reports of armed groups moving towards the protection of civilians site and by rumours concerning the presence of small arms inside the camp.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative Haysom, Ambassador Gituai and Mr. Impagliazzo for their comprehensive briefings today. The United States is alarmed about the 8 June reports of deadly intercommunal violence in the Malakal protection of civilians site. We condemn the reported attacks and offer our deep condolences to the families affected by the violence. We commend the Governor of Upper Nile state and state authorities working in coordination with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on strengthening security measures, including securing the perimeter of the Malakal protection of civilians site.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9353 (2023) · source
“Reporting over the past year by the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic, Yao Agbetse, further underscores the brutal human rights abuses that the Wagner Group forces are inflicting on Central African civilians and Government officials, including killings, sexual violence and other physical abuse. Without accountability for those heinous acts, the Central African Republic will not be able to achieve the peace that is necessary to unlock the country’s vast potential. The United States remains committed to the Central African people and to ensuring justice for the crimes committed against them. We again call upon all actors to lay down their weapons and choose the path of dialogue in order to achieve a long-delayed sustainable peace.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Reporting by the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic clearly indicates that Wagner Group forces, referred to as “Russian instructors”, are not only engaged in indiscriminate and brutal combat operations, but are expanding their control of the Central African Republic’s natural resources, forcing out legitimate businesses in the process. For example, the Panel’s report issued in May (see S/2023/360) notes that those so-called Russian instructors have occupied the premises of a Central African diamond- buying company in Bria for over a year without the company’s consent. We also remain gravely concerned by the Wagner Group and the Government forces preventing MINUSCA’s unfettered freedom of movement to protect civilians and investigate human rights violations.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“The only durable solution is through political dialogue, including full and inclusive implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and the regionally brokered 2021 road map. Unfortunately, some predatory entities in the Central African Republic continue to destabilize the country, threaten the peace process and undermine the Central African Republic’s sovereignty in order to further exploit Central African wealth for their own gain.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“In fact, as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013) concerning the Central African Republic explained during his visit to the Central African Republic earlier this month, the Central African Republic’s Government is able to obtain all types of weapons and aircraft for the training of its armed forces. What the embargo seeks to prevent is the transfer of weapons to armed groups, which is something that has clear implications for the security of the Central African Republic. We look forward to engaging constructively with fellow Council members and the Central African Republic’s Government throughout negotiations on the sanctions regime’s renewal. Finally, as we have seen over the course of the past dry season, there is no military-only solution to the Central African Republic’s crisis.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“Let me be clear: the Central African Republic has the right to amend its Constitution. But we urge the Government to ensure the inclusion of diverse political and civil society actors in any potential revisions of the country’s foundational document. A transparent, free and fair referendum process that reflects the will of the Central African people is critical to lasting peace and security. Turning to the Central African Republic’s sanctions regime, which the Security Council will soon negotiate, I would like to underscore the important role that the notification process plays in ensuring transparency. The arms embargo does not prevent the Central African Republic’s Government from securing the weapons it needs to confront armed groups.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“MINUSCA has also played a key role in supporting the Government’s preparations for upcoming local elections, including by encouraging political dialogue and providing logistical, security and technical support. The Mission’s mandate is clear in scope: it is only authorized to support the Central African Republic’s 2023 republican dialogue and local elections and no other political processes. The United States is concerned by the announcement by the Central African Republic’s Government that it is proceeding with efforts to amend the country’s Constitution to end or extend term limits. It is disappointing that historic local elections, which are important for decentralization and increasing political representation, have been deprioritized and delayed in favour of a constitutional referendum that risks destabilizing the country.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“We commend the Secretariat for its swift decision following a preliminary investigation to repatriate the unit in support of the Secretary-General’s policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse and in line with resolution 2272 (2016). Such behaviour is unacceptable, antithetical to the spirit of peacekeeping and undermines the positive contributions of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) to the country. We call for accountability and the full implementation of resolution 2272 (2016) when addressing those acts. Separately, we commend the Mission’s progress in conducting joint and coordinated patrols with Central African security forces, which have deterred armed group attacks against civilians by proactively addressing sources of instability.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Rugwabiza for her leadership and briefing today. The United States appreciates her, her team’s and the troop- and police-contributing countries’ commitment to peace in the Central African Republic. I also wish to thank Ms. Bahous, Ambassador Adeoye and Mr. Ngatondang for their informative and comprehensive briefings. I also welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic to this meeting. The United States is gravely concerned by reports earlier this month alleging that Tanzanian peacekeepers committed sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2023-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9352 (2023) · source
“While investigations are under way, I will say again: the latest humanitarian, agricultural, energy and environmental crisis would not even exist had Russia not launched its brutal war against Ukraine. Russia’s full-scale invasion continues to put innocent lives at risk and decimates the infrastructure, livelihoods and safety of the Ukrainian people. The United States will continue to work with the international community to hold Russia to account for its aggression. We will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself in the face of the Kremlin’s brutality. The way forward is clear: Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. It must end this war, and it must end the untold human suffering it has wrought.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“Although we understand the dam’s destruction poses no immediate risk to the nuclear safety of the plant in the short term, we reiterate the call of the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant’s cooling pond, which draws water from the dam’s reservoir, must maintain its integrity and access to water, which is essential for cooling the reactors and their spent fuel. We call on Russia to reconnect the sensors that automatically report data to Ukraine’s civilian regulators and to allow the IAEA to ensure the international community has reliable information on any radioactivity around the plant.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“The international community is again confronted with the devastation, immeasurable human toll and catastrophic damage to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure caused by Russia’s illegal war. The dam’s destruction risks massive ecological devastation, as Ukraine’s already badly damaged critical infrastructure must once again absorb a devastating blow. Those downstream are under flood risk. The water supply to southern Ukraine, including Crimea, is at risk. Agricultural lands will likely also be impacted, further disrupting food production and impacting global food security. The dam’s destruction undermines the stability of Ukraine’s power supply and could create additional challenges to maintaining safety in and around the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source
“We regret the Council must meet on an urgent basis to discuss the destruction of the dam, which is yet another casualty in Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. I want to make absolutely clear: it was Russia that started this war, it was Russia that occupied this area of Ukraine and it was Russian forces that took over the dam illegally last year and have been occupying ever since. To be clear, deliberate attacks on civilian objects are prohibited by the law of war. As a party to Protocol II Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, Russia has an obligation not to attack works or installations containing “dangerous forces, namely dams,” if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and severe losses among the civilian population (Part IV, article 15).”
2023-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9340 (2023) · source