YouSaid · the spoken record

Yelchenko

lines on the record: 1,640
first: 1997-12-19
most recent: 2019-07-16
sittings or episodes: 226
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

“Imagine that - they have ISIS behind them and instead they are bombing us, the ones fighting ISIS there." If anything, it only proves yet again that the regime is sticking to its long-standing strategy ofusing military force to eliminate the Syrian opposition instead of ISIS. Indeed, the fight against ISIS has always been secondary to the regime and its allies. Why is that? Perhaps Damascus wants to leave the international community with a difficult choice: Al-Assad or ISIS. It is therefore imperative that the Council make absolutely sure that the de-escalation zones are not used as yet another tool of the regime and its allies to regroup forces and prepare for an assault.”
2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7944 (2017) · source
“In the meantime, the regime and its allies are using the de-escalation agreement to shift focus to the east, trying to seize ground from anti-ISIS rebel forces in Al-Badia. How else would one interpret the numerous attacks by the pro-regime forces on multiple fronts against the Free Syrian Army (FSA), which is waging a relentless war on ISIS? Here are the words of Tlass Salameh, a commander of one of the FSA units that is leading the fight against ISIS: "The regime is trying to cut us off from our front line with ISIS because they want to be the ones to move from the southern desert up towards eastern Syria and Deir ez-Zor.”
2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7944 (2017) · source
“Still, we support all efforts that genuinely seek to de-escalate violence in Syria and guarantee sustainable humanitarian access. However, any talk on de-escalation zones is meaningless without a credible enforcement mechanism. Forgive me for being frank, but we really do not see how this ceasefire/ de-escalation is any different from the previous initiatives that ultimately failed. The general idea does not seem to be new - we witness a short period of calm followed by another wave of escalation, when the regime feels prepared for a new major offensive at a time and location of its choosing. We have yet to hear what the real tools are to prevent such a scenario from recurring. Another problem is the Syrian regime's commitment to fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS), which is clearly lacking now.”
2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7944 (2017) · source
“We are grateful to Special Envoy De Mistura for his continued efforts and commitment to the political resolution of the Syrian conflict. We regret the fact that the latest round of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva did not bring much progress. A breakthrough did not happen because the main ingredient for a sustainable solution - trust - is missing . The lack of trust is poisoning the current environment and dooms the Syrian people to more suffering. We are appalled by the reports that the Syrian regime is now using cremation to hide mass murders at Sednaya prison, where thousands are believed to have been executed. The general idea of de-escalation zones is welcome; however, the devil is always in the details. Thus far, we are short of them.”
2017-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7944 (2017) · source
“The perpetrators of such abhorrent acts must be held accountable, and the Council cannot afford to remain silent or indifferent on this subject.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“However, despite all the measures taken by Member States to reduce proliferation risks, the world is witnessing growing and ever more sophisticated threats in this area. These risks arise not only from gaps in national legislation, but also from the rapid development of science and technology, as well as e-commerce and a lack of threat awareness among academia, industry and civil society. Over the past decade, chemical and biological materials have been quite often referred to as potential weapons for terrorists, non-State actors and rogue States. This assumption appears to be correct, as confirmed by recent events. Ukraine's position in this regard is very clear: any use of weapons of mass destruction, under any circumstances, has to be met with a strong response from the international community.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“We therefore join others in reconfirming our support for the comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), which culminated in the unanimous adoption of resolution 2325 (2016) in December last year. The conclusions and recommendations of the 2016 comprehensive review, once properly implemented, will significantly reinforce or even re-energize resolution 1540 (2004). The review report clearly demonstrates the differentiated implementation progress regarding both WMD types and the various obligations contained in the resolution. The document also contributes to defining specific areas for each concerned party as to where national, regional or international efforts should be intensified.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“The year 2016 marked a significant stage in the fostering of the WMD non-proliferation regime. A possible use of weapons of mass destruction is a clear and ever-present danger to humankind. The risk of the world's most dangerous materials falling into the wrong hands, either intentionally or as a result of neglect or oversight, remains high. Thus, strengthening cooperation in preventing the proliferation of WMDs and their components, as well as building synergies among all stakeholders, including the relevant international, regional, subregional and non-governmental organizations, is an urgent task. In this light, the 1540 Committee should also continue to promote outreach activities, in conformity with the recommendations of the comprehensive review and the provisions of resolution 2325 (2016).”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“The first is the development of a national action plan for the implementation of the resolution. In this connection, we recall that according to paragraph 8 of resolution 1977 (2011), States Members of the United Nations are invited to develop national action plans that define their priorities in this direction. Other undertakings include the establishment of a national contact centre in Ukraine and of an inter-agency working group on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), as well as interaction between Government agencies and non-governmental organizations. Given the growing threats and challenges in the field of non-proliferation, the development of cooperation between the public and private sectors, including industrial and specialized research institutions, is of particular relevance.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“Ensuring the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) underpins my country's position in the field of non-proliferation. Given the objective need for continuous improvement in the process of the practical implementation of the provisions of the resolution, Ukraine maintains active discussions at the national level and in inter-agency meetings, with the participation of representatives from all relevant State bodies as well as the respective non-governmental organizations and community experts on the issue, so as to strengthen the coordination of all national institutions involved in the process. Our national implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) will be enhanced by the development of a road map that addresses in particular the following areas.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“We are pleased that these topics are duly reflected in the Committees' programmes of work and that CTED is doing its utmost to deliver expert support for the activities of the United Nations and Member States in these areas. Yet we have to admit that the effective implementation of the mandated tasks requires adequate capacity and resources. It is very encouraging that CTED has managed to share this increased workload with its research network, which started offby producing, on the heels of resolution 2341 (2017), a comprehensive trends report on the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. We therefore support the strengthening of CTED's capabilities and look forward to the review of the Directorate's mandate this December.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“The close cooperation between these expert groups also contributes greatly to the Secretary-General's periodic reports on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates worldwide. Let me briefly touch upon an issue of particular importance to the functioning of the respective Committees. The recently adopted resolutions of the Security Council, specifically 2309 (2016), on aviation security; 2322 (2016), on international judicial cooperation; 2341 (2017), on protecting critical infrastructure; and 2347 (2017), on protecting cultural property, have significantly expanded the mandate of the Counter- Terrorism Committee and CTED.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“We would therefore like to thank our three colleagues for having provided extensive information on the activities of the respective Committees and highly commend the efforts of the Chairs and the respective expert groups. In particular, we take positive note of the increase in the number of their country visits and other outreach activities aimed at facilitating the improvement of national counter-terrorism mechanisms, assisting in the identification of terrorist threats on the ground and assessing countries' needs in the area of technical assistance. Recent examples include the visits carried out to terrorist-vulnerable regions such as Afghanistan and the Lake Chad basin by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the 1267 Committee Monitoring Team.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“Close collaboration between the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) is essential to achieving the goal ofeffective international cooperation in the field of countering terrorism and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including through ensuring the comprehensive implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“I am also thankful to other colleagues around the table who spoke in support of my country. We believe that the existing situation is not a deadlock; protracted and active conflicts in Europe can be effectively resolved and potential tensions can be prevented from erupting. We also believe that the European Union, together with the United Nations, should not shy away from taking an even more proactive approach in conflict management and resolution in Europe. In conclusion, EU-United Nations cooperation has proved to be invaluable on numerous occasions, from the fight against terrorism to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in different parts of the world. Ukraine looks forward to that continued partnership, which will further effectively contribute to the promotion of international peace and security.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“In the case of the former Yugoslavia, success was reached due to the resolute stance of the international community and its coordinated efforts, including the United Nations and the EU. Furthermore, although not without delay, spoilers and instigators of the conflicts were removed from decision-making. In the territory of the former Soviet Union, the situation is different, if not opposite. Since the early 1990s, the Russian Federation has embraced the concept of an instability belt. It has effectively created controlled instability in many countries along Russia's border to keep them in Moscow's orbit, and, like in the case of Ukraine, to halt any integration with the EU. We are greatly thankful for the strong position of the European Union on the Russian aggression in Ukraine, which the High Representative has just confirmed.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“Secondly, the EU is directly or indirectly involved in conflict resolution in Europe, including around Ukraine, the Western Balkans, Moldova, Georgia and so on. It defends the European security order, which is firmly based on the principles of sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity of States, the inviolability of borders, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the free choice of countries in deciding their own future. Such EU efforts prove their effectiveness in the former Yugoslavia, where despite all ofthe suffering, numerous casualties and terrible atrocities, all conflicts are now by and large resolved. In the post-Soviet region to the contrary, none of the conflicts - I repeat, none - has been settled. Moreover, new conflicts erupt and new threats to regional peace appear. Why is that? The answer is rather simple.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“During that meeting, the majority of Council members expressed a common vision of the important role of the EU as an arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, in addressing current and emerging security challenges in Europe. In my view, that role is vital for the following reasons, inter alia. First, the contribution of the EU is essential in building the resilience of countries in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods by encouraging them in a reform process that brings long-term benefits and fosters stability in the region. The reviewed Euro- Mediterranean partnership and updated EU Global Security Strategy set up good frameworks for building upon our cooperation on security matters.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“In the light of events in Syria and Russian shameful vetoes on relevant resolutions, that call is as relevant as ever. The High Representative outlined a number of challenges and threats that affect the world and where cooperation between the United Nations and the EU is effectively maintained. We praise the EU contribution to conflict resolution in the Middle East and Africa, as well as its work to combat terrorism, violent extremism, climate change and so on. I would like to emphasize in particular the existing conflicts in Europe and the role of the EU in their management and resolution. During our presidency in February, Ukraine organized an open debate (see S/PV.7886) on that issue, and we are grateful to the European Union for its active participation and valuable input to the discussion.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“The strong engagement of the EU in conflict resolution processes and its participation in international political dialogue would definitely enhance the voice of partners struggling for peace, democratic values and their sovereign choice. We believe that a rules-based global order with multilateralism as its key principle and the United Nations at its core is a vital element in ensuring sustainable peace in the world. Ukraine also supports the initiatives mentioned in the Strategy on United Nations peacebuilding efforts, the implementation of the commitments on sustainable development and climate change, support of the Human Rights Council and others. We also support the Strategy's call upon members of the Security Council not to vote against credible draft resolutions on timely and decisive action to prevent or end mass atrocities.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“The European Union is a major political and economic player in the international arena and a contributor to the resolution of a number of conflicts and crises, far beyond its geographic neighbourhood, with Colombia as just one recent example. The EU is an active partner of the United Nations in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, non-proliferation, combating terrorism and many other issues. The European Union Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy, presented last year, reflects the main areas and priorities of EU-United Nations cooperation. Ukraine fully shares the overall vision of the Strategy, in particular responsibility, unity and an integrated approach to conflicts and crises.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“I congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also thank the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for participating in today's meeting and for her very important and clear-cut position statement. I would like to reiterate Ukraine's full support for the further development of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations on the basis of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Such cooperation is essential for delivering on the Council's mandate to maintain international peace and security. The role of the European Union (EU) in such cooperation is a special one.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“That cannot be achieved without giving full cooperation and assistance to the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General and MINURSO. Since Mr. Ross is with us today, this is a good moment to pay tribute to his dedicated efforts over the years. I want to stress that finding a just and lasting solution to the issue of Western Sahara can be achieved only through a genuine and comprehensive dialogue that can pave the way to making a settlement happen. There can be no more excuses for any delay in taking that path.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“Ukraine voted in favour of resolution 2351 (2017), which extends the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for another year. While we realize that the resolution does not address all the concerns of some Security Council members, we would like to thank the United States delegation, as its penholder, and other colleagues for their dedicated work on it. We see the document as an effort by the Council to revive the political process on the issue of Western Sahara. At the same time, it is also a call to the parties to rise to their shared responsibility for the future of the region and its people. From now on, we urge them to refrain from any actions that may undermine the ceasefire agreement. It is urgent that the political process be relaunched without preconditions and in good faith.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“The brutal violation of international obligations, including under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, by a permanent member of the Council that put its signature to the assurances of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, contravenes the whole United Nations- based security system created after the Second World War. The international community has a collective responsibility to restore respect for international law and to find lasting solutions to the most urgent threats to global peace and security. The North Korea issue is a test case for all of us today. Our success in resolving it may open ways to address other pressing problems on the world stage.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“As a country that voluntarily renounced its own nuclear arsenal and has strictly abided by its obligations related to the non-proliferation of nuclear materials, technologies and their means of delivery, we are convinced that a world without nuclear weapons should remain a real policy goal for all concerned parties and not a theoretical concept that is sneered at by some. If nuclear Powers are serious about nuclear non-proliferation and eventual disarmament, they could strengthen the global non-proliferation regime immensely by making nuclear disarmament a success story. Based on Ukraine's experience of confronting aggression from a nuclear State, this aspect is of particular importance to my country.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“In this regard, I need to underscore the following. Disrespect for international law and attempts to undermine or change the established world order are becoming more systematic nowadays. North Korean actions are a testament to this trend, but not the only one. The erosion of the existing system of international security, continuous breaches and unaddressed violations of international law pose a significant threat to all humankind. It is therefore the ultimate responsibility of the Security Council to spare no effort to restore respect for those norms, ensure the fulfillment of international commitments and obligations, and prevent further violations.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“We need to use every tool and avenue at the disposal of Council members to contribute to de-escalating the current highly volatile situation. Secondly, we fully recognize the necessity of further fostering neighbouring States' defence capabilities against this threat. In this regard, I wish to reiterate that Ukraine stands firmly by the side of Japan, the Republic of Korea and other countries that are facing the growing nuclear threat. Thirdly, it is high time to consider what we can do to prevent any nuclear threat in the future in any part of the globe. Are we able to assess the whole range of real challenges to the non-proliferation regime in order to avoid disaster in the future? The forthcoming review cycle of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons will be a suitable platform to that end.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“We must not allow Pyongyang to continue discrediting the role of the Security Council in the context of global non-proliferation efforts. What could be the ways to effectively curb the North Korean nuclear threat? You clearly outlined them, Sir, in your own statement. First, undoubtedly, unconditional and faithful compliance with the Security Council's resolutions is a key prerequisite to lowering the level of the threat in the region and to preventing new provocations. Yet, the Council may have to take additional, robust measures with a view to compelling the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to abandon its prohibited activities. That includies the development of nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and other types of weapons of mass destruction.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“It has been proven many times, most recently by the pictures of a military parade in Pyongyang, with a whole range of new weaponry that had never been seen before. We all know that the North Korean regime continues to build up its military arsenal at the expense of its own people. The impact of diverting resources has already produced a downward spiral in the steady deterioration of the quality of life for ordinary citizens. But does the regime care? Absolutely not. Ukraine's stance in this regard has been consistent. The Council should find ways to increase international pressure on the North Korean regime to respond to its reckless, unabated behaviour. We believe that only robust steps by the Council can put an end to the systematic and brutal violations of international law and eradicate the growing nuclear threat in South-East Asia.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“What we have seen is the alarming persistence, not to say ever-growing obsessiveness, of the North Korean leadership. As a result, the whole world faces the gloomy prospect ofa large-scale military confrontation, with unpredictable consequences. We all agree that the existing challenges related to the nuclear and missile ambitions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should be addressed collectively, decisively and without any further delay. Apparently, the existing sanctions regime is not effective enough to prevent the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from acquiring technologies, materials, equipment and financial resources for the further development of its nuclear and missile programmes. Sadly, we are witnessing a steady evolution of North Korean tricks to evade sanctions.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“North Korea's advancing nuclear and ballistic-missile programmes represent the most urgent nuclear-proliferation challenge of our time, and I therefore thank the United States presidency and you personally, Sir, for convening today's ministerial meeting on a very topical issue. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his useful update. Ukraine continues to condemn in the strongest terms Pyongyang's persistent illegal activities in its efforts to develop nuclear-missile capabilities, in gross violation of its international obligations. They have already seriously undermined the non-proliferation regime as a whole. Despite immense political and diplomatic efforts, the nuclear threat to the region is growing. Regrettably, we have seen no signs that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea intends to change its behaviour.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7932 (2017) · source
“Leaving Syrians without hope any longer will create a long-term terrorist safe heaven in the very heart of the region. The stakes are really high. There is no more time for lip service or subversive strategies. Serious and responsible political engagement in Geneva and immediate humanitarian relief efforts are long past due. The Council should finally react to the numerous desperate calls of Stephen O'Brien and his colleagues.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“In March alone, the United Nations received credible reports of 19 attacks against medical facilities. Such a reckless and deliberate strategy carries fundamental risks for the long-term stability not only of Syria and the Levant, but also of the entire Middle East and North Africa region. The six-year war keeps 1.75 million children out of school, with 7,000 schools completely destroyed and 85 per cent of Syrians living in poverty. As long as there is no progress on this and other humanitarian issues, we can rest assured that the Al-Assad regime is in no mood to seriously engage in political talks. Against that backdrop, there is still an active and aggressive recruitment campaign being carried out in Syria by Al-Qaida and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“The recent terrorist attack against evacuees who were being carried by buses from the besieged towns in Syria, which led to the death of more than 100 people, including children, is another terrible crime and a demonstration of shameless disregard for human life, which we have seen so many times throughout the conflict. We strongly condemn the continuing violence against the civilian population in Syria, which has suffered immensely during this brutal war. The situation in eastern Ghouta, where approximately 400,000 people are besieged in a number of towns and surrounding rural areas, is particularly worrisome. Of the 3 public hospitals and 17 health-care centres in eastern Ghouta, not one is functioning. Hitting medical facilities and schools is also part of the aforementioned deliberate tactics of the Al-Assad regime and his allies.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“The Council has stated time and again that the sieges must be lifted and that access must be granted and maintained in a sustainable manner. Yet, here we are with practically no progress to report. The reason is simple enough. Continuing the sieges is a deliberate tactic of the Al-Assad regime and his allies that supplements and feeds his military strategy. The essence of this tactic is starve or surrender. When people surrender, they put them on the bus and send them to Idlib, where they continue to bomb them again and again. We are dismayed by recent reports of Syrian or Russian air strikes on a hospital in a rebel-held Idlib province two days ago that killed more than a dozen people, including patients.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“I wish to thank the United States presidency for organizing today's meeting. Let me also join my colleagues and thank Stephen O'Brien for his briefing and his devoted position. Syria continues to suffer from a terrible six-year- long war which has left unhealing scars on the Syrian people and has presented an immense challenge to the entire world. It is clear from the Secretary-General's report (S/2017/339) and Stephen O'Brien's briefing that negative trends in the humanitarian domain are increasing. Though March was a somewhat better month in terms of United Nations humanitarian access, we need to bear in mind that progress is limited mostly to the hard-to-reach areas, while the besieged ones, where more than 600,000 people live, need assistance the most.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“As we have learned from the latest Secretary-General's report (S/2017/283), after the liberation of Sirte, many fighters ofthe Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant moved to the south, and some ofthem have formed sleeper cells. That underscores the urgency of establishing coordinated security policies on the ground and setting up unified security structures. We believe that Libya can overcome its current threats if it returns to the path of development. Development requires good partners. We welcome the fact that the Secretary-General is committed to engage. In that regard, we look forward to the results of a system-wide strategic assessment review that will examine the role and shape the priorities for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in both the short- term and the long-term.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“It cannot be achieved by creating alliances of convenience but must be done by working in good faith based on an inclusive transition process. It is important to ensure the coherence of all efforts in a Libya-led process under the auspices of the United Nations. Turning to security-related issues, my delegation strongly condemns the escalation of fighting in Sebha, the oil crescent, Jofra and other areas. The situation in Libya can have no military solution. We call on the parties to cease hostilities and join the negotiation process. Any delay in doing so will only result in greater suffering for the Libyan people. It is also worth noting that the volatile environment creates a fertile ground for the spread of terrorist activities.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“It requires getting the Presidency Council of the Government of National Accord, the House of Representatives and other Libyan actors engaged around a process that addresses the core issues that are obstacles to the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement. We consider the political dialogue to be a good platform for a genuine discussion of this kind. In that regard, the main task of the United Nations should be to make sure that it talks to all parties and that the parties talk to each other as well. The second and no less important point is ensuring the responsible engagement by those external actors capable of exercising influence to encourage the parties to sit around the negotiating table.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Kobler and Ambassador Skoog for their comprehensive briefings. It is disappointing that no substantive progress has been reached in Libya since our last meeting in February (see S/PV.7879). Despite many efforts, the situation has become even more unpredictable, and there is a visible danger that the situation in Libya, on all fronts, could deteriorate even further. However, we continue to believe there are ways to prevent that. How can we achieve that? First, we still believe firmly that the political deadlock in Libya must be resolved through compromise and finding a consensus solution.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Despite the voting results, I commend the efforts of those delegations that were involved in preparing the draft resolution, which sought a comprehensive and thorough investigation of that tragedy. We appreciate the fact that a firm stance in defending and restoring respect for justice and international law won the support of the majority of Council members, notwithstanding the attempts of some delegations to distort the facts.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source
“It failed again today as images of dying children lay in front of us, and at a time when the world expects the Security Council to act in the aftermath of a horrible crime. The vote was a test of the Council's credibility, and we did not pass. What we have just heard from the Russian delegation epitomizes that failure and is symbolic of the Council's inability to do the right thing, even in cases of the most outrageous international crimes. The Council's continued inability to address chemical attacks in Syria is leading to further impunity and sending a signal to perpetrators that they can get away with murder. We deeply regret that today the Council missed yet another chance to fulfil its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source
“Following the horrible chemical weapons attack in Idlib in Syria on 4 April, we have all had several opportunities to express our national positions on the matter. Today, Ukraine voted in favour of the draft resolution condemning that heinous crime and demanding its immediate and thorough investigation. Any use of chemical weapons is a flagrant violation of international law and a war crime. The Security Council should therefore act swiftly and resolutely in response to the continuous massive attacks, thus preventing further attempts to commit such abhorrent crimes, as well as eradicating the chemical threat in the region. That has not happened, and today I feel ashamed, because this body has failed to do its job.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7922 (2017) · source
“We are discouraged by the absence of real results from the Astana process and the ceasefire negotiated within its framework. One lesson to be learned from that bitter experience is that the proliferation of negotiating platforms does not necessarily bear fruit. It was a good try, but it did not work. It is now time to concentrate all efforts on the United Nations-led Geneva process and ensure that it works. We therefore look forward to the resumption of the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, hopefully, next month. It will already be high time for Damascus and its allies to demonstrate a change in mindset, intentions and attitude.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source
“Any progress on the political track will be unsustainable without clear adherence to the letter and spirit of the 2012 Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex) and resolution 2254 (2015), a transparent and strictly scheduled political transition, and the guidance of the United Nations. We believe that Russia has all the means at its disposal to influence Damascus and its allied militias to reconsider their militaristic approach, begin supporting political process and national reconciliation, and finally enter negotiations. For some reason, that influence has never been never employed to good ends. I remain convinced that, unless serious pressure is applied on Damascus and an accountability mechanism is established in Syria, we will not see any progress on the political track. The chemical weapons attack on 4 April is a grim reminder of that.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source
“The answer is obvious; it is the lack of political will, particularly from the Syrian regime, to negotiate in full faith on the core issues. The stalled political process may set in motion a vast number of alternative scenarios that nobody would like. It is only natural that every actor in Syria has a wish- list, yet Damascus and its allies need to understand that a my-way-or-no-way kind of approach - the "ultimate victory" attitude - will lead nowhere, prolong the crisis and feed the extremists. Damascus needs to understand one more thing - the international community has made it crystal-clear that the political solution is the only way out of the Syrian quagmire, and that the recipe for this solution has long been out there.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source
“Madam President, I thank you for convening this meeting in the open Chamber. Let me also thank Special Representative De Mistura for his dedicated efforts and diligent approach as the deep waters of the complex Syria political situation become ever harder to navigate. Today we are clearly at the low point with regard to the Syrian political situation. Following the latest two rounds of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, I believe that it is fair to say that, unfortunately, we have not seen the much-desired progress on either of the 3+1 baskets. Be it with respect to political transition, constitution, elections or counterterrorism, there is not much to be optimistic about. The only achievement so far is that we have managed to get two delegations to Geneva. Why?”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7921 (2017) · source
“On the other hand, we would like to underline the necessity of continued efforts of the United Nations, other multilateral agencies, international and regional partners and individual States Members of the United Nations in supporting the long-term security and development of Haiti.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source
“However, we should approach this decision with the necessary responsibility and a well-thought out strategy of transition in order to avoid the repetition of past failures and missteps. We consider it essential to continue the work of strengthening the Haitian police. The Secretary- General's recent report (S/2017/223) highlights the gains made over the years in developing the capacity of the HNP. At the same time, further consolidation of this achievement is vital. In that context, we welcome the position of the new Government on making the formation of a professional national defence force a top priority.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source