Welcoming the preliminary results for Afghanistan’s presidential election on Sunday, the head of the United Nations mission in the country urged the authorities and all actors to “protect the integrity of the final stage of the process.”
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
Qatar“We need to reimagine a new global order with justice and accountability at its core”Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo visited Qatar to attend the Doha Forum between 14 and 15 December. The Forum is a global platform for dialogue, bringing together leaders in policy to build innovative and action driven networks. During a panel titled, “The United Nations at 75: A Time for Renewal and Innovation”, she said the world needed to reimagine a new global order with justice and accountability at its core. While in Doha, Ms. DiCarlo also held bilateral talks, including with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. In a meeting with Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khare, she emphasized the UN’s support to the upcoming elections in the country. With Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Sharif, she discussed Iran’s HOPE initiative to reduce tensions in the Middle East. For more information, contact us
West Africa and the Sahel “shaken by unprecedented violence” |
|
Central AsiaAnnual meeting with Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asian states Capacity-building workshop and meeting of Central Asian water experts in Ashgabat UNRCCA convened a regional capacity-building workshop in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 17-18 December dedicated to water cooperation in the Central Asian region. The event was attended by the representatives of the ministries and state agencies of the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, international and partner organizations as well as international experts. Special Representative Natalia Gherman welcomed the participants and praised efforts made by Central Asian states in strengthening regional cooperation in the sphere of transboundary water management. She pointed out that water and environmental issues continued to be key factors in terms of full and sustainable economic and social development in the region of Central Asia and Afghanistan. Read more on UNRCCA’s website LibyaWomen activists trained on the integration of a gender perspective in the Universal Periodic Review SomaliaDelegations of AU, EU, IGAD and UN hold consultations with stakeholders in Kismayo and Garowe ColombiaFormer combatants and victims of the conflict join in song for reconciliationVictims of the armed conflict and former FARC, ELN, and AUC combatants sang together with the Medellin Philharmonic Orchestra on 17 December during a "Reconciliation Concert" organized by the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Explora Park, and the orchestra. "The fundamental objective of today's world is to obtain peace, and we know that the power of music is one of the tools for peacebuilding and reconciliation. I believe that citizens must support in-depth peacebuilding in Colombia", was the message of Karla Gabriela Samayoa Recari, Deputy Head of the UN Verification Mission. The artists were responding to a call from the Colombian Government through the Reintegration and Normalization Agency and the Victims’ Unit.
Decolonization Committee visits Montserrat
|
Subscribe to This Week in DPPA by clicking here: Sign Up Now
Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org
Our top stories for Friday include: Pope Francis receives the UN chief in Rome, Lesotho famine threat, concern for jailed Iranian protestors, and strengthened global action to prevent corruption.
Following a “thorough, independent and objective assessment”, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Friday that she plans to open a formal investigation into alleged war crimes in Palestine, but asked the Court for a further ruling over territorial jurisdiction.
The second session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, aiming to create a new post-war political road map for the country, failed to get off the ground due to lack of consensus over the agenda, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Friday.
Madame President
1. One year ago, many believed that the Syrian conflict was winding down. Yet the past 12
months have seen a steady stream of violence, punctuated by escalations, that continue to
this day, across many areas of Syria – such as the northwest, the northeast and the
south. Proscribed terrorist groups have also not been defeated and continue to pose a
major security threat. All of this serves as a constant, grim reminder that the need for a
comprehensive political process, as mandated by this Council in resolution 2254, is more
pressing than ever.
2. Today, let me start by updating you on one aspect of that process – the Constitutional
Committee.
3. On 25 November, the Small Body of the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned Constitutional
Committee convened for its second session. Before arriving in Geneva, I had asked each
Co-Chair to put forward proposals for an agenda for the second session, in line with the
Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure.
4. On 21 November, the Co-Chair designated by the opposition Syrian Negotiations
Commission, sent me a proposed workplan with 10 constitutional headings and an agenda
focusing on the preamble to the Constitution and basic principles of the Constitution. On
25 November, the Co-Chair designated by the Syrian Government, proposed an agenda
discussing “national pillars”, or national pillars of concern to the Syrian people.
5. At the same time, the Co-Chair designated by the Government insisted that constitutional
issues could not be discussed until these “national pillars” were discussed. For its part, the
SNC Co-Chair stated that “national pillars” could be discussed, provided this occurs
within the context of the agreed Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure or
within an agenda of basic constitutional principles.
6. From 25 through 29 November I sought, in line with my mandate, and consistent with the
Syrian leadership and ownership of the process, to facilitate consensus between the Co-
Chairs and bring their viewpoints closer together. We had serious discussions in this
regard. Different formulas were put forward that might have enabled both sides to table
and discuss the issues of interest to them within the scope of the Constitutional
Committee’s mandate. By the end of the week, however, it was clear that consensus
would not be reached and that a meeting of the Small Body was not possible.
7. During this recess, I remain focused on facilitating agreement on an agenda for the next
session of the Small Body. I hope that I will soon be able to consult with the Syrian
Government directly in Damascus to this end, as well as the Syrian Negotiations
Commission. My team also remains in contact with the “Middle Third” civil society
delegation and I stand ready to support them, along the lines I outlined in my last briefing.
8. I have also met with international stakeholders, on this and all other aspects of the
process. This past month, I met with the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Turkey, as well
as those of Italy, Jordan, Algeria, and senior officials from the US, France, Iran, and
Germany, who all expressed support for my mediation efforts.
9. I hope agreement can be reached promptly on an agenda that falls in line with the Terms
of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure of the Constitutional Committee. As things
stand and absent an agreed agenda, I see no reason to convene another session of the
Small Body.
Madame President,
10. When I last briefed this Council, we had just concluded a successful opening session of
the Constitutional Committee. This second session was obviously very different, in both
substance and tone. But disagreement on the agenda is typical for any political process.
11. I do, however, believe there are several lessons we can draw from the experience of the
second round.
12. First, the Constitutional Committee is and will remain fragile. Progress depends on the
two sides, whose agreement made its creation possible – the Syrian Government and the
Syrian Negotiations Commission – allowing their members to work professionally on the
constitutional issues, and without disassociating themselves from the work of those they
nominated. The Constitutional Committee needs to be nurtured, and genuinely supported
if it is to succeed. This is the responsibility of the Syrian parties. International
stakeholders, too, have a supporting role to play. I know I can count on the support of this
Council in that regard.
13. Second, any proposed agenda must comply with the Terms of Reference and Core Rules
of Procedure, agreed between the Government and opposition. This means that all issues
are open for discussion within the Committee - without preconditions, and without
making consideration of one issue dependent on resolution of another. And it also means
that issues should be framed and fall under a constitutional heading. The Constitutional
Committee is mandated by agreement to prepare and draft a constitutional reform as a
contribution to the political settlement. If the Constitutional Committee is to deliver on
this, it must focus on its constitutional mandate.
14. Third, the second round only underscores the need for a broader and comprehensive
political process. The Government and Opposition reaffirmed this when they agreed, in
the Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure, on the need for a ‘broader political
process moving forward to build trust and confidence and implement Security Council
resolution 2254 (2015).’ Indeed, I believe that, while a Constitutional Committee cannot
solve the crisis, it can help foster the trust and confidence between the parties, that can
open the door to a broader process– and, equally, such a broader process can feed
positively into the work on the constitutional issues.
Madame President,
15. I believe a meaningful, wider political process would be one that delivers tangible
actions, such as progress on the release of detainees/abductees and the clarification of the
fate of missing persons. It remains a matter of great frustration for me that there has not
been meaningful movement on this issue. My Deputy and I will continue engaging with
the Syrian parties directly as well as with other relevant actors. We also remain
committed to actively contribute to the efforts of the Working Group that was set up to
deal with this issue. In this context, I met with senior officials from Russia, Turkey and
Iran in Nur-Sultan last week and, along with discussion on other issues, I stressed the
need to move beyond the “one-for-one” exchanges, and to see releases, at a meaningful
scale, of children, women and the sick.
16. De-escalating violence and a nationwide ceasefire should underpin a wider political
process. Northwest Syria has seen a deeply troubling escalation of violence in recent
days. ASG Muller briefed this Council in detail yesterday on the terrible suffering of
civilians there. The devastating humanitarian cost of a full-scale military offensive for the
3 million people living in northwest Syria is a price we simply cannot afford to pay. All
sides must de-escalate urgently. Civilians also continue to suffer in northeast Syria, where
the security situation remains volatile, even if it is calmer relative to the days and weeks
after Turkey first launched its intervention. It is crucial that the various ceasefire
understandings negotiated between actors there are respected and lead to a sustained deescalation
in violence. The security situation in southern Syria also remains turbulent and
should be addressed.
17. Countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups is imperative too – through an
approach that is cooperative, that ensures the protection of civilians, respects international
humanitarian and human rights law.
18. And as always, while the security situation is the most devastating threat, Syrians also
face increasing economic hardship, including as a result of commodity shortages and
entrenched poverty. A broader process must ultimately address this too.
19. A broader process should respect and ultimately restore Syria’s sovereignty, unity,
territorial integrity and independence.
20. Such a process should achieve a long-lasting, real and genuine reconciliation.
Madame President,
21. A broader process must also be inclusive. We continue to consult with the Syrian
Women’s Advisory Board on the concerns and priorities of diverse Syrian women and
their perspectives on a sustainable and inclusive political solution.
22. Syrian civil society should be fully included in any broader process.
23. Ultimately, the process should help develop a safe, calm and neutral environment - an
environment that sees safe, voluntary and dignified refugee returns, to their places of
origin or of their choosing; an environment in which a new Constitution, adopted by
popular approval, can be genuinely reflected in institutions and in practice; an
environment in which inclusive, free and fair elections can take place, which include the
diaspora and which are administered under the supervision of the United Nations in line
with resolution 2254.
24. Many of these issues touch upon constitution-making and some could be discussed under
a constitutional rubric. But a constitution-making process itself is not likely to resolve
them in a way that meets the urgent and legitimate concerns of the Syrian people. I
remain convinced that a “steps for steps” model could help unlock practical progress –
steps that build trust and confidence among Syrians, and between Syrians and the
international community, undertaken in a reciprocal fashion.
25. I continue to press on this in all of my engagements, with the Syrian parties and
international stakeholders. I continue to offer my good offices in this regard. And I
continue to support the convening of a new international format, to bring together the will
of the key players.
Madame President,
26. This is my last briefing of my first year as Special Envoy. When I first briefed you, I said
my priorities were a sustained dialogue with the Syrian Government and the opposition,
the launch of the Constitutional Committee as a door opener, a wider dialogue with civil
society, action on detainees, abductees and missing, and international discussions in
support of a political solution.
27. These remain my priorities. But it is time now to update them. The Committee is
launched – but needs to work expeditiously and continuously, producing results and
continued progress. I appreciate my open and direct dialogue with both Syrian parties –
but if we are to take it to the next level, we need to address the full array of issues. We
must enable de-escalation leading towards a nationwide ceasefire, as well as a
cooperative, lawful approach to countering proscribed terrorist groups. As part of this
dialogue, we must generate concrete action on detainees, abductees and missing persons.
I think all of this could take shape for the benefit of all Syrians, like through a “steps for
steps” approach. And I think a key part of this is for international discussions to deepen
and for a new international format to take shape, to underpin the process. We know that
none of this will be easy, and I will continue to count on the full engagement of the
Syrian parties and the full support of this Council.
Thank you, Madame President.
In the midst of “turbulent and trying times”, all the world’s people must stand together in peace and harmony, the UN Secretary-General said on Friday. António Guterres was speaking following an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, who he thanked for his strong support for the global Organization.
Both Iran and the United States have been putting strain on the groundbreaking 2015 deal to monitor Iran’s nuclear programme, which remains a “cornerstone of international peace and security”, said the UN’s political affairs chief on Thursday.
The head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT) has highlighted the importance of tolerance in combating the “corrosive spread” of violent extremism.
Thank you, Madame President, for convening today’s meeting on non-proliferation, which remains a cornerstone of international peace and security and a top priority for the international community.
In this regard, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue, and resolution 2231 (2015), are crucial to nuclear non-proliferation as well as regional and international security. We are encouraged by the broad international support for the Plan and the resolution. Their full and effective implementation is key to ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and to secure tangible economic benefit to the Iranian people.
We therefore regret the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA in May 2018 and the recent steps taken by Iran to reduce its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan.
Certain actions taken by the United States, since its withdrawal from the Plan, are contrary to the goals of the Plan. The re-imposition of its national sanctions lifted under the Plan, as well as its decision not to extend waivers for the trade in oil with Iran and certain non-proliferation projects, may also impede the ability of Iran and other Member States to implement the Plan and 2231.
Since July, under IAEA monitoring, Iran has surpassed JCPOA-stipulated limits on its uranium enrichment level, as well as limits on its stockpiles of heavy water and low-enriched uranium. It has taken steps related to centrifuge research and development, and commenced injecting uranium hexafluoride gas into the centrifuges at the Fordow facility. Iran has stated that all these steps are reversible and that it intends to remain in the Plan. It is important that Iran returns to full implementation of the Plan, and refrain from further steps to reduce its commitments.
We welcome the initiatives of the other participants of the JCPOA, which should be given full effect as a matter of priority. In this regard, the recent decisions by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway to also join the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) are positive developments.
These actions can contribute to the goals of facilitating legitimate business with Iran and the preservation of the Plan. The Secretary-General encourages Member States and others to work with JCPOA participants to achieve these important goals.
At the same time, Iran should carefully consider and address the concerns expressed by Member States about its activities in relation to the restrictive measures contained in annex B to the resolution.
Excellencies,
Over the course of this year, tensions in the region have worryingly escalated. We witnessed attacks against oil tankers, strikes against a civilian airport, and a highly sophisticated and synchronized attack against oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. Combined with acrimonious rhetoric, these developments have dangerously brought the region closer to a serious confrontation. Such an eventuality would be devastating and must be prevented at all cost. The Secretary-General continues to call on Member States to exercise maximum restraint and prevent further escalation amid heightened tensions.
Madam President,
I will now turn to the measures contained in annex B to the resolution, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s eighth report on the implementation of resolution 2231 and subsequent information obtained during the reporting period.
First, on the implementation of the nuclear-related provisions, we have not received new reports on the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use items contrary to paragraph 2 of annex B. It is vital that the procurement channel works effectively and efficiently to promote increased international engagement with Iran. All Member States and the private sector are encouraged to fully utilize and support this channel.
In this connection, we recall the 3 May 2018 announcement by the United States that involvement in certain nuclear-related activities set forth in paragraph 2 of annex B may be exposed to its national sanctions. We also note the announcement by the United States that effective 15 December 2019 it “will terminate the sanctions waiver related to the nuclear facility at Fordow”.
Exemption provisions in resolution 2231 allow for the transfer of such items, materials, equipment, goods and technology required for the nuclear activities of Iran under the Plan, subject to the relevant notification requirements.
Second, several Member States have provided divergent views on Iran’s test-firing of ballistic missiles in the reporting period, as well as a reportedly failed launch of a space-launch vehicle in August. Paragraph 3 of annex B calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology.
France, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States viewed the missiles reportedly launched by Iran to be category I systems under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and are therefore designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons. By contrast, Iran and the Russian Federation stressed the lack of any reference to the MTCR regime in paragraph 3 of annex B. They further stated that Iran’s ballistic missile activities were not inconsistent with paragraph 3, as these missiles were not designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
Related to ballistic missiles activities, the Secretariat also received information from the United States that several shipments of HTPB (hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene) – a substance that can be used in solid missile fuel – were transferred to Iran in July and August 2017. We are examining this information and will update the Council accordingly.
Third, regarding arms-related restrictions, the Secretariat confirmed that 23 optical sights for RPG-7-type rocket propelled grenade launchers, part of a larger consignment seized in Aden (in December 2018), were delivered to end-users in Iran in 2016. This suggests that these optical sights may have been transferred from Iran to Yemen after 16 January 2016, which would be inconsistent with Iran’s obligations under resolution 2231. We had already indicated in our last report that the grenade launchers found in that seizure had characteristics similar to the Iranian-produced RPG-7-type launchers, such as markings and heat shields.
Further on the arms restrictive measures, the Secretariat – at the invitation of Saudi authorities – examined the debris of the weapons systems used in the 14 May attack on the oil facility in Afif, the 12 June and 10 August attacks on the Abha International Airport and the 14 September attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais.
Though the Houthis claimed responsibility for the 14 September attacks on Abqaiq and Khurais, their announcements on the number and type of weapons systems used do not correspond to the information that we have seen. The Houthis claimed that the attacks involved 10 UAVs.
However, the number of impact points observed by the Secretariat shows that the attacks involved a larger number, and different types, of weapons systems – which is consistent with the information provided by Saudi authorities. According to them, the attacks involved at least 18 UAVs, and 7 cruise missiles. In addition, since the publication of the report, United States has shared additional information with us regarding the debris of one of the UAVs, which indicated that this UAV traversed a location about 200km northwest of Abqaiq shortly before the strike.
At this time, we are unable to independently corroborate that the cruise missiles, or the recovered components we inspected, are of Iranian origin. I would like to stress, however, that this is our preliminary finding. We are still very much in the process of reviewing components and subcomponents recovered, as well as collecting and analysing additional information on these cruise missiles.
For example, we have recently received confirmation that some of the cruise missile components were, in fact, not made by the identified manufacturers but could have been copies. The Secretary-General intends to report back to the Security Council on our further findings.
Regarding the UAVs, the Houthis in Yemen are not known to be in possession of the specific delta wing type UAVs used in these attacks. The UAVs were found to be equipped with a type of vertical gyroscope that had been observed on an Iranian UAV reportedly recovered in Afghanistan in 2016. Parts of the UAVs were also produced and transferred between Member States, after 16 January 2016, and as recently as 2018.
Based on our preliminary assessment, the Secretariat is unable to independently corroborate that the UAVs, or the recovered components we examined, are of Iranian origin. As with the cruise missiles, the Secretariat is still actively reviewing components and subcomponents recovered, as well as collecting and analysing additional information on these UAVs. The Secretary-General intends to report back on our further findings.
In addition, I would like to bring to your attention arms-related information that had become available since the publication of the Secretary-General’s report. At the invitation of the United States, the Secretariat travelled to examine arms and related materiel, alleged to be of Iranian origin, which the US seized in international waters off the coast of Yemen, on 25 November 2019. The seized items included anti-tank guided missiles, surface to air missiles, as well as parts of cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles. The anti-tank guided missiles that we saw had production dates as recent as 2018. Their container-launch units also had characteristics consistent with the Iranian-produced Dehlavieh anti-tank guided missile; we had made a similar observation of other ATGM container-launch units seized in Yemen in our sixth report to the Council. The Secretariat is still reviewing the information and will report back to the Council with additional details.
Finally, we were informed of additional travel allegedly untaken by the Commander of the Al-Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Major General Qasem Soleimani, to Iraq in October 2019. We also were informed of alleged cooperation between a Member State’s academic institution with an entity on the 2231 list, as well as several ongoing cooperation agreements in the construction sector between foreign entities and other entities on the list.
The Secretariat has requested clarification from relevant Member States and will report back to the Council.
Madam President,
The Secretary-General considers the full implementation of 2231 by all Member States as an integral component of our collective conflict prevention efforts. This has assumed greater importance in the context of current tensions in the Gulf. The Secretary-General, therefore, calls on Member States to avoid confrontational actions and explore avenues for dialogue and cooperation in the interest of international peace and security.
Let me conclude by acknowledging the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve in his role as the Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 and to assure him once again of our full support. I would also like to thank the Coordinator of the Procurement Working Group of the Joint Commission for our continued cooperation.
The humanitarian situation facing civilians in many parts of Syria is “worse than when the year began”, the UN deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Thursday.
Obstacles to any lasting deal between Israel and Palestine continue to mount, the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told Security Council members on Wednesday, and only “concrete action” towards a two-State solution will change that dynamic.
Shifting balances of power are triggering “new and dangerous risks”, the UN chief told the Italian Senate in Rome on Wednesday, pointing to the need for more coordinated international responses, focused on solutions.
Extending the deadline for the establishment of a unity government in South Sudan has helped maintain a ceasefire but also disillusioned many citizens, the Security Council heard on Tuesday.
An average of nine children have been killed or maimed every day in Afghanistan so far this year, according to a new report from the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, which describes the country as “the world’s most lethal warzone”.
The search for peace will remain of “paramount importance” to Afghanistan as the country awaits the outcome of the recent presidential election, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Monday.
The UN envoy for West Africa and the vast Sahel region, told the Security Council on Monday that in recent months, the region has been “shaken by unprecedented violence”.
Our top stories for Friday include an exclusive UN News interview with Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths; India’s new “discriminatory” citizenship law; a milestone smallpox eradication anniversary; helicopters deployed in DR Congo Ebola fight; Mediterranean migrant latest, and Chile’s deadly protests: UN report finds clear pattern of repression.
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
UkraineUN political chief visits Ukraine
Security CouncilUN Secretary-General urges DPRK and US to resume talks
EgyptAswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa SomaliaDelegations of AU, EU, IGAD and UN hold consultations with stakeholders in Baidoa and Jowhar The delegation continued to Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle state, on 11 December. Noting the country’s goals for 2020 are achievable with the strong collaboration among all stakeholders, the delegation encouraged “all Somali leaders, institutions and communities to engage in dialogue to agree a way forward, and to cooperate to realize the priorities for the year ahead.”
AfghanistanBalkh leaders call for stronger measures to protect children in armed conflict
|
|
Central AsiaTurkmenistan creates national strategy on prevention of violent extremism and countering terrorism
LebanonInternational Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon meets in Paris Northeast AsiaExpert consultations on Women, Peace and Security in Beijing
ColombiaWomen share their experiences in “building memory”
National social dialogue and forum to defend social leaders in Cartagena city
|
Subscribe to This Week in DPPA by clicking here: Sign Up Now
Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen an increase in the number of reported cases of the deadly haemorrhagic virus Ebola linked to ongoing violence by armed groups targeting remote communities, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
When warring parties in Yemen met in a renovated castle outside the Swedish capital last December for UN-brokered talks, they showed that perhaps there could be a way out of brutal conflict and the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, the UN Special Envoy for the country said this week.
Escalating violence and insecurity in Mali have sparked an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, rendering 3.9 million people in need of assistance and protection – an increase of 700,000 since the beginning of the year, the UN said on Thursday.
Madam President,
Members of the Security Council,
There have been troubling developments related to the nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programmes of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea – DPRK – in recent months.
The first relates to the resumed missile testing by the DPRK.
The launch of two missiles on 28 November marked the thirteenth time the DPRK has launched ballistic missiles or other projectiles this year.
More recently, on 7 December, the DPRK announced what it referred to as an important test at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground situated on the west coast, that would help to change the “strategic position of the DPRK once again in the near future”. Some experts believe that the word “strategic” refers to the DPRK’s nuclear weapons capability. Analysts have reported signs of a rocket engine test at the site having been conducted within the past few days.
The DPRK through its state media has announced the test of various new missile systems this year, including systems it has referred to as multiple-launch rocket systems as well as a new land-based short-range ballistic missile and a submarine-launched ballistic missile.
As is well known, Security Council resolutions, most recently resolution 2397 of 22 December 2017, prohibit the DPRK from, inter alia, conducting any further launches that use ballistic missile technology. Furthermore, according to the information available to the United Nations, the DPRK did not issue any airspace or maritime safety notifications.
The second development relates to the DPRK’s ongoing suspension of diplomatic engagements. The DPRK has yet to resume working-level talks with the United States; inter-Korean contacts have stalled; and the DPRK is forgoing some international engagements.
The third development relates to the DPRK’s warning of a “new path”.
The DPRK has set a new policy that it will not discuss denuclearization unless the United States’ so-called “hostile policy” is removed; it has set a year-end deadline for the United States to come up with a “bold” proposal agreeable to Pyongyang; and has warned that it would otherwise take a “new path”.
While it is unclear what the “new path” may entail, the DPRK Foreign Ministry stated on 30 November that we may see what a “real ballistic missile is in the not distant future”. In terms of timing, the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea will hold a plenary meeting in “the latter half” of December, to “discuss and decide on crucial issues in line with the needs of the development of the Korean revolution and the changed situation at home and abroad”. Previous sessions of the Central Committee have seen the ruling party prepare for major announcements.
The Secretary-General is very concerned by the latest developments on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK’s reference to launching ballistic missiles and its threat of potentially taking a so-called “new path” in the coming weeks is deeply troubling. The Secretary-General is reiterating his call on the DPRK leadership to comply fully with its international obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions, resume working-level talks with the United States, and work for peace and stability.
On 15 December 2017, the Secretary-General described the situation on the Korean Peninsula as the most tense and dangerous peace and security issue in the world. Significant progress was made in 2018 towards building trust, reducing the risk of war and opening channels of communication. The summits involving the leaders of the DPRK and the Republic of Korea and United States respectively gave rise to hope that it is possible to build an atmosphere conducive to advancing sustainable peace and complete and verifiable denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
Today, however, and as mentioned, talks between the DPRK and the United States, as well as between the two Koreas, have stalled.
The Secretary-General calls on the parties to continue what they have started. It will require perseverance, political courage and painstaking diplomacy. He urges the DPRK and the United States to resume talks. Diplomacy can continue to reduce tensions that could otherwise set events on an unpredictable trajectory.
The Secretary-General calls for the international community to support the parties in their endeavours and to ensure the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The unity of the Security Council remains essential for achieving the goal of complete and verifiable denuclearization and creates the space for diplomatic initiatives to that end.
I would like to close, Madam President, by noting that a breakdown in diplomacy will not help the human rights or humanitarian situation in the DPRK.
Meeting the population’s basic needs of food, access to essential health services as well as to clean water and adequate sanitation, are a humanitarian imperative but also a basic human right.
While the primary responsibility to meet these needs lies with the DPRK Government, as is the case for any government toward its people, the United Nations Secretariat has consistently stressed the humanitarian imperative to provide humanitarian assistance when the basic needs of the population are not being met.
International humanitarian operations in the DPRK remain critical for over 10 million people – or around 40 per cent of the population. The United Nations Secretariat recalls that the measures imposed by the Security Council are not intended to negatively affect or restrict food aid and humanitarian assistance that is not prohibited by relevant Security Council resolutions. The United Nations Secretariat is encouraged by the Security Council 1718 Sanctions Committee’s adoption of Implementation Assistance Notice Number 7 in August 2018, which provides guidelines for obtaining exemptions necessary to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the DPRK, as well as the improvements in rates and timeliness of exemption approvals.
Addressing the humanitarian needs in the DPRK requires an integrated response – for example, addressing water, sanitation and hygiene to also improve health and nutrition - to be effective and to save lives and prevent more suffering. I urge all Member States to fund life-saving humanitarian operations in the DPRK. Some USD 120 million are required to address the critical humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable 3.8 million people in 2019. A gap of USD 87 million remains.
Thank you, Madam President.
Recent developments concerning North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes are “deeply troubling”, the UN’s Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific said on Wednesday, briefed the Security Council.
