Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to join you today for the International Conference on the Question of Jerusalem. I thank the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP), supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, for this timely initiative.
The theme of this year’s Conference is particularly relevant, as the tragic events of this past May are still fresh in our memory. The surge in tensions and violence in occupied East Jerusalem since the beginning of Ramadan played a role in triggering the disastrous chain of events culminating in 11 days of deadly armed conflict. The Gaza escalation, the fourth since 2008, claimed many lives, including children, and left the Israeli and Palestinian populations deeply traumatized and even more distrustful of each other.
The imminent threat of evictions of Palestinian families in occupied East Jerusalem, from homes where they had been living for generations, heightened tensions. Protests, violent attacks, the response by the Israeli security forces, and clashes around the Al-Aqsa Mosque, escalated them to a dangerous level. Inflammatory rhetoric from both sides further fuelled conflict. I am especially concerned by the attempt to exploit the sensitive status of Jerusalem and to use it to justify a broader armed conflict.
I echo the call by the Secretary-General for Israel to cease house demolitions and evictions, and illegal settlement activities in the occupied territory, in line with its obligations under international law. All measures to change Jerusalem’s status and demographic composition are without legal validity and should be firmly rejected by the international community, in line with Security Council resolutions. Unilateral actions and provocations must cease.
The Gaza ceasefire is holding but remains fragile. The crisis is far from over. The launching from Gaza of incendiary balloons, causing fires in Israel, and the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes, risk renewed escalation. The provocative “flag march”, brought about more protests and violent clashes. The evictions, though put on hold for now, still threaten to heighten tensions.
I reiterate the call to all sides to uphold and respect the status quo of Jerusalem holy sites. Political and religious leaders should promote mutual respect and tolerance through their actions and statements. This recent period of tension witnessed many civil society initiatives in which Palestinian and Israelis worked together for calm. We should all amplify their voices against those spreading hate and inciting violence.
The postponement of the Palestinian election process has also impacted the situation, with significant implications for the future of the Palestinian national project. I echo the Secretary-General in commending the tireless efforts of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The recent fighting caused heavy damage to vital infrastructure in Gaza, triggering a humanitarian emergency and exacerbating an already fragile situation. I appeal to the international community to respond generously to the Gaza humanitarian appeal and to work with the United Nations in delivering humanitarian, reconstruction and recovery assistance. I join the appeals to Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials into Gaza.
I also urge Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza to refrain from attacks and provocations that would again destabilize the situation.
As the Special Coordinator told the Security Council, we must avoid short-term fixes and focus on how we can work toward resolving the deadlock in Gaza and the Palestinian divide. Sustaining ceasefires and improving arrangements on the ground are important elements of UN preventive diplomacy, which aims to create space for political action. But they cannot substitute a permanent status agreement, vital for sustainable peace.
The recent crisis has served as another reminder of the imperative to renew momentum towards peace. The Quartet has stepped up its activities to bring about a new path to revive negotiations. The Secretary-General has expressed hope that the normalization agreements signed between Israel and several Arab countries will create an opportunity for Israeli-Palestinian re-engagement. We will work tirelessly to translate those opportunities into tangible outcomes.
I urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders, supported by a revitalized Quartet, to recommit to a path of credible negotiations to address all the key outstanding permanent status issues. This is the only way to bring about the long-promised vision of two States, based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as their shared capital. In working toward this goal, it is essential to re-establish national unity and renew the legitimacy of Palestinian institutions.
The United Nations is committed to supporting Israelis and Palestinians in these endeavours.
Thank you for your attention.
Despite “significant progress” in the fight against terrorism, the UN counter-terrorism chief warned on Wednesday that amidst new and more diverse threats, COVID-19 has triggered increased activity throughout many countries.
Thank you, Mr. President for the opportunity to brief on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue is the outcome of 12 years of intense diplomatic effort and technical negotiations.
The Secretary-General has always regarded the JCPOA as the best way to ensure that the nuclear programme of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains exclusively peaceful. He therefore considers it and Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Plan, crucial to the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture, and regional and international security.
Since July 2015, the Secretary-General has consistently and repeatedly underscored the importance for the international community to preserve the JCPOA.
He has called for concerns regarding its implementation to be addressed constructively by its participants, and for issues outside the Plan to be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments.
Mr. President,
The context for the implementation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015) has improved considerably since this Council last met in December 2020 to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue.
As noted in the Secretary-General’s report, the United States, through its 18 February letter addressed to the President of the Security Council, withdrew previous letters sent to the Council in August and September 2020, respectively. This was a first and necessary step to heal a divided Council, and to pave the way for the Vienna talks.
The continued diplomatic efforts in Vienna offer a critical opportunity for both the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to return to the full and effective implementation of the Plan and of the resolution. This would be a welcome and crucial development.
It is therefore essential that all Member States promote a conducive environment and avoid any action that may have a negative impact on these ongoing diplomatic efforts, as well as on regional stability.
Likewise, all initiatives in support of trade and economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran remain important, especially given the current economic and health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, I echo the Secretary-General’s appeal to the United States to lift or waive its sanctions outlined in the Plan, extend the waivers with regard to the trade in oil with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to once again facilitate nuclear-related activities consistent with the Plan and the resolution.
These activities relate to non-proliferation projects, including at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Fordow Facility, and the Arak reactor. These are needed steps to facilitate the full implementation of the Plan and resolution 2231 (2015), as well as enable the Iranian people to secure the tangible benefits foreseen by the Plan.
Mr. President,
A return to the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA and the resolution is all the more important in light of the additional steps taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran to reduce its nuclear-related commitments under the Plan, following the withdrawal of the United States from the Plan.
The International Atomic Energy Agency informed the Council that Iran has installed new and advanced centrifuges and begun research and development activities for the production of uranium metal.
Iran has also enriched uranium up to 60% and has now an estimated total enriched uranium stockpile of 3,241 kg – further surpassing JCPOA stipulated limits in both cases. The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated that these measures, as previous measures taken since 1 July 2019, are reversible.
Further, as of 23 February 2021, Iran decided to suspend voluntary transparency measures envisaged by the JCPOA, including the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
However, in February the Agency and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran reached a temporary bilateral technical understanding, allowing the Agency to continue with its necessary monitoring and verification activities. This understanding expired on 24 June, and Iran has not indicated whether it intends to maintain the current arrangement.
Mr. President,
The Agency’s monitoring and verification activities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the uninterrupted collection and storage of data by its monitoring and surveillance equipment, are essential to help build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
I call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to resume the temporary technical understanding with the Agency without delay, to refrain from taking further steps to reduce its commitments, and to return to full implementation of the Plan.
Iran should also carefully consider the other concerns raised by participants in the Plan and by other Member States in relation to resolution 2231 (2015).
Mr. President,
I will now turn to the measures set out in annex B to the resolution, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s eleventh report on the implementation of resolution 2231.
First, on the nuclear-related provisions, we have not received any report on the supply, sale or transfer to Iran of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use items contrary to paragraph 2 of annex B.
The Security Council continued its consideration of requests for the supply, sale or transfer of nuclear and nuclear-related dual-use items to Iran through the procurement channel. One new proposal was submitted through the channel in the reporting period, bringing the total to 52 proposals received since 16 January 2016.
The Council has received eight notifications, submitted pursuant to paragraph 2 of annex B, for certain nuclear-related activities consistent with the Plan.
Second, regarding the ballistic missile-related provisions of the resolution, information was provided to the Secretary-General and the Security Council by France, Germany, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom concerning ballistic missile launches and a space launch vehicle test by Iran in January and February 2021.
The information provided reflects divergent views among those Member States as to whether those launches are inconsistent with the resolution.
Third, on the asset freeze provisions, the Secretariat did not receive any official information alleging action inconsistent with the asset freeze provisions.
Mr. President,
Let me conclude by stressing again the importance and value of the JCPOA to the international non-proliferation architecture, as well as for regional and international security.
In this defining moment, it is therefore critical for all parties, to seize this opportunity to put the JCPOA back on the right track as soon as possible.
In so doing, the JCPOA would, again, serve as a powerful example of successful multilateral diplomacy and as proof that even the most contentious issues can be effectively addressed through dialogue, understanding and reciprocity.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Her Excellency Ms Geraldine Byrne Nason, in her role as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and to assure her 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.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Read here the latest UNSOM Quarterly Newsletter.
Successful peacekeeping requires the “highest standards of conduct” by civilian and uniformed peacekeepers, the UN chief told a High-Level Meeting this week on Strengthening the Conduct of Peacekeeping Personnel.
With over 4.6 billion internet users around the world, digital advances continue to revolutionize human life, but “we must remain vigilant” in the face of malicious technologies that “could imperil the security of future generations”, the head of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (ODA) told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Rampant impunity for human rights violations in Mali is posing serious risks for the protection of civilians in the West African country, UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday.
UN humanitarians expressed concern on Tuesday at the uncertain situation in Ethiopia's conflict-ravaged Tigray region despite a ceasefire call from the Government, highlighting the ongoing famine-like conditions there and the potential for disease outbreaks.
Although the fight against terrorism has made important advances in thwarting attacks across the world, the UN chief said on Monday that threats continue to persist and diversify.
The disregard for children’s rights amid war and upheaval “is shocking and heartbreaking”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday during a high-level open debate in the Security Council, held virtually.
New York, 27 June 2021
As the world grapples unevenly with the effects of COVID-19, a parallel and equally horrific pandemic has threatened half the world’s population. In the early months of the pandemic, the United Nations projected that quarantines and lockdowns could lead to a shocking 15 million additional cases of gender-based violence every three months. Sadly, those predictions appear to be coming true....
Three employees of the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) agency have been killed by unknown attackers in the restive Tigray region of Ethiopia, drawing swift condemnation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres who said on Saturday he was “deeply shocked” by the murders.
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Progress towards resolving Syria’s decade-long war is unlikely, given the ‘gulf of mistrust’ among parties and complexity of conditions on the ground, the chief UN mediator for the country told the Security Council on Friday, as he urged delegates to unite around elements of resolution 2254 (2015) and called for a new international dialogue to achieve a breakthrough.
New York, 26 June 2021
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The imminent closure of the last cross-border aid lifeline to northwest Syria must be postponed beyond the 10 July deadline, UN humanitarians said on Friday, noting that no cross-line supplies had reached Idlib from Damascus, in 11 months.
Speaking in Nigeria, the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has emphasized the importance of prevention as “the only real, sustainable solution” to resolving the challenges thrown up by conflict.
New York, 25 June 2021
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The cessation of hostilities negotiated last month between Israel and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, remains “very fragile”, the UN envoy there told the Security Council on Thursday.
The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, appealed on Thursday for urgent resources to support thousands of people who have fled armed violence in two small towns in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) over the past two months.
Humanitarian convoys from Turkey that bring lifesaving aid into northwest Syria must continue, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday.
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Thank you, Minister Maas. First let me express appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany for hosting the Second Berlin Conference on Libya, and thank Germany for its leadership of the Berlin Process in support of the Libyan people. The United Nations is pleased to co-convene
We are very pleased that representatives of Libya, Prime Minister Dabeihba and Foreign Minister Mangoush joined us for this session and thank them for sharing their views on Libya’s transition and for their requests to the international community, which we will do our best to honor.
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Libya has made significant progress since the first Berlin conference in January 2020:
On the way forward, elections will be crucial. They respond to the overwhelming desire of the Libyan people to reinforce and consolidate the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya.
The United Nations is providing technical assistance to Libyan authorities on the conduct of these elections. It is critical to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in the elections as candidates and voters, as well as to enable the full participation of Internally Displaced Persons.
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Regarding the ceasefire agreement, the United Nations looks forward to deploying monitors in support of the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism.
It is critical to implement all provisions of the ceasefire agreement, including the departure of foreign forces and mercenaries, who are a scourge not only on Libya, but on the entire subregion.
Member States and regional organizations must apply and enforce the arms embargo on Libya and assist Libya in controlling and managing its borders.
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Further, we welcome the Presidency Council’s establishment of the High National Reconciliation Commission, especially its focus on community-level engagement with the rights of victims central to the process. These efforts are critical for sustainable peace.
The United Nations, together with the African Union, looks forward to supporting the implementation of a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned rights-based process on reconciliation and transitional justice.
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The level of participation in today’s meeting demonstrates the regional and international commitment to peace and stability in Libya.
I would like also to pay tribute to the work and the dedication of my colleagues in the UN Support Mission in Libya. Under the able leadership Special Envoy Jan Kubis, they have played an important role in getting us where we are today.
As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed in his message to the conference, the United Nations by the Libyan people in their efforts to achieve an inclusive, democratic society for all Libyans.
Thank you.
Full implementation of a historic ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of foreign forces are critical for consolidating peace in Libya, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday in remarks to a major international meeting aimed at shoring up the country after a decade of civil conflict.
New York, 23 June 2021
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New York, 23 June 2021
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With all the major indicators for Afghanistan’s security and development looking “negative or stagnant” as international troops withdraw, the threats that lie ahead cannot be overstated, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday.
