On the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons marked on Saturday, the UN chief has underscored the need to “reverse course and return to a common path to nuclear disarmament”.
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
The Work of PeaceNew virtual exhibit launchedOn the International Day of Peace on 21 September, DPPA launched a new mini-website/virtual exhibit entitled The Work of Peace. The website highlights the work of the UN in preventive diplomacy, good offices, mediation and elections over the past 75 years, and looks ahead at what the future may hold for this work. The virtual exhibit aims to bring to life the enduring ability of the UN to innovate, adapt and evolve while staying true to the core principles and values of the Charter and the laws and standards forged by its membership over the last three quarters of a century. In that time, the UN has become ever more inclusive and representative, always striving to reflect the full diversity of our world, as evident through the organization’s work in decolonization, which gave a seat at the table to previously disenfranchised parts of the world; progress on the women, peace and security agenda, which aims to ensure that women have their rightful place in making and building peace; youth, peace and security; and efforts to engage civil society and marginalized groups, including through the use of technology and innovative methods. Check out the exhibit here Security CouncilDiCarlo reiterates full UN support for Sudan's transition
AfghanistanPeace official joined by youth and women from provinces around Kabul to discuss Doha negotiations The future we want is peace, equality and opportunities for all
Asia-PacificYoung peacebuilders share their experiences and what YPS means to them
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Iraq“Islamic Day to Counter the Violence against Women” Meeting with the Prime Minister of Iraq Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert on 19 September was received in Baghdad by Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. They discussed cooperation on early elections as well as the file of the internally displaced persons.
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Contact DPPA at dppa@un.org
New York, 26 September 2020
Almost 75 years since the adoption of the first General Assembly resolution in 1946 committed the United Nations to the goal of nuclear disarmament, our world continues to live in the shadow of nuclear catastrophe.
Relationships between States possessing nuclear weapons are characterized by division, distrust and an absence of dialogue. As they...
Political developments in Sudan continue to move along a positive trajectory, while planning for a UN mission to assist the transitional government is progressing, the UN Security Council heard on Friday.
Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Sudan and on the planning for our new mission in Sudan - UNITAMS.
Mister President,
When I addressed the Council on Sudan in April, I highlighted that COVID-19 was compounding the political, economic and security difficulties the country was facing. This broad assessment remains valid. Nonetheless, there have been positive developments in recent weeks. There have also been new challenges.
As the Secretary-General highlights in his report, Sudan’s political transition continues to move in the right direction. In recent weeks, important legislative reforms were adopted to improve fundamental rights. Interim civilian governors were appointed in all 18 states, including two women. These are very welcome developments.
The most significant political development, however, was the initialing, on 31 August in Juba, of the peace agreement between the transitional Government of Sudan, the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) alliance and the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA-)-Minni Minnawi faction.
The parties agreed on a transitional period of 39 months, effective from the date of signing, which is scheduled for 3 October. Furthermore, Prime Minister Hamdok and the Abdelaziz al-Hilu faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) signed “The Agreement on Principles” in Addis Ababa on 3 September.
All participating parties should be commended for having persevered with the peace process amid the range of other pressures brought on by the pandemic. Those who are absent from the ongoing peace efforts in the country should be encouraged to engage in dialogue and negotiations with the transitional authorities. It’s not too late.
As we embrace the recent progress in the peace process, we are also mindful of the significant work ahead. The various accords and respective peace agreements on regional issues must be molded into a single, coherent framework. Additionally, the parties and the Government must form a joint vision on the way forward and to uphold their respective commitments.
At a time when all governments face major economic constraints, it will be important to set realistic expectations of what can be provided to finance peace dividends. Participants in the Berlin Partnership Conference were generous in their support to Sudan’s transition but signaled that one impact of COVID-19 could be reduced donor capacity.
The United Nations, in partnership with the African Union, will offer support, as requested by the parties and within its capacity and mandate, to the implementation of these and future peace agreements.
Mister President,
On 10 September, the transitional Government of Sudan declared an economic state of emergency after a collapse in the Sudanese pound. This announcement followed months of soaring inflation, a spiraling exchange rate and continuing shortages of basic commodities.
Frustration with the state of the economy is growing, as evidenced by the re-emergence of protests across the country. Meanwhile, outstanding issues regarding economic management of the crisis leads at times to tensions between different components of the Government.
Despite these immense challenges, the Government has been able to make progress in undertaking difficult economic reforms. These changes, such as the removal of subsidies on fuel, form part of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a Staff Monitored Programme, one of the steps necessary to move Sudan closer to debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative.
The financial assistance donors pledged at the Berlin Partnership Conference in June will help to offset some of the economic hardships Sudanese households are experiencing. The contributions will support the implementation of the World Bank-designed, but nationally led, social impact mitigation initiative, known as the “Family Support Programme”. The pilot for the initiative was launched with assistance from the World Food Programme this month.
I call on all donors to make good on their pledges and release funds into the Family Support Programme as soon as possible. I also call on international partners to address impediments that prevent Sudan’s full integration into the international economic community. In this regard, I am encouraged by the recent indications of progress on delisting Sudan from the United States State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
Mister President,
Since the start of the rainy season in July, Sudan has faced its worst flooding in decades, with over 800,000 people affected, of which more 100 perished. Between June and September, the projected number of food insecure people rose to 9.6 million, due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated ongoing inflation and price increases for food and other goods. Humanitarian organizations are working closely with the Government to respond, but further resources are required to meet the growing needs.
Mister President,
The planning for the establishment of the new United Nations mission in Sudan - UNITAMS - is progressing. Following the lifting of travel restrictions, the work of the planning team shifted in July from Headquarters to Sudan. I thank the Government of Sudan for providing high level of cooperation and support to the team.
The proposed structure and geographical deployment of the mission is outlined in the Secretary-General’s report. The design of the mission is intended to enable a new and innovative way of working, fostering maximum cooperation and integration among various UN entities.
The planning team of UNITAMS is working closely with UNAMID to maximize the impact of the two missions and ensure that lessons learned are shared and that UNAMID’s experience in Sudan is taking into account by the new Mission.
The mission start-up team for UNITAMS will deploy to Sudan next month to begin implementing the four strategic objectives mandated by the Security Council: assist the political transition; support peace processes; assist peacebuilding, civilian protection and rule of law; and support the mobilization of economic, development and humanitarian assistance. We will fulfill these objectives with full respect of the principles of national ownership and will work in partnership with the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese people.
Gender issues are mainstreamed throughout the mandate of the mission, which will have dedicated gender expertise, including at the senior level, to implement our commitments to advance gender equality and the women, peace and security agenda.
We know the significant role that women and civil society played in Sudan’s transition and their voices must be heard in shaping Sudan’s future. During a visit to Sudan last February I met with many representatives of women’s groups and of civil society, who are eager to play a constructive role.
Our planning team, including Special Advisor Haysom, have engaged both groups over the last few months as part of their efforts to design a mission that meets the needs of all Sudanese.
Regarding protection of civilians, we recognize the existing challenges. As requested by the Council, UNITAMS will support the transitional government in implementing its National Plan for Civilian Protection to establish a secure and stable environment in the conflict-affected areas. This will include contributing to the training and capacity building of the Sudanese police on protection of civilians. The mission will also work closely with the UN Country Team and civil society organizations on protection and monitoring.
Mister President,
We are conscious of the significant challenges before Sudan in fully realizing the objectives of its historic transition. The solutions to these long-standing difficulties remain with the Sudanese, and UNITAMS is being configured to accompany them in their efforts. We attach the highest priority to Sudan and to the speedy deployment of UNITAMS, including the appointment of a Special Representative. Mr. President, we look forward to working closely with the Security Council in this important endeavor. Thank you
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
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REMARKS TO HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE ON CLIMATE AMBITION
24 September 2020
The world has a high fever and is burning up.
Climate...
The UN Secretary-General on Thursday made an unequivocal case for strengthening multilateralism and building trust among the countries of the world in the face of the devastating coronavirus pandemic, which has exposed gaps on multiple fronts.
New York, 24 September 2020
The theme of this year’s World Maritime Day – sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet – has gained extraordinary resonance as shipping has continued to transport more than 80 per cent of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for the COVID-19 response and recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic...
President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan told the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that his country was moving into the next five years “with a clear plan for progressing the values of the UN”, which are enshrined in its own constitution.
New York, 24 September 2020
Fifteen years ago at the World Summit, at a pivotal moment in our common pursuit of peace, leaders from every region unanimously adopted the responsibility to protect. Unable to prevent the horrific experiences of the previous decade, the world accepted the collective responsibility to do far more to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against...
Joint Statement of the International Support Group for Lebanon
23 September 2020
1. A ministerial meeting of the members of the International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon co-chaired by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and H.E. Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, was held on 23 September 2020. Statements...
New York, 23 September 2020
On the International Day of Sign Languages this year, we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic that has disrupted and upended lives everywhere, including the lives of the deaf community.
It has been encouraging to see some countries providing public health announcements and information on COVID-19 with national sign language...
The President of the Republic of Korea has signaled his country’s support to developing nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes ensuring they have equitable access to any vaccines against the deadly new coronavirus.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have prevented world leaders coming to New York to address the General Assembly in person, but the president of the world body stressed on Tuesday that the need for deliberation, is “higher than ever”.
In his centerpiece address to the historic and unprecedented 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday appealed for global solidarity to overcome the COVID-19, and again call for a global ceasefire during the pandemic, by the end of the year.
New York, 22 September 2020
Mr. President, Excellencies,
In a world turned upside down, this General Assembly Hall is among the strangest sights of all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our annual meeting beyond recognition.
But it has made it more important than ever.
In January, I addressed the General Assembly and identified “four horsemen” in our midst —...
Nuclear activities in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) “remain a cause for serious concern”, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in Vienna on Monday.
Even amid the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, people everywhere must continue to make peace a priority, the UN Secretary-General said on Monday.
New York, 21 September 2020
The International Day of Peace is devoted to urging warring parties everywhere to lay down their weapons and work for harmony.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, this call is more important than ever. That is why I appealed for a global ceasefire in March.
Our world faces a common enemy: a deadly...
September 21, 2020
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN’s worldwide consultation reveals a strong call for action on inequalities and climate change, as well as more solidarity
In January 2020, the United Nations launched the global consultation to mark its 75th anniversary. Through surveys and dialogues, it asked people about their hopes and fears for...
New York, 21 September 2020
The ideals of the United Nations – peace, justice, equality and dignity — are beacons to a better world.
But the Organization we celebrate today emerged only after immense suffering.
It took two world wars, millions of deaths and the horrors of the Holocaust for world leaders to commit to international cooperation and the rule of law.
That...
The International Support Group (ISG) for Lebanon takes note of the designation on 31 August of Mr. Mustapha Adib as Prime Minister and the public affirmation by the Lebanese political forces for the swift formation of a mission-based government. Lebanese leaders must act to address Lebanon’s many needs. The ISG therefore urges all Lebanese leaders to act decisively, in a spirit of responsibility and in prioritizing Lebanon’s national interest, and swiftly form an effective and...
Ambassadors, senior UN officials, representatives of global sports organizations, and managers of some of the world’s top athletes met virtually on Friday to underline the role that sport can play in combating violent extremism and radicalization.
While deep distrust persists among warring parties in Syria, a “faint but real ray of hope” emerged with the convening in Geneva of the Constitutional Committee after a nine-month hiatus, the top UN envoy helping chart a path out of the near decade-long conflict, told the Security Council on Friday.
This Week in DPPA is a brief roundup of political and peacebuilding events and developments at UNHQ and around the world.
COVID-19Afghanistan - Reducing violence is crucial in coping with the humanitarian crisis For up-to-date information on COVID-19 and its impact, please visit:
Security CouncilGriffiths highlights vital role of civil society in Yemen
PeacebuildingGroup of Friends meeting
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ColombiaDiCarlo: Killings and threats against social leaders, former combatants, women, and young people are a threat to peaceOn 16 September, in an event convened by Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez to take stock of the implementation of the Peace Agreement two years into his government, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo acknowledged the progress made four years after the signing of the Peace Agreement. However, she stressed that "we remain deeply concerned about the insecurity affecting the lives of too many Colombians in conflict-affected areas of the country, notwithstanding the overall reduction in violence brought about by the peace process. The killings and threats against social leaders, former combatants, women, and young people are a threat to peace." The Special Representative for Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, also a participant, emphasized that the Agreement is the result of a consensus built between the conflicting parties on the transformations the country needs, and expressed that this common vision "has been translated into a willingness and commitment to work towards the consolidation of peace." Also participating in the event were the former President of the Spanish Government Felipe González and former Uruguayan President José Mujica; Eamon Gilmore, European Union Special Representative for Human Rights and European Union Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia; Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, and government officials responsible for implementing the Peace Agreement. Read DiCarlo´s remarks here Read Ruiz Massieu´s remarks here
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New York City, September 18, 2020 — As the United Nations marks its 75th anniversary, Shared_Studios and the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) are launching a virtual dialogue series to highlight the knowledge, experience and visions for the future of communities on the frontlines of conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts. The series, featuring voices from Afghanistan, Bolivia, Iraq, Rwanda and Uganda, will explore a range of themes related to peace, including the role of technology in advancing peace initiatives; art in local peacemaking and conflict prevention; and how pop culture can shape the norms of peace. The conversations among these international participants will focus on community-based efforts to sustain peace and explore how interdisciplinary approaches can help spark dialogue, build social cohesion and resolve conflict. Talking Peace serves as a complementary and innovative public engagement experience to DPPA’s exhibit The Work of Peace, which is celebrating the UN’s work in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding in its first 75 years.
“Over the past six years, Shared Studios has created meaningful human connections between people separated by distance and difference. We are excited to use our learnings to engage with communities under DPPA’s global mandate of preventing and resolving conflict around the world to bring their stories to the fore,” said Shared_Studios co-founder and Talking Peace Creative Director, Michelle Moghtader. “Talking Peace provides an opportunity for the peacebuilding community to listen and learn from the experiences of community leaders, artists and changemakers around the world, while also providing them space to exchange and learn from one another.”
DPPA is proud to partner with Shared_Studios to provide creative and innovative groups in Afghanistan, Bolivia, Iraq, Rwanda and Uganda on the forefront of peacebuilding initiatives, a novel and engaging platform to share local realities of conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding. “DPPA’s work can only succeed when it is inclusive, enjoys legitimacy and the broadest support possible. The Talking Peace conversation series is one approach to learning from experiences on the ground, in this case, through the power of curated conversations using technology as an enabler,” highlights Rosemary A. DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
On the occasion of International Peace Day on 21 September 2020, the series will start with a conversation among artists from all five countries exploring the intersection of art and peace. The series will run through December, culminating in a (virtual) tentpole event around the future of peace.
For more information and to keep up with conversations added weekly, please visit www.talkingpeace.events.
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About Shared_Studios:
Shared_Studios takes you outside your world, bringing you face-to-face with people you might otherwise never get the chance to know. Shared_Studios designs transformative conversations that help people thrive in an interconnected world. We bring global communities together for in-person and virtual conversations that open minds, build unlikely bonds and inspire action.
SharedStudios.com | Facebook /SharedStudios | Instagram/Twitter @SharedStudios
About UN DPPA:
The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) plays a central role in United Nations efforts to prevent deadly conflict and build sustainable peace around the world. DPPA monitors and assesses global political developments with an eye to detecting potential crises and devising effective responses. The Department provides support to the Secretary-General and his envoys in their peace initiatives, as well as to UN political missions around the world. DPPA is also an agile platform for crisis response, capable, with the assent of countries concerned, of rapidly deploying mediators and other peacemaking expertise worldwide and cooperating closely with regional organizations on the frontlines of conflicts.
Dppa.un.org | Twitter @UNDPPA and @DicarloRosemary | Politically Speaking Online Magazine | Medium | Futuring Peace
Shared_Studios Press Contact:
Nicole Fleck
1-202-657-7776
michelle@sharedstudios.com
The Belarus Government should end “violent crackdowns” and “increasing repression” against protesters who are still contesting the result of last month's Presidential elections, UN deputy rights chief Nada Al Nashif told the Human Rights Council on Friday.
Security Council Briefing on Syria, Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen
Thank you Mr. President (Ambassador Abdou Abarry, Niger),
I begin today’s briefing recalling – as I did last month -- the deep suffering of the Syrian people, who in this almost full decade of conflict have experienced death, injury, displacement, destruction, detention, torture, terror, indignities, instability, de- development and destitution on a massive scale – and who have seen the country they love devastated – and who are now grappling with COVID-19 and economic collapse. Syrians, both those inside the country, and the millions of refugees outside, desperately need this suffering to be eased and to see a path out of this conflict.
Against these hard realities, and the deep distrust among the Syrian parties, a faint but real ray of hope shone from Geneva when, in the last week of August, we were able to convene, after a nine-month hiatus, a Third Session of the Small Body of the Syrian Constitutional Committee.
The discussions within the Committee were mostly substantive and on the agreed agenda. The Co-Chairs told me that they sensed that some common ground was emerging on some subjects. There were practical suggestions from members on how to identify such common ground and how the discussion could move forward. I was very pleased with this.
This said, there were very real differences on substance even at the quite general level of the discussions. And the Co-Chairs were not, as I had hoped, able to agree while in Geneva on an agenda for the next session. We need a proposed agenda if the Committee is to meet.
I worked hard in Geneva and since to assist the Co-Chairs to agree. These discussions are continuing on a compromise proposal. Given the realities of organizing meetings, we need to finalize the agenda without further delay if we are to meet in early October as we had hoped.
Beyond agreeing an agenda in line with the Terms of Reference and Core Rules of Procedure, it is important to remind ourselves of other features of this document. It provides that:
I am continuing to urge that the Constitutional Committee proceeds in line with these already agreed Terms of Reference. If we can finalize an agenda and move forward in this way, I remain hopeful that we can deepen this process with a Fourth Session soon – and a Fifth and a Sixth in the coming months – as the COVID-19 situation allows.
Here let me pause to thank the Swiss Federal and Geneva Cantonal authorities, and the United Nations Office at Geneva and its medical services, and indeed the Committee members themselves, for their support in ensuring a COVID-safe Third Session, something that will be a continuing priority for future sessions too.
Yesterday, I invited the members of the Middle 50 of the Large Body of the Constitutional Committee to a briefing on the work to date and to hear views and suggestions on the process, and we will of course be following up on those discussions.
Let me also note that during the Third Session, I had the opportunity to consult the members of the Women’s Advisory Board. They provided useful ideas that showed their keen belief in the possibility to find commonalities, and that safeguard the rights of Syrian women. They, like all Syrians, wish to see concrete progress. In their view, this must happen in parallel to tangible improvements in the lives of Syrians who have urgent economic and humanitarian needs, as well as security and health concerns. This is also a constant message echoed by a broad range of civil society actors with whom we engage. Both the WAB and our Civil Society Support Room will remain active in the coming period on all aspects of the political process envisaged in resolution 2254.
Mr. President,
The COVID-19 pandemic is emerging as a major challenge for the Syrian people, who are acutely vulnerable after 10 years of conflict. As Under-Secretary-General Lowcock told you two days ago: reports from inside Syria continue to point to a much broader spread of COVID-19 than the number of confirmed cases conveys. In some areas, existing healthcare facilities have faced challenges in absorbing all suspected cases – particularly as healthcare workers, already in short supply, are themselves struck with the virus. Syrian refugees, both inside and outside camps, remain at great risk as well.
The pandemic will only add to humanitarian needs, which remain acute. Many Syrians face food insecurity, poverty and deprivation, particularly in the face of unprecedented economic collapse and socio-economic strain. To give just one indicator: food prices remain at the highest level ever recorded – monitoring by the World Food Programme shows the price of a standard reference food basket increasedby over 250 per cent on last year. Some Syrians even struggled to access water. In the northeast, the supply from the Alouk water station was cut once again in August, before resuming following the constructive intervention of several member states.
I appeal once again for your support in securing both the necessary resources and humanitarian access for all those in need of relief, in accordance with international humanitarian law. And it remains imperative that any sanctions or measures that can undermine the capacity of the country to ensure access to food, essential health supplies and COVID-19 medical support are waived.
Mr President,
I continue to appeal for large-scale and unilateral releases of detainees and abductees – especially of women, children, the elderly and the sick – and for more meaningful actions on missing persons. I pressed this issue with the Astana guarantors when we met in Geneva. I note their stated intention to resume the meetings of the Working Group on this issue at the earliest opportunity – but I also note the deep dismay that lack of movement on this issue causes among Syrians of all backgrounds, and internationally as well. I will continue to press this issue with the Syrian parties, including in any forthcoming engagements.
Mr. President,
Syria remains a highly internationalized environment, with five foreign armies active in the theatre, and Syria’s sovereignty compromised. Militarily, however, existing arrangements continue to sustain broad calm across Syria, relative to the intense violence of recent years. Indeed, the frontlines have barely shifted for half a year – the longest in the Syrian conflict – and a basic military status quo seems to be emerging.
However, while Syria is calmer than before, worrying incidents continue that could destabilize that calm:
There has also been continued worrying ISIL activity in the desert, and we saw an attack on a pipeline in areas where ISIL is active, which resulted in a nationwide electricity cut in late August.
Mr President,
I appeal to all relevant actors to contain these violent and de-stabilising incidents, build on the relative calm that exists, and, as resolution 2254 calls for, establish a nationwide ceasefire to protect civilians, maintain international peace and security, and support a political process. And we must, as 2254 says, counter the threat of internationally-proscribed terrorist groups active in some parts of Syria through a cooperative approach that is in line with international humanitarian law.
Mr. President,
As we seek to consolidate calm, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to build a more meaningful political process.
The realities on the ground remind us that only by focusing on a political settlement can we meet the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and restore Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. A political process is also plainly vital if Syria’s socio-economic challenges are to be addressed, and if conditions are to emerge in which millions of refugees would be able to return in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.
And it is clear that no one actor or group of actors – Syrian or international – can determine the outcome of this conflict. In this regard, I believe there is a growing acknowledgement among many key actors that there truly is no military solution, and that the only way forward is a negotiation and a political settlement, however difficult that may be.
That is why I believe there is a common desire from all sides to get beyond a complete stalemate and see some movement. And there is a readiness for steps to beget steps, for goodwill to beget goodwill, and for us to move slowly but steadily along a 2254-path out of this conflict, supported by mutual and reciprocal measures.
In this regard, I have received strong support from key players for the UN efforts to facilitate the Constitutional Committee – a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned process that can act as a door opener.
Beyond the Constitutional Committee, it is too early to say whether the increasingly shared assessments of the realities will turn into common diplomatic pathways for the implementation of resolution 2254. But the potential may be slowly emerging, and I will seek to nurture and support this.
I appreciated the recent presence in Geneva of senior representatives of Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran for consultations on the margins of the Constitutional Committee. I have remained in close contact with them since, and with other European and Arab interlocutors, and this continues.
I particularly appreciated the opportunity to visit Moscow recently for substantive and wide-ranging discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Defence Minister Shoigu, in advance of Foreign Minister Lavrov joining a high-level visit to Syria last week.
I encourage Russia and the United States to advance their dialogue and for them and other key players, including the Astana Guarantors and those who meet in the Small Group, and indeed the members of this Council, to work with me toward our common goal in Syria: a political settlement in line with resolution 2254.
Mr. President,
The immediate priority is for the Co-Chairs to agree an agenda so that we can resume the Constitutional Committee soon, and for the Committee to proceed in accordance with its Terms of Reference. Meanwhile, we must continue to work to bring about positive and mutually reinforcing steps among Syrian and international players and a wider political process in line with resolution 2254. With relative calm on the ground, and with the urgent need to alleviate the Syrian people’s suffering, now is the time to press ahead.
Thank you, Mr. President.
