The Iran nuclear deal must “continue to work for all”, despite moves by both the United States and Iran which have destabilized the “hard-won” 2015 agreement, the UN Political Affairs chief told Security Council members on Wednesday.
The Iran nuclear deal must “continue to work for all”, despite moves by both the United States and Iran which have destabilized the “hard-won” 2015 agreement, the UN Political Affairs chief told Security Council members on Wednesday.
Mr. President,
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue, endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2231 (2015), is the result of 12 years of intense diplomatic efforts and technical negotiations. The Secretary-General regards the Plan, and the resolution, as hard-won achievements of successful multilateralism, nuclear non-proliferation, dialogue and diplomacy. He welcomes the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency which states that Iran continues to implement its nuclear-related commitments.
At the same time, the Secretary-General is concerned about recent developments. He regrets that the United States recently decided not to extend waivers with regard to trade in oil with Iran and not to fully renew waivers for non-proliferation projects in the framework of the JCPOA. These actions may impede the ability of Iran and other Member States to implement certain of its provisions.
The Secretary-General also regrets Iran’s announcement, on 8 May 2019, that it would not commit itself to respecting the JCPOA limits on its enriched uranium stockpile and heavy water reserves at the current stage, and that it would further suspend compliance with the uranium enrichment limits and measures to modernise the Arak reactor should the other participants not fulfil its demands, especially in areas of banking and oil, within 60 days. He further regrets the subsequent announcement, on 17 June 2019, that Iran may surpass on 27 June the limit on its enriched uranium stockpile set under the JCPOA. Such actions are not in the interests of the participants of the Plan and may not help preserve it. The Secretary-General encourages Iran to continue implementing all its nuclear-related commitments despite the considerable challenges it faces.
The Secretary-General welcomes the initiatives of the other participants, which should be given full effect as a matter of priority. It is essential that the Plan continues to work for all its participants, including by delivering tangible economic benefits to the Iranian people. Member States and other relevant actors should also work effectively with JPCOA participants towards the preservation of the Plan. At the same time, the Secretary-General encourages Iran to 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.
Mr. President,
Recent events in the Gulf are a reminder that we are at a critical juncture. The Secretary-General calls on all Member States to avoid actions that may result in a further deterioration of the current situation.
He urges all parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to address their differences; to exercise maximum restraint; and to deescalate current tensions to avoid the risk of miscalculation and accidents. In this regard, the Security Council has an important role to play. As stated by the Secretary-General in his briefing to the Council on 13 June, “if there is something the world cannot afford, it is a major confrontation in the Gulf region.”
Mr. President,
Let me now turn to the seventh report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231 (S/2019/492). As guided by the Security Council, and consistent with our previous reports, the one before you today is focused on annex B to the resolution.
First, on the implementation of the nuclear-related provisions, we have not received new reports on the supply, sale or transfer to Iran contrary to paragraph 2 of annex B. The procurement channel established for the transfer of nuclear-related items to Iran remains an important mechanism for transparency, and all States and the private sector are encouraged to fully utilize and support it. In this connection, the Secretary-General noted the 3 May announcement by the United States that involvement in certain activities set forth in paragraph 2 of annex B may now be exposed to its national sanctions. He points out that the exemption provisions in paragraph 2 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, on the ballistic missile-related provisions, the report reflects information provided to the Secretary-General and the Security Council by France, Germany, Iran, Israel, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. These Member States conveyed their views on Iran’s test-firing of a medium-range ballistic missile on 1 December 2018, flight tests of additional ballistic missiles between December 2018 and February 2019, and launches of space launch vehicles in January and February 2019. The information provided reflects divergent views among these Member States as to whether these launches are inconsistent with paragraph 3 of annex B which 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.
In addition, the report reflects our analysis of subcomponents retrieved from ballistic missiles launched at the territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by the Houthis between March and June 2018. We ascertained that those subcomponents were produced between 2000 and 2010, and some sold as recently as 2012. In our assessment, these production and sale date ranges are incompatible with the Scud missiles known to be in Yemeni stockpiles prior to the outbreak of the current conflict in early 2015.
Third, in terms of arms-related provisions, the report reflects information regarding individuals found guilty in the UK of exporting combat aircraft parts from the United States to Iran through companies located in various countries.
The Secretariat also examined a number of additional arms and related materiel recovered in Yemen. These included a second surface-to-air missile, wings for a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) with explosives. On the basis of design characteristics, markings, and types and manufacturers of specific subcomponents, the Secretariat is confident that these arms and related materiel, or parts thereof, are of Iranian manufacture. However, the Secretariat has no indications as to whether those items were transferred from Iran after 16 January 2016.
Further, the Secretariat examined samples of a shipment of small arms and light weapons seized by the United Arab Emirates in Aden in December 2018 and observed that part of the items had characteristics of Iranian manufacture. The Secretariat is still analysing the available information on this shipment and intends to report back to the Council accordingly.
The report also noted a televised speech of the political leader of Hamas (Yahya Sinwar) and a statement of the Al Quds Brigades spokesperson (Abu Hamza), in May 2019, which pointed to ongoing Iranian military support to Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Any Iranian arms transfers after 16 January 2016 would have been undertaken contrary to the provisions of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015). The report also highlights the continued participation of Iranian entities in foreign arms defence exhibitions.
Fourth, the report provides additional information on previous and new travels allegedly undertaken by the Commander of the IRGC Quds Force, Major General Qasem Soleimani. It also reflects information received by the Secretariat on an individual and several entities on the 2231 list that may have violated the assets freeze or travel ban measures. To facilitate the implementation of these measures, the Secretary-General recommends that the information related to individuals and entities on the 2231 list be updated by the Council.
Mr. President,
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve (Belgium) in his role as Facilitator for the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) and to assure him 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.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The peace dividend from last year’s ceasefire in South Sudan is palpable, but political elites need to follow the example set by local communities on the ground if lasting progress is to be achieved, said the top UN official in the country on Tuesday.
“Week after week, month after month, year after year”, the Security Council has been briefed on Syria’s humanitarian suffering, and on Tuesday, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator once again described “the latest horror facing civilians”, pleading for greater humanitarian access.
The Security Council on Monday approved a resolution to create a UN “Integrated Office” in Haiti, designed to support the country’s government in strengthening political stability and good governance. The Office, named BINUH, will replace the 15-year long peacekeeping mission, MINUJUSTH, on October 16.
The United Nations has long engaged in efforts to bring peace and stability to Sudan, which has been marked by decades of political instability and armed conflicts.
Following the independence of South Sudan in July 2011, the Secretary General appointed a Special Envoy for the Sudan and South Sudan to continue to play a good offices role on behalf of the Secretary-General to support the establishment and maintenance of good and peaceful neighbourly relations between Sudan and South Sudan. Since its establishment, the Special Envoy has worked closely together with and in support of the efforts by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) in assisting the parties to reach a negotiated settlement to residual Comprehensive Peace Agreement and post-secession issues.
A key step in this process has been the signing by Sudan and South Sudan on 27 September 2012 of nine cooperation framework agreements, including agreements on oil, security, nationals, post service benefits, trade, banking, border issues, and economic matters. Since the outbreak of violence in South Sudan in December 2013, the Special Envoy also supported efforts by the region to resolve the crisis in South Sudan, which led to the signing by the belligerent parties of the "Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan". Furthermore, under the leadership of the AUHIP, the Special Envoy has engaged Sudanese stakeholders in efforts to promote the holding of an inclusive and credible National Dialogue in Sudan, and has supported talks on a cessation of hostilities in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.
There is a need for “genuine regional dialogue” to address rising tensions in the Gulf, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations said on Monday, calling on Secretary-General António Guterres “to play a role” in bringing countries to the table.
The looting and destruction of UN food relief agency premises and property in Sudan, has prompted the UN-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and UN Country Team, to condemn the assault as a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law”.
Millions of children around the world are being denied a “safe place to learn”, due to ongoing conflicts according to the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
Thousands of suspected foreign ISIL terrorist fighters and their families who are being held in detention in Syria and Iraq, must be treated fairly by their captors and taken back by their home countries, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Monday.
The assassination of the chief of staff of the Ethiopian army and killing of a regional governor in what the Government has described as a regional coup attempt, has been condemned by the UN Secretary-General.
More than 80 per cent of schools in the English-speaking North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon are closed, as the security situation and living conditions continue to deteriorate due to the three-year conflict between the Government and armed groups, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, reported on Friday.
Cracking down on Catholic Church activities, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Orthodox and Christian congregation members in Eritrea, prompted a call from a UN independent rights expert on Friday for the Government to respect citizens' freedom of religion and to “release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs”.
This Week in DPPA aims to keep you abreast of developments and events on the agenda of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, at UN HQ and in the field, and especially those that sometimes "fly under the radar".
Security CouncilYemen envoy urges de-escalation The latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security was the backdrop for the briefing. The Secretary-General calls in the report for direct talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban and stresses that “the United Nations stands ready to assist with efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict.” Somalia, MauritiusASG Keita visits Somalia and Mauritius
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Central AfricaHuman rights workshop for Gabonese police |
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Acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure in Idlib are “deplorable”, the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis said on Friday, condemning them “in the strongest terms”.
Acts of violence against civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure in Idlib are “deplorable”, the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis said on Friday, condemning them “in the strongest terms”.
Although the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR), armed groups and civil society representatives are all taking part in the process that followed the signing of a deal signed in February, civilians continue to suffer daily acts of violence, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Thursday.
The Security Council on Thursday adopted its first-ever resolution calling on UN Member States and warring parties to protect persons with disabilities in conflict situations and to ensure they have access to justice, basic services and unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
Developments in the Middle East cannot be divorced from Israel’s military occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement-building, or Hamas’ hold over Gaza and its militant activity, a senior United Nations envoy told the Security Council on Thursday, warning that these actions “collectively erode the prospects of a two-State solution”.
The presidential election scheduled for 28 September will be a “key moment to reaffirm the legitimacy of Afghanistan’s democratic political structure”, the United Nations mission chief in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday.
The UN Security Council must “seize this moment” presented by the current turmoil in Sudan, to provide justice at long last for the victims of violence in Darfur, and those who have suffered at the hands of the brutal military crackdown earlier this month.
Sexual violence in conflict is a “threat to our collective security” and a “stain on our common humanity”, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, on Wednesday.
Unabating violence, destruction and a downward sprial in overall conditions for the desperate people trapped in north-western Syria’s Idlib were in the spotlight as the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator told the Security Council on Tuesday that “we are faced with a humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes”.
Mr. President,
Since I last briefed the Council a month ago, violence in Northwest Syria continues unabated as parties on the ground try to advance militarily.
Our unflagging efforts to mediate a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people cannot move forward in an environment of open conflict. Our efforts will stall if Russia and Turkey cannot uphold their ceasefire agreement. Our efforts will suffer if this Security Council, as well as the Astana Group and the Small Group—many of whom sit around this table today—cannot find a way to work together in common support of the Special Envoy’s efforts to implement resolution 2254.
The UN understands very well the positions of the guarantors of the Idlib Memorandum, an agreement which until a few months ago had delivered relative calm to the people of Idlib. For Russia, the presence of Security Council-designated Hayat Tahrir al Sham, or HTS, in the de-escalation area is not tolerable. For Turkey, time is required to effectively isolate and address HTS’s most hardline fighters.
As the Secretary-General said a few hours ago: “The situation in Idlib is especially dangerous” and “Yet again, civilians are paying a horrific price.”
Airstrikes continue; barrel bomb use and cluster munitions, exchanges of mortar and artillery fire are ongoing, resulting in civilian casualties and massive displacement. Population centers and civilian infrastructure including schools and medical facilities have been attacked, mostly inside the de-escalation area.
It is imperative that we address HTS without triggering the humanitarian catastrophe that we see unfolding before our eyes, with hundreds of thousands on the move, being pushed closer to Turkey’s border.
Mr. President,
Despite all this violence, the frontlines have hardly shifted, suggesting a stalemate. But if so, it is plainly turning out to be a bloody and quite pointless stalemate with devastating humanitarian consequences that far outstrip any damage done to HTS.
Undoubtedly, the situation in Idlib is complex. But, as we have repeatedly said, counter-terrorism cannot overtake obligations under international law to protect civilians and the obligation to strictly observe the principles of distinction and proportionality. The problem posed by HTS will need to be dealt with in a more effective and sustainable way, one where civilians do not pay the price. That can only begin with the restoration of calm.
The Secretary-General, the Special Envoy and I have been pressing for the need for a solution in Idlib in all of our engagements at all levels.
We welcome Russia and Turkey’s continued efforts to contain the violence, most recently in their working group meeting on 16-17 June. However, if a solution is not found, then the consequences will be unimaginable – and not just in humanitarian terms. Let us remember the international players involved and the potential for escalation.
Over the weekend, Turkey announced that one of its observation posts had been shelled by government forces “intentionally” and that it “retaliated” with heavy weapons. This was the second such incident in less than a week that impacted a Turkish observation post—defensive positions meant to maintain the lines agreed in the September Memorandum. Today, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem assured that Syria did not want to see an armed confrontation between its forces and Turkey. These close military exchanges underscore how Idlib is not just a humanitarian issue—it also poses a grave risk to regional security.
As we look to the upcoming G20 meeting where world leaders who can contain this conflict will be present, we stress the need for diplomacy to produce an outcome in Idlib that can create the necessary conditions for the political process to advance. We call on international stakeholders—in particular, the Russian Federation and Turkey, as guarantors of the September 2018 Memorandum of Understanding on Idlib—to exert the efforts needed to end the violence and restore calm. All that is required is the political will.
As the Secretary-General stated today “there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis. It was clear at the start and it remains clear more than eight years later: the solution is political.”
The Syrian people have paid a high price for the failures of the international community to end this war. More than half the population is displaced and in need, more than five million refugees are uncertain of when it will be safe to return, hundreds of thousands have paid with their lives, tens of thousands detained, missing, tortured. Are we really asking them to pay more? We must collectively work together to ensure the answer to that question is no.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This Tuesday, top stories include: the UN’s war on hate speech; a surge in ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the ‘invisible pandemic’ of antimicrobial resistance; UN peacekeeping Commanders’ meeting at the Security Council; and a new campaign to encourage healthy and sustainable food choices.
More than 300,000 people have been forced to flee resurgent inter-ethnic violence in north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) just this month, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday.
To start this week, we cover: food aid diversions in Yemen; 9.7 billion of people on earth by 2050; Law of the Sea Convention; World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought; triple suicide bombing in Nigeria; and a solar power plant for health care in Gaza.
To start this week, we cover: food aid diversions in Yemen; 9.7 billion of people on earth by 2050; Law of the Sea Convention; World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought; triple suicide bombing in Nigeria; and a solar power plant for health care in Gaza.
Food continues to be taken “from the mouths of hungry little boys and little girls” in many areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels, warned the head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday, who said the agency would be forced to suspend some food assistance within days, unless agreements are finally honoured.
