Yesterday, we learned from our Russian colleagues about a
proposed arrangement that Russia and Turkey had concluded to introduce a cessation of hostilities and restart intra-Syrian discussions. Their goals are laudable and we welcome all efforts to end the violence in Syria and strongly support a n…
Today’s adoption of a short-term extension of the processes and escrow accounts related to winding up the oil-for-food programme brings us a step closer to closing the book on that programme. The Government of Iraq and the United Nations requested this temporary extension to tie up a few outstanding…
The United States is pleased that Member States were able to reach consensus on the New Urban Agenda. We are pleased that the New Urban Agenda is an action-oriented document that sets global standards of achievement and sustainable urban development, rethinking the way we build, manage and live in c…
Let me begin with a quote,
“The United States will not support the use of any additional land for the purpose of settlements during the transitional period. Indeed, the immediate adoption of a settlements freeze by Israel, more than any other action, could create the confidence needed for wider par…
Liberia will soon mark 14 years of peace — the same period
of time as the devastating civil wars that inflicted immeasurable suffering on the country’s people, ravaged the country’s infrastructure and left a generation mired in poverty.
And yet, since that time so much that was destroyed has been …
This should not have been a contentions draft resolution (S/2016/1085). The United States proposed a draft resolution meant to show that the architects of mass atrocities and those who defy the demands of the Security Council day in and day would face consequences. We urged members of the Council to…
The United States strongly believes in encouraging a culture of peace through the promotion of justice, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as by rejecting violence and addressing the root causes of conflict. We are encouraged by consensus-based
efforts to promote tolerance, d…
I would like to begin by expressing our condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Andrey Karlov and all those affected by yesterday’s attacks.
We would like to thank the Secretary-General, the President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Rajoy Brey, Executive Director Fedotov, Special Repr…
Since we last met to discuss Afghanistan in September (see S/PV.7771), we have been encouraged by notable progress on a number of fronts. Perhaps most significantly, President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah are working together to strengthen the cohesion of the National Unity Government. The tra…
I thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for showing his deep dedication to the people of South Sudan by being here today and injecting his passion and compassion for the people of a country that he has visited many times.
I want to begin my remarks by apologizing to the Secretary-General, because I d…
I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and for his efforts throughout his tenure to secure peace and protect civilians in the Middle East and throughout the world.
With regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the trends are indeed discouraging, which is why it is so critical that we all…
As a sponsor of resolution 71/160, the United States strongly believes that sport and physical education contribute to the promotion of education, health, development and peace, as well as to the promotion of equal access to opportunities for physical education and physical activity for all, includi…
Last month, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng, warned the Security Council that there was a strong risk of violence escalating along ethnic lines, with a potential to spiral into genocide. Just this week, the head of a team of United Nations human rights investigator…
The United States appreciates the opportunity to address today the importance of health employment in meeting the global health challenges facing populations throughout the world, and the impact of health employment on economic growth. The United States plays a role, not only by employing millions o…
I would like to express our appreciation to Spain for holding today’s important debate on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and non-State actors. We welcome today’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2325 (2016), which we had the privilege to co-sponsor. We extend our particular …
We commend the Prosecutor and her Office for her deep dedication to the pursuit of justice for the victims of atrocity crimes in Darfur, even in the face of tremendous political and logistical challenges.
It is clear that the need for justice continues. In that regard, it is far too easy to miss th…
Here is what is happening right now in eastern Aleppo. Syrians trapped by the fighting are sending out their final appeals for help, or they are saying their goodbyes. A doctor named Mohammad Abu Rajab left a voice message:
“This is a final distress call to the world. Save the lives of these childr…
Today’s vote to renew the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) should be sending an unambiguous message to the Libyan people that their efforts in forging a path to peace and stability are undertaken with the broad support of the international community and that the tirele…
Before I begin, I would like to join the President of the General Assembly and others in thanking the Deputy Secretary- General for his truly remarkable service. We have every expectation that he will continue to carry the Charter of the United Nations in his pocket for the rest of time and continue…
I wish to thank all Council members that supported the holding of this meeting in order to address a grave crisis. I thank also Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson, whom we will miss, and assistant Secretary-General Gilmour for their appropriately bleak briefings.
This is the third time that the Coun…
