Security Council statement on Lebanon / Chatah assassination

Security Council - Press statement

Terrorist attack on Lebanon

        The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the terrorist attack on December 27, 2013 in the city center of Beirut, which killed former Lebanese Minister M. Mohammed Chatah along with at least four other people, and caused numerous injuries, including among civilians. 

  

        The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims and expressed their sympathy to all those injured in this heinous act and to the people and Government of Lebanon. 

  

        The members of the Security Council reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of any attempt to destabilize Lebanon through political assassinations and demanded an immediate end to the use of intimidation and violence against political figures. 

  

        The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. 

  

        The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and all obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. 

  

        The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

  

        Recalling the Presidential Statement of July 10, 2013, the members of the Security Council appealed to all Lebanese people to preserve national unity in the face of attempts to undermine the country’s stability and stressed the importance for all Lebanese parties to respect Lebanon’s policy of disassociation and to refrain from any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Baabda Declaration. 

New York, 27 December 2013

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Security Council resolution 2132 on South Sudan

​United States of America: draft resolution

​The Security Council,

​Expressing grave alarm and concern regarding the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan resulting from the political dispute and subsequent violence caused by the country’s political leaders,

​Recalling its 17 December and 20 December 2013 press statements, and previous resolutions1996 (2011), 2046 (2012), 2057 (2012), and 2109 (2013), and acknowledging the 23 December 2013 letter from the Secretary-General (S/2013/758),

​Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan,

​Condemning the fighting and targeted violence against civilians and specific ethnic and other communities occurring across the country that have resulted in hundreds of deaths and casualties and tens of thousands of internally displaced persons,

​Further condemning reported human rights violations and abuses by all parties, including armed groups and national security forces, and emphasizing that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be held accountable,

​Welcoming the strengthening of the human rights investigation capacity of United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) with the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,

​Commending the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Ministerial Group’s initiative, as supported by the United Nations and African Union, in seeking to open the dialogue and mediate between key leaders, and urging all parties to cooperate with this initiative,

​Commending the active steps taken by UNMISS to implement its mandate and give refuge in its premises and other forms of assistance to the civilians caught in the fighting,

​Condemning in the strongest terms attacks on and threats made to UNMISS personnel and United Nations facilities, demanding that all parties respect the inviolability of United Nations premises and to refrain from any violence against those gathered at United Nations facilities, and in this regard reiterating its condemnation of the attack on the UNMISS camp in Akobo, on 19 December, which resulted in the death of two Indian peacekeepers and the wounding of another, as well as at least 20 other casualties of individuals seeking UNMISS protection,

​Determining that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region,

​Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

​1.​Calls for an immediate cessation of  hostilities and the immediate opening of a dialogue;

​2.​Demands that all parties cooperate fully with UNMISS as it implements its mandate, in particular the protection of civilians, and stresses that efforts to undermine UNMISS’ ability to implement its mandate and attacks on United Nations personnel will not be tolerated;

​3.​Endorses the recommendation made by the Secretary-General to temporarily increase the overall force levels of UNMISS to support its protection of civilians and provision of humanitarian assistance;

​4.​Decides, therefore, that given the urgent circumstances of the situation, UNMISS will consist of a military component of up to 12,500 troops of all ranks and of a police component, including appropriate Formed Police Units, of up to 1,323, requests that the Secretary-General keep the new levels of troops and police in UNMISS under continuous review, and requests that the Secretary-General report to the Council within 15 days on the steps taken to implement this resolution, and at least every 30 days thereafter;

​5.​Authorizes the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to facilitate inter-mission cooperation and, if needed and subject to further Council consideration, complementary force and asset generation, and authorizes, in order to reach the new levels of troops and police within the overall troop ceiling set out in paragraph 4 on a temporary basis, appropriate transfer of troops, force enablers, and multipliers from other missions, in particular MONUSCO, UNAMID, UNISFA, UNOCI and UNMIL, subject to the agreement of the troop-contributing countries and without prejudice to the performance of the mandates of these United Nations missions;

​6.​Urges the concerned Member States to facilitate the deployment and redeployment to and from UNMISS, and encourages all Member States to respond to United Nations efforts to mobilize troops and resources;

​7.​Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.  

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Ban's letter to Security Council on UNMISS's reinforcement

Civilians fleeing fighting and seeking refuge are pictured outside a compound of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in Bor. 18 December 2013

23 December 2013

Dear Mr. President,

I have the honour to refer to Security Council resolution 1996 (2011) establishing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in Which the Council, inter alia, authorized me to take the necessary steps to ensure inter—mission cooperation, as appropriate and subject to the conditions stated therein.

As you are aware, and as stated in my press briefings of 19 and 23 December 2013, and in our briefings to the Security Council on 17 and 20 December 2013, I am deeply concerned about the growing violence in many parts of South Sudan, human rights abuses and killings fuelled by ethnic tensions. The displacement of civilians is growing and spreading. Efforts to facilitate a political solution to the crisis are ongoing but have yet to gain traction.

UNMISS is doing everything it can, within its means and in a very fluid situation, to protect civilians, as well as United Nations and international personnel on the ground. In light of the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan, I have taken steps to urgently strengthen the protection capabilities of UNMISS.

Accordingly, in light of the urgent priority requirements of UNMISS for the protection of civilians and the protection of United Nations personnel and assets, 1 have decided to pursue, through inter-mission cooperation, the

. following transfers to UNMISS from other missions, in particular

MONUSCO, UNAMID, UNISFA, ONUCI and UNMIL: five infantry battalions, three attack helicopters, three utility helicopters, one C130 military transport aircraft and other enablers (5,500 all strengths), and three Formed Police Units totaling 423 personnel.

The human rights investigation capacity of UNMISS is being urgently strengthened With the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Secretariat is in the process of obtaining the consent of the troop- and police-contributing countries concerned and is coordinating closely With the peacekeeping operations concerned to ensure that the timing and duration of this proposed temporary re-deployment does not prejudice the implementation of their respective mandates.

I would be grateful if the Security Council would approve the transfer of the relevant personnel and assets to UNMISS On an urgent basis in order to help ensure the protection of civilians and the protection of United Nations personnel and assets.

Given the extraordinary time constraints placed upon the Secretariat, the assistance of Member States, including Council Members, is requested for air and other transportation to ensure the timely deployment of United Nations personnel. With regard to potential financial implications, the Secretariat will need to request additional funding through the established channels.

I would be grateful if you could bring this letter to the attention of the members of the Security Council at the earliest opportunity.

Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

BAN/Ki-moon

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مقترح بنعمر للقضية الجنوبية في اليمن: آلية تحديد الأقاليم

مؤتمر الحوار الوطني الشامل - الأمانة العامة 

مخرجات اللجنة المصغرة لفريق القضية الجنوبية

اتفاق حول حلّ عادل للقضية الجنوبية

صنعاء،21 ديسمبر 2013

    I.  معالجة الماضي

جمال بن عمر، المستشار الخاص للأمين العام للأمم المتحدة في شأن اليمن، يقدم إيجازاً
حول الوضع في اليمن في جلسة لمجلس الأمن - سبتمبر 2013

بناء على قرار مجلس الأمن 2014 والقرار 2051 الذي يشير إلى أن عملية الانتقال تتطلب مشاركة وتعاون جميع الأطراف، بما في ذلك الجماعات التي لم تكن طرفاً في مبادرة مجلس التعاون الخليجي والآلية التنفيذية (اتفاق نقل السلطة الموقّع في الرياض في نوفمبر 2011)، وعملاً باستخلاصات فريق عمل القضية الجنوبية التي تبنّتها الجلسة العامة الثانية لمؤتمر الحوار الوطني الشامل وبالنظام الداخلي لمؤتمر الحوار، وبعد مناقشتنا جميع الرؤى والمقترحات منذ تاريخ 10 سبتمبر 2013، توصّلنا نحن المكوّنات السياسية والاجتماعية المشاركة في مؤتمر الحوار إلى هذه الوثيقة التي تحقق أعلى قدر ممكن من التوافق. وفيها نلتزم حلّ القضية الجنوبية حلاً عادلاً في إطار دولة موحّدة على أساس اتحادي وديموقراطي جديد وفق مبادىء دولة الحق والقانون والمواطنة المتساوية، وذلك عبر وضع هيكل وعقد اجتماعي جديديْن يرسيان وحدة الدولة الاتحادية الجديدة وسيادتها واستقلالها وسلامة أراضيها. وسوف تمثل هذه الدولة الاتحادية الجديدة قطيعة كاملة مع تاريخ الصراعات والاضطهاد وإساءة استخدام السلطة والتحكّم في الثروة.

Security Council Statement on SOUTH SUDAN

Security Council Press Statement on the Situation in SOUTH SUDAN

Civilians seeking refuge wait outside a compound

of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), in Bor.

18 December 2013

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Gérard Araud (France):
The members of the Security Council expressed grave alarm and concern regarding the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan resulting from the political dispute among the country’s political leaders which threatens serious implications for the long-term security and stability of South Sudan, as well as for the neighboring countries and other peace and security challenges in the region.

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the fighting and targeted violence against civilians and specific ethnic and other communities occurring across the country that have resulted in hundreds of deaths and casualties, and tens of thousands of internally displaced persons.  The members of the Security Council stressed the necessity for all parties to reject this violence in all its forms and to resolve disagreements peacefully, and called on President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar to demonstrate leadership in bringing a swift and peaceful resolution to this crisis by calling for a cessation of hostilities and immediately commencing a dialogue.  They called on all parties to protect detainees.  They also further encouraged all South Sudan’s leaders, political and military, to engage in a political process of national reconciliation and constitutional reform through peaceful and inclusive means, underpinned by respect for the rule of law.

The members of the Security Council called on all relevant States and organizations to use their influence with South Sudan’s political leaders to bring about an end to the violence and initiate reconciliation. 

In this regard, the members of the Security Council welcomed the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Ministerial Group’s swift initiative, as supported by the United Nations and African Union, in seeking to open the dialogue and mediate between key leaders.  They strongly urged all parties to cooperate with this initiative.

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on an UNMISS camp in Akobo, on 19 December, which resulted in the death of two Indian peacekeepers and the wounding of another as well as at least 20 other causalities of individuals seeking UNMISS protection.  The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the families of those peacekeepers killed in the attack, as well as to the Government of India, and to UNMISS, and called on the Government of South Sudan to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.  They also stressed that intentionally directing attacks against personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a peacekeeping mission deployed in accordance with the Charter of the UN, as long as they are entitled to the protection given to civilians or civilian objects under the international law of armed conflict, may amount to a crime under international law.

The members of the Council condemned reported human rights violations and abuses by all parties, including armed groups and national security forces, and emphasized that those responsible for any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be held accountable. 

The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern regarding attacks on civilians and the increasing number of displaced persons, and called on all parties to allow and expedite the safe and unhindered access of humanitarian organizations and the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need, while respecting the UN guiding principles of humanitarian assistance.  They strongly condemned the attacks on oil installations, which resulted in heavy loss of life of oil workers, and called upon all parties to ensure the security of economic infrastructures and the safety of the employees. 

The members of the Security Council commended the active steps taken by the UNMISS to implement its mandate and other humanitarian agencies that have given refuge in their premises and other forms of assistance to the civilians caught in the fighting.  They encouraged UNMISS to continue to implement fully its mandate, in particular the protection of civilians, and called on South Sudanese authorities to provide their full support and assistance in this regard.  They also emphasized that efforts to undermine UNMISS’s ability to implement its mandate will not be tolerated and urged all parties to cooperate fully with UNMISS.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan.  They appealed to the principal leaders concerned to live up to their individual responsibilities to the people of South Sudan and to do everything possible to fulfill the aspirations of its people.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their intention to continue to follow the situation closely and to take additional steps as necessary. 

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Ban's draft letter to participants in Geneva 2

This letter was drafted by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in November 2013, diplomats said. 

Draft text for Letter of the United Nations Secretary-General to International Participants

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at his residence. 
September 2013

In light of the appalling human suffering and widespread destruction in Syria, including the grave and ever-deteriorating human rights situation, violations of international humanitarian law and the risk of deepening conflict and regional instability, it is imperative to reach a peaceful settlement with the greatest urgency.

The path towards such a settlement was outlined in the Geneva Communique of 30 June 2012 (Annex I), unanimously endorsed by Security Council resolution 2118 of 27 September 2013. The Security Council called for the convening, as soon as possible, of a conference to implement the Geneva Communiqué. Since the initiative of Foreign Minister Lavrov of the Russian Federation and Secretary of State Kerry of the United States of America on 7 May 2013, intensive preparatory consultations between the United Nations and the Permanent Five Members of the Security Council, including the two Initiating States, and others have taken place, along with consultations with the Syrian parties.

Consequently, I am now convening the Geneva Conference on Syria, and am pleased to invite you to attend the high-level international meeting that will launch the Conference. The Conference will begin on 23 November 2013 at the Palais des Nations at 9.00 am.

The Conference aims to assist the Syrian parties in ending the violence and achieving a comprehensive agreement for a political settlement, implementing fully the Geneva Communique. The Communique contains Principles and Guidelines for a Syrian-led transition. These set out a number of key steps, beginning with agreement on a transitional governing body with full executive powers, formed by mutual consent. As the Geneva Communiqué says, the public services must be preserved or restored. This includes the military forces and security services. All governmental institutions and state offices must perform according to professional and human rights standards, operating under a top leadership that inspires public confidence under the control transitional governing body.

The Conference will convene under my chairmanship, first in an international high-level format Over one day. Negotiations between the two Syrian parties, facilitated by the Joint Special Representative for Syria will follow immediately. Adjournments and subsequent meetings may take place in accordance with a work-plan to be agreed. The high-level international meeting 111213.r resume its deliberations as required.

I am confident that the international participants will offer meaningful support for constructive negotiations between the Syrian parties. I am sure that all present will do their utmost to encourage the Syrian parties to reach a comprehensive settlement, fully implementing the Geneva Communique, within an accelerated time-frame. In addition to participation in the high-level meeting, it may be necessary to call upon you to assist further as the negotiations between the Syrian parties progress.

In inviting the Syrian parties, I have reminded them that the Security Council has called on the them to engage seriously and constructively at the Conference, and underscored that they should be fully representative of the Syrian people and committed to the implementation of the Geneva Communique and to the achievement of stability and reconciliation. I have also reminded the Syrian parties that, consistent with the Geneva Communique, Security Council resolution 1325 and other relevant resolutions (Annex II), full and effective participation of women needs to be assured, including through their senior presence in both delegations.

I look forward to confirmation of attendance of your delegation, and the list of delegates and advisers, by 15 November 2013.

Confirmation of attendance will be taken as commitment to the aims of the Conference stated above, in accordance with the Geneva Communiqué, in particular the Principles and Guidelines for a Syrian-led transition contained in it.

You will find annexed a technical information note (Annex III) and basic rules for the Conference (Annex IV).

The conflict in Syria has raged for too long, and has imposed too many sacrifices on the people of Syria. The violence must be ended expeditiously. The Geneva Conference offers a unique avenue towards this end. I am deeply grateful for you cooperation in this venture, to help enSure that peace can restored and the transition foreseen in the Geneva Communique can be implemented in a way that fully meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.

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UNSG Ban's plan to move chemical weapons out of Syria

Sigrid Kaag, Special Coordinator of the OPCW-UN Joint Mission

 to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons programme, 

speaks to the press following her briefing to the Security Council 

in closed-door consultations. 05 November 2013

Click here to read the original document. 

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

27 November 2013

Dear Mr. President,

I have the honour to transmit the second monthly report of the Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) pursuant to paragraph 2 (f) of OPCW Executive Council decision EC-M-3 3/DEC.1 and paragraph 12 of Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) (see annex). The present letter also provides the information requested in that resolution on the activities of the United Nations that took place from 23 October to 26 November 2013 related to the implementation of the resolution.

Introduction

A number of milestones were reached during the reporting period, which the Director—General has detailed at length in his report. The Syrian Arab Republic submitted its initial declaration to OPCW on 23 October 2013, in which it disclosed details about its chemical weapons pro gramme. Furthermore, the Syrian Arab Republic submitted, as a part of its declaration, its plan for the programme’s destruction. In this plan, the Syrian authorities proposed that its chemical material should be removed from its territory for destruction.

On 21 November 2013, the Syrian Arab Republic submitted an amendment to its initial declaration increasing the total amount of declared munitions to approximately 1,260 items. '

On 31 October 2013, the Joint Mission confirmed that the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic had completed the functional destruction of critical equipment for all of its declared chemical weapons production facilities and mixing/filling plants, rendering them inoperable. By doing so, Syria met the deadline set by the OPCW Executive Council to complete destruction as soon as possible, and in any case not later than 1 November 2013.

On 15 November 2013, the OPCW Executive Council approved the destruction plan of the Syrian Arab Republic for the elimination of its chemical weapons programme. In its decision (EC-M-34/DEC.l), the Executive Council set out detailed requirements and a clear set of timelines for the removal and destruction of primary chemical material outside the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as the destruction of other chemical material, unfilled chemical munitions and chemical weapons production facilities inside the Syrian Arab Republic.

During this reporting period, the Special Coordinator visited Moscow, Washington D.C., The Hague, London and Ankara. She also participated in planning discussions at OPCW headquarters and addressed the Executive Council in The Hague, briefed the United Nations Security Council in

New York and addressed the NATO-Russia Council in Brussels. In each location, she held bilateral meetings with Member State counterparts to brief on the progress of the Joint Mission and to coordinate and seek support for its future activities. In addition, in all her meetings she solicited financial and in-kind voluntary contributions to two trust funds setup by OPCW and the United Nations to ensure that the Joint Mission operations are sufficiently funded and equipped for the significant tasks ahead.

The Special Coordinator also met with representatives of the United Nations in Geneva, including those of the Joint Special Representative for Syria, to coordinate relevant activities of the Joint Mission. She met with officials of the World Health Organization and is in contact with the United Nations Environment Programme to seek specialized assistance and advice in the domains of public health and environmental protection.

The Special Coordinator also met with counterparts in the Syrian Arab Republic in Damascus to coordinate Joint Mission activities and to seek the Government’s continuing commitment to its obligations under Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) and OPCW Executive Council decisions. The discussions reiterated the critical need to ensure the security of Joint Mission personnel and premises. She also met with representatives of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces in Istanbul to explain the Joint Mission’s mandated tasks and activities ahead of the Syrian Arab Republic commencing the transportation of chemical material inside the country and to discuss the need for the safety of the convoys.

In conducting these activities, the Special Coordinator has remained in constant contact With the Director-General of OPCW and myself to ensure that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons headquarters in The Hague and the United Nations Secretariat are fully and expeditiously informed of progress made and challenges faced in implementing mandated tasks.

United Nations component activities

The United Nations component of the Joint Mission has augmented its essential staffing, assets and capabilities required on the ground in Damascus, has developed the Joint Mission office in Cyprus and has established a small New York office, While remaining focused on having only alight footprint in each location. To this end, the Joint Mission continues to draw on

United Nations resources in the region as well as OPCW and United Nations Headquarters. Some of the United Nations support responsibilities continue to be met through temporary deployments of United Nations personnel Who provide short-term capabilities that are critical to the Joint Mission. Currently there are 15 OPCW experts and 48 United Nations personnel working in the Joint Mission, including national staff. These numbers for both OPCW experts and United Nations personnel are tailored to the specific operational requirements of the Joint Mission.

The United Nations component in Damascus continued to provide support through coordination and liaison with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, opposition groups and international stakeholders. It also provided the Joint Mission with security advice and risk assessments, information assessments, communications and outreach, logistical expertise, and logistical and administrative support.

The United Nations component continuously assesses the security situation as it affects the operations of the Joint Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. It is undertaking measures to install security enhancements at its current headquarters in Damascus. While some enhancements have been implemented, others are either being installed or awaiting importation clearances. All armoured vehicles have been equipped with communications and tracking systems. Safety and security measures have been put in place for all personnel and a programme of security training courses has commenced. Despite these measures, the facility remains vulnerable to certain risks, and the Joint Mission is actively exploring viable alternative locations to base its activities, should the security situation require it.

As I stated in my last letter to the Security Council (8/2013/629), the safety and security of all Joint Mission personnel is of central concern to me, the Director-General of OPCW and the Special Coordinator. The security environment in the Syrian Arab Republic, including in Damascus, remains complex, challenging and unpredictable. The safety and security of Joint Mission personnel remains the ultimate responsibility of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. In addition, all parties must also ensure the access and safety of Joint Mission personnel at sites Where they may exert influence, in order that the Joint Mission may fulfill its mandate.

Key personnel have now deployed to the Joint Mission office in Cyprus. A donor coordination/advisory cell has been set up to work closely With international contributors. A Swedish aircraft and crew have deployed to Cyprus to carry out cargo and personnel airlift operations for the Joint Mission. Romanian Close Personal Protection officers, based partially in Cyprus to provide protection capabilities for the Special Coordinator in the mission area, have also deployed. It is envisioned that a Danish Close Protection team will assume this role from 1 March 2014 until the end of the mandate of the Mission.

A New York office of the Joint Mission has been established at United Nations Headquarters in order to communicate and coordinate closely with Member States and to ensure timely follow-up on behalf of the Joint Mission. A United Nations Liaison Officer has been continuously present at OPCW headquarters in The Hague to further ensure close collaboration and coordination.

The United Nations and OPCW are still negotiating the tripartite status-of-mission agreement with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. In addition, the United Nations and OPCW are seeking to conclude a memorandum of understanding With the Syrian Arab Republic regarding the provision of medical services to Joint Mission personnel.

Phase II activities

The Joint Mission continues With ongoing phase II inspection and verification activities. While 3 of the 23 sites declared by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic have not received physical inspections by Joint Mission personnel owing to safety and security concerns, 2 of these 3 sites have now been verified with the support of sealed GPS cameras used by Syrian personnel, in accordance with guidance provided by Joint Mission inspectors. The exact geographical location and the time the images were captured were then fully authenticated. One of the two sites declared as abandoned by the Syrian Arab Republic was verified as such. Only one site remains to be verified. It has been declared by the Syrian Arab Republic as inactive. This site Will be verified as soon as conditions permit, and following a security assessment by Joint Mission personnel.

In addition, during the reporting period, Joint Mission inspectors also conducted visits to verify the complete destruction of Category 3 munitions at all relevant sites in the Damascus area, The Joint Mission has also completed plans for visits to the Horns area to verify the destruction of Category 3 munitions at the sites there. The Joint Mission remains poised to conduct visits when the security situation becomes permissive.

Also in this reporting period the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic began to destroy specialized and standard equipment belonging to production facilities, in addition to special features of buildings and standard buildings at the same locations. The Joint Mission will begin verifying activities at these sites in the coming days.

Phase III activities

In preparation for phase III activities, Joint Mission personnel visited a chemical material storage site near Damascus to determine the nature and quantity of specialist packaging materials required to safely transport all declared chemical material storage containers. The information was provided to an Operational Planning Group meeting at OPCW headquarters in The Hague, which met from 6 to 9 November 2013. Important pledges of in-kind donations, particularly from the United States of America, have since been confirmed to ensure safe and secure packaging, handling and transporting of the chemical material during phase III.

The Operational Planning Group meeting also supported the Syrian Arab Republic in outlining steps the Syrian authorities would be required to take for the removal of selected chemical material from the country for destruction outside its territory. The report of the Group includes timelines and projected logistics and security requirements considered necessary by the Syrian Arab Republic in this regard.

Following a request by the Director—General of OPCW, on 15 November 2013, the Special Coordinator sent a letter to all Member States attaching the projected logistics and security requirements identified by the Syrian Arab Republic as needed to meet the most urgent impending deadlines set out in the OPCW Executive Council decision of the same day.

The Director-General of OPCW made the letter of the Special Coordinator available to States parties of the Chemical Weapons Convention for their consideration.

Specialist packaging materials have begun to arrive in Lebanon, and the Joint Mission is contracting transport for onward movement to Damascus. Significant numbers of trucks Will be required to transfer the packaging materials overland to the Syrian capital. The Syrian authorities have identified a staging area in Damascus to store the packaging materials prior to their distribution to the various declared sites. In this connection, the United Nations and OPCW maintain that the Syrian Arab Republic, in accordance with its obligations as a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, is responsible for preserving public health and the environment.

In preparation for the packaging of the chemical agents, the Joint Mission has organized a packaging and International Maritime Dangerous Goods course in Beirut to train select Syrian personnel.

Joint Mission personnel have conducted an assessment mission to the port of Latakia, the location designated by the Syrian Arab Republic prior to the transfer of chemical material out of the country. The Joint Mission determined that the port city had all the necessary capabilities required to handle the planned loading and shipment of chemical warfare agents, as well as sufficiently secure facilities for the deployment of Joint Mission personnel. The Joint Mission is currently working to establish a temporary forward operating base in Latakia to support the inspection and verification of chemical material prior to loading. Chemical material may have to be repacked for maritime transport to ensure the highest safety standards.

The Joint Mission is also coordinating the offers of assistance and the planning With respect to the support of the maritime transfer of selected chemical material from the Syrian Arab Republic. In this regard, several Member States have indicated their Willingness to provide specialized cargo container vessels capable of safely storing and transporting the material at sea. Member States have also offered maritime escorts to ensure security of the vessels. The Joint Mission is in discussions with these Member States to facilitate an agreed arrangement. A maritime planning group, consisting of interested Member States, Will meet in Cyprus to take discussions forward. Details concerning the final destruction plan need to be available as soon as possible. In this regard, the United Nations and OPCW maintain that the States undertaking the removal and maritime transport should seek to agree among themselves on questions of possession, jurisdiction and control and the related questions of liability for, and mitigation of, security and other risks, including in respect of damage to public health and the environment.

In addition to the two trust funds set up by OPCW and the United Nations to fund these activities, the Director-General of OPCW was requested by the Executive Council to set up a third special trust fund to seek financial contributions for the complete destruction of the binary chemical components and associated reaction masses of the Syrian Arab Republic outside the country. On 20 November 2013, OPCW also issued an “Expression of Interest” seeking to identify commercial companies interested in participating in a future tender for the treatment and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and non-organic chemicals and related packaging materials. Member States are encouraged to contribute to all three trust funds set up by OPCW and the United Nations to ensure successful implementation of the mandate.

Conclusion

The Joint Mission has made considerable progress in verifying the implementation of phase II by the Syrian Arab Republic, in planning for phase III and in starting initial phase III activities. The OPCW Executive Council decision of 15 November 2013 set ambitious timelines. Achieving these timelines Will require an unprecedented effort and coordination from all stakeholders under extremely challenging conditions.

Several Member States have played a critical role assisting in the implementation of respective OPCW Executive Council decisions and Security Council resolution 2118 (2013). In particular, I would like to reiterate my appreciation to the Government of Cyprus for agreeing to host the Joint Mission office on its territory and for facilitating the deployment of Joint Mission personnel and assets. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of Lebanon for facilitating the transit of all Joint Mission personnel and assets through Beirut’s entry hubs to the Syrian Arab Republic.

In addition, a number of Member States have provided material funding, technical expertise and critical assets to the Joint Mission, and several other Member States are awaiting confirmation of their offers. The Joint Mission has received valuable additional in-kind support from Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States and the European Union. As at 25 November 2013, the OPCW trust fund included €10.8 million With contributions from Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The United Nations trust fund currently includes $2 million from the United States and pledges in the amount of €250,000 from Denmark and €250,000 from Luxembourg. Without this assistance, the Joint Mission would not have been able to implement its mandated tasks.

Going forward, there remain a number of issues and circumstances that could impact the implementation of mandated tasks in accordance with OPCW Executive Council decisions and Security Council resolution 2118 (2013).

First, Member State voluntary in-kind contributions continue to be at the forefront of requirements. As described above, progress has been made in procuring and delivering packaging material for phase HI activities. Member States considering contributions of assets necessary to ensure security have been asked to engage bilaterally with the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic. At the same time, the Syrian authorities are being encouraged to consider alternative options to ensure the safety and security of inland transportation for the chemical material. In addition, it is possible that other needs may be identified regarding the destruction of chemical material and reaction mass outside the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as possible additional equipment needed to complete the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons, material and production facilities inside the Syrian Arab Republic.

Second, full clarity regarding the plan for the removal and destruction of chemical material outside Syrian territory is critical, including the location for destruction. In order to move forward, detailed arrangements need to be put in place, including timelines concerning the availability of equipment and the docking facilities, and careful agreement regarding specific roles and functions of the Joint Mission and concerned Member States.

Third, the implementation of Joint Mission mandated objectives cannot occur without conditiOns inside the Syrian Arab Republic that are conducive to carrying out these tasks. The Syrian authorities have continued their constructive cooperation with the Joint Mission. Representatives of the Syrian opposition based in Istanbul have also indicated their support for the safe transportation of convoys containing chemical material. The Security Council, in resolution 2118 (2013), emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of activities undertaken by Joint Mission personnel and allowing them immediate and unfettered access. Furthermore, the Council, by that resolution, decided that all parties in the Syrian Arab Republic shall cooperate fully in this regard. Nevertheless, recent fighting in the Syrian Arab Republic shows that the security situation is volatile, unpredictable and highly dangerous.

The Director-General of OPCW and I remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of Joint Mission personnel.

Given the complexity of the mission and the unpredictable operating environment, many factors remain outside the control of the Joint Mission. Its personnel are making every effort to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place to implement mandated objectives. The international community should remain unwavering in its support to the women and men of the Joint Mission. The United Nations will continue to act in partnership with OPCW, and through the Joint Mission, to implement the provisions of the decisions of the Executive Council (EC-M-33/DEC.1 and EC-M-34/DECl) and

Security Council resolution 2118 (2013) in their entirety.

I should be grateful if you would bring this letter urgently to the attention of the members of the Security Council.

Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration.

 BAN Ki-moon

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Security Council Draft Statement on Yemen

DRAFT PRESS STATEMENT ON YEMEN

The members of the Security Council welcomed the progress made to date in Yemen’s ongoing political transition process and the Yemeni Government’s efforts to reconstruct the economy and safeguard security, including the National Dialogue Conference which has generated a peaceful, inclusive and meaningful dialogue about the country’s future amongst diverse actors, including youth, women, civil society representatives, the Houthi Movement and the Hiraak Southern Movement.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern, however, about the significant delays in concluding the National Dialogue Conference and emphasised the importance of concluding the National Dialogue Conference as soon as possible in order to begin constitutional drafting and electoral preparations.  They called on all parties to engage constructively in a spirit of compromise to address the remaining critical issues necessary to conclude the dialogue, in particular those concerning the southern question and the structure of the State.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their concern over continuing reports of interference by those intent on disrupting, delaying or derailing the transition process and undermining the Yemeni Government. The members of the Security Council condemned any such attempts, whether by members of the former regime or political opportunists, notably by abstaining from participation in the National Dialogue Conference, threatening to do so or standing in the way of a consensus agreement to conclude the National Dialogue. The members of the Security Council called on all parties to adhere to the guiding principles of the GCC Initiative and Implementation Mechanism for the transition process.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support to the Yemeni Government to safeguard security, promote social and economic development and push forward political, economic and security reforms. They underlined their commitment to follow closely the peaceful political transition in Yemen, and emphasized that the conclusion of the political transition should be based on the completion of the steps contained in the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism. They reaffirmed their readiness to consider further measures in response to any actions by individuals or parties that are aimed at disrupting the transition process.

The members of the Security Council noted the expectation of the people of Yemen that a National Dialogue and transition process will lead to outcomes and actions that would improve security, governance and delivery of basic services to all Yemenis.

The members of the Security Council welcome the good offices of the Secretary -General and, in particular, reaffirm their support for the efforts of Special Adviser Jamal Benomar. They also commend the ongoing efforts of the Group of 10 Ambassadors in Sana’a and other international partners to support Yemen’s transition.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen.

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