Russian draft on illicit oil trade as source of revenue for terrorism in Syria

27 June 2014

Russian Federation – draft Security Council Presidential Statement

 ON ILLICIT OIL TRADE AS SOURCE OF REVENUE

FOR TERRORISTS IN SYRIA

The Security Council recalls its resolution 2146 (2014) and expresses grave concern over the access to and seizure of the oilfields in Syria by the terrorist groups in Syria, namely "Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant" and "Jabhat Al-Nusra", and recalls in this regard that any export or import of crude without authorization of sovereign State is illegal,

The Security Council notes with concern that the oilfields and related infrastructure if controlled by terrorist organizations generate one of the main sources of income for terrorists which supports their recruitment efforts and strengthens their operational capability to organize and carry out terrorist attacks,

The Security Council strongly condemns any engagement in direct or indirect trade of oil from Syria involving terrorist groups, and reminds that such engagement constitutes financial support for entities designated by the Security Council 1267/1989 Committee as terrorist and may lead to further listings by the Committee.

The Security Council recalls the obligation of the Member States to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts.

The Security Council encourages all Member States to take necessary measures to prevent their nationals and entities and individuals in their territory from engaging in any commercial and financial transactions with respect to crude oil in Syria in the possession of non-state actors or sold by them,

The Security Council calls upon all Member States to cooperate closely should any information on such activity be available to them.

Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab

Security Council draft statement (revised) on chemical weapons in Syria/ OPCW

The members of the Security Council reiterated that the use of chemical weapons anywhere constitutes a threat to international peace and security.  They welcomed the removal of the remaining 7.2 per cent of declared chemical weapons material from the Syrian Arab Republic as announced by the OPCW-UN Joint Mission on 23 June. Despite many months of delay, the total of declared chemical weapons materials destroyed or removed from Syria has reached 100 per cent.

The members of the Security Council also acknowledged the destruction of all declared production, mixing and filling equipment and munitions in the Syrian Arab Republic. They remain seized of the need to address the destruction of the twelve remaining chemical weapons production facilities in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The members of the Security Council also look forward to questions about the gaps and discrepancies in the Syrian Arab Republic’s declarations to the OPCW being resolved, and support the work of the OPCW and Joint Mission in this regard so that the international community can have confidence that the Syrian Government is fulfilling its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013).

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the work of the international community in support of the Joint Mission in reaching this significant milestone in the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013).

Further, the members of the Security Council remain deeply concerned about the reports of systematic chlorine gas use in the Syrian Arab Republic.

The members of the Security Council commended the Joint Mission staff for their high professionalism, courage and dedication, and called on all parties to show continued commitment to meeting all outstanding obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) and to support the continued work of the Joint Mission in this regard.

Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab

Ban Ki Moon's 6 points plan for Syria

THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

ADDRESS AT THE ASIA SOCIETY: 

“CRISIS IN SYRIA: CIVIL WAR, GLOBAL THREAT”

New York, 20 June 2014

Ms. Josette Sheeran, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Society, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to be hosted by the Asia Society. I thank Josette Sheeran for her leadership – not only of the Asia Society today, but also for her previous service as head of the World Food Programme.

I am here to highlight the worsening of the already horrific war in Syria, which continues to bleed beyond its borders.

I am here to express my disappointment at the cold calculation that seems to be taking hold -- that little can be done except to arm the parties and watch the conflict rage.

The international community must not abandon the people of Syria and the region to never- ending waves of cruelty and crisis.

We must act. All the values for which we stand, and all the reasons for which the United Nations exists, are at stake, here and now, across the devastated landscape that is Syria today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me start by recognizing the full scale of the catastrophe.

The death toll may be well over 150,000. Half the country’s population of more than 22 million is displaced, including nearly 2.8 million registered refugees who have fled the violence and persecution. Prisons and makeshift detention facilities are swelling with men, women and even children. Deaths by summary executions and unspeakable torture are widespread every day. People are dying from hunger and from once-rare infectious diseases. Whole urban centres and some of humankind’s great architectural and cultural heritage lie in ruins. Destruction and death are everywhere.

It did not have to be this way. In 2011, when thousands of Syrian civilians peacefully filled the squares of Dara and other places, they were not calling for regime change. “Hurriya”, they chanted; “freedom”. They held banners, not weapons. After decades of repression, they wanted reform, not revolution.

The response of the authorities was merciless: snipers and tanks firing indiscriminately into the crowds. Appeals to President Assad from around the world fell on deaf ears. As popular demands escalated, the Government’s reaction turned even more ferocious. Civilians took up arms. Syrians turned against each other. Regional powers became involved. Radical groups gained a foothold. Syria today is increasingly a failed state.

Russian draft resolution (updated) on Ukraine: Humanitarian corridors

The Security Council,

PP1 Recalling the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including equal rights and self-determination of peoples, sovereign equality of all its Members, refraining from the threat or use of force against territorial integrity or political independence of any state and non-intervention in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state,

PP2 Reaffirming its commitment to sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine,

PP3 Recalling all applicable norms of international human rights law and international humanitarian law,

PP4 Recognizing the need for urgent efforts following recent elections of the President of Ukraine aimed at stabilization of situation in Ukraine by peaceful means, as well as the primary responsibility of the Ukrainian authorities to ensure safety and security of the people of Ukraine and their rights and freedoms,

PP5 Expressing deep concern about the continuing crisis in Ukraine, the intensification of hostilities leading to civilian casualties, the destruction of residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, including the supply of food and other staple goods, and the health care,

PP6 Condemning the shelling of residential areas and civilian objects as well as humanitarian convoys,

PP7 Further expressing deep concern at the reports of the use of incendiary bombs and other types of prohibited inhumane weapons, including in population centres,

PP8 Condemning all forms of terrorist activities, including politically motivated attacks and killings,

PP9 Expressing grave alarm at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in South–Eastern Ukraine,

PP10 Recalling the Geneva Statement of 17 April, 2014 and the "Roadmap for Concrete Steps Forward: the OSCE as an inclusive platform and impartial actor for stability in Ukraine" of 12 May, 2014 prepared by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on the basis of the Geneva Statement,

PP11 Highly appreciating the activities by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in implementation of its mandate, including through finding and revealing facts related to threats to the civilian population and creating conditions conducive to stabilization of situation in Ukraine and restoring security for all citizens on the basis of the "Roadmap" referred to above,

OP1 Demands the immediate cessation of all violence, including military operations, intimidation or provocative actions, in particular endangering the lives and security of the civilian population, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian goods;

OP2 Strongly urges to immediately establish a sustained ceasefire to create environment conducive to the Ukrainian-led inclusive dialogue;

OP3 Condemns the abduction of the members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and illegal detention of journalists in Ukraine and strongly urges the immediate and unconditional release of OSCE monitors as well as ensuring their freedom of movement and access;

OP4 Demands the establishment of temporary relief corridors in order to allow the civilian population who wish to do so to leave safely the areas of violence and ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in South-Eastern Ukraine, in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles of Humanitarian Emergency Assistance;

OP5 Welcomes the efforts of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, including based on his Roadmap, and calls for launching an all-inclusive Ukrainian-led dialogue involving all political forces and regions of the country, including with the view to reaching agreement on the principles of constitutional reform;

OP6 Encourages in this regard the full implementation of all provisions of the OSCE Chairperson-in Office's "Roadmap";

OP7 Requests the United Nations Secretary-General to support all efforts, including by OSCE, aimed at cessation of violence and finding peaceful sustainable and inclusive resolution of the crisis in Ukraine and to report regularly on security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine;

OP 8 Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab

Security Council Draft Statement on Iraq /ISIL /Turkey

DRAFT - SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON IRAQ

The members of the Security Council deplored in the strongest terms the recent events in the city of Mosul in Iraq where elements of the terrorist organization the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have attacked Iraqi security personnel and civilians, taken over significant parts of the city, including the Turkish Consulate and many government buildings, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

The members of the Security Council also condemned the recent terrorist attacks that are being perpetrated against the people of Iraq in an attempt to destabilize the country and region. They expressed their deep condolences to the families of the victims, reaffirmed their support for the people and the Government of Iraq, particularly those displaced by these terrorist acts, and reiterated their commitment to Iraq’s security and territorial integrity. They expressed grave concern for the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have fled their homes seeking refuge in other areas of Iraq, and expressed gratitude to the host communities that have opened their doors to those seeking shelter and food.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the Government of Iraq’s announced plans for a national unity meeting to bring together all of Iraq’s people to combat terrorist threats and continue to encourage the Government of Iraq, as well as Iraqi leaders from across the political spectrum including the Kurdistan Regional Government, to work together to promote stability in Ninewa province and to work with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and humanitarian agencies to ensure the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian relief.

The members of the Security Council strongly denounced the taking of hostages at the Turkish Consulate and insist on the immediate and safe return of all personnel. They condemned acts of violence against diplomatic and consular representatives, which endanger or take innocent lives and seriously impede the normal work of such representatives and officials.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that no act of violence or terrorism can reverse a path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq, underpinned by the rule of law and respect for human rights, which is supported by the people and the Government of Iraq and the international community.  They remind States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council also reminded Member States of their obligation to implement and enforce the targeted financial sanctions, arms embargo and travel ban imposed on ISIL and associated groups and individuals under the sanctions regime pursuant to resolutions 1267 and 1989.

Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab

Russian draft resolution on Ukraine

Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of Russia. 

May 2014

Russian Federation –
UNSC draft resolution

The Security Council,

  PP1 Expressing grave concern at the growing level of violence and attacks in South-Eastern Ukraine, in particular the dire situation of thousands of civilians trapped in besieged areas, which significantly threaten the security of the civilian population, resulting in increasing numbers of civilian victims,

PP2 Confirming the continuing validity of the Geneva Statement of 17 April, 2014 and the "Roadmap for Concrete Steps Forward: the OSCE as an inclusive platform and impartial actor for stability in Ukraine" of 12 May, 2014, particularly their provisions to refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions,

PP3 Recalling all the applicable norms of international human rights and international humanitarian law,

PP4 Reaffirming all its previous resolutions on the protection of humanitarian personnel and on the protection of civilians in armed conflict,

OP1 Demands the immediate cessation of hostilities by the parties in South-Eastern Ukraine and urges the parties to commit themselves to a sustainable cease-fire;

OP2 Demands that the parties establish humanitarian corridors in order to allow the civilian population who wish to do so to leave safely the areas of hostilities and ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in South-Eastern Ukraine;

OP3 Calls on the parties to implement fully the above-mentioned Geneva Statement and the OSCE Roadmap and to comply fully with applicable international humanitarian law;

OP4 Calls upon the parties to take all appropriate steps to facilitate the efforts of the ICRC, humanitarian agencies, and other relevant humanitarian actors to implement their mandates in South-Eastern Ukraine, including by facilitating safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need of assistance in accordance with the UN guiding principles of humanitarian emergency assistance;

OP5 Requests the Secretary-General to report regularly on security and humanitarian situation in South-Eastern Ukraine and to provide the first report by 6 June, 2014;

OP6 Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Follow me on Twitter @NabilAbiSaab