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Thursday, August 28, 2014

Draft PRST sends strong message to "Houthis and other spoilers" in Yemen

DRAFT YEMEN PRST

The Security Council welcomes the recent progress in Yemen’s political transition, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, including the recent meeting of the National Authority for Monitoring the Implementation of the National Dialogue Outcomes on 11 August; and the economic reform agenda which began with fuel subsidy reform on 30 July.  The Security Council supports President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi in his efforts to address the concerns of all parties within the framework of the National Dialogue Conference Outcomes. 

The Security Council urges all the parties in Yemen to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, refrain from provocation, and fully abide by resolutions 2014 (2011), 2051 (2012) and 2140 (2014). Furthermore, the Security Council calls on all member states to refrain from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability and instead to support the political transition. 

The members of the Security Council note with concern that the Houthis and other spoilers continue to stoke the conflict in the north in an attempt to obstruct the political transition. The Security Council recalls that resolution 2140 (2014) introduced targeted sanctions measures against individuals or entities engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security, or stability in Yemen. The Security Council supports the efforts of the Panel of Experts in gathering and analysing information regarding the implementation of these measures, in particular incidents of undermining the political transition.
The Security Council expresses grave concern about the deterioration of the security situation in Yemen in light of the action taken by the Houthis, led by Abdul Malik al Houthi, and those who support them, to undermine the political transition and the security of Yemen.  These actions include their escalating campaign to bring down the Government; establishing camps in and around Sana’a; seeking to supplant the authority of the state by installing checkpoints on strategic routes into Sana’a; as well as on-going fighting in al Jawf. The Security Council calls on all armed groups to refrain from any action which might exacerbate this already fragile situation.

The Security Council condemns the actions of Houthi forces commanded by Abdullah Yahya al Hakim (Abu Ali al Hakim) who overran Amran including the Yemeni Army Brigade headquarters on 8 July. 

The Security Council calls on the Houthis to:

(a)  withdraw their forces from Amran and return Amran to Government of Yemen control;

(b)  cease all armed hostilities against the Government of Yemen in al Jawf; and

(c)  remove the camps and dismantle the checkpoints they have erected in and around Sana’a.

The Security Council condemns the growing number of attacks  carried out or sponsored by Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, and expresses its determination to address this threat in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including applicable human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, and in this regard, through the Al-Qaida sanctions regime administered by the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267(1999) and 1989 (2011) and reiterates its readiness, under the above-mentioned regime, to sanction further individuals, groups, undertakings and entities who do not cut off all ties to Al-Qaida and associated groups. 

The Security Council follows with great interest the progress of the Constitutional Drafting Committee and the preparations for a referendum on the new constitution and subsequent elections.  It hopes that an initial draft of the constitution will be passed to the National Authority review in a timely manner, in line with the National Dialogue Conference Outcomes. 

The Security Council reiterates its call for comprehensive, independent and impartial investigations, consistent with international standards, into alleged human rights violations and abuses in line with the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism.

The Security Council notes the formidable economic, security and social challenges confronting Yemen, which continue to leave many Yemenis in acute need of humanitarian assistance. It reaffirms the need to undertake economic reforms, which are a necessary part of achieving macroeconomic stability, fighting poverty and addressing the chronic humanitarian consequences of the crisis in a sustainable manner. It encourages rapid implementation of Government of Yemen plans to improve social protection, as well as urging the international community to support the Humanitarian Response plan which remains underfunded. The Security Council also urges all parties to facilitate full, safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors to reach people in need of humanitarian assistance. It also reaffirms the need for all parties to ensure the safety of civilians receiving assistance and the security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel.

The Security Council remains closely engaged on the situation in Yemen and will continue to closely follow the next steps towards a peaceful political transition. In this regard it welcomes the continued and co-ordinated efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council, ‘Group of Ten Ambassadors’, the Secretary-General’s Good Offices, including through the Special Adviser Jamal Benomar, the wider diplomatic community, and the next Friends of Yemen meeting that will take place on 24 September in New York. The Security Council underscores the need for continued international support for Yemen’s political transition, including though the fulfillment of commitments made by donors to support Yemen.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Resolution 2174: Security Council expands arms embargo on Libya

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
draft resolution

The Security Council,
Recalling all its resolutions on Libya since resolution 1970 (2011), as well as the Statement of its President (S/PRST/2013/21) of 16 December 2013,
Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Libya,
Deploring the increasing violence in Libya, in particular around Tripoli and Benghazi, condemning ongoing fighting by armed groups and incitement to violence, and expressing its deep concern at its impact on Libya’s civilian population and institutions, as well as the threat it poses to Libya’s stability and democratic transition,
Welcoming the calls of the Government of Libya and House of Representatives for an immediate ceasefire, underlining the need for all parties to engage in peaceful and inclusive political dialogue and to respect the democratic process, and encouraging the Arab League, the African Union and all those with influence on the parties, in particular neighbouring and regional countries, to support an immediate cessation of hostilities and constructive engagement with such a dialogue,
Recalling its decision in resolution 1970 (2011) to refer the situation in Libya to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and reaffirming the importance of the Government of Libya’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court and the Prosecutor,
Reaffirming the importance of holding accountable those responsible for violations or abuses of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law, including those involved in attacks targeting civilians,
Expressing deep concern at the threat posed by unsecured arms and ammunition in Libya and their proliferation, which poses a risk to stability in Libya and the region, including through transfer to terrorist and violent extremist groups and underlining the importance of coordinated international support to Libya and the region to address these issues,
Concerned at the growing presence of Al-Qaida linked terrorists groups and individuals operating in Libya, reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including applicable international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and recalling, in this regard, the obligations under resolution 2161 (2014),
Expressing its determination to use targeted sanctions in pursuit of stability in Libya, and against those individuals and entities who threaten its stability and obstruct or undermine its successful completion of the political transition,
Mindful of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security under the Charter of the United Nations,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
1. Calls on all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and an end to fighting, and expresses its strong support for the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in this regard;
2. Condemns the use of violence against civilians and civilian institutions and calls for those responsible to be held accountable;
3. Calls on the House of Representatives and the Constitutional Drafting Assembly to carry out their tasks in a spirit of inclusiveness, and calls on all parties to engage in an inclusive Libyan-led political dialogue in order to help restore stability, and to forge consensus around the next steps in Libya’s transition;
4. Reaffirms that the measures specified in paragraphs 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 of resolution 1970 (2011), as modified by paragraphs 14, 15 and 16 of resolution 2009 (2011), apply to individuals and entities designated under that resolution and under resolution 1973 (2011) and by Committee established pursuant to paragraph 24 of resolution 1970 (2011), decides that they shall also apply to individuals and entities determined by the Committee to be engaging in or providing support for other acts that threaten the peace, stability or security of Libya, or obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition, and decides that such acts may include but are not limited to:
(a) planning, directing, or committing, acts that violate applicable international human rights law or international humanitarian law, or acts that constitute human rights abuses, in Libya;
(b) attacks against any air, land, or sea port in Libya, or against a Libyan State institution or installation, or against any foreign mission in Libya;
(c) providing support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation of crude oil or any other natural resources in Libya;
(d) acting for or on behalf of or at the direction of a listed individual or entity;
5. Reiterates that individuals and entities determined by the Committee to have violated provisions of resolution 1970 (2011), including the arms embargo, or assisted others in doing so, are subject to designation, and notes that this includes those who assist in the violation of the assets freeze and travel ban in resolution 1970 (2011);
6. Requests the Panel of Experts established pursuant to paragraph 24 of resolution 1973 (2011), in addition to its current mandate, to provide information on individuals and entities who meet the designation criteria specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this resolution;
7. Requests that the Committee give due regard to requests for delisting of individuals and entities who no longer meet the designation criteria;
8. Decides that the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel, including related ammunition and spare parts, to Libya in accordance with paragraph 13 (a) of resolution 2009 (2011) as modified by paragraph 10 of resolution 2095 (2013) must be approved in advance by the Committee;
9. Calls upon all States, in particular States neighbouring Libya, to inspect in their territory, including seaports and airports, in accordance with their national authorities and legislation and consistent with international law, in particular the law of the sea and relevant international civil aviation agreements, all cargo to and from Libya, if the State concerned has information that provides reasonable grounds to believe the cargo contains items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited by paragraphs 9 or 10 of resolution 1970 (2011), as modified by paragraph 13 of 2009 (2011) and paragraphs 9 and 10 of 2095 (2013), for the purpose of ensuring strict implementation of those provisions;
10. Reaffirms its decision to authorize all Member States to, and that all Member States shall, upon discovery of items prohibited by paragraph 9 or 10 of resolution 1970, as modified by paragraph 13 of 2009 (2011) and paragraphs 9 and 10 of 2095 (2013), seize and dispose (such as through destruction, rendering inoperable, storage or transferring to a State other than the originating or destination States for disposal) of such items and further reaffirms its decision that all Member States shall cooperate in such efforts;
11. Requires any Member State when it undertakes an inspection pursuant to paragraph 9 of this resolution, to submit promptly an initial written report to the Committee containing, in particular, explanation of the grounds for the inspections, the results of such inspections, and whether or not cooperation was provided, and, if prohibited items for transfer are found, further requires such Member States to submit to the Committee, at a later stage, a subsequent written report containing relevant details on the inspection, seizure, and disposal, and relevant details of the transfer, including a description of the items, their origin and intended destination, if this information is not in the initial report;
12. Affirms its readiness to review the appropriateness of the measures contained in this resolution, including the strengthening, modification, suspension or lifting of the measures, and its readiness to review the mandate of UNSMIL, as may be needed at any time in light of developments in Libya;
13. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
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Friday, August 22, 2014

Security Council on James Foley: Journalists in armed conflicts should be protected

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF JAMES FOLEY



The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the heinous and cowardly murder of James Foley, an American journalist, by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This incident is a tragic reminder of the increasing dangers journalists face every day in Syria. It also once again demonstrates the brutality of ISIL, which is responsible for thousands of abuses against the Syrian and Iraqi people. 

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim, to the Government of the United States of America, as well as to the families of all victims of ISIL.   

The members of the Security Council stressed that ISIL must be defeated and that the intolerance, violence and hatred it espouses must be stamped out. The members of the Council further emphasized that there has to be a common effort amongst governments and institutions, including those in the region most affected, to counter ISIL, Al-Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida, as the Council resolved in UN Security Council Resolution 2170.   

The members of the Security Council recalled that, in accordance with international humanitarian law, journalists, media professionals and associated personnel engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict are generally considered as civilians and shall be respected and protected as such. The members of the Security Council recalled their demand that all parties to an armed conflict comply fully with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law, including as related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. 

The members of the Security Council demanded the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all those who are kept hostage by ISIL, Al-Nusra Front and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida. 

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. The members of the Security Council stressed that those responsible for the killing of James Foley shall be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the United States and all other relevant authorities in this regard. 

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

22 August 2014

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Thursday, August 21, 2014

European proposal for Gaza: Open borders, return of PA, security assurances for Israel

19 August 2014
Elements

Condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians, as well as indiscriminate attacks resulting in civilian casualties, and all acts of terrorism.

Calls for an immediate, sustainable and fully respected ceasefire, including an end to all firing of rockets as well as to any other offensive military operation in the Gaza Strip;

Calls for the parties to support a sustainable ceasefire based, inter alia, on the following principles:
- the return of the Gaza Strip to the control of the Palestinian Authority;

- the security arrangements to prevent the resumption of hostilities;

- the prohibition of sales or supply of arms and related material to the Gaza Strip except as authorized by the Palestinian Authority;

- the obligation to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism;

- the lifting of economic and humanitarian restrictions on the Gaza Strip, to enable its reconstruction, full economic rehabilitation and development;

- the full opening of the crossings into the Gaza Strip taking into account the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access;


Decides to establish an international Monitoring and Verification Mission with a mandate to include:
- investigating reports of ceasefire violations and reporting them to the parties and the Security Council;
- monitoring and verification of the implementation of principles supporting the ceasefire;

- assisting in facilitating the flow of persons and commercial goods to and from the Gaza Strip;

- maintaining close contact and liaison in order to ensure effective communications between the parties to the ceasefire;

- disseminating information to humanitarian agencies, wider civil society and other involved in the implementation of the resolution;


Requests the Secretary-General immediately to develop, in coordination with relevant international actors and the concerned parties, detailed proposals to implement the relevant provisions of this resolution and to inform the Security Council of those proposals;

Requests that the Secretary-General conduct an assessment of the needs on the ground with regards to establishing effective governance and service delivery by the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip and to report to the Security council with options for deployment of appropriate technical and stabilization expertise;

Calls on Member States and international organizations to provide support to the Palestinian Authority, including towards resuming the payment of salaries of civil servants as well as building the necessary capacity of its security forces;

Calls on member states to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction needs of the Palestinian people in the Gaza in coordination with United Nations, including through convening a Reconstruction Conference for the Gaza Strip;

Calls upon all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949;

Calls for renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community to resume the negotiations in order to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of two democratic States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side on the basis of the pre-1967 borders in peace and security, as envisaged in resolution 1850 of 16 December 2008, and stressed in this regard the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative.

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Thursday, August 14, 2014

Security Council resolution 2170 on ISIL/ Iraq

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: draft resolution


The Security Council,
Reaffirming its resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), 1618 (2005), 1624 (2005), 2083 (2012) 2129 (2013), 2133 (2014), 2161 (2014), and its relevant Presidential Statements,
Reaffirming the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq and Syrian Arab Republic, and reaffirming further the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming that terrorism in all 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 motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed,
Expressing its gravest concern that territory in parts of Iraq and Syria is under the control of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al Nusrah Front (ANF) and about the negative impact of their presence, violent extremist ideology and actions on stability in Iraq, Syria and the region, including the devastating humanitarian impact on the civilian populations which has led to the displacement of millions of people, and about their acts of violence that foment sectarian tensions,
Reiterating its condemnation of ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaida for ongoing and multiple criminal terrorist acts aimed at causing the deaths of civilians and other victims, destruction of property and of cultural and religious sites, and greatly undermining stability, and recalling that the asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo requirements in paragraph 1 of resolution 2161 (2014) apply to ISIL, ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida,
Reaffirming that terrorism, including the actions of ISIL, cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, or civilization,
Stressing that terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States, and international and regional organizations to impede, impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat,
Reaffirming that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism, including while implementing this resolution, comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law, and underscoring that effective counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are complementary and mutually reinforcing, and are an essential part of a successful counter-terrorism effort, and notes the importance of respect for the rule of law so as to effectively prevent and combat terrorism,
Reaffirming that those who have committed or are otherwise responsible for violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights in Iraq and Syria, including persecution of individuals on the basis of their religion or belief, or on political grounds, must be held accountable,
Gravely concerned by the financing of, and financial and other resources obtained by, ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida, and underscoring that these resources will support their future terrorist activities,
Strongly condemning incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking committed by ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida for any purpose, including with the aim of raising funds or gaining political concessions, expressing its determination to prevent kidnapping and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups and to secure the safe release of hostages without ransom payments or political concessions, in accordance with applicable international law, calling upon all Member States to prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments or from political concessions and to secure the safe release of hostages, and reaffirming the need for all Member States to cooperate closely during incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups,
Expressing concern at the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, and the scale of this phenomenon,
Expressing concern at the increased use, in a globalized society, by terrorists and their supporters of new information and communication technologies, in particular the Internet, for the purposes of recruitment and incitement to commit terrorist acts, as well as for the financing, planning and preparation of their activities, and underlining the need for Member States to act cooperatively to prevent terrorists from exploiting technology, communications and resources to incite support for terrorist acts, while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms and in compliance with other obligations under international law,
Condemning in the strongest terms the incitement of terrorist acts and repudiating attempts at the justification or glorification (apologie) of terrorist acts that may incite further terrorist acts,
Underlining the primary responsibility of Member States to protect civilian population on their territories, in accordance with their obligations under international law,
Urging all parties to protect the civilian population, in particular women and children, affected by the violent activities of ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, especially against any form of sexual violence,
Reaffirming the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including applicable international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, stressing in this regard the important role the United Nations plays in leading and coordinating this effort,
Noting with concern the continued threat posed to international peace and security by ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, and reaffirming its resolve to address all aspects of that threat,
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Deplores and condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist acts of ISIL and its violent extremist ideology, and its continued gross, systematic and widespread abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law;
2. Strongly condemns the indiscriminate killing and deliberate targeting of civilians, numerous atrocities, mass executions and extrajudicial killings, including of soldiers, persecution of individuals and entire communities on the basis of their religion or belief, kidnapping of civilians, forced displacement of members of minority groups, killing and maiming of children, recruitment and use of children, rape and other forms of sexual violence, arbitrary detention, attacks on schools and hospitals, destruction of cultural and religious sites and obstructing the exercise of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to education, especially in the Syrian governorates of Ar-Raqqah, Deir ez-Zor, Aleppo and Idlib, in northern Iraq, especially in Tamim, Salaheddine and Niniveh provinces;
3. Recalls that widespread or systematic attacks directed against any civilian populations because of their ethnic or political background, religion or belief may constitute a crime against humanity, emphasises the need to ensure that ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida are held accountable for abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, urges all parties to prevent such violations and abuses;
4. Demands that ISIL, ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida cease all violence and terrorist acts, and disarm and disband with immediate effect;
5. Urges all States, in accordance with their obligations under resolution 1373 (2001), to cooperate in efforts to find and bring to justice individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida including ISIL and ANF who perpetrate, organize and sponsor terrorist acts and in this regard underlines the importance of regional cooperation;
6. Reiterates its call upon all States to take all measures as may be necessary and appropriate and in accordance with their obligations under international law to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance perpetrated by individuals or entities associated with ISIL, ANF and Al-Qaida and to prevent the subversion of educational, cultural, and religious institutions by terrorists and their supporters;

Foreign Terrorist Fighters

7. Condemns the recruitment by ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida of foreign terrorist fighters, whose presence is exacerbating conflict and contributing to violent radicalisation, demands that all foreign terrorist fighters associated with ISIL and other terrorist groups withdraw immediately, and expresses its readiness to consider listing those recruiting for or participating in the activities of ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida under the Al-Qaida sanctions regime, including through financing or facilitating, for ISIL or ANF, of travel of foreign terrorist fighters;
8. Calls upon all Member States to take national measures to suppress the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to, and bring to justice, in accordance with applicable international law, foreign terrorist fighters of, ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, reiterates further the obligation of Member States to prevent the movement of terrorists or terrorist groups, in accordance with applicable international law, by, inter alia, effective border controls, and, in this context, to exchange information expeditiously, improve cooperation among competent authorities to prevent the movement of terrorists and terrorist groups to and from their territories, the supply of weapons for terrorists and financing that would support terrorists;
9. Encourages all Member States to engage with those within their territories at risk of recruitment and violent radicalisation to discourage travel to Syria and Iraq for the purposes of supporting or fighting for ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida;
10. Reaffirms its decision that States shall prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale, or transfer to ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and related materiel of all types including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned, and technical advice, assistance or training related to military activities, as well as its calls for States to find ways of intensifying and accelerating the exchange of operational information regarding traffic in arms, and to enhance coordination of efforts on national, subregional, regional and international levels;

Terrorist Financing

11. Reaffirms its resolution 1373 (2001) and in particular its decisions that all States shall prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts and refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts, including by suppressing recruitment of members of terrorist groups and eliminating the supply of weapons to terrorists;
12. Recalls its decision in resolution 2161 (2014) that all States shall ensure that no funds, financial assets or economic resources are made available, directly or indirectly for the benefit of ISIL, ANF, or any other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, by their nationals or by persons within their territory, and reaffirms its decision in resolution 1373 (2001) that all States shall prohibit their nationals or any persons and entities within their territories from making any funds, financial assets or economic resources or financial or other related services available, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of persons who commit or attempt to commit or facilitate or participate in the commission of terrorist acts, or for the benefit of entities owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such persons and of persons and entities acting on behalf of or at the direction of such persons;
13. Notes with concern that oilfields and related infrastructure controlled by ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, are generating income which support their recruitment efforts and strengthen their operational capability to organise and carry out terrorist attacks;
14. Condemns any engagement in direct or indirect trade involving ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al‑Qaida, and reiterates that such engagement could constitute financial support for entities designated by the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) (“the Committee”) and may lead to further listings by the Committee;
15. Emphasises the importance of all Member States complying with their obligation to ensure that their nationals and persons within their territory do not make donations to individuals and entities designated by the Committee or those acting on behalf of or at the direction of designated entities;
16. Expresses its concern that aircraft or other transport departing from territory controlled by ISIL could be used to transfer gold or other valuable items and economic resources for sale on international markets, or to make other arrangements that could result in violations of the asset freeze;
17. Confirms that the requirements in paragraph 1 (a) of resolution 2161 (2014) shall also apply to the payment of ransoms to individuals, groups, undertakings or entities on the Al-Qaida Sanctions List, regardless of how or by whom the ransom is paid;

Sanctions

18. Observes that ISIL is a splinter group of Al-Qaida, recalls that ISIL and ANF are included on the Al-Qaida sanctions list and in this regard, expresses its readiness to consider listing individuals, groups, undertakings and entities providing support to ISIL or to ANF, including those who are financing, arming, planning or recruiting for ISIL or ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida through information and communications technologies including the internet and social media or through any other means;
19. Decides that the individuals specified in Annex I of this resolution shall be subject to the measures imposed in paragraph 1 of resolution 2161 (2014) and added to the Al-Qaida Sanctions List;
20. Directs the Committee to make accessible on the Committee’s website the narrative summaries of reasons for listing the individuals specified in Annex I of this resolution as agreed by the Council and confirms that the provisions of resolution 2161 (2014) and subsequent relevant resolutions shall apply to the names specified in Annex I for so long as they remain on the Al Qaida Sanctions List;
21. Encourages the submission of listing requests to the Committee by Member States of individuals and entities supporting ISIL, ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida and further encourages the Committee to urgently consider additional designations of individuals and entities supporting ISIL and ANF;

Reporting

22. Directs the Monitoring Team to submit a report to the Committee within 90 days on the threat, including to the region, posed by ISIL and ANF, their sources of arms, funding, recruitment and demographics, and recommendations for additional action to address the threat and requests that, after a Committee discussion of this report, the chair of the Committee to brief the Security Council on its principal findings;
23. Requests UNAMI, within its mandate, capabilities, and its areas of operation, to assist the Committee and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team established by resolution 1526 (2004), including by passing information relevant to the implementation of the measures in paragraph 1 of resolution 2161 (2014);
24. Decides to remain seized of this matter.


Annex


1. Abdelrahman Mouhamad Zafir al Dabidi al Jahani (Saudi) 
Abdelrahman Mouhamad Zafir al Dabidi al Jahani is associated with Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” and “recruiting for” Jabhet al-Nusra, an a.k.a. of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QE.A.137.14).

2. Hajjaj Bin Fahd Al Ajmi (Kuwaiti) 
Hajjaj bin Fahd al Ajmi is associated with Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QE.A.137.14).

3. Abou Mohamed al Adnani (Iraqi) 
Abou Mohamed al Adnani is associated with Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), an a.k.a of Al-Qaida in Iraq (QE.J.115.04).

4. Said Arif (Algerian) 
Said Arif is associated with Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” and “recruiting for” Jabhet al-Nusra, an a.k.a. of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QE.A.137.14).

5. Abdul Mohsen Abdallah Ibrahim al Charekh (Saudi) 
Abdul Mohsen Abdallah Ibrahim al Charekh is associated with Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” Jabhet al-Nusra, listed as an a.k.a. of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QE.A.137.14).

6. Hamid Hamad Hamid al-Ali (Kuwaiti) 
Hamid Hamad Hamid al-‘Ali is associated with Al-Qaida or any cell, affiliate, splinter group or derivative thereof for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of” Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), an a.k.a. of Al-Qaida in Iraq (QE.J.115.04) and Jabhet al-Nusra, an a.k.a. of Al-Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant (QE.A.137.14).
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Saturday, August 9, 2014

UK draft resolution on ISIL/ ANF

DRAFT UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
PP1 Reaffirming its resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), 16I8 (2005), 1624 (2005). 2083 (2012), 2129 (2013), 2133 (2014), 2161 (2014), and its relevant Presidential Statements,
PP2 Reaffirming 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 motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed, (UNSCR 2129 PP1)
PP3 Reiterating its condemnation of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al Nusrah Front (ANF) and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al Qaida for ongoing and multiple criminal terrorist acts aimed at causing the deaths of innocent civilians and other victims, destruction of property and greatly undermining stability, and recalling that the asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo requirements in paragraph 1 of resolution 2161 (2014) apply to ISIL, ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida, (Adapted UNSCR 2161 PP2)
PP4 Reaffirming that those who have committed or are otherwise responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law or serious violations or abuses of human rights in Iraq and Syria, including targeted persecution of' individuals on the basis of their religion or belief, must be held accountable, (NEW)
PP5 Expressing its gravest concern that territory in Iraq and Syria is under the control of ISIL and ANF and about the negative impact of their presence and actions on stability in Iraq, Syria and the region, including the devastating humanitarian impact on the civilian populations which has led to the displacement of more than one million people, and about their acts of violence that foment sectarian tensions, (NEW)
PP6 Gravely concerned by the financing of, and financial and other resources obtained by ISIL, ANF all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al-Qaida, and underscoring that these resources will support their future terrorist activities, (NEW)

Monday, August 4, 2014

(Revised) Jordanian draft resolution on Gaza: Unrwa schools

3 August 2014
Draft Resolution
The Security Council,
Recalling all of its relevant resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003), 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009),
Recalling its Presidential Statement of 28 July 2014 (S/PRST/2014/13),
Further recalling its resolutions 1612 (2005), 1882 (2009), 1998 (2011), 2068 (2012) and 2143 (2014) on children and armed conflict,
Stressing the obligation to respect international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law,
Emphasizing the obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of all civilians and ensure their protection in situations of armed conflict, including foreign occupation,
Expressing grave concern at the escalation of violence and the deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, due to the Israeli military operations, particularly in the Gaza Strip,
Expressing grave concern in particular at the resulting heavy civilian casualties among the Palestinian civilian population, in particular among children, women, and the elderly, as well as the widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, water, sanitation and electricity networks,
Expressing grave concern also about the massive displacement of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, where more than a quarter of the population has been displaced from their homes, with more than 250,000 people sheltering in UNRWA schools,
Expressing grave concern at the resultant deepening of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip,
Recognizing the efforts of UNRWA, along with other United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations, in providing emergency humanitarian assistance to affected civilians in the Gaza Strip,
Reiterating its call for the achievement of an immediate, comprehensive and durable ceasefire,
Recognizing the regional and international efforts exerted for the achievement of a ceasefire on the basis of the Egyptian initiative of 14 July 2014,
Expressing strong support for the efforts by regional and international partners, including by the United Nations Secretary-General and the United States Secretary of State, to secure unconditional humanitarian ceasefires between the parties to allow for the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance and the promotion of calm towards the conclusion of a permanent ceasefire, 
Emphasizing that the status quo in the Gaza Strip is unsustainable and stressing the need for meaningful and comprehensive solutions to all of the underlying issues,
Emphasizing in this regard the need to ensure the sustained and regular flow of people and goods through the Gaza crossings, including, inter alia, for urgent humanitarian needs, reconstruction, economic recovery and sustainable economic growth, including via regular commercial flows into and out of the Gaza Strip,
Recalling that a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means,
Reaffirming the right of all peoples in the region to live in peace and security,
Stressing the important role of the Quartet as well as of the League of the Arab States towards achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet Roadmap,

1. Condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism;
2. Calls for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire and the full and immediate withdrawal of the Israeli occupying forces from the Gaza Strip;
3. Welcomes in this regard the initiative presented by Egypt on 14 July 2014 for a ceasefire and the efforts undertaken by the United Nations Secretary-General and international partners to this end, including at the Paris meeting of 26 July 2014, and urges all concerned regional and international parties to support these efforts towards establishing calm;
4. Calls upon all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949;
5. Calls for all necessary measures to ensure the protection of civilians, including the immediate cessation of military reprisals, collective punishment and excessive use of force against the Palestinian civilian population;
6. Calls upon all parties to respect the inviolability, the sanctity and neutrality of United Nations installations, and strongly condemns all actions in contravention of these principles, which endanger the safety and lives of Palestinian civilians;
7. Requests the United Nations to carry out a full and transparent investigation regarding the attacks on UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip in the recent period, and requests the United Nations Secretary-General to report on its findings to the Security Council;
8. Calls also for the full implementation of its resolution 1860 (2009), including the lifting of the Israeli restrictions imposed on the movement of persons and goods into and out of the Gaza Strip and for the sustained reopening of the crossing points of the Gaza Strip on the basis of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access;
9. Stresses the need for the immediate provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip, including through urgent additional contributions to UNRWA, recognizing the vital role played by the Agency, along with other United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations, in providing emergency aid to affected civilians, including the displaced, and addressing the critical humanitarian needs in Gaza;
10. Calls on Members States to contribute to the urgent reconstruction and economic recovery needs of the Palestinian people in the Gaza in coordination with the United Nations and the Palestinian national consensus government under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas;
11. Calls on the relevant parties, including the United Nations, to establish a mechanism to monitor the implementation of a ceasefire agreement and the understandings and measures agreed upon, with the aim of ensuring respect for a permanent ceasefire by the parties and reporting on any violations;
12. Urges all parties to refrain from actions and steps that could further destabilize the situation;
13. Calls for renewed and urgent efforts by the parties and the international community to achieve a comprehensive peace based on the vision of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side on the basis of the pre-1967 borders in peace and security, as envisaged in Security Council resolution 1850 (2008), and recalls in this regard the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative;
14.  Decides to remain seized of the matter. 
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