ٍSecurity Council's Presidential Statement on Yemen

Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2201 (15 February 2015) demanding that the Houdhis unconditionally and immediately withdraw their forces from government institutions, including in the capital Sana'a, and normalize the security situation in the capital and other provinces, and relinquish government and security institutions. UN Photo

Statement by the President of the Security Council

At the --------th meeting of the Security Council, held on ---- 2015, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council recalls its resolutions 2014 (2011), 2051 (2012), 2140 (2014), 2201 (2015), and 2204 (2015) and presidential statements of 15 February 2013 and 29 August 2014.

“The Security Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and its commitment to stand by the people of Yemen. 

“The Security Council reiterates its support for the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council and commends its engagement in assisting the political transition in Yemen. 

“The Security Council supports the legitimacy of the President of Yemen, Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and calls upon all parties and Member States to refrain from taking any actions that undermine the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and the legitimacy of the President of Yemen. 

“The Security Council reaffirms its full support for, and commitment to, the efforts of the Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Yemen, Mr. Jamal Benomar, and to the UN-brokered negotiations.

“The Security Council condemns the ongoing unilateral actions taken by the Houthis, which undermine the political transition process in Yemen, and jeopardize the security, stability, sovereignty and unity of Yemen and expresses deep concern by the insufficient implementation of resolution 2201 (2015). 

“The Security Council deplores that the Houthis have not implemented its demands in resolution 2201 (2015) to withdraw their forces from government institutions, including in the capital Sana’a, and normalize the security situation in the capital and other provinces, and relinquish government and security institutions. 

“The Security Council expresses serious concern over continued arbitrary detention, by all parties, in particular by Houthis, contrary to resolution 2201 (2015), and reiterates its demand for the unconditional and safe release of all persons arbitrarily detained. 

“The Security Council welcomes that the Prime Minister Khalid Bahah and other members of the Cabinet are no longer under the house arrest imposed by the Houthis. 

“The Security Council urges non-state actors to withdraw from government institutions, including in the south of Yemen, and to refrain from any attempt to take over such institutions. 

“The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the airstrikes against the Presidential Palace in Aden and attacks at Aden International airport. The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the horrific 20 March bomb attacks at the two mosques in Sana’a and in Saada, Yemen, which killed at least 126 and injured many more. The Security Council urges all sides to refrain from any further use of military force, any offensive military actions and other uses of violence.

“The Security Council reiterates its call urging all parties to agree upon and announce publicly dates for completing the constitutional consultation process, to hold a referendum on the constitution, and to conduct elections under the new electoral law pursuant to the new constitution and in this regard demands that the parties take all actions conducive to this process, including by the full implementation of resolution 2201. [OP6 Res 2201]

“The Security Council reiterates its concern at the ability of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula to benefit from the deterioration of the political and security situation in Yemen, mindful that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. 

“The Security Council reiterates that the solution to the situation in Yemen is through a peaceful, inclusive, orderly and Yemeni-led political transition process that meets the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people for peaceful change and meaningful political, economic and social reform, as set out in the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex. 

“The Security Council strongly calls upon all parties, in particular the Houthis, to abide by the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex and the relevant Security Council resolutions and to accelerate inclusive United Nations-brokered negotiations, including on issues relating to governance, to continue the political transition in order to reach a consensus solution and stresses the importance of full implementation of agreements reached and commitments made towards that goal. 

“The Security Council emphasizes its call for all parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, government officials, leaders of political parties and movements, and members of so-called “popular committees”, to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refrain from provocation and all unilateral actions to undermine the political transition.  The Security Council stresses that all parties should take concrete steps to agree and implement a consensus-based political solution to Yemen’s crisis in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex.

“The Security Council welcomes the intention of the President of Yemen, Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, to engage in good faith in the UN-brokered negotiations. 

“The Security Council welcomes the intention of the Gulf Cooperation Council to convene a conference in Riyadh, upon the request of the President of Yemen, with the participation of all Yemeni parties to further support the political transition in Yemen, and to complement and support the UN-brokered negotiations.

“The Security Council reiterates the importance of all parties allowing all Yemenis to assemble peacefully without fear of attack, injury, arrest, or retaliation. 

“The Security Council calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, including applicable international humanitarian law and human rights law. 

“The Security Council reiterates its demand that all parties in Yemen cease all armed hostilities against the people and the legitimate authorities of Yemen and relinquish the arms seized from Yemen’s military and security institutions, in accordance with the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex. 

“The Security Council also urges all parties to facilitate safe and unhindered 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, including those receiving assistance as well as the need to ensure the security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and its associated personnel.

“The Security Council notes with appreciation the work of the Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Yemen, Jamal Benomar and  stresses the importance of the United Nations’ close co-ordination with international partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, Group of Ambassadors in Sana’a, and other actors, in order to contribute to the successful transition. 

“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 Security Council demands that all parties fully implement all Council resolutions on Yemen, including resolution 2201 (2015). 

“The Security Council reaffirms its readiness to take further measures against any party in case of non-implementation of its resolutions on Yemen, in particular its resolution 2201.” 

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Resolution 2209 on chlorine gas in Syria

A view of the meeting, as Council members vote in favor of the 

draft resolution. (Venezuela abstained) - UN Photo.

The Security Council,

Recalling the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC), and the Council’s resolutions 1540 (2004) and 2118 (2013), 

Recalling that in resolution 2118 the Council decided that the Syrian Arab Republic shall not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to other States or non-State actors and that the Council underscored that no party in Syria should use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain or transfer chemical weapons,

Recalling that the Syrian Arab Republic acceded to the CWC,noting that the use of any toxic chemical, such as chlorine, as a chemical weapon in the Syrian Arab Republic is a violation of resolution 2118, and further noting that any such use by the Syrian Arab Republic would constitute a violation of the CWC,

Noting that chlorine was the chemical first used as a chemical weapon on a large scale in the Battle of Ypres in April 1915,

Noting the first, second, and third reports from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact-Finding Mission, which was mandated to establish the facts surrounding allegations of the use of toxic chemicals for hostile purposes in the Syrian Arab Republic,  

Noting the decision of the OPCW Executive Council of 4 February 2015 that, while stating diverse views on these reports, expressed serious concern regarding the findings of the Mission made with a high degree of confidence that chlorine has been used repeatedly and systematically as a weapon in the Syrian Arab Republic,

Noting that this is the first ever documented instance of the use of toxic chemicals as weapons within the territory of a State Party to the CWC,

Reaffirming that the use of chemical weapons constitutes a serious violation of international law and reiterating that those individuals responsible for any use of chemical weapons must be held accountable,

1.  Condemns in the strongest terms any use of any toxic chemical, such as chlorine, as a weapon in the Syrian Arab Republic;

2. Expresses deep concern that toxic chemicals have been used as a weapon in the Syrian Arab Republic as concluded with a high degree of confidence by the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission and notes that such use of toxic chemicals as a weapon would constitute a violation of resolution 2118 and of the CWC;

3. Recalls its decision that the Syrian Arab Republic shall not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or, transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to other States or non-State actors; 

4. Reiterates that no party in Syria should use, develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, retain, or transfer chemical weapons;

5. Expresses support for the OPCW Executive Council decision of 4 February 2014 to continue the work of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission, in particular to study all available information relating to allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria and welcomes the intention of the OPCW Director-General to include further reports of the Mission as part of his monthly reports to the Security Council;

6. Stresses that those individuals responsible for any use of chemicals as weapons, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical, must be held accountable, and calls on all parties in the Syrian Arab Republic to extend their full cooperation to the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission;

7. Recalls the decisions made by the Security Council in resolution 2118, and in this context decides in the event of future non-compliance with resolution 2118 to impose measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter;

8. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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Draft resolution on Libya/ UNSMIL - Technical rollover

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 1970 (2011) and all its subsequent resolutions on Libya,

Taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) (S/2015/144),

Taking note also of the special report of the Secretary-General on the strategic assessment of the UN presence in Libya (S/2015/113) including the recommendations on the configuration of the UN presence made therein,

Supporting the ongoing efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to facilitate a political solution to the increasing challenges facing the country,

Recognising, in the current circumstances, the need for a short extension of the mandate of UNSMIL,

Recognising also the need for a short extension of the authorizations provided by and the measures imposed by resolution 2146 (2014),

Determining that the situation in Libya continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security,

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

1. Decides to extend until 31 March 2015 the authorizations provided by and the measures imposed by resolution 2146 (2014);

2. Decides to extend until 31 March 2015 the mandate of UNSMIL, as set out in paragraph 6 of resolution 2144 (2014), under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, in full accordance with the principles of national ownership;

3. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

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Security Council draft press statement on Mosul Museum

SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT (FEBRUARY 27)

 

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the ongoing barbaric terrorist acts in Iraq by ISIL [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant] (Da’esh), including: the abduction of 100 Sunni tribesmen from outside Tikrit on February 25; the immolation of 45 Iraqis in Baghdadi on February 17; ongoing daily attacks targeting civilians in Baghdad; and the deliberate destruction of irreplaceable religious and cultural artifacts housed in the Mosul Museum and burning of thousands of books and rare manuscripts from the Mosul Library.  (SC/11437)

The members of the Security Council reiterated their condemnation of the destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria, particularly by ISIL, including targeted destruction of religious sites and objects, and noted with concern that ISIL and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida are generating income from engaging directly or indirectly in the looting and smuggling of cultural heritage items from archaeological sites, museums, libraries, archives, and other sites in Iraq and Syria, which is being used to support their recruitment efforts and strengthen their operational capability to organize and carry out terrorist attacks.  (UNSCR 2199)

 

The members of the Security Council stressed again 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 such continued acts of barbarism perpetrated by ISIL do not intimidate them, but rather stiffen their resolve and stressed that there has to be a common effort amongst Governments and institutions, including those in the region most affected, to counter ISIL, as the Council resolved in United Nations Security Council resolutions 2161 (2014), 2170 (2014) and 2199 (2015), and underscored the need for their full and immediate implementation by all member states. (SC/11625 and 11799)

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 reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.  (based on SC/11799)

Statement: Security Council urges all parties in Yemen to accelerate negotiations

The members of the Security Council called for all parties in Yemen, including the Houthis, to adhere to resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation, reject acts of violence to achieve political goals, and refrain from provocation and all unilateral actions to undermine the political transition.

The members of the Security Council welcomed that the legitimate President of Yemen, Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, is no longer under house arrest. The members of the Security Council demanded that the Houthis immediately, unconditionally and safely release Prime Minister Bahah, members of the Cabinet and all individuals still under house arrest or arbitrarily detained.

The members of the Security Council strongly called upon all parties, in particular the Houthis, to abide by the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex, which provide for a Yemeni-led democratic transition in accordance with resolutions 2014 (2011), 2051 (2012), 2140 (2014), 2201 (2015) and 2204 (2015).

The members of the Security Council welcomed the intention of the President of Yemen, Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi to engage in good faith in the UN-brokered negotiations and urged all parties to accelerate these negotiations to be held in a location to be determined by Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, to continue the political transition in order to reach a consensus solution in accordance with the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue conference, and the Peace and National Partnership Agreement and its security annex, and to implement it.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed its support for and commitment to the work of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Yemen, Jamal Benomar,  in assisting the parties in reaching consensual agreements in order to resolve the political crisis.

The members of the Security Council stressed the importance of all parties allowing all Yemenis to assemble peacefully without fear of attack, injury, arrest, or retaliation.

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

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Draft statement on Assyrians/ Isil

Draft press statement 

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the killing and abduction of more than one hundred Assyrians by ISIL on 23 February 2015 in the North-East of Syria as well as destruction and desecration of Christian religious sites. Such crimes once again demonstrate the brutality of ISIL which is responsible for thousands of crimes and abuses against people from all faiths, ethnicities and nationalities and without regard to any basic value of humanity.

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned all acts of violence against civilians including those committed on the basis of their ethnicity, religion or belief.

The members of the Security Council demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted by terrorist groups, and stressed that those responsible for such heinous acts must be held accountable.

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UK draft statement on Libya

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern at the situation in Libya. They reiterated their condemnation of recent terrorist attacks in Libya, including the heinous killing of 21 Coptic Christians by an affiliate of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh). 

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support for Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Bernardino León, and urged all parties in Libya to engage constructively with his efforts to facilitate a political solution to the increasing challenges facing the country.

The members of the Security Council underscored that the urgency of the terrorism threat and the continuing political and security crisis called for a swift agreement on the formation of a national unity government, based on clear timelines. 

The members of the Security Council commended those parties that have so far participated in the UN-facilitated talks and strongly encouraged all parties to seize this opportunity to join the UN process in the coming days in a constructive spirit of reconciliation.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their readiness to consider sanctions under resolution 2174 (2014) against those who seek to impede this process and undermine Libya’s democratic transition.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that there is no military solution to the political crisis in Libya, and they reiterated their call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire that is respected and upheld by all parties in Libya.

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