Yemen Peace Talks: Agreement on confidence-building measures, ceasefire committee

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Special Envoy 

of the Secretary-General for Yemen, at the Geneva Consultations 

on Yemen with the Sana’a delegation. 15 December 2015. (UN Photo)

Communiqué: Yemen Peace Talks

 On 15 December 2015, the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen convened a delegation of the Government of Yemen and a joint delegation of Ansarallah and the General People’s Congress in Magglingen in Switzerland, to conduct peace consultations under the auspices of the United Nations.  

The parties came together to develop a framework for detailed peace negotiations based firmly on Resolution 2216 (2015) and other relevant UNSC resolutions, in order to reach an end of the war and return to a peaceful, political transition. The parties also sought to identify and implement a series of confidence building measures, which yield concrete and immediate benefits for the Yemeni people. 

The Special Envoy expressed his gratitude to all parties for their presence, and constructive participation engagement in the UN facilitated peace talks. He also expressed his appreciation to the participants for their commitment to a cessation of hostilities, which was announced with the start of the talks.

Unfortunately, there were numerous violations of the cessation of hostilities, which affected the progress of the talks. Despite this, the parties made serious progress through identifying a framework for negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement, in addition to defining a set of relevant confidence-building measures relating to prisoner release, improved social services and improving the flow of humanitarian aid to Taizz and other Yemeni governorates.

In particular, during the talks the parties agreed to:

(1)  Develop a package of confidence-building measures including a mechanism for the release of prisoners which will include a release of all detainees and prisoners once a permanent ceasefire is in place;

(2)  Establish a Co-ordination and De-escalation Committee consisting of military advisors from both sides, facilitated by the United Nations.

(3)  Lift all forms of blockade and allow safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies to all affected governorates, including Taizz.

The participants likewise agreed to a negotiating framework for a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict and allow the resumption of inclusive political dialogue.  This framework is firmly based on Resolution 2216 (2015) and other relevant UNSC resolutions and provides a mechanism for return to a peaceful and orderly transition based on the GCC Initiative and National Dialogue outcomes.

The participating delegations in Switzerland further agreed to:

(1)       Continue the work of the Coordination and De-escalation Committee set up during these talks and identify a suitable location for it in the region. The committee will be comprised of military representatives of the parties who will meet under UN facilitation.

(2)       Meet again for a second round of talks to be convened by the Special Envoy in consultation with the parties.

(3)       Ensure a greater involvement of women in the upcoming rounds of talks.

Given the centrality of the cessation of hostilities to the success of talks, the Special Envoy has elected to adjourn the talks until the middle of January 2016. In order to ensure adherence to the cessation of hostilities and enable sustainability, the Special Envoy judges that additional bilateral consultations will be required in Yemen and in the region in the coming weeks. 

The Special Envoy shall continue to work with the parties to identify and implement confidence-building measures that will help build respect for a durable ceasefire and peace process.

The Special Envoy wishes to commend the participants for the work so far undertaken and plans to convene the next round of these talks on 14 January 2016.

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Security Council resolution 2254 on Syria, Geneva/ Vienna

The Security Council unanimously adopts resolution 2254 (2015), requesting the Secretary-General, through his good offices and the efforts of his Special Envoy for Syria, to convene representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition to engage in formal negotiations on a political transition process on an urgent basis, with a target of early January 2016 for the initiation of talks. UN Photo, 18 December 2015

Resolution 2254 (2015) 

The Security Council, 

PP1.  Recalling its resolutions 2042 (2012), 2043 (2012), 2118 (2013), 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2170 (2014), 2175 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2191 (2014), 2199 (2015), 2235 (2015), and 2249 (2015) and Presidential Statements of 3 August 2011 (S/PRST/2011/16), 21 March 2012 (S/PRST/2012/6), 5 April 2012 (S/PRST/2012/10), 2 October 2013 (S/PRST/2013/15), 24 April 2015 (S/PRST/2015/10) and 17 August 2015 (S/PRST/2015/15),  

PP2.  Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, 

PP3.  Expressing its gravest concern at the continued suffering of the Syrian people, the dire and deteriorating humanitarian situation, the ongoing conflict and its persistent and brutal violence, the negative impact of terrorism and violent extremist ideology in support of terrorism, the destabilizing effect of the crisis on the region and beyond, including the resulting increase in terrorists drawn to the fighting in Syria, the physical destruction in the country, and increasing sectarianism, and underscoring that the situation will continue to deteriorate in the absence of a political solution, 

PP4.  Recalling its demand that all parties take all appropriate steps to protect civilians, including members of ethnic, religious and confessional communities, and stresses that, in this regard, the primary responsibility to protect its population lies with the Syrian authorities,

PP5.  Reiterating that the only sustainable solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, with a view to full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 as endorsed by resolution 2118 (2013), including through the establishment of an inclusive transitional governing body with full executive powers, which shall be formed on the basis of mutual consent while ensuring continuity of governmental institutions, 

PP6.  Encouraging, in this regard, the diplomatic efforts of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to help bring an end to the conflict in Syria, 

PP7.  Commending the commitment of the ISSG, as set forth in the Joint Statement on the outcome of the multilateral talks on Syria in Vienna of 30 October 2015 and the Statement of the ISSG of 14 November 2015 (hereinafter the “Vienna Statements”), to ensure a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition based on the Geneva Communiqué in its entirety, and emphasizing the urgency for all parties in Syria to work diligently and constructively towards this goal, 

PP8.  Urging all parties to the UN-facilitated political process to adhere to the principles identified by the ISSG, including commitments to Syria’s unity, independence, territorial integrity, and non-sectarian character, to ensuring continuity of governmental institutions, to protecting the rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denomination, and to ensuring humanitarian access throughout the country, 

PP9.  Encouraging the meaningful participation of women in the UN-facilitated political process for Syria, 

PP10.  Bearing in mind the goal to bring together the broadest possible spectrum of the opposition, chosen by Syrians, who will decide their negotiation representatives and define their negotiation positions so as to enable the political process to begin, taking note of the meetings in Moscow and Cairo and other initiatives to this end, and noting in particular the usefulness of the meeting in Riyadh on 9-11 December 2015, whose outcomes contribute to the preparation of negotiations under UN auspices on a political settlement of the conflict, in accordance with the Geneva Communique and the “Vienna Statements”, and looking forward to the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria finalizing efforts to this end,

OP1.  Reconfirms its endorsement of the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012, endorses the “Vienna Statements” in pursuit of the full implementation of the Geneva Communiqué, as the basis for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition in order to end the conflict in Syria, and stresses that the Syrian people will decide the future of Syria; 

OP2.  Requests the Secretary-General, through his good offices and the efforts of his Special Envoy for Syria, to convene representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition to engage in formal negotiations on a political transition process on an urgent basis, with a target of early January 2016 for the initiation of talks, pursuant to the Geneva Communiqué, consistent with the 14 November 2015 ISSG Statement, with a view to a lasting political settlement of the crisis; 

OP3.  Acknowledges the role of the ISSG as the central platform to facilitate the United Nations’ efforts to achieve a lasting political settlement in Syria;

OP4.  Expresses its support, in this regard, for a Syrian-led political process that is facilitated by the United Nations and, within a target of six months, establishes credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance and sets a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution, and further expresses its support for free and fair elections, pursuant to the new constitution, to be held within 18 months and administered under supervision of the United Nations, to the satisfaction of the governance and to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including members of the diaspora, eligible to participate, as set forth in the 14 November 2015 ISSG Statement; 

OP5.  Acknowledges the close linkage between a ceasefire and a parallel political process, pursuant to the 2012 Geneva Communiqué, and that both initiatives should move ahead expeditiously, and in this regard expresses its support for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which the ISSG has committed to support and assist in implementing, to come into effect as soon as the representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition have begun initial steps towards a political transition under UN auspices, on the basis of the Geneva Communiqué, as set forth in the 14 November 2015 ISSG Statement, and to do so on an urgent basis; 

OP6.  Requests the Secretary-General to lead the effort, through the office of his Special Envoy and in consultation with relevant parties, to determine the modalities and requirements of a ceasefire as well as continue planning for the support of ceasefire implementation, and urges Member States, in particular members of the ISSG, to support and accelerate all efforts to achieve a ceasefire, including through pressing all relevant parties to agree and adhere to such a ceasefire; 

OP7.  Emphasizes the need for a ceasefire monitoring, verification and reporting mechanism, requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on options for such a mechanism that it can support, as soon as possible and no later than one month after the adoption of this resolution, and encourages Member States, including members of the Security Council, to provide assistance, including through expertise and in-kind contributions, to support such a mechanism; 

OP8.  Reiterates its call in resolution 2249 (2015) for Member States to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al-Nusra Front (ANF), and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda or ISIL, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the ISSG and determined by the Security Council, pursuant to the Statement of the ISSG of 14 November 2015, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Syria, and notes that the aforementioned ceasefire will not apply to offensive or defensive actions against these individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, as set forth in the 14 November 2015 ISSG Statement; 

OP9.  Welcomes the effort of the government of Jordan to help develop a common understanding within the ISSG of individuals and groups for possible determination as terrorists and will consider expeditiously the recommendation of the ISSG for the purpose of determining terrorist groups; 

OP10.  Emphasizes the need for all parties in Syria to take confidence building measures to contribute to the viability of a political process and a lasting ceasefire, and calls on all states to use their influence with the government of Syria and the Syrian opposition to advance the peace process, confidence building measures and steps towards a ceasefire; 

OP11.  Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council, as soon as possible and no later than one month after the adoption of this resolution, on options for further confidence building measures; 

OP12.  Calls on the parties to immediately allow humanitarian agencies rapid, safe and unhindered access throughout Syria by most direct routes, allow immediate, humanitarian assistance to reach all people in need, in particular in all besieged and hard-to-reach areas, release any arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children, calls on ISSG states to use their influence immediately to these ends, and demands the full implementation of resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2191 (2014) and any other applicable resolutions; 

OP13.  Demands that all parties immediately cease any attacks against civilians and civilian objects as such, including attacks against medical facilities and personnel, and any indiscriminate use of weapons, including through shelling and aerial bombardment, welcomes the commitment by the ISSG to press the parties in this regard, and further demands that all parties immediately comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law as applicable; 

OP14.  Underscores the critical need to build conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their home areas and the re-habilitation of affected areas, in accordance with international law, including applicable provisions of the Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, and taking into account the interests of those countries hosting refugees, and urges Member States to provide assistance in this regard, and looks forward to the London Conference on Syria in February 2016, hosted by the United Kingdom, Germany, Kuwait, Norway and the United Nations, as an important contribution to this endeavor, and further expresses its support to the post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation of Syria; 

OP15.  Requests that the Secretary-General report back to the Security Council on the implementation of this resolution, including on progress of the UN-facilitated political process, within 60 days; 

OP16.  Decides to remain actively seized of the matter. 

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Security Council resolution 2253 on financing ISIS/ Daesh

Russian Federation and the United States of America 

Draft resolution

The Security Council, 

Recalling its resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333 (2000), 1363 (2001), 1373 (2001), 1390 (2002), 1452 (2002), 1455 (2003), 1526 (2004), 1566 (2004), 1617 (2005), 1624 (2005), 1699 (2006), 1730 (2006), 1735 (2006), 1822 (2008), 1904 (2009), 1988 (2011), 1989 (2011), 2083 (2012), 2133 (2014), 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2195 (2014), 2199 (2015), 2214 (2015), and 2249 (2015),

Reaffirming that terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever committed, and reiterating its unequivocal condemnation of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities 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,

Recognizing that terrorism poses a threat to international peace and security and that countering this threat requires collective efforts on national, regional and international levels on the basis of respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirming that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, or civilization,

Expressing its gravest concern about the presence, violent extremist ideology and actions of ISIL, Al-Qaida, and their affiliates in the Middle East and North Africa and beyond,

Reaffirming its commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, 

Recalling the Presidential Statements of the Security Council on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts of 15 January 2013 (S/PRST/2013/1), of 28 July 2014 (S/PRST/2014/14), of 19 November 2014 (S/PRST/2014/23), of 29 May 2015 (S/PRST/2015/11), and of 28 July 2015 (S/PRST/2015/14),

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 law, international refugee law, and international 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, 

Recognizing that development, security, and human rights are mutually reinforcing and are vital to an effective and comprehensive approach to countering terrorism, and underlining that a particular goal of counter-terrorism strategies should be to ensure sustainable peace and security,

Reaffirming 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, 

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, 

Emphasizing that sanctions are an important tool under the Charter of the United Nations in the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security, including in support of countering terrorism, and stressing in this regard the need for robust implementation of the measures in paragraph 2 of this resolution, 

Recalling that ISIL is a splinter group of Al-Qaida, and recalling further that any individual, group, undertaking, or entity supporting ISIL or Al-Qaida is eligible for listing, 

Condemning the frequent, recent terrorist attacks perpetrated by ISIL around the world resulting in numerous casualties, recognizing the need for sanctions to reflect current threats and, in this regard, recalling paragraph 7 of resolution 2249,

Reminding all States that they have an obligation to take the measures described in paragraph 2 with respect to all individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities included on the list created pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333 (2000), 1989 (2011), 2083 (2012), and 2161 (2014) (now and hereunder referred to as the “ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List”), regardless of the nationality or residence of such individuals, groups, undertakings, or entities, 

Urging all Member States to participate actively in maintaining and updating the ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List by contributing additional information pertinent to current listings, submitting delisting requests when appropriate, and by identifying and nominating for listing additional individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities which should be subject to the measures referred to in paragraph 2 of this resolution, 

Reminding the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) (“the Committee”) to remove expeditiously and on a case-by-case basis individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities that no longer meet the criteria for listing outlined in this resolution, welcoming improvements to the Committee’s procedures and the format of the ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List, expressing its intent to continue efforts to ensure that procedures are fair and clear, and recognizing the challenges, both legal and otherwise, to the measures implemented by Member States under paragraph 2 of this resolution,

Recognizing the importance of building capacities of Member States to counter terrorism and terrorist financing,

Welcoming again the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson pursuant to resolution 1904 (2009) and the enhancement of the Ombudsperson’s mandate in resolutions 1989 (2011), 2083 (2012), and 2161 (2015), noting the Office of the Ombudsperson’s significant contribution in providing additional fairness and transparency, and recalling the Security Council’s firm commitment to ensuring that the Office of the Ombudsperson is able to continue to carry out its role effectively and independently, in accordance with its mandate, 

Welcoming the Ombudsperson’s biannual reports to the Security Council, including the reports submitted on 21 January 2011, 22 July 2011, 20 January 2012, 30 July 2012, 31 January 2013, 31 July 2013, 31 January 2014, 31 July 2014, and 2 February 2015,

Welcoming the continuing cooperation between the Committee and INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in particular on technical assistance and capacity-building, and all other United Nations bodies, and strongly encouraging further engagement with the UN Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) to ensure overall coordination and coherence in the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations system, 

Recalling its resolutions 2199 (2015) and 2133 (2014) strongly condemning kidnapping and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups 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, reiterating its call 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 welcoming the endorsement by the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) in September 2015 of the “Addendum to the Algiers Memorandum on Good Practices on Preventing and Denying the Benefits of Kidnapping for Ransom by Terrorists”,

Resolution 2249, drafted by France, on combating Daesh/ ISIS

A wide view of the Security Council meeting as Members observe a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Beirut on 12 November and in various locations in Paris on 13 November. 16 November 2015          

 The Security Council,

           Reaffirming its resolutions 1267 (1999), 1368 (2001), 1373 (2001), 1618 (2005), 1624 (2005), 2083 (2012), 2129 (2013), 2133 (2014), 2161 (2014), 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2195 (2014), 2199 (2015), 2214 (2015) and its relevant presidential statements,

           Reaffirming the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations,

           Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and unity of all States in accordance with purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,

           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,

           Determining that, by its violent extremist ideology, its terrorist acts, its continued gross systematic and widespread attacks directed against civilians, abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including those driven on religious or ethnic ground, its eradication of cultural heritage and trafficking of cultural property, but also its control over significant parts and natural resources across Iraq and Syria and its recruitment and training of foreign terrorist fighters whose threat affects all regions and Member States, even those far from conflict zones, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security,

           Recalling that the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF) and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida also constitute a threat to international peace and security,

           Determined to combat by all means this unprecedented threat to international peace and security,

           Noting the letters dated 25 June 2014 and 20 September 2014 from the Iraqi authorities which state that Da’esh has established a safe haven outside Iraq’s borders that is a direct threat to the security of the Iraqi people and territory,

           Reaffirming that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law;

           Reiterating that the situation will continue to deteriorate further in the absence of a political solution to the Syria conflict and emphasizing the need to implement the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 endorsed as Annex II of its resolution 2118 (2013) and the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November 2015,

           1.       Unequivocally condemns in the strongest terms the horrifying terrorist attacks perpetrated by ISIL also known as Da’esh which took place on 26 June 2015 in Sousse, on 10 October 2015 in Ankara, on 31 October 2015 over Sinaï, on 12 November 2015 in Beirut and on 13 November 2015 in Paris, and all other attacks perpetrated by ISIL also known as Da’esh, including hostage-taking and killing, and notes it has the capability and intention to carry out further attacks and regards all such acts of terrorism as a threat to  peace and security;

           2.       Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to the people and Governments of Tunisia, Turkey, Russian Federation, Lebanon and France, and to all Governments whose citizens were targeted in the above mentioned attacks and all other victims of terrorism;

           3.       Condemns also in the strongest terms the continued gross, systematic and widespread abuses of human rights and violations of humanitarian law, as well as barbaric acts of destruction and looting of cultural heritage carried out by ISIL also known as Da’esh;

           4.       Reaffirms that those responsible for committing or otherwise responsible for terrorist acts, violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights must be held accountable;

           5.       Calls upon Member States that have the capacity to do so to take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Da’esh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Da’esh as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant the Vienna Communique of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria;

           6.       Urges Member States to intensify their efforts to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to Iraq and Syria and to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism, and urges all Members states to continue to fully implement the above-mentioned resolutions;

           7.       Expresses its intention to swiftly update the 1267 committee sanctions list in order to better reflect the threat posed by ISIL also known as Da’esh;

           8.       Decides to remain seized of the matter.

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Security Council calls Lebanese politicians, again, to elect a president

UNSC Press statement – Situation in Lebanon

18 November 2015

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 18 November 2015 by the Special Coordinator for Lebanon of the Secretary-General Sigrid Kaag on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). 

The members of the Security Council reiterated their condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attack carried out by ISIL, also known as Da’esh, on 12 November 2015 in Beirut, killing at least 43 and injuring more than 200 people.  

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

The members of the Security Council reiterated in these challenging circumstances their strong support for Lebanon’s state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces and security services, in their efforts to safeguard the security and stability of the country.  

The members of the Security Council expressed their continuing concern at the negative impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon’s stability and the immediate threat to its security. The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of Lebanon’s policy of disassociation and called on all Lebanese parties to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Ministerial declaration of the current Government and in the Baabda Declaration of 12 June 2012.  

The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern over the 18-month vacancy in the Presidency of the Republic, which seriously impairs Lebanon’s ability to address the security, economic, social, and humanitarian challenges facing the country.  The members of the Security Council called on all Lebanese leaders to adhere to Lebanon's Constitution and to the Taef Agreement and National Pact, to put Lebanon's stability and national interests ahead of partisan politics, and act responsibly and with leadership and flexibility to urgently convene a parliamentary session and proceed to the election of a President. 

The members of the Security Council noted with concern the deep socio-economic impact of the refugee crisis on Lebanon and urged Members States to increase assistance to Lebanon.  

The members of the Security Council reiterated its full support for UNIFIL and renewed its call on all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel.

The members of the Security Council expressed appreciation for the outcome of the latest ministerial meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) convened by the Secretary-General on September 30, 2015 and urged the ISG to continue its work in coordination with the Special Coordinator to seek opportunities to help address rising challenges to Lebanon’s security and stability.  

The members of the Security Council recalled all of the Council’s previous resolutions and the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, and they reaffirmed their strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon.

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Russian draft resolution on Counterterrorism (September 2015)

Russia presented this draft resolution last September in the Security Council. 

The new Russian draft that was circulated today is based on this text with some new amendments and elements that include Article 51 and references to Paris and Sinai attacks. 

Draft (September 2015)

The Security Council,

Reaffirming its commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, 

Expressing grave concern over the risks posed by the increasing terrorist threat to the territorial integrity and existence of some States in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as over the serious humanitarian consequences of the growing terrorist activity in the region, including the large-scale increase in number of refugees and internally displaced persons and the expansion of illegal migration flows,

Noting that the lack of solution to some conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa is one of the factors contributing to the expansion of the terrorist ideology in the region, 

Reiterating its concern that foreign terrorist fighters increase the intensity, duration and intractability of conflicts, and also may pose a serious threat to their States of origin, the States they transit and the States to which they travel, as well as States, neighbouring to zones of armed conflict, in which foreign terrorist fighters are active and that are affected by serious security burdens, (based on pp10, 2178)

Noting that the threat of foreign terrorist fighters may affect all regions and Member States, even those far from conflict zones, (based on pp10, 2178)

Expressing grave concern that foreign terrorist fighters are using their extremist ideology to promote terrorism, (based on pp10, 2178)

Recognizing that terrorism poses a threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, and that countering this threat requires collective efforts on national, regional and international levels on the basis of respect for the principles and norms of international law, 

Underlining that international cooperation and any measures taken by Member States to prevent and combat terrorism must comply fully with the Charter of the United Nations, (common CT language)

Noting in this regard the central role the United Nations and its Security Council play in leading and coordinating these efforts, 

1. Reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and calls upon all Member States to counter this threat in accordance with their obligations under international law; 

2. Condemns unconditionally such organizations as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and all other groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, in particular Al-Nusrah Front (ANF), for continued and multiple terrorist acts; 

3. Reaffirms that those responsible for committing terrorist acts, including those driven by ethnic, religious or sectarian grounds, must be held accountable;

4. Welcomes the efforts of Member States, including States of the Middle East and North Africa, which contribute to countering the terrorist threat in the region, including fighting the organizations mentioned in paragraph 2 above, in accordance with the norms of international law and purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and calls upon all States to participate to the extent possible in these efforts and to coordinate their activities with the consent of the States, in the territories of which such activities are conducted, on the basis of the UN Charter and in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States;

5. Requests Member States participating in the activities mentioned in paragraph 4 above to submit to the Security Council periodic reports in this regard;

6. Emphasizes the need to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts, and in this regard notes in particular that States are required to ensure that their nationals and persons in their territory not make available, directly or indirectly, any funds, other financial assets or economic resources, including oil, oil products, modular refineries and related material and other natural resources that are identified as directed to, collected for, or otherwise for the benefit of ISIL, ANF, and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, as well as any funds or negotiable benefit arising from such economic resources; (op.9, 2199)

7. Reiterates its call on all Member State, in accordance with their obligations under international law, to cooperate in efforts to address the threat of terrorism, including the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, and to establish in particular an effective exchange of relevant information; (based on op.4, 2178)

8. Encourages more active submission to the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) listing requests of individuals supporting ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida and directs the 1267/1989 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee to immediately consider, in accordance with its resolution 2199 (2015), designations of individuals and entities engaged in oil trade related activities with ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida; (based on op.13, 2199)

9. Requests the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to submit to the Committee in 60 days recommendations on measures to strengthen the monitoring of implementation of resolution 2199 (2015); 

10. Reaffirms the crucial role of the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) in ensuring the full implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), notes the ongoing work on supplementing the global surveys of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), endorses the thematic and regional approach of CTED aimed at addressing the counter-terrorism needs of each Member State and region, and directs CTED to present in 9 months a report to the CTC on regional aspects of implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) by the States of the Middle East and North Africa taking into account the emerging issues, trends and developments related to these resolutions that, in paragraph 5 of resolution 2129 (2013), the Security Council directed CTED to identify and requests the Executive Director of CTED to brief the Council on the findings of this report; (based on 2129 and 2178)

11. Requests the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in close cooperation with other United Nations counter-terrorism bodies to gather from States, relevant United Nations bodies, other international and regional organizations and other interested parties information concerning designation of individuals and entities, associated with Al-Qaida, and its cells, affiliates, splinter groups and derivatives, such as ISIL, ANF, Ansar Al Charia, who may be engaging in activities falling under resolution 2199 and to provide the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) with this information in a form of updates on each of the following subjects: oil trade; trade in cultural property; external donations; direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related material of all type, as part of the impact assessment, pursuant to paragraph 30 of resolution 2199 (2015), that the Team will include in its regular reports to the Committee; 

12. Reiterates the need to enhance cooperation and coordination among the committees with counter-terrorism mandates established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) and their respective groups of experts, and notes the importance of the committees' interaction and dialogue with all Member States in the Middle East and North Africa for their effective cooperation and encourages the committees to hold in 2016 a joint meeting with participation of Member States, inviting representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, to discuss further steps to be taken with regards to counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East and North Africa taking into account the emerging regional issues, trends and developments related to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004); (based on S/PRST/2014/23)

13. Underscores the important role of the Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in technical assistance delivery and strongly recommends that the CTITF Office, in close consultation with CTED and based on its CTC-approved analyses and reports, and using the information provided by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Group of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1540, set out a prioritized list of capacity building and technical assistance programs to be implemented by CTITF entities and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) with respect to the Middle East and North Africa; (based on S/PRST/2015/11)

14. Notes the study conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on illicit financial flows, associated with ISIL, and calls upon FATF to continue its efforts to identify States, individuals and entities, involved in trade and transactions with ISIL, aimed at the efficient disruption of terrorism financing channels; 

15. Supports the efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa undertaken under the aegis of the UN in agreed inclusive formats; 

16. Requests the Secretary-General to report regularly on the implementation of this resolution and to submit the first report in three months upon its adoption and every six months thereafter; 

17. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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Vienna 2 - Statement of the International Syria Support Group: Ceasefire, Parallel Political Process

Statement of the International Syria Support Group

Vienna, November 14, 2015

Meeting in Vienna on November 14, 2015 as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States to discuss how to accelerate an end to the Syrian conflict.  The participants began with a moment of silence for the victims of the heinous terrorist attacks of November 13 in Paris and the recent attacks in Beirut, Iraq, Ankara, and Egypt.  The members unanimously condemned in the strongest terms these brutal attacks against innocent civilians and stood with the people of France.

Subsequently, the participants engaged in a constructive dialogue to build upon the progress made in the October 30 gathering. The members of the ISSG expressed a unanimous sense of urgency to end the suffering of the Syrian people, the physical destruction of Syria, the destabilization of the region, and the resulting increase in terrorists drawn to the fighting in Syria.

The ISSG acknowledged the close linkage between a ceasefire and a parallel political process pursuant to the 2012 Geneva Communique, and that both initiatives should move ahead expeditiously.  They stated their commitment to ensure a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition based on the Geneva Communique in its entirety.  The group reached a common understanding on several key issues.

The group agreed to support and work to implement a nationwide ceasefire in Syria to come into effect as soon as the representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition have begun initial steps towards the transition under UN auspices on the basis of the Geneva Communique.  The five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council pledged to support a UNSC resolution to empower a UN-endorsed ceasefire monitoring mission in those parts of the country where monitors would not come under threat of attacks from terrorists, and to support a political transition process in accordance with the Geneva Communique.    

All members of the ISSG also pledged as individual countries and supporters of various belligerents to take all possible steps to require adherence to the ceasefire by these groups or individuals they support, supply or influence.  The ceasefire would not apply to offensive or defensive actions against Da’esh or Nusra or any other group the ISSG agrees to deem terrorist.

The participants welcomed UN Secretary General Ban’s statement that he has ordered the UN to accelerate planning for supporting the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire.  The group agreed that the UN should lead the effort, in consultation with interested parties, to determine the requirements and modalities of a ceasefire.   

The ISSG expressed willingness to take immediate steps to encourage confidence-building measures that would contribute to the viability of the political process and to pave the way for the nationwide ceasefire.  In this context, and pursuant to clause 5 of the Vienna Communique, the ISSG discussed the need to take steps to ensure expeditious humanitarian access throughout the territory of Syria pursuant to UNSCR 2165 and called for the granting of the UN’s pending requests for humanitarian deliveries.   The ISSG expressed concern for the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons and the imperative of building conditions for their safe return in accordance with the norms of international humanitarian law and taking into account the interests of host countries.  The resolution of the refugee issue is important to the final settlement of the Syrian conflict.  The ISSG also reaffirmed the devastating effects of the use of indiscriminate weapons on the civilian population and humanitarian access, as stated in UNSCR 2139.  The ISSG agreed to press the parties to end immediately any use of such indiscriminate weapons.

The ISSG reaffirmed the importance of abiding by all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including UNSCR 2199 on stopping the illegal trade in oil, antiquities and hostages, from which terrorists benefit.

Pursuant to the 2012 Geneva Communique, incorporated by reference in the Vienna statement of October 30, and in U.N. Security Council Resolution 2118, the ISSG agreed on the need to convene Syrian government and opposition representatives in formal negotiations under UN auspices, as soon as possible, with a target date of January 1.  The group welcomed efforts, working with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and others, to bring together the broadest possible spectrum of the opposition, chosen by Syrians, who will decide their negotiating representatives and define their negotiating positions, so as to enable the political process to begin.  All the parties to the political process should adhere to the guiding principles identified at the October 30 meeting, including a commitment to Syria’s unity, independence, territorial integrity, and non-sectarian character; to ensuring that State institutions remain intact; and to protecting the rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denomination.   ISSG members agreed that these principles are fundamental.

The ISSG members reaffirmed their support for the transition process contained in the 2012 Geneva Communique.  In this respect they affirmed their support for a ceasefire as described above and for a Syrian-led process that will, within a target of six months, establish credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, and set a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution.  Free and fair elections would be held pursuant to the new constitution within 18 months. These elections must be administered under UN supervision to the satisfaction of the governance and to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including the diaspora, eligible to participate.    

Regarding the fight against terrorism, and pursuant to clause 6 of the Vienna Communique, the ISSG reiterated that Da’esh, Nusra, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the UN Security Council, and further, as agreed by the participants and endorsed by the UN Security Council, must be defeated.  The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan agreed to help develop among intelligence and military community representatives a common understanding of groups and individuals for possible determination as terrorists, with a target of completion by the beginning of the political process under UN auspices. 

The participants expect to meet in approximately one month in order to review progress towards implementation of a ceasefire and the beginning of the political process.  

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