AHLC and other reports

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

REMARKS TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL

New York, 13 April 2018

[As delivered]

Mr. President,
Excellencies,

The situation in the Middle East is in chaos — to such an extent it has become a threat to international peace and security.

The region is facing a true Gordian knot – different fault lines crossing each other and creating a highly volatile situation with risks of escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see with profound regional and global ramifications.

We see a multiplicity of divides. The first is the memory of the Cold War. But to be precise, it is more than a simple memory. The Cold War is back — with a vengeance but with a difference. The mechanisms and the safeguards to manage the risks of escalation that existed in the past no longer seem to be present.

Second, the Palestinian-Israeli divide.

Third, the Sunni-Shia divide, evident from the Gulf to the Mediterranean. It is important to note that apparent religious divides are normally the result of political or geo-strategic manipulations.

Finally, a wide range of different factors — from opposing attitudes in relation to the role of the Muslim Brotherhood or the status of the Kurds, to the dramatic threats to communities that have been living in the region for millennia and are part of the rich diversity of Middle Eastern societies.


This multiplicity of divides is reflected in a multiplicity of conflicts with different degrees of interconnection, several of them clearly linked to the threat of global terrorism.

Many forms of escalation are possible.

We see the wounds of the Palestinian- Israeli conflict deepening once again.

The recent violence in Gaza has resulted in many needless deaths and injuries.

I repeat my call for an independent and transparent investigation into these incidents.
I also appeal to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties and, in particular, any measures that could place civilians in harm's way.

This tragedy underlines the urgency of revitalizing the peace process for a two-state solution that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in two democratic states side by side in peace and within secure and recognised borders.

I reaffirm the United Nations’ readiness to support these efforts.

In Yemen, we are witnessing the worst humanitarian disaster in today’s world.

There is only one pathway to ending the Yemeni conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis – a negotiated political settlement through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue.

My Special Envoy Martin Griffiths is doing everything possible to facilitate that political settlement — and he will brief the Council next week.

In Libya, I encourage all parties to continue to work with my Special Representative Ghassan Salamé, as he engages in the political process with a broad range of Libyan interlocutors across the country to implement the UN Action Plan.

It is high time to end the Libyan conflict.

Iraq demonstrates that progress is possible with concerted local, regional and global commitment.

With the defeat of Daesh, and after overcoming the risk of fragmentation, the Government of Iraq must now focus on reconstruction, reforms and reconciliation. I hope the upcoming elections will consolidate this progress.

At the recent Paris and Rome conferences, the international community reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and state security institutions.
It is absolutely essential to avoid a new Israel-Hezbollah conflict that could inevitably result in many more victims and much greater destruction than the last war.

I reiterate the critical importance to act on key principles and commitments on Lebanon, including Security Council resolutions such as 1701, and the policy of disassociation.

The dangers of the links to the Syrian conflict are evident in the recent confrontations between Iran and Israel in Syria.

Mr. President,
Syria indeed today represents the most serious threat to international peace and security.

In Syria, we see confrontations and proxy wars involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militia, foreign fighters from everywhere in the world, and various terrorist organizations.

From the beginning, we have witnessed systematic violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international law tout court — in utter disregard of the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter.

For eight long years, the people of Syria have endured suffering upon suffering.

I reiterate: there is no military solution to the conflict.

The solution must be political through the Geneva intra-Syrian talks, as stipulated in resolution 2254 of the Security Council, in line with the consistent efforts of my Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura.

Syrians have lived through a litany of horrors: atrocity crimes, sieges, starvation, indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of chemical weapons, forced displacement, sexual violence, torture, detention and enforced disappearances. The list goes on.

In a moment of hope, the Security Council adopted resolution 2401 demanding that all parties cease hostilities without delay for a durable humanitarian pause.

Unfortunately, no such cessation of hostilities ever really took place.

That is the bleak panorama of Syria today.

In this panorama, I am outraged by the continued reports of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

I reiterate my strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by any party to the conflict and under any circumstances. Their use is abhorrent and a clear violation of international law.

The seriousness of the recent allegations requires a thorough investigation using impartial, independent and professional expertise.

In this regard, I reaffirm my full support for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – the OPCW -- and its Fact-Finding Mission in undertaking the required investigation into these allegations.

The Fact-Finding Mission should be granted full access, without any restrictions or impediments to perform its activities. I take note that the Syrian government has requested it and committed to facilitate it.

The first team of the OPCW is already in Syria.

A second is expected today or tomorrow.

But we need to go further.

In a letter to the Council two days ago I expressed “my deep disappointment that the Security Council was unable to agree upon a dedicated mechanism to attribute responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in Syria”, following the end of the mandate of the Joint Investigative Mechanism, or JIM.

I want to repeat today that the norms against chemical weapons must be upheld.

As I wrote in the same letter:

“Ensuring accountability for a confirmed use of chemical weapons is our responsibility, not least to the victims of such attacks.

A lack of accountability emboldens those who would use such weapons by providing them with the reassurance of impunity. This in turn further weakens the norm proscribing the use of chemical weapons and the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture as a whole.

I urge all Member States to act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances.

I appeal to the Security Council to fulfil its duties and not give up on efforts to agree upon a dedicated, impartial, objective and independent mechanism for attributing responsibility with regard to the use of chemical weapons. I stand ready to support such efforts.”

Increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation.

In my contacts with you — especially with the Permanent Members of the Security Council — I have been reiterating my deep concerns about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to avoid the situation spiralling out of control.

Mr. President,

This is exactly the risk we face today – that things spiral out of control.

It is our common duty to stop it.

Thank you.

“I condemn today’s arson attack and desecration of a mosque in the occupied West Bank village of A’qraba near Nablus.

The incident must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. Such attacks have the potential to further inflame an already volatile situation.”

הודעת המתאם המיוחד של האו"ם לתהליך השלום במזרח התיכון,
ניקולאי מלדנוב, על המצב בעזה
ירושלים, 5 באפריל 2018

"אני עוקב בדאגה אחר ההתבטאויות וההכנות המתמשכות ל"צעדת השיבה הגדולה" שעתידה להתקיים ביום שישי הקרוב בעזה.

אני קורא לכוחות הישראליים לנהוג באיפוק מירבי ולפלסטינים להימנע מיצירת חיכוכים בגדר המערכת בגבול עזה.

יש לאפשר להפגנות ולמחאה להתקיים בדרכי שלום. אין להעמיד בכוונה תחילה אזרחים, בייחוד ילדים, בסכנה ואין לסמן אותם כמטרה בכל צורה שהיא."

[סוף]

Statement by United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process,
Nickolay Mladenov, on the situation in Gaza
Jerusalem, 5 April 2018

“I am following with concern the continuing preparations and rhetoric for this Friday’s ‘Great Return March’ in Gaza.

Israeli forces should exercise maximum restraint and Palestinians should avoid friction at the Gaza fence.

Demonstrations and protests must be allowed to proceed in a peaceful manner. Civilians, particularly children, must not be intentionally put in danger or targeted in any way.”

[ENDS]

بيان صادر عن المنسق الخاص للأمم المتحدة لعملية السلام في الشرق الأوسط،
السيد نيكولاي ملادينوف حول الوضع في غزة

القدس، 5 نيسان 2018

"انني واذ أتابع بقلق الاستعدادات والخطابات المستمرة بشأن ' مسيرة العودة الكبرى ' يوم غد الجمعة في غزة .

فأنه يجب على القوات الاسرائيلية ممارسة اقصى درجات ضبط النفس، كما يجب على الفلسطينيين تجنب الاحتكاك عند سياج غزة.

يجب السماح للمظاهرات والاحتجاجات بالمضي قدما بشكل سلمي، وعدم تعمد تعريض المدنيين، وبالاخص الاطفال، للخطر او تعمد استهدافهم بأي شكل من الأشكال".

Secretary-General’s statement on the situation in Gaza

In light of the tragic events of the “Great Return March” last Friday, I reiterate my call on all concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further violence or place civilians in harm's way, especially children.

I call upon all parties on the ground to avoid confrontation and exercise maximum restraint. I particularly urge Israel to exercise extreme caution with the use of force in order to avoid casualties. Civilians must be able to exercise their right to demonstrate peacefully.

I again stress the urgency to accelerate efforts to return to meaningful negotiations that will eventually allow Palestinians and Israelis to live in two democratic states side by side in peace and within secure and recognized borders. I reaffirm the United Nations’ readiness to support these efforts.

New York, 5 April 2018

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the situation in Gaza

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the clashes at the Gaza fence today between Palestinians participating in the “Great Return March” and Israeli Security Forces, which resulted in at least fifteen deaths and a large number of injured. His thoughts are with the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General calls for an independent and transparent investigation into these incidents.

He also appeals to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties and in particular any measures that could place civilians in harm's way.

This tragedy underlines the urgency of revitalizing the peace process aiming at creating the conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations for a peaceful solution that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side peacefully and in security. The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to support these efforts.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 30 March 2018

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov’s Remarks at the 6^th Global Forum for Combating Antisemitism

Jerusalem, 19 March 2018

Your Excellency, Minister of Education and Diaspora Naftali Bennet,

Your Excellency, Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked,

President of the World Jewish Council, Ronald Lauder,

Ministers, ambassadors, dear friends,

It is an honor to be back at this important gathering. I am grateful to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Government of Israel and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for once again extending an invitation to the United Nations to participate.

Allow me to extend the greetings from Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who regrets that he is unable to attend today’s important conference and has asked me to represent him today.

Before I begin, I would like to express my condolences to the families of Adiel Kolman, Ziv Daos and Netanel Kahalani, who were killed by Palestinian perpetrators in the past few days.

There is nothing heroic in killing.

Just look around you in the region— has violence and terror helped any cause, any nation, any country? Those who inspire and praise such attacks do not serve the cause of peace.

Dear guests,

The fact we are all here today, for the sixth time, in Jerusalem, at the Global Forum for Combatting Antisemitism is a testament.

It is a testament to the commitment of nations and peoples around the world to never forget the crimes of the Shoah.

It is a testament to never allow hatred, racisms and discrimination and xenophobia to rule the world.

But most of all, it is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people and to their long and painful journey home.

So it is most appropriate today, to open this forum with three very clear and simple messages and address them to all who seek to fan the flames of hatred, terror and war:

The State of Israel is here to stay.

It is the home of the Jewish people.

In the modern context, denying Israel’s right to exist is anti-Semitism at its worst.

The modern state of Israel was born out of the ashes of the Second World War. It was built and defended by Jews who came home from across the world, it was established to be a democracy that respects human rights, protects minorities and extends support to immigrants. It is not a colonial project, but a project of hope.

The Shoah did not occur in a vacuum. It was a culmination of thousands of years of persecution from the exile of ancient Babylon, through the pogroms in Tsarist Russia, to the systematic extermination in the Nazi death camps.

The United Nations believes that we have an obligation not only to remember the boundless evil that led to the attempt to systematically eliminate the Jewish people, but to stand up and confront hatred and xenophobia where we see it.

Today we see incidents of anti-Semitism, racism and intolerance increasing globally, triggered by populism and by divisive politics.

In Europe, we are seeing the re-emergence of neo-Nazi and other extreme nationalist groups.

In America we hear ominous chants of “blood and soil” and “Jews will not replace us”.

Online there is a surge in support for racist or supremacist causes.

And there are those who continue to call for the destruction of Israel. They sharpen their weapons as we speak.

Looking closer to home, we must recognize and denounce anti-Semitism here in the region.

In too many societies across the Middle East, the demonization of Jews continues unabated.

Many have often spoken of how a peaceful two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will pave the way towards resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

They are right.

Yet at the same time, an enduring peace must be based on the acceptance that Jews, Christians and Muslims all have a historic and religious connection to this land, to this city.

While history has taught us that blind hatred and propaganda need little to turn into violence, it also teaches us that we have a choice.

It teaches us that no one is born hating other people.

It teaches us that we have a choice whether we give in to xenophobia and hatred or to respect different peoples, faiths and cultures.

The Shoah was the result of turning hatred into policy. It became possible because too many people chose to collaborate or looked the other way.

This is why attempts to rewrite the history of the Holocaust and downplay the complicity of those who participated in or enabled genocide are so concerning.

Renowned Israeli writer and Holocaust survivor Aharon Applefeld, who recently passed away, described his memory of confronting indifference:

“I noticed that all the doors and windows of our non-Jewish neighbors were suddenly shut, and we walked alone in empty streets. None of our many neighbors, […] was at the window when we dragged along our suitcases.”

A sad and tragic picture imprinted in the family history of so many Jews who were lucky to survive the killing grounds of Europe.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Some people did not look away.

They did not keep their doors and windows shut.

In my country, Bulgaria, people came out. To stand on the train tracks and to not allow the deportations. In a country that was allied to Nazi Germany.

While sadly 11,300 Jews living in Bulgarian-administered territories in northern Greece, Eastern Serbia, and Macedonia were deported by the Nazis and their collaborators to be murdered in Treblinka, Bulgaria’s Jewish community of 50,000 people survived the war and has been instrumental in building the modern State of Israel.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We all have a choice to look away from the problems of anti-Semitism, xenophobia and intolerance, or to confront them.

We all have a responsibility to educate our children long before their young hearts and minds are poisoned by propaganda.

To this end, the United Nations and the Secretary-General are committed to continue working to educate people around the world about the horrors of the past and how we can all contribute to ensuring they are never forgotten and never repeated.

I wish your conference every success.

Thank you.