Statement delivered by Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, at the Security Council August Wrap-up Meeting —
At the outset, allow me to thank Egypt for its able stewardship in the month of August, which was less quiet than expected, and for deciding to convene a formal wrap up session. Although it lacks in interactivity compared to the informal session, we believe that this format has its merits as it allows all Council members to speak on the work of the month, thus increasing the overall goal of a more transparent and accountable Security Council.
I will focus on two overarching horizontal issues that featured prominently during the month: nonproliferation and terrorism.
On nonproliferation, at the beginning of August the Council adopted unanimously a resolution sending once again the International Community’s unequivocal message of unity of in strongly condemning North Korea’s increasing provocations and of its determination to confront this new level of threat to international peace and security by taking further action. Resolution 2371 provides for the broadest, most comprehensive set of sanctions ever applied by this Council in decades
As Chair of the 1718 Committee, we are committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of all relevant measures and we are continuing efforts by reaching out to the whole UN membership to ensure that the latest measures are understood and applied quickly and comprehensively. Allow me to recall that we are also committed to ensuring, as reaffirmed in resolution 2371 itself, that the sanctions regime does not have a negative effect on the humanitarian situation in the country.
The most recent ballistic launches by the DPRK, which Italy condemns in the strongest terms, confirmed however the need to exert all the necessary pressure on Pyongyang to prevent any further undermining of our collective security and of the global non-proliferation regime, while bearing in mind that sanctions must remain a tool for a wider strategy aimed at a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation through dialogue. The swift adoption yesterday of a presidential statement following consultations confirms once again this Council’s unity on the DPRK file.
On terrorism, the recent attack in Barcelona, in which citizens from over 30 countries where affected, reminds us of the global nature of this scourge. With a statement promoted by Italy, this Council condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric and cowardly attack and offered deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government of Spain.
The Egyptian Presidency rightly made counter-terrorism a priority during this month as only collective solutions can tackle this challenge. Early in the month, the Council adopted Resolution 2370 on Preventing Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons. It is a substantial step forward in the international community’s commitment against the illegal trafficking of weapons which represents a threat to peace and security and undermines the stability of State institutions.
We look forward to meeting in September the new Under Secretary General of the UN Counter Terrorism Office to discuss how the United Nations and the International Community can tackle comprehensively terrorism and violent extremism. Respect for the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law; addressing the root causes; countering the propaganda, in particular over Internet, and bringing perpetrators to justice should be part of our comprehensive approach.
I also want to highlight that this month the Council received the first briefing by the new SRSG on Libya and head of UNSMIL, Mr. Ghassan Salame’. Significantly, Mr Salame’ delivered his briefing in VTC from Tripoli, showing his commitment to work as much as possible in Libya. The Council confirmed its full support to SRSG Salame’ and to his first initiatives in the role, injecting new momentum to the political process and to the central mediation role of the UN. The Council looks forward to a credible Libyan-led process, facilitated by the UN, to reach an inclusive political settlement within the framework of the LPA. The Council has also expressed concern at the threat of terrorism and the grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the country, emphasizing the need for accountability of the perpetrators. A number of delegations, including Italy, also raised the migration issue and the need to address it with a comprehensive approach.
Mr. President,
Under the able leadership of Japan the Council is finalizing / has completed the revision of its note 507 on working methods. The new note 507 represents / will represent a significant step forward in the constant improvement of the working methods, the transparency and the accountability of this body. Of course, daily practice of what has been agreed will make the true difference. In this respect, allow me to draw attention to the need that negotiations between Council members, in particular when renewing peacekeeping mandates, be conducted in the most inclusive and transparent way possible and that due consideration be given to the position of TCCs and of the countries hosting peacekeeping missions.
In conclusion, Mr. President, congratulations again on your Presidency and we look forward to a busy month of September under the Chairmanship of Ethiopia. I thank you.
