Continua la crisis financiera global"New York Times":"Mixed Markets Reflect Hope for Bailout": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/business/01bailout.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin"With Wachovia Sale, the Banking Crisis Trickles Up": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/business/30citi.html?ref=business"El País" de Madrid:"La UE culpa a EE UU de la crisis y pide que asuma su responsabilidad": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/UE/culpa/EE/UU/crisis/pide/asuma/responsabilidad/elpepuint/20080930elpepuint_13/Tes"El pánico recorre Wall Street y la Bolsa se desploma más que en el 11/S :Los analistas auguran una ola de despidos y quiebras si no prospera el plan":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/panico/recorre/Wall/Street/Bolsa/desploma/11-S/elpepuint/20080930elpepiint_2/Tes"Le Monde":"George Bush : "les conséquences seront pires chaque jour si nous n'agissons pas"": http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2008/09/30/les-bourses-europeennes-ouvrent-sur-de-fortes-baisses_1101088_3234.html#ens_id=1089411"Rebond de Wall Street à l'ouverture": http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2008/09/30/panique-sur-les-marches-asiatiques-apres-le-rejet-du-plan-paulson_1101069_3234.html#ens_id=1089411"CNN":"U.S. stocks rebound after bailout failure": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/09/30/us.bailout.deal.markets/index.html"Wall Street waits on bailout vote": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/10/01/us.bailout.deal.markets/index.html"La Nación":"Estamos en emergencia", dijo Bush en un dramático llamado para destrabar el plan de salvatajeEl mandatario norteamericano, que no dio por muerto su plan de rescate, alertó que "la opción es la acción o la penuria de los estadounideses"; Obama reclamó que los legisladores vuelvan a la mesa de negociaciones":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1054864"Intentan hoy volver a votar el rescate: Tras el devastador rechazo de la Cámara de Representantes, el Senado tratará de aprobar esta noche una versión modificada del plan de salvataje; Bush advirtió sobre el peligro de un derrumbe económico "doloroso y duradero"": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1055191"Time":"A Second Chance (and Thoughts) on the House Bailout Vote":http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1846033,00.html"Surviving the Wall Street Storm":http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1846017,00.html"China Daily":"Wall Street surge; credit worries persist":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-10/01/content_7071724.htm"BBC":"House votes down bail-out package":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7641733.stm"Citigroup to buy US bank Wachovia": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7642126.stm"El Tiempo" de Colombia:"Bolsas del mundo se recuperan en espera del salvavidas; Wall Street subió 4,68%": http://www.portafolio.com.co//economia/finanzas/2008-10-01/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR_PORTA-4576407.html"Los Ángeles Times":"Why the $700-billion rescue plan failed": http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bailpr1-2008oct01,0,1703821.story"El Mercurio" de Chile:"Tasas de interés internacionales llegan a niveles máximos": http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/10/01/economia_y_negocios/economia_y_negocios/noticias/BABC3E47-5587-45A6-8048-6B599A9A03D8.htm?id={BABC3E47-5587-45A6-8048-6B599A9A03D8} "El Universal" de México: "Pega crisis de EU a países emergentes: Los mercados de toda Latinoamérica también cayeron en picada, con grandes pérdidas en México, Argentina, Colombia y Chile": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/542988.html "Advierten Obama y McCain catástrofe si no se aprueba rescate financiero: Advierten los candidatos a la Casa Blanca que de no hacerlo la actual crisis financiera en Estados Unidos se convertiría en un 'desastre'": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/543085.html "Times":"Senate sweeteners aim to push Wall Street bailout Bill through House":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4861524.ece "The Economist": "And then there were none: What the death of the investment bank means for Wall Street": http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12305537"The doctors' bill : The chairman of the Federal Reserve and the treasury secretary give Congress a gloomy prognosis for the economy, and propose a drastic remedy": http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12305746 AMERICA LATINA "El País" de Madrid informa: "Ecuador se enfrenta a un histórico referéndum para aprobar la nueva Constitución": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Ecuador/enfrenta/historico/referendum/aprobar/nueva/Constitucion/elpepuint/20080928elpepuint_4/Tes"CNN" publica: "Ecuadoran president cheers 'crushing' victory": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/29/ecuador.referendum.ap/index.html"El País": "El 'no' de Guayaquil empaña el éxito de Correa en las urnas: El 64% de los ecuatorianos apoya la nueva Constitución": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Guayaquil/empana/exito/Correa/urnas/elpepuint/20080930elpepiint_11/Tes"El País" de Madrid anuncia:"Rusia y Venezuela sellan una alianza para forjar un "contrapeso a EE UU": Moscú concede a Caracas un crédito de 680 millones para comprar armas": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Rusia/Venezuela/sellan/alianza/forjar/contrapeso/EE/UU/elpepiint/20080927elpepiint_7/Tes"Venezuela se rearma: Las compras de material militar y de defensa efectuadas por Caracas han superado los 6.700 millones de dólares en los tres últimos años":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Venezuela/rearma/elpepuint/20080930elpepuint_3/Tes"La Nación" informa: "Lula, Chávez y Morales criticaron a Washington: El presidente venezolano llamó a activar el Banco del Sur para proteger a la región de la crisis global": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1055206"El Tiempo" de Colombia publica: "Lula, Chávez y Morales critican a E.U. en cumbre de líderes suramericanos de izquierda en Brasil": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/home/index.html"BBC" anuncia: "Mexican head steps up drugs fight": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7645524.stm"Los Angeles Times" anuncia: "Mexico's President Calderon has few choices in drug war": http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexwar1-2008oct01,0,6480187.story"El País" de Madrid anuncia: "El narcotráfico causa 17 nuevas muertes en Tijuana: El asesinato se suma a la escalada de violencia que sufre México.- Se sospecha que el motivo del ataque es una venganza entre bandas de narcotraficantes": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/narcotrafico/causa/nuevas/muertes/Tijuana/elpepuint/20080930elpepuint_4/Tes"CNN" publica: "Argentina grapples with fierce drought": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/26/argentina.drought/index.html"El Tiempo" de Colombia informa: "En nuevo pulso con el Gobierno, agricultores argentinos vuelven a la huelga": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/home/en-nuevo-pulso-con-el-gobierno-agricultores-argentinos-vuelven-a-la-huelga_4577147-1 ESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADA "La Nación" analiza: "El desempleo y la desesperación golpean en el interior de EE.UU.: En las áreas industriales los trabajadores temen no poder mantener a sus familias":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1055173"BBC" anuncia: "US rivals clash on bail-out vote":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7641504.stm"El País" de Madrid informa: "Obama da su apoyo al principio de acuerdo del plan de rescate de Bush: McCain aún no se ha pronunciado sobre si votará a favor del plan en el Senado": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Obama/da/apoyo/principio/acuerdo/plan/rescate/Bush/elpepuint/20080928elpepueco_1/TesTanto "Time" como "BBC" presentan sitios con artículos relacionados con las elecciones estadounidenses:http://thepage.time.com/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/americas/2008/vote_usa_2008/"The Economist" analiza: "How Europe responds":http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12331667&source=features_box_main EUROPA "El País" de Madrid informa: "La extrema derecha se dispara en las legislativas de Austria: Los ultranacionalistas de Strache y los extremistas de Haider son los vencedores en la sombra pese a la victoria de los socialdemócratas": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/extrema/derecha/dispara/legislativas/Austria/elpepuint/20080928elpepuint_6/Tes"BBC" anuncia: "EU monitors begin Georgia patrols":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7643612.stm"CNN" publica: "Russia suspends markets as shares slide": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/09/30/russia.markets.close/index.html"CNN" informa: "$9.2 billion bailout for Dexia bank": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/09/30/belgium.bank.dexia.rescue.ap/index.html"Time": "Europe's Conservatives Sour On the Free Market": http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1844919,00.html"La Nación" publica: "Duro reclamo de Europa a EE.UU.":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1055203"New York Times" anuncia: "Shaky French-Belgian Bank Gets $9 Billion Injection": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/business/30assess.html?ref=business Asia – Pacífico /Medio Oriente "New York Times" informa: "Karzai Seeks Saudi Help With Taliban": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/world/asia/01afghan.html?ref=world"Le Monde" publica: "Afghanistan : le chef de guerre Hekmatyar revendique l'embuscade du 18 août": http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2008/09/29/afghanistan-le-chef-de-guerre-hekmatyar-revendique-l-embuscade-du-18-aout_1100650_3216.html#ens_id=1049814"Times" anuncia: "Arsonist 'fed up with life' sets fire to Japanese video 'hotel', killing 15":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4860696.ece"New York Times" analiza: "China Detains 22 in Tainted-Milk Case":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/world/asia/30milk.html?ref=world"China Daily" publica: "China celebrates 59th founding anniversary": http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-10/01/content_7072546.htm"BBC" publica: "China lauds latest space 'heroes'":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7641683.stm"El País" de Madrid informa: "Al menos 147 muertos en una estampida en la India: La avalancha se ha producido en un templo cerca de la ciudad de Jodhpur, donde miles de personas se habían congregado para marcar el comienzo de un festival hindú": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/147/muertos/estampida/India/elpepuint/20080930elpepuint_7/Tes"CNN" informa: "India temple stampede kills 147": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/29/india.stampede/index.html"El Universal" de México anuncia: "Deja cadena de explosiones cientos de heridos en India": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/543058.html"Times": "India to mark Gandhi anniversary with world's biggest smoking ban": http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4861298.ece"El País" de Madrid informa: "17 muertos en Damasco en el atentado más grave en 25 años":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/muertos/Damasco/atentado/grave/25/anos/elpepiint/20080928elpepiint_10/Tes AFRICA"CNN" informa:"Freed hostages return from Egypt": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/09/30/egypt.tourists.kidnapped/index.html"Hundreds arrested after Nigeria oil attacks": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/09/30/nigeria.oil.unrest.ap/index.html"Zimbabweans fill streets to withdraw cash from banks": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/09/29/Zimbabwe.banks.ap/index.html"Time" anuncia: "3 Somali Pirates May be Dead in Shoot-Out": http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1845817,00.html"BBC" publica: "Deadly suicide attack in Algeria":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7641687.stm ECONOMIA "El País" de Madrid publica: "Las cinco claves de la Operación Rescate: Pugna en Washington por la cuantía y el destino del plan de salvamento financiero": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/claves/Operacion/Rescate/elpepueco/20080928elpepieco_2/Tes"CNN" anuncia: "Alitalia flight attendants sign rescue plan": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/09/29/alitalia.flight.attendants/index.html"The Economist": publica su informe semanal: "Business this week": http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12306023 OTRAS NOTICIAS "CNN": informa: "U.N. Security Council reaffirms sanctions on Iran": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/09/27/un.iran/index.html"El Tiempo" de Colombia publica: "En el mundo hay cerca de 25 millones de niños refugiados y desplazados, denuncia la ONU": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/home/en-el-mundo-hay-cerca-de-25-millones-de-ninos-refugiados-y-desplazados-denuncia-la-onu-_4577146-1
A revealing look at the constitutional issues that confronted and shaped each presidency from Woodrow Wilson through Donald J. TrumpDrawing from the monumental publication The Presidents and the Constitution: A Living History in 2016, the nation's foremost experts in the American presidency and the US Constitution tell the intertwined stories of how the last eighteen American presidents have interfaced with the Constitution and thus defined the most powerful office in human history.This volume leads off with Woodrow Wilson, the president who led the nation through World War I, and ends with Donald J. Trump, who ushered the US into uncharted political and legal territory. In between, the country was confronted with international wars, the civil rights movement, 9/11, and the advent of the internet, all of which presented unique and pressing constitutional issues. The last one hundred years reveals the awesome powers of the American presidency in domestic and foreign affairs, illustrating how they have stood up to modern and novel legal challenges. The Presidents and the Constitution is for anyone interested in a captivating and illuminating account of one of the most compelling subjects in our American democracy
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La cooperativa agraria de comercialización se presenta como una de las alternativas organizativas a disposición de los agricultores para operar en los mercados agrarios. Se trata de una organización particular, con un grado de integración intermedio entre la empresa productora-comercializadora (mayor grado de integración) y la venta directa en el mercado a través, por ejemplo, de alhóndigas (ningún tipo de integración). En esta fórmula, los socios son propietarios y controlan, una característica de la jerarquía, pero también son proveedores de producto, lo que otorga a la relación una característica de mercado. Así, la cooperativa agraria se aprovisiona casi en su totalidad de las producciones de sus socios, los cuales además son sus propietarios, usuarios de sus servicios y supervisores de una organización que distribuye al beneficio de forma igualitaria sobre la base del uso o volumen comercializado por el socio. Estas características confieren al análisis de la relación socio-cooperativa un papel muy relevante en el estudio de las cooperativas. Las cooperativas agrarias tienen que competir con otras formas de organización en unos mercados cada vez más competitivos, globales y desregulados, con frecuentes cambios legislativos, avances tecnológicos, y una demanda muy concentrada y con un gran poder de negociación. A esto se le unen los cambios en la demandas de los consumidores, con mayores exigencias en cuanto a calidad, seguridad, variedad y conveniencia. En este entorno, la capacidad para adaptarse a los nuevos cambios se presenta como un elemento capital para la supervivencia de cualquier operador, también los que se sitúan en el origen de la cadena, como es el caso de las cooperativas agrarias. Sin embargo, la cooperativa es en ocasiones criticada desde el plano teórico por su ineficiencia a la hora de conseguir recursos para financiar inversiones, recursos que tienen que provenir fundamentalmente de los socios. Se argumenta desde esta corriente teórica que las cooperativas son ineficientes dado que los propietarios (los socios) tienen los derechos sobre la propiedad vagamente definidos. Por ello, esta forma de gobierno presenta mayores dificultades a la hora de afrontar estrategias de cambio y adaptación para competir en el mercado. Por otro lado, en las cooperativas la heterogeneidad de los intereses de los miembros parece haber aumentado. En tanto que las cooperativas se orientan más hacia los consumidores, pasando de ser productores independientes de commodities hacia productores de productos específicos, necesitan de importantes inversiones, las cuales no favorecen por igual a todos sus miembros. La heterogeneidad de objetivos puede llevar a conflictos en los procesos de decisión, mermar la capacidad de coordinación y reducir el compromiso de los miembros y, con ello, su disposición a invertir en la cooperativa. Esta heterogeneidad se va también amplificada como consecuencia de los procesos de concentración empresarial que han tenido lugar en los últimos años. En nuestro país las instituciones también han hecho hincapié en la necesidad que tienen las cooperativas de alcanzar el tamaño necesario para contrarrestar la concentración de la demanda y adquirir una dimensión competitiva. Como respuesta a estas iniciativas, el sector cooperativo ha experimentado un proceso de concentración empresarial a través de fusiones, adquisiciones, formación de grupos, integración en cooperativas de segundo grado, etc. que ha tenido como resultado la existencia de un menor número de cooperativas, pero de mayor dimensión. Un problema asociado a estos procesos es que llevan aparejado un aumento de la heterogeneidad de la base social de las cooperativas, lo que hace aumentar los conflictos ya comentados asociados a las mismas. A pesar de que las cooperativas agrarias se enfrentan a los nuevos retos del mercado, a su supuesta ineficiencia para conseguir financiación y la heterogeneidad de sus bases sociales, éstas siguen operando en un número considerable y son muchos los ejemplos de éxito empresarial. Nos planteamos así como tesis del trabajo la existencia de factores en el ámbito de las relaciones de la cooperativa con su base social que contrarrestan estos problemas, factores pueden explicar la disposición de los socios a invertir y, en última instancia, el desempeño de la organización cooperativa. Objetivos Con todo ello, el objetivo principal de este trabajo es el de analizar los factores de la relación socio-cooperativa que influyen en la disposición a invertir de sus socios y el desempeño final de la cooperativa. En particular, nos planteamos como objetivos específicos los siguientes: • Analizar cómo influyen los problemas de los derechos de propiedad en la disposición a invertir de los miembros de la cooperativa. • Comprobar cómo la orientación al mercado de la base social explica su disposición a invertir y cómo su efecto puede estar moderado por la existencia de los problemas asociados a los derechos de propiedad. • Descubrir qué papel juega la heterogeneidad de los socios en su disposición a invertir en la cooperativa. • Estudiar cómo explica el oportunismo de los socios la disposición a invertir de los mismos y el desempeño de la cooperativa. • Determinar cómo influyen los mecanismos de gobierno de la relación socio-cooperativa sobre el oportunismo de los socios y el desempeño de la cooperativa. • Estudiar la influencia de la disposición a invertir de los socios en el desempeño de la cooperativa. Metodología Sobre una muestra de 249 cooperativas obtenida mediante encuestas online son testadas las hipótesis de investigación planteadas mediante regresiones lineales jerárquicas y análisis de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados Los resultados permiten por un lado subrayar el efecto positivo que la orientación al mercado ejerce sobre la disposición a invertir de sus miembros y la moderación que ejercen los problemas de propiedad de las cooperativas limitando este efecto. Igualmente destacar el efecto de la heterogeneidad en la base social ejerce sobre esta disposición a invertir de los socios en su cooperativa, y el papel mediador y directo que desempeña también el oportunismo sobre ella. Y por otro lado, los resultados reconocen la bondad de varios mecanismos de gobierno para controlar el oportunismo y explicar el desempeño de la cooperativa. ABSTRACT Marketing cooperative's typology represents a moderate level of integration because farmers are in fact the owners of these organisations created to bargain for better prices and to handle, process, and sell their members' produce. Marketing cooperatives constitute a special type of vertical integration for farmers because the integration of their businesses, which still maintain their independence, is only partial, with a market element (the transaction relationship) and a hierarchical element (the control relationship). Additionally, unlike in other governance modes, farmers are not only owners but also users and controllers of a business that distributes benefits equitably based on use or patronage. Therefore, the economic literature has approached agricultural cooperatives as a form of vertical integration ('extension of the farm'), as an independent firm ('cooperative as a firm'), as a coalition of firms that act in a collective or collaborative manner ('the coalition approach'), or as a nexus of contracts. All of these perspectives, albeit treating the phenomenon under different lenses, share a common position on the analysis of the relationship established between the farmer or member firm and the marketing cooperative firm as a key matter of interest. These firms operate at different stages of the production and distribution chain, where market exchange is substituted by internal exchanges within the boundaries of the cooperative firm. Agricultural marketing cooperatives operate in the origin of the fresh fruit and vegetables supply chain. They have to compete against other alternative organizational forms in markets characterized by great demand's pressure caused by the high levels of the distributors' bargaining power and the increasing number of competition because of deregulation and the globalisation of the sources of supply for many of these products. These factors, along with the greater consumer's demands of variety, convenience and quality, as well as the changes on institutional and economic environment, face agricultural cooperatives to new challenges that force them to address adjustments and changing processes, whether they might be functional or organizational with the aim of increasing vertical coordination among all participants. Thus, the cooperative's innovation capabilities constitute a fundamental mean to achieve it. Nonetheless, some researchers question the efficiency of cooperatives and argue that cooperatives suffer from a host of problems unique to this specific form of governance. They are referred mainly to the relational dimension between the farmer-user-owner and the cooperative itself. This thesis is focused on this relational dimension. About this relationship, based primarily on the Property Rights Theory postulates, some authors have stressed the cooperatives' difficulties for raising equity, concluding that cooperatives are inefficient by nature. A further issue of interest is related to the issue of heterogeneity of the agricultural marketing cooperatives membership and their implications on the cooperatives' performance. Such an argument is used as another claim against the cooperatives ability to compete in nowadays markets. In particular, heterogeneity of cooperative's memberships has increased lately. In Spain, there has been a process of business concentration (less cooperatives, but bigger ones) in order to face the concentration of distributors and obtaining a competitive dimension. This has taken place through mergers, internal growth, acquisitions, groups' formation and adhesion to second-order cooperatives. These processes have resulted in a blending of different memberships (fusions, mergers and acquisitions) or the incorporation of new members (internal growth). In any case, the increase in members' heterogeneity might be causing conflicts, especially those related to gathering funds from members for equity raisings. Nevertheless, even though agricultural marketing cooperatives are faced to these new market challenges, its theoretical inefficiency and heterogeneity problems, they still coexists with investor owned firms, they hold a relevant share in agricultural markets, they have played an active role for a very long time, and they still appear as an alternative with a future. Objectives Consequently, we consider as thesis of this dissertation the existence of factors within the cooperatives relational environment established between the cooperative and its farmer-members that can offset these problems and explain the members' willingness to invest in the cooperative and, finally, the cooperatives' performance. In particular our specific objectives are: • To analyse how property rights problems affects to members' willingness to invest in the cooperative. • To check how the members' market orientation explains their willingness to invest and the impact of property rights problems on this relationship. • To find out how heterogeneity is affecting members' willingness to invest in the cooperative. • To study how perceptions about the membership general levels of opportunism explains the each member willingness to invest in the cooperative and the cooperative's performance. • To determine how governance mechanisms that rules the relationships between members and cooperative influence members' willingness to invest and cooperative's performance. • To study the effect of members' willingness to invest on cooperative's performance. Methodology We obtained data from 249 Spanish marketing agricultural cooperatives through an online survey. Several hierarchical regressions models and structural equation models were conducted in order to test the research hypotheses. Results The results have proven how certain factors inherent to the relationship between cooperatives and their members explain the members' willingness to invest and cooperative's performance. On one hand, we proved the positive effects of the membership market orientation on their willingness to invest. We have also observed the negative influence of the problems of property rights on the membership willingness to invest in the cooperative. Likewise, results showed that members' perception of opportunistic behaviours and some kinds of heterogeneity affect their willingness to invest. On the other hand, the results also showed that selection and socialisation governance mechanisms have power to control opportunism, which itself affects negatively to cooperative's performance. Likewise, selection mechanism and hostages in the form of specific investments have shown a direct effect on cooperative's performance.
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The Conference of Defence Associations Institute made a splash this week with an open letter "Call for Action: Canada's National Security and Defence in Peril." It made a heap of news given who signed it: a heap of former ministers of defence, a bunch of ambassadors and high ranking civil servants, and several retired generals and admirals (tis funny to me that the title of the piece omits the squids and skimmers):I respect the hell out of many of the signers as well as folks at CDAI, which as been a terrific partner of the CDSN. However, I have quibbles, both minor and major, which I would have shared this morning on the radio had the host not gotten the wrong talking points--he asked me about Elon Musk and the CBC. While it was fun to rant about bad faith actors engaged in vice-signalling, I did prep for the interview and didn't want to waste it, so here's some thoughts about this piece. First, I want to address a few specific gripes before getting to the larger context.The letter talks about our military capabilities being woefully inadequate to protect our landmass. That is not only true, that will ALWAYS be true. How so? The primary military threat to Canada are missiles launched by Russia/China/North Korea. We can't stop those. No matter how much we spend, we can't because we don't have ballistic missile defenses. The Americans have been working on such defenses since Reagan's Star Wars speech, and they really haven't made much progress on it. So, we should be clearer about what are the threats and what we need to defend ourselves from those threats. The biggest threats to Canadian lives and property are stuff outside the military domain: climate change, pandemics, and cyber attacks (while the military has a cyber role, we should not be spending the scarce commodity of disciplined, trained people in uniform on jobs civilians can and should do). People can cite Russian investments in the north, but we have to keep in mind that they have a whole lot of north to defend. I do really worry about a war with China, but that is a China-Taiwan conflict that will spillover, and we will never have a navy big enough to make a dent in that conflict. I say all this, even as I agree with the basic premise--we need to spend more. But there are some difficulties with that, as I get to, below."We have also fallen short in meaningful contributions to burden sharing for the collective defence and security of our allies and partners." Oh really? What burden has Canada shirked? Canada paid the third highest price of any ally in Afghanistan and had far less restrictions until it became a training mission. Canada is one of four framework nations organizing the defense/deterrence/reassurance missions in the Baltics and Poland. While our contingent has been smaller than the others, the resulting need to organize many smaller and less respected (sorry) contingents has earned Canada a heap of kudos for stepping up when France refused to do so. Canada has played a leading role in training Ukrainian forces before the Russian invasion of 2022 and since. Canada has shipped a comparative level of arms and ammunition and other supplies to Ukraine. When people say Canada has not burden-shared enough, they really mean Canada hasn't spent enough on its military. But that is not "burden-sharing" because spending on our own military really does not lift the burden that much from the others. Here's a secret: the US would spend as much as it currently does even if Canada doubled its spending. Indeed, given the domestic political dynamics driving American defense spending, I am pretty sure that if each and every US ally spent the equivalent of 2% of GDP on defense, the US would still spend about the same. Which branch of the US military will say: hey, our allies have spent more, we don't need to spend as much? Which defense contractors? Which Senators and Representatives? And, yes, the easiest way to make progress to 2% is to tank the economy since it is all about spending relative to one's economy. If one's economy grows pretty well, one might find one spending more money absolutely but not relative to that metric. Canada is spending more on its military than it was a decade ago--more dollars, even if not a greater % of GDP. More importantly input measures are dumb. See Anessa Kimball's book for more on the craptastic nature of the 2% conversation.Canadian civil-military relations conversations don't really address the challenges posed by having retired senior officers take political stances the same way these are raised in the US. But perhaps they should. If JC Boucher and I get funding, we will be studying whether the signals sent by retired officers cause Canadians to think that they are speaking for the active military. If so, well, damn. Because then the military is seen, rightly or wrongly, as taking a partisan stance. And that ain't good. Folks can say this is a bipartisan letter since it has both former Conservative and Liberal politicians signing it, but nope, that doesn't do the trick since this letter is calling on this government, this party, to do better. It does not call on Parliament to get its house in order even as the role of parliament in Canadian defence is so much weaker than damn near any other democracy. So, this is critical of this PM and the Liberal party because they are the ones in power. Speaking of the former ministers, how many of them are responsible for the current mess? How many of them cut spending, pushed back procurement processes, under-invested in procurement expertise, and so on? Most of them? All of them? So much easier for them to criticize this stuff now that they are no longer beholden to parties and no longer running for office. Which gets to the part that is most unrealistic: "the Government must radically accelerate timelines for procurement..." Um, through magic? A great application of Green Lantern theory. DND doesn't have enough people to do the procurement stuff to buy the equipment and such. So, that needs a heap of work to make happen before one can spend the money. If one were to magically allocate $15b more, the current staffing at DND couldn't spend it. Ok, the larger context. The letter is right that the latest budget is disappointing from a defence/security perspective as it had no new money. In my humble opinion, the gravest threat to the Canadian military is its recruitment and retention crisis. That being short 16k people means not only that the CAF can't do as much, but that those in the CAF are stressed. Stressed by having to do multiple jobs, stressed by not being well served by various offices that are understaff, and so on. These pressures are likely to make it harder to retain people and harder to recruit, which will exacerbate the crisis--a downward spiral. It would seem to me that while throwing money at the problem won't solve it, it probably could help. Increase pay, increase benefits, spend more money on recruiting efforts, improve military bases, etc. I do wonder what is happening to the money that is supposed to be going to the 16k soldiers, sailors, and aviators who aren't in the CAF. Anyhow, that is one place where the money should be going. Another key part of the current context is that the Defence Policy Update is late and has generally been an opaque, underwhelming process. Canada should have a quadrennial process--to review how well the last four years went and whether goals were attained, why DND/CAF fell short, and plans for improving as well as responding to new developments. Instead, the DPU was going to be, from what folks have gleaned, a sales pitch for spending more money on NORAD modernization (which is necessary but won't actually lead to us being much safer due to that aforementioned missile defence problemo). We will only be able to evaluate the DPU after it comes out. The previous review was much better than expected. Maybe people liked it since it didn't make any hard choices as it didn't force any real tradeoffs. But it did cost out the spending for the various programs and was pretty transparent. Of course, when rolled out, much was made of putting personnel first in the document to suggestion putting personnel first in reality, but then Trudeau kept around a Defence Minister who kept around a Chief of Defence Staff that was abusing his power and engaged in sexual misconduct. So, the proof is in the doing, not in the words on the page.Finally, the political pressures run against most of this. If we wanted good ships fast and less expensive, we'd buy them from countries that are good at that. Instead, notice how the ship building is pitched by this government (and by the previous one, just not quite so starkly): That graphic is the cover for the 2015 Liberal Defence Platform. Notice the purpose of naval investments--jobs. Not ships. Jobs. Not defending maritime approaches. This is one of the primary reasons why Canada doesn't have the equipment the CAF needs--that decisions are made about jobs and votes. Stephen Harper's plan was to capture Halifax and Vancouver via the shipbuilding program, but now all the parties are held hostage by Irving, Seaspan, and now Davie shipyards. Folks can argue we need this capacity to maintain and upgrade the ships, but the choice to do it this way is incredibly expensive and ... no frigates (the AOPS ships the navy didn't really want are mostly broken). When we do import stuff, there is an urge to Canadianize it to make it fit Canadian standards. So, now we have helicopters that are too heavy. Oy. The military always wants to put as much stuff as they can, so that the equipment can operate in all kinds of scenarios since they can only get one type of plane, one type of ship, and so forth. But that goldplating makes the systems more expensive and less effective. Again, choices need to be made, which might mean that a ship is good at one thing and not so good at another. Because you know.... 👉While this government is not great at delivering, most of this is hard-wired into Canadian politics. Which party is going to get more votes by spending more money on defense? "We believe this could be best accomplished on a non-partisan basis and would have broad public support." Um, no.Structural problems can't be fixed with just a call to arms and a smidge more political will (whatever that is). Maybe this letter might impact those writing the Defence Policy Update, but that impact is likely to be on the packaging as the money is already set. Trudeau has already made the decision for this year, and given the context--the war in Ukraine, the DPU, etc--I doubt that next year will be any different as we get closer to the next election. I get the frustration of those signing this letter. I share it. I write blog posts out of frustration. Other folks write open letters. But move the policy needle? I think not.
Captura de Radovan KaradzicEl ex presidente de la República Serbia de Bosnia, Radovan Karadzic, de 63 años, es acusado de genocidio y crímenes de guerra . Es uno de los hombres más buscados del mundo, ha sido detenido el pasado martes en Serbia.Apodado el "carnicero de Sarajevo", estuvo prófugo desde 1996, está inculpado por el Tribunal Penal Internacional para la antigua Yugoslavia (creado ad hoc para juzgar los delitos cometidos durante ese conflicto).Se le acusa también de haber orquestado las ejecuciones de hasta 8.000 musulmanes en Srebrenica durante la guerra en Bosnia en 1995.Se ocultaba tras una identidad falsa y un aspecto irreconocible, con barba, pelo largo y mucho más delgado. Ejercía la medicina alternativa en Belgrado, donde ha sido detenido. Varios medios informan al respecto:"CNN":"Fugitive Karadzic hid as bearded medic":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/22/serb.arrest/index.html"Time":"Karadzic's Arrest Comes Too Late":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825366,00.html"Karadzic Hid with False Identity":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825377,00.html"Judge Orders Karadzic to UN Tribunal":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825268,00.html"Le Monde":"Karadzic se cachait à Belgrade sous une fausse identité":http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2008/07/22/le-serbe-radovan-karadzic-inculpe-de-genocide-a-ete-arrete_1075780_3214.html#ens_id=1075781"La Serbie solde en partie les comptes de son passé":http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2008/07/22/la-serbie-solde-en-partie-les-comptes-de-son-passe_1075844_3214.html#ens_id=1075781"Radovan Karadzic, fourrier d'un sanglant ultranationalisme serbe":http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2008/07/22/radovan-karadzic-l-icone-de-l-ultranationalisme-serbe_1075820_3214.html"New York Times":"Serb Officials Detail Capture of Karadzic":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/23/world/europe/23serbia.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin"La Nación": "Satisfacción en la UE por la detención de Radovan Karadzic: Sin embargo, los líderes mostraron prudencia sobre los avances con Serbia a partir del arresto del criminal de guerra más buscado; no declaró en su primer interrogatorio":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032472"Detienen al criminal de guerra más buscado: Es Radovan Karadzic, acusado de genocidio en los Balcanes":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032386"The Economist":"Arrest of a strongman: Radovan Karadzic is arrested at last, in a big boost to Serbia's prospects of joining the European Union":http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11778164&source=features_box_main"Los Angeles Times":"Bosnian Serb war crimes suspect Radovan Karadzic caught":http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-warcrime22-2008jul22,0,7520714.story"Times":"Wanted fugitive Radovan Karadzic developed alter ego as New Age doctor":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4377240.ece"The dark life and times of Radovan Karadzic":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4377484.ece"Eyewitness: the role of Karadzic in Sarajevo's vicious civil war: As a foreign correspondent for The Times, Edward Gorman visited many theatres of war during the 1990s. Here he recalls the dark days of the siege of Sarajevo":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4377963.ece"Factfile: Bosnia's bloody history:The tangled and troubled history to the Bosnian civil war, which saw the worst massacres in Europe since WW2":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4378742.ece"El Tiempo":"Arrestado el ex jefe militar serbobosnio Radovan Karadzic, acusado de genocidio":http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/home/arrestado-el-ex-jefe-militar-serbobosnio-radovan-karadzic-acusado-de-genocidio-_4388156-1"El Universal": "Envían a La Haya a Karadzic: El fiscal Vladimir Vukcevic dijo el martes a la prensa que el juez emitió la orden para la entrega del sospechoso a la corte internacional por 11 crímenes de guerra":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/524272.html"MSNBC":"War crimes suspect quizzed after decade on run: Bosnian Serb leader Karadzic worked as doctor while hunted for massacres":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25793223/"Background, quotes on The Hague, Karadzic: Tribunal facts and what key figures have to say about the fugitive's arrest":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25798405/"El Mercurio":"Presunto criminal de guerra requerido en La Haya: Luego de 12 años de búsqueda detienen a Radovan Karadzic, el "carnicero de Sarajevo"":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/07/22/internacional/_portada/noticias/B62A3BF4-561F-42DF-B372-E6A97619E49E.htm?id={B62A3BF4-561F-42DF-B372-E6A97619E49E}"El País" de Madrid:"Celebración en Sarajevo, disturbios en Belgrado: Cientos de nacionalistas serbios se enfrentan con la Policía por la detención de Radovan Karadzic, muy celebrada en Bosnia":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Celebracion/Sarajevo/disturbios/Belgrado/elpepuint/20080722elpepuint_13/Tes"Detenido en Serbia Karadzic, el criminal de guerra más buscado":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Detenido/Serbia/Karadzic/criminal/guerra/buscado/elpepuint/20080722elpepuint_2/Tes"Los ministros de Exteriores de la UE esperarán al informe del TPYI para descongelar el pacto de adhesión de Serbia: La detención de Karadzic acerca al país de los Balcanes a Europa":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/ministros/Exteriores/UE/esperaran/informe/TPYI/descongelar/pacto/adhesion/Serbia/elpepuint/20080722elpepuint_9/Tes AMERICA LATINA"MSNBC" publica: "Haiti food aid lags, hunger deepens: As nation starves, aid is stuck in port or inside warehouses":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25773473/"El País" de Madrid informa: "Mueren cuatro militares venezolanos y un boliviano al caer un helicóptero en el centro de Bolivia: La aeronave iba a ser utilizada hoy por el presidente Evo Morales":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Mueren/militares/venezolanos/boliviano/caer/helicoptero/centro/Bolivia/elpepuint/20080721elpepuint_13/Tes"MSNBC" publica: "Helicopter crashes in Bolivia, killing five: Copter was often used to transport Bolivian president":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25785714/"CNN" informa: "Dolly intensifies; Texas and Mexico brace for hurricane":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/07/21/tropical.weather/index.html"La Ancion" publica: "La crisis política / La embestida kirchnerista contra el vicepresidente: El Gobierno echó a seis funcionarios de Cobos":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032410"El Mercurio" publica: "El secretario de Agricultura sería la primera baja del gabinete argentino":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/07/22/internacional/internacional/noticias/217A4F30-1D6C-4B42-9354-B2E194388F5A.htm?id={217A4F30-1D6C-4B42-9354-B2E194388F5A}"CNN" publica: "Chavez set to spend big on Russian weapons":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/22/chavez.russia/index.html"La Nación" informa: "Chávez inició una estratégica visita a Rusia: El mandatario realizó una nueva compra de armas y selló importantes acuerdos energéticos tras reunirse con su par ruso, Dimitri Medvedev":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032471"The Economist" analiza: "Deadly masaje: How not to tackle a soaring murder rate":http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11750858"El Mercurio" informa: "20 muertos habría dejado ataque a base de las FARC": http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/07/22/internacional/internacional/noticias/E029D5C3-F87C-466E-81E2-32434314CDC9.htm?id={E029D5C3-F87C-466E-81E2-32434314CDC9}"The Economist" analiza: "Mending an icon: How Rio's first good governor in decades is starting to renew Brazil's most famous city": http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11750451 ESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADA "New York Times" publica: "Obama Meets Iraqi Officials in Baghdad":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/us/politics/22obama.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin"CNN" informa: "Obama finds 'consensus' in Iraq for U.S. troop withdrawal":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/22/obama.mideast/index.html"El Mercurio" de Chile publica: "Campaña electoral por la Casa Blanca: Gira de Obama desata frenesí periodístico en Estados Unidos":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/07/22/internacional/internacional/noticias/F0B3A5F6-8B0C-4F9B-B389-83E111BEDDB1.htm?id={F0B3A5F6-8B0C-4F9B-B389-83E111BEDDB1}"The Economist" analiza: "The Hispanic vote: ¡Voten por mi!. Latino voters are turning away from John McCain. That's a symptom of a bigger problem for Republicans":http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11750600"Time" informa: "Never Underestimate McCain, But.":http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1825337,00.html"Time" publica sitio web sobre elecciones en los Estados Unidos: "The Page":http://thepage.time.com/"La Nación" informa: "Guantánamo: comenzó el primer juicio: El acusado es el ex chofer de Osama ben Laden, que ayer se declaró inocente ante un tribunal militar":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032343"Time" publica: "Bin Laden Driver Pleads Not Guilty":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825089,00.html"El País" de Madrid informa: "El chófer de Bin Laden niega las acusaciones en el primer juicio en Guantánamo: Salim Ahmed Hamdan se enfrenta a una pena de cadena perpetua por conspiración y apoyo a actividades terroristas": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/chofer/Bin/Laden/niega/acusaciones/primer/juicio/Guantanamo/elpepuint/20080721elpepuint_6/Tes EUROPA "The Economist" analiza: "Bosnia's future: Balkan end-games. The long and winding road towards the European Union":http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751332"El País" de Madrid publica: " Sarkozy transmite a Irlanda su respeto al resultado del referéndum: El mandatario francés, que ejerce la presidencia rotatoria de la UE, se ha reunido con el primer ministro de Irlanda Brian Cowen en busca de una explicación al 'no'": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Sarkozy/transmite/Irlanda/respeto/resultado/referendum/elpepuint/20080721elpepuint_16/Tes"El Mercurio"de Chile informa: "Sarkozy logra estrecha victoria con aprobación a reforma constitucional":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/07/22/internacional/_portada/noticias/11AF2738-5487-43B6-9D0F-71C578D6BE24.htm?id={11AF2738-5487-43B6-9D0F-71C578D6BE24}"MSNBC" publica: "Spanish police smash 'most wanted' ETA cell: 9 held as raids target Basque separatist group following series of attacks":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25799230/"CNN" indorma: "Nine ETA bombing suspects arrested":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/22/spain.arrests/index.html"La Nación" informa: "La lucha contra el terrorismo en España: Desarticulan el comando más activo de ETA. Detuvieron a nueve personas, entre ellos el jefe; serían los responsables de la mayoría de los atentados cometidos tras el fin de la tregua":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032470"El País" de Madrid informa: "España confirma que el Rey sí verá a Chávez: Un comunicado del Gobierno español dice que se reunirán el viernes en Mallorca, a pesar de que el presidente venezolano desmintió ayer que haya confirmado el encuentro": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Espana/confirma/Rey/vera/Chavez/elpepuint/20080721elpepuint_2/Tes"La Nación" publica: "Cerraron el caso Maddie por falta de evidencias: Los padres harán otra investigación":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032387"The Economist" analiza: "Berlusconi fiddles, Italy burns: Silvio Berlusconi's government is turning out to be depressingly similar to his previous one":http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751325Asia – Pacífico /Medio OrieNTE"MSNBC" informa: "Myanmar cyclone caused $4 billion in damage: Country needs at least $1 billion in aid over three years, U.N. says":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25785731/"The Economist" informa: "Business in China: Busting trust. The land of the mega-monopoly is about to adopt an antitrust law":http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751042"Time" publica: "China Pulls Troops From Quake Zone":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825310,00.html"MSNBC" analiza: "Olympic city halves traffic to aid polluted skies: Car ban forces Beijing residents to take public transport in clean air bid":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25778988/"CNN" infroma: "Indian government's future on a knife edge":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/07/22/india.vote/index.html"Time" publica: "India MPs to Hold Confidence Vote":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825382,00.html"El País" de Madrid informa: "El tifón Kalmaegi causa 18 muertos en Taiwán: El tifón ha causado graves inundaciones, corrimientos de tierra y pérdidas agrícolas de alrededor de diez millones de euros":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/tifon/Kalmaegi/causa/muertos/Taiwan/elpepuint/20080721elpepuint_1/Tes"Time" informa: "ASEAN Turns Blind Eye to Burma Rights":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825357,00.html"El País" de Madrid informa: "Brown: "La paz entre palestinos e israelíes está al alcance de la mano": El líder laborista, primer 'premier' británico que habla ante la 'Knesset' (parlamento israelí).- Exige de nuevo a Irán que suspenda su programa nuclear":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Brown/paz/palestinos/israelies/alcance/mano/elppgl/20080721elpepuint_11/Tes"La Nación": "Brown pidió a Irán que cese su plan nuclear":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1032345"Times" publica: "Bulldozer driver shot dead in Jerusalem after ramming cars":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article4378076.ece AFRICA"El País" de Madrid publica: "Gobierno y oposición de Zimbabue acuerdan iniciar un proceso de diálogo para salir de la crisis: El líder del MDC, vencedor de las elecciones que nunca reconoció el régimen de Mugabe, firmará en persona el acuerdo":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Gobierno/oposicion/Zimbabue/acuerdan/iniciar/proceso/dialogo/salir/crisis/elpepuint/20080721elpepuint_12/Tes"CNN" informa: "Zimbabwe rivals sign deal on talks":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/07/21/zimbabwe.deal/index.html"Time" informa: "Breakthrough in Zimbabwe: Let's Talk":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1825151,00.html"CNN" publica: "Zimbabwe: Inflation 'highest in the world'":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/07/17/zimbabwe.inflation.ap/index.html"The Economist" analiza: "Sudan's leader is accused, but others can expect to follow: Will the indictment of Sudan's president for alleged war crimes help or hinder the prospects for peace in Darfur?":http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751353ECONOMIA"CNN" informa: "Oil jumps $2 on Iran, storm: Crude prices bounce back from $16 slide as Iran nuclear talks end without agreement and traders fear tropical storm in Gulf of Mexico.":http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/21/markets/oil/index.htm?postversion=2008072115"The Economist" publica su informe semanal: "Business this week":http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751734&CFID=13935362&CFTOKEN=69812019"El País" de Madrid publica: "El rescate de Fannie Mae y Freddie Mac le costará al contribuyente 25.000 millones de dólares: Según la Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso.- Los dos bancos hipotecarios siguen su desplome en la bolsa":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/rescate/Fannie/Mae/Freddie/Mac/le/costara/contribuyente/25000/millones/dolares/elpepueco/20080722elpepueco_8/TesOTRAS NOTICIAS"El País" de Madrid publica: "Movilización mundial contra las FARC: Ingrid Betancourt pide en París la liberación de todos los secuestrados. Miles de asistentes a un concierto reclaman el fin de la guerrilla en Colombia":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Ingrid/Betancourt/pide/Paris/liberacion/todos/secuestrados/elpepuint/20080721elpepiint_3/Tes"CNN" informa: "World rallies for FARC hostages' freedom":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/20/colombia.hostages.ap/index.html"The Economist" publica: "Iran and America: A surprising move. Why America is sending a top man to talk directly to the Iranians":http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11751318
El mundo con los ojos puestos en Barack Obama Varios medios informan al respecto: "The Economist": "Challenges facing Barack Obama: Obama's world. How will a 21st-century president fare in a 19th-century world?": http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12551938 "The economic crisis: Wolves at the door. Financial mess and gathering recession dominate Barack Obama's economic agenda": http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12551926 "The presidency: Signed, sealed, delivered. Barack Obama owes his victory to blacks, Hispanics, the young, women of all races, the poor and the very rich": http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12566893 "El País" de Madrid: "El primer cara a cara entre Obama y Bush, frente a la Casa Blanca": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/primer/cara/cara/Obama/Bush/frente/Casa/Blanca/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_4/Tes"El mundo que espera a Barack Obama: Las guerras de Irak y Afganistán y la crisis con Irán y Rusia son las prioridades - La nueva Administración es partidaria de rebajar las sanciones contra Cuba": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/mundo/espera/Barack/Obama/elpepuint/20081110elpepiint_1/Tes"Le Monde":"Barack Obama annonce un plan de relance":http://www.lemonde.fr/elections-americaines/article/2008/11/08/barack-obama-annonce-un-plan-de-relance_1116415_829254.html#ens_id=863164"CNN":"Bushes welcome Obamas to White House": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/10/obama.bush/index.html"CNN" presenta sitio con links a artículos relacionados a la victoria de Barack Obama:http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/barack_obama"MSNBC":"Obama planning U.S. trials for Gitmo detainees: President-elect has described camp as 'sad chapter in American history'": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27640617/"Who will be Obama's top diplomat?: The next secretary of state will face challenges in Iraq, Russia, Pakistan": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27678239/"El Tiempo" de Colombia:"Barack Obama y George Bush se reunieron por dos horas para alistar cambio en la Casa Blanca": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/euycanada/home/barack-obama-y-george-bush-se-reunieron-por-dos-horas-para-alistar-cambio-en-la-casa-blanca_4656194-1"BBC":"Obama meets Bush at White House": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7720137.stm"Times":"Bush 'rebuffed Obama on car industry bailout'": http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5130170.ece"Times" presenta sitio con links a artículos relacionados a la victoria de Barack Obama:http://timesonline.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx"La Nación":"Obama, en busca de un posible acercamiento a Afganistán e Irán: Según publica el diario The Washington Post citando a asesores de presidente electo, la estrategia "más regional" se pondría en marcha al comienzo del mandato": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068879"Barack y Obama, los nombres de moda: La obamamanía llega a los bebes": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068764"Obama ya puso un pie en la Casa Blanca: Se reunió con Bush para iniciar la complicada transición": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068759"Consejos para el presidente electo: Por Andrés Oppenheimer": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068731"Obama pretende trasladar a los presos de Guantánamo a EE.UU.: Sería el primer paso para cumplir su promesa de cerrar la controvertida cárcel": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068728"China Daily":"Bush, Obama all smiles during White House visit": http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-11/11/content_7192994.htm"El Mercurio" de Chile:"Matrimonio Bush recibió con sonrisas a los Obama en la primera visita a su nueva casa":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/11/11/internacional/_portada/noticias/2C1E60CF-E333-4C8B-AA6B-1D8435085F1B.htm?id={2C1E60CF-E333-4C8B-AA6B-1D8435085F1B}"Time":"Time" presenta sitio con links a artículos relacionados a la victoria de Barack Obama:http://www.time.com/time/politics AMERICA LATINA "CNN" informa: "Flooding, heavy rains delay Honduras elections": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/11/05/honduras.elections.ap/index.html"El Tiempo" de Colombia anuncia: "Huracán 'Paloma' se esfuma sobre Cuba sin dejar víctimas pero sí destrozos":http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/home/huracan-paloma-se-esfuma-sobre-cuba-sin-dejar-victimas-pero-si-destrozos_4651453-1"MSNBC" publica: "Death toll rises to 94 in Haiti school collapse: Firefighters use sonar, cameras and dogs in search for victims": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27595445/"CNN" plantea: "Officials not expecting more survivors in Haiti school collapse": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/11/10/haiti.school.collapse/index.html"China Daily" anuncia: "Death toll rises to 94 in Haiti school collapse": http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-11/11/content_7193299.htm"El País" de Madrid: "Al menos dos muertos en enfrentamientos tras las elecciones en Nicaragua: La oposición rechaza los resultados y afirma que se están publicando los resultados favorables al Frente Sandinista": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/muertos/enfrentamientos/elecciones/Nicaragua/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_16/Tes"BBC" publica: "Nicaragua election clash 'deaths'": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7721253.stm"El Tiempo" de Colombia anuncia: "Oposición rechaza cómputos de elecciones municipales en Nicaragua, donde sandinistas llevan ventaja": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/home/oposicion-rechaza-computos-de-elecciones-municipales-en-nicaragua-donde-sandinistas-llevan-ventaja_4654457-1"El País" de Madrid plantea: "Calderón nombra a un abogado como nuevo secretario de Gobernación de México: Fernando Francisco Gomez Mont sustituirá a Juan Camilo Mouriño, quien falleció la semana pasada en un accidente aéreo en Ciudad de México": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Calderon/nombra/abogado/nuevo/secretario/Gobernacion/Mexico/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_13/Tes"CNN" anuncia: "New Mexico interior minister named after deadly crash": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/11/10/mexico.interior.ministry/index.html"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Calderón y Uribe acuerdan crear un frente común contra la delincuencia transnacional: Mandatarios fortalecerán cooperación en lucha antidrogas, seguridad y justicia.": http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/11/11/internacional/_portada/noticias/C828EDE7-B5C1-4892-BA3F-958EA29AEAF1.htm?id={C828EDE7-B5C1-4892-BA3F-958EA29AEAF1}"CNN" informa: "FARC rebels to exchange letters on hostages": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/10/28/colombia.farc/index.html"El Universal" de Méjico plantea: " Preparó las FARC a jóvenes para infiltrarlos en universidades: La escuela de formación hacía parte de los frentes de las FARC y durante la instrucción a los jóvenes les designaban la universidad a la que debían ingresar": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/554657.html"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Jorge Enrique Botero, periodista que escribe sobre la guerrilla colombiana: "Las FARC han recibido este año los golpes más grandes de toda su historia"": http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/11/11/internacional/internacional/noticias/BA1A228F-15B7-4C7C-8AC2-558AC883539D.htm?id={BA1A228F-15B7-4C7C-8AC2-558AC883539D}"El Tiempo" de Colombia anuncia: "Hugo Chávez ordena tomar militarmente aeropuerto de estado gobernado por disidente": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/home/hugo-chavez-ordena-tomar-militarmente-aeropuerto-de-estado-gobernado-por-disidente_4655811-1"La Nación" publica: "Militariza Chávez un aeropuerto regional : Ofensiva del mandatario contra el gobernador de Sucre": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068724"El Universal" de Méjico publica: "Muestran a Lugo documentos sobre víctimas de dictadura": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/554636.html"La Nación" informa: "Uruguay: el Senado aprobó la despenalización del aborto: Con 17 votos a favor dio luz verde a la polémica ley; Tabaré Vázquez, férreo opositor, podría vetarla":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068827"El País" de Madrid plantea: "China busca tener peso político y comercial en Latinoamérica: Pekín fija como prioridades la energía y los minerales": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/China/busca/tener/peso/politico/comercial/Latinoamerica/elpepuint/20081110elpepiint_6/Tes ESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADA"La Nación" publica: " Palin dijo que espera la ayuda de Dios para llegar a la Casa Blanca: La ex candidata republicana a vicepresidenta no descartó ser electa en 2012; "si hay una puerta abierta para mí, entonces entraré por esa puerta", expresó":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068801"El País" de Madrid informa: ""Bush cuela una ayuda de 108.000 millones a los bancos. El presidente saliente aprobó sin publicitar una rebaja de impuestos que alivia la situación de las entidades": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/economia/Bush/cuela/ayuda/108000/millones/bancos/elpepueco/20081110elpepueco_6/Tes"El Tiempo" de Colombia anuncia: "Comandos de E.U. pueden atacar a Al Qaeda en cualquier país del mundo": http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/euycanada/home/comandos-de-eu-pueden-atacar-a-al-qaeda-en-cualquier-pais-del-mundo_4656193-1EUROPA"El País" de Madrid plantea: ""Alerta máxima" en la frontera de Melilla tras el nuevo intento de saltar la valla: Unos 150 inmigrantes han tratado de entrar en suelo español.- Es la quinta vez que sucede en el último mes": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Alerta/maxima/frontera/Melilla/nuevo/intento/saltar/valla/elpepuesp/20081110elpepunac_2/Tes"CNN" anuncia: "Police, migrants clash at border of Spanish enclave": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/11/10/migrants.spain.melilla.ap/index.html"El País" de Madrid informa: "Turquía reafirma su diplomacia en una región conflictiva: Quiere demostrar que sus relaciones de buena vecindad y su vocación de potencia regional no merman ni su alianza con Washington ni su anhelo de ingresar en el club europeo": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Turquia/reafirma/diplomacia/region/conflictiva/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_11/Tes"El País" de Madrid publica: "La UE retomará las negociaciones para un acuerdo estratégico con Rusia": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Turquia/reafirma/diplomacia/region/conflictiva/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_11/Tes"MSNBC" informa: "Report: Russian accident sub intended for India: Navy was allegedly to lease brand-new nuclear ship that suffered 20 deaths": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27642888/"BBC" plantea: "Medvedev bid to extend presidency: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has sent to parliament a bill that extends the presidential term to six years from the current four, the Kremlin says.":http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7722460.stm"MSNBC" anuncia: "Brown to call for new global financial system: U.K. leader to push for update to Bretton Woods agreement at G20 summit":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27640252/"Times": "Girl of 13 becomes youngest suicide bomber in day of carnage":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article5126873.ece"Los Angeles Times" publica: "Britain's prime minister urges nations to tackle economy together: Gordon Brown calls for countries to boost the global economy, orchestrating stimulus packages and forging an international trade deal.": http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-brown12-2008nov12,0,3095277.story"El Universal" de México informa: "Recuerda Europa 90 aniversario de fin de la Primera Guerra Mundial: El presidente francés Nicolás Sarkozy y el príncipe Carlos de Gran Bretaña asistieron a la ceremonia en la ciudad nororiental de Douaumont, cerca del sitio de la Batalla de Verdún donde murieron 300 mil soldados": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/554443.html Asia – Pacífico /Medio Oriente"El País" de Madrid plantea: "Al menos 28 muertos en un triple atentado en Bagdad: Cerca de 70 personas han resultado heridas a causa de dos coche bomba y un terrorista suicida": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/28/muertos/triple/atentado/Bagdad/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_6/Tes"Time" informa: "Iraqi Soldier Kills 2 US Troops After Dispute":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1858492,00.html"MSNBC" publica: "Netanyahu: Peace talks will continue if elected: Israel's opposition leader backs away from hints he would abandon talks": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27644796/"MSNBC" informa: "China says no progress made at Tibet talks: Dalai Lama accused of using demands for autonomy to split the country": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27637812/"BBC" anuncia: "Detained Chen in Taiwan hospital: A court proceeding against Taiwan's former President Chen Shui-bian has been suspended after he asked to be taken to hospital.": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7721468.stm"Time" informa: "Taiwan Arrests Former President":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1858363,00.html"MSNBC" plantea: "Indonesia executes Bali bombers, fears revenge: 2002 attack left 202 dead, many of them foreign tourists":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27623145/"Time" analiza: "The Key to Afghanistan: India-Pakistan Peace":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1857953,00.html AFRICA "CNN" publica: "Cholera spreads in Congo amid standoff": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/10/congo.fighting.cholera.ap/index.html"MSNBC" anuncia: "In Congo, drunken gunfire ruptures tense calm: Soldiers, rebels brawl as aid workers battle cholera among the displaced": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27637840/ "The Economist" analiza: "Congo: Murder, muddle and panic. As chaos and massacres overwhelm north-eastern Congo, diplomats and peacekeepers are struggling to get a grip": http://www.economist.com/world/mideast-africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12573363"CNN" plantea: "Singer, anti-apartheid icon Miriam Makeba dies": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/10/makeba.obit/index.html"BBC" anuncia: "UN cuts food rations in Zimbabwe: The UN food agency says it has had to start cutting rations to 4m people in Zimbabwe because of a lack of funds.": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7722631.stm"El País" de Madrid informa: "La UE aprueba la fuerza militar contra la piratería en Somalia: Entre ocho y diez barcos vigilarán el golfo de Adén con capacidad para utilizar la fuerza contra la piratería. -España contribuirá con dos barcos y un avión": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/UE/aprueba/fuerza/militar/pirateria/Somalia/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_8/Tes ECONOMÍA"The Economist" presenta el informe semanal: "Business this week":http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12573661"Le Monde" plantes: "AIG et Fannie Mae enregistrent des pertes colosales": http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2008/11/10/aig-et-fannie-mae-enregistrent-des-pertes-colossales_1117093_3234.html#ens_id=863164"MSNBC" informa: "Wall Street ends lower after rally fizzles out: Traders turn pessimistic about China's stimulus plan aiding America": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3683270/"MSNBC" anuncia: "Oil settles near $62 on shaky stock markets: Weakening greenback could be luring investors to purchase crude": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12400801/"BBC" publica: "Shares fall on more economy fears: Global shares have fallen sharply on renewed concerns that the world economy faces an extended downturn.": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7723127.stm "China Daily" informa: "Europe markets follow Asia down on economic fears": http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-11/11/content_7195230.htm OTRAS NOTICIAS"El País" de Madrid anuncia: "Brasil e Italia analizan su posición ante el G20: Lula apuesta por recurrir "a menos analistas de mercado y a más analistas sociales" para crear un nuevo sistema económico": internacional http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Brasil/Italia/analizan/posicion/G20/elpepuint/20081110elpepuint_14/Tes"MSNBC" publica: "G20 urge government spending in face of crisis: They also say developing countries should have voice in decisions": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27630946/"MSNBC" informa: "Blueprints for Auschwitz camp uncovered: Plans, found in Berlin apartment, include drawing of gas chamber": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27648309/"BBC" analiza: "World recalls end of World War I": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7721396.stm"La Nación" informa: "El mundo conmemora el fin de la Primera Guerra Mundial: Se cumplen 90 años del cese de fuego del gran conflicto bélico que tuvo alrededor de 20 millones de muertos; sentidos actos de Sarkozy, Bush y Obama":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1068936"Los Angeles Times" anuncia: "NASA ends Phoenix mission on Mars: After not hearing from the power-drained spacecraft in a week, officials believe it has gone to sleep -- permanently -- after lasting nearly three months longer than expected": http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-phoenix11-2008nov11,0,3821977.story
AMÉRICA LATINA Brasil admite haber espiado dependencias de la embajada de Estados Unidos. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/world/americas/brazil-acknowledges-spying-on-diplomats-from-us.html?ref=worldhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24828668http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/americas/brazil-spying/index.html?hpt=wo_c2http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/04/actualidad/1383574787_015627.htmlhttp://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2013/impreso/brasil-tambien-ha-espiado-revela-diario-84751.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2013/11/131105_ultnot_brasil_espionaje_ministro_wbm.shtml Según sondeos Bachelet ganaría en primera vuelta. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1633786-bachelet-ganaria-en-primera-vuelta Incendio presuntamente intencional daña sede de Bachelet en Chile. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/incendio-presuntamente-intencional-dana-sede-de-michelle-bachelet-en-chile_13160872-4 Los Zelaya buscan volver al poder en Honduras. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1635144-los-zelaya-buscan-volver-al-poder-en-honduras Elecciones en Argentina: Kirchner derrotada en las legislativas. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/elecciones-en-argentina_13145902-4http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/perfil-del-poltico-argentino-sergio-massa_13153376-4 Gobierno argentino encuentra documentos secretos de la dictadura militar. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/americas/argentina-dictatorship-files/index.htmlhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383624001_706481.htmlhttp://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/governo-argentino-encontra-documentos-secretos-da-ditadura-militar-10686218#ixzz2joShCyyF Sismo de 6,5 grados sacude centro de Chile. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/sismo-de-65-grados-en-chile_13153716-4 Diversos medios analizan las nuevas rutas de la cocaína de America Latina. Para más información:http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2013/11/05/en-amerique-latine-les-nouvelles-routes-de-la-cocaine_3508494_3222.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24800089 Accidente de avión en Bolivia deja ocho muertos y 10 heridos. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/accidente-de-avin-en-bolivia-deja-ocho-muertos-y-10-heridos_13159103-4 Ocho países realizan el mayor ejercicio militar aéreo conjunto en Latinoamérica. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383609280_789526.html Ley de medios, un golpe a grupo argentino Clarín. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/ley-de-medios-un-golpe-a-grupo-clarn_13149960-4 Ex presidente de Perú reta a Ollanta a debate. Para más información:http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2013/reta-ex-presidente-de-peru-a-ollanta-a-debate-963273.html Cuba prohíbe cines privados y venta de artículos importados. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24790569http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/cuba-prohbe-cines-3d-privados-y-venta-de-artculos-importados_13157084-4 Guatemala pierde interés en integrarse a Petrocaribe. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/ultimas_noticias/2013/11/131105_ultnot_guatemala_retira_petrocaribe_jgc.shtml México: miles de personas celebraron el Día de los Muertos. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1635005-dia-de-los-muertos Maduro decreta el "Día de la Lealtad y el Amor al Comandante Supremo". Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/venezuela-celebrara-el-dia-de-la-lealtad-y-el-amor-al-comandante-hugo-chavez_13160847-4 Venezuela introducirá nuevo tipo de cambio para turistas. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634235-venezuela-introducira-nuevo-tipo-de-cambio-para-turistas Nicolás Maduro y la militarización de la sociedad venezolana. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/nicols-maduro-y-la-militarizacin-de-la-sociedad-venezolana_13156470-4 Diversos miedos crecen respecto a capacidad de Brasil de hospedar el próximo Mundial de Fútbol. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24828804 16 personas han muerto por dengue en Nicaragua en este año. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/16-muertos-por-dengue-en-nicaragua_13157378-4 13 muertos deja enfrentamiento en Matamoros- México. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24803143 Guerrilla colombiana libera rehén estadounidense Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/27/world/americas/colombia-farc-american-hostage-released/index.html Andrés Oppenheimer analiza crecimeinto latinoamericano. Para más información:http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/02/3725607/andres-oppenheimer-world-ranking.html ESTADOS UNIDOS /CANADÁ Las elecciones parciales en EE UU señalan el camino a la Casa Blanca. Para más información:http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2013/11/05/a-new-york-une-revanche-sur-les-riches-avec-bill-de-blasio_3508302_3222.htmlhttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1635688-nueva-york-elige-nuevo-alcalde-tras-la-era-giuliani-bloomberghttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/los-neoyorquinos-acuden-a-las-urnas-para-elegir-un-nuevo-alcalde_13160877-4http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24813179http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/eleicoes-de-nova-york-poem-fim-era-bloomberg-10687146#ixzz2joSYWLJm http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383677774_704970.htmlhttp://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21588913-young-recall-clinton-boom-not-scandals-clinton-effect El espionaje de Estados Unidos y la agencia NSA sigue generando tensión internacional. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634977-la-espia-del-siglo-la-nsa-la-agencia-que-todo-lo-puede-y-todo-lo-vehttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/espionaje-en-estados-unidos-john-kerry-dice-que-el-pas-se-sobrepas_13154238-4 Obama continúa luchando para implementar una reforma en el sistema de salud. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-24824653 Obama impulsa reforma migratoria ante empresarios. Para más información:http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2013/obama-impulsa-reforma-migratoria-ante-empresarios-963220.html Caos y muerte en el aeropuerto de Los Ángeles por atacante solitario. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634906-detalles-siniestros-del-tiroteo-en-el-aeropuerto-de-los-angeleshttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/evacuan-el-aeropuerto-de-los-ngeles-tras-un-tiroteo_13154760-4 Hallan muerto al autor de disparos en centro comercial de Nueva Jersey. Para más información:http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/atirador-achado-morto-apos-disparar-em-shopping-de-nova-jersey-10687415#ixzz2joSdm0KI http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1635543-encontraron-muerto-al-tirador-de-nueva-jersey-detras-del-shopping-donde-actuohttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/atacante-se-suicida-tras-abrir-fuego-en-centro-comercial-de-nueva-jersey-eeuu_13160298-4 Guantánamo le cuesta a Estados Unidos 200 millones de dólares al año. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383672584_280295.html EUROPA El nacionalismo, la xenofobia y cuestiones migratorias siguen siendo el centro de discusiones en Europa. Para más información:http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/04/21303956-thousands-of-russian-nationalist-marchers-raise-specter-of-anti-immigrant-violence?litehttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/03/actualidad/1383507169_514239.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/world/europe/russia-nationalists-press-anti-immigrant-agenda.html?ref=world&gwh=A1E63C4610173C0114D1DC8933FD4D60http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/europe/europe-migration-lampedusa/index.htmlhttp://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/jovens-voltam-as-ruas-da-franca-para-protestar-contra-deportacoes-10691363#ixzz2joUI5dwO Berlín convoca al embajador británico por espionaje. Para más información:http://www.lemonde.fr/technologies/article/2013/11/05/les-grandes-oreilles-britanniques-en-plein-c-ur-de-berli_3508112_651865.htmlhttp://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/embaixada-britanica-em-berlim-teria-sido-usada-para-espionagem-diz-independent-10689217#ixzz2joUDLPDN http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383665180_886243.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/europe/germany-uk-spy-report/index.html?hpt=ieu_c1 Un fuerte temporal azotó el norte de Europa y dejó por lo menos diez muertos Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1633430-un-fuerte-temporal-azoto-el-norte-de-europa-y-dejo-por-lo-menos-diez-muertoshttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/temporal-al-norte-de-europa_13146984-4}http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/29/world/europe/europe-severe-weather/index.html Asesinadas a cuchilladas tres personas en el secuestro de un autobús en Noruega. Para más información:http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/04/21308934-three-killed-in-norway-bus-attack?litehttp://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/tres-pessoas-morrem-em-sequestro-de-onibus-na-noruega-10682646#ixzz2joUKrwMp http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24824069http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383606597_727668.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/world/europe/norway.html?ref=world&gwh=C4E420C2A5F8E1A70185F1DDB4DDD8AB La violencia en la zona serbia aplasta el proceso de pacificación de Kosovo. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/04/actualidad/1383558828_534421.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/world/europe/violence-mars-election-in-kosovo.html?ref=world&gwh=4F5028F6061EA83EFAA63CC3341D932F La Unión Europea retoma el diálogo de adhesión con Turquía tras años de bloqueo. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383672260_160362.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24825002 Diversos medios analizan perspectivas económicas de la Unión Europea. Para más información:http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-11/05/content_17083716.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/business/eu-predicts-anemic-growth-and-high-unemployment-in-2014.html?ref=world&gwh=EEBF2AAAE54EA8AEEB44B2816F9BC94Chttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634353-el-desempleo-en-la-eurozona-bate-un-nuevo-recordhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24817818 En Ginebra diplomáticos trabajan, sin resultados alentadores, para lograr un acuerdo de paz en Siria. Para más información:http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-11/06/content_17083814.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/world/middleeast/syria.html?ref=world Miles de cuerpos son encontrados en fosa común en Bosnia. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/world/europe/bosnia-mass-grave/index.html Policía alemana recupera 1.500 obras de arte robadas por los nazis. Para más información:http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/05/21318847-nazi-art-trove-in-german-apartment-includes-previously-unknown-matisse?litehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24818541http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1635322-hallan-arte-saqueado-por-los-nazis-valuado-en-us-1350-milloneshttp://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-germany-nazi-art-20131105,0,4039020.story#axzz2joJTEsVh Integrante de Pussy Riot es transferida a cárcel en Siberia. Para más información:http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/integrante-do-pussy-riot-transferida-para-siberia-10693915#ixzz2joU9cuSt Francia recibe cuerpos de los periodistas franceses asesinados en Mali. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/africa/france-mali-journalists-killed/index.html?hpt=wo_c2http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24815614 "CNN" analiza nueva regulación del accionar de la prensa en Reino Unido. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/31/world/europe/uk-press-regulation-reaction/index.html Masiva protesta en Madrid por el fallo que liberó a dos etarras Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1633062-masiva-protesta-en-madrid-por-el-fallo-que-libero-a-dos-etarras Snowden trabajará en una de las principales páginas web de Rusia. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/snowden-trabajar-en-una-web-de-rusia_13152559-4 ASIA- PACÍFICO/ MEDIO ORIENTE "El Tiempo" de Colombia publica desgarrador articulo que cuenta el drama de las niñas novias de Pakistán. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/nias-de-cinco-aos-en-pakistn-que-estan-casadas_13144836-4 Según la ONU el 40% de la población siria necesita ayuda humanitaria. Para más información:http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syria-humanitarian-crisis-20131105,0,3474610.story#axzz2joJTEsVhhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383645001_000170.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/10/31/world/meast/syria-chemical-weapons-opcw/index.htmlhttp://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/onu-40-da-populacao-siria-precisam-de-ajuda-humanitaria-10683911#ixzz2joVz9Zqc http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-iran-us-20131105,0,2110637.story#axzz2joJTEsVhhttp://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/05/21315471-nine-million-syrians-need-humanitarian-aid-due-to-war-un?lite Al menos 40 muertos, incluidos siete niños, deja coche bomba en Siria- Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/atentado-en-mezquita-de-damasco-en-sirira_13144675-4 El hambre como arma: la nueva táctica del régimen sirio para ganar la guerra. Para más información:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634045-el-hambre-como-arma-la-nueva-tactica-del-regimen-sirio-para-ganar-la-guerra Diplomáticos no logran poner fecha para realizar una nueva conferencia de paz para Siria. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24827718http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2013/siria-sin-acuerdo-de-paz-este-anio-onu-963251.htmlhttp://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/conferencia-de-paz-sobre-siria-adiada-10692998#ixzz2joVspJ98 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/world/middleeast/while-few-seem-eager-to-talk-peace-in-syria-un-mediator-wont-stop.html?ref=world Siria destruye instalaciones de producción de armas químicas. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/armas-qumicas-en-siria_13152535-4http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634347-siria-destruyo-sus-instalaciones-de-produccion-de-armas-quimicas Muerte del jefe de talibanes dicen que no afectará el proceso de paz en Pakistán. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/world/asia/pakistan-violence/index.htmlhttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/muerte-de-talibn-afecto-proceso-de-paz-en-pakistn_13156855-4http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634761-en-una-ofensiva-con-un-drone-muere-el-lider-taliban-en-paquistanhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/world/asia/afghanistan-karzai-pakistan-taliban/index.html?hpt=ias_c2 Condenados a muerte 152 acusados por los motines en Bangladesh en 2009. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/world/asia/152-soldiers-given-death-penalty-over-revolt-in-bangladesh.html?ref=worldhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383650531_119779.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/asia/bangladesh-soldiers-death-sentence/index.html?hpt=ias_c1http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24817887 India lanza su primera nave exploratoria a Marte. Para más información:http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-11/06/content_17083798.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/11/05/world/asia/ap-as-india-mars-mission.html?ref=worldhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/world/asia/india-mars-orbiter/index.html?hpt=wo_c2http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24729073http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-india-launch-mars-mission-20131104,0,3566545.story#axzz2joJTEsVh No hay signos de un proceso de pacificación en Irak. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.htmlhttp://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/28/21139521-war-weary-iraqis-scared-to-leave-homes-as-violence-reaches-levels-not-seen-since-2008?lite Riad arresta a miles de inmigrantes irregulares tras el fin de la amnistía. Para más información:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24810033http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383663779_618475.html Kerry visita Arabia Saudita. Para más información:http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-us-saudi-rift-kerry-visit-20131104,0,6904287.story#axzz2joJTEsVh Gobierno chino detiene a cinco individuos por ataque en la plaza Tiananmen. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/world/asia/china---tiananmen---arrests/index.htmlhttp://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/30/21246103-five-arrested-over-tiananmen-square-terrorist-attack-chinese-authorities-say?litehttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1633422-un-raro-incidente-en-la-plaza-tiananmen-dejo-5-muertos Kerry intenta promover diálogo de paz entre palestinos e israelíes. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/world/middleeast/kerry-in-mideast-tries-to-prod-israeli-palestinian-talks.html?ref=world Terremoto de magnitud 5.0 sacude a Tokio. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/03/world/asia/japan-earthquake/index.html Inundaciones dejan decenas de muertos al este de India. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/26/world/asia/india-floods/index.html Irán ahorca a 16 presuntos rebeldes tras la muerte de 17 policías. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/irn-ahorca-a-presuntos-rebeldes-tras-la-muerte-de-policas_13144300-4 Irán y un posible acuerdo sobre su plan nuclear. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/world/middleeast/iran-says-nuclear-deal-is-possible-this-week.html?ref=world ÁFRICA Morsi desafía a los militares en Egipto. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/05/world/middleeast/egypt.html?ref=worldhttp://www.economist.com/blogs/pomegranate/2013/11/muhammad-morsi-trialhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/04/actualidad/1383532972_935193.htmlhttp://www.eluniversal.com.mx/el-mundo/2013/impreso/mursi-desafia-al-gobierno-egipcio-8220soy-el-presidente-legitimo-8221-dice-84753.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24801882http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/presidente-deposto-do-egito-passa-noite-em-hospital-de-prisao-10691700#ixzz2joWgr6Zu http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-egypt-morsi-trial-20131105,0,4510471.story#axzz2joJTEsVhhttp://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/02/21288349-two-french-journalists-kidnapped-and-killed-in-northern-mali?chromedomain=worldblog Los rebeldes del M23 anuncian el fin de su lucha armada en el Congo. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/world/africa/m23-rebels-democratic-republic-congo.html?ref=world&_r=0http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/05/actualidad/1383642968_110904.htmlhttp://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/11/05/en-rdc-le-gouvernement-annonce-une-victoire-totale-sur-le-m23_3508091_3212.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/world/africa/congo-rebels-disarm/index.html?hpt=iaf_c1http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/derrotado-grupo-rebelde-encerra-insurgencia-no-leste-do-congo-1-10691553#ixzz2joWjLxAmhttp://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/05/21318777-congos-defeated-m23-rebels-announce-disarmament-seek-diplomacy?lite Asesinados a tiros dos periodistas franceses secuestrados en el norte de Mali. Para más información:http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/11/05/mali-trois-des-ravisseurs-des-journalistes-de-rfi-identifies_3508659_3212.htmlhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/11/02/actualidad/1383414551_209423.htmlhttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1634953-secuestran-y-asesinan-a-dos-periodistas-franceses-en-mali "China Daily" analiza el rol de Ruanda conectando a África Para más información:http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-11/04/content_17077864.htm Túnez extiende su estado de emergencia. Para más información:http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/03/world/africa/tunisia-unrest/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2 28 muertos luego de estampida en Nigeria. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/africa/muertos-en-estampida-en-nigeria_13157615-4 OTRAS NOTICIAS Cada año más de 800.000 personas son víctimas del tráfico humano. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/cada-ao-ms-de-800000-personas-son-vctimas-del-trfico-humano-en-el-mundo_13132278-4 "The Economist" presenta su informe semanal: "Business this week". Para más información:http://www.economist.com/news/world-week/21588134-business-week
AMÉRICA LATINA Rousseff veta la amnistía a los deforestadores de la Amazonia.Para más información: http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2012/05/25/veto-partiel-a-une-loi-reduisant-la-protection-de-l-amazonie-au-bresil_1707787_3222.html http://sociedad.elpais.com/sociedad/2012/05/25/actualidad/1337974767_878665.html http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/25/world/americas/brazil-forest-code/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-brazil-forests-20120529,0,2383595.storyIndígenas en Brasil piden ante Ministerio de Salud mejoras sanitarias.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/indigenas-en-brasil-piden-ante-ministerio-de-salud-mejoras-sanitarias_11908841-47"El País" de Madrid entrevista al ex presidente chileno Patricio Aylwin.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/26/actualidad/1338051981_784799.htmlDevaluaciones en el Cono Sur: Brasil y Argentina luchan de forma opuesta contra las oscilaciones del dólar.Para más información: http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2012/05/25/actualidad/1337961496_336481.html http://www.economist.com/node/21555901 Controles de divisas: el oficialismo argentino cree "un suicidio" liberar dólares.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/F1EE250C-583F-4E2F-98CF-96BE208BA64A.htm?id={F1EE250C-583F-4E2F-98CF-96BE208BA64A} FreeEconomía de Argentina se 'venezolaniza' tras restricción al dólar.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/economa-de-argentina-se-venezolaniza_11887521-4 FARC anuncia liberación de periodista francés Roméo Langlois.Para más información: http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/farc-anunciam-libertacao-de-jornalista-frances-5035675 http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/27/world/americas/colombia-farc-hostage/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/internacional/noticias/F9974F49-23DC-492D-8CC3-F453FACD1FD2.htm?id={F9974F49-23DC-492D-8CC3-F453FACD1FD2}http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2012/05/27/les-farc-annoncent-la-liberation-prochaine-de-romeo-langlois_1708053_3222.html Intensas lluvias afectan la costa pacífica mexicana tras rastros del huracán Bud.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47522794/ns/weather/#.T8WMKFLMqw4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-cartel-war-20120528,0,5990329.storyEl cartel Mexicano "Zetas" reescribe la guerra contra el narcotráfico con sangre: se cobró 55000 vidas en los últimos 5 años.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47534398/ns/world_news-americas/#.T8WMRlLMqw4Movimiento juvenil 'Yo soy 132' sacude elección presidencial mexicana.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/movimiento-yo-soy-132-sacude-a-mxico_11887421-4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-election-students-20120525,0,6629519.storyBomba en hotel en la frontera mexicana hiere a 10 personas.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/25/world/americas/mexico-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8"The Economist" analiza los derechos y la lucha de los homosexuales en Chile.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21555943"CNN" cubre conmovedora historia de hija de desaparecidos.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/25/world/americas/argentina-body-identified/index.html?hpt=wo_c2Estado de emergencia en Perú tras violentos choques entre manifestantes y fuerzas gubernamentales.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/americas/peru-confronts-wounds-of-civil-war.html?ref=world&gwh=B327C152762581AEE5F5B5F77441F8DB http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18245924 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/reporting-from-lima-and-bogota-the-peruvian-government-on-tuesday-declared-a-state-of-emergency-in-a-southeastern-provin.html http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/64A09014-C569-48BA-A3C8-CA2C016CE10E.htm?id={64A09014-C569-48BA-A3C8-CA2C016CE10E} Haití pagará incentivos a madres que envíen a sus hijos a escuela a través de una inusual vía.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18245302Oposición estudia interpelar al ex Presidente Lula. Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/_portada/noticias/C8A32906-5B14-4E71-AD3A-A201D804D377.htm?id={C8A32906-5B14-4E71-AD3A-A201D804D377} Honduras es fuertemente afectada por la violencia y el narcotráfico.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47583232/ns/world_news-americas/#.T8WMI1LMqw4 http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/23/11824962-hunt-for-drug-trafficker-terrorizes-honduras-village?liteEl rascacielos más alto de América Latina está ahora en Chile.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/rascacielos-en-amrica-latina_11887384-4"Los Angeles Times" analiza cambio económico de la zona de Recife.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-brazil-migration-20120524,0,4095576.storyPerspectivas ante la crisis: la falta de innovación es el principal riesgo para las economías de América Latina. Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/_portada/noticias/ECE4BAE6-8780-495C-B6E2-9BC958EBE50B.htm?id={ECE4BAE6-8780-495C-B6E2-9BC958EBE50B} ESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADÁRomney se convierte oficialmente en el candidato republicano en Estados Unidos.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15422399.htmhttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/romney-se-convierte-oficialmente-en-candidato-republicano-en-ee-uu_11910083-4 http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850343.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338069757_779175.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/primarias-en-texas-coronaran-a-romney_11893382-4 Diversos medios presentan portales sobre las elecciones en Estados Unidos.Para más información: http://elpais.com/tag/elecciones_eeuu_2012/a/ http://www.economist.com/world/us-elections-2012 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/_portada/noticias/658CC1D5-B1F1-461C-8380-9A2CA90E907E.htm?id={658CC1D5-B1F1-461C-8380-9A2CA90E907E}Día de los Caídos en Estados Unidos marcado por un expreso patriotismo.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15420651.htmEstados Unidos expulsó a diplomáticos sirios tras matanza de Hula.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/pases-expulsaron-a-diplomticos-sirios-en-protesta-por-masacre_11903962-4 http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11933554-us-expels-syria-diplomat-after-un-finds-houla-victims-were-executed?liteTerrorismo: Estados Unidos revela complot iraní para atacar diplomáticos.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/2DAFABD8-2AA4-4E1C-B786-33025575B939.htm?id={2DAFABD8-2AA4-4E1C-B786-33025575B939} Obama condecora a activistas sociales y personalidades culturales.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850302.htmlObama espera la ayuda de Rusia para sacar a Assad del poder.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/middleeast/us-seeks-russias-help-in-removing-assad-in-syria.html?ref=world&gwh=90658E13179241E506FC2332C0AC042B"The Economist" analiza situación de la economía canadiense.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/world/americasEUROPAItalia, sacudida por dos fuertes terremotos en diez días.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15419005.htm http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850161.html http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11931934-at-least-16-die-as-58-magnitude-earthquake-hits-italy?lite http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/italia-sacudida-por-dos-terremotos-en-diez-dias-_11908781-4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-italy-quake-20120530,0,7310236.story Países europeos retiran sus misiones diplomáticas en Siria.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15421937.htm Francia no descarta una intervención armada en Siria.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850265.htmlRusia critica reporte del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos sobre Derechos Humanos.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/29/content_15411545.htm Rusia escéptica frente a la violencia gubernamental siria. Para más información: http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/russia-diz-nao-acreditar-que-massacre-foi-obra-do-governo-sirio-5037946#ixzz1w7qg16kP http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18235965 Varios portales presentan noticias sobre la actual situación económica europea.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/business/economy/in-the-euro-zone-a-lethal-vacuum-economic-view.html?ref=world&gwh=81BD5CCF2311C5C59EA666F0CA958D7E http://www.economist.com/blogs/schumpeter/2012/05/europes-biggest-fear http://economia.elpais.com/economia/2012/05/25/actualidad/1337978907_477033.html http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/28/business/global/in-euro-zone-a-debate-over-bonds.html?hp&gwh=5898A980191E7A17FA2FD866662ADF60"The Economist" analiza el futuro de la Unión Europea.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21555916Indignación griega por palabras de la directora del FMI.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21555923 http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2012/05/27/lagarde-demande-aux-grecs-de-payer-leurs-impots_1708007_3214.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/indignacin-griega-por-palabras-de-christine-lagarde_11893261-4 Berlín trabaja en propuestas concretas de crecimiento y empleo.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/25/actualidad/1337956415_596350.html Merkel y su política para enfrentar la crisis. Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-europe-merkel-debt-20120523,0,4350685.story España temerosa de una posible corrida bancaria.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-spain-banks-20120527,0,5484420.story http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/europe/small-and-medium-businesses-suffer-as-spain-bank-loans-shrivel.html?ref=world&gwh=7C182BC6AD40B86611BBD4E3BD3A1468Escocia abre la campaña por la independencia con escaso apoyo.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/25/actualidad/1337946515_309380.html Alexis Tsipras, líder del principal partido griego de izquierda: El hombre que tiene en vilo a Europa. Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/internacional/noticias/C9E09C46-902D-4B72-BE69-E491B323A291.htm?id={C9E09C46-902D-4B72-BE69-E491B323A291} Primer Ministro francés supera a Hollande en popularidad Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/internacional/noticias/07B6C2CE-345A-47CC-B3B8-6545FCDE9C7F.htm?id={07B6C2CE-345A-47CC-B3B8-6545FCDE9C7F}Los socialistas franceses buscan una mayoría cómoda en el Parlamento.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/26/actualidad/1338053308_457391.htmlPresidente francés quiere diseñar una nueva arquitectura para la Unión Europea.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/25/actualidad/1337969518_099803.htmlHollande estrena su diplomacia balsámica en Europa.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/24/actualidad/1337878262_956877.html Policía española captura al jefe del aparato militar de ETA y a su lugarteniente en elsuroeste de Francia.Para más información: http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2012/05/27/deux-membres-de-l-eta-arretes-dans-le-sud-ouest_1708059_3214.html http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/_portada/noticias/AA04D948-AA22-42DE-B07D-9D88DFB508B0.htm?id={AA04D948-AA22-42DE-B07D-9D88DFB508B0}Futuro de Assange se define en Londres.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850237.html Unos 100.000 opositores se manifiestan contra Saakashvili en Georgia.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338153555_951248.htmlEl Vaticano prepara más detenciones por la filtración de documentos.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338149211_138021.html Cuarenta personas fueron arrestadas tras protestas por derechos de homosexuales en Moscú.Para más información: http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/quarenta-presos-apos-confusao-em-protestos-por-direitos-gays-em-moscou-5037143#ixzz1w7qcyJkhBlair explicó su relación con magnate Rupert Murdoch.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/relacin-entre-tony-blair-y-el-magnate-rupert-murdoch_11903021-4 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/4B2743A3-7187-47ED-85E8-CDFBF2835211.htm?id={4B2743A3-7187-47ED-85E8-CDFBF2835211} http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/28/2821686/tony-blair-says-he-ducked-fight.html#storylink=cpy Juez Baltasar Garzón cumplirá su pena de inhabilitación en 2022.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/1C0F5B3C-4550-439B-97CE-9BE8A5C55F8F.htm?id={1C0F5B3C-4550-439B-97CE-9BE8A5C55F8F}Policía danesa arresta a dos personas que planeaban ataque.Para más información: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11936205-police-arrest-two-men-over-denmark-terror-attack-plot?liteLiberada una joven que vivió ocho años bajo esclavitud en Bosnia.Para más información: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11939390-teenager-allegedly-held-as-slave-in-bosnia-for-years?lite http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/liberada-una-joven-alemana-mantenida-bajo-esclavitud-en-bosnia_11890061-4 ASIA- PACÍFICO/ MEDIO ORIENTECondena internacional por masacre en Siria.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18245225http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/consejo-de-seguridad-de-la-onu-se-rene-por-masacre-en-siria_11890661-4 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/middleeast/syrian-activists-claim-death-toll-in-village-soars.html?ref=world&gwh=67B04E7912451E677DEE6773B7179BAC http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/_portada/noticias/604ED812-6034-469E-B16D-5F0436CD735F.htm?id={604ED812-6034-469E-B16D-5F0436CD735F} http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/conselho-de-seguranca-da-onu-condena-siria-por-massacre-5038570#ixzz1w7qOQ8YB http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/from-massacres-to-shortages-syria-under-pressure/?ref=world&gwh=65F95E3CDDE403D02C5EF1CA3B9FB77E http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15418534.htm http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/27/2819716/syria-denies-responsibility-for.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338118040_536355.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-syria-massacre-20120528,0,7172304.storyKofi Annan llega a Siria para reunirse con Bashar Al Asad.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/labor-de-kofi-annan-en-siria_11902983-4 http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/meast/syria-unrest/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15418697.htm http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2012/05/27/un-bombardement-de-l-otan-en-afghanistan-tue-8-civils_1708010_3216.html http://www.economist.com/node/21555954 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-syria-diplomacy-20120530,0,7401114.storyIrán construirá otra central nuclear pese a presión internacional.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/25/world/meast/iran-nuclear/index.html?hpt=wo_bn11 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/internacional/noticias/5B3F3499-5FAF-42BB-A84C-7A6B72303A21.htm?id={5B3F3499-5FAF-42BB-A84C-7A6B72303A21} http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/ira-nao-ha-razao-para-parar-de-enriquecer-uranio-20-5038218#ixzz1w7qTLWur http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/28/world/middleeast/iran-wont-halt-production-of-higher-grade-uranium.html?hp&gwh=E2CBDB8DF857566C8E740DEBFE56BACF http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15418626.htm http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2012/05/25/des-traces-d-uranium-enrichi-a-plus-de-20-decouvertes-en-iran_1707751_3218.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-nuclear-20120526,0,418614.story http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/irn-construir-otra-central-nuclear_11893162-4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-nuclear-deal-20120523,0,962424.story Incidente en Afganistán: bombardeo de la OTAN mata a ocho civiles.Para más información: http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/oito-civis-morrem-em-ataque-aereo-da-otan-no-afeganistao-5035213#ixzz1w7qb0qol http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/28/internacional/internacional/noticias/1C353FD5-18DD-47E3-8634-E7B66E4080C2.htm?id={1C353FD5-18DD-47E3-8634-E7B66E4080C2} http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338115272_791136.html http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/asia/drug-traffic-remains-as-us-nears-afghanistan-exit.html?hp&gwh=A033766A24E5EC848586C446126DEAB9 http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/30/content_15423180.htm]OTAN mata al número 2 de Al-Qaida en Afganistán.Para más información: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11931081-number-2-al-qaida-leader-in-afghanistan-killed-in-nato-airstrike?lite Suu Kyi sale de Birmania por primera vez en 24 años.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850197.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18245929Horror en campos de trabajo en Corea del Norte.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/27/world/asia/north-korea-labor-camps-hancocks/index.html?hpt=wo_t3Fuego desata tragedia en centro comercial de Qatar.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/meast/qatar-fire/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/0103A387-1CEA-45C0-83AB-9861D652D75C.htm?id={0103A387-1CEA-45C0-83AB-9861D652D75C} http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18243136Ex Premier de Japón reconoce responsabilidad estatal por Fukushima. Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/asia/concerns-grow-about-spent-fuel-rods-at-damaged-nuclear-plant-in-japan.html?ref=world&gwh=0974E928305A7AA97DDC39A42499632A http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/_portada/noticias/C1E9801B-5164-4E03-8D86-0B4018172F42.htm?id={C1E9801B-5164-4E03-8D86-0B4018172F42} http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47592012/ns/us_news-environment/#.T8WMZ1LMqw4 http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/asia/japan-nuclear/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7Pakistán prueba alcance de sus misiles.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/29/content_15416524.htmLa caída de Bo Xilai facilita el camino a los reformistas en ChinaPara más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338128173_085638.html Dos tibetanos se inmolaron en las cercanías de un popular templo.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/asia/tibet-immolations-lhasa/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/28/11915646-protesters-set-themselves-on-fire-near-temple-popular-with-tourists-in-tibet-capital?liteChina y sus intentos por controlar internet.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47596791/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/#.T8WMVFLMqw4 http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/asia/china-weibo-rules/index.html?hpt=wo_c2Activista de Bahrain, Al-Khawaja, culmina su helga de hambre.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-18239695"The Economist" analiza la prosperidad de la economía china.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21555762 Hija de Saddam busca editorial para publicar memorias póstumas. Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/CFF123E0-22A2-4F0C-AB58-92B7E6CBF863.htm?id={CFF123E0-22A2-4F0C-AB58-92B7E6CBF863} ÁFRICANace en el corazón de África el Estado islámico del Azawad.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/africa/two-rebel-groups-in-mali-merge-to-form-islamic-state.html?ref=world&gwh=1CCB56E2C53E1879A0018658B454AB65 http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2012/05/27/la-rebellion-touareg-fusionne-avec-un-groupe-islamiste-au-nord-du-mali_1708003_3212.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338080043_901876.html http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/27/world/africa/mali-rebel-groups/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10 Violencia tras conocerse oficialmente los resultados electorales en Egipto. Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egypt-elections-20120527,0,3534501.story http://diario.elmercurio.com/2012/05/29/internacional/internacional/noticias/B84A3FF7-AF9D-4D9C-A221-C4D5300B5C97.htm?id={B84A3FF7-AF9D-4D9C-A221-C4D5300B5C97} http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/meast/egypt-election/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/africa/prenden-fuego-a-oficinas-de-candidato-a-la-presidencia-en-egipto_11900801-4 http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2012/05/egypts-presidential-election http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/world/middleeast/some-in-egypt-disdain-both-candidates.html?ref=world&gwh=DF70159F604EFCBA310372F56CA02562 http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2012/05/26/egypte-le-candidat-chafiq-promet-ne-pas-revenir-a-l-ere-moubarak_1707941_3212.htmlSiete años de prisión por corrupción para el jefe de Gabinete de MubarakPara más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2012/05/27/actualidad/1338147851_363736.htmlGrupo islámico Boko Haram genera terror en Nigeria. Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-nigeria-boko-haram-20120527,0,572578.storyExplosión en centro comercial en Nairobi-Kenia.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18232621 http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/28/world/africa/kenya-explosion/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/nairobi-kenya-blast-called-bomb-attack.html http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-05/29/content_15408978.htmAgencia de Naciones Unidas propone a Mugabe como "líder para el turismo" .Para más información: http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11940600-un-agency-appoints-mugabe-as-a-leader-for-tourism?lite OTRASONU rinde homenaje a 112 caídos en servicio en 2011.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/850190.html"The Economist" presenta su informe semanal: "Business this week".Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21555625
AMÉRICA LATINAOllanta Humala suspende millonario proyecto minero tras violentas protestas.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15956429 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/25/world/americas/peru-van-der-sloot/index.html http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/_portada/noticias/BB51CDE5-4479-4E98-B231-FCE497B24154.htm?id={BB51CDE5-4479-4E98-B231-FCE497B24154} http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/11/conga-gold-copper-mine-northern-peru-newmont-mining-cajamarca-ollanta-humala.htmlLíder del Fondo Monetario Internacional comienza tour por América Latina.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/americas/peru-imf-director/index.htmlSegún la ONU América Latina vive el nivel de pobreza más bajo de los últimos 20 años .Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15957422Lo que quedó del escándalo de WikiLeaks en América Latina.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/lo-que-quedo-del-escandalo-de-wikileaks-en-america-latina_10856048-4FARC mata a cuatro cautivos, sobrevive un sargento secuestrado.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/26/world/americas/colombia-farc-hostages-dead/index.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/27/actualidad/1322418297_157334.html http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/75434.html http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/F6209013-AB55-4DE3-8141-0543373F1199.htm?id={F6209013-AB55-4DE3-8141-0543373F1199} http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428757-las-farc-culpan-a-santos-por-la-masacre#comentar http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45466457/ns/world_news-americas/#.TtYCRXKwA90Asesinado a tiros en México un reconocido activista por la paz.Para más información: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/11/mexican-activist-against-violence-is-slain-.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322555982_285631.html http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/americas/mexico-accuser-of-police-is-killed.h-tml?ref=world&gwh=5199798806AAE5502B24A91DE31FC895 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428756-asesinaron-en-mexico-a-un-reconocido-activista-por-la-paz#comentar http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/americas/mexico-activist-killed/index.htmlChávez anuncia beneficios sociales con polémicos fondos en un año electoral.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1427302-chavez-anuncia-beneficios-sociales-con-polemicos-fondos-en-un-ano-electoral#comentarChile: a juicio ex militar de Estados Unidos acusado de asesinatos en 1973.Para más información: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/11/chile-judge-us-military-officer-ray-davis-charles-horman-pinochet.html http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/americas/chile-indicts-ex-us-officer-in-1973-killings.html?ref=world&gwh=B04B36A021FDBCAF7194510CD6EE9E40 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/30/world/americas/chile-extradition-request/index.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45477897/ns/world_news-americas/#.TtYCPnKwA90 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15953252Para la oposición Nicaragua avanza hacia la dictadura.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/75433.htmlChávez captura a un capo narcotraficante colombiano en vísperas de la visita de Santos a Caracas.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45469454/ns/world_news-americas/#.TtYCSnKwA90 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15900885 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/28/actualidad/1322515122_793704.html http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/americas/colombia-drug-arrest/index.html http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/americas/colombia-drug-arrest/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8El PRD mexicano busca candidato para suceder a Ebrard.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15914073 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/28/actualidad/1322516361_195475.html7Por la crisis Cuba se queda fuera de la agenda de Rajoy.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428467-por-la-crisis-cuba-se-queda-fuera-de-la-agenda-de-rajoy#comentarBancos internacionales ayudan al Estado mexicano en lucha contra los grupos narcos.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-money-laundering-banks-20111128,0,430982.storyPolicía mexicana encuentra túnel por el que se contrabandeaba droga de México a Estados Unidos.Para más información: http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/28/9075695-mexican-trucker-gets-16-years-for-drug-tunnelsEjército hondureño tomará en funciones de policía en lucha contra las drogas.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15960435Música mariachi recibe reconocimiento internacional.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/americas/mexico-mariachi-unesco/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8 Amenaza de atentado refuerza seguridad en Trinidad y Tobago.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/24/world/americas/trinidad-tobago-assassination-plot/index.html Nuevos esfuerzos por salvar los glaciares andinos de Perú.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/americas/peru-mountain-whitening/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8 Guyana espera resultados de las elecciones en medio de señales de competencia cerrada.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15964356ESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADÁ Comenzó la cumbre Estados Unidos- Unión Europea en la Casa Blanca.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/comenz-la-cumbre-eeuu-ue-en-la-casa-blanca_10846347-4 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1427285-para-salvar-a-eeuu-del-contagio-obama-presiona-mas-a-la-ue#comentarPrecandidato republicano Cain analizará si sigue en campaña.Para más información: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/29/9099233-cain-on-campaign-status-9-9-9-were-doing-fine http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/812348.html http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/CF4F5B37-4DAD-49DA-B2AD-AED870940EFA.htm?id={CF4F5B37-4DAD-49DA-B2AD-AED870940EFA} http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428755-por-los-escandalos-cain-retiraria-su-candidatura#comentarhttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/escndalo-sexual-salpica-a-precandidato-republicano-a-la-presidencia_10851946-4Vicepresidente de Estados Unidos llega a Irak antes de retirada de tropas.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/meast/iraq-biden/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/3AC9F2BF-74DD-46E1-8AFC-F179D92FEE3A.htm?id={3AC9F2BF-74DD-46E1-8AFC-F179D92FEE3A} http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15949189 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/middleeast/biden-visits-iraq-to-thank-troops-and-reshape-relations.html?ref=world&gwh=947BEE4CECD04DD09760DFAF8F15DF3BDesalojan el campamento de los "indignados" en Los Angeles.Para más información: http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2011/11/30/le-campement-des-indignes-a-los-angeles-en-cours-d-evacuation_1610996_3222.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/28/actualidad/1322467261_095100.html http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428858-desalojan-el-campamento-de-los-indignados-en-los-angeles#comentar http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/30/9105583-riot-police-raid-occupy-la-encampmentObama mantiene su nivel de aprobación.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/812421.htmlLos latinos como fuerza electoral en Estados Unidos.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/los-latinos-como-fuerza-electoral-en-ee-uu_10856084-4Migración, clave en presidenciales.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/75431.htmlStandard & Poor's degrada la valoración de grandes bancos americanos.Para más información: http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2011/11/30/standard-and-poor-s-abaisse-les-notes-des-plus-grandes-banques-americaines_1610955_3222.html American Airlines entró en bancarrota.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/29/content_14184586.htmSegún Hillary Clinton su visita a Myanmar marca significativamente un cambio en su política.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-us-myanmar-20111130,0,1487872.storyhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/29/9097871-clinton-to-get-first-top-level-peek-at-myanmar-in-over-50-years http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/asia/in-myanmar-government-reforms-win-over-countrys-skeptics.html?ref=world&gwh=AA5434C121998431D87E2992DB6F5A37 EUROPAAtacan embajada británica en Irán.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-embassy-riot-20111130,0,2713536.story http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/30/actualidad/1322640674_757204.html http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/middleeast/british-embassy-iran-diplomats-evacuated.html?ref=world&gwh=0099D866A5897A0EB5B782826B6D150A http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2011/11/30/l-attaque-de-l-ambassade-britannique-a-teheran-condamnee_1610964_3216.html http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14184579.htm http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/meast/iran-demonstrations/index.html?hpt=wo_c1http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45488593/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/#.TtYB-XKwA90 http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/75430.html http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428860-iran-gran-bretana-retira-a-diplomaticos-tras-el-saqueo-de-su-embajada#comentar http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15966628Enérgica condena internacional a asalto de embajada británica en Irán.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/estudiantes-islmicos-asaltan-la-embajada-britnica-en-tehern_10851384-4El Reino Unido sufre el paro más grande en varias décadas.Para más información: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/11/nationwide-strike-britain-schools-heathrow.html http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428866-el-reino-unido-sufre-el-paro-mas-grande-en-varias-decadas#comentar http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/paro-de-empleados-publicos-en-reino-unido_10857986-4 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45484257/ns/world_news-europe/#.TtYB53KwA90 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/europe/great-britain-strike-austerity-measures.html?ref=world&gwh=90BBFEC2F7333CFB56DC73293E2C1759El hundimiento de la economía pone a la defensiva al Gobierno británico.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322593710_407126.htmlDesempleo en eurozona aumenta a 10.3%.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15961626Crisis barre a gobiernos de la socialdemocracia en Europa.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/crisis-barre-a-la-socialdemocracia-en-europa_10838624-4Autor de ataque en Oslo evitaría la cárcel por demencia.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/europe/norway-terror-suspect/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/812290.html http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/29/content_14184297.htm http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/europe/norway-killer-of-77-was-insane-during-rampage-prosecution-says.html?ref=world&gwh=521D90B7A61D321C0F705F0D197F640C http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/_portada/noticias/D54E6501-68A6-4CA8-BA2A-63603395A56E.htm?id={D54E6501-68A6-4CA8-BA2A-63603395A56E} http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322570544_162886.htmlPutin candidato a la Presidencia por la oficialista Rusia Unida.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/vladimir-putin-candidato-a-la-presidencia-por-la-oficialista-rusia-unida_10842545-4 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1426998-putin-ya-es-otra-vez-el-candidato-a-presidente#comentarLa desconfianza hacia el sistema marca la campaña electoral en Rusia.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/30/actualidad/1322638260_237580.htmlRusia rechaza la imposición de un embargo de armas contra Siria.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14185460.htm http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322564565_498534.htmlRusia activa su sistema de alerta antimisiles en Kaliningrado.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/E6470981-DA85-4B81-9ABC-576E53C99587.htm?id={E6470981-DA85-4B81-9ABC-576E53C99587}El ajuste en Italia será mayor de lo esperado.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428781-el-ajuste-en-italia-sera-mayor-de-lo-esperado#comentarOCDE anuncia recesión en la Eurozona atrapada por crisis de la deuda.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/advierten-de-recesin-en-la-eurozona_10849250-4Las dudas y certezas que rodean el presunto complot a Strauss-Kahn.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/europe/dsk-plot-allegations/index.html?hpt=wo_bn9 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1427303-dudas-y-certezas-del-presunto-complot-contra-strauss-kahn#comentarAvanza el plan alemán para el euro.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2011/11/polands-appeal-germany http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428784-avanza-el-plan-aleman-para-el-euro#comentar http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-europe-euro-rescue-20111130,0,6958351.storyGreenpeace bloqueó último paso férreo de residuos nucleares a Alemania.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/greenpeace-bloquea-el-transporte-de-residuos-nucleares-a-alemania_10844906-4Aprovechando la crisis de la eurozona los partidos populistas y xenófobos ganan apoyos.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322587766_863823.htmlPresionada, Bélgica pone fin al bloqueo político.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1426803-presionada-belgica-pone-fin-al-bloqueo-politico#comentarTurquía impone sanciones al régimen sirio de Al Assad.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/middleeast/turkey-increases-pressure-on-syria.html?ref=world&gwh=30B7219163E8A1189F83E53D4E481B25 http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/11/30/la-turquie-va-prendre-des-sanctions-contre-le-regime-de-bachar-al-assad_1610998_3218.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15959770Ataque en Palacio en Estambul deja 2 heridos. Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45488585/ns/world_news-europe/#.TtYB9XKwA90"CNN" analiza: el daño de Wikileaks no ha sido considerable.Para más información: http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/29/lawyer-wikileaks-cables-did-little-harm/?hpt=wo_c2La calificadora Moody's amenaza con rebajar la calificación de 87 bancos de la Unión Europea.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1427307-crisis-en-europa#comentarLos chinos están dispuestos a invertir sus reservas financieras en Europa.Para más información: http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2011/11/29/les-chinois-sont-prets-a-investir-leurs-reserves-financieres-en-europe_1610693_3234.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-paris-chinese-20111127,0,1180909.story Tensión en Osetia del Sur tras ser anuladas las elecciones presidenciales.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/30/actualidad/1322611721_708864.htmlASIA- PACÍFICO/ MEDIO ORIENTESegún ONU, Siria es 'responsable de crímenes contra la humanidad.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/11/29/world/20111130Tehran_SS.html?ref=world&gwhttp://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/meast/syria-un-report/index.html?hpt=wo_bn11h=134CF086C2EC359F33E92B2328B120B0 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/28/actualidad/1322492003_722214.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/siria-libera-disidentes-y-prisioneros-mientras-crecen-presiones-_10858524-4 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45477062/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/#.TtYCCXKwA90http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1427205-acusan-a-al-assad-de-graves-crimenes#comentar http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/11/29/six-civils-et-trois-agents-de-securite-tues-en-syrie_1610900_3218.htmlSanciones de Liga Árabe es declaración de guerra económica a Siria. Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/11/sanctions-syria http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/sanciones-de-liga-rabe-declaracin-de-guerra-econmica-siria_10840785-4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-syria-arab-league-20111126,0,1482117.story http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15955399El régimen de Irán provoca a Occidente.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322570207_720025.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15960456 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/middleeast/satellite-images-suggest-blast-obliterated-iran-military-base.html?ref=world&gwh=EEF9F593498B3822E4C34B583D4EB155 http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/11/30/riyad-pret-a-produire-plus-de-petrole-en-cas-de-sanctions-americaines-contre-teheran_1610954_3218.htmlIra en Pakistán: la Otan mata a 25 soldados paquistaníes.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/asia/in-protest-over-nato-strike-pakistan-will-skip-afghan-conference-to-protest.html?ref=world&gwh=E2634224A3EFEC0D1158205C56380C3A http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2011/11/30/l-armee-pakistanaise-denonce-une-agression-flagrante-de-l-otan_1610972_3216.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/asia/otan-mata-por-error-a-25-soldados-paquistanes_10838986-4 http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14189926.htmPrimer Ministro pakistaní amenaza a Estados Unidos.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/asia/pakistan-us/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45461462/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/#.TtYCpHKwA90Pakistán planta a Estados Unidos en la conferencia de paz sobre Afganistán.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/asia/pakistan-afghanistan/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322568303_513809.htmlCorea del Norte dice que su producción de uranio enriquecido progresa rápido.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/north-korea-nuclear-reactor-progress.html?ref=world&gwh=A37C114DA2572133352D11B5D7EC48BD http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/asia/corea-del-norte-dice-que-su-produccin-de-uranio-enriquecido-progresa-rpido_10856884-4 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/_portada/noticias/BD84DA72-3990-42EF-B55A-2C26B9F27636.htm?id={BD84DA72-3990-42EF-B55A-2C26B9F27636}Ataque suicida contra una base militar en Irak deja 19 muertos.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_bn11 http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/ataque-suicida-contra-una-base-militar-en-irak-deja-19-muertos_10844866-4Los triunfos islamistas desafían a Occidente.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1428735-los-triunfos-islamistas-desafian-a-occidente#comentarLanzan varios cohetes desde el Líbano a Israel y crece la tensión.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1427310-lanzan-varios-cohetes-desde-el-libano-a-israel-y-crece-la-tension#comentar http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/176B0F03-6EA7-493B-BCDD-098D82CD5559.htm?id={176B0F03-6EA7-493B-BCDD-098D82CD5559}Renuncia primer ministro en Kuwait .Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15931526 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/meast/kuwait-government/index.html?hpt=wo_bn11Esposa del disidente chino, Ai Weiwei, en cárcel. Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/asia/china-dissidents-wife-questioned.html?ref=world&gwh=20080C23F990A8F7FE2DEBBF759A8504 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/asia/china-ai-weiwei-wife/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7Portaaviones chino sale a alta mar en medio de tensiones vecinales.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14185453.htm http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/E02C6F51-0772-49CA-8060-32B91D12C221.htm?id={E02C6F51-0772-49CA-8060-32B91D12C221}China y Japón mantienen dialogo estratégico.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14191658.htmBomba explota en casamiento en Filipinas mata a 3 y deja 27 heridosPara más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45459358/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/#.TtYCX3KwA90 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/asia/philippines-blast/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7 http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/11/29/world/asia/AP-AS-Philippines-Suspected-Bomber.html?ref=world&gwh=9C0F7ED8A5B3C15EA2BD7B433987E171Occidente obligado a tolerar avance de islamistas en el mundo árabe.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/30/internacional/internacional/noticias/C99D6507-7D2C-4D71-98C3-598CB489FB61.htm?id={C99D6507-7D2C-4D71-98C3-598CB489FB61}ÁFRICAMasiva afluencia y graves irregularidades en elecciones de Egipto.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/11/egypts-elections-0 http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/masiva-afluencia-y-graves-irregularidades-en-elecciones-de-egipto_10844704-4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-egypt-elections-20111129,0,2813603.story http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/812430.html http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/middleeast/voting-in-historic-egyptian-elections-enters-second-day.html?ref=world&gwh=A35E243CCEFFEC16A54C16A6DFB52601http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322574547_138762.htmlLa violencia regresa a Egipto tras protestas en la Plaza Tahrir.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/africa/egypt-elections/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/28/world/middleeast/egyptian-straddles-line-of-revolution-and-electoral-change.html?gwh=77B0F43616254799ED3DE25E488AF494 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322590709_240411.html http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/11/30/des-heurts-entre-manifestants-et-vendeurs-ambulants-place-tahrir_1610977_3218.htmlRey de Marruecos nombra primer jefe de gobierno a islamista moderado.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/africa/morocco-islamist-named-premier.html?ref=world&gwh=10FD6684A43A2234E6EFA48E72F60946 http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/africa/marruecos-rey-nombra-por-primera-vez-jefe-de-gobierno-a-islamista-moderado_10856105-4 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/27/actualidad/1322427601_088973.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15946475 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/27/world/africa/morocco-election/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10Elecciones en Congo.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2011/11/congos-elections-0 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15959155 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/africa/congo-election-board-may-annul-tens-of-thousands-of-otes.html?ref=world&gwh=C2C230171F2C5265BA1CE4B349F5ED04 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45466163/ns/world_news-christian_science_monitor/#.TtYCGHKwA90 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/africa/congo-elections/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-congo-elections-20111128,0,861306.storyEl ex presidente marfileño Gbagbo llega a Holanda para comparecer ante La Haya.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15960254 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45481597/ns/world_news-africa/#.TtYCFXKwA90 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/30/world/africa/congo-election-board-may-annul-tens-of-thousands-of-otes.html?ref=world&gwh=C2C230171F2C5265BA1CE4B349F5ED04 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/africa/gbagbo-ivory-coast-hague-charges.html?ref=world&gwh=203D49E03FAFFBB147E0E7924D8495F6 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/29/actualidad/1322602977_209636.html http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2011/11/29/laurent-gbagbo-inculpe-par-la-cour-penale-internationale_1610832_3212.htmlLibia en busca de la reconstrucción.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45473552/ns/world_news-the_new_york_times/#.TtYCj3KwA90 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/28/world/africa/libya-un-report/index.html?hpt=wo_c2Ataque a cuarteles en Somalia.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14191274.htmÁfrica apela a solución drástica y urgente al cambio climático.Para más información: www.usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/30/content_14191281.htm http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/29/world/africa/turkana-basin-kenya/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45459824/ns/us_news-environment/#.TtYCG3KwA90OTRAS NOTICIAS"The Economist" analiza la desigualdad de género.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21539928Comienza la cconferencia de las Naciones Unidas enDurbansobre el Cambio Climático.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15941820 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2011/11/un-durban-climate-conference-wrangles-funds-for-poor-countries.html Volatilidad en los mercados ante la creciente incertidumbre.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1425675-volatilidad-en-los-mercados-ante-la-creciente-incertidumbre#comentar"El Universal" presenta su portal dedicado al cambio climático.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/coberturas/cobertura3.html"The Economist" presenta su informe semanal: "Business this week".Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21540317
The Situation In Guinea-Bissau Report Of The Secretary-General On Developments In Guinea-Bissau And The Activities Of The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office In ; United Nations S/PV.8186 Security Council Seventy-third year 8186th meeting Thursday, 22 February 2018, noon New York Provisional President: Sheikh Al Sabah . (Kuwait) Members: Bolivia (Plurinational State of). . Mr. Llorentty Solíz China. . Mr. Ma Zhaoxu Côte d'Ivoire. . Mr. Tanoh-Boutchoue Equatorial Guinea. . Mr. Ndong Mba Ethiopia. . Mr. Alemu France. . Mr. Delattre Kazakhstan. . Mr. Temenov Netherlands. . Mr. Van Oosterom Peru. . Mr. Meza-Cuadra Poland. . Ms. Wronecka Russian Federation. . Mr. Nebenzia Sweden . Mr. Skoog United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . Mr. Hickey United States of America. . Ms. Eckels-Currie Agenda The situation in the Middle East This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 (verbatimrecords@un.org). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 18-04815 (E) *1804815* S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 2/19 18-04815 The meeting was called to order at 12.10 p.m. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in the Middle East The President (spoke in Arabic): In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator to participate in this meeting: Mr. Lowcock is joining the meeting via video-teleconference from Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Lowcock. Mr. Lowcock: My colleagues and I have given the Security Council a lot of updates on the situation in eastern Ghouta over the past three months. I want to start today by bringing members some voices directly from eastern Ghouta. The Office of the Special Envoy in Geneva has, just in the past three days, received thousands of messages on instant messaging applications from civilians there. They are pleading for help. Here is one of them, from a humanitarian worker in the area — a person well versed in international humanitarian law: "During the past two months, military operations turned into a process of systematic targeting of civilians. Most air raids have intentionally targeted civilian residential buildings. Whole families have died under the rubble. Today, and as battles intensify, I call on you, as a father now expecting my first child to be born, and as a humanitarian worker trying to maintain what is left of life, to act to stop the systematic operations against civilians and open the roads for humanitarian assistance." Here are more voices. "There are entire families being targeted. A mother and her three children. Four pregnant women; one died, another is in a critical condition, the third lost her baby, and the fourth is under observation. A young girl lost both eyes, and it is continuing." "We do not want war, we do not want war, we do not want war." "Can you hear our messages, voices and fear?" "Our situation is so tragic. Our basements are not safe and lack basic needs. Help us, be with us." "Instead of saying 'no more', the world is saying 'one more.'" As representatives of Member States, all here aware that their obligations under international humanitarian law are just that — they are binding obligations. They are not favours to be traded in a game of death and destruction. Humanitarian access is not a nice-to-have; it is a legal requirement. Counterterrorism efforts cannot supersede the obligation to respect and protect civilians. They do not justify the killing of civilians and the destruction of entire cities and neighbourhoods. The Council has been briefed in minute detail, month after month, on the scale of the suffering of the Syrian people. Our reports have indeed been endless: dead and injured children, women and men; airstrikes, mortars, rockets, barrel bombs, cluster munitions, chemical weapons, thermite bombs, suicide bombs, snipers, double-tap attacks on civilians and the essential infrastructure they depend on, including hospitals and schools; rape, illegal detention, torture, child recruitment and sieges of entire cities reminiscent of medieval times. Over the past 24 hours, heavy shelling and aerial bombardment of multiple communities in eastern Ghouta have reportedly continued, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people and wounding at least 200. According to some sources, the total death toll since 19 February is close to 300 people. Twenty-three attacks on vital civilian infrastructure have been reported since 19 February. At least seven health facilities were reportedly hit on 21 February. The only primary health-care centre in Modira town was reportedly rendered out of service by airstrikes. A hospital in Duma city sustained significant damage from nearby barrel bombs. Also in Duma city, an obstetrics centre was damaged A hospital in Jisrein town was reportedly attacked, resulting in the death of a nurse. The two Syrian Arab Red Crescent centres in Duma city and Harasta town were reportedly damaged 22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 3/19 by the bombardment. Meanwhile — and this is also a point I have consistently emphasized — mortar shelling from eastern Ghouta is reportedly killing and injuring scores of civilians in Damascus city, too.Members all know the statistics of this conflict. They know that half the Syrian population has either fled the country or faced repeated internal displacement. These people have lost everything. They have seen their homes destroyed, their neighbours killed, their loved ones disappear. Everyone knows that the repeated confirmed or alleged chemical attacks in Syria have killed and terrorized Syrian civilians.Eastern Ghouta is a living example of an entirely known, predictable and preventable humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes. Everyone knows that nearly 400,000 people are besieged and that they have been besieged for more than four years. Everyone knows that in eastern Ghouta thousands upon thousands of children are facing acute malnutrition the likes of which we have not seen elsewhere in Syria since the onset of the conflict. Everyone knows that more than 700 people are in need of urgent medical evacuation to hospitals just miles away in Damascus city.We have all seen in recent days the images of bombs and mortars raining down on bakeries and medical facilities. According to reports documented by United Nations human rights colleagues, at least 346 civilians have been killed since the beginning of this month and close to 900 people have been injured. Members all heard the Secretary-General yesterday, in the Chamber, describing eastern Ghouta as "hell on Earth" and saying that we cannot "allow things to go on happening in this horrendous way". They also heard him pleading for "the immediate suspension of all war activities in eastern Ghouta" (S/PV.8185, p. 2).Earlier this week, UNICEF issued a blank statement, as it could no longer find the words to describe the brutality of this war. Its only message was that "no words will do justice to the children killed, their mothers, their fathers and their loved ones."This appalling violence is happening as we face significantly increased constraints on our ability to reach people trapped behind conflict lines. In recent months we have encountered greater difficulties in accessing people in hard-to-reach and besieged areas, particularly through cross-line convoys, than during any period since 2015. Since 1 December, for nearly three months, we have been able to deploy only three cross-line convoys, reaching just 67,200 people. Only 7,200 of those people were in besieged areas, less than 2 per cent of the overall besieged population. In 2017, through November, approximately 53 cross-line convoys reached people in need, an average of nearly five convoys per month. A cumulative total of nearly 2 million people were reached in the first 11 months of 2017, or around 175,000 people per month. Therefore in 2017 we reached 175,000 a month; in the past three months we have reached 22,000 a month. Those are not reports or allegations. We have complete, factual information on this, because they are our convoys.Moreover, the 2017 access levels were themselves nearly 40 per cent below our access levels in 2016. Access is not only limited on aid deliveries, but we are also seeing growing challenges to our ability to independently assess needs on the ground and to monitor aid delivery.When an entire generation is robbed of its future, when hospital attacks have become the new normal, when sieges of entire cities and neighbourhoods have become a lasting reality for hundreds of thousands of people, the international community must take urgent and concrete action. I have said this before and I will say it again. What we need is a sustained cessation of hostilities, and we need it desperately — a cessation of violence that will enable the immediate, safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and services, the evacuation of the critically sick and wounded and an alleviation of the suffering of the Syrian people.The Council can still save lives in eastern Ghouta, and elsewhere in Syria. I urge it to do so. Millions of battered and beleaguered children, women and men depend on meaningful action by the Council.The President (spoke in Arabic): I thank Mr. Lowcock for his briefing.I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.Mr. Nebenzia (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are grateful to you, Mr. President, for the prompt response to our delegation's proposal to convene a special meeting on the situation in eastern Ghouta, in Syria. That certainly does not mean that other problematic areas require any less attention. In particular, not long ago, at our initiative, the Security Council discussed the dire situation in Raqqa in detail. S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 4/19 18-04815 And in general, over the past month we have revisited Syria's humanitarian issues more than once. I would like to ask Council members to listen carefully to what I have to say.It is past time to discuss frankly what is going on in this Damascus suburb. The mass psychosis in global media outlets of the past few days, working in coordination to circulate all the same rumours, is certainly not contributing to an understanding of the situation. When eastern Aleppo was in the news, propagandistic disaster scenarios were put forward for it — a city where, after it was liberated from the terrorists, warehouses full of medicines and medical equipment were discovered. At the time we demanded that the Secretariat conduct an investigation, but the report presented to the Security Council was blatantly superficial.We are constantly seeing images of the activities of the White Helmets, who pass themselves off as rescuers. They were long ago shown to be supported by generous foreign assistance, and they work closely with terrorist groups. As a general rule, they serve as the original sources of well-rewarded disinformation. We are given the impression that the whole of eastern Ghouta consists of nothing but hospitals and that it is the hospitals that the Syrian army is attacking. That is a well-known tactic in information warfare. It is a very well-known fact, however, that the militants everywhere make a habit of locating their military facilities in medical and educational institutions, but for some reason that inconvenient truth is not advertised.It would be a good idea to begin with the fact that there are still several thousand defiant militants in eastern Ghouta, including some affiliated with terrorist organizations, mainly Jabhat Al-Nusra. Some time ago, they breached the agreement on a cessation of hostilities with an attack on an armoured tank unit of the Syrian armed forces in Harasta. They are shelling Damascus, and the intensity of the attacks increases daily. Dozens of missiles are launched every day, and not a single area of the capital has been spared. For some reason, those statistics are not being taken into account by United Nations representatives, although the Permanent Mission of Syria distributes them regularly. We have pointed out that in a 20 February statement, an official representative of the Secretary-General described factual information as "reported" (see S/PV.8183). And today the Under-Secretary-General talked about reported shelling. But those reports could easily have been verified by United Nations staff if they had inspected the areas of destruction and visited the victims.The Russian Embassy facilities have been repeatedly shelled, and each time the same delegations in the Security Council have made up excuses to lay off the blame for these terrorist acts. One is compelled to conclude that someone is purposely helping the criminals avoid accountability. Incidentally, we are disturbed by the fact that not so long ago, representatives of some delegations who view themselves as leaders in the protection of human rights and international humanitarian law quite seriously said that the damage resulting from the shelling in Damascus did not reach a level deserving of the attention given to eastern Ghouta. Our immediate response was to ask how many people have to die to attain, as it were, the gold standard of sympathy? There has been no answer. Is it appropriate to pass over the tragedies in Ramadi, Fallujah, Mosul and Raqqa in silence while drumming up hysteria about Madaya, Daraya, eastern Aleppo and eastern Ghouta, encouraging militants to to further humiliate civilians?Incidentally, the coalition forces' methodical destruction of Raqqa is extremely recent. The memory of it is hardly likely to have faded so quickly. For some reason, when the Coalition bombing flattened Raqqa, no one sounded the alarm, demanded compliance with international humanitarian law or proposed an immediate ceasefire. Yes, the Coalition smoked the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) out of Raqqa. We know that. But with that done, the United States has forgotten about the city. No one is clearing any mines there. Who is aware of the fact that as many as 50 returning civilians are blown up by mines in Raqqa every day? Nor do we see much enthusiasm from these famous activists about the worst humanitarian crisis of our time, which happens to be unfolding against the backdrop of the armed conflict in Yemen.The militants have turned the people who are left in eastern Ghouta into hostages who are not allowed to leave the area under rebel control through the Al-Wafideen checkpoint. The Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides has urged the illegal groups to lay down their arms and resolve their status, but they broke off negotiations yesterday, on 21 February. It is quite obvious that they do not care about the life and safety of the residents of eastern Ghouta, whom they use as human shields to hide behind. Their aim consists of continuing to negotiate 22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 5/19 tactical and logistical advantages for themselves. That does not seem to particularly worry these groups' foreign sponsors, who might be able to exert crucial influence on them. But no, they would rather maintain the status quo and organize loud campaigns blackening Syria and Russia.Energy is also being wasted on fragmenting the international efforts regarding a settlement in Syria. Instead of giving due backing to the Astana de-escalation process and the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, which have become an important support to the inter-Syrian negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations in Geneva, we see ongoing backroom efforts designed to openly undermine the work being done through those platforms. On top of that, exclusive clubs are being created, one striking example of which is the so-called International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, which undermines the established frameworks for international cooperation on non-proliferation. We know that preparations are being made for an unofficial presentation of that initiative in Geneva. We would like to reaffirm our position in that regard, which is that in view of the neutral status of respected international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, representatives of their secretariats should not be associated with narrow initiatives such as these, which do not enjoy universal support.Many are now asking the logical question of how de-escalation in eastern Ghouta and other problematic areas of Syria can be achieved as soon as possible. The delegations of Sweden and Kuwait have come up with their recipe for this, in their role as informal monitors of the humanitarian dimension of the Syrian conflict in the Security Council. Their draft resolution — which has now been officially prepared for a vote, despite the fact that the authors know perfectly well that there is no agreement on it — proposes an apparently simple idea, which is the establishment of a ceasefire throughout Syria for not less than 30 days. We would very much like to know how such a truce will be guaranteed, but we have had no intelligible answers. The important thing, they say, is adopting the decision, and we can come up with the details later. An issue as complex as the Syrian conflict does not respond to such logic. We have been through this before, including, once again, in the case of eastern Aleppo.In principle, a ceasefire would be extremely significant, and not just for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. The challenge is in how to achieve it. What we need here is not resolutions for the sake of resolutions, but measures that correspond to the realities on the ground. We are constantly talking about ensuring that the Security Council agrees on feasible decisions that are not divorced from reality or that cater to populist demands. This is about the credibility of the principal organ of the United Nations, responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance with the Charter, whose purposes and principles we were discussing only yesterday. If we could stop the violence in crisis zones with resolutions, we would already be living in a completely different world.It will take long and hard work with the sides to the conflict to stabilize the situation so that the parties can sit down at the negotiating table and come up with the parameters for a ceasefire. There is no other way. It will also be impossible to ensure on paper that in 48 hours, or any other amount of time, humanitarian convoys can get going and mass medical evacuations begin. By the way, specific parameters for normalizing a number of complex issues are currently being formulated in Geneva, including by using the potential of the specialist International Syria Support Group. They include the Rukban camp for displaced persons — where, we understand, the United States military presence occupying the area has finally given the United Nations written guarantees — the Yarmouk camp, where the ISIL terrorists still have a presence, and the Fua and Kefraya enclaves.In that connection, I would like to know if the authors of today's initiative genuinely do not understand its utopian nature or if there is some other purpose at work here that has nothing to do with a desire to help struggling Syrians. Unfortunately, the story of eastern Aleppo in 2016 suggests that the second is true, and that the aim is to start a fight so as to strengthen international pressure on the Syrian authorities and slander Russia. Besides that, it shifts the focus from the importance of reviving the Geneva process as quickly as possible on the basis of the agreements that the Syrians arrived at in Sochi to indiscriminate accusations against the Syrian Government. Will that improve Geneva's chances of success?I will say it again to make sure that everyone hears it one more time. Russia will continue to do everything S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 6/19 18-04815 possible to achieve peace in Syria and restore stability to the Middle East. We call on our partners to do the same in a spirit of constructive cooperation and in cooperation with the United Nations, rather than continuing to sow confusion, ramp up support for jihadists and tear the region apart. For this draft resolution to be meaningful and realistic, the Russian delegation has prepared some amendments to it that we will now circulated to Council members.Mr. Skoog (Sweden): I would like to thank the Russian Federation for calling for a meeting on the horrendous situation in eastern Ghouta, and Mr. Mark Lowcock for his briefing. I will now make some brief remarks on behalf of Sweden and Kuwait.In seven years of war, the situation in the besieged area of eastern Ghouta has never been worse. I would like to thank the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for another briefing reminding us of the horrific reality for citizens in eastern Ghouta and of the Council's responsibilities. Yesterday, in this Chamber, the Secretary-General said that the 400,000 inhabitants of eastern Ghouta live in hell on earth. His appeal to all of us in the Council was to act — to immediately suspend all war activities in eastern Ghouta, allowing for humanitarian aid to reach all of those in need, allowing for the evacuation of the hundreds of people that need urgent treatment and that cannot be provided for and allowing the possibility for other civilians to be effectively treated. I want to take this opportunity to remind all parties, as Mark Lowcock just did, of their obligations under international law to protect civilians and hospitals and other medical facilities.The co-penholders, Sweden and Kuwait, have put forward a draft resolution to respond to the constant legitimate calls from the United Nations for a nationwide cessation of hostilities for 30 days in order to allow for humanitarian access and emergency medical evacuations. Our draft resolution also calls for the lifting of the siege directed against eastern Ghouta. We plead to all Council members to come together to support the draft resolution and to urgently adopt it so that we can halt the incessant attacks against eastern Ghouta and beyond, and we can avert a situation that is beyond words in its desperation. We, Sweden and Kuwait, furthermore urge the parties to the de-escalation agreement in eastern Ghouta to comply and implement it. We call upon the Astana guarantors — Russia, Iran and Turkey — to spare no effort and bring all their influence to bear on the parties to that end to avert the human disaster unfolding before our eyes.In response to our Russian colleague on our draft resolution, the United Nations convoys and evacuation teams are ready to go, subject to standard security procedures. The draft resolution that we are putting forward is not a comprehensive peace deal. Its aim is a much-needed humanitarian pause for an initial period of 30 days. There are already ceasefire agreements in force for the areas where fighting has escalated the most recently. They must be complied with. There are existing monitoring mechanisms that can be utilized. The role of the Council, I believe, is to push the parties to the conflict to comply with the proposed cessation of hostilities. Compliance is on the shoulders of the parties. I think that we can make a difference, and I think that we are tested today — not just as Ambassadors representing our countries, but as human beings. That is a massive responsibility.The President (spoke in Arabic): I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for his briefing today. The remarks in Mr. Lowcock's statements are in line with the Secretary-General's remarks yesterday morning (see S/PV.8185) — that eastern Ghouta can wait no longer. There is tremendous suffering there, with 400,000 people who are living hell on Earth.We support all what the Permanent Representative of Sweden, Mr. Skoog, said in his statement on behalf of Kuwait and Sweden as co-penholders of the humanitarian dossier in Syria. It is unfortunate that the number of people killed since the beginning of this month in eastern Ghouta has reached 1,200 civilians. The international community is silent; it stands still. The question here is: How long we are going to remain silent? How many more civilians, women, children and elderly must die or be displaced until the international community starts taking action and speaking in one voice and saying enough — enough carnage and grave violations of human rights law and international human law? In that regard, I would like to make the following points.22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 7/19 First, Kuwait and Sweden, in response to the clear-cut demands of the United Nations on the humanitarian situation in Syria, have jointly submitted a simple and clear draft resolution that demands a cessation of hostilities across Syria for a 30-day period in order for the United Nations and its partners to be able to deliver humanitarian aid and services and provide critical medical evacuation to the sick and wounded, in accordance with the provisions of international law, and end the blockade on residential areas.Secondly, action on the part of the the State of Kuwait is based on our religious and national duty to our brothers in Syria. We have a legal, human and ethical responsibility to end their suffering. In that connection, we call on all Member States to support the draft resolution and vote in its favour. We should rise above our political differences to protect civilians.Thirdly, a failure to ende the systematic and horrendous carnage and bloodshed that has continued for seven years with various weapons would only serve to encourage the perpetuation of such crimes without accountability, as those who commit them are heartened by impunity.I now resume my functions as President of the Council.Ms. Eckels-Currie (United States of America): I thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing, particularly his noting of the systematic targeting of civilians in eastern Ghouta and the toll that it is taking on the people there.Yesterday, Russia's Permanent Representative requested this meeting in order to "make sure that all parties can present their views". The view that Mr. Lowcock presented today is, as the Secretary-General said and others have repeated, one of hell on Earth for the people of eastern Ghouta. I would also like to share the vision of some of the people of eastern Ghouta.Bilal is 22 years old, with a wife who is five months pregnant. He says, "We are waiting our turn to die; this is the only thing I can say". Abdullah is a construction worker, with a wife and six children. He says,"Bombs were falling everywhere near our house. We have been spending the last week digging into the rubble of nearby areas with our bare hands."Malik is a doctor treating the wounded. He says,"The hospitals have been overflowing with blood. We are doing what we can to help, but the situation is becoming unbearable."Those are just a few of the overwhelming number of horrific stories coming out of eastern Ghouta everyday. The pictures and videos are everywhere — screaming parents digging through rubble to find their children; doctors working frantically with no medicine and no equipment in underground hospitals to save whoever they can. Those are not terrorists showing up in these makeshift emergency rooms — they are civilians. They are ordinary people, under attack by a barbaric Al-Assad regime that is bent on levelling eastern Ghouta to the ground, with no regard for the 400,000 men, women and children who live there.No one needs to use their imagination to know what the Al-Assad regime is planning. It is exactly what we saw in Aleppo in 2016, and in Hama and Homs before that. The Al-Assad regime wants to bomb or starve of all of its opponents into submission. That is why, except for two small deliveries of aid, the regime has not allowed any medical convoys or deliveries of food into eastern Ghouta since November, and the bombing attacks have been relentless. The regime wants to keep bombing and gassing these 400,000 people, and the Al-Assad regime is counting on Russia to make sure the Council is unable to stop their suffering.Yesterday the Russian representative asked for the parties to present their views, and has put forward a deeply cynical one today. Those present have now also heard from the United Nations humanitarian leader and from people, like Bilal, Abdullah and Malik. The assault from the regime is relentless, and the suffering is overwhelming. The Russian Permanent Representative also asked that we "come up with ways of getting out of the situation." Yet it appears to be intent on blocking any meaningful effort to do so.None of us on the Council need to look very far for the way out. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our colleagues from Kuwait and Sweden, the way is sitting in front of us. We have a draft resolution establishing a 30-day ceasefire to help shield the people of eastern Ghouta and allow for deliveries of food and medicine to arrive. All 15 of us have spent the past three weeks negotiating that text, patiently attempting to work with each other, including the Russian delegation. We believed we had an agreed text. There are no surprises here. The United S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 8/19 18-04815 States is ready to vote on the draft resolution — right here and right now. All of us should be ready. Sweden and Kuwait have consulted everyone on that text. They have done their part. There is no reason to delay. Literally, the minute this meeting ends, the Council can take the clearest possible step to help — vote for a ceasefire and vote for humanitarian access.What the people of Eastern Ghouta need is not complicated, and do not just take our word for it. The International Committee of the Red Cross head of delegation in Syria summed it up, "This is madness and it has to stop". The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid, asked,"How much cruelty will it take before the international community can speak with one voice to say enough dead children, enough wrecked families, enough violence, and take resolute concerted action to bring this monstrous campaign of annihilation to an end?"UNICEF can hardly put words on a page. All UNICEF said in a haunting statement was, "No words will do justice to the children killed, their mothers, their fathers and their loved ones". The Secretary-General made his point clearly yesterday. He supports the cessation of hostilities because eastern Ghouta cannot wait.Yesterday Russia's Permanent Representative asked what we should do about eastern Ghouta. The people of eastern Ghouta, United Nations officials, humanitarian and human rights leaders and, indeed, pretty much the entirety of the Council have answered: stop the bombing of eastern Ghouta and allow medical assistance in. The rest of the Council is ready to act. We urge the Council to move forward with the ceasefire and humanitarian draft resolution immediately.Mr. Ma Zhaoxu (China) (spoke in Chinese): I would like to thank Russia for its initiative in convening this meeting. I also thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing.Recently, the security situation in parts of Syria, including its capital, Damascus, and the eastern Ghouta region, has escalated, causing significant civilian casualties, which is drawing broad attention from the international community. China would like to express its profound sympathy to the Syrian people for their suffering. We condemn all acts of violence that target civilians and civilian facilities and harm innocent lives. China has always believed that there is no military solution to the Syrian issue; it would only aggravate the suffering of the Syrian people. A political settlement is the only way out.The present situation is now such that the international community needs to support the Syrian parties in the resumption of dialogue and negotiations under the United Nations mediation as soon as possible and in seeking a solution that is accepted by all parties through a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process. That is the only way to fundamentally ease the humanitarian situation in Syria and rid the Syrian people of their suffering at an early date.Terrorist organizations are still launching attacks in Syria, which have caused significant civilian casualties and impeded humanitarian relief efforts by the United Nations. The international community should strengthen its cooperation on counter-terrorism, adopt unified standards and resolutely combat all terrorist organizations designated as such by the Security Council.As part of the Syrian issue, the humanitarian aspect in the country is closely linked to Syria's overall situation, in addition to its political process. Actions taken by the Security Council on Syria's humanitarian issue should not only help ease the overall humanitarian situation in the country, but also help consolidate the momentum for a ceasefire in Syria and be conducive to the bigger picture of a political settlement to the issue. China calls upon the Security Council to remain united on the issue of Syria, speak with one voice and create favourable conditions for substantive progress in Syria's political process at an early date.Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Mark Lowcock for his enlightening briefing of the situation of the inhabitants of eastern Ghouta. Mr. Lowcock has said it all — the torrent of fire that is indiscriminately falling eastern Ghouta is relentlessly pushing the limits of horror and human suffering. There are no words to describe what is taking place in eastern Ghouta as we speak.The regime is not merely bombing its own people. It is methodically targeting hospitals and vital infrastructure for the population with the macabre aim of ensuring that the injured who have not perished during the shelling do not survive the wounds inflicted upon them. We must insist that the attacks against hospitals and health-care personnel constitute war crimes, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 9/19 The reports we have received from non-governmental organizations and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights are unbearable. Twenty eight attacks struck 20 hospitals in eastern Ghouta since January. More than 700 individuals are in need of urgent medical evacuation. Those evacuations are systematically blocked by the Damascus regime, which has been the case for months. More than 400,000 people, including 130,000 children, have been besieged for months by the regime as part of a siege that is reminiscent of the Middle Ages.We should make no mistake: the Syrian regime and its allies are brandishing the fight against jihadist fighters, the need for which no one is disputing, as justification of an offensive aimed at entirely different goals. Its real intentions are indeed to annihilate any and all opposition and break the morale of civilians by indiscriminately massacring them. The offensive against eastern Ghouta, which has seen an unbridled acceleration in recent years — the worst of which is undoubtedly yet to come — has added to both the methods and consequences of the new Aleppo. Let us recall that in that city the intensification of bombing preceded a reconquest operation and unknown levels of violence that never sought to shield civilians or rule out the use of chemical weapons. We shall be particularly vigilant on the latter.Yesterday, through President Macron, France emphatically condemned the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. We called for the immediate establishment of a ceasefire to enable medical evacuations and humanitarian access to the people. The Secretary-General also spoke resolutely along the same lines. As was recalled this morning by the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, any lack of action is an indication of guilt. We must act swiftly, for the Council has the means at its disposal, if the willingness is put forth.Sweden and Kuwait, the commitment of which France commends, have proposed a draft resolution demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities to enable humanitarians to evacuate the wounded and gain access to the people. The draft resolution before us does not seem to me to be a political judgement. It conveys the humanitarian imperative that, as such, must bring us together. Accordingly, we have noted Russia's intention to propose changes to the draft resolution. We will consider them, but it is crucial that we quickly adopt the draft resolution so that a cessation of hostilities takes place immediately, as addressing the situation on the ground is of the utmost urgency.A cessation of hostilities is not a concession. It is the minimal form of response to the repeated requests of the United Nations and humanitarian actors, which have been communicated by members of the Council. Subsequently, it is up to the regime's supporters to ensure full respect and to respond to all calls for access to humanitarian assistance and medical evacuations under international humanitarian law. It is inconceivable to us that a Council member could be opposed to that.At the same time, we must — and France stands ready to — redouble our efforts to establish a neutral environment that will allow for a credible political process and the holding of elections in Syria. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, France has consistently advocated for the priority of achieving a negotiated solution to the military situation and of finding a political solution that satisfies the aspirations of the Syrian people, ensures lasting peace and stops terrorism in its tracks. France will not deviate from the road map adopted by the international community. We have already said, and will say once again, that only a political, inclusive solution, established under the auspices of the United Nations through enabling a political transition within the framework of the Geneva process and resolution 2254 (2015), will end the suffering of the Syrian people in a credible and lasting manner.I should like to conclude with both a warning and an appeal. Not only has the situation in Syria reverted to the tragic darkest hours of the crisis, but, if we fail to react robustly and immediately — let us make no mistake — the worst is yet to come. The worst is the endless escalation of the humanitarian crisis that is crushing the people, any semblance of humanity and the very values underpinning the United Nations. A widespread ground campaign directed against eastern Ghouta might well be the next deadly stage. The worst is also the expansion of the conflict. The combination of circumstances before us today might lead to a potentially major regional or even international confrontation. That risk must be taken very seriously.In the name of our shared values and interests, I call on every member of the Council to join and act together. We owe that to the civilians who are dying by the hundreds in the hell in eastern Ghouta. We owe it to the security of the region and of the world, which S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 10/19 18-04815 we have the collective responsibility to protect. We owe it to upholding the credibility of the United Nations, which is our shared heritage. Let us beware that the Syrian tragedy does not also become the grave of the United Nations.Mr. Meza-Cuadra (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): We thank Mr. Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for his briefing today on the tragic situation facing the more than 400,000 people living in eastern Ghouta and in other cities.We heard with dismay that, in that area, the basic principles of international humanitarian law and human rights continue to be disregarded. That has been evidenced by the incessant and merciless bombardments resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties — many of whom are women and children — on a daily basis. Far from decreasing, the bombardments have intensified over the past several days and weeks, as has been the case with regard to the number of people with urgent medical issues who are dying because they cannot be evacuated. We deeply regret that humanitarian convoys are unable to reach besieged and difficult-to-access areas, such as eastern Ghouta, among others, despite repeated appeals from the United Nations and various countries, including Peru, to facilitate immediate, safe and unrestricted access in eastern Ghouta, as well as other areas of Syria.All those facts, which are ultimately allowing for and fuelling a hell on Earth, as the Under-Secretary-General just pointed out to us, warrant our strongest condemnation. We must remind all parties, including the Syrian authorities, of the responsibility to protect the civilian population. The United Nations has determined various actions that can be taken to alleviate the suffering of civilians in eastern Ghouta and other affected areas. We stress the importance of the immediate implementation of a 30-day cessation of hostilities to allow for providing aid and setting out and implementing the humanitarian assistance response plan and the five priorities that Mr. Lowcock mentioned. Those are all indispensable and urgently needed measures that Peru fully supports.Implementing them will require a genuine political will to reverse direction and turn them into a reality. Accordingly, we thank Sweden and Kuwait for their generous efforts to reach a consensus on a draft resolution on a cessation of hostilities, which we hope can be adopted as soon as possible. It is of the utmost importance that Council members, in particular those who are able to exercise their influence on the ground, show the world their unity, sense of duty and willingness to compromise, and that we send a clear signal that prioritizes human beings over other interests.The Council must be able to rise to the occasion and fulfil its sensitive and important responsibilities. All can count on my delegation's commitment to carrying out actions that will alleviate the human suffering in eastern Ghouta and throughout Syria.Mr. Van Oosterom (Netherlands): We thank the presidency for convening this meeting, and I thank Mark Lowcock for his sobering briefing. I will address the following three points: first, the escalation of violence in eastern Ghouta, secondly, international humanitarian law, and, thirdly, action by the Security Council.First, with regard to the escalation of violence in eastern Ghouta, we are meeting at a moment of grave distress for the people in eastern Ghouta and elsewhere in Syria. We have seen the extreme escalation of violence in Idlib and eastern Ghouta, which was initiated a few weeks ago by the Syrian regime and its allies. That has severely intensified over the past several days and continues without pause, as Mark Lowcock clearly described. We condemn all indiscriminate attacks directed against civilians. Communities in eastern Ghouta have experienced the most intense bombardments since the beginning of the siege in 2012. Mortars are also being fired into Damascus. Families do not have a safe place to hide. Women and children are dying. Last Monday, the United Nations reported, over a period of just 13 hours, at least, 92 civilian deaths in eastern Ghouta, and the total death toll since Monday appears to stand now at approximately 300.We continue to receive reports of attacks on hospitals and of the renewed use of chemical weapons, thereby leading to the inhumane suffering of civilians and those who try to help them. We pay tribute to the humanitarian efforts of the White Helmets. We condemn targeted attacks against them. While the indiscriminate bombardment of civilian-populated areas continues, desperately needed humanitarian aid, including medical aid, for the people of eastern Ghouta cannot be delivered. We condemn the incessant violence and the barbaric tactics of besiegement. We have seen those tactics before. If we think back to Aleppo in December 2016, the same scenario took place. The regime turned 22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 11/19 that city into an unlivable hell where civilians were imprisoned, constantly targeted from the air and cut off from any form of aid. The Council should not stand by and watch a repetition of such events in eastern Ghouta.Secondly, concerning the erosion of international humanitarian law, in witnessing the sheer disregard for human life, we must ask ourselves: What has become of the hard-won gains in the area of international humanitarian law? The lack of compliance with the Geneva Conventions by parties to the Syrian conflict erodes the very norms enshrined therein. It also erodes the rules-based international order. We cannot let that happen. The carnage in Syria must stop. The Council must take effective, credible and decisive action today. The world is watching. We call upon all parties to the Syrian conflict, in particular the Syrian regime and its allies, to stop the targeting of civilians, stop the attacks on hospitals and facilitate immediate access for humanitarian organizations to deliver much needed aid.That brings me to my third point, which is action by the Council on the cessation of hostilities. We thank penholders Kuwait and Sweden for negotiating a draft resolution during the past two weeks that addresses the dire situation in Syria. We pay tribute to the prudent, inclusive manner in which Sweden and Kuwait have organized negotiations on the draft resolution. We wholeheartedly support the Swedish-Kuwaiti appeal to support their text.The draft resolution includes clear and implementable measures. We fully support an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria to enable aid convoys to deliver food and medicines to all those in need, and the safe medical evacuation of the critically ill and wounded. That must happen as soon as possible. Parties to the Syrian conflict and those with influence on them have a heavy responsibility to assure the safety of humanitarian operations and to ensure that no forced evacuations of civilians take place.In conclusion, some Council members say that the draft resolution cannot be implemented because it is not realistic. But with sufficient political will on the part of the parties involved in Syria, the cessation of hostilities can become a most urgently needed reality. The Council showed forceful action when it adopted resolution 2393 (2017) in December 2017 to alleviate the suffering in Syria by allowing for vital cross-border humanitarian aid. Let us again show forceful action. Let us prove to the world that we can agree to put the safety of civilians first, throughout Syria.The human suffering in Syria, in particular in Ghouta, must end. We need a cessation of hostilities now. We call on the Russian Federation in particular to use its influence, do its utmost to achieve that objective and allow the Council to act effectively. Let us adopt the realistic, clear and balanced draft resolution as it stands, end the violence and allow access for humanitarian assistance.Mr. Alemu (Ethiopia): We thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his briefing. We appreciate his efforts and understand the challenges he faces.We are deeply concerned about the military escalation in eastern Ghouta and its devastating impact on civilians. We are also equally concerned about escalating conflict in other parts of Syria. The continued reports of attacks against medical facilities, resulting in a number of civilian deaths and injuries, is indeed extremely worrying. We stress that it is absolutely imperative to protect civilians in eastern Ghouta and other affected areas.Nonetheless, we should never overlook the fact that the capital, Damascus, is being shelled from eastern Ghouta — one of its suburbs. All the same, it is impossible to deny the fact that life-saving aid must reach all Syrians in need of urgent assistance. In that regard, while we welcome the fact that the United Nations inter-agency convoy delivered life-saving assistance to more than 7,000 persons on 14 February, we acknowledge that, given the severity of the humanitarian situation, it is obviously not enough.To address humanitarian needs, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners should be allowed safe, improved and unhindered humanitarian access. As the Secretary-General recalled in his statement on 20 February and through his strong appeal yesterday in the Chamber (see S/PV.8185), a cessation of hostilities is desirable to enable humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuation. We see no problem with reaching a consensus on the matter. In that connection, members of the Council have been engaged in constructive discussions on how to ensure the implementation of a cessation of hostilities.As the situation on the ground becomes increasingly complex, we understand that implementing a humanitarian pause will not be easy. We understand S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 12/19 18-04815 the concerns of some in that regard. We do not ignore the possibility that terrorist elements might exploit that tool to advance their goals. It will require the political will and tangible cooperation, in good faith, of all Syrian actors, as well as of all States with influence over the parties. Let us not forget that the situation in Syria is becoming extremely complicated and that the humanitarian situation has not remained unaffected. We are extremely worried about the current trajectory.As a human tragedy unfolds before our very eyes, it is expected that the Council will take meaningful, collective action that could help save lives on the ground. That is why we have reiterated that the Council should extend its unified support for the humanitarian work of the United Nations and its partners. Only by working together will the Council convey a strong and unified message that could help facilitate the much-needed humanitarian work of the United Nations and alleviate the continued suffering of the Syrians. In that regard, the humanitarian draft resolution will perhaps provide us with a good opportunity to demonstrate our resolve for concrete action. It may not be a perfect text but we believe it paves the way for all parties to coordinate their existing efforts to halt hostilities for the sake of civilians who are in an extremely difficult situation.Let me take this opportunity to thank the two penholders Kuwait and Sweden, which have been working tirelessly to achieve a consensus outcome. We hope they will continue their much-appreciated efforts until the last minute to address the concerns — real, legitimate concerns — of all delegations.Let me conclude by reiterating that the escalating violence in eastern Ghouta and other parts of Syria should reinforce the importance and urgency of finding a comprehensive political solution, without which the suffering of Syrians will continue unabated.Ms. Wronecka (Poland): I would like to thank Mr. Mark Lowcock for his briefing.As our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jacek Czaputowicz, stated yesterday with regard to eastern Ghouta, there is no justification for the indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians, including children, or on civilian infrastructure, such as health facilities. They must stop immediately and all parties to the conflict must strictly comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. We would like to stress that all actors should use their influence to bring about immediate and improved conditions on the ground.Once again, we urgently call for the cessation of hostilities in the whole of Syria. Attacks against civilian targets, including medical facilities, must stop now in order to relieve the enormous and unreasonable suffering of the Syrian people. We therefore call upon all parties to alleviate the suffering of civilians, including children, by granting them urgent, free and safe access to humanitarian assistance.With regard to the de-escalation zones, which include eastern Ghouta, I should recall that they were aimed at ensuring a ceasefire and humanitarian access in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. In the light of this fact, I call on all parties engaged to respect their ceasefire-related commitments. I also call on States members of the Security Council to use their leverage on the parties in order to implement relevant previous commitments and to create conditions for a permanent ceasefire.In conclusion, I would like to stress the importance of maintaining the unity of the Council on the question of humanitarian access. We should find a mutually acceptable way to express a clear position of the Security Council in this regard. Accordingly, Poland would like to reiterate its support for the work of Sweden and Kuwait as penholders of the draft humanitarian resolution for Syria. Now more than ever do we need to make every possible effort to adopt the draft resolution as soon as possible. It is the Council's responsibility not to fail to stop the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in the eastern Ghouta.Mr. Hickey (United Kingdom): I thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for his very detailed and clear briefing today. It was very powerful to hear through him the voices of the people of eastern Ghouta.Russia called this meeting today to allow us to present our understanding of the situation on the ground and come up with ways of getting out of the situation. We have heard very clearly from Under-Secretary-General Lowcock today and from the Secretary-General yesterday about the situation on the ground (see S/PV.8185). This is hell on Earth; the scale of the human suffering and destruction is unbearable. The suffering of the Syrian people, while primarily the responsibility of the Syrian regime, brings shame on all of us in the Security Council.Let us be very clear about the main cause of this hell on Earth. It is the direct result of an escalation by 22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 13/19 the Syrian regime of its aerial bombardment of civilian areas, using cluster bombs and chemical weapons and systematically killing hundreds of its own civilians. As others in this Chamber have said today, these are breaches of international humanitarian law and are war crimes. The United Kingdom will be unrelenting in its campaign to ensure accountability and justice for these crimes using all mechanisms at our disposal.We owe it to the people of eastern Ghouta to highlight the utter devastation facing them and then to take measures to stop it. According to the Syrian American Medical Society, in the first 48 hours of this week, 250 civilians were killed and 460 injured. Those who survived these attacks have been further targeted by the regime while trying to get help for their injuries. There have been 22 separate attacks on 20 different hospitals in the three days since Monday. We applaud the incredible work of the brave doctors on the ground who risk their own lives to save others. And like the Netherlands, we salute the heroes of the White Helmets who have demonstrated incredible bravery, courage and resilience to save the lives of thousands of Syrians on all sides of this conflict.From the start of the conflict, the Al-Assad regime has peddled the myth that all of those opposing Al-Assad are terrorists. This is manifestly not the case. The people of eastern Ghouta are not terrorists. Jabhat Al-Nusra has only a small presence in eastern Ghouta; its fighters number less than a quarter of 1 per cent of the population of that area. Nothing can justify the barbaric bombardment we have seen in recent days or the blocking of humanitarian aid or the denial of medical evacuations. We also condemn the mortar shelling from eastern Ghouta of civilian areas of Damascus and attacks against the Russian embassy in that city.The Security Council has failed to uphold its responsibilities in Syria. We all know why this is the case, but we have all agreed that there can be no military solution to the conflict — only a political one. The actions of the Al-Assad regime in recent weeks and the military escalation in an area guaranteed by Russia and Iran as a de-escalation zone show cynical disregard by the regime for every member of the Security Council and for our resolutions. It is therefore vital that we all send a clear and unified message in response.The solution to the situation is not difficult. We need to see an immediate cessation of hostilities, including an immediate end to the aerial bombing of eastern Ghouta. If everyone in this Chamber were to commit unequivocally to this today, it could have an impact on the ground. It could save the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children who are being killed as we speak here in this Chamber today. We therefore welcome the draft resolution put forward into blue by you, Mr. President, and by the delegation of Sweden, and we look forward to a vote later today.In conclusion, yesterday we discussed the principles of the United Nations Charter, which our predecessors drafted in the name of the peoples of the world to help save succeeding generations from the scourge of war (see S/PV.8185). It is clear that we have fallen woefully short of this aim. We have failed the people of eastern Ghouta. But let us reverse this trend today. Let us adopt the draft resolution and take the concrete actions needed to ease the suffering in this zone of death and destruction.Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Equatorial Guinea thanks the Russian Federation for convening this meeting of the Security Council and hopes to contribute to the adoption of a decision aimed at alleviating the enormous suffering and regrettable loss of human life in eastern Ghouta and other parts of Syria. We thank the representative of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Mark Lowcock, for his informative briefing.For the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the changing humanitarian situation in eastern Ghouta requires urgent action to alleviate the critical state of affairs of the most vulnerable members of the civilian population. In recent days, the number of victims and amount of material damage to infrastructure have increased considerably, and the international community is obliged to take some urgent action so as to halt the ongoing loss of lives, mostly of children and women.We reiterate the appeal made by the delegation of Equatorial Guinea on 14 February for the parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian aid to reach those most in need (see S/PV. 8181). The cessation of hostilities is imperative in order to ensure safe access for relief teams, the distribution of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of the wounded and sick. Equatorial Guinea calls on all parties to the conflict to take the necessary steps to cease hostilities.S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 14/19 18-04815 Frank, direct and inclusive dialogue is the only viable way out of the Syrian crisis. The Council must redouble its efforts and persuade the opponents to return to the negotiating table. In that sense, resolution 2254 (2015) remains a valid instrument. The recent history of this conflict has taught us the devastating implications that it can have for the entire region. A definitive and sustainable solution to the conflict is in the interests of all the countries of the world.The Republic of Equatorial Guinea urgently calls on all parties to the conflict, be they directly or indirectly involved, to declare a ceasefire with immediate effect that will be respected and guaranteed by all parties so as to allow for the evacuation of civilians and the delivery of medical care, drinking water and food that will save hundreds of human lives. Even as we debate this issue here in the Chamber, the people of eastern Ghouta and elsewhere in Syria are on the verge of perishing. We must consider any proposal to be submitted from the humanitarian perspective, taking into account the suffering of the population of eastern Ghouta and Syria.Mr. Llorentty Solíz (Plurinational State of Bolivia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation thanks the delegation of Russia for having asked the presidency to convene this meeting, for I think it very important to exchange views about what is happening in Syria. We also grateful for the briefing by Mr. Mark Locock.Bolivia reiterates its regret that the crisis in Syria has to date led to so many lives being lost and so much destruction. According to Mr. Lowcock's office, more than 500,000 people have died since the beginning of the conflict, 13.1 million people require humanitarian assistance, of whom 2.9 million are trapped in besieged or hard-to-reach, and 6.9 million persons have been displaced internally. We regret that recent events have led to more people dying or needing humanitarian assistance. We call for the earliest possible beginning of demining operations and for the provision of humanitarian assistance — such as to the city of Raqqa — in order to facilitate the safe and dignified return of the families that were displaced as a result of the conflict.We also regret that the latest events in Syria have once again served to underscore the urgent need to revitalize the Geneva political process, while strengthening the tangible results achieved in Astana and Sochi, in consultation, of course, with all the parties concerned. We reiterate what several of our colleagues have said during this meeting: there is no military solution to the situation in Syria, only a political one.We also again reiterate our great gratitude for the work being done by the staff of the humanitarian assistance agencies and groups on the ground. We demand that the parties involved comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international humanitarian law and international human rights law.We reiterate to the parties involved that they must respect the agreements and the de-escalation zones, as well as avoid attacks on civilian facilities — such residential areas, schools and hospitals — in line with international humanitarian law, so as to ensure the protection of civilians and unrestricted access for humanitarian agencies to provide much-needed assistance.I understand that we all agree with those principles, as they are basic, fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Each and every one of us has spoken repeatedly about the obligations of the Security Council under the Charter of the United Nations, including its highest responsibility in terms of the maintenance of international peace and security. Nevertheless, my delegation cannot agree with double standards being applied on any issue, and much less on humanitarian ones. We must not drag down the Security Council by using it as an instrument for a different agenda. Nor, as we have also said several times, should we allow the Council to become an echo chamber where we repeatedly recite well-known areas of war.In referring to double standards, I will desist from referring to the humanitarian situation in other places around the world. I will limit myself just to Syria. My delegation is surprised, and does not understand, at how the Security Council has not even been able to express itself on the terrorist attacks on the Russian Embassy in Damascus, a member the Council. We have counted six such attacks in the past two weeks, followed by silence on the part of the Council. That should draw our attention as to double standards.I repeat that we totally reject the politicization of any humanitarian issue. We know that the situation in Syria is urgent. We need to think very carefully about how we can address each of these situations, given that each has its particular characteristics.22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 15/19 With regard to the draft resolution that has been circulated for the Council's consideration, first of all, my delegation would like to sincerely express its gratitude for the efforts of the delegations of Sweden and Kuwait. We have seen them work with great dedication, consulting with the various delegations as part of what of course is a complicated process. That is the nature of negotiations. We hope that the various calls for the Council to do something will come to fruition. . However, I think we have to recognize that putting to a vote a draft resolution, as several delegations have called for today, in the knowledge that it will not be adopted by the Council shows that the goal is not of a humanitarian nature, the aim is political. Putting to a vote a draft resolution while knowing that it will not be adopted means that the goal is not to alleviate the humanitarian situation but to garner a few headlines in the media. That is why we say that we should avoid making the Council an instrument for political ends.We very much welcome the fact that the Russian delegation has put forward language to enable us to continue the negotiations, which is essential. I agree with what my colleague the Ambassador of Sweden said, that is, the Council is being tested in alleviating the humanitarian situation in Syria. The Council is indeed being tested, and that test is to achieve unity in the Council. If we do not, then the meeting at which the draft resolution is put to the vote will go down in history as just a few headlines. But it will come to nothing and will in no way alleviate the humanitarian situation in Syria.I therefore issue a fraternal call on my colleagues the members of the Security Council — especially my beloved brothers the Ambassadors of Sweden and Kuwait — that we do everything we can to send out a signal for there to be a change in direction with regard to what the Council has been doing repeatedly over the past months, and show that by being united we will in some way be able to meet the expectations of the rest of the membership and meet the responsibilities assigned to us by the Charter.Mr. Tanoh-Boutchoue (Côte d'Ivoire) (spoke in French): At the outset, I wish to thank the Russian Federation for having called for this meeting.I also thank Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for his helpful briefing on the latest developments in the humanitarian situation in Syria, which has reached a critical threshold.Côte d'Ivoire remains deeply concerned by the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation, largely due to the resurgence of fighting on the ground, particularly in eastern Ghouta where since Monday, I regret to say, 40 civilians have been killed and more than 150 wounded, and many hospitals and schools have been destroyed. In the face of this extreme escalation of hostilities, my delegation would like, following the call issued yesterday in this Chamber by Secretary-General António Guterres (see S/PV.8185), to appeal to the sense of responsibility of the parties involved to end the tragedy of eastern Ghouta. It urges them to exercise restraint with a view to an immediate cessation of hostilities in order to enable the resumption of the delivery of humanitarian aid, including medical evacuations, to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian population.Côte d'Ivoire reiterates its conviction and principled position that the response to the crisis in Syria cannot be military. On the contrary, it should be pursued through an inclusive dialogue and political process, as provided for in the road map set out by resolution 2254 (2015).Finally, in the light of the tragic humanitarian situation in eastern Ghouta — which Mr. Lowcock so somberly described earlier — Côte d'Ivoire supports the draft resolution proposed by the delegations of Kuwait and Sweden, calling for a cessation of hostilities for a period of 30 days with a view to allowing immediate humanitarian access to the besieged populations of the region. The Council must set aside all political calculations and other distractions and undertake the commendable task of rescuing the inhabitants of eastern Ghouta and other regions of Syria, who also happen to be Syrians, from the hell in which they are living.Mr. Temenov (Kazakhstan): We thank the delegation of the Russian Federation for initiating this open briefing on the very critical humanitarian issue in Syria, and thank Mark Lowcock for his update.Like others, we express our serious concern about the continued severity of the devastating humanitarian situation in Syria, including in eastern Ghouta, Idlib and northern Hama governorates, Rukban and Raqqa. Kazakhstan urges all parties within and outside the country to prevent further violence and enable humanitarian organizations to access and assist people in need. Since early February, with the military offensive against eastern Ghouta, there have been more than 1,200 civilian casualties.S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 16/19 18-04815 We truly need a cessation of hostilities and all military operations throughout Syria to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and services and the medical evacuation of the critically sick and wounded, in accordance with international law. Kazakhstan considers it critical for the Security Council to adopt a workable and effective resolution on a cessation of hostilities in Syria, a draft of which is now being considered by Council members. Kazakhstan calls on all parties to find consensus and unite in their efforts to undertake an immediate suspension of all war activities in eastern Ghouta and other parts of Syria, allowing humanitarian aid to reach all those in need, as well as the evacuation of all patients requiring urgent treatment that cannot be provided there.My delegation supports the five requests identified by the Emergency Relief Coordinator on 11 January during his mission to Syria, and calls upon all parties to facilitate the implementation of these five requests and others, as specified in relevant Security Council resolutions, so as to ensure principled, sustained and improved humanitarian assistance to Syria in 2018. In this context, we look forward to a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the guarantor countries of the Astana process — namely, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Iran — who intend to gather in Astana in March to discuss all issues related to recent developments on the ground. The timing and the specific agenda are currently being specified. In this regard, the next round of the Astana process itself is scheduled to be held after the aforementioned meeting of the Foreign Ministers.Lastly, in May 2017 Kazakhstan welcomed the adoption of the memorandum on the creation of de-escalation areas in the Syrian Arab Republic. They have lessened hostilities between the conflicting parties. However, the ceasefire agreements in these zones are currently being violated. We attach the utmost importance to compliance by all conflicting parties with ceasefire agreements and their enforcement by the guarantor States. Likewise, each of the agreements reached in Astana should not remain on paper, but must be strictly complied with.The President (spoke in Arabic): I give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic and urge him to limit his statement to five minutes in accordance with Security Council note S/2017/507.Mr. Ja'afari (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): The delegation of my country was not aware of your decision, Sir, to limit my statement to five minutes. I oppose that decision and therefore reserve the right to express the views of my country in this important meeting devoted to the situation in my country.The President (spoke in Arabic): The representative of the Russian Federation has asked to make a further statement.Mr. Nebenzia (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We fail to understand, Sir, why you have proposed limiting the statement of the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic on the important issue under discussion. His country is directly involved and where everything being discussed is taking place. We must afford an opportunity for the representative of Syria to speak for the full amount of time required to deliver his statement. I do not believe we need any artificial limits on his statement.The President (spoke in Arabic): I did not make a decision. I simply encouraged the representative of Syria to adhere to the provisions of note S/2017/507.I again give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.Mr. Ja'afari (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): Once again, I reiterate that we were not aware of note S/2017/507. I believe that this act is unjust and raises many issues to which I already intended to refer in my statement. I hope that everyone will be patient enough to listen to the statement I shall make on behalf of the Government of my country. I shall not deliver a personal statement. All speakers have spoken on behalf of their Governments, and I shall do the same. I encourage all members to listen carefully to what I have to say.As I talk here at this moment, hundreds of rockets and mortars are targeting the capital, Damascus. To date, they have injured 37 people, including six children, and led to a number of martyrs, including two children. That comes as no surprise. As the Council is aware, every time a Security Council meeting is held to discuss the Syrian situation, there is a massacre here and a suicide bombing there, as well as the killing of civilians in some Syrian cities. We have seen not dozens, but rather hundreds of massacres over the past seven years. Mr. Lowcock did not get this information the way he gets messages from what he calls humanitarian workers in eastern Ghouta who know about international humanitarian law. Mr. Lowcock 22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 17/19 did not solicit the views of the Syrian Government, which we have expressed in hundreds of letters sent to him and to the Council. All those who in this meeting have used the word "regime" to refer to my country are neither objective nor impartial. They reveal their countries' involvement in the ongoing terrorist crisis in my country.We thank the delegation of the Russian Federation for convening this meeting to give us the opportunity to once again present the reality of the suffering of civilians as a result of the practices of armed terrorist groups or, as some call them, moderate armed opposition groups. Over the past seven years, they have been sowing death and destruction wherever they have operated. They have used civilians as human shields. They have targeted hospitals and schools, turning them into military centres. They have hurled missiles and rockets indiscriminately at residential and populated areas.Of course, as the Permanent Representative of France said before leaving this meeting, all of this is a form of resistance. He referred to the terrorists who bombard Damascus as the "resistance" that the Syrian regime is trying to suppress. This meeting is particularly important, as some actors — especially the United States of America and the so-called international coalition — have moved from the stage of aggression by proxy through their support for terrorism to the stage of direct aggression. Those actors have recruited terrorists from all four corners of the world. They call them jihadists and send them to Syria. Whenever terrorists have failed, those actors have been there — militarily, politically, through the media and the United Nations — to intervene in order to achieve what their terrorist proxies failed to achieve.Let us be clear. Some Council members — and I specifically mean the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France — would like to deprive the Syrian Government of its constitutional and sovereign right to defending its territories and people, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations back when we had wise founding fathers and international law and as guaranteed by all United Nations resolutions on counter-terrorism.Today, I have heard references to the draft resolution contained in document S/2018/146, on humanitarian issues. The penholders, Kuwait and Sweden, have been working on it for several weeks. I thank them for their efforts. However, those efforts are deeply flawed. The penholders did not coordinate with the Syrian delegation at all. They did not even ask to hear my country's view on the draft resolution that concerns it.Let us imagine for a moment that hundreds of terrorists had used the Bois de Boulogne as a centre to target civilians in Paris, launching dozens of missiles every day. Would we have seen a draft resolution calling for a humanitarian truce to give the moderate armed French opposition the opportunity to regain its power and launch missiles targeting Paris?Let us imagine for a moment that hundreds of terrorists had used Central Park here in New York as a centre to target civilians in Manhattan, and had launched dozens of missiles every day. Would we have seen a draft resolution calling for the medical evacuation of the moderate armed American opposition?Let us imagine for a moment that hundreds of terrorists had used Hyde Park as a centre to target civilians in London, launching dozens of missiles daily. Would we have seen a draft resolution calling for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the moderate armed British opposition? Would we have seen statements by high-level Secretariat officials, such as Mr. Lowcock, calling for stopping the fight against armed groups that they describe as non-State armed opposition groups? Unfortunately, that is how United Nations documents refer to terrorists nowadays — non-State armed opposition groups.Of course, those are all hypothetical scenarios that might seem far-fetched. However, that is the reality in Syria. It is the tragedy that we are seeing in Syrian cities every day, including the city of Damascus and its inhabitants. It is a bitter reality that the Syrian Government is facing as a result of the erroneous approaches adopted by the United Nations and the positions of some of its Member States. Damascus is the oldest populated city in history. It is seeing destruction, death and sorrow every day as a result of missiles, mortars and rockets launched by armed terrorist groups operating in eastern Ghouta. These terrorist groups — the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, the Al-Nusra Front and affiliated groups — are designated as terrorist groups in the Security Council. Today, 8 million people live in Damascus, among them hundreds of thousands who fled armed groups that attacked their villages and their homes in many parts of Syria, including eastern Ghouta.S/PV.8186 The situation in the Middle East 22/02/2018 18/19 18-04815 The United Nations today is going through a professional and moral crisis that is unfathomable. High-level Secretariat officials see no harm in adopting the positions of Governments that sponsor terrorism in my country. They are directly involved in distorting facts, manipulating figures, using insidious phrases and terminology, and depending on unreliable sources in their statements and reports. Of course, I cannot list all of those scandals today. I will only remind the Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-Finding Mission report (S/2017/567), issued in June 2017. The report states that among the open sources on which it relied was the testimony of British doctor Shajul Islam. For those who do not know who Mr. Islam is, he is a foreign terrorist fighting for the Al-Nusra Front in Idlib. He was convicted in the United Kingdom and was not allowed to practice medicine there as he was involved in crimes related to terrorism, such as kidnapping British journalist John Cantlie. That is but one example of some misleading reports issued by the Secretariat.We are convinced that those abhorrent practices will not stop and that some United Nations officials will ignore the serious information that we have conveyed to them about armed terrorist groups fabricating the story that the Syrian Government used toxic chemical substances against civilians in eastern Ghouta. Those groups are training some of their members to pretend that they have been exposed to toxic substances. Of course, those scenes are broadcast by well-known networks and correspondents of Mr. Lowcock, and the Syrian Arab Army is blamed for it. Although we have sent hundreds of letters to the Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council and specialized United Nations agencies specialized in counter-terrorism and the prohibition of chemical weapons, we are sure that some at the United Nations will not hesitate to believe that story and blame the Syrian Government. That is simply because certain agendas in the Organization compel some to join in the extortion of the Syrian Arab Republic and its allies that are fighting terrorism on behalf of all those present.For over two months now, the Syrian Government has been sending letters almost daily to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council documenting the number of missiles used, which have amounted in the past few weeks to almost 1,200. We have been also documenting the human and material losses of civilians in the city of Damascus as a result of being targeted by terrorists groups in eastern Ghouta. However, in its statements and appeals the Secretariat has no problem ignoring the suffering of 8 million people in Damascus. It has not hesitated to participate in the misleading campaign launched by some States to protect a few thousand members of armed terrorists groups in eastern Ghouta. They are sacrificing 8 million civilians in Damascus to protect a few thousand terrorists in eastern Ghouta. This is scene in short.Both international and United Nations sources are spreading news of a stifling siege on eastern Ghouta. That is not consistent with the indisputable reality on the ground. We are talking here about a vital area that is the main source of food for the city of Damascus. Commercial trucks constantly move back and forth to Ghouta. The Syrian Government has facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in eastern Ghouta, when conditions on the ground have allowed. We have also approved medical evacuations to Government hospitals in Damascus. The truth that we all know, and even high-level Secretariat officials know, is that armed terrorist groups are controlling the humanitarian aid that enters eastern Ghouta. They distribute it among its members and deprive civilians of any of it.There is another truth that the Secretariat is ignoring. Residents of eastern Ghouta have taken to the street in protest against the practices of terrorists who point their guns at innocent people. Of course, those besieged innocents are also sending messages, but Mr. Lowcock's radar is not receiving them. I would like to ask the Secretariat the following. How does it justify ignoring the reports and information that the Syrian Government has presented on thousands of hostages and kidnapped people being detained by armed terrorist groups in eastern Ghouta in the so-called Attawba prison? They require immediate medical evacuation. The United Nations is ignoring video footage posted by armed groups showing women and children, among the hostages, being pushed into metal cages and left on the street. It is a painful scene reminiscent of the times of slavery. It is true insanity that the Secretary-General spoke of yesterday and has been echoed by some colleagues today. Yes, there is terrorist insanity in eastern Ghouta and we must put a stop to it.What is even worse is that some in the Secretariat are trying to use the agreement on de-escalation zones to distort the facts and ignore repeated violations perpetrated by these armed terrorist groups. They are 22/02/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8186 18-04815 19/19 being instructed from the outside by actors that some of them are present in this Chamber. They are instructed to target Syrian military sites and launch attacks using rockets, missiles and car bombs on residential neighbourhoods in Damascus.These groups operating in eastern Ghouta that kill civilians in Damascus daily are armed terrorists groups, regardless of any change to their names, affiliations or alliances. Today they are Jaysh al-Islam, the Al-Rahman Corps, the Dawn of Islam and Ahrar al-Sham. Yesterday they were the Islamic Front, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and the Al-Nusra Front. I invite all members of the Council to take a look at the websites of those groups and the satellite television channels that Western satellites are helping broadcast. It will become apparent that they all share the same Wahhabi terrorist ideology, and that they all call for takfiri ideas and the annihilation of others. Any attempt to change their names and description by calling them moderate opposition or non-state armed groups will not change their terrorist reality. It will not prevent us, as the Government, from defending our citizens with the support of our allies, and fighting terrorism pursuant to the Council's resolutions on counter-terrorism.Some among us today are exploiting the suffering of the Syrian people and trading in their blood. They are demanding accountability while being direct partners in supporting and defending terrorism. They are involved in direct military aggression against my people, as was the case in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Africa and Latin America. The dilemma that we are facing today is that the mechanism of work inside the United Nations is being held hostage to political and financial polarization. As a result, this mechanism of work completely disregard the crimes of the so-called international coalition led by the United States of America.As mentioned by my colleague the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, the international coalition completely destroyed Raqqa, killing hundreds of civilians and destroying shelters, infrastructure and bridges over the Euphrates river and everywhere in Syria, under the pretext of fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It used internationally prohibited weapons against civilians in Syria, including American Napalm, just as it did in Viet Nam. The international coalition targeted Syrian armed forces and allied forces more than once in order to break the siege on ISIL. The coalition and its militias made a deal with ISIL so that ISIL fighters, their families and their heavy weapons could leave Raqqa and other places in order to fight the Syrian forces and their allies elsewhere.The United Nations is completely disregarding the repeated aggressions of Israeli occupation forces on our territories as part of its support to armed terrorist groups. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations is clueless as to what is going on in the Golan. The United Nations itself is completely disregarding Turkish aggressions and violations against Syrian sovereignty, and the direct military aggression initiated now by Turkey on Afrin. Nobody has addressed this issue in their statements.In conclusion, responding to those who fear that eastern Ghouta might become a second Aleppo, I invite them to go to Aleppo today and see with their own eyes how millions, not thousands, have resumed their normal lives after Aleppo was liberated from terrorism. Indeed, eastern Ghouta will become a second Aleppo, as will Idlib and all areas that have suffered under the terrorism of armed groups in Syria.We will not succumb no longer to the extortion of those who have supported terrorism in Syria. We will not be complacent to the plans of the Governments of the five States that met in Washington, D.C., last month to divide Syria and ensure the failure of both the Sochi conference and the political process as a whole. That news was reported today in the United Kingdom. We will not sit idly by while those who use terrorism, take unjust economic measures and wage direct military aggression against the Syrian people seek to achieve their cheap political agendas. Rest assured that history will soon admit that we and our allies have fought a war on behalf of the entire world against terrorism, which is being supported by Governments that soon will be held accountable by their people and world public opinion. Those Governments have invested all they can in terrorism until it reached their cities, their own citizens and all safe places throughout the world.When I look at some of the faces in the Chamber and see the political hypocrisy therein, I recall the famous adage by the Great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who said: "Rest assured, hell is big enough for everyone. There is no need for people to compete so fiercely to be the worst."The meeting rose at 2.10 p.m.
Security Council 8236th Meeting (Pm) ; 5/24/2018 Humanitarian Response in Syria Must Be Urgently Boosted, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Relea… https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13302.doc.htm 1/5 SC/13302 17 APRIL 2018 MEETINGS COVERAGE SECURITY COUNCIL > 8236TH MEETING (PM) Humanitarian Response in Syria Must Be Urgently Boosted, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tells Security Council Casting a spotlight on the pressing needs of civilians in Raqqa and Rukban, the Security Council met this afternoon to hear a brieng on recent developments and discuss ways forward. While people in those cities comprised 1 per cent of those requiring help, their needs were no less important than the remaining 99 per cent, said Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Aairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. In Raqqa, where 100,000 people had returned since October when Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) had been forced out, conditions were not conducive for returns because of high levels of unexploded ordinances and improvised explosive device contamination. In addition, there were scant basic services, a lack of electricity and mobile communications and food insecurity. Describing other concerns, he said in Rukban some 50,000 people were in need of sustained humanitarian assistance. Those remaining in the town of Douma and other areas of eastern Ghouta required urgent assistance after years of deprivation, he said, adding that the humanitarian community had not yet been able to provide help. On 25 March, the United Nations had requested permission from the Government of Syria to deploy an interagency surge team to scale up the United Nations operational capacity, he said, adding that he could not overstate the importance of sustaining and scaling up the international response. Council members underscored the need for sustained aid deliveries, with some calling on all Member States to make substantial commitments at the upcoming Brussels pledging conference and to swiftly disburse pledges. Some delegates said mine clearing should be a priority to ensure safe returns of displaced persons, while many members urged parties to return to negotiations to nd a political solution to end the conict. Echoing a common call, China's representative appealed to all parties in Syria to comply with Security Council resolution 2401 (2018) by ceasing hostilities and coordinating with United Nations humanitarian eorts. Any unilateral action would violate the basic norms of international law while complicating a settlement of the Syrian issue, he said, urging all sides to refrain from moves that would further escalate the situation. The representative of the Russian Federation, noting that Raqqa's destruction had been due to a United States-led coalition ght against ISIL, criticized coalition members for their lack of reconstruction in that area. Civilians were regularly killed by landmines and no assessment of humanitarian needs had occurred until the Russian Federation had insisted on it. In addition, no practical steps had been taken to provide humanitarian assistance to the population of Rukban, which was located near an American airbase. Urging the Council and the humanitarian community to address the situation of those two cities, he said coalition members should outline how they themselves were implementing resolution 2401 (2018). Meanwhile, the United States delegate said that while the 75 members of the Global Coalition against Da'esh had targeted ISIL and liberated civilians, the Syrian Government had bombarded its own people. United Nations humanitarian convoys were welcome at any time in Raqqa and Rukhban, with any delays being the result of the Syrian Government and its failure to allow deliveries. Condemning the Russian Federation for its "cynical, thinly disguised diversions", she said it was clear that it had requested the Council meeting as a distraction from the atrocities committed by the Bashar Al-Assad regime. Providing another perspective, Syria's representative said three Council members continued to search for microscopic dust while ignoring the enormous "elephant in the room", which was the aggression they had launched against his country. Raqqa was a martyr city that had been destroyed by those very States, he said, adding that the coalition had never sought to combat terrorism. Indeed, the point had been to block the Syrian Government and its allies as they attempted to combat ISIL. Turning to the situation in the Rukban camps, he said coalition forces had prevented the Government from delivering aid. Moreover, he asserted that the situation in Syria did not require draft resolutions or semi-daily meetings. Instead, the Council must stand against the occupation of Syria by the United States, Israel and Turkey and aggressions carried out by the United States, France and the United Kingdom. Drawing attention to the eects of the crisis on the Syrian people, Equatorial Guinea's representative said the situation in Raqqa required the international community's urgent attention. Calling for sustained humanitarian access and the intensication of eorts to reach a political solution, he reminded Council members that "the Syrian people have suered enough." 5/24/2018 Humanitarian Response in Syria Must Be Urgently Boosted, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Relea… https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13302.doc.htm 2/5 Also speaking were the representatives of Kuwait, Sweden, France, United Kingdom, Kazakhstan, Poland, Côte d'Ivoire, Netherlands, Bolivia, Ethiopia and Peru. The meeting began at 4:48 p.m. and ended at 6:38 p.m. Brieng MARK LOWCOCK, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Aairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefed the Council on the situation in Syria, including in Raqqa and Rukban. While people in those cities totalled 1 per cent of those requiring help, their needs were no less important than the remaining 99 per cent. After a United Nations assessment mission on 1 April in Raqqa, where 100,000 people had returned since October when Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) had been forced out, reports showed that conditions were not conducive for returns because of high levels of unexploded ordinances and improvised explosive device contamination. Every week, 50 casualties had been reported due to the remnants of war. Also, an estimated 70 to 80 per cent of all buildings had been destroyed or damaged. While public services were slowly resuming, the city lacked electricity and mobile communications while water was being pumped at a very limited capacity to the outskirts. Meanwhile, up to 95 per cent of households that had returned to Raqqa were food insecure and health services were lacking. Some schools had reopened, but lacked supplies. United Nations agencies were planning deliveries of humanitarian assistance and programmatic interventions to support the work of humanitarian agencies already active in those areas. In Rukban, some 50,000 people were in need of sustained humanitarian assistance, he continued, noting that there was a pressing need for better service provision and medical help. Humanitarian agencies were working closely with the United States, Russian Federation and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to facilitate deliveries. At the same time, those remaining in the town of Douma and other areas of eastern Ghouta, under control of the Government of Syria, required urgent assistance after years of deprivation. The humanitarian community had not yet been able to provide that, he said, adding that access to reach the people of eastern Ghouta was critical. Of the 155,000 who had been displaced, he said, approximately 63,000 had moved north to Idlib and Aleppo, resulting in a 25 per cent increase in Idlib's displaced population. That situation placed incredible pressure on host communities and humanitarian actors working to provide assistance and services. Those remaining in Afrin were also in dire need of aid. Despite some positive developments, humanitarian partners were still struggling to gain sustained access to Afrin and freedom of movement for internally displaced persons remained severely limited. On 25 March, the United Nations requested permission from the Government of Syria to deploy an interagency surge team to scale up the United Nations operational capacity. Overall, he could not overstate the importance of sustaining and scaling up the international response. Statements VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation), noting that some delegations were constantly calling on his country to provide updates on its implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), said signicant eorts had been undertaken to improve the situation in eastern Ghouta, where armed groups had long held populations hostage. "A bloodbath was prevented," he said, adding that some 60,000 people had also been helped to return to their homes. Joint work was ongoing between the Russian military police and Syrian law enforcement ocials, including debris clearance, re-establishment of services and food deliveries. However, the international community's attention was also required, he said, calling for additional support from other Member States. In contrast, he said, Raqqa — which had been destroyed by United States-led coalition air strikes — had seen no reconstruction eorts. Civilians were regularly killed by landmines, and no assessment of humanitarian needs had taken place until the Russian Federation had insisted on it. Buildings were in ruins, thousands of corpses remained buried and no school, hospital or basic services remained operational. No practical steps had been taken to provide humanitarian assistance to the population of the similarly damaged city of Rukban, located near an American airbase whose very existence constituted a blatant violation of Syria's sovereignty. Urging the Council and the humanitarian community not to ignore the situation of those two cities, he said members of the coalition should be courageous enough to outline how they themselves were implementing resolution 2401 (2018) in those cases. Events over recent days had revealed the hypocrisy of the "troika" — namely, the United States, United Kingdom and France, he said. By their acts of aggression, those countries and their supporters had taken sides in the Syrian conict. The Russian Federation was instead working with all sides, committing to implementing Council resolutions and supporting the parties in making progress in the Geneva talks, which must resume without preconditions and especially without demands for a regime change. Given current developments, it was hard to imagine that the Government of Syria would want to talk about the situation in its country with any members of the troika, who sought to declare its President a war criminal. Indeed, before any progress could be made, "you rst need to undo the damage that you yourself have created", he said, noting that the opposition must step back from its destructive position while embracing Council resolutions, and their patrons must end their militant rhetoric against the legitimately elected President of Syria. Meanwhile, he said, the establishment of a mechanism to attribute responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in Syria made no sense, as Washington, D.C., and its allies were already acting like self-appointed executioners on that matter. Attempts to push the Russian Federation to change its position using air strikes and the threat of sanctions had never 5/24/2018 Humanitarian Response in Syria Must Be Urgently Boosted, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Relea… https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13302.doc.htm 3/5 worked in the past nor would they work in the future. The United States and its allies must end its threats to use force against Syria, as such actions outed international law and only drove peace farther away. Warning against attempts to maintain foreign occupation in parts of Syria, loot its resources and stoke divisions between its people, he said military groups must also separate themselves from terrorists and Western parties should stop manipulating the humanitarian situation for political purposes. BADER ABDULLAH N. M. ALMUNAYEKH (Kuwait) said resolution 2401 (2018) had addressed the humanitarian situation across Syria, demanding a pause in hostilities for 30 days to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and allow for the evacuation of the sick and wounded. Voicing frustration that it had not yet been implemented, he reiterated the call on parties to the conict to allow the entry of weekly convoys and for an immediate end to all attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure and medical facilities. Urging the Astana guarantors, in particular, to continue to support talks. Welcoming the Oce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aairs preparations of plans for providing humanitarian assistance in Raqqa, he underscored the need to maintain sustained aid delivery to internally displaced persons camps in Rukban. OLOF ORRENIUS SKOOG (Sweden) said a greater eort must be made to ensure full and immediate implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) throughout Syria, with the Astana guarantors living up to their commitments. He called on the Syrian authorities to immediately grant facilitation letters for humanitarian convoys to Douma and to facilitate sustained United Nations access to camps housing internally displaced persons. Referring also the situations in Raqqa, Rukban, Idlib and Afrin, he said the humanitarian community was undertaking a Herculean task. However, the acute lack of funding for United Nations humanitarian operations in in Syria was deeply troubling, he said, calling on all Member States to make substantial commitments at the upcoming Brussels conference and to swiftly disburse pledges. KELLEY A. ECKELS-CURRIE (United States) said the 75 members of the Global Coalition against Da'esh that had fought the terrorist group in Iraq had continued its eradication campaign in Syria. While the coalition had targeted ISIL and liberated civilians, the Syrian Government had bombarded its own people. Noting that United Nations humanitarian convoys were welcome at any time in Raqqa and Rukban, the United States stood ready to support deliveries. Any delays stemmed from the Bashar al-Assad regime and its failure to allow convoys to move. The United States had already provided assistance, clearing 3,000 remnants of war and contributing 300,000 pounds of food. Pointing out that the Russian Federation had called the Council meeting as part of a messaging campaign to distract the international community from the atrocities committed by the Assad regime, she reiterated that in addition to a ceasere, the Council had called for unhindered access for humanitarian assistance. Yet, the regime had only allowed six convoys. Such calls by the Council needed to be implemented on the ground, but that required the Syrian Government's cooperation, she said, condemning the Russian Federation for its "cynical, thinly disguised diversions". FRANÇOIS DELATTRE (France) said the humanitarian situation in Syria screamed for attention, including those eeing safe areas, the bureaucracy preventing access to camps and conditions in Raqqa, where 90,000 people had returned. Humanitarian actors needed access to provide much-needed basic services and eorts must continue to remove landmines. For its part, France was helping with landmine clearance and had contributed €10 million for projects easing civilian returns to Raqqa. Concerning Rukban, he reiterated an urgent appeal to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access. In that context, he supported the draft resolution that his country, United Kingdom and the United States had tabled on 14 April with a view to making progress on the humanitarian front, put a denite end to the Syrian chemical programme and begin conclusive political negotiations. That draft had sought areas of convergence to create conditions of real diplomatic progress in Syria and open the way for true negotiations. KAREN PIERCE (United Kingdom), regretting to note that some members had used the humanitarian situation to score political points, recalled that the United Kingdom had contributed a total of $3.5 billion to date for humanitarian assistance. Her Government continued to provide humanitarian support to Raqqa and surrounding areas and had aided with landmine clearance. Raising several concerns, she drew attention to the plight of displaced persons in Rukban and urged the regime to facilitate access to the United Nations and its partners to deliver aid to Douma and eastern Ghouta. She called on the Council to use recent events to get the political process back on track and was looking forward to the upcoming retreat in Sweden, which the Secretary-General would also attend. KANAT TUMYSH (Kazakhstan), welcoming the Oce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aairs assessment mission to Raqqa in April, raised concerns that an estimated 100,000 people had returned to their homes in that city despite the wide presence of unexploded ordnances. Highlighting the signicant destruction of Raqqa and the precarious fate of the Rukban and Hadalat refugee camps, he warned the Council of a dangerous tendency for those camps to become havens for foreign mercenaries. Kazakhstan supported the Russian Federation's proposal to establish humanitarian corridors for withdrawing refugees from El Tanf and the Rukban camp, based on the example provided by Russian and Syrian military troops during the assault on Aleppo. Calling on all parties immediately suspend hostilities, implement resolution 2401 (2018) and report periodically on those eorts, he said the questions of boundaries and territories following Syria's prolonged war should be addressed in line with that country's Constitution in order to prevent the re‑emergence of extremist groups. PAWEL RADOMSKI (Poland), raising concerns about new internally displaced persons reaching Idlib, said the military conict in north-west Syria had further complicated the situation on the ground. He called on all parties, especially the Russian Federation and Iran, to take action towards a cessation of hostility and to comply with all their obligations under 5/24/2018 Humanitarian Response in Syria Must Be Urgently Boosted, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Relea… https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13302.doc.htm 4/5 international law. He also urged the Russian Federation, Iran and Turkey to full their responsibility as guarantors of the Astana process. There could be no military solution to the conict, in Syria, he said, underlining that a political agreement remained the only sustainable solution. ANATOLIO NDONG MBA (Equatorial Guinea) said Council members had recognized the very high number of people eeing Syria when they had adopted resolution 2393 (2017). In the former ISIL stronghold of Raqqa, military oensives had led to signicant destruction. Commending World Health Organization (WHO) eorts, he said Raqqa's residents continued to be deprived of aid because there were no nearby oces of humanitarian agencies and local authorities were incapable of providing assistance. The situation required the international community and the Council's urgent attention, he said, calling for the provision of sustained access allowing humanitarian convoys to reach Raqqa. "The Syrian people have suered enough," he said, calling for the intensication of eorts to reach a political solution centred on the needs of the Syrian people and in full respect for Syria's territorial integrity. THÉODORE DAH (Côte d'Ivoire), echoing expressions of regret that resolution 2401 (2018) remained unimplemented, called on all parties to ensure its full implementation across Syria including in Raqqa and Rukban. In the former, signicant destruction, a dearth of basic services and the presence of unexploded ordnance posed serious obstacles for safe returns of civilians. Calling on the international community to address those situations, he said a needs assessment was urgently required to better understand the extremely precarious living conditions in Rukban's internally displaced persons camps. Such work must be part of a global eort to reach a negotiated political solution based on inclusive dialogue and in line with resolution 2254 (2015). LISE GREGOIRE VAN HAAREN (Netherlands) emphasized the urgent need for access to Douma for humanitarian convoys and for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) fact-nding mission. Calling for a humanitarian surge to address the urgent needs of internally displaced persons, she emphasized the situation of more than 180,000 people displaced by hostilities in Afrin, adding to the strain felt by host communities. Clearing improvised explosive devices was a priority in Raqqa, while in Rukban, both food and medical aid must reach the remaining displaced persons via the fastest and easiest route. Resolution 2401 (2018) must be implemented across Syria and eorts must succeed in ensuring humanitarian access and the protection of civilians, in line with international humanitarian law. MA ZHAOXU (China) appealed to all parties in Syria to comply with resolution 2401 (2018), cease hostilities and coordinate with United Nations humanitarian eorts. Equal attention must be paid to the humanitarian situation and to helping displaced persons to return to their homes. Emphasizing China's adherence to the peaceful settlement of disputes and its rejection of the use of force in international regulations, he said any action taken must comply with the United Nations Charter. Any unilateral action would violate the basic norms of international law while complicating a settlement of the Syrian issue, he said, urging all sides to refrain from moves that would further escalate the situation. PEDRO LUIS INCHAUSTE JORDÁN (Bolivia) underscored the pressing need to pursue mine clearing and to remove improvised explosive devices and remnants of war. Such work was vital for reconstruction and the return of basic services. Expressing regret that violence had continued unfettered in major cities, he said it was even more repugnant that schools, hospitals and residential areas were being targeted. Bolivia called on all stakeholders to spare no eort to implement resolution 2401 (2018) and for all parties to allow for unconditional humanitarian access. He went on to reiterate that the Syrian people should decide their political future through an inclusive process, free from external meddling. DAWIT YIRGA WOLDEGERIMA (Ethiopia) said the destruction of infrastructure and limited public services remained major challenges in Syrian cities. Demining eorts should be strengthened and aid must be delivered to all parts of Syria via safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Underscoring the importance of fully implementing resolution 2401 (2018), he said the Council should restore its unity through genuine and productive dialogue. GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA (Peru), Council President for April, speaking in his national capacity, welcomed eorts to clear "deadly booby-traps" laid by Da'esh in Raqqa and other areas. Recommendations from the Oce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aairs mission to Raqqa would contribute to the safe return of displaced persons. While acknowledging the legitimate right of States to protect their borders, he said there should be unfettered access to Rukban, given the humanitarian situation there. It was vital that needs in Syria be met on a consistent basis, regardless of location, he said, adding that politicizing humanitarian assistance was unacceptable and a contravention of resolution 2401 (2018), which must be applied holistically throughout Syria. BASHAR JA'AFARI (Syria) said three Council members continued to search for microscopic dust while ignoring the enormous "elephant in the room", which was the aggression they had launched against Syria. His counterpart from the United States had declared that her country's forces had rid Raqqa of 3,000 landmines. Yet, the United States had also assisted 4,000 terrorists to safely leave the city without holding them accountable for planting them. While Sweden's representative had called out the Syrian Government many times, he had failed to call for an end to the United States, Turkish and Israeli occupation of Syria and to mention State-sponsored terrorism. Addressing France's delegate, he said Médecins Sans Frontières, like ISIL, had entered Syria without the Syrian Government's approval, behaving instead like "terrorists without borders". 5/24/2018 Humanitarian Response in Syria Must Be Urgently Boosted, Emergency Relief Coordinator Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Relea… https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sc13302.doc.htm 5/5 Providing an update on the OPCW fact-nding mission in Douma, he said the Syrian Government had facilitated the arrival today of a United Nations security team, which had entered the city around 3 p.m. local time. If the team found the situation to be secure, the OPCW fact-nding team would begin its work 18 April. Claims that the mission had been blocked had only intended to distract the international community from reality, he said, expressing regret that countries launched cowardly attacks against Syria still failed to understand the Syrian people's desire to determine their own destiny. "The days of hegemony are gone," he said, adding that no threat of force or support for terrorists would change the fact that the world's people were tired of seeing big Powers continue to disregard international law with impunity. He said Raqqa was a martyr city that had been destroyed by those very States, with the Oce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aairs declaring the destruction to be "100 per cent complete". Hundreds of thousands of people had ed Raqqa and no basic services or operating hospitals remained, except for Médecins Sans Frontières facilities. The coalition had never sought to combat terrorism, he said, recalling its bloody massacres of civilians in various towns and villages across Syria. Indeed, the point had been to block the Syrian Government and its allies as they attempted to combat ISIL. On 8 February, United States forces had killed dozens of members of a popular force that had been ghting ISIL along the Euphrates River. Meanwhile, terrorists had been spared and even armed so they could wreak further havoc. Turning to the situation in the Rukban camps, he said coalition forces had prevented the Government from delivering aid. The United States was using the area as a place to train terrorist forces, who would then be used to ght other battles in the region. The situation in Syria did not require draft resolutions or semi-daily meetings. Instead, what was needed was for the Council to stand against the occupation of Syria by the United States, Israel and Turkey, aggressions carried out by the United States, France and the United Kingdom and the imposition of coercive measures against the Syrian people. For information media. Not an ocial record.
The Situation In The Middle East ; United Nations S/PV.8260 Security Council Seventy-third year 8260th meeting Wednesday, 16 May 2018, 10 a.m. New York Provisional President: Ms. Wronecka. . (Poland) Members: Bolivia (Plurinational State of). . Mr. Inchauste Jordán China. . Mr. Ma Zhaoxu Côte d'Ivoire. . Mr. Djédjé Equatorial Guinea. . M. Ndong Mba Ethiopia. . Mr. Alemu France. . Mr. Delattre Kazakhstan. . Mr. Umarov Kuwait. . Mr. Alotaibi Netherlands. . Mr. Van Oosterom Peru. . Mr. Meza-Cuadra Russian Federation. . Mr. Polyanskiy Sweden . Mr. Skoog United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . Ms. Pierce United States of America. . Ms. Eckels-Currie Agenda The situation in the Middle East This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 (verbatimrecords@un.org). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 18-14999 (E) *1814999* S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 2/12 18-14999 The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in the Middle East The President: In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria, to participate in this meeting. Mr. De Mistura is joining today's meeting via video-teleconference from Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. De Mistura. Mr. De Mistura: When I last briefed the Security Council on 9 April, it was at an emergency meeting (see S/PV.8225). On that occasion, I warned of the threats to regional and international peace and security arising from developments in or related to Syria. I know that today it is not an emergency meeting. However, the circumstances of an emergency very much remain. I do not need to remind members that tensions are high and regional and international confrontations have occurred several times. Allow me to highlight some recent events since 9 April. On 13 April, the United States, France and the United Kingdom conducted missile strikes in response to the allegations of the use of chemical weapons in eastern Ghouta. Those countries say that the strikes targeted three research and production facilities near Damascus and Homs. On 29 April, strikes were reported on Syrian Government military facilities in Hamah and Aleppo. Some media outlets attributed those strikes to Israel, alleging that those killed included Iranian personnel. Neither Israel nor Iran responded to those claims. On 8 May, strikes were reported just south of Damascus. Syrian State media attributed those strikes to Israel. Israel did not confirm that claim. Israel then said that it had detected "irregular Iranian activity" in the occupied Golan, which it put on high alert. Between 9 and 10 May, Israel carried out dozens of strikes against presumed Iranian and Syrian Government military targets across southern Syria. The Israeli authorities claim that they were responding to Iranian forces firing rockets from Syrian territory at Israeli military targets in the occupied Syrian Golan. Iran condemned the Israeli strikes and denied those claims. We are not is a position to independently verify every aspect of those incidents. However, even an incomplete picture shows the troubling trajectory of the increasingly frequent and ever more intense international confrontations over Syria, unprecedented since 1973. As the Security Council knows, the Secretary- General has followed those developments with great concern and called for restraint by all parties in order to avoid any acts that could escalate the situation and worsen the suffering of the Syrian people. The Secretary-General stressed that the United Nations has a "duty to remind Member States that there is an obligation, particularly when dealing with matters of peace and security, to act consistently with the Charter of the United Nations, and with international law in general." (S/PV.8233, p. 2) On the issue of chemical weapons, let me again echo the Secretary-General's call for the Security Council to "agree on a dedicated mechanism for ensuring effective accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria" (ibid.). As the Council well knows, as of now, we await the results of the ongoing investigation by the Fact-finding Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons following its visit to Douma, with a report to be issued to States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, we have also seen worrying developments elsewhere in Syria. Evacuations from eastern Ghouta were similarly repeated in the eastern Qalamoun area, southern Damascus and northern rural Homs. First, on the military escalation, the pattern has been one of incoming air strikes and artillery and outgoing mortars and rockets towards Damascus. Then there was a negotiation, followed by an agreement for the evacuation of those civilians and fighters unwilling to remain under Syrian Government control or Russian Federation protection guarantees. We have also seen similar evacuation agreements 16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 3/12 being discussed in Idlib province but in a completely different format — the reverse format. This time we are talking about civilians and fighters in Government-controlled areas, namely, Kafraya and Fo'ah, while considering evacuations — beginning with medical evacuations — following the three-year siege and intermittent attacks from armed groups surrounding that area.Let me share with the Council a recurrent concern that I know that all members have. If civilians and fighters are simply funnelled into northern Syria — mostly into Idlib — then that might only postpone another conflict affecting many additional people, which I will discuss later. Therefore, it is important to keep close watch on future developments in Idlib province. Meanwhile, civilians continue to pay a terrible price. To be precise, 110,000 people have been evacuated to north-western Syria and Operation Euphrates Shield areas in the past two months. Many of them are reportedly traumatized and in urgent need of assistance and protection. Humanitarian partners are overwhelmed and stretched quite thin by the scale of those evacuations, but continue to do their utmost to respond to the growing needs, with the Council's assistance.Returning to the topic of Idlib, if a Ghouta scenario were to play out there, the situation could be six times worse, affecting 2.3 million people, half of whom are already internally displaced and would have nowhere else to go. But that is not purely a question of the Syrians' suffering. We fear that any substantial escalation in Idlib, Dar'a or in the north-east might also result in risks not only to Syrian civilians, but also for international peace and security. As we know, many of those areas contain external and international forces. Conflict there might entail confrontations with those forces, thereby leading us down a slippery slope towards regional or potential international conflict. Therefore, discussions at the international level on how to prevent that and on de-escalation are needed, and, although they are taking place, they also need to be very intensive.I was therefore very encouraged to see concrete discussions on de-escalation when I attended the ninth high-level Astana meeting yesterday, which covered the issue of Idlib in particular, as the three guarantors have a say and the means to avoid it. That round of discussions in Astana saw constructive discussions on how that might be achieved. While fully stressing the need to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, we saw at first-hand the parties engage actively on how to avoid a worst-case scenario in Idlib. Moreover, the working group, of which the United Nations is a member and a proactive supporter — as hundreds of thousands of people in Syria expect of us — held its second meeting on the release of detainees, abductees and bodies, and on the identification of missing persons. The members of the working group held constructive discussions on practical and concrete steps to address that key humanitarian issue. The guarantors informed us that they have secured the parties' support — which, if confirmed, is good news — for the activities taking place under the auspices of the working group, which is a positive development. As it is a matter of preliminary discussions, I hope that we will see progress with regard to that complex issue at the working group's next meeting, which we understand will be held in Ankara.De-escalation is indispensable, as the Syrians themselves are telling us, but it is only one of the ingredients necessary to move forward the political process. We also need to overcome concrete challenges to meaningfully follow through with the Geneva process so as to implement resolution 2254 (2015). As instructed by the Secretary-General, I have consulted with a broad spectrum of relevant stakeholders and proactively identified options for a meaningful relaunch of the United Nations-facilitated Geneva process. Over a period of two weeks, I conducted an exhaustive tour of consultations with members of the League of Arab States; representatives of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq; the European Union (EU) High Representative; representatives of several key European countries, Turkey, the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran; and all members of the Council, during what I believe was a very productive and useful retreat in Sweden; United States authorities during my visit to meet with them in Washington, D.C., several days ago; and also the Syrian Government and the opposition, with whom I had constructive discussions on the sidelines of the Astana meeting over the past two days. My deputy, Mr. Ramzy, was also in the region this past weekend in continuous political contact with regional stakeholders, and my chief of political affairs, Mr. Robert Dann, is visting China as we speak to exchange views with officials of that important member of the Security Council.What did I learn from that long tour? Not surprisingly, I returned to Geneva with a mixed picture. S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 4/12 18-14999 Clearly, significant differences remain, but there is also much common ground and interest on the need, first, to de-escalate, secondly, to form a constitutional committee under the auspices of the United Nations, thirdly, to facilitate the establishment of a safe, calm and neutral environment — leading to our shared goals in the political process — and, fourthly, to respect Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. However, those commonalities risk getting glossed over, especially in the absence of serious international dialogue. I will say more on that later. During my tour, my message to all was the need — now more than ever — for robust, strong, proactive and urgent dialogue and consensus at the international level to create the minimum conditions necessary for a realistic and credible political process. As we know, much water has flowed under the bridge and much has happened since resolution 2254 (2015) was adopted. We are therefore becoming increasingly realistic and know that we need a credible political process that takes into account the current situation and does not forget resolution 2254 (2015).As the Secretariat, we are not sitting idle in that regard. We are assessing a number of creative options to update, revive and advance the Geneva-based political process. Let me state for the record that the United Nations remains ever-mobilized and -ready to work on the formation of a constitutional committee in accordance with the final statement of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi. I therefore welcome the intention of the Astana guarantors to actively and regularly engage with the United Nations in Geneva so as to see through a concrete follow-up to the statement since its adoption three and a half months ago.I was also pleased to see a significant number of Member States reaffirm the primacy of the United Nations-led Geneva process, in general, and the need for a constitutional committee working under United Nations auspices, when I was at the EU-United Nations Brussels conference from 24 to 25 April. Those at the conference nearly unanimously reiterated the message that the only solution to the crisis will be political and that only such a political solution will pave the way for reconstruction efforts. Also in Brussels, we saw the entire United Nations system highlight the increasing needs of millions of Syrians, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and neighbouring countries hosting refugees.Let me also note the important contribution of Syrian civil society in Brussels, in particular during a side event organized by the EU and my own Office. Those present did not shy away from debating with one another constructively and intensively on complex issues, such as transitional justice and sanctions. They all demanded the release of all detainees, abductees and missing persons. They all affirmed that any political solution must protect the right of refugees and IDPs. Despite their differences, Syrians — Syrian civil society — displayed a genuine commitment to dialogue and a spirit of negotiation that I hope can be replicated in the formal negotiations.In Brussels I also met with a group of Syrian women activists who stressed that not enough has been done to secure the direct participation of Syrian women in the political process. I committed to translating our collective commitment to that inclusion into concrete measures, and I will count on the Council's support to keep that promise. For instance, in future intra-Syrian talks, I will insist that the relevant number of seats be reserved exclusively for Syrian women. When I am criticized, I hope that the Council will support me. I know it will not be popular, but it needs to be done.Let me briefly touch on an issue that was raised by the civil society in Brussels and by many Syrians elsewhere who have been writing to us, that is, the possible implications of the newly adopted Law No. 10. We are quite aware of the concerns surrounding that law. We, as well as other United Nations partners, are seeking clarifications on the law's goals and repercussions, especially for refugees and IDPs who do not have access to legal documentation.Let me conclude with two bottom lines.First, de-escalation is critical between the Syrian and international stakeholders, both regional and global. We hope that the relevant players can re-establish some overarching rules of the road in that regard. We stand ready to facilitate such a discussion, with focused support from the Council and key countries for the good offices of the Secretary-General and myself.Secondly, we must revive the political process in terms of the constitutional committee, as well as in terms of some initial steps towards the establishment of a safe, calm and neutral environment. We stand ready to facilitate discussions on both. Let me stress that a critical component of either aspect of the political process is active, continuous and positive United 16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 5/12 Nations engagement with the Syrian parties. I repeat once again that we stand ready, today as always, to engage with the Syrian Government in Damascus. We will also continue our contacts with the opposition and Syrian civil society.To unlock and lock those two aspects, careful diplomacy is required more than ever — careful, but proactive diplomacy, including at a high level. Hence, we look with interest to the forthcoming visits to Moscow and meetings of Chancellor Merkel and, later on, President Macron with President Putin, which undoubtedly will not avoid the issue of a political process in Syria. The United Nations believes that there is an urgent need for high-level diplomacy to support de-escalation, avoid any miscalculation and ensure a genuine communication system about a sustainable end to the conflict. With the support of the Secretary-General, we will increase our own efforts to contribute to that endeavour, including by offering further ideas and —if required, which we hope it will be — bridging proposals.The President: I thank Mr. De Mistura for his briefing.I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council who wish to make statements.Ms. Eckels-Currie (United States of America): Since this is my first opportunity to congratulate you upon assuming the presidency, Madam President, I would like to do so at this time. I also thank Staffan for his briefing.Last week the world witnessed a new and extremely dangerous escalation in Syria. It should not surprise anyone on the Security Council that Iran was responsible. Iranian forces operating from Syrian territory launched a rocket attack against Israeli citizens — citizens of a sovereign State Member of the United Nations. The United States strongly supports Israel's right to act in self-defence. Iran's reckless and provocative acts last week prove what we have been saying: wherever Iran shows up in the Middle East, chaos follows. Last week's rocket attack against Israel is the latest in a pattern of destabilizing behaviour that is a dire threat to the region's stability.Iran's rocket attack against Israel shows something else too. It puts to bed any myths about why Iran is present in Syria, or what its true objectives might be. The fact is that Iran has installed offensive rocket and missile systems in Syria aimed at Israel. Iran has introduced those threats that were not present in Syria before the conflict; they are now. Iran, together with Hizbullah and other militias, is taking advantage of Syrian territory to establish bases and training camps. They are moving ever closer to Israel. The United States calls on Iran, Hizbullah and their other proxies to take no further provocative steps. If they do, Iran will bear full responsibility for its actions.It is also important to emphasize that Iran's actions do not serve the interests of the Iranian or the Syrian people. The Syrian people get no say in whether Iran threatens war against Syria's neighbours, but it is they who have to live with the consequences.All of us on the Security Council have an important choice to make: we can stay quiet and watch as Iran builds up the infrastructure to create another Hizbullah in Syria, or we can speak up and take steps to put real pressure on Iran to stop. For our part, the United States refuses to stay quiet. Russia in particular has a special responsibility here. Its troops are on the ground, sometimes alongside Iran's. Russia must know that Iran's provocative actions do nothing to help resolve the war in Syria. Russia must know that Iran's actions do just the opposite. They only inflame, prolong and widen the conflict.We heard once again from Staffan today that there has been very little progress on the political track. There has been no progress at all in Geneva, or following Russia's own conferences in Astana and Sochi. Since January, the United Nations was supposed assemble a new constitution drafting committee that would help kick off a new round of talks. The United Nations was supposed to have the ability to choose which people would serve on the committee, and the United Nations was supposed to be empowered to facilitate those talks. Instead, the Al-Assad regime has backtracked, stalled and then refused to cooperate.At the same time, the Syrian regime escalated its brutal military campaign. It seized eastern Ghouta, at the cost of thousands of lives and tens of thousands displaced. It used chemical weapons in Douma. Just yesterday, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-finding Mission released a report determining that chlorine was used during attacks on 4 February in Saraqib.As reported by the Fact-finding Mission, the facts of that chemical-weapons attack bear the hallmarks S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 6/12 18-14999 of similar attacks conducted by the Al-Assad regime. As we have said before, the United States assesses that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons well over 50 times since the start of the civil war. The Al-Assad regime, with Iran's and Russia's full support, is choosing to pursue a military solution instead of a political solution, and that goes against everything we should stand for as the Security Council.In the aftermath of eastern Ghouta, the need for a real ceasefire could not be more obvious. Already, we see the Al-Assad regime launching new attacks in Idlib and the south-west. As Staffan noted, a Ghouta scenario in Idlib would be six times worse than the horror we saw in recent months in Ghouta. Air strikes in the south-west have tripled in the last month, even though that area is part of a de-escalation zone. Russia is supposed to be a sponsor of that zone. It must urgently meet its commitments to prevent the regime from carrying out attacks and stop Iranian militias from expanding their foothold in the south.Members of the Security Council — all of us — must push the political process forward. There is Council unity behind that goal. There is a clear blueprint for a political solution in resolution 2254 (2015), which we adopted unanimously. We have to send a clear message to the Al-Assad regime and its backers: the end of the conflict can be reached only via the United Nations-led political process. There must be constitutional reform and free and fair elections under United Nations supervision. If the Al-Assad regime does not comply, we need to be prepared to impose real costs on it for its years of defiance and the devastation it has wrought in Syria. If we take those steps, we can start to change the calculus of the Al-Assad regime and its allies in Syria. We can show them that further conflict is not in their interests and that it is time for them to genuinely commit to a political solution. But as we saw last week, the longer we wait, the greater the risk of confrontation. Now is the time to act to reduce tensions and address Iran's designs in Syria. That is how we can prevent further escalation and even worse suffering. There is no time to waste.Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Mr. De Mistura for his briefing. We can see that his personal participation in the meeting on Syria in Astana enabled him to make it a substantive one. We appreciated his call for active diplomacy, which Russia has advocated for from the very beginning. We continue to make significant efforts to facilitate a political settlement in Syria despite the undermining effects of the aggressive action by the United States, the United Kingdom and France in April against a number of civilian structures in Syria. I discerned no sympathy about what happened there in the statement by my United States colleague, despite the fact that it was a blatant breach of international law and did absolutely nothing to advance any kind of a settlement. Furthermore, her statement had an odd, confrontational tone that I felt certainly did not correspond to the message that Mr. De Mistura wanted to convey to all of us today, which is that it will be important for diplomacy to function if the peace that the Syrians have awaited for so long is to finally be established on the ground.Unlike some Security Council member States, which prefer taking unilateral measures to finding ways to solve problems, Russia is focusing on steps to genuinely improve the situation on the ground and advance the prospects for a political settlement. As Mr. De Mistura already noted, the ninth meeting of the participants in the Astana process concluded yesterday in the capital of Kazakhstan, and the guarantors adopted a joint statement. We are grateful to the leadership of Kazakhstan for its steadfast support. The meeting in Astana considered concrete measures for resolving a number of political and humanitarian issues and analysed the situation in the de-escalation zones, which play a key role in maintaining the ceasefire regime, reducing the level of violence and generally stabilizing the situation in Syria. The importance was noted of increasing efforts to help all Syrians and restore normal civilian life and, to that end, of providing fast, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and essential humanitarian and medical assistance, and creating the conditions needed to enable the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes, as well as people's freedom of movement.A second meeting was held of the working group on the liberation of detainees and hostages to discuss the handover of the bodies of the dead and the search for missing persons, with the participation of experts from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The importance of continuing joint efforts with the aim of building trust among the conflicting parties in Syria was emphasized. The Syrian Government declared its willingness to engage with the working group and decided to appoint a special representative on issues related to its work.16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 7/12 In line with the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015), the meeting affirmed its determination to continuing to promote a political settlement by helping to implement the recommendations of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held in Sochi. The consultations with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and the Syrian parties will continue, with a view to establishing the conditions conducive to starting the work of a constitutional committee in Geneva as soon as possible, whose parameters will have to be agreed on by the Syrians themselves. We will get nowhere without their consensus, so there is no point in proposing artificial frameworks for the process, especially if they are based on provisional plans of some kind. Thanks to the Astana process, we have succeeded in generating momentum for a political process based on intra-Syrian talks under the auspices of the United Nations, although, as we have noted, the triple alliance's aggression against the Syrian Arab Republic has significantly limited the room for manoeuvre in that regard.Concerted efforts by the guarantor countries are bringing us steadily closer to eliminating the presence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Jabhat Al-Nusra and other terrorist groups altogether. The recent situation in Syria has continued to be difficult. The guarantor countries' efforts are certainly not being helped by provocative initiatives from external actors, which merely strengthen radical sentiments among groups opposing the legitimate Government and fuel their reluctance to work for negotiated solutions.In Damascus, the operation to liberate the southern regions and suburbs of the capital from ISIL-affiliated groups continues, but Yalda, Babila and Bayt Saham are now fully under the Syrian authorities' control and civilian life there is returning. Russian specialists are helping the Syrian authorities to restore civilian infrastructure. Mines are being cleared, socially significant facilities are being rebuilt and electricity and water services are being restored. In eastern Ghouta, some 65,000 residents previously evacuated from the area have returned to their homes. However, in some other regions where the Syrian Government lacks access, the situation has continued to deteriorate. That is especially true of the Rukban and Al-Tuwaihina refugee camps, as well as the former ISIL capital, Raqqa, where the humanitarian situation is disastrous. Measures must be taken to rectify it without delay. The solution is simple — restore Damascus's sovereignty over those territories as soon as possible.Government forces and Palestinian volunteers, with aerial and artillery support, have continued to combat fierce resistance from terrorist detachments in the Palestinian refugee camp in Yarmouk. The militias wounded several dozen civilians in mortar strikes on residential areas in the north-east area of the camp. In the past week, the territory held by the illegal armed groups in Yarmouk has been significantly reduced.The Syrian army's assault on ISIL positions in Deir ez-Zor province has also been ramped up. ISIL's adherents have incurred considerable losses in manpower and equipment and have been driven out of an area of about 1,500 square kilometres. A large-scale operation to eliminate ISIL is being conducted in the eastern part of Syria with the aim of completely defeating the terrorists based in hard-to-reach desert areas, who have been increasing their attacks on Government forces in the Euphrates region and Homs province.We will continue the difficult work of restoring peace in Syria. Frankly, we are disturbed by some international and regional actors' disrespectful attitude to the issue of Syrian sovereignty, of which we have recently seen alarming manifestations. It is important to understand that this will not help to normalize the situation in Syria or the region as a whole. It fuels the conflict and reduces the prospects for a political settlement. For example, how can we be sure that reckless and illegal actions similar to those that occurred a month ago will not be repeated on some other trumped-up pretext? The reckless conduct of a number of international and regional players who claim to have common sense has considerably slowed progress regarding a settlement of the situation in Syria. If they cannot or will not help us with that, they should at least not interfere.In conclusion, I would like to touch briefly on the remarks by my American colleague. Basically, more than half of her statement was about Iran, not Syria, and Syria is the item on our agenda today, after all. I would also like to ask the Americans some questions we have about that. Before they blame Russia or Iran, I would like to ask what the reason is for the presence of United States forces in Syria and what their real objective is. The territories under their control have become grey areas where extremists of various stripes and real terrorists roam freely. In particular, what is going on with the several hundred ISIL followers who are being held by forces loyal to the United States under United States oversight in the region beyond the S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 8/12 18-14999 Euphrates? They are not being investigated, and nor are they being returned to their countries of origin. We are worried that ISIL will re-emerge in those areas when the United States withdraws from them, which it must do sooner or later.In conclusion, I would like to once again assure the Council of Russia's willingness to support any diplomatic efforts that can bring an end to the miseries of the Syrian people and peace to that long-suffering land.Mr. Ma Zhaoxu (China) (spoke in Chinese): I would like to begin by thanking Mr. De Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, for his briefing. I appreciate his tireless efforts to find a political solution to the conflict.In recent weeks various members of the international community have made tremendous efforts to restore momentum in the political process. China welcomes the latest round of Astana talks and its joint communiqué, and salutes Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Iran for their efforts. We hope that this dialogue will continue to play a positive role in helping to maintain a ceasefire in Syria and advance the Geneva negotiations.China has always maintained that a political solution is the only possible option where the issue of Syria is concerned, and that achieving that goal will require efforts on the international, regional and national fronts. First, the international community should continue to give its support to the United Nations, as the main channel for mediation, and to Mr. De Mistura's efforts to relaunch the Geneva negotiations as soon as possible, on a basis of full respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and with a view to helping the conflicting parties to engage in negotiations on political governance, the Constitution, elections and counter-terrorism. The Council should remain united in moving the Syrian political process forward.Secondly, the countries involved in the region should take the country's long-term interests and stability into consideration and play a constructive role in helping to find a political solution. China notes that there have been attacks on targets inside Syria. We hope that the parties concerned will remain calm, show restraint and work together to maintain regional peace and stability.Thirdly, both the Syrian Government and the opposition, based on concern for the future of their country and the fundamental interests of their people, should proceed to participate in the Geneva negotiations without preconditions, in accordance with the principle of a dialogue that is Syrian-owned and -led, and on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015), with a view to actively engaging in gradual efforts to reach a settlement that is acceptable to all the parties.For its part, China has been working relentlessly to find a solution. On 13 and 14 May, in the first instance of such an event being held on Syria in China, we hosted an international symposium in Shanghai on the prospects for a political settlement to the Syrian issue. It was attended by Xie Xiaoyan, China's Special Envoy for Syria, a representative of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and the Special Envoys of the United Kingdom and France for Syria, as well as experts and scholars from many countries. Participants held in-depth discussions on the prospects for a solution, the factors bearing on a political settlement and the role of the international community. Our Special Envoy remains in close contact with the parties concerned in his continuing efforts to help reach a solution. Together with the rest of the international community, China stands ready to continue to play a positive and constructive role in finding a political solution to the issue.Mr. Umarov (Kazakhstan): We thank the Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. De Mistura, for his update, and we were glad to hear some encouraging notes of optimism in his briefing.Despite the numerous problems on the humanitarian and political fronts in Syria, Kazakhstan believes that it is imperative to continue to promote a settlement of the crisis while implementing resolution 2254 (2015). We are glad that at their meetings held on 14 and 15 May in Astana, the representatives of Syria's Government and opposition, along with those of the guarantor States, unanimously confirmed the importance of continuing the process. Among other issues, they addressed the importance of increasing efforts to ensure compliance with the various agreements reached during the previous eight rounds of the Astana talks. On the other hand, they also agreed that Geneva should remain the main international platform from which to seek and implement a political settlement of the Syrian crisis. It will also be important to continue to support the aims of the Astana talks and further Geneva negotiations, while ultimately merging those important platforms with the aim of achieving positive results.16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 9/12 We thank the Special Envoy for his consultations with various Foreign Ministers at the recent summit of the League of Arab States, as well as with Ms. Federica Mogherini, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. His high-level meetings in Moscow, Tehran, Riyadh and Ankara, as well as his consultations with several European ministers and senior representatives of the United States, are also commendable. We are encouraged by his summary today of his meetings and the outcomes of the Astana process, and we note his hopes for progress and his readiness to increase his own efforts and those of several of the principal stakeholders to revive the political process.We can all see that de-confliction and the precautionary measures to safeguard protected sites under humanitarian law are working. So far this year, 500 additional sites have been de-conflicted, as the process is known. Their coordinates have been voluntarily submitted through the United Nations, and today the total number of sites stands at 661.We are hearing a number of continuing questions and concerns about the outlook for Idlib, which should certainly be our top priority, simply because it has such a large population of vulnerable ordinary citizens. We agree with Mr. De Mistura that since Idlib is six times larger than eastern Ghouta, and therefore has six times more civilian residents, it is in an extremely vulnerable position. We cannot afford a war in Idlib and we therefore call on the main stakeholders with an influence on the conflicting parties to hold negotiations at the national and local levels and in the wider region in order to mitigate the potential tensions.We are impressed by the courageous stance of and the sacrifices made by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Norwegian Refugee Council, which are serving under the most challenging circumstances.To conclude, we also hope that the Brussels Conference, held on 24 and 25 April, will help to generate conditions conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis.Finally, we emphasize once again that the most important condition for the settlement of the Syrian crisis is a political process, through direct dialogue and the use of confidence-building measures among the parties, without which there can be no lasting results. We should not forget that it is the Syrians themselves who should begin to shape the future political system of the Syrian State, with the necessary legislative reforms, its territorial and administrative structure, and presidential and parliamentary elections, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015).Mr. Inchauste Jordán (Plurinational State of Bolivia) (spoke in Spanish): We express our gratitude for the briefing that we heard from Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, to whom we reiterate our support in the discharge of his duties.Once again we cannot but express our sorrow at the fact that this conflict has gone on for six years now and we are still witnessing the ongoing siege and violence suffered by the Syrian people, mainly children, who, in addition to living with the psychological aftermath of the situation, are also in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We deplore any act of violence that puts human lives at risk and therefore call for an end to the violence and urge the parties to refrain from any hostile, provocative or unilateral actions, in order to prevent any further suffering of the Syrian people and any further destabilization of the region.We welcome the holding of the summit of the three ceasefire guarantors in Ankara, Turkey, in March. We will be focusing closely on the next summit, which will be sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Likewise, we welcome the recent Astana meeting. We deem its outcome positive, as were the agreements reached one year ago exactly, when the important de-escalation zones were established. We believe that that international initiative has served to reduce the level of violence and has facilitated, and will continue to facilitate, the path to peace and stability in Syria.We therefore call for greater coordination among the local authorities within the de-escalation zones, humanitarian agencies and the Syrian Government, which will make it possible to improve the living conditions of the local population, with a view to contributing to international efforts to end the conflict in Syria.We call once again for efforts to continue with respect to the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), so as to ensure safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to all those who require it. The protection of the civilian population and civilian infrastructure must also be a priority within the S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 10/12 18-14999 framework of respect for international law and international humanitarian law.We deem imperative the voluntary return of internally displaced persons in a safe and dignified manner, as soon as the situation permits. For that to happen, demining will be vital in those areas where it is necessary. We would urge that the political dialogue agenda continue to focus on the release of detainees and abductees, as well as on the identification of missing or deceased persons.We stress the efforts made towards the voluntary return of thousands of people to eastern Ghouta and other cities north and south of Damascus and their subsequent full return. My delegation would draw the attention of the Security Council to the need to protect thousands of innocent civilians, including children and the elderly, and move them to Idlib. It is urgent and pressing that peace be maintained and any escalation of violence avoided in that area, as the aftermath could be tragic.We believe that measures must continue to be taken to reduce the level of violence on the ground, promote confidence among the parties involved, alleviate the humanitarian situation and promote ongoing initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful political solution. The process must take place on the basis of the various initiatives taken and meetings held at different levels. We therefore underscore once again the commitments made at the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, held in Sochi on 30 January, with a focus on strengthening the United Nations-led political process in the framework of the road map set out in resolution 2254 (2015), in particular through the drafting of a new constitution and the establishment of a constitutional committee, which we believe must be representative and impartial. We hope that the work of that committee, in Geneva, should start as soon as possible and should be active and dynamic and include the participation of all parties to the conflict.We welcome the good offices and mediation of the Secretary-General and his close collaboration with the members of the Security Council in the quest for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria.To conclude, we reject any attempt to divide or fragment Syria along ethnic lines or to foster sectarianism there. It is the Syrian people themselves who must freely decide their future and their political leadership, in the framework of their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, without any external pressure or interference.We reiterate that the only way to resolve the conflict in Syria is through a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process that is inclusive and based on consultation and dialogue and that will allow for a peaceful solution to be reached among all the parties involved.Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom): I had not intended to speak today in the Chamber, but I wanted to respond to some of the things that we have just heard. I will therefore take this opportunity to thank Staffan de Mistura and his team for all their work, which is not proving as fast or as productive as all of us would like, but I think that we are very grateful to Staffan for all his efforts. I was also interested to hear the Chinese account of the work of their envoy.We all know what needs to be done. We have had very many discussions in this Chamber and in the Consultations Room about Syria. I think that what we struggle with is how to get it done and how to take the next step, so I hope that when we leave the Chamber and go next door into closed consultations, we can actually have a proper discussion, without polemics, about what it will take to get the constitutional committee up and running; what are the concrete steps that need to be taken and how we as the Council can best facilitate and support that; and what it takes to get Idlib protected. Lots of speakers today have referred to Idlib; I think that we all know its importance, scale and significance. I would urge those Astana progenitors to do what they can to ensure that on the ground, people in Idlib are safe and that we avert a humanitarian catastrophe there. But I would like to have a proper discussion next door about how the Council can actually support that.I wanted to turn to the issue of the Syrian Government engaging with the United Nations. The Russian representative referred to backsliding from a political settlement and entrenching Syrian unwillingness for a negotiated solution. I think that those two statements are very damning, but they are not damning about us; they are damning about the Syrian regime. We really need all those with influence on Syria, including Russia and Iran, to encourage it to set aside a military strategy as a way to resolve the conflict and to engage with the United Nations across the board, so that we can get back to Geneva and to a political settlement. It is not we in the West who are stopping 16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 11/12 that happening. The onus is truly on Syria to follow the will of the Security Council and its resolutions and to allow the United Nations to do its work to help the people of Syria. Those are the main things I wanted to say, but I would like to touch on three more points as well, if I may.We support what the Special Envoy said about bringing women in, which I think is long overdue, and he can count on the United Kingdom's full support for that. I would also like to refer to Iran and the strikes on Israel from Syrian territory, on which we are in full agreement with the United States representative's comments and have been very vocal about in public. I also want to comment on the Russian representative's remarks about the air strikes. I will not rehearse why France, the United States and the United Kingdom took the action we did, except to say that we did it to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, and in doing so we helped to protect civilians on the ground, deterred and degraded Syria's ability to use chemical weapons and thereby upheld the global prohibition on weapons of mass destruction.While I think those things remain very important, they should not be used by anyone on the Council as a reason to let the Syrian Government off the hook where engaging with the United Nations on the political process is concerned. The political process has been essential since 2012, when the Geneva talks were started. It has been increasingly essential since then, and it continues to be essential now. I therefore hope that when we go next door we can have a very detailed discussion about how we as the Council can get back to the spirit of Sweden and actually help Staffan de Mistura and his team do something concrete to achieve that, and have no more mud-slinging.The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting.I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.Mr. Mounzer (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): To begin with, the delegations of the United States and the United Kingdom have tried to promote false claims justifying their aggression against sovereign States, particularly my country, Syria, with the aim of concealing their direct involvement in terrorism and their part in the responsibility for the bloodshed in Syria. I would like to say to them that the testimony, as cited in the media, of the thousands of Syrians who have escaped the blockades of armed terrorist groups in eastern Ghouta, has proved that those countries have been involved in making those citizens suffer through their support of those terrorist groups. Through their positions, their malicious acts and their illegal occupation of various areas of Syria, they have shown that, contrary to their claims, they cannot let go of their history of greed, occupation and imperialism. When speaking in the Council, they claim falsely that they are trying to find a political solution to the situation in Syria, but let me point out, briefly, that we have been able to defeat their agenda in Aleppo and eastern Ghouta, and we will be able to ensure that they cannot win in any part of my country.For the past seven years, since the beginning of the terrorist war in Syria, the United States, Britain and France have been working relentlessly to support and help conduct that war. They have also used the United Nations as a political tool to put pressure on the Syrian Government to implement their hegemonic agenda, interfere in our internal affairs and destabilize my country. They have not used the United Nations to fight terrorism and its sponsors or to help Syria overcome the suffering inflicted on it by armed terrorist groups, which should have been the goal.The Special Envoy devoted part of his statement to discussing the humanitarian situation. In that regard, I want to reiterate that the Syrian Government gives priority to providing every kind of humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in need, wherever they are in Syria. That is our duty, and we are doing our duty. The legal and constitutional obligations established under international decisions and Security Council resolutions on combating terrorism obliged my Government to undertake military operations in eastern Ghouta in order to rescue civilians from the armed terrorist groups holding them hostage and using them for years as human shields. In that regard, I want to state that contrary to some false narratives, the successful military operations conducted by the Syrian Arab Army and its allies against the armed terrorist groups controlling a number of areas that the United Nations has classified as besieged or hard to reach — along with the settlement and reconciliation agreements — have all mitigated civilians' suffering, reduced the numbers of those areas and facilitated humanitarian access to them, including eastern Ghouta.S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 12/12 18-14999 We deplore the fact that the United States speaks of its eagerness to reach a political agreement while it has been committing acts of aggression against my country based on lies, simply because it is working to give support to the armed groups because they have suffered losses in eastern Ghouta. It was the United States that supported Israel's aggression on 9 May when Israel was unable to protect its own proxy terrorist groups and implement its conspiracy against my country's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel has continued its dangerous acts of aggression, which would not have been possible without the continuing unstinting support of the United States Government, because it enjoys impunity as a result of the support it has from the United States in the Security Council, enabling Israel to continue its terrorist acts threatening international peace and security in the region and the world. The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms that through its military and armed forces it is able and ready to fend off all acts of aggression against its sovereignty and independence. However, we want to reiterate that any attempts to support this failing terrorism will not work. Such flagrant violations will not present obstacles to us in combating terrorism throughout Syrian territory.Yesterday we concluded round nine of the Astana process, and we are pleased with the results. We thank the delegations of Russia, Iran and the host country, Kazakhstan, for making the Astana process a success with regard to combating terrorism. The outcome document of the meeting stresses the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic against any external entities that attempt to violate them.In cooperation with our friends and allies, the Syrian army has succeeded in liberating eastern Ghouta and the southern area of Damascus, making the capital and its surrounding areas safe. With the cooperation of our friends and brothers, we have also expelled the terrorists from the northern area of Homs and the southern area of Hama. Today we reaffirm that we will continue to fight terrorism and to work to liberate each and every part of our territory from terrorism and from countries that seek to undermine our sovereignty.In conclusion, the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic will spare no effort to support all genuine efforts to arrive at a political solution whereby Syrians, and only Syrians, will decide their future and make choices aimed at safeguarding Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.The President: The representative of the United Kingdom has asked for the floor to make a further statement.Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom): I just wanted to comment on the Syrian representative's last statement, in which he said that the Syrian Arab Republic will spare no effort to arrive at a political solution. That is obviously a welcome statement. I would like to ask him if he could tell the Council, or is willing to say today, that Syria will put the same amount of effort into engaging with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria and with the Council in order to take concrete steps to get the Geneva process to work and to get a constitutional committee off the ground. If Syria were able to make that commitment today in the Chamber, I believe that would unlock a lot of things for the Council.The President: The representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor.Mr. Mounzer (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): We have said time and again that we are working with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. A delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic is working directly with him. We are eager, as we have said repeatedly, to find a peaceful, Syrian-led solution to the Syrian crisis.The President: There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.The meeting rose at 11.25 a.m.
The Situation In The Middle East This Record Contains The Text Of Speeches Delivered In English And Of The Translation Of Speeches Delivered In Other Languages. ; United Nations S/PV.8260 Security Council Seventy-third year 8260th meeting Wednesday, 16 May 2018, 10 a.m. New York Provisional President: Ms. Wronecka. . (Poland) Members: Bolivia (Plurinational State of). . Mr. Inchauste Jordán China. . Mr. Ma Zhaoxu Côte d'Ivoire. . Mr. Djédjé Equatorial Guinea. . M. Ndong Mba Ethiopia. . Mr. Alemu France. . Mr. Delattre Kazakhstan. . Mr. Umarov Kuwait. . Mr. Alotaibi Netherlands. . Mr. Van Oosterom Peru. . Mr. Meza-Cuadra Russian Federation. . Mr. Polyanskiy Sweden . Mr. Skoog United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . Ms. Pierce United States of America. . Ms. Eckels-Currie Agenda The situation in the Middle East This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 (verbatimrecords@un.org). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 18-14999 (E) *1814999* S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 2/12 18-14999 The meeting was called to order at 10.15 a.m. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in the Middle East The President: In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Syria, to participate in this meeting. Mr. De Mistura is joining today's meeting via video-teleconference from Geneva. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. De Mistura. Mr. De Mistura: When I last briefed the Security Council on 9 April, it was at an emergency meeting (see S/PV.8225). On that occasion, I warned of the threats to regional and international peace and security arising from developments in or related to Syria. I know that today it is not an emergency meeting. However, the circumstances of an emergency very much remain. I do not need to remind members that tensions are high and regional and international confrontations have occurred several times. Allow me to highlight some recent events since 9 April. On 13 April, the United States, France and the United Kingdom conducted missile strikes in response to the allegations of the use of chemical weapons in eastern Ghouta. Those countries say that the strikes targeted three research and production facilities near Damascus and Homs. On 29 April, strikes were reported on Syrian Government military facilities in Hamah and Aleppo. Some media outlets attributed those strikes to Israel, alleging that those killed included Iranian personnel. Neither Israel nor Iran responded to those claims. On 8 May, strikes were reported just south of Damascus. Syrian State media attributed those strikes to Israel. Israel did not confirm that claim. Israel then said that it had detected "irregular Iranian activity" in the occupied Golan, which it put on high alert. Between 9 and 10 May, Israel carried out dozens of strikes against presumed Iranian and Syrian Government military targets across southern Syria. The Israeli authorities claim that they were responding to Iranian forces firing rockets from Syrian territory at Israeli military targets in the occupied Syrian Golan. Iran condemned the Israeli strikes and denied those claims. We are not is a position to independently verify every aspect of those incidents. However, even an incomplete picture shows the troubling trajectory of the increasingly frequent and ever more intense international confrontations over Syria, unprecedented since 1973. As the Security Council knows, the Secretary- General has followed those developments with great concern and called for restraint by all parties in order to avoid any acts that could escalate the situation and worsen the suffering of the Syrian people. The Secretary-General stressed that the United Nations has a "duty to remind Member States that there is an obligation, particularly when dealing with matters of peace and security, to act consistently with the Charter of the United Nations, and with international law in general." (S/PV.8233, p. 2) On the issue of chemical weapons, let me again echo the Secretary-General's call for the Security Council to "agree on a dedicated mechanism for ensuring effective accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria" (ibid.). As the Council well knows, as of now, we await the results of the ongoing investigation by the Fact-finding Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons following its visit to Douma, with a report to be issued to States parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, we have also seen worrying developments elsewhere in Syria. Evacuations from eastern Ghouta were similarly repeated in the eastern Qalamoun area, southern Damascus and northern rural Homs. First, on the military escalation, the pattern has been one of incoming air strikes and artillery and outgoing mortars and rockets towards Damascus. Then there was a negotiation, followed by an agreement for the evacuation of those civilians and fighters unwilling to remain under Syrian Government control or Russian Federation protection guarantees. We have also seen similar evacuation agreements 16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 3/12 being discussed in Idlib province but in a completely different format — the reverse format. This time we are talking about civilians and fighters in Government-controlled areas, namely, Kafraya and Fo'ah, while considering evacuations — beginning with medical evacuations — following the three-year siege and intermittent attacks from armed groups surrounding that area.Let me share with the Council a recurrent concern that I know that all members have. If civilians and fighters are simply funnelled into northern Syria — mostly into Idlib — then that might only postpone another conflict affecting many additional people, which I will discuss later. Therefore, it is important to keep close watch on future developments in Idlib province. Meanwhile, civilians continue to pay a terrible price. To be precise, 110,000 people have been evacuated to north-western Syria and Operation Euphrates Shield areas in the past two months. Many of them are reportedly traumatized and in urgent need of assistance and protection. Humanitarian partners are overwhelmed and stretched quite thin by the scale of those evacuations, but continue to do their utmost to respond to the growing needs, with the Council's assistance.Returning to the topic of Idlib, if a Ghouta scenario were to play out there, the situation could be six times worse, affecting 2.3 million people, half of whom are already internally displaced and would have nowhere else to go. But that is not purely a question of the Syrians' suffering. We fear that any substantial escalation in Idlib, Dar'a or in the north-east might also result in risks not only to Syrian civilians, but also for international peace and security. As we know, many of those areas contain external and international forces. Conflict there might entail confrontations with those forces, thereby leading us down a slippery slope towards regional or potential international conflict. Therefore, discussions at the international level on how to prevent that and on de-escalation are needed, and, although they are taking place, they also need to be very intensive.I was therefore very encouraged to see concrete discussions on de-escalation when I attended the ninth high-level Astana meeting yesterday, which covered the issue of Idlib in particular, as the three guarantors have a say and the means to avoid it. That round of discussions in Astana saw constructive discussions on how that might be achieved. While fully stressing the need to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, we saw at first-hand the parties engage actively on how to avoid a worst-case scenario in Idlib. Moreover, the working group, of which the United Nations is a member and a proactive supporter — as hundreds of thousands of people in Syria expect of us — held its second meeting on the release of detainees, abductees and bodies, and on the identification of missing persons. The members of the working group held constructive discussions on practical and concrete steps to address that key humanitarian issue. The guarantors informed us that they have secured the parties' support — which, if confirmed, is good news — for the activities taking place under the auspices of the working group, which is a positive development. As it is a matter of preliminary discussions, I hope that we will see progress with regard to that complex issue at the working group's next meeting, which we understand will be held in Ankara.De-escalation is indispensable, as the Syrians themselves are telling us, but it is only one of the ingredients necessary to move forward the political process. We also need to overcome concrete challenges to meaningfully follow through with the Geneva process so as to implement resolution 2254 (2015). As instructed by the Secretary-General, I have consulted with a broad spectrum of relevant stakeholders and proactively identified options for a meaningful relaunch of the United Nations-facilitated Geneva process. Over a period of two weeks, I conducted an exhaustive tour of consultations with members of the League of Arab States; representatives of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq; the European Union (EU) High Representative; representatives of several key European countries, Turkey, the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran; and all members of the Council, during what I believe was a very productive and useful retreat in Sweden; United States authorities during my visit to meet with them in Washington, D.C., several days ago; and also the Syrian Government and the opposition, with whom I had constructive discussions on the sidelines of the Astana meeting over the past two days. My deputy, Mr. Ramzy, was also in the region this past weekend in continuous political contact with regional stakeholders, and my chief of political affairs, Mr. Robert Dann, is visting China as we speak to exchange views with officials of that important member of the Security Council.What did I learn from that long tour? Not surprisingly, I returned to Geneva with a mixed picture. S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 4/12 18-14999 Clearly, significant differences remain, but there is also much common ground and interest on the need, first, to de-escalate, secondly, to form a constitutional committee under the auspices of the United Nations, thirdly, to facilitate the establishment of a safe, calm and neutral environment — leading to our shared goals in the political process — and, fourthly, to respect Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. However, those commonalities risk getting glossed over, especially in the absence of serious international dialogue. I will say more on that later. During my tour, my message to all was the need — now more than ever — for robust, strong, proactive and urgent dialogue and consensus at the international level to create the minimum conditions necessary for a realistic and credible political process. As we know, much water has flowed under the bridge and much has happened since resolution 2254 (2015) was adopted. We are therefore becoming increasingly realistic and know that we need a credible political process that takes into account the current situation and does not forget resolution 2254 (2015).As the Secretariat, we are not sitting idle in that regard. We are assessing a number of creative options to update, revive and advance the Geneva-based political process. Let me state for the record that the United Nations remains ever-mobilized and -ready to work on the formation of a constitutional committee in accordance with the final statement of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi. I therefore welcome the intention of the Astana guarantors to actively and regularly engage with the United Nations in Geneva so as to see through a concrete follow-up to the statement since its adoption three and a half months ago.I was also pleased to see a significant number of Member States reaffirm the primacy of the United Nations-led Geneva process, in general, and the need for a constitutional committee working under United Nations auspices, when I was at the EU-United Nations Brussels conference from 24 to 25 April. Those at the conference nearly unanimously reiterated the message that the only solution to the crisis will be political and that only such a political solution will pave the way for reconstruction efforts. Also in Brussels, we saw the entire United Nations system highlight the increasing needs of millions of Syrians, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and neighbouring countries hosting refugees.Let me also note the important contribution of Syrian civil society in Brussels, in particular during a side event organized by the EU and my own Office. Those present did not shy away from debating with one another constructively and intensively on complex issues, such as transitional justice and sanctions. They all demanded the release of all detainees, abductees and missing persons. They all affirmed that any political solution must protect the right of refugees and IDPs. Despite their differences, Syrians — Syrian civil society — displayed a genuine commitment to dialogue and a spirit of negotiation that I hope can be replicated in the formal negotiations.In Brussels I also met with a group of Syrian women activists who stressed that not enough has been done to secure the direct participation of Syrian women in the political process. I committed to translating our collective commitment to that inclusion into concrete measures, and I will count on the Council's support to keep that promise. For instance, in future intra-Syrian talks, I will insist that the relevant number of seats be reserved exclusively for Syrian women. When I am criticized, I hope that the Council will support me. I know it will not be popular, but it needs to be done.Let me briefly touch on an issue that was raised by the civil society in Brussels and by many Syrians elsewhere who have been writing to us, that is, the possible implications of the newly adopted Law No. 10. We are quite aware of the concerns surrounding that law. We, as well as other United Nations partners, are seeking clarifications on the law's goals and repercussions, especially for refugees and IDPs who do not have access to legal documentation.Let me conclude with two bottom lines.First, de-escalation is critical between the Syrian and international stakeholders, both regional and global. We hope that the relevant players can re-establish some overarching rules of the road in that regard. We stand ready to facilitate such a discussion, with focused support from the Council and key countries for the good offices of the Secretary-General and myself.Secondly, we must revive the political process in terms of the constitutional committee, as well as in terms of some initial steps towards the establishment of a safe, calm and neutral environment. We stand ready to facilitate discussions on both. Let me stress that a critical component of either aspect of the political process is active, continuous and positive United 16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 5/12 Nations engagement with the Syrian parties. I repeat once again that we stand ready, today as always, to engage with the Syrian Government in Damascus. We will also continue our contacts with the opposition and Syrian civil society.To unlock and lock those two aspects, careful diplomacy is required more than ever — careful, but proactive diplomacy, including at a high level. Hence, we look with interest to the forthcoming visits to Moscow and meetings of Chancellor Merkel and, later on, President Macron with President Putin, which undoubtedly will not avoid the issue of a political process in Syria. The United Nations believes that there is an urgent need for high-level diplomacy to support de-escalation, avoid any miscalculation and ensure a genuine communication system about a sustainable end to the conflict. With the support of the Secretary-General, we will increase our own efforts to contribute to that endeavour, including by offering further ideas and —if required, which we hope it will be — bridging proposals.The President: I thank Mr. De Mistura for his briefing.I shall now give the floor to the members of the Security Council who wish to make statements.Ms. Eckels-Currie (United States of America): Since this is my first opportunity to congratulate you upon assuming the presidency, Madam President, I would like to do so at this time. I also thank Staffan for his briefing.Last week the world witnessed a new and extremely dangerous escalation in Syria. It should not surprise anyone on the Security Council that Iran was responsible. Iranian forces operating from Syrian territory launched a rocket attack against Israeli citizens — citizens of a sovereign State Member of the United Nations. The United States strongly supports Israel's right to act in self-defence. Iran's reckless and provocative acts last week prove what we have been saying: wherever Iran shows up in the Middle East, chaos follows. Last week's rocket attack against Israel is the latest in a pattern of destabilizing behaviour that is a dire threat to the region's stability.Iran's rocket attack against Israel shows something else too. It puts to bed any myths about why Iran is present in Syria, or what its true objectives might be. The fact is that Iran has installed offensive rocket and missile systems in Syria aimed at Israel. Iran has introduced those threats that were not present in Syria before the conflict; they are now. Iran, together with Hizbullah and other militias, is taking advantage of Syrian territory to establish bases and training camps. They are moving ever closer to Israel. The United States calls on Iran, Hizbullah and their other proxies to take no further provocative steps. If they do, Iran will bear full responsibility for its actions.It is also important to emphasize that Iran's actions do not serve the interests of the Iranian or the Syrian people. The Syrian people get no say in whether Iran threatens war against Syria's neighbours, but it is they who have to live with the consequences.All of us on the Security Council have an important choice to make: we can stay quiet and watch as Iran builds up the infrastructure to create another Hizbullah in Syria, or we can speak up and take steps to put real pressure on Iran to stop. For our part, the United States refuses to stay quiet. Russia in particular has a special responsibility here. Its troops are on the ground, sometimes alongside Iran's. Russia must know that Iran's provocative actions do nothing to help resolve the war in Syria. Russia must know that Iran's actions do just the opposite. They only inflame, prolong and widen the conflict.We heard once again from Staffan today that there has been very little progress on the political track. There has been no progress at all in Geneva, or following Russia's own conferences in Astana and Sochi. Since January, the United Nations was supposed assemble a new constitution drafting committee that would help kick off a new round of talks. The United Nations was supposed to have the ability to choose which people would serve on the committee, and the United Nations was supposed to be empowered to facilitate those talks. Instead, the Al-Assad regime has backtracked, stalled and then refused to cooperate.At the same time, the Syrian regime escalated its brutal military campaign. It seized eastern Ghouta, at the cost of thousands of lives and tens of thousands displaced. It used chemical weapons in Douma. Just yesterday, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-finding Mission released a report determining that chlorine was used during attacks on 4 February in Saraqib.As reported by the Fact-finding Mission, the facts of that chemical-weapons attack bear the hallmarks S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 6/12 18-14999 of similar attacks conducted by the Al-Assad regime. As we have said before, the United States assesses that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons well over 50 times since the start of the civil war. The Al-Assad regime, with Iran's and Russia's full support, is choosing to pursue a military solution instead of a political solution, and that goes against everything we should stand for as the Security Council.In the aftermath of eastern Ghouta, the need for a real ceasefire could not be more obvious. Already, we see the Al-Assad regime launching new attacks in Idlib and the south-west. As Staffan noted, a Ghouta scenario in Idlib would be six times worse than the horror we saw in recent months in Ghouta. Air strikes in the south-west have tripled in the last month, even though that area is part of a de-escalation zone. Russia is supposed to be a sponsor of that zone. It must urgently meet its commitments to prevent the regime from carrying out attacks and stop Iranian militias from expanding their foothold in the south.Members of the Security Council — all of us — must push the political process forward. There is Council unity behind that goal. There is a clear blueprint for a political solution in resolution 2254 (2015), which we adopted unanimously. We have to send a clear message to the Al-Assad regime and its backers: the end of the conflict can be reached only via the United Nations-led political process. There must be constitutional reform and free and fair elections under United Nations supervision. If the Al-Assad regime does not comply, we need to be prepared to impose real costs on it for its years of defiance and the devastation it has wrought in Syria. If we take those steps, we can start to change the calculus of the Al-Assad regime and its allies in Syria. We can show them that further conflict is not in their interests and that it is time for them to genuinely commit to a political solution. But as we saw last week, the longer we wait, the greater the risk of confrontation. Now is the time to act to reduce tensions and address Iran's designs in Syria. That is how we can prevent further escalation and even worse suffering. There is no time to waste.Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Mr. De Mistura for his briefing. We can see that his personal participation in the meeting on Syria in Astana enabled him to make it a substantive one. We appreciated his call for active diplomacy, which Russia has advocated for from the very beginning. We continue to make significant efforts to facilitate a political settlement in Syria despite the undermining effects of the aggressive action by the United States, the United Kingdom and France in April against a number of civilian structures in Syria. I discerned no sympathy about what happened there in the statement by my United States colleague, despite the fact that it was a blatant breach of international law and did absolutely nothing to advance any kind of a settlement. Furthermore, her statement had an odd, confrontational tone that I felt certainly did not correspond to the message that Mr. De Mistura wanted to convey to all of us today, which is that it will be important for diplomacy to function if the peace that the Syrians have awaited for so long is to finally be established on the ground.Unlike some Security Council member States, which prefer taking unilateral measures to finding ways to solve problems, Russia is focusing on steps to genuinely improve the situation on the ground and advance the prospects for a political settlement. As Mr. De Mistura already noted, the ninth meeting of the participants in the Astana process concluded yesterday in the capital of Kazakhstan, and the guarantors adopted a joint statement. We are grateful to the leadership of Kazakhstan for its steadfast support. The meeting in Astana considered concrete measures for resolving a number of political and humanitarian issues and analysed the situation in the de-escalation zones, which play a key role in maintaining the ceasefire regime, reducing the level of violence and generally stabilizing the situation in Syria. The importance was noted of increasing efforts to help all Syrians and restore normal civilian life and, to that end, of providing fast, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and essential humanitarian and medical assistance, and creating the conditions needed to enable the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes, as well as people's freedom of movement.A second meeting was held of the working group on the liberation of detainees and hostages to discuss the handover of the bodies of the dead and the search for missing persons, with the participation of experts from the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The importance of continuing joint efforts with the aim of building trust among the conflicting parties in Syria was emphasized. The Syrian Government declared its willingness to engage with the working group and decided to appoint a special representative on issues related to its work.16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 7/12 In line with the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015), the meeting affirmed its determination to continuing to promote a political settlement by helping to implement the recommendations of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held in Sochi. The consultations with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General and the Syrian parties will continue, with a view to establishing the conditions conducive to starting the work of a constitutional committee in Geneva as soon as possible, whose parameters will have to be agreed on by the Syrians themselves. We will get nowhere without their consensus, so there is no point in proposing artificial frameworks for the process, especially if they are based on provisional plans of some kind. Thanks to the Astana process, we have succeeded in generating momentum for a political process based on intra-Syrian talks under the auspices of the United Nations, although, as we have noted, the triple alliance's aggression against the Syrian Arab Republic has significantly limited the room for manoeuvre in that regard.Concerted efforts by the guarantor countries are bringing us steadily closer to eliminating the presence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Jabhat Al-Nusra and other terrorist groups altogether. The recent situation in Syria has continued to be difficult. The guarantor countries' efforts are certainly not being helped by provocative initiatives from external actors, which merely strengthen radical sentiments among groups opposing the legitimate Government and fuel their reluctance to work for negotiated solutions.In Damascus, the operation to liberate the southern regions and suburbs of the capital from ISIL-affiliated groups continues, but Yalda, Babila and Bayt Saham are now fully under the Syrian authorities' control and civilian life there is returning. Russian specialists are helping the Syrian authorities to restore civilian infrastructure. Mines are being cleared, socially significant facilities are being rebuilt and electricity and water services are being restored. In eastern Ghouta, some 65,000 residents previously evacuated from the area have returned to their homes. However, in some other regions where the Syrian Government lacks access, the situation has continued to deteriorate. That is especially true of the Rukban and Al-Tuwaihina refugee camps, as well as the former ISIL capital, Raqqa, where the humanitarian situation is disastrous. Measures must be taken to rectify it without delay. The solution is simple — restore Damascus's sovereignty over those territories as soon as possible.Government forces and Palestinian volunteers, with aerial and artillery support, have continued to combat fierce resistance from terrorist detachments in the Palestinian refugee camp in Yarmouk. The militias wounded several dozen civilians in mortar strikes on residential areas in the north-east area of the camp. In the past week, the territory held by the illegal armed groups in Yarmouk has been significantly reduced.The Syrian army's assault on ISIL positions in Deir ez-Zor province has also been ramped up. ISIL's adherents have incurred considerable losses in manpower and equipment and have been driven out of an area of about 1,500 square kilometres. A large-scale operation to eliminate ISIL is being conducted in the eastern part of Syria with the aim of completely defeating the terrorists based in hard-to-reach desert areas, who have been increasing their attacks on Government forces in the Euphrates region and Homs province.We will continue the difficult work of restoring peace in Syria. Frankly, we are disturbed by some international and regional actors' disrespectful attitude to the issue of Syrian sovereignty, of which we have recently seen alarming manifestations. It is important to understand that this will not help to normalize the situation in Syria or the region as a whole. It fuels the conflict and reduces the prospects for a political settlement. For example, how can we be sure that reckless and illegal actions similar to those that occurred a month ago will not be repeated on some other trumped-up pretext? The reckless conduct of a number of international and regional players who claim to have common sense has considerably slowed progress regarding a settlement of the situation in Syria. If they cannot or will not help us with that, they should at least not interfere.In conclusion, I would like to touch briefly on the remarks by my American colleague. Basically, more than half of her statement was about Iran, not Syria, and Syria is the item on our agenda today, after all. I would also like to ask the Americans some questions we have about that. Before they blame Russia or Iran, I would like to ask what the reason is for the presence of United States forces in Syria and what their real objective is. The territories under their control have become grey areas where extremists of various stripes and real terrorists roam freely. In particular, what is going on with the several hundred ISIL followers who are being held by forces loyal to the United States under United States oversight in the region beyond the S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 8/12 18-14999 Euphrates? They are not being investigated, and nor are they being returned to their countries of origin. We are worried that ISIL will re-emerge in those areas when the United States withdraws from them, which it must do sooner or later.In conclusion, I would like to once again assure the Council of Russia's willingness to support any diplomatic efforts that can bring an end to the miseries of the Syrian people and peace to that long-suffering land.Mr. Ma Zhaoxu (China) (spoke in Chinese): I would like to begin by thanking Mr. De Mistura, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, for his briefing. I appreciate his tireless efforts to find a political solution to the conflict.In recent weeks various members of the international community have made tremendous efforts to restore momentum in the political process. China welcomes the latest round of Astana talks and its joint communiqué, and salutes Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Iran for their efforts. We hope that this dialogue will continue to play a positive role in helping to maintain a ceasefire in Syria and advance the Geneva negotiations.China has always maintained that a political solution is the only possible option where the issue of Syria is concerned, and that achieving that goal will require efforts on the international, regional and national fronts. First, the international community should continue to give its support to the United Nations, as the main channel for mediation, and to Mr. De Mistura's efforts to relaunch the Geneva negotiations as soon as possible, on a basis of full respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and with a view to helping the conflicting parties to engage in negotiations on political governance, the Constitution, elections and counter-terrorism. The Council should remain united in moving the Syrian political process forward.Secondly, the countries involved in the region should take the country's long-term interests and stability into consideration and play a constructive role in helping to find a political solution. China notes that there have been attacks on targets inside Syria. We hope that the parties concerned will remain calm, show restraint and work together to maintain regional peace and stability.Thirdly, both the Syrian Government and the opposition, based on concern for the future of their country and the fundamental interests of their people, should proceed to participate in the Geneva negotiations without preconditions, in accordance with the principle of a dialogue that is Syrian-owned and -led, and on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015), with a view to actively engaging in gradual efforts to reach a settlement that is acceptable to all the parties.For its part, China has been working relentlessly to find a solution. On 13 and 14 May, in the first instance of such an event being held on Syria in China, we hosted an international symposium in Shanghai on the prospects for a political settlement to the Syrian issue. It was attended by Xie Xiaoyan, China's Special Envoy for Syria, a representative of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, and the Special Envoys of the United Kingdom and France for Syria, as well as experts and scholars from many countries. Participants held in-depth discussions on the prospects for a solution, the factors bearing on a political settlement and the role of the international community. Our Special Envoy remains in close contact with the parties concerned in his continuing efforts to help reach a solution. Together with the rest of the international community, China stands ready to continue to play a positive and constructive role in finding a political solution to the issue.Mr. Umarov (Kazakhstan): We thank the Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. De Mistura, for his update, and we were glad to hear some encouraging notes of optimism in his briefing.Despite the numerous problems on the humanitarian and political fronts in Syria, Kazakhstan believes that it is imperative to continue to promote a settlement of the crisis while implementing resolution 2254 (2015). We are glad that at their meetings held on 14 and 15 May in Astana, the representatives of Syria's Government and opposition, along with those of the guarantor States, unanimously confirmed the importance of continuing the process. Among other issues, they addressed the importance of increasing efforts to ensure compliance with the various agreements reached during the previous eight rounds of the Astana talks. On the other hand, they also agreed that Geneva should remain the main international platform from which to seek and implement a political settlement of the Syrian crisis. It will also be important to continue to support the aims of the Astana talks and further Geneva negotiations, while ultimately merging those important platforms with the aim of achieving positive results.16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 9/12 We thank the Special Envoy for his consultations with various Foreign Ministers at the recent summit of the League of Arab States, as well as with Ms. Federica Mogherini, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. His high-level meetings in Moscow, Tehran, Riyadh and Ankara, as well as his consultations with several European ministers and senior representatives of the United States, are also commendable. We are encouraged by his summary today of his meetings and the outcomes of the Astana process, and we note his hopes for progress and his readiness to increase his own efforts and those of several of the principal stakeholders to revive the political process.We can all see that de-confliction and the precautionary measures to safeguard protected sites under humanitarian law are working. So far this year, 500 additional sites have been de-conflicted, as the process is known. Their coordinates have been voluntarily submitted through the United Nations, and today the total number of sites stands at 661.We are hearing a number of continuing questions and concerns about the outlook for Idlib, which should certainly be our top priority, simply because it has such a large population of vulnerable ordinary citizens. We agree with Mr. De Mistura that since Idlib is six times larger than eastern Ghouta, and therefore has six times more civilian residents, it is in an extremely vulnerable position. We cannot afford a war in Idlib and we therefore call on the main stakeholders with an influence on the conflicting parties to hold negotiations at the national and local levels and in the wider region in order to mitigate the potential tensions.We are impressed by the courageous stance of and the sacrifices made by the United Nations, the Red Crescent, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Norwegian Refugee Council, which are serving under the most challenging circumstances.To conclude, we also hope that the Brussels Conference, held on 24 and 25 April, will help to generate conditions conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis.Finally, we emphasize once again that the most important condition for the settlement of the Syrian crisis is a political process, through direct dialogue and the use of confidence-building measures among the parties, without which there can be no lasting results. We should not forget that it is the Syrians themselves who should begin to shape the future political system of the Syrian State, with the necessary legislative reforms, its territorial and administrative structure, and presidential and parliamentary elections, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015).Mr. Inchauste Jordán (Plurinational State of Bolivia) (spoke in Spanish): We express our gratitude for the briefing that we heard from Mr. Staffan de Mistura, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, to whom we reiterate our support in the discharge of his duties.Once again we cannot but express our sorrow at the fact that this conflict has gone on for six years now and we are still witnessing the ongoing siege and violence suffered by the Syrian people, mainly children, who, in addition to living with the psychological aftermath of the situation, are also in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We deplore any act of violence that puts human lives at risk and therefore call for an end to the violence and urge the parties to refrain from any hostile, provocative or unilateral actions, in order to prevent any further suffering of the Syrian people and any further destabilization of the region.We welcome the holding of the summit of the three ceasefire guarantors in Ankara, Turkey, in March. We will be focusing closely on the next summit, which will be sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Likewise, we welcome the recent Astana meeting. We deem its outcome positive, as were the agreements reached one year ago exactly, when the important de-escalation zones were established. We believe that that international initiative has served to reduce the level of violence and has facilitated, and will continue to facilitate, the path to peace and stability in Syria.We therefore call for greater coordination among the local authorities within the de-escalation zones, humanitarian agencies and the Syrian Government, which will make it possible to improve the living conditions of the local population, with a view to contributing to international efforts to end the conflict in Syria.We call once again for efforts to continue with respect to the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), so as to ensure safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to all those who require it. The protection of the civilian population and civilian infrastructure must also be a priority within the S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 10/12 18-14999 framework of respect for international law and international humanitarian law.We deem imperative the voluntary return of internally displaced persons in a safe and dignified manner, as soon as the situation permits. For that to happen, demining will be vital in those areas where it is necessary. We would urge that the political dialogue agenda continue to focus on the release of detainees and abductees, as well as on the identification of missing or deceased persons.We stress the efforts made towards the voluntary return of thousands of people to eastern Ghouta and other cities north and south of Damascus and their subsequent full return. My delegation would draw the attention of the Security Council to the need to protect thousands of innocent civilians, including children and the elderly, and move them to Idlib. It is urgent and pressing that peace be maintained and any escalation of violence avoided in that area, as the aftermath could be tragic.We believe that measures must continue to be taken to reduce the level of violence on the ground, promote confidence among the parties involved, alleviate the humanitarian situation and promote ongoing initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful political solution. The process must take place on the basis of the various initiatives taken and meetings held at different levels. We therefore underscore once again the commitments made at the Syrian National Dialogue Congress, held in Sochi on 30 January, with a focus on strengthening the United Nations-led political process in the framework of the road map set out in resolution 2254 (2015), in particular through the drafting of a new constitution and the establishment of a constitutional committee, which we believe must be representative and impartial. We hope that the work of that committee, in Geneva, should start as soon as possible and should be active and dynamic and include the participation of all parties to the conflict.We welcome the good offices and mediation of the Secretary-General and his close collaboration with the members of the Security Council in the quest for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria.To conclude, we reject any attempt to divide or fragment Syria along ethnic lines or to foster sectarianism there. It is the Syrian people themselves who must freely decide their future and their political leadership, in the framework of their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, without any external pressure or interference.We reiterate that the only way to resolve the conflict in Syria is through a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process that is inclusive and based on consultation and dialogue and that will allow for a peaceful solution to be reached among all the parties involved.Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom): I had not intended to speak today in the Chamber, but I wanted to respond to some of the things that we have just heard. I will therefore take this opportunity to thank Staffan de Mistura and his team for all their work, which is not proving as fast or as productive as all of us would like, but I think that we are very grateful to Staffan for all his efforts. I was also interested to hear the Chinese account of the work of their envoy.We all know what needs to be done. We have had very many discussions in this Chamber and in the Consultations Room about Syria. I think that what we struggle with is how to get it done and how to take the next step, so I hope that when we leave the Chamber and go next door into closed consultations, we can actually have a proper discussion, without polemics, about what it will take to get the constitutional committee up and running; what are the concrete steps that need to be taken and how we as the Council can best facilitate and support that; and what it takes to get Idlib protected. Lots of speakers today have referred to Idlib; I think that we all know its importance, scale and significance. I would urge those Astana progenitors to do what they can to ensure that on the ground, people in Idlib are safe and that we avert a humanitarian catastrophe there. But I would like to have a proper discussion next door about how the Council can actually support that.I wanted to turn to the issue of the Syrian Government engaging with the United Nations. The Russian representative referred to backsliding from a political settlement and entrenching Syrian unwillingness for a negotiated solution. I think that those two statements are very damning, but they are not damning about us; they are damning about the Syrian regime. We really need all those with influence on Syria, including Russia and Iran, to encourage it to set aside a military strategy as a way to resolve the conflict and to engage with the United Nations across the board, so that we can get back to Geneva and to a political settlement. It is not we in the West who are stopping 16/05/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8260 18-14999 11/12 that happening. The onus is truly on Syria to follow the will of the Security Council and its resolutions and to allow the United Nations to do its work to help the people of Syria. Those are the main things I wanted to say, but I would like to touch on three more points as well, if I may.We support what the Special Envoy said about bringing women in, which I think is long overdue, and he can count on the United Kingdom's full support for that. I would also like to refer to Iran and the strikes on Israel from Syrian territory, on which we are in full agreement with the United States representative's comments and have been very vocal about in public. I also want to comment on the Russian representative's remarks about the air strikes. I will not rehearse why France, the United States and the United Kingdom took the action we did, except to say that we did it to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, and in doing so we helped to protect civilians on the ground, deterred and degraded Syria's ability to use chemical weapons and thereby upheld the global prohibition on weapons of mass destruction.While I think those things remain very important, they should not be used by anyone on the Council as a reason to let the Syrian Government off the hook where engaging with the United Nations on the political process is concerned. The political process has been essential since 2012, when the Geneva talks were started. It has been increasingly essential since then, and it continues to be essential now. I therefore hope that when we go next door we can have a very detailed discussion about how we as the Council can get back to the spirit of Sweden and actually help Staffan de Mistura and his team do something concrete to achieve that, and have no more mud-slinging.The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting.I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.Mr. Mounzer (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): To begin with, the delegations of the United States and the United Kingdom have tried to promote false claims justifying their aggression against sovereign States, particularly my country, Syria, with the aim of concealing their direct involvement in terrorism and their part in the responsibility for the bloodshed in Syria. I would like to say to them that the testimony, as cited in the media, of the thousands of Syrians who have escaped the blockades of armed terrorist groups in eastern Ghouta, has proved that those countries have been involved in making those citizens suffer through their support of those terrorist groups. Through their positions, their malicious acts and their illegal occupation of various areas of Syria, they have shown that, contrary to their claims, they cannot let go of their history of greed, occupation and imperialism. When speaking in the Council, they claim falsely that they are trying to find a political solution to the situation in Syria, but let me point out, briefly, that we have been able to defeat their agenda in Aleppo and eastern Ghouta, and we will be able to ensure that they cannot win in any part of my country.For the past seven years, since the beginning of the terrorist war in Syria, the United States, Britain and France have been working relentlessly to support and help conduct that war. They have also used the United Nations as a political tool to put pressure on the Syrian Government to implement their hegemonic agenda, interfere in our internal affairs and destabilize my country. They have not used the United Nations to fight terrorism and its sponsors or to help Syria overcome the suffering inflicted on it by armed terrorist groups, which should have been the goal.The Special Envoy devoted part of his statement to discussing the humanitarian situation. In that regard, I want to reiterate that the Syrian Government gives priority to providing every kind of humanitarian assistance to all Syrians in need, wherever they are in Syria. That is our duty, and we are doing our duty. The legal and constitutional obligations established under international decisions and Security Council resolutions on combating terrorism obliged my Government to undertake military operations in eastern Ghouta in order to rescue civilians from the armed terrorist groups holding them hostage and using them for years as human shields. In that regard, I want to state that contrary to some false narratives, the successful military operations conducted by the Syrian Arab Army and its allies against the armed terrorist groups controlling a number of areas that the United Nations has classified as besieged or hard to reach — along with the settlement and reconciliation agreements — have all mitigated civilians' suffering, reduced the numbers of those areas and facilitated humanitarian access to them, including eastern Ghouta.S/PV.8260 The situation in the Middle East 16/05/2018 12/12 18-14999 We deplore the fact that the United States speaks of its eagerness to reach a political agreement while it has been committing acts of aggression against my country based on lies, simply because it is working to give support to the armed groups because they have suffered losses in eastern Ghouta. It was the United States that supported Israel's aggression on 9 May when Israel was unable to protect its own proxy terrorist groups and implement its conspiracy against my country's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel has continued its dangerous acts of aggression, which would not have been possible without the continuing unstinting support of the United States Government, because it enjoys impunity as a result of the support it has from the United States in the Security Council, enabling Israel to continue its terrorist acts threatening international peace and security in the region and the world. The Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms that through its military and armed forces it is able and ready to fend off all acts of aggression against its sovereignty and independence. However, we want to reiterate that any attempts to support this failing terrorism will not work. Such flagrant violations will not present obstacles to us in combating terrorism throughout Syrian territory.Yesterday we concluded round nine of the Astana process, and we are pleased with the results. We thank the delegations of Russia, Iran and the host country, Kazakhstan, for making the Astana process a success with regard to combating terrorism. The outcome document of the meeting stresses the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic against any external entities that attempt to violate them.In cooperation with our friends and allies, the Syrian army has succeeded in liberating eastern Ghouta and the southern area of Damascus, making the capital and its surrounding areas safe. With the cooperation of our friends and brothers, we have also expelled the terrorists from the northern area of Homs and the southern area of Hama. Today we reaffirm that we will continue to fight terrorism and to work to liberate each and every part of our territory from terrorism and from countries that seek to undermine our sovereignty.In conclusion, the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic will spare no effort to support all genuine efforts to arrive at a political solution whereby Syrians, and only Syrians, will decide their future and make choices aimed at safeguarding Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.The President: The representative of the United Kingdom has asked for the floor to make a further statement.Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom): I just wanted to comment on the Syrian representative's last statement, in which he said that the Syrian Arab Republic will spare no effort to arrive at a political solution. That is obviously a welcome statement. I would like to ask him if he could tell the Council, or is willing to say today, that Syria will put the same amount of effort into engaging with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria and with the Council in order to take concrete steps to get the Geneva process to work and to get a constitutional committee off the ground. If Syria were able to make that commitment today in the Chamber, I believe that would unlock a lot of things for the Council.The President: The representative of the Syrian Arab Republic has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I now give him the floor.Mr. Mounzer (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): We have said time and again that we are working with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria. A delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic is working directly with him. We are eager, as we have said repeatedly, to find a peaceful, Syrian-led solution to the Syrian crisis.The President: There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject.The meeting rose at 11.25 a.m.
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With a whirlwind of dramatic events gripping the world's attention, it can be easy to forget that we are now less than one year away from the 2024 presidential election.Despite their expected focus on domestic issues, candidates will have a lot to answer for this cycle when it comes to foreign policy as the war in Ukraine drags on and U.S.-China relations continue to deteriorate.The Democratic Party has chosen not to hold debates despite growing concerns about President Joe Biden's chances next year. With only a couple of months to go before the primaries start, the Quincy Institute decided that it would be useful to survey Biden's challengers from the left on how they would handle a range of foreign policy issues if elected.The candidates' responses show interesting differences on a range of questions, from a potential Israeli-Saudi normalization deal to the possibility of using military force to fight the cartels in Mexico. The questionnaire went out before the October 7 Hamas attacks against Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, but we pulled together candidates' reactions to the events where possible.We received responses from Democratic candidate Marianne Williamson as well as independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West. Biden's campaign declined to participate, so we have aggregated relevant quotes and information about the president's stances where possible. We did the same for Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who entered the race in late October and has not responded to our requests. We will update this page if we receive further responses.Biggest challenges to U.S. security; how to avoid war with China; potential negotiations to end the war in Ukraine; U.S. role in Saudi-Israeli normalization; withdrawing troops from Middle East; military force and the Mexican cartels; Israel-Hamas warWhat, in your view, are the three most pressing challenges to U.S. national security?Joe Biden (D)While President Biden has not directly addressed this question, his national security adviser said the following about the White House's 2022 National Security Strategy: "Our strategy proceeds from the premise that the two strategic challenges — geopolitical competition and shared transnational threats — are intertwined. We cannot build the broad coalitions we need to out-compete our rivals, if we sideline the issues that most directly impact the lives of billions of people." He further argued that "this is a decisive decade for shaping the terms of competition, especially with the PRC [China]. This is a decisive decade for getting ahead of the great global challenges — from climate to disease to emerging technology."Marianne Williamson (D)"The three most pressing challenges to U.S. national security are the nuclear threat, climate change, and our inability to go beyond the adversarial positioning in which countries view each other. We are closer to nuclear war than we've been in a long time. We must move towards a nuclear-free world, and we must begin by adopting a no first use policy. Once we adopt this policy, it will be much easier for us to get other nuclear-armed countries to do the same. There is no threat I am more concerned about than climate change. We are living through the last few years where we have a chance to save humanity. We must immediately undergo a just transition from a dirty fossil fueled economy to a clean renewable economy, and create millions of good jobs in the process. The time for incrementalism on climate is over. If we only view other countries through an adversarial lens, in terms of how they can harm or serve our interests, then we cannot deal with these crucial issues that challenge the security of all of us. We must work together with the international community for the common interest so that we can begin to deal with climate change, nuclear weapons, pandemics, and other threats."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)"The most pressing challenges are the ones we have created ourselves. First is the risk of nuclear war, which belligerent and provocative U.S. policy has elevated to levels not seen since the Cold War.The second is the bankrupting of America's wealth, the result of decades of elevated military spending. The trillions spent on armaments could have gone toward building modern infrastructure, feeding and housing people, tackling chronic disease, and nourishing a thriving domestic economy.A third threat to national security is the epidemic of violence in our streets and in our homes. When we wage endless wars abroad, their mirror image afflicts us at home. Realistically, our nation is not threatened by an armed invasion by a foreign power. We have to broaden what we mean by 'national security' to include the things that actually make Americans feel insecure."Cornel West (I)"Climate Change: Climate change is not an endpoint that awaits us in the distant future, it is among us right now and impacting lives across the country and the entire world, especially the most vulnerable and most disadvantaged populations here in the U.S. — Black, Brown, Indigenous, and the poor. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), climate change-related damages cost the United States an estimated $165 Billion in 2022, Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm that massacred communities in Florida, including the loss of 150 lives, cost taxpayers approximately $112.9 Billion alone. Moreover, NOAA estimates that in the last 40 years, 341 storms exacerbated by climate change have cost the nation more than $2.5 Trillion. To put that into perspective, that's $80 Billion more than the national deficit of approximately $1.7 Trillion, thus far, for Fiscal Year 2023, and 1.5 percent of the national debt that stands at $161.7 trillion and counting. A nation already in massive debt, coupled with the astronomical costs of a growing climate crisis is the direct antithesis of national security. It's undeniable that more calamities associated with the climate crisis, including more powerful weather incidents that induce extreme flooding, extreme heat, and other environmental stressors, are inevitable. These events will have profound impacts on myriad systems and institutions that are necessary to maintain a livable society including, but not limited to, the production of food, access to clean water sources, the quality and availability of housing, transportation, education, and healthcare. The collapse of these systems could reasonably engender massive social unrest that would result in the massive displacement and forced migration of people as we are already witnessing with the United Houma Nation, Pointe-au Chien Indian Tribe, and Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw of present-day Louisiana, who are the first federally recognized climate migrants, whose land is literally sinking due to oil and gas extraction in the Gulf of Mexico, which has rendered their land susceptible to the impacts of climate change. In fact, the United Nations Office of the High Commissions for Refugees has predicted that more than 200 million people, globally, will be forced to relocate due to climate change, including 40% of United Statesians who currently reside in coastal areas. From the atrocities of Hurricane Katrina to the current situation at the United States border with Mexico, we have already witnessed the consequences of climate-related breakdowns of social, economic, and other systems necessary to maintain quality of life and life itself breakdown all coupled with mass migration of innocent people seeking refuge.Increased Militarism: The United States is the single biggest military spender in the world with an annual budget roughly the size of the next seven largest military budgets combined. According to records kept by the National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), in any given year, military spending accounts for over half of the federal government's annual discretionary budget. The U.S. military's bloated budget is utilized to build weapons and warcraft, which are in turn utilized to threaten other nations and demand their cooperation with the perceived U.S. military hegemony or offered to cooperative nations as part of military alliances. In FY 2023 alone, out of a $1.8 trillion federal discretionary budget, $1.1 trillion – or 62 percent – was for militarized programs. On top of war and weapons for the Pentagon, these expenditures include domestic militarism for police departments across the country and mass incarceration, as well as increased detentions and deportation, which represent direct threats to the security of Black, Brown, Indigenous and poor people in the United States. As we are witnessing right now, the current administration is complicit in thousands of civilian deaths by giving Israel military aid at $3.8 billion this year, half of which goes to Israel's missile system. They are now requesting a combined supplemental aid package at $106 billion for Israel along with Ukraine, Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, and US immigration enforcement at the US-Mexico southern border. To put this in perspective, combined with the estimated $113 billion in military aid the US has already sent to Ukraine, should the Congress grant President Biden's additional $105 billion package to Ukraine and Israel, this would represent almost 60% of the initially estimated $379 billion in climate change expenditures over 10 years included as part of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. Further, the $105 billion military aid package to Israel and Ukraine is one hundred times the paltry $1 billion that the US pledged to the Green Climate Fund earlier this year, to fund climate mitigation and adaptation in the formerly colonized countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. Our friends at IPS also indicate that the U.S. could safely redirect at least $350 billion from the Pentagon's current spending per year and achieve true security by ending wars, reducing our aggressive posture overseas, and reining in military contracts that drain public coffers for private gain - all measures that would actually increase national security, while making resources available for critical domestic needs including, but not limited to, increased access to healthcare, improving the nation's broken education system - including an iniquitous student loan debt crisis, and real action to address the climate crisis. With the largest military in the world, the US is the single largest greenhouse gas emitting institution and consumer of fossil fuels on the entire planet, with a carbon footprint bigger than 140 other countries. The environmental and climate impacts of global militarism and war are staggering. Militarization continues to increase greenhouse gas emissions and pollute and poison land, water and air through weapons production, storage, and use, which is ironic Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, himself recently declared, 'There is little about what the Defense Department does to defend the American people that is not affected by climate change. It is a national security issue, and we must treat it as such.'Rising White Supremacy and Nationalism: We have already observed how the interlinked crises of the calamities associated with climate change, which push those disproportionately impacted further to the margins and thereby increasing the militarization of the southern border, urban areas, and throughout the world to address associated entropy of social systems and infrastructure tends to increase sentiments that beguile far too many U.S. residents to embrace elements of white supremacy ideology, thereby increasing instances of violence and acceptance of authoritarian and fascist paradigms that represent clear and present dangers to national security – no one knows this better than the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2001, Attorney General, Merrick Garland admonished the Senate Appropriations Committee stating, in part, "Domestic violent extremists pose an elevated threat in 2021 and in the FBI's view, the top domestic violent extremist threat we face comes from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists, specifically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race." This salient issue has the potential to literally tear our nation asunder. A nation this divided is itself a national security risk that can be taken advantage of by nations hostile to the U.S. due to imperialist and interventionist past and present foreign policies of our country and their lasting impacts to [a] marked number of nations across the globe. Dismantling growing white supremacy and nationalism will require a multifaceted and intersectional approach that seeks to deracinate the root causes of this epidemic that prevents the U.S. from living up to its best self while also remaining a seemingly indelible threat. This will require tying requisite economic relief from an oligarchic approach to wealth accumulation and redistribution that exacerbates the white supremacy ideology ensconced in the fabric of this nation in such a way that has been negatively radicalizing poor white folk who may not even realize how the capitalist domination system upheld by the political duopoly extract from them as much as non-white people they are bamboozled to hate and stigmatize. I am confident that my Economic Justice prescriptions that include establishing a federal Universal Basic Income commission, wealth tax on all billionaire holdings and transaction, ending all tax loopholes for the oligarchy, and establishing a national $27 minimum wage, with special considerations for specific geographies where $27/hour would not be a family-sustaining wage, will be key steps in eviscerating the rise of white supremacy and nationalism in our nation that hurts the people perpetrated against as much as the people doing the perpetrating."As president, what would you do to avoid a direct military confrontation with China?Joe Biden (D)Biden has not directly addressed this question since becoming president, but a White House readout from his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year gives a good summary of his administration's stated approach to relations with China. "President Biden explained that the United States will continue to compete vigorously with the PRC, including by investing in sources of strength at home and aligning efforts with allies and partners around the world. He reiterated that this competition should not veer into conflict and underscored that the United States and China must manage the competition responsibly and maintain open lines of communication. The two leaders discussed the importance of developing principles that would advance these goals and tasked their teams to discuss them further. President Biden underscored that the United States and China must work together to address transnational challenges – such as climate change, global macroeconomic stability including debt relief, health security, and global food security – because that is what the international community expects."Marianne Williamson (D)"We absolutely cannot have a direct military confrontation with China, which would be one step away from World War III and nuclear Armageddon. The U.S. must accept that we are in a multipolar world. While I am deeply concerned about China's authoritarianism and serious violations of human rights, I do not think that China is interested in invading the U.S. or in starting a war with us. While we should do what we can through peaceful diplomacy to lessen Chinese human rights violations, we cannot start World War III between two nuclear-armed countries. Our military must stop trying to encircle China in the South China Sea. Instead, we must talk to China and seek peaceful coexistence."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)"We believe that China has no desire for military confrontation. We will therefore ratchet down the tensions and cease the provocations in the South China Sea and elsewhere. We will adopt a posture that does not see China as an 'adversary,' and begin to negotiate arms control treaties in good faith so that both countries can reduce military spending to better the lives of their citizens."Cornel West (I)"We all know where a direct military confrontation with the People's Republic of China (PRC) will lead — irreparable nuclear holocaust that will lead to the loss and alteration of hundreds of millions of innocent lives over a conflict engendered by two so-called superpowers. We need to be honest with the people of the world, the U.S. and PRC are currently in a cold war that must be thawed to save lives and a global economy both hanging in the balance. The first step in thawing the current cold war will require a cessation to the myriad proxy wars that use nations like Ukraine, Taiwan, and numerous global south nations from Africa to Southeast Asia, to Latin America as pawns in an arms and resource extraction race. As president I will cease the saber rattling and chest beating that are doing nothing but instigating the PRC with military war games in waterways of Southeast Asia such as the Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea, East China Sea and others. I am confident this will open pathways for diplomacy that leads to cooperation in lieu of competition with the PRC. I agree with the Quincy Institute's assessment that the current administration's rhetoric of competition with the PRC is a feckless attempt to marginalize and exclude the nation from the global community, which in turn pushes them to form alliances with nations the U.S. also finds itself in a contemporary cold war with including, but not limited to, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia. One area where I believe we should especially be cooperating rather than competing with the PRC is the climate crisis. While it's true that the PRC is the largest emitter in the world, the U.S. remains the largest historic emitter despite only representing five percent of the world's population. Planetary survival literally requires less finger pointing at who is most responsible for the climate crisis and more finger pointing towards mutual and cooperative solutions. And rather than compete with the PRC for requisite critical resources to develop the infrastructure for renewable energy and regenerative economies, we must cooperate with them such that we don't render the need to address the climate crisis into a rationalization for casus belli over possession critical resources that will also drag global south nations into proxy wars they want no part of. The PRC, the U.S., and the entire world has a collective interest in protecting lives and the planet from the impacts of climate change. As president, my first step in avoiding a military confrontation with the PRC would be to invite and work with them to be a leading partner in addressing the climate crisis by exchanging ideas, resources, and technologies that can rapidly emancipate both nations from reliance on fossil fuels, which will improve relations, cooperation, and the habitability of the planet at once, while also preventing a military confrontation that will take more lives than the climate crisis."Is it in the U.S. national interest for the president to convene negotiations in an effort to end the war in Ukraine?Joe Biden (D)Biden generally emphasizes that Ukraine should be the driving force behind any peace negotiations and has argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not shown signs that he is ready to negotiate. He has, however, helped to convene several international conferences to discuss a diplomatic path forward, one of which reportedly included discussions about concessions that Ukraine may make in exchange for peace. (The administration denied these reports.)Marianne Williamson (D)"Firstly, this question is framed in terms of the 'U.S. national interest,' but I think it's time we start concerning ourselves more with the interests of humanity as a whole than the interests of the American government or American corporations, which is usually what is meant by 'U.S. national interest.'Yes, I think the U.S. should convene negotiations with Russia and Ukraine. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a despicable crime, and we should support Ukraine and their autonomy. However, we need to do what we can to bring about a just but realistic peace. It seems extremely unlikely that either side in this conflict will have a complete victory over the other anytime soon, so if we don't want to let this draw out for two decades like our war in Afghanistan, then we should press for negotiations. I think that the withdrawn letter by progressive Congress members from last year that urged negotiations was a good and reasonable letter, and they should not have buckled to pressure and withdrawn it."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)"Yes. Current U.S. strategic thinking is that the war serves the national interest by weakening Russia. That thinking is faulty on two counts. First, it is not weakening Russia. Second, a weak and unstable Russia would make us much less secure, not more secure. The United States and the world will be best served when Russia knows that we are not out to destroy her."Cornel West (I)"The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is not going to be ameliorated by military means. With $113 billion of taxpayer dollars already sent to Ukraine leading to no more than an endless war of attrition, as well as poll numbers indicating dithering support for a series of blank checks to continue it, it's clear the people of the United States have had enough. It's not just in the national interest for a diplomatic solution to this conflict, it's the duty of the President of the United States to lead this process with our global partners in Europe, Asia, and Africa. As president, I will give Ukraine no other choice but to enter a diplomatic process as part of my commitment to cease all war funding and weapons to Ukraine and instead invest in peacemaking."If Saudi Arabia agreed to normalize relations with Israel but requested a guarantee from the United States to defend the Kingdom militarily in exchange, would you seek to ratify a treaty making that commitment?Joe Biden (D)President Biden has not directly commented on this proposal, but his administration has led the initiative to negotiate a defense commitment in exchange for normalization.Rep. Dean Phillips (D)Phillips has endorsed the Biden administration's approach. "Never did we imagine it possible in our lifetimes to see the possible normalization of relations between the Saudis and Israelis. It's an extraordinary and historic opportunity not just for these two countries, but for the entire world," he told NPR. "The United States plays a significant role relative to a defense pact with the Saudis equipment and materiel relative to their military and potentially a civilian nuclear program as well. If those things can be met and also meeting some of the needs of the Palestinians, this could be an extraordinary legacy at a time the world surely needs it." Marianne Williamson (D)"No. The U.S. cannot get involved in another war in the Middle East – especially not in order to defend Saudi Arabia, arguably the worst human rights violator in the region. It is time the U.S. stops aiding Saudi Arabia and Israel in their egregious human rights violations."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)"We think the premise of this question to be unlikely. Saudi Arabia is armed to the teeth and has no need of such a guarantee. As it has good relations with most other nations, its [only] plausible national security threat is Iran. However, much of the Sunni-Shiite conflict in the past arose from U.S. geopolitical maneuvering that elevated tensions throughout the region."Cornel West (I)"I wouldn't even qualify this request as a treaty as it would be more of a death sentence for innocent civilians in the region and more service members, too many who have already been lost due to U.S. empire building in the Middle East, mainly to protect oil profits of fossil fuel cartels both domestically and globally. We need less iron domes and a more iron-clad diplomatic process that leads to lasting peace and mutual dignity for all people in the Middle East. To this end, as president I would insist that any normalization of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Israel include immediate steps to liberate Palestinian people from occupation and a wanton cycle of violence that's killing precious Palestinian and Israeli lives alike."As Commander-in-Chief, would you bring home the U.S. troops currently stationed in Iraq and Syria?Joe Biden (D)While Biden has not directly addressed this question, a senior Pentagon official recently said the U.S. "has no intent to withdraw in the near future" from Syria.Marianne Williamson (D)"Yes I would, but in Syria, I would first negotiate an agreement that ensures the Kurds will not be harmed before withdrawing the troops that are protecting them."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)"Yes. Those nations do not want our troops there. I will instigate bold peace initiatives in places where there are still military tensions, in some cases replacing troops with international peacekeepers."Cornel West (I)"As indicated in my Policy Pillars Rooted in a Movement of Truth, Justice, and Love, as president I would immediately embark on a responsible and expeditious closure of global U.S. military bases as part of a larger initiative to cease and desist U.S. empire building and maintenance and slash the bloated military budget, including the disbanding of NATO, such that we can reinvest those funds in myriad social and economic justice programs domestically. As tensions in the Middle East associated with the crisis in Palestine/Israel grow, the U.S. presence is only exacerbating an already incendiary situation while putting brave service people in harm's way for no other reason than to maintain U.S. empire and a military hegemony in a region that needs less bullets and rockets and more diplomacy. To this end, as president, I would bring those troops home immediately, honor them for their service and ensure a Just Transition so that they can use the skills they gained in the military and put them to use for beneficial services to the people of the U.S."If elected, would you request an authorization from Congress to use military force against drug cartels in Mexico?Joe Biden (D)Biden has not commented directly on calls to authorize military force against the cartels, but a National Security Council spokesperson said in April that the administration "is not considering military action in Mexico.""Designating these cartels as foreign terrorist organizations would not grant us any additional authorities that we don't already have," the spokesperson added.Marianne Williamson (D)"No. The U.S. has invaded and militarily intervened in Latin America time after time, and it has only brought violence and misery and fueled the immigration that we now complain about. It is time we reject the imperialist Monroe Doctrine, which declared Latin America our backyard. It is time we respect our neighbors to the south and stop invading their countries."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)"Absolutely not. The Mexicans have the power to overcome the drug cartels themselves. We can aid them by sharing intelligence, by shutting down the illegal weapons trade, by cracking down on money laundering activities of US banks, and by prosecuting the cartels' collaborators in this country."Cornel West (I)"Absolutely not. To be clear, asking the Congress for authorization to use military force in Mexico would essentially be asking Congress to approve a military invasion through a declaration of war against Mexico. The so-called war against drugs in the United States has been and continues to be an abject failure. This 50-year war has been used as a rationalization for crimes against humanity, especially those most marginalized by failed drug policies - Black, Brown, Indigenous and poor people, who have been subjected to a racialized and classist mass incarceration pogrom that has needlessly locked up over 400,000 people for non-violent drug-related crimes between 1980 and 1997 alone. A failed domestic drug war should not be an impetus to start a foreign drug war in the sovereign territory of one of our North American partners. It should instead be an impetus to enact efficacious policies that treat addiction as a national threat to public health. Instead of increasing militarism and launching a foreign war, we should declare war against the lack of access to healthcare and the lack of economic opportunities that contribute to drug use. Reducing and decriminalizing drug use in the United States will directly reduce the amount of drugs that are smuggled across the border, thereby reducing revenues for drug cartels in Mexico. This is less an issue of militarism and more an issue of addiction driven by supply and demand."Reactions to Israel-Hamas warJoe Biden (D)In a speech on Oct. 20, Biden said: "In Israel, we must make sure that they have what they need to protect their people today and always.The security package I'm sending to Congress and asking Congress to do is an unprecedented commitment to Israel's security that will sharpen Israel's qualitative military edge, which we've committed to — the qualitative military edge.We're going to make sure Iron Dome continues to guard the skies over Israel. We're going to make sure other hostile actors in the region know that Israel is stronger than ever and prevent this conflict from spreading.Look, at the same time, [Prime Minister] Netanyahu and I discussed again yesterday the critical need for Israel to operate by the laws of war. That means protecting civilians in combat as best as they can. The people of Gaza urgently need food, water, and medicine."Rep. Dean Phillips (D)In a long tweet, Phillips said, "The destruction of Hamas is necessary, but the military campaign must follow international law and conventions of civilized nations. [...]I support a pause in hostilities and the immediate safe passage of civilians from Gaza into temporary shelters in Egypt and/or Jordan and the largest humanitarian relief effort in world history.I am pro-Israeli and anti the Netanyahu government — and [its] enabling of settlements on Palestinian land. [...]Israel has a right to exist, defend itself, and ensure the terror and butchering of Oct 7 never happens again.Palestinians have a right to a nation of their own, and that begins with a free and fair election for the first time since 2006 in which a choice can be made; peace or war.Israelis must also be afforded the same right to choose peace or war."Marianne Williamson (D)Williamson tweeted: "For Israel to prosecute an all out war on Gaza is already a catastrophe for the people of Gaza. It can easily become a catastrophe for the people of Israel as well. There's no end game there, for them or for the rest of the world, that doesn't multiply the horror. The United States should join an international consortium — Egypt, Jordan and others — in efforts to secure release of the hostages and cessation of the bombing."Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (I)On Oct. 7, Kennedy said the following in a statement: "This ignominious, unprovoked, and barbaric attack on Israel must be met with world condemnation and unequivocal support for the Jewish state's right to self-defense. We must provide Israel with whatever it needs to defend itself — now. As President, I'll make sure that our policy is unambiguous so that the enemies of Israel will think long and hard before attempting aggression of any kind.I applaud the strong statements of support from the Biden White House for Israel in her hour of need. However, the scale of these attacks means it is likely that Israel will need to wage a sustained military campaign to protect its citizens. Statements of support are fine, but we must follow through with unwavering, resolute, and practical action. America must stand by our ally throughout this operation and beyond as it exercises its sovereign right to self-defense."Kennedy later warned against using the attacks and subsequent war as a justification for war with Iran. "It didn't take long for the neocons in Washington to spin the Hamas terror attacks to advance their agenda of war against Iran," he tweeted on Oct. 27. "If President Biden doesn't resist them, they might get their wish."Cornel West (I)
In a recent statement, West said, "US taxpayers want no part in funding the Israeli war machine that is committing genocidal war crimes in Gaza. We need stronger, clearer headed representation like this within our highest levels of government." He has also said, "We want a ceasefire. We want an end of the siege. We want an end of occupation. We want equal rights, equal dignity, and equal access for Palestinians and Jews."
Abstract: In the 1st and 2nd millenniums B.C. there were numerous fortified centers in Mesopotamia. These were large, occupying several dozen acres in the forms of independent city-states, mid-sized urban centers, and smaller, specialized settlements. They were usually located on important transport routes, such as the two main rivers of the region, the Tigris and the Euphrates, and their numerous tributaries. The defensive walls were constructed to demonstrate the influence of a given center and its military strength, and to protect against floods or enemy invasions. The defensive brick architecture in Mesopotamia dates back from the end of the Early Bronze Age to the end of the Early Iron Age. On the basis of the available information from archaeological research, we don't have enough evidence to make conclusive judgements. Studies arranged by archeologists who worked there, found the remains of fortifications. By chance, scientists found fortifications that date from the Middle Bronze period, which they did not study carefully. That's why we do not have enough information about the details of fortifications systems, especially those from the first millennium B.C, especially Assyrian and Babylonian fortifications. However, based on the available information, I have been able to put forward an outline about fortification. It is worthy of mentioning that no known summary currently exists within publications about Mesopotamian brick defensive architecture, so I have been inspired to follow and analyze the fortified systems in each of the cities in Mesopotamia during the aforementioned time period. The principal aim of my doctoral thesis is to analyze the fortifications systems, their functionality and usefulness during military conflicts in all the fortificated settlements in Mesopotamia from the end of the Early Bronze Age to the end of the Early Iron Age. With a dual focus upon the concept of defensive systems, and the practical matters of implementing these kinds of defensive projects. I intend to Calculate the amount (brick burnt, dried bricks, and stone), labor resources and time necessary to build this kind of construction. As a result, I have endeavoured to create one a thesis that contains both the information and accurate descriptions of all defensive systems in Mesopotamia in one document. There is no similar thesis about defense fortification systems of all Mesopotamians cities from the end of Early Bronze Age to the end of the Early Iron Age. The analysis is based on a working hypothesis which pursues the idea that fortification architecture consists of a wide range of social and cultural elements, which have influenced those in society who created them and drawn from the historical context when they appeared. Straight-lined defenses are simple and useful functionally as an architectural genre. We should note that in architectural projects some elements were created as a psychological deterrent. However military architecture also has functional purposes. Meaning that not only are they the result of military needs, but also of local geographical, environmental factors and available technology. Factors such as the variability of fortifications can be explained by a more complex interaction of factors related to the character of fasteners within a manmade environment. As such, the environment can be fasteners have a wide range of functions and meanings, for example in the organization of space for defense purposes and in accordance with the principles, needs, values and desires of its builders, as well as in the organization of time and building materials. My PhD thesis is based on nine analytical chapters, which present the whole issue of brick architecture and defensive systems - from making brick materials to importing rare materials from other places and meanwhile descriptions of archeological side to make an analysis of the whole building process of defensive walls and elements strengthening the fortifications within the defensive system. In my study, I would like to convey a point raised which was not take from a long time. At the same time, I want to present a general outline of all fortified cities in Mesopotamia, basing on the available information and my own interpretation regarding each of the mentioned walls in this work. Another issue is the dating of discovered fortifications, detailed analysis of the structure, also contains information on how to build systems of this type, what type of material was used, what brick dimensions can be found, whether additional elements were strengthening the construction; what system the foundation was erected. I would also like to present my interpretation based on an analysis of the entire defense system in a way that outlines the defensive architecture of each fortified city during the period under review. The next step will be to analyze the structure and the techniques of construction of the gate or gates located in the defensive walls, and the last point is the calculation of the amount of brick and stone, with the number of workers, to determine how much time is needed to build one spatial meter. One more aspect should be noted which determined the way fortifications were built. They were, next to the military force, a symbol of the economic power of the state or city. The epicenter was not able to secure its territory with a massive wall. So construction was also dependent upon considerable economic resources. We derive our information from the transport records of 370 burnt bricks from the places where they were produced - this took place outside the city due to the use of manure in the production process. The price of 370 piece is about 1 shigel which corresponds to 8.5 grams of silver. I think that it is possible to roughly Calculation of the amount of material, the number of workers and the amount of time in which the size of one cubic meter of wall could be built. This estimation is because there is no complete archaeological information giving the exact dimensions of the fortification walls (height, width and length). At the same time, we know that within the fortification buildings there were also rooms about which we have no information. Considering such significant deficiencies in information, I adopted one cubic meter for conversion. We know that the fortification systems included various elements; along with the walls there were ramparts, moats and escarpments. In addition, there were buttresses, retaining walls, shafts and reinforcing walls. As we know, defensive walls or moats often turned out to be insufficient. At that time, additional solutions were included in the system to raise security standards, effective defense, and to facilitate transport and communication. These took the form of towers and gates. Techniques for building defense systems differed from each other depending on the time of creation and location, or rather the ground of a given geographical region. We note that the walls may have stone foundations, burnt brick, or not have them at all - erected only on level ground. For example, in the city of Assur, several types of bricks were used to construct one wall, or in Niniveh a space filled with clay and stones were preserved between its parallel walls. In the construction at Tell Rijim the technique of pisé was used, consisting of laying thin plates of compacted clay. The appearance of fortifications in the Middle East, especially in Mesopotamia, did not only fulfill the military functions but they had other functions, in order to protect the city from the flood because these towns were located in the lower part of Mari, and also had the function of protecting a given city from wild animals, and also to protect the city from thefts and control the cities and find out who was leaving the city and who was entering the city. From the point of view of my dissertation, the main topic is the strategic nature of these defences. The goal is to clarify the functions of fortified cities, to analyze the strength of resistance and to what extent they were effective in protecting against the enemy. We already know from archeological sources that various types of tools were placed on the defensive walls. They are characterized by their diversity, depending on the location on the walls but also upon the city being researched, and at what period. Based on the information from the descriptions, we can determine the types of tools, as well as the width of the walls - about 1.5 to 2 metres and a height of 3 to 4 m - based on the description of the reference point where the archers shot their arrows from. Common swords and spears were used in direct contact. The subject of military equipment is quite an extensive area, so I have decided to deal strictly with the topic of tools used for defence. I will trace their types and usage throughout the different periods of Mesopotamian culture. In the chronological part I did not deal with the analysis of the dates of creation of given archaeological sites. The organization requires designing a table for each defense system, separately for individual archaeological sites. Looking at the cross-section of the subject, we note the differences in dating north and south of the Mesopotamian areas. They are particularly noticeable between the ancient periods in OldBabylon and Old-Assyrian, Middle-Babylon and Middle-Assyrian, and the Neo-Babylonian period and Neo- Assyrian. In my work, there are descriptions and analsys of all known archeological research, which were conducted on the area of ancient Mesopotamia, in places where fortifications systems were discovered. While creating descriptions of fortifications, I have tried to present the most comprehensive range of usefulness of these types of structures. I traced the process of creating fortifications, the processes of their improvement and the changes that have occurred in their structure, since the appearance of the first buildings with the character of fortifications in the 6th millennium B.C. At this time, we date fortifications in Tell Es Sawwan, located in the middle part of the Tigris river. Fortified sites arose in the time of Samarra, around 5300 B.C. They took the form of a massive shaft surrounded by a rectangular settlement measuring 220x110 m. We estimate the appearance of fortified cities at between fifth millennium - and fourth millennium B.C. They were admittedly still single, but in third millennium B.C., the fortifications became the norm in centers of social life. We note the existence of more than 40 fortified cities in the areas of northern Mesopotamia. Southern Mesopotamia was developing in this direction at the beginning of third millennium B.C., as demonstrated by the example of the Khaburu Valley. The exception here is the wall surrounding the citadel of Tell Chuera, which dates from an earlier period - fourth millennium B.C. If we look at analyse of individual technical solutions, the type material which was used in the Early Jazirah we can see that it is a period of defensive sollutions so called granary settlements (Tell Atij,) and fortification from the Kranzhugel tribute group. In the era of around third millennium B.C. we have already observed numerous cities with fortification systems created using the latest construction techniques and building materials of the era. The use of brick and stone testify to the economic power of individual centers, but also to the growth of defensive architecture. Interpretations of the Mesopotamian inscriptions found on the walls of fortification systems are of key importance to us. Thanks to their understanding, we have obtained information about the dates of construction of those defensive walls, and thus bringing significant knowledge about entire systems and their structures. Attention should be paid to the comarchaeological site of these texts - they often start with the worship of the deity, then the introduction which always contains the royal name. We know that the introduction may have various elements, for example the royal genealogy, praiseworthy epithets, and sometimes the king's important deeds and achievements and his campaigns are mentioned. In the next part - which is crucial to our topic - we can find fragments detailing reports of the construction, usually referring to specific buildings. This type of record was intended primarily for subsequent rulers - so that they could rebuild the given building - while being an invaluable source for modern researchers. Through analysis of the iconography of the Mesopotamian fortifications, images of fortifications are also found on seals. They usually capture the attack and defense scenes of a fortified city. The images are different - some present the walls only as an outline, others show details - which include even individual panels, from which the gates were made. The defensive walls are accompanied by images of people. The people in question are usually defenders or invaders. We can also distinguish between them women and children - often as hostages. We are able to distinguish types of weapons, usually these are bows, missiles, chariots and siege engines. Due to the general availability and thus low cost, mud was the basic building material. We find it in virtually every type of architecture in ancient Mesopotamia. Depending on the function and nature of the buildings, pure clay or clay mixtures with other materials such as straw were used. But it was also used as raw brick or as a material for creating finishing elements. The importance of this type of material cannot be understated due to its durability and the strength of constructions built from it, therefore, I will also address this topic in my work. I will analyze the brick itself and its variations according to appearance, shape and the production process. Treating this topic broadly, I intend to refer to the changes and evolution of this type of building material over various periods in the area of work. In this dissertation, I also wish to address the issue of transport in ancient Mesopotamia. The main means of transportation here is by river due to the presence of large rivers - the Tigris and Euphrates. Their course covers three important countries in this part of the world - Turkey, Syria and the areas of current Iraq to the shores of the Persian Gulf - creating an ideal transport channel for goods and people. It should be noted that river transport was a convenient, cheap and easy way of moving goods. It also became a means of communication. Probably its biggest role was in trade - for example - building materials transported from north to south Mesopotamia, where resources such as stones and wood didn't exist, or for the transportation of ready goods from the place of production to the destination. It is impossible to ignore the fact that various types of ship began to be built depending on their purpose, as discussed later in the dissertation. After my considerations I would like to cover the problem holistically. Because the subject matter of my thesis is very large, it has forced me to produce detailed conclusions for each chapter through interpretation and analysis, and at the end of my work I shall present a general conclusion about the whole thesis. The difficulty of thoroughly analyzing the topic boils down to the problem of information scarcity. The fact that archeological strata is not available, that is why constructors did not undertake full reconstruction of fortification walls. They were found many times by accident and the research was carried out only on a small fragment of the uncovered wall, which currently makes it difficult to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the subject and address the issue from a fully informed perspective. Resumen: En los milenios I y II a.C. existían numerosos centros fortificados en Mesopotamia. Éstos eran grandes, ocupando varias docenas de acres en forma de ciudades-estado independientes, centros urbanos de tamaño medio y asentamientos más pequeños y especializados. Normalmente estaban situados en importantes rutas de transporte, como los dos principales ríos de la región, el Tigris y el Éufrates, y sus numerosos afluentes. Las murallas defensivas se construyeron para demostrar la influencia de un determinado centro y su fuerza militar, y para protegerse contra las inundaciones o las invasiones enemigas. La arquitectura defensiva de ladrillos en Mesopotamia se data desde finales de la Edad de Bronce hasta el final de la Primera Edad de Hierro no ha sido suficientemente estudiada en base a la información disponible de la investigación arqueológica. Los estudios realizados por los arqueólogos que trabajaron allí descubrieron los restos de fortificaciones y ocasionalmente, los científicos encontraron fortificaciones que datan del periodo del Bronce Medio, pero que no estudiaron cuidadosamente. Por eso no tenemos suficiente información sobre los deTelles de los sistemas de fortificaciones, especialmente los del primer milenio a.C., sobre todo las fortificaciones asirias y babilónicas. Sin embargo, en base a la información disponible he podido presentar una propuesta sobre el tema de las fortificaciones. Me gustaría mencionar, que no existe actualmente ninguna síntesis conocida dentro de las publicaciones sobre la arquitectura defensiva mesopotámica en ladrillo, por lo que me he basado en el seguimiento y análisis de los sistemas fortificados en cada una de las ciudades de Mesopotamia durante el período de tiempo mencionado El objetivo principal de mi tesis doctoral es analizar los sistemas de fortificaciones, su funcionalidad y utilidad durante los conflictos militares en todos los asentamientos fortificados de Mesopotamia desde el final de la temprana Edad del Bronce hasta el final de la temprana Edad del Hierro. Con un doble enfoque en el concepto de sistemas defensivos, y en los aspectos prácticos de la implementación de estos proyectos defensivos. Pretendo calcular la suma de materiales (ladrillos cocidos, ladrillos secos y piedra), los recursos de mano de obra y el tiempo necesario para construir este tipo de construcción. Como resultado, me he esforzado en crear una síntesis que contenga tanto la información como las descripciones precisas de todos los sistemas defensivos en Mesopotamia en un solo documento. No existe una publicación similar sobre los sistemas de defensa y fortificación de las ciudades de Mesopotamia desde el final de la temprana Edad del Bronce hasta el final de la temprana Edad del Hierro. El análisis se basa en una hipótesis de trabajo que persigue la idea de que la arquitectura de fortificación está compuesta por un amplio abanico de elementos sociales y culturales, que han influido en aquellos que la han creado en la sociedad y que han sido extraídos del contexto histórico en el que aparecieron. Las defensas de línea recta son sencillas y útiles funcionalmente como género arquitectónico. Debemos notar que en los proyectos arquitectónicos algunos elementos fueron creados como un disuasivo psicológico. Sin embargo, la arquitectura militar también tiene propósitos funcionales. Esto significa que no sólo son el resultado de las necesidades militares, sino también de factores geográficos y ambientales locales y de la tecnología disponible. Factores como la variabilidad de las fortificaciones pueden explicarse por una interacción más compleja de factores relacionados con el carácter de los elementos de fijación dentro de un entorno creado por el hombre. Como tal, el entorno puede ser que los elementos de fijación tengan una amplia gama de funciones y significados, por ejemplo, en la organización del espacio para fines de defensa y de acuerdo con los principios, necesidades, valores y deseos de sus constructores, así como en la organización del tiempo y los materiales de construcción. Mi tesis doctoral se basa en nueve capítulos analíticos, que presentan toda la problemática de la arquitectura del ladrillo y los sistemas defensivos -desde la fabricación de materiales de construcción hasta la importación de materiales raros de otros lugares y al mismo tiempo, descripciones del aspecto arqueológico para hacer un análisis de todo el proceso de construcción de muros y elementos defensivos que refuerzan las fortificaciones dentro del sistema defensivo. En mi tratado quiero transmitir un punto planteado que no se ha tardado mucho tiempo. Al mismo tiempo, quiero presentar un esquema general de todas las ciudades fortificadas de Mesopotamia, basándome en la información disponible y en mi propia interpretación de cada una de las murallas mencionadas en este trabajo. Otro tema es la datación de las fortificaciones descubiertas, el análisis deTellado de la estructura, que también contiene información sobre cómo construir sistemas de este tipo; qué tipo de material se utilizó, qué dimensiones de los ladrillos pueden encontrarse; si los elementos adicionales estaban reforzando la construcción; qué sistema de cimentación fue erigido. También me gustaría presentar mi interpretación basada en un análisis de todo el sistema de defensa, de manera que se esboce la arquitectura defensiva de cada ciudad fortificada durante el período en cuestión. El siguiente paso será analizar la estructura y las técnicas de construcción de la puerta o puertas situadas en las murallas defensivas, y el último punto es el cálculo de la cantidad de ladrillo y piedra, con el número de trabajadores empleados, para determinar cuánto tiempo se necesita para construir un metro de longitud. Hay que señalar un aspecto más que determinó la forma en que se construyeron las fortificaciones. Eran, junto a la fuerza militar, un símbolo del poder económico del estado o la ciudad. El centro no podía asegurar su territorio con una masiva muralla. Por lo tanto, la construcción dependía también de considerables recursos económicos. La información la obtenemos de los registros de transporte de 370 ladrillos cocidos de los lugares donde se producían -esto se produjo fuera de la ciudad debido al uso de estiércol en el proceso de producción. El precio de 370 piezas es de aproximadamente 1 shigel, lo que corresponde a 8,5 gramos de plata. Creo que es posible calcular aproximadamente la cantidad de material, el número de trabajadores y el tiempo en que se podría construir un fragmento del tamaño de un metro cúbico de muralla. Esta estimación se debe a que no existe una información arqueológica completa que proporcione las dimensiones exactas de los muros de fortificación (altura, anchura y longitud). Al mismo tiempo, sabemos que dentro de los edificios de la fortificación también había habitaciones sobre las que no tenemos información. Teniendo en cuenta estas importantes deficiencias en la información, adopté un metro cúbico para la conversión. Sabemos que los sistemas de fortificación incluían varios elementos; junto con las paredes había murallas, fosos y escarpas. Además, había contrafuertes, muros de contención, fustes y muros de refuerzo. Como sabemos, los muros defensivos o fosos a menudo resultaron ser insuficientes. En ese momento, se incluyeron en el sistema soluciones adicionales para elevar los estándares de seguridad, la defensa efectiva y para facilitar el transporte y la comunicación. Éstas tomaron la forma de torres y puertas. Las técnicas de construcción de los sistemas de defensa se diferenciaban entre sí en función del momento de su creación y del lugar en que se encontraban o mejor dicho, del terreno de una región geográfica determinada. Observamos que los muros pueden tener cimientos de piedra, ladrillo cocido, o no tenerlos en absoluto -sólo se erigen en un terreno llano. Por ejemplo, en la ciudad de Assur, se utilizaron varios tipos de ladrillos para construir la muralla o en Nínive, un espacio lleno de arcilla y piedras se conservaron entre sus muros paralelos. En la construcción de Tell Rijim se utilizó la técnica del pisé, o tapial, que consiste en colocar finas placas de arcilla compactada. La aparición de fortificaciones en el Medio Oriente, especialmente en Mesopotamia, no sólo cumplía las funciones militares sino que tenían otras funciones, a fin de proteger la ciudad de las inundaciones porque estos pueblos estaban ubicados en la parte baja de Mari, y también tenían la función de proteger una ciudad determinada de los animales salvajes, y también proteger la ciudad de los robos y controlar las ciudades y averiguar quién salía y quién entraba en la ciudad. Desde el punto de vista de mi tesis, el tema principal es el carácter estratégico de estas defensas. El objetivo es aclarar las funciones de las ciudades fortificadas, analizar la fuerza de la resistencia y en qué medida fueron eficaces para protegerse del enemigo. Ya sabemos por fuentes arqueológicas que se colocaron varios tipos de herramientas en las murallas defensivas. Se caracterizan por su diversidad, dependiendo de la ubicación en las murallas pero también de la ciudad que se investiga y en qué periodo de tiempo. A partir de la información de las descripciones, podemos determinar los tipos de herramientas, así como la anchura de las murallas -alrededor de 1,5 a 2 metros y una altura de 3 a 4 metros- a partir de la descripción del punto de referencia desde el que los arqueros disparaban sus flechas. Se utilizaron espadas y lanzas comunes en contacto directo. El tema del equipamiento militar es bastante extenso, por lo que he decidido tratar estrictamente el tema de los instrumentos utilizados para la defensa. Trazaré sus tipos y usos a lo largo de los diferentes períodos de la cultura mesopotámica. En la parte cronológica no me he ocupado del análisis de las fechas de creación de determinados yacimientos arqueológicos. La organización requiere el diseño de una tabla para cada sistema de defensa, por separado para cada posición. Al observar transversalmente el tema, observamos las diferencias en la datación del norte y el sur de las áreas mesopotámicas. Son particularmente notables entre los períodos antiguos en el Viejo Babilonia y el Viejo Asirio, el Medio Babilonia y el Medio Asirio, y el período Neo Babilónico y Neo Asirio. En mi contribución, hay descripciones y análisis de toda la investigación arqueológica en el área de la antigua Mesopotamia. Al tiempo que hacía descripciones de las fortificaciones he intentado presentar la gama más completa de utilidad de este tipo de estructuras. He rastreado el proceso de creación de fortificaciones, los procesos de su mejora y los cambios que se han producido en su estructura, desde la aparición de los primeros edificios con carácter de fortificaciones en el VI milenio a.C. En esta época, fechamos las fortificaciones en Tell Es Sawwan, situada en la parte media del río Tigris. Los sitios fortificados surgieron en la época de Samarra, alrededor del 5300 a.C. Tomaron la forma de un enorme eje rodeado por un asentamiento rectangular de 220x110 m. Estimamos la aparición de las ciudades fortificadas entre el V y el IV milenios a.C. Es cierto que todavía eran únicas, pero en el III milenio a.C. las fortificaciones se convirtieron en la norma en los centros de la vida social. Observamos la existencia de más de 40 ciudades fortificadas en las zonas del norte de Mesopotamia. El sur de Mesopotamia se estaba desarrollando en esta dirección a principios del tercer milenio a.C., como lo demuestra el ejemplo del Valle de Khaburu. La excepción aquí es la muralla que rodea la ciudadela de Tell Chuera, que data de un período anterior, el IV milenio a. C. Al profundizar en el análisis de las soluciones técnicas individuales, el material utilizado o incluso su producto, vemos que en el período de Jazirah temprano las soluciones defensivas denominados asentamientos granero (Tell Atij) y fortificaciones del grupo de Kranzhugel. En la época de alrededor del tercer milenio a. C. ya se observan numerosas ciudades con sistemas de fortificación creados con las últimas técnicas de construcción y materiales de construcción de la época. El uso del ladrillo y de la piedra atestigua el poder económico de los centros individuales, pero también el crecimiento de la arquitectura defensiva. Las interpretaciones de las inscripciones mesopotámicas que se encuentran en las murallas de los sistemas de fortificación son de gran importancia para nosotros. Gracias a su comprensión, hemos obtenido información sobre las fechas de construcción de esas murallas defensivas, aportando así un conocimiento significativo sobre sistemas completos y sus estructuras. Hay que prestar atención a la composición de estos textos, que a menudo comienzan con el culto a la deidad, luego la introducción que siempre contiene el nombre real. Sabemos que la Introducción puede tener varios elementos, por ejemplo, la genealogía real, epítetos elogiosos, y a veces se mencionan las hazañas y logros importantes del rey y sus campañas. En la siguiente parte -que es crucial para nuestro tema- podemos encontrar fragmentos que deTellan los informes de la construcción, generalmente referidos a edificios específicos. Este tipo de registro estaba destinado principalmente a los gobernantes posteriores -para que pudieran reconstruir el edificio en cuestión-, a la vez que constituía una fuente inestimable para los investigadores modernos. A través del análisis de la iconografía de las fortificaciones mesopotámicas, las imágenes de las fortificaciones también se encuentran en los sellos. Por lo general, captan las escenas de ataque y defensa de una ciudad fortificada. Las imágenes son diferentes algunas presentan las murallas sólo como un bosquejo, otras muestran deTelles- que incluyen incluso paneles individuales, a partir de los cuales se hicieron las puertas. Las murallas defensivas van acompañadas de imágenes de personas. Las personas en cuestión suelen ser defensores o invasores. También podemos distinguir entre ellos a mujeres y niños -a menudo como rehenes-. Podemos distinguir los tipos de armas, normalmente son arcos, proyectiles, carros y máquinas de asedio. Debido a la disponibilidad general y por lo tanto a su bajo costo, el barro era el material de construcción básico. Lo encontramos en prácticamente todos los tipos de arquitectura de la antigua Mesopotamia. Según la función y la naturaleza de los edificios, se utilizaba arcilla pura o mezclas de arcilla con otros materiales como la paja. Pero también se utilizaba como ladrillo crudo o como material para crear elementos de acabado. La importancia de este tipo de material no puede ser subestimada debido a su durabilidad y a la resistencia de las construcciones realizadas con él, por lo tanto, también abordaré este tema en mi trabajo. Analizaré el propio ladrillo y sus variaciones según el aspecto, la forma y el proceso de producción. Tratando este tema de forma amplia, pretendo referirme a los cambios y evolución de este tipo de material de construcción en diversos períodos en el área de trabajo. En esta tesis también deseo abordar el tema del transporte en la antigua Mesopotamia. El principal medio de transporte aquí es el fluvial debido a la presencia de grandes ríos -el Tigris y el Éufrates-. Su curso cubre tres países importantes en esta parte del mundo -Turquía, Siria y las áreas del actual Irak hasta las costas del Golfo Pérsico- creando un canal de transporte ideal para bienes y personas. Hay que señalar que el transporte fluvial era una forma cómoda, barata y fácil de transportar mercancías. También se convirtió en un medio de comunicación. Probablemente su papel más importante fue en el comercio -por ejemplo- de materiales de construcción transportados del norte al sur de Mesopotamia, donde no existían recursos como piedras y madera; o para el transporte de mercancías preparadas desde el lugar de producción hasta el destino. Es imposible ignorar el hecho de que se empezaron a construir varios tipos de barcos dependiendo de su propósito, como se discute más adelante en la tesis. Después de mis consideraciones me gustaría abordar el problema de forma holística. Debido a que el tema de mi tesis es muy amplio, ello me ha obligado a proponer conclusiones deTelladas para cada capítulo a través de la interpretación y el análisis, y al final de mi trabajo presentaré unas conclusiones generales sobre toda la tesis. La dificultad de analizar a fondo el tema se reduce al problema de la escasez de información. El hecho de que los estratos arqueológicos no estén accesibles y que pocos artesanos se dedicaron a la construcción de las murallas defensivas y de que las murallas fueran encontradas muchas veces por accidente hizo que la investigación se realizara sólo en un pequeño fragmento de la muralla descubierta, lo que actualmente dificulta el análisis exhaustivo del tema y la orientación de la cuestión desde una perspectiva plenamente documentada.
