Resolution 2249, drafted by France, on combating Daesh/ ISIS
A wide view of the Security Council meeting as Members observe a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Beirut on 12 November and in various locations in Paris on 13 November. 16 November 2015
Reaffirming its resolutions 1267 (1999), 1368 (2001), 1373 (2001), 1618 (2005), 1624 (2005), 2083 (2012), 2129 (2013), 2133 (2014), 2161 (2014), 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2195 (2014), 2199 (2015), 2214 (2015) and its relevant presidential statements,
Reaffirming the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations,
Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and unity of all States in accordance with purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,
Reaffirming that terrorism in all forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed,
Determining that, by its violent extremist ideology, its terrorist acts, its continued gross systematic and widespread attacks directed against civilians, abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including those driven on religious or ethnic ground, its eradication of cultural heritage and trafficking of cultural property, but also its control over significant parts and natural resources across Iraq and Syria and its recruitment and training of foreign terrorist fighters whose threat affects all regions and Member States, even those far from conflict zones, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da'esh), constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security,
Recalling that the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF) and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida also constitute a threat to international peace and security,
Determined to combat by all means this unprecedented threat to international peace and security,
Noting the letters dated 25 June 2014 and 20 September 2014 from the Iraqi authorities which state that Da'esh has established a safe haven outside Iraq's borders that is a direct threat to the security of the Iraqi people and territory,
Reaffirming that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law;
Reiterating that the situation will continue to deteriorate further in the absence of a political solution to the Syria conflict and emphasizing the need to implement the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 endorsed as Annex II of its resolution 2118 (2013) and the Statement of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) of 14 November 2015,
1. Unequivocally condemns in the strongest terms the horrifying terrorist attacks perpetrated by ISIL also known as Da'esh which took place on 26 June 2015 in Sousse, on 10 October 2015 in Ankara, on 31 October 2015 over Sinaï, on 12 November 2015 in Beirut and on 13 November 2015 in Paris, and all other attacks perpetrated by ISIL also known as Da'esh, including hostage-taking and killing, and notes it has the capability and intention to carry out further attacks and regards all such acts of terrorism as a threat to peace and security;
2. Expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to the people and Governments of Tunisia, Turkey, Russian Federation, Lebanon and France, and to all Governments whose citizens were targeted in the above mentioned attacks and all other victims of terrorism;
3. Condemns also in the strongest terms the continued gross, systematic and widespread abuses of human rights and violations of humanitarian law, as well as barbaric acts of destruction and looting of cultural heritage carried out by ISIL also known as Da'esh;
4. Reaffirms that those responsible for committing or otherwise responsible for terrorist acts, violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights must be held accountable;
5. Calls upon Member States that have the capacity to do so to take all necessary measures, in compliance with international law, in particular with the United Nations Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, on the territory under the control of ISIL also known as Da'esh, in Syria and Iraq, to redouble and coordinate their efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts committed specifically by ISIL also known as Da'esh as well as ANF, and all other individuals, groups, undertakings, and entities associated with Al Qaeda, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the United Nations Security Council, and as may further be agreed by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and endorsed by the UN Security Council, pursuant the Vienna Communique of 14 November, and to eradicate the safe haven they have established over significant parts of Iraq and Syria;
6. Urges Member States to intensify their efforts to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters to Iraq and Syria and to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism, and urges all Members states to continue to fully implement the above-mentioned resolutions;
7. Expresses its intention to swiftly update the 1267 committee sanctions list in order to better reflect the threat posed by ISIL also known as Da'esh;
8. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Security Council calls Lebanese politicians, again, to elect a president
UNSC Press statement – Situation in Lebanon
The members of the Security Council were briefed on 18 November 2015 by the Special Coordinator for Lebanon of the Secretary-General Sigrid Kaag on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).
The members of the Security Council reiterated their condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attack carried out by ISIL, also known as Da'esh, on 12 November 2015 in Beirut, killing at least 43 and injuring more than 200 people.
The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks to justice.
The members of the Security Council reiterated in these challenging circumstances their strong support for Lebanon's state institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces and security services, in their efforts to safeguard the security and stability of the country.
The members of the Security Council expressed their continuing concern at the negative impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon's stability and the immediate threat to its security. The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of Lebanon's policy of disassociation and called on all Lebanese parties to cease any involvement in the Syrian crisis, consistent with their commitment in the Ministerial declaration of the current Government and in the Baabda Declaration of 12 June 2012.
The members of the Security Council expressed deep concern over the 18-month vacancy in the Presidency of the Republic, which seriously impairs Lebanon's ability to address the security, economic, social, and humanitarian challenges facing the country. The members of the Security Council called on all Lebanese leaders to adhere to Lebanon's Constitution and to the Taef Agreement and National Pact, to put Lebanon's stability and national interests ahead of partisan politics, and act responsibly and with leadership and flexibility to urgently convene a parliamentary session and proceed to the election of a President.
The members of the Security Council noted with concern the deep socio-economic impact of the refugee crisis on Lebanon and urged Members States to increase assistance to Lebanon.
The members of the Security Council reiterated its full support for UNIFIL and renewed its call on all parties to abide scrupulously by their obligation to respect the safety of UNIFIL and other United Nations personnel.
The members of the Security Council expressed appreciation for the outcome of the latest ministerial meeting of the International Support Group for Lebanon (ISG) convened by the Secretary-General on September 30, 2015 and urged the ISG to continue its work in coordination with the Special Coordinator to seek opportunities to help address rising challenges to Lebanon's security and stability.
The members of the Security Council recalled all of the Council's previous resolutions and the statements of its President on the situation in Lebanon, and they reaffirmed their strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon.
Russian draft resolution on Counterterrorism (September 2015)
Russia presented this draft resolution last September in the Security Council.
The new Russian draft that was circulated today is based on this text with some new amendments and elements that include Article 51 and references to Paris and Sinai attacks.
Draft (September 2015)
Reaffirming its commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations,
Expressing grave concern over the risks posed by the increasing terrorist threat to the territorial integrity and existence of some States in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as over the serious humanitarian consequences of the growing terrorist activity in the region, including the large-scale increase in number of refugees and internally displaced persons and the expansion of illegal migration flows,
Noting that the lack of solution to some conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa is one of the factors contributing to the expansion of the terrorist ideology in the region,
Reiterating its concern that foreign terrorist fighters increase the intensity, duration and intractability of conflicts, and also may pose a serious threat to their States of origin, the States they transit and the States to which they travel, as well as States, neighbouring to zones of armed conflict, in which foreign terrorist fighters are active and that are affected by serious security burdens, (based on pp10, 2178)
Noting that the threat of foreign terrorist fighters may affect all regions and Member States, even those far from conflict zones, (based on pp10, 2178)
Expressing grave concern that foreign terrorist fighters are using their extremist ideology to promote terrorism, (based on pp10, 2178)
Recognizing that terrorism poses a threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa, and that countering this threat requires collective efforts on national, regional and international levels on the basis of respect for the principles and norms of international law,
Underlining that international cooperation and any measures taken by Member States to prevent and combat terrorism must comply fully with the Charter of the United Nations, (common CT language)
Noting in this regard the central role the United Nations and its Security Council play in leading and coordinating these efforts,
1. Reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and calls upon all Member States to counter this threat in accordance with their obligations under international law;
2. Condemns unconditionally such organizations as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and all other groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, in particular Al-Nusrah Front (ANF), for continued and multiple terrorist acts;
3. Reaffirms that those responsible for committing terrorist acts, including those driven by ethnic, religious or sectarian grounds, must be held accountable;
4. Welcomes the efforts of Member States, including States of the Middle East and North Africa, which contribute to countering the terrorist threat in the region, including fighting the organizations mentioned in paragraph 2 above, in accordance with the norms of international law and purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and calls upon all States to participate to the extent possible in these efforts and to coordinate their activities with the consent of the States, in the territories of which such activities are conducted, on the basis of the UN Charter and in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States;
5. Requests Member States participating in the activities mentioned in paragraph 4 above to submit to the Security Council periodic reports in this regard;
6. Emphasizes the need to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts, and in this regard notes in particular that States are required to ensure that their nationals and persons in their territory not make available, directly or indirectly, any funds, other financial assets or economic resources, including oil, oil products, modular refineries and related material and other natural resources that are identified as directed to, collected for, or otherwise for the benefit of ISIL, ANF, and other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, as well as any funds or negotiable benefit arising from such economic resources; (op.9, 2199)
7. Reiterates its call on all Member State, in accordance with their obligations under international law, to cooperate in efforts to address the threat of terrorism, including the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, and to establish in particular an effective exchange of relevant information; (based on op.4, 2178)
8. Encourages more active submission to the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) listing requests of individuals supporting ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida and directs the 1267/1989 Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee to immediately consider, in accordance with its resolution 2199 (2015), designations of individuals and entities engaged in oil trade related activities with ISIL, ANF and all other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida; (based on op.13, 2199)
9. Requests the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team to submit to the Committee in 60 days recommendations on measures to strengthen the monitoring of implementation of resolution 2199 (2015);
10. Reaffirms the crucial role of the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its Executive Directorate (CTED) in ensuring the full implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), notes the ongoing work on supplementing the global surveys of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005), endorses the thematic and regional approach of CTED aimed at addressing the counter-terrorism needs of each Member State and region, and directs CTED to present in 9 months a report to the CTC on regional aspects of implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) by the States of the Middle East and North Africa taking into account the emerging issues, trends and developments related to these resolutions that, in paragraph 5 of resolution 2129 (2013), the Security Council directed CTED to identify and requests the Executive Director of CTED to brief the Council on the findings of this report; (based on 2129 and 2178)
11. Requests the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team in close cooperation with other United Nations counter-terrorism bodies to gather from States, relevant United Nations bodies, other international and regional organizations and other interested parties information concerning designation of individuals and entities, associated with Al-Qaida, and its cells, affiliates, splinter groups and derivatives, such as ISIL, ANF, Ansar Al Charia, who may be engaging in activities falling under resolution 2199 and to provide the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) with this information in a form of updates on each of the following subjects: oil trade; trade in cultural property; external donations; direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related material of all type, as part of the impact assessment, pursuant to paragraph 30 of resolution 2199 (2015), that the Team will include in its regular reports to the Committee;
12. Reiterates the need to enhance cooperation and coordination among the committees with counter-terrorism mandates established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) and their respective groups of experts, and notes the importance of the committees' interaction and dialogue with all Member States in the Middle East and North Africa for their effective cooperation and encourages the committees to hold in 2016 a joint meeting with participation of Member States, inviting representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, to discuss further steps to be taken with regards to counterterrorism efforts in the Middle East and North Africa taking into account the emerging regional issues, trends and developments related to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004); (based on S/PRST/2014/23)
13. Underscores the important role of the Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in technical assistance delivery and strongly recommends that the CTITF Office, in close consultation with CTED and based on its CTC-approved analyses and reports, and using the information provided by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Group of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1540, set out a prioritized list of capacity building and technical assistance programs to be implemented by CTITF entities and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) with respect to the Middle East and North Africa; (based on S/PRST/2015/11)
14. Notes the study conducted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on illicit financial flows, associated with ISIL, and calls upon FATF to continue its efforts to identify States, individuals and entities, involved in trade and transactions with ISIL, aimed at the efficient disruption of terrorism financing channels;
15. Supports the efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa undertaken under the aegis of the UN in agreed inclusive formats;
16. Requests the Secretary-General to report regularly on the implementation of this resolution and to submit the first report in three months upon its adoption and every six months thereafter;
17. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
Vienna 2 - Statement of the International Syria Support Group: Ceasefire, Parallel Political Process
Statement of the International Syria Support Group
Vienna, November 14, 2015
Meeting in Vienna on November 14, 2015 as the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the Arab League, China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States to discuss how to accelerate an end to the Syrian conflict. The participants began with a moment of silence for the victims of the heinous terrorist attacks of November 13 in Paris and the recent attacks in Beirut, Iraq, Ankara, and Egypt. The members unanimously condemned in the strongest terms these brutal attacks against innocent civilians and stood with the people of France.
Subsequently, the participants engaged in a constructive dialogue to build upon the progress made in the October 30 gathering. The members of the ISSG expressed a unanimous sense of urgency to end the suffering of the Syrian people, the physical destruction of Syria, the destabilization of the region, and the resulting increase in terrorists drawn to the fighting in Syria.
The ISSG acknowledged the close linkage between a ceasefire and a parallel political process pursuant to the 2012 Geneva Communique, and that both initiatives should move ahead expeditiously. They stated their commitment to ensure a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition based on the Geneva Communique in its entirety. The group reached a common understanding on several key issues.
The group agreed to support and work to implement a nationwide ceasefire in Syria to come into effect as soon as the representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition have begun initial steps towards the transition under UN auspices on the basis of the Geneva Communique. The five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council pledged to support a UNSC resolution to empower a UN-endorsed ceasefire monitoring mission in those parts of the country where monitors would not come under threat of attacks from terrorists, and to support a political transition process in accordance with the Geneva Communique.
All members of the ISSG also pledged as individual countries and supporters of various belligerents to take all possible steps to require adherence to the ceasefire by these groups or individuals they support, supply or influence. The ceasefire would not apply to offensive or defensive actions against Da'esh or Nusra or any other group the ISSG agrees to deem terrorist.
The participants welcomed UN Secretary General Ban's statement that he has ordered the UN to accelerate planning for supporting the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire. The group agreed that the UN should lead the effort, in consultation with interested parties, to determine the requirements and modalities of a ceasefire.
The ISSG expressed willingness to take immediate steps to encourage confidence-building measures that would contribute to the viability of the political process and to pave the way for the nationwide ceasefire. In this context, and pursuant to clause 5 of the Vienna Communique, the ISSG discussed the need to take steps to ensure expeditious humanitarian access throughout the territory of Syria pursuant to UNSCR 2165 and called for the granting of the UN's pending requests for humanitarian deliveries. The ISSG expressed concern for the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons and the imperative of building conditions for their safe return in accordance with the norms of international humanitarian law and taking into account the interests of host countries. The resolution of the refugee issue is important to the final settlement of the Syrian conflict. The ISSG also reaffirmed the devastating effects of the use of indiscriminate weapons on the civilian population and humanitarian access, as stated in UNSCR 2139. The ISSG agreed to press the parties to end immediately any use of such indiscriminate weapons.
The ISSG reaffirmed the importance of abiding by all relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including UNSCR 2199 on stopping the illegal trade in oil, antiquities and hostages, from which terrorists benefit.
Pursuant to the 2012 Geneva Communique, incorporated by reference in the Vienna statement of October 30, and in U.N. Security Council Resolution 2118, the ISSG agreed on the need to convene Syrian government and opposition representatives in formal negotiations under UN auspices, as soon as possible, with a target date of January 1. The group welcomed efforts, working with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and others, to bring together the broadest possible spectrum of the opposition, chosen by Syrians, who will decide their negotiating representatives and define their negotiating positions, so as to enable the political process to begin. All the parties to the political process should adhere to the guiding principles identified at the October 30 meeting, including a commitment to Syria's unity, independence, territorial integrity, and non-sectarian character; to ensuring that State institutions remain intact; and to protecting the rights of all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity or religious denomination. ISSG members agreed that these principles are fundamental.
The ISSG members reaffirmed their support for the transition process contained in the 2012 Geneva Communique. In this respect they affirmed their support for a ceasefire as described above and for a Syrian-led process that will, within a target of six months, establish credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, and set a schedule and process for drafting a new constitution. Free and fair elections would be held pursuant to the new constitution within 18 months. These elections must be administered under UN supervision to the satisfaction of the governance and to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including the diaspora, eligible to participate.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, and pursuant to clause 6 of the Vienna Communique, the ISSG reiterated that Da'esh, Nusra, and other terrorist groups, as designated by the UN Security Council, and further, as agreed by the participants and endorsed by the UN Security Council, must be defeated. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan agreed to help develop among intelligence and military community representatives a common understanding of groups and individuals for possible determination as terrorists, with a target of completion by the beginning of the political process under UN auspices.
The participants expect to meet in approximately one month in order to review progress towards implementation of a ceasefire and the beginning of the political process.
Resolution 2249, drafted by France, on combating D...
Security Council calls Lebanese politicians, again...
Russian draft resolution on Counterterrorism (Sept...
Vienna 2 - Statement of the International Syria Su...