The Republic Of Azerbaijan in the United Nations Security Council 2012 / 2013 by Ilya Levkov

LIBERTY PUBLISHING HOUSE NEW YORK

THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN IN THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL 2012–2013

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations

Compiled and edited by Agshin Mehdiyev and Tofig F. Musayev

LIBERTY PUBLISHING HOUSE

NEW YORK

2014

The Republic of Azerbaijan In the United Nations Security Council 2012–2013 Ilya Levkov — Publisher Liberty Publishing House Planetarium Station P. O. Box 1058 New York, NY 10024 Tel: (212) 213-2126 Fax: (917) 456-3237 www.LibertyPublishingHouse.com LibertyPublishingHouse@Gmail.com All rights reserved including rights of reproductions. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the Publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Copyright © 2014 by Liberty Publishing House

ISBN 978-1-628-040-22-7 Library of Congress Control Number: 2014933226

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................... 31 2. STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. ILHAM ALIYEV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN (Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: Strengthening international cooperation in the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations. Security Council 6765th meeting, 04 May 2012) .................................................................. 40 3. STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations: United Nations-African Union. Security Council 6702nd meeting, 12 January 2012) .............................. 46 Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Peace and security in the Middle East. Security Council 6841st meeting, 26 September 2012) ............................................................ 49 Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Protection of civilians in armed conflict. Security Council 6917th meeting, 12 February 2013) ....................................................... 52 Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. Security Council 7015th meeting, 06 August 2013) ................................................................................................... 56

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Small arms: the impact of the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons on international peace and security. Security Council 7036th meeting, 26 September 2013) ..................................................... 60 Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (The situation in the Middle East (Yemen). Security Council 7037th meeting, 27 September 2013) ........................................ 63 Statement in the explanation of vote on Security Council resolution S/RES/2118 (2013) by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (The situation in the Middle East (Syria). Security Council 7038th meeting, 27 September 2013) .... 64 Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security: Strengthening the partnership synergy between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Security Council 7050th meeting, 28 October 2013) .......................................................................................... 65 4. CONTRIBUTION OF AZERBAIJAN TO THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL 4.1 Azerbaijan presidency of the Security Council Assessment of the work of the Security Council during the presidency of Azerbaijan (May 2012) ........... 72 Assessment of the work of the Security Council during the presidency of Azerbaijan (October 2013) ...................................................................................... 90

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4.2 Azerbaijan chairmanship of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefings by Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. Security Council 7076th meeting, 09 December 2013) ..................................... 127 The 2012 Report of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo ............ 131 The 2013 Report of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo ............. 145 4.3 Geographic issues AFRICA 1. Libya Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the fourth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1970. Security Council 6772nd meeting, 16 May 2012) ................................................................ 157 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the fourth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1970. Security Council 6855th meeting, 07 November 2012) ....................................................... 159

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Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the fifth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1970. Security Council 6962nd meeting, 08 May 2013) ........................................................ 160 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the sixth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1970. Security Council 7059th meeting, 14 November 2013) ............................................... 162 2. Sierra Leone Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Security Council 6844th meeting, 09 October 2012) ....................................................................... 163 3. Somalia Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6719th meeting, 22 February 2012) ......................................................... 165 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6770th meeting, 15 May 2012) ................................................................ 167 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6848th meeting, 16 October 2012) ........................................................... 169

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6975th meeting, 06 June 2013) ................................................................. 171 4. Sudan Statement in the explanation of vote on resolution S/RES/2063 (2012) by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6819th meeting, 31 July 2012) .......................................................... 173 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the sixteenth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593. Security Council 6887th meeting, 12 December 2012) ................................................ 173 Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the seventeenth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593. Security Council 6974th meeting, 05 June 2013) ...... 174 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing on the eighteenth report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court pursuant to resolution 1593. Security Council 7080th meeting, 11 December 2013) ................................................ 176 5. Regional issues 5.1. Great Lakes region Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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to the United Nations (The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes. Security Council 7011th meeting, 25 July 2013) ......................................................... 177 5.2. West Africa and the Sahel region Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6709th meeting, 26 January 2012) .......................................................... 180 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (The impact of transnational organized crime on peace, security and stability in West Africa and the Sahel region. Security Council 6717th meeting, 21 February 2012) ................................................. 182 Statement by H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, Ambassadorat-Large and Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (The situation in the Sahel. Security Council 6882nd meeting, 10 December 2012) ............................................................... 184 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Sahel Strategy. Security Council 7081st meeting, 12 December 2013) ............................... 187 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Combating drug trafficking in the Sahel and in West Africa. Security Council 7090th meeting, 18 December 2013) ................................................ 189 5.3. Central African region Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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to the United Nations (Report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and on the Lord’s Resistance Armyaffected areas (S/2012/923). Security Council 6891st meeting, 18 December 2012) ................................................ 191 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and on the Lord’s Resistance Armyaffected areas (S/2013/297). Security Council 6971st meeting, 29 May 2013) ................................................................ 193 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and on the Lord’s Resistance Armyaffected areas (S/2013/671). Security Council 7065th meeting, 20 November 2013) ............................................... 196 6. Thematic issues 6.1. Conflict prevention and resolution in Africa Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Prevention of conflicts in Africa: addressing the root causes. Security Council 6949th meeting, 15 April 2013) ............................................................... 198 6.2. Counter-terrorism Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (The challenges of the fight against terrorism in Africa in the context of maintaining in-

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ternational peace and security. Security Council 6965th meeting, 13 May 2013) ........................................................ 201 6.3. Peacekeeping Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (United Nations peacekeeping operations. Security Council 6987th meeting, 26 June 2013) ..................................................................................... 203 6.4. Piracy Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6723rd meeting, 27 February 2012) ......................................................... 205 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6865th meeting, 19 November 2012) ....................................................... 207 6.5. Rule of law Statement in the explanation of vote on draft resolution S/2013/660 by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7060th meeting, 15 November 2013) ............................................... 209 LATIN AMERICA 1. Haiti Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6842nd meeting, 03 October 2012) ........................................................... 210

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6936th meeting, 20 March 2013) ............................................................. 212 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7024th meeting, 28 August 2013) ............................................................ 214 ASIA 1. Afghanistan Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6840th meeting, 20 September 2012) ....................................................... 216 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6895th meeting, 19 December 2012) ........................................................ 219 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6935th meeting, 19 March 2013) ............................................................. 222 Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6983rd meeting, 20 June 2013) .............. 225 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7035th meeting, 19 September 2013) ....................................................... 227

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7085th meeting, 17 December 2013) ........................................................ 230 2. Iran / Briefings by the Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6839th meeting, 20 September 2012) ....................................................... 232 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6888th meeting, 13 December 2012) ........................................................ 233 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6930th meeting, 06 March 2013) ............................................................. 235 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6999th meeting, 15 July 2013) ................................................................. 236 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7028th meeting, 05 September 2013) ....................................................... 238 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7082nd meeting, 12 December 2013) ........................................................ 239

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3. Timor-Leste Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6720th meeting, 22 February 2012) ......................................................... 241 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6859th meeting, 12 November 2012) ....................................................... 243 EUROPE 1. Bosnia and Herzegovina Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6860th meeting, 13 November 2012) ....................................................... 245 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6966th meeting, 14 May 2013) ................................................................ 246 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7057th meeting, 12 November 2013) ....................................................... 248 2. Briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6715th meeting, 09 February 2012) ......................................................... 250

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Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6961st meeting, 07 May 2013) ............................................................... 254 3. Cyprus Statement in the explanation of vote on Security Council resolution S/RES/2058 (2012) by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6809th meeting, 19 July 2012) ............... 258 Statement in the explanation of vote on Security Council resolution S/RES/2089 (2013) by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6908th meeting, 24 January 2013) ......... 259 Statement in the explanation of vote on Security Council resolution S/RES/2114 (2013) by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7014th meeting, 30 July 2013) ............... 260 4. United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6713th meeting, 08 February 2012) ........................................................ 261 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6822nd meeting, 21 August 2012) ........................................................... 264

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Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6872nd meeting, 27 November 2012) ....................................................... 266 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6939th meeting, 22 March 2013) ............................................................. 268 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6979th meeting, 14 June 2013) ................................................................ 270 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7026th meeting, 29 August 2013) ........................................................... 272 MIDDLE EAST 1. Israel / Palestine Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6706th meeting, 24 January 2012) ........................................................... 278 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6757th meeting, 23 April 2012) ............................................................... 280 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6847th meeting, 15 October 2012) ........................................................... 283

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Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6906th meeting, 23 January 2013) ....... 285 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6950th meeting, 24 April 2013) ............................................................. 288 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7007th meeting, 23 July 2013) ............................................................... 290 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7047th meeting, 22 October 2013) ........................................................ 292 2. Syria Statement in the explanation of vote on draft resolution S/2012/77 by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6711th meeting, 04 February 2012) ................................... 294 Statement in the explanation of vote on Security Council resolution S/RES/2042 (2012) by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6751st meeting, 14 April 2012) ........... 295 Statement in the explanation of vote on Security Council resolution S/RES/2043 (2012) by Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6755th meeting, 21 April 2012) ............ 296

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Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6826th meeting, 30 August 2012) .......................................................... 297 3. Yemen Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6878th meeting, 04 December 2012) ...................................................... 300 4.4 Thematic issues Combating crime and countering terrorism Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Securing borders against illicit cross-border trafficking and movement. Security Council 6760th meeting, 25 April 2012) .......................................... 302 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefings by Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. Security Council 6767th meeting, 10 May 2012) ...................................... 305 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefings by Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. Security Council 6862nd meeting, 14 November 2012) ............................ 307 Statement by H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, Ambassadorat-Large and Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism. Security Council 6900th meeting, 15 January 2013) ..................................... 311

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefings by Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. Security Council 6964th meeting, 10 May 2013) ...................................... 314 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefings by Chairmen of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. Security Council 7071st meeting, 27 November 2013) ............................. 317 Conflict prevention Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Conflict prevention and natural resources. Security Council 6982nd meeting, 19 June 2013) ..................................... 320 Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security: European Union. Security Council 6919th meeting, 13 February 2013) ................................................................................... 322 International law 1. Rule of law Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Open debate on the promotion

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and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security. Security Council 6849th meeting, 17 October 2012) ..................................... 325 2. International Court of Justice Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Briefing by the President of the International Court of Justice. Security Council 7051st (closed) meeting, 28 October 2013) .................................... 328 3. International criminal tribunals Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (ICTY/ICTR. Security Council 6880th meeting, 05 December 2012) ...................................................................... 330 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (ICTY/ICTR. Security Council 6977th meeting, 12 June 2013) .......................................... 332 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (ICTY/ICTR. Security Council 7073rd meeting, 05 December 2013) ................................. 334 Nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and security Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6753rd meeting, 19 April 2012) ............................................................. 336

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Peacebuilding Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6805th meeting, 12 July 2012) .............................................................. 338 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6897th meeting, 20 December 2012) ...................................................... 341 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6954th meeting, 25 April 2013) ............................................................. 343 Peacekeeping Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (United Nations peacekeeping operations: Inter-mission cooperation. Security Council 6886th meeting, 12 December 2012) .................................. 346 Protection of civilians in armed conflict Further statement (first) by Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6917th meeting, 12 February 2013) ................................... 348 Further statement (second) by Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6917th meeting, 12 February 2013) ................................... 349

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7003rd meeting, 17 July 2013) ............................................................... 350 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7019th meeting, 19 August 2013) ......................................................... 352 Children and armed conflict Statement in the explanation of vote on resolution 2068 (2012) by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6838th meeting, 19 September 2012) ............................................. 355 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6838th meeting, 19 September 2012) ..................................................... 356 Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6980th meeting, 17 June 2013) .................. 358 Women and peace and security Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6722nd meeting, 23 February 2012) ....................................................... 361 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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to the United Nations (Security Council 6877th meeting, 30 November 2012) ..................................................... 363 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6948th meeting, 17 April 2013) ............................................................. 366 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6984th meeting, 24 June 2013) .............................................................. 368 Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7044th meeting, 18 October 2013) ......................................................... 370 Working methods of the Security Council 1. Implementation of the note by the President of the Security Council (S/2010/507) Statement by H.E. Mr. Agshin Mehdiyev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6870th meeting, 26 November 2012) ..................................................... 373 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 7052nd meeting, 29 October 2013) ......................................................... 375 2. Wrap-up sessions Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan

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to the United Nations (Security Council 6914th (closed) meeting, 31 January 2013) ................................................. 378 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6927th (closed) meeting, 28 February 2013) ............................................... 381 Statement by Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6958th (closed) meeting, 30 April 2013) ..................................................... 385 Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6972nd (closed) meeting, 30 May 2013) .................................................................................. 388 Statement by Mr. Samir Sharifov, Counsellor and Political Coordinator of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations (Security Council 6992nd (closed) meeting, 27 June 2013) .................................................................................. 391 5. ANNEXES 5.1 Concept papers and outcome documents Concept paper for the Security Council briefing on the theme “Strengthening international cooperation in the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations”, held on 04 May 2012 (Security Council document S/2012/281) ............................................................... 395 Statement by the President of the Security Council in connection with the Council’s consideration of

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the item entitled “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts” (adopted on 4 May 2012, document S/PRST/2012/17) ....................................... 400 Concept note for the Security Council Arria-formula meeting on the theme “The Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, Conflict Prevention and Resolution: Mediation, Judicial Settlement and Justice”, held on 30 May 2012 ............................................................................. 406 Presentation by Professor Malcolm N. Shaw QC at the Security Council Arria-formula meeting on the theme “The Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, Conflict Prevention and Resolution: Mediation, Judicial Settlement and Justice”, held on 30 May 2012 ........................ 409 Concept paper for the Security Council briefing on the theme “Strengthening the partnership synergy between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held on 28 October 2013 (Security Council document S/2013/588) ................................. 428 Statement by the President of the Security Council in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security” (adopted on 28 October 2013, document S/PRST/ 2013/16) ................................................................................ 434 Concept paper for the open debate of the Security Council on women, rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, held on 18 October 2013 (Security Council document S/2013/587) ......... 436 Concept paper for the Security Council open debate on the implementation of the note by the President

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of the Council of 26 July 2010 (S/2010/507), on the working methods of the Council, held on 29 October 2013 (Security Council document s/2013/613) ................... 440 5.2 Security Council statistics 2012–2013 Security Council statistics for the period January 2012–December 2012 .......................................................... 449 Security Council statistics for the period January 2013–December 2013 .......................................................... 450

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, speaks at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers 09 January 2014 Baku

“In 2013, Azerbaijan completed its membership in the UN Security Council. Over the past two years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its position. As I stated earlier, while in the UN Security Council, we upheld international law and justice, demonstrated a clear position and took a principled stance on every single issue. I can say that over the two years the international community’s trust to and support for Azerbaijan have further increased”. Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 9 January 2014

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1 INTRODUCTION ince joining the United Nations on 2 March 1992, Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its strong commitment to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and has staunchly supported the United Nations.

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations 04 May 2012 United Nations, New York

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Azerbaijan served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the first time in its history after winning the vacancy on the 15-member body available for the Group of Eastern European States during voting in the United Nations General Assembly on 24 October 2011. The only seat to a non-permanent membership allocated to the said regional group was initially contested by four States. Failing to meet one of the major requirements set forth in Article 23 of the Charter of the United Nations with respect to the membership of the Security Council, namely, to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security and to other purposes of the United Nations, Armenia withdrew its candidacy before the elections. Among three remaining countries, Hungary dropped out after the first round as the lowest-poling candidate and the contest continued between Azerbaijan and Slovenia. Azerbaijan claimed the seat on the 17th round of balloting after it scored 155 votes from the States Members of the United Nations. Azerbaijan’s victory occurred after Slovenia withdrew its bid at the end of the 16th round. In that round Azerbaijan had obtained 116 votes to Slovenia’s 77. A representative of Slovenia told the General Assembly that while his country believed it would be a good fit for the Council, it was withdrawing its candidacy as the will of the Assembly was clear.1 Shortly after Azerbaijan’s election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member, President Ilham Aliyev declared that his nation’s priorities would be to promote justice and the supremacy of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Guided by this vision, during its membership, Azerbaijan has spared no effort to contribute to discharging by the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Azerbaijan presided over the Security Council in May 2012 and October 2013. During those two months, the Council held 30 public 1

Azerbaijan wins final vacancy on Security Council”, UN News Center, 24 October 2011.

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Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, speaks at the dinner organized on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s membership in the UN and the country’s election to the UN Security Council 03 May 2012 New York

and private meetings and 29 closed consultations and adopted seven resolutions, three presidential statements and issued thirteen statements to the press. A centerpiece of Azerbaijan’s presidency in May 2012 was the high-level meeting on strengthening international cooperation in the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations, held on 4 May. The meeting was chaired by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and was attended by the United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon, and the high-level representatives of the Council members. As an outcome of the meeting, the Council adopted a presidential statement (see document S/PRST/2012/17 in the

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annex), in which it reiterated its strong and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; noted the changing nature and character of terrorism; recalled Member Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; obligations to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State and to refrain from providing any form of support to entities or persons involved in or associated with ter-rorist acts; reaffirmed that effective counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law were complementary and mutually reinforcing; and stressed the importance of respect and understanding for religious and cultural diversity throughout the world. The Council also emphasized the need for more enhanced cooperation and solidarity among Member States, particularly through bilateral and multilateral arrangements and agreements to prevent and suppress terrorist attacks, and reiterated its call upon Member States to strengthen cooperation at the international, regional and subregional levels, particularly through regional and subregional mechanisms and coordination and cooperation at the operational level. The Council underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation among Member States and with United Nations entities and subsidiary bodies with a view to enhancing the individual capabilities of Member States to effectively implement their counterterrorism obligations. With regard to various issues pertaining to the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan has consistently stressed the importance of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and the need to implement the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and put an end to impunity for the most serious international crimes committed during the conflict. In his speech before the Security Council on 4 May 2012, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, stated the following: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The policy of the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis has resulted in the occupation of 20 per cent of the internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan, creating more than 1 mil-

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lion refugees and internally displaced persons, who have been forced to leave their homes. The Security Council has adopted four resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. Unfortunately, for almost 20 years those resolutions have been ignored by Armenia”. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, stated the following at the Security Council meeting on 12 February 2013: “The war unleashed by neigbouring Armenia against my country and the military occupation of our territories have had a considerable impact on civilians. As a result of that aggression, Azerbaijan continues to suffer from having one of the highest numbers of refugees and displaced persons in the world. At present, approximately one of every nine persons in the country belongs to that category. Twenty-one years ago, an unprecedented massacre was committed against the Azerbaijani population in the town of Khojaly. In one night, more than 600 civilians were killed in that town only because they were Azerbaijanis. Not even women, children and elderly were spared by the invading Armenian troops and irregular local armed groups. In all its four resolutions adopted in 1993 in response to the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan (resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993)), the Security Council referred specifically to violations of international humanitarian law, including the displacement of a large number of civilians in Azerbaijan, attacks on civilians and the bombardment of inhabited areas. We are confident that the consistent measures being taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to bring to justice those responsible for the grave offences committed against the civilian population of Azerbaijan during the conflict”.

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In his speech on 28 October, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov pointed out: “Armenia’s annexationist policy has absolutely no chance of success. Nagorno-Karabakh is a historical, inalienable and integral part of Azerbaijan. The only way to achieve a settlement of the conflict and to establish civilized relations between the two neighboring States is for Armenia to de-occupy the Azerbaijani territories, fully re-establish the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and immediately provide for compliance with the inalienable right of refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their homes”. Over the past two years, Azerbaijan submitted a number of reports on various aspects of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which were circulated as documents of the General Assembly and the Security Council. Among them are the regular reports on ceasefire violations by the armed forces of Armenia and illegal activities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, the report on the international legal rights of the Azerbaijani internally displaced persons and the Republic of Armenia’s responsibility (see A/66/787–S/2012/289), a memorandum entitled “The crime in Khojaly: perpetrators, qualification and responsibility under international law” (see A/67/ 753–S/2013/106) and a research on non-compliance by the Republic of Armenia with Security Council resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993) (see A/67/875–S/2013/313). On 30 May, Azerbaijan organized an informal Arria-formula meeting of the Security Council on the theme “Peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution: mediation, judicial settlement and justice”. Along with the representatives of the Security Council members, the meeting was attended by Permanent and Observer Representatives to the United Nations, the Secretariat of the United Nations, other international organizations, civil society and academic community. The purpose of the meeting was to generate discussions among the members of the Security Council

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and other participants on the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution, and highlight the role of mediation, judicial settlement and justice in promoting durable peace and reconciliation based on international law. The key-note speakers at the meeting were the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Araz Azimov, and the Senior Fellow at the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at the University of Cambridge, Professor Malcolm N. Shaw QC. Addressing hot-spot issues on the African continent has long been a focus of the Council’s work. More than sixty percent of the Council’s agenda items are related to Africa, and half of the United Nations peacekeeping operations are deployed in the continent. During the presidency of Azerbaijan of the Security Council in May 2012 and October 2013, the Council undertook missions to West Africa (Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone), from 18 to 24 May 2012, and to Africa’s Great Lakes region (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia), from 3 to 9 October. As part of the latter mission, on 8 October, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Security Council held their 7th annual joint consultative meeting at the African Union Headquarters, in Addis Ababa, co-chaired by Azerbaijan and Equatorial Guinea in their capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of October and acting President of the African Union Peace and Security Council respectively. A joint communiqué was adopted and issued later as a document of the Security Council (S/2013/611). Besides, on 31 October, under the chairmanship of the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan, Agshin Mehdiyev, the Security Council held an informal interactive dialogue with the Contact Group of the Executive Council of the African Union on the International Criminal Court to discuss a request contained in the identical letters dated 21 October 2013 from the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2013/624). Azerbaijan has paid equally close attention to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Latin America,

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as well as to strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations and to developing the conceptual and normative basis on other thematic issues in the area of international peace and security, such as counter-terrorism, nonproliferation, combating transnational organized crime, the protection of civilians in armed conflict, children and armed conflict, women and peace and security, and the rule of law. As part of its presidency of the Security Council in October 2013, Azerbaijan convened on 28 October a high-level meeting on strengthening the partnership synergy between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, and was attended by the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and OIC, Ban Ki-moon and Ekmelleddin Ihsanoglu respectively, and the high-level representatives of the Council members. The objective of the meeting was to review the cooperation between the United Nations and OIC in the maintenance of international peace and security and to explore ideas with a view to strengthening the partnership synergy between the two organizations. In its presidential statement S/PRST/2013/16, adopted as an outcome of the meeting (see the document in the annex), the Security Council, inter alia, recognized and further encouraged the active contribution of OIC to the work of the United Nations; acknowledged the continuing dialogue between the two Organizations in the fields of peacemaking, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacebuilding; noted that the United Nations and OIC share common objectives in promoting and facilitating the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the political solution of the Syrian conflict in accordance with the Geneva communiquĂŠ of 30 June 2012, as well as in fostering solutions to other conflicts in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council; noted the commitment of both to foster a global dialogue for the promotion of tolerance and peace and called for enhanced cooperation to promote better understanding across countries, cultures and civilizations; and

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recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation with OIC in the maintenance of international peace and security. In October, Azerbaijan also convened three open debates, namely, on the situation in the Middle East, on women and peace and security and on the working methods of the Security Council, and a private meeting to exchange views with Judge Peter Tomka, President of the International Court of Justice. During its membership of the Security Council, Azerbaijan chaired the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over the past two years, Azerbaijan has further developed and strengthened its cooperation with the States Members of the United Nations, the UN Secretariat, regional and subregional organizations, civil society and academic circles.

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2 STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. ILHAM ALIYEV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN (Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: Strengthening international cooperation in the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations. Security Council 6765th meeting, 04 May 2012) errorism is a serious threat to international peace and security and to the enjoyment of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, political independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the social and economic development of all Member States. Azerbaijan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We consider that all terrorist acts constitute serious crimes and must be condemned and prosecuted. Terrorists must never be allowed to try to establish a pretext for their actions. All terrorist acts are unjustifiable regardless of their motivation. Terrorism has a changing nature and character. In many instances, it is inseparably linked aggressive separatism, extremism and organized crime. Areas affected by armed conflict â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially territories under foreign military occupation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; create conditions conducive to networking between terrorists and those acting in such territories. Azerbaijan has been affected by terrorism in several ways, including as the direct target of externally sponsored terrorist activity.

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Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in his capacity as President of the Security Council, chairs the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting on international cooperation in the implementation of counter-terrorism obligations. 04 May 2012 United Nations, New York

The Republic of Armenia committed dozens of terrorist acts against the civilian population and infrastructure of Azerbaijan, as a result of which over 2,000 Azerbaijanis have lost their lives. Armenia orchestrated those acts with the direct involvement of its security agencies and by using international terrorist groups. During the active phase of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia widely practiced the use of terrorist acts against the civilian population, in conjunction with military aggression, to achieve ethnic cleansing. Those acts of cruelty culminated in February 1992 in the annihilation of the population of the town of Khojaly, where 613 innocent people perished, including children, women and elderly people. More than 100 women and 63 children were killed. Armenia also targeted civilians far beyond the conflict zone, by masterminding terrorist acts against public transport and critical infrastructure, such as the bomb explosions in the Baku metro in 1994 and others.

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Although today we have largely been able to neutralize the terrorist threat coming from Armenia, the risk of terrorism posed by that country remains high. We still encounter statements openly made endorsing certain terrorist acts as a legitimate military tactic, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure, especially Azerbaijanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water reservoir dams and oil pipeline networks. Such attacks will definitely result in hundreds of thousands of casualties among the civilian population. Elements of international terrorist organizations have been integrated into Armeniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s security and defense sector. It is appalling to see a country that claims to share European and universal values venerating operatives of international terrorist organizations as heroes, and even erecting monuments to them. The policy of the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis has resulted in the occupation of 20 per cent of the internationally recognized territory of Azerbaijan, creating more than 1 million refugees and internally displaced persons, who have been forced to leave their homes. The Security Council has adopted four resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian troops from the occupied territories. Unfortunately, for almost 20 years those resolutions have been ignored by Armenia. The occupied territories of Azerbaijan represent a source of grave concern in terms of the linkage among terrorism, separatism, extremism and organized crime, including drug trafficking, money laundering and the illicit supply of arms to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. In addition to the terrorist threat from Armenia, Azerbaijan continues to face the risk and threat posed by international terrorist groups. The proximity of our country to volatile regions makes the threat even more imminent for us. It is, therefore, no coincidence that Azerbaijan has been undertaking comprehensive national measures and actively contributing to international efforts to curb terrorism. Being a proponent of the indivisibility of security, Azerbaijan has been an active contributor to the international counterterrorism coalition. Although the international community has made remarkable achievements in countering terrorism, more should be done to

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prevent and combat the scourge. The absence of a clear definition of terrorism in international law hampers the efforts of the international community to bring to account not only individual terrorists and organizations but also States that promote, support or finance terrorist activities. In that regard, Azerbaijan stresses the importance of reaching agreement on a comprehensive convention on international terrorism to serve as an effective instrument to combat terrorism. Achieving agreement on a definition of terrorism and a convention on international terrorism could effectively address some outstanding issues, including the issue of getting States to refrain from organizing, financing, encouraging, providing training or otherwise directly or indirectly supporting terrorist activities. Such an agreement should precede open and holistic discussions on the root causes of terrorism. We need to pay due attention to that issue within the ongoing international efforts, including through United Nations mechanisms, to address issues of social and economic development and education. Low levels of education, coupled with economic hardships, are factors that facilitate the work of terrorist propaganda, which is often promulgated through misinterpretations of religions. The war on terrorism should not be used to target any particular religion or culture. Today, we are living at a time of heightened religious awareness, which in certain instances takes on exaggerated forms and sometimes is maliciously exploited to fuel conflicts on ethnic, religious or cultural grounds. In recent years, the unacceptable â&#x20AC;&#x153;Islamophobiaâ&#x20AC;? emerging in some countries confirms the vital necessity of joint efforts and dialogue to counter instances of defamation and misconceptions. Azerbaijan does its best to contribute to the dialogue among civilizations. Our country hosts numerous events aimed at creating a better understanding among representatives of various religions. Azerbaijan is a multinational, multi-confessional country, where people of many nationalities and practitioners of all religions live together in peace and harmony. The multicultural dialogue we enjoy in our country can serve as an example of the peaceful coexistence of

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people of differing religious backgrounds. Azerbaijan is a country of tolerance, and we highly value our varied heritage and the multicultural legacy of our past. Today we are increasingly working to create a spirit of partnership and fraternity among our many nationalities and religions. Economic development is one of the most important aspects of the fight against terrorism, promoting good governance and improving living conditions for populations. Over the last decade Azerbaijan has made great economic progress. Our country has been independent for only 20 years. But those years have been years of reform, transformation, development and progress. In less than 10 years our economy has tripled. Poverty has been reduced from nearly 50 per cent to 7 per cent. One million jobs have been created. Many social programmes are being implemented. The international financial institutions recognize what we are doing. Three major international organizations, Fitch Group, Moody’s Corporation and Standard and Poor’s, recently upgraded our credit rating. That is good sign of development, especially in the midst of the financial and economic crisis. Combating poverty, creating new jobs, developing solid legislation, strengthening the rule of law, battling corruption — all those help countries’ development and consolidate efforts to combat terrorism. We must all join our efforts to combat terrorism. The nature of terrorism today and its increasing connection with other threats to international peace and security require close international cooperation among States, including through the establishment of a more coordinated, coherent and systematic United Nations approach. However, the existence of conflicts among States, foreign military occupation and aggressive separatism provide fertile ground for terrorism. The international community should, therefore, facilitate the resolution of conflicts on the basis of the generally accepted norms and principles of international law, particularly those relating to respect for territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders of States, and help countries restore sovereignty over their own territories.

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I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the States Members of the United Nations for their support of Azerbaijan’s candidacy. Last October, for the first time in our short history, Azerbaijan was elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. This is a big responsibility, and we are ready to assume that responsibility. Azerbaijan will defend the ideals of justice, international law and peaceful cooperation between all countries. We have done considerable work within our region in order to bring countries together. Our initiatives are aimed at the expansion of regional cooperation in the spirit of friendship, partnership and good neighbourliness. We definitely intend to contribute much during our presence in the Security Council, and I can assure our friends in the United Nations — all Member States — that Azerbaijan will be a reliable and friendly partner to all countries. We want to expand our cooperation and partnership, and we are very grateful for this support. Our country has had a great history, culture and traditions, but as an independent State, it has had only 20 years of experience. These recent years have been years of transformation, development and presentation to the world. The very fact that 155 countries supported our candidacy showed that we managed to present ourselves in a positive way. That demonstrates that the international community trusts us, believes in us, and is willing to confer this responsibility on us. I can assure the Council that Azerbaijan is ready for this responsibility. We will not let down those who have trusted us, and we will do everything in order to create a more predictable, safer world for all of us.

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3 STATEMENTS BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations: United Nations-African Union. Security Council 6702nd meeting, 12 January 2012)

At the outset, I would like to thank and congratulate the South African presidency on convening this debate on the United Nations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; African Union partnership. We welcome the presence at this very important meeting of His Excellency Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa. We are grateful for the report (S/2011/ 805) of the Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon. I would also like to welcome the delegation of the African Union Commission and the chairs of the African sub-regional organizations. Over the past decade, the role of the African Union and subregional organizations has increased significantly. Indeed, not all regional organizations may boast of their ability and political will to understand the root causes of armed conflicts and to contribute effectively to their resolution. As a country suffering from the occupation of a significant part of its territory and the forcible displacement of hundreds of thousands of its citizens, Azerbaijan fully understands the threats and challenges

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affecting countries with unresolved conflicts, including those in Africa, as indicated just a few minutes ago by H.E. Mr. Lamamra, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union. The African Union has made great efforts to promote peace, security and stability on the continent, and has demonstrated its ability to take the lead. The launch of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the establishment of its constitutive elements, as well as the African Union’s peace support operations authorized by the Security Council, should be particularly noted. The challenges that Africa faces today and that constitute a considerable part of the Security Council’s deliberations can be better addressed through collective political and diplomatic efforts. The high interest in today’s debate demonstrates the vivid commitment of the international community to supporting African countries in bringing stability and ensuring sustainable development on the continent. In recent years, we have seen progress achieved in developing the strategic relationship between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security. At the same time, we have to admit that challenges remain and that more should be done to further strengthen this relationship to effectively address common collective security concerns in Africa. It is critical that we further strengthen our joint efforts to prevent conflicts before they occur. Greater focus on the area of conflict prevention and mediation has acquired additional significance. The development of common guidelines by the United Nations and the African Union as a framework for mediation in Africa would contribute to achieving this objective. It is crucial that all Member States strictly adhere to their obligations, as laid down in the United Nations Charter, with respect to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States. An important determination in this regard has also been made by the General Assembly in its resolution 65/283 of 22 June 2011 on strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution.

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We recognize the vital role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction. The United Nations and the African Union need to work to ensure that women and gender perspectives are fully integrated into all peace and security efforts undertaken by the two organizations, including by building the necessary capacity. It is important that the UN Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, as well as the secretariats of both organizations, further enhance their relationship, including through annual meetings and more intense informal communication between them. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report, efforts to find a solution to ensure sustainable financing for African Union peace support operations need to be continued. While the steps taken by the AU in developing its own financing mechanisms are commendable, other means and options provided by the United Nations and the international community should also be available in this regard, including in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict, as well as in peacebuilding. Mr. President, in recent times Azerbaijan has significantly developed its cooperation with the African Union and its Member States. Obtaining the status of observer with the African Union has allowed my country to advance mutually beneficial relations and dialogue. Azerbaijan is actively participating in implementing various assistance programmes for Africa. We responded to the appeals of the respective Governments and international organizations to provide urgent aid aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa and elsewhere on the continent. Furthermore, we have contributed to supporting the institution and capacity-building programme of the African Union Commission and offered scholarships for diplomats from African countries to study in the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. Azerbaijan has also joined the work of one of the Peacebuilding Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country-specific configurations, and

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looks forward to pursuing its efforts in this regard. We have started consultations with the relevant stakeholders to apply in Africa our rich experience in the field of demining, provided by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action. We look forward to advancing our cooperation with the AU Commission and African countries and are planning to host in Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the United Nations and the African Union, a high-level international conference on the issues of concern to Africa. Mr. President, in conclusion, I would like to express our full support of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft Security Council resolution (S/2012/ 25), aimed at developing effective partnership relations and cooperation between the two organizations. Last but not least, I would also like to take this opportunity to stress the importance for the Council to monitor the implementation of its existing resolutions, in particular those related to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Peace and security in the Middle East. Security Council 6841st meeting, 26 September 2012)

t the outset, I would like to join others in congratulating Germany on its successful presidency of the Security Council this month and to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this timely meeting on an important topic. We are also grateful to Secretary-General Ban Kimoon and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Nabil Elaraby, for their briefings. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting is taking place at an important time in the sense that the Middle East region is experiencing historic changes that testify to the desire and determination of its societies to shape their destiny. The transformation process has yielded encouraging trends towards ensuring respect for human rights and guaranteeing economic and social well-being for everyone. At the same time, there

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is an obvious need for an in-depth analysis of the root causes and ultimate implications of this complex process for the regional and global security architecture. While the international response to developments in the Middle East has varied in its essence and intensity, the primary role in maintaining adequate international engagement belongs to international and regional organizations, particularly to the United Nations and the League of Arab States. It should be noted that not all regional organizations can boast of their ability and political will to understand the root causes of security problems and to contribute effectively to their resolution. The League of Arab States has proved to be one of those regional organizations that are able to take the lead in promoting peace, security and stability in the region. In that regard, we are pleased to see that cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States is motivated by the common objective of enhancing peace and security and helping the States of the region through this difficult period of their history. Their combined engagement and presence have been instrumental in carrying out important tasks in such areas as conflict prevention and resolution, crisis response and management, and the fight against terrorism and organized crime. Against the background of regional fragilities, which go hand in hand with the challenges of the transformations experienced in the region, maintaining the high profile and ongoing active involvement of the United Nations and the League of Arab States has acquired increased importance. Therefore, mutually reinforcing cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States has become ever more essential for maintaining peace and security in the region and working out sound strategies to assist the States in transition. The role of the League of Arab States as an insider in the region is particularly valuable in connecting regional specificities with the global dimension by interacting with the United Nations, its specialized agencies and field presences. The United Nations and the League of Arab States should further galvanize their efforts to achieve the best results for the States and peoples of the region.

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In that regard, we commend the appointment of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria as an important step forward in the cooperation between the two organizations, and we reiterate our full support for his activities. Mr. President, the international community must continue to be consistent in its efforts to facilitate solutions to regional crises and conflicts based on the norms and principles of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, as required by the United Nations Charter. Azerbaijan strongly supports that approach in working to resolve protracted conflicts in different parts of the world. While recognizing the historic opportunities that recent waves of transition have opened up for the Middle East, we should not neglect the long-standing security problems. Solving them is a prerequisite for maintaining peace, stability and sustainable development in the region. All stakeholders in the Middle East should regard the latest developments as a unique chance and an urgent call to take courageous steps towards achieving tangible results in the Middle East peace process. A comprehensive, just and lasting settlement is long overdue in that conflict, which undermines the security, stability and well-being of the entire region and has an impact stretching well beyond regional boundaries. We consider it essential for the Security Council and the League of Arab States to cooperate on this issue of paramount importance to all of us. Once again, we cannot but express our deep concern over the recent escalation provoked by blasphemy against Islam. We strongly condemn all assaults against religions. At the same time, attacks on civilians, in particular diplomatic personnel, cannot be justified in any circumstances. Mr. President, we would truly like to believe that, irrespective of all the challenges and difficulties, the pursuit of peace and progress in the Middle East will never be abandoned, and that the endeavours of its peoples to build stable, secure and democratic States will continue to be bolstered by the international community. In this context, we are confident that continued engagement by the United

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Nations and the League of Arab States, together with strengthened cooperation between them, consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, will effectively contribute to peace and security in the region. As a member of the Security Council and an observer to the League of Arab States, Azerbaijan will continue its utmost efforts to that end. In conclusion, I would like to express our full support for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft presidential statement, aimed at helping to develop effective cooperation between the two organizations. Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Protection of civilians in armed conflict. Security Council 6917th meeting, 12 February 2013)

irst of all, I would like to thank the Republic of Korea and you personally, Mr. Minister, for convening this important open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and for submitting a concept note on the topic (S/2013/75, annex). We are also grateful to the Secretary-General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their statements. Mr. President, a response to the large-scale atrocities perpetrated during the Second World War served as the basis for the founding of the United Nations, the proclaiming of fundamental values, such as peace and respect for human rights, and the establishment of multinational judicial institutions. The significant development of international norms and standards for the protection of civilians and the engagement of the Security Council, including the adoption of a number of important documents and practical steps towards their implementation, have given rise to increased attention to the issue. However, efforts to ensure a peaceful, just and prosperous world have not always been consistent and successful. As a consequence, civilians continue to suffer from inadequate protection and discrimi-

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natory treatment in situations of armed conflict. As the latest report of the Secretary-General on the topic acknowledges: â&#x20AC;&#x153;[d]espite some progress, the reality on the ground continues to be characterized by the frequent failure of parties to conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and protect civilians as well as with relevant human rights obligationsâ&#x20AC;? (S/2012/376, para. 4). Azerbaijanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consistent position with regard to the issue under consideration is well known and stems from its keen interest in contributing to the achievement of sustainable peace and development and from our practical experience in addressing the impact of armed conflict on civilians. The war unleashed by neigbouring Armenia against my country and the military occupation of our territories have had a considerable impact on civilians. As a result of that aggression, Azerbaijan continues to suffer from having one of the highest numbers of refugees and displaced persons in the world. At present, approximately one of every nine persons in the country belongs to that category. Twenty-one years ago, an unprecedented massacre was committed against the Azerbaijani population in the town of Khojaly. In one night, more than 600 civilians were killed in that town only because they were Azerbaijanis. Not even women, children and elderly were spared by the invading Armenian troops and irregular local armed groups. In all its four resolutions adopted in 1993 in response to the occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan (resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and 884 (1993)), the Security Council referred specifically to violations of international humanitarian law, including the displacement of a large number of civilians in Azerbaijan, attacks on civilians and the bombardment of inhabited areas. We are confident that the consistent measures being taken at the national level, as well as the existing international legal framework, will serve to bring to justice those responsible for the grave offences committed against the civilian population of Azerbaijan during the conflict. It is incontrovertible today that no official or political status cloaks the person concerned with immunity for the most serious international

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crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and ethnic cleansing. In recent years, important steps have been taken for the protection and vindication of rights and the prevention and punishment of crimes that have an international dimension and scope. Indeed, ending impunity is essential not only for the purposes of identifying responsibility for both parties to the conflict and individual perpetrators but also for ensuring sustainable peace, truth, reconciliation, the rights and interests of victims and the well-being of society at large. Unfortunately, not all grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law have received due attention and a response at the international and regional levels. As a result, past wrongs left unpunished and unrecognized continue to impede progress in achieving the long-awaited peace and reconciliation and could even play a key role in the eruption of new conflicts and the commission of new crimes. More resolute and targeted measures are required to end impunity in such situations. We concur with the Secretary-General that where national authorities fail to take the steps necessary to ensure accountability, the international community and the Council should play a more proactive role in ensuring an appropriate response, including through the establishment of international commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions and in supporting the implementation of their recommendations. It is also essential to emphasize the role of the relevant humanitarian mandates in ensuring that all situations of armed conflict, including those of a protracted nature, receive due attention by the international community. Mr. President, it is important to repeatedly recall that the establishment of truth in respect to gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the provision of adequate and effective reparations to victims and the need for institutional actions to prevent the repetition of such violations are all necessary adjuncts to true conflict resolution and imperative with regard to the effective

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and politically uncompromising system of international criminal justice. In any event, the conflict resolution initiatives considered by the Security Council and regional arrangements must ensure that peace and justice work together effectively. Such an approach provides that no peace settlement can be reached if it is inconsistent with international law, particularly where peremptory norms and the rules and standards of international humanitarian and human rights law are concerned. It is essential that peace efforts and peace agreements never encourage the acceptance of situations achieved by the unlawful use of force and other egregious violations of international law, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and ethnic cleansing. On the other hand, in situations of protracted armed conflict, the lack of agreement on political issues cannot be used as a pretext for not addressing problems caused by continued and deliberate disrespect for international humanitarian human rights law. Particular consideration must be given to implications for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts aggravated by population displacements and foreign military occupation. The impact of conflict on housing, land and property, as well as discrimination on ethnic grounds and forced demographic changes in such situations, require a more consistent approach in order to put an end to illegal practices and policies and to ensure the safe and dignified return of displaced populations to their homes. It is important that the recognition of the right to return, along with increased attention to its practical implementation and concrete measures aimed at overcoming obstacles that prevent return, be applied by the international community with more systematic regularity. As the Secretary-General made clear in an earlier report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, â&#x20AC;&#x153;[e]nsuring the right to return constitutes a categorical rejection of the gains of ethnic cleansing ... and offers some measure of justice to those displaced from their homes and land, thereby removing a source of possible future tension and conflictâ&#x20AC;? (S/2007/643, para. 55).

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Among the pressing issues requiring urgent action and attention is that of civilians, including women and children, taken hostage and reported missing in connection with armed conflict. Azerbaijan continues its efforts to address that disturbing phenomenon, including through the relevant biannual resolution of the General Assembly and the Commission on the Status of Women, of which my country is a main sponsor. Mr. President, it is important that the Security Council consistently maintain its focus on the protection of civilians. Azerbaijan would support more systematic and frequent discussions on the topic during briefings and consultations, as well as at informal meetings, such as Arria-formula meetings. In conclusion, I would like once again to commend the initiative of the Republic of Korea to convene this open debate on the protection of civilians and to advance that significant theme in the work of the Security Council. We welcome the draft presidential statement to be adopted later as the outcome of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting. It contains a number of the aforementioned key components of our position and approach on the topic. Statement by H.E. Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. Security Council 7015th meeting, 06 August 2013)

t the outset, I would like to thank the President of the Argentine Republic, Her Excellency Ms. Cristina FernĂĄndez, for presiding over this meeting on the very important and timely topic of cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations in maintaining international peace and security. We are also grateful to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the representatives of the African Union, the League of Arabs States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Union of South American Nations for their briefings. I would also like to

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join others in congratulating the new United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ms. Samantha Power. I hope that her first day will go very smoothly, just as the other four years she will be here. In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Members States conferred upon the Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and agreed, that in carrying out its duties under that responsibility, the Council acts on their behalf. At the same time, Chapter VIII of the Charter encourages cooperation between the United Nations and regional arrangements in the peaceful settlement of disputes. Since the 2005 World Summit and the adoption of Security Council resolution 1631 (2005), important progress has been achieved in enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and regional partners across a full range of areas, from the maintenance of international peace and security and humanitarian assistance to development and the protection of human rights. Indeed, in a number of instances, the relevant regional organizations have proven to be indispensible mechanisms for promoting international and regional peace, security and cooperation, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I would like to refer to some such examples. Over the past decade, the role of the African Union has increased significantly. There is no doubt that the challenges that Africa faces today and that are the subject of a considerable part of the Security Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deliberations can be better addressed through collective political and diplomatic efforts. In that regard, we welcome the progress achieved in developing the strategic relationship between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security. The League of Arab States has also proved to be one of those regional organizations that is able to take the lead in promoting peace, security and stability in the region. We are pleased to see that cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States has been instrumental in carrying out important tasks in such

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areas as conflict prevention and resolution, crisis response and management, and the fight against terrorism and organized crime. We are confident that continued engagement by the United Nations and the League of Arab States, together with strengthened cooperation between them, will effectively contribute to peace and security in the region. As a member of the Security Council and an observer to the African Union and the League of Arab States, Azerbaijan will further support the development of partnership relations between those regional organizations and the United Nations. We also note the activities of new sub-regional organizations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and the Union of South American Nations, and we welcome their presence at this meeting and their contribution to our discussion. Furthermore, the increasing role of organizations formed on the basis of the shared cultural and linguistic values of their Member States, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States, gives rise to the need to explore opportunities and appropriate approaches to better serve the purpose of enhancing interaction and cooperation between those organizations and the United Nations across a broad agenda of mutual interests and concerns. At the same time, we should admit that serious challenges remain. While regional organizations are normally well positioned to understand the causes of armed conflicts, owing to their knowledge of the region, it is obvious that not all of them can boast the ability, political will and institutional capacity to ensure compliance by Member States with their statutory commitments. First and foremost, it is crucial that all Member States adhere to their obligations as laid out in the Charter of the United Nations with respect to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States. We express our concern at the attempts undertaken in some situations of armed conflict to misinterpret the norms and principles of international law and downplay the

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relevance of Security Council resolutions. It is therefore important that, at our meeting today, the Council has stressed the importance of a coordinated international response to causes of conflict and called on the international community, including United Nations organs and agencies, to assist with efforts at the regional level aimed at the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prevention and resolution of conflicts in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Council has also stressed that regional partners must at all times keep it informed of their activities in the area of peace and security. As a matter of priority, special attention should be given to the implementation of Security Council resolutions, in particular those related to the prevention, management and settlement of conflicts. It is also essential, when dealing with conflict and post-conflict situations, that the relevant organizations and entities ensure that peace and justice are both present in a mutually reinforcing manner. Such an approach ensures that no peace settlement is reached that is inconsistent with international law. That understanding is particularly important, as it would provide guidance not only for the parties to the conflict but also for the international community as a whole and, when appropriate, mediation efforts undertaken at the regional level. In the presidential statement just adopted (S/PRST/ 2013/12), the Security Council emphasizes that ending impunity is essential in a conflict and post-conflict societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to come to terms with past wrongs and that regional and sub-regional organizations should contribute to individual accountability. As a country that is itself suffering from the occupation and large-scale ethnic cleansing of a significant part of its territory, Azerbaijan strongly supports that approach in working to address protracted conflicts and their humanitarian and human rights consequences in different parts of the world. In conclusion, I would like once again to thank Argentina for convening this important meeting and to welcome the adoption of the presidential statement as its outcome. We also wish the delegation of Argentina a successful presidency in August.