Statement by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, during the UNSC briefing on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Statement delivered by Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, during Security Council Briefing on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) - 17 January 2025
Thank you, Mr. President,
I also thank USG LaCroix and Major General Gauchat for their briefings, and welcome the participation of Lebanon, Syria and Israel in today’s meeting.
As conflict proliferated across the Middle East over the past year, the essential roles played by the peacekeepers and civilian staff of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, could not have been more clearly demonstrated.
In these times of heightened tensions, conflicts and instability, UNDOF and UNIFIL, continue to make invaluable contributions to de-escalation efforts and further, continue to provide vital reporting to inform the decisions of this Council.
I take this opportunity to reaffirm Guyana’s heartfelt appreciation and support for their unwavering commitment to the execution of their respective mandates and for their unflinching bravery even under increasingly dangerous circumstances, and at great risk to their personal safety.
President,
The situation in the Golan Heights continues to present significant challenges to regional stability. It is described as a tense and unpredictable security situation, with many daily violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement; including the unauthorized installation of communications equipment and prolonged and expanded presence of Israeli Forces in the area of separation.
Similarly, the complex dynamics affecting UNIFIL’s role in maintaining peace in southern Lebanon requires sustained international cooperation and dialogue to achieve the urgent resolution of the challenges. The Mission continues to encounter many obstacles in the implementation of its mandate. The security of Lebanon and its people is paramount and there should be no deliberate undermining of their safety.
We condemn all attacks on peacekeepers, and call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law, to refrain from any action that compromises the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises, and to respect the freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel.
President,
We must also underscore that while both UNDOF and UNIFIL have operated in an exemplary manner, we should not expect the Missions to operate under these unstable and dangerous circumstances without the necessary resources to ensure the safety and security of their personnel.
Guyana therefore urges this Council to provide robust support to the Missions both through the provision of the requisite resources and political backing to fulfil their important roles. The Council must also work to bring enduring peace to the region.
Guyana remains deeply concerned about Israel’s actions in both southern Lebanon and in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, and its incursions into other areas of Syria. The many reported incidents of violations of the ceasefire agreement by the IDF, as well as the slow pace of the withdrawal of the IDF from southern Lebanon, puts at great risk the opportunity to achieve a sustained cessation of hostilities.
Guyana reiterates its call for full respect for the provisions of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement and for the parties to meet their obligations under the ceasefire agreement and resolution 1701.
Mr. President,
As we focus on the situation in Lebanon and the occupied Syrian Golan, it is important to keep in view that fact that the challenges in both contexts are directly linked to the situation in Palestine engendered by Israel’s ongoing, brutal occupation. We are hopeful that the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza will pave the way for a reinvigoration of the Palestinian peace process with progress towards the achievement of the two-state solution. This is critical for the people of Palestine and for the stability of the entire Middle East, including Israel.
We also note with optimism the significant progress made in Lebanon with the election of a President and a Prime Minister. This Council and other partners must support the government and people of Lebanon at this critical juncture as they work to set the country on a path of stability and prosperity.
President,
Guyana is steadfast in our commitment to the hard work that it will take to achieve peace across the Middle East region. We will continue to advocate for a stable, united and prosperous future for the peoples of both Lebanon and Syria. Again, to the brave and dedicated peacekeepers and civilian staff of UNDOF and UNIFIL, our gratitude cannot be overstated.
I thank you.
