Statement by H.E. Mher Margaryan, Permanent Representative-designate of Armenia at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Mediation and Settlement of Disputes”

29 August, 2018

Mr. President,

Armenia expresses its appreciation to the UK delegation for convening this open debate and for providing with a comprehensive concept note. We also thank the Secretary-General, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Lord Ahmad, the Most Reverend Justin Webley, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Ms. Qadeem for their briefings earlier today. The large number of the participating delegations reflects the level of interest in the topic of the present debate, as mediation continues to provide important avenues for peaceful settlement of disputes in many parts of the world.

Mediation can be a critical tool for resolving the existing disputes, as well as preventing emerging ones, paving the way to durable peace, development and cooperation – the core values that lie at the heart of the United Nations. In this regard, we would like to pay tribute to the memory and the legacy of the former Secretary-General Kofi Annan - a dedicated multilaterals and a visionary for peace, whose contribution to conflict prevention through mediation has inspired so many in the ranks of UN diplomats and people around the world.

Mr. President,

Regional and sub regional organizations play a crucial role in mediation of peaceful settlement of disputes and conflict prevention. With their particular regional experience and expertise, they often have a better understanding of local circumstances, tailored approaches and effective tools. Well established and internationally mandated mediation formats within regional organizations have the potential and capacity in addressing the complex challenges in distinct situations.

The effective utilization of the capacity of regional agencies and arrangements in mediation, conflict prevention and pacific settlement of disputes is also provided for in Article 33 and under Chapter 8 of the United Nations Charter.

For any mediation process to be credible and effective, it has to be consent-based and duly mandated with a deep understanding of the root causes and the anatomy of the conflict. Furthermore, every effort should be made to avoid duplication of mediation activities, whereby multiple and diffused processes often lead to fragmented responses and can be counterproductive.

Armenia welcomes the unwavering and continued support of the UN system and the Secretary General to the mediating efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship of France, the Russian Federation and the United States for the negotiations of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The consolidated support of the international community to the negotiating processes within the agreed formats is of utmost importance, not least in order to avoid procrastination, deviation from agreed principles of the settlement and forum shopping.

Mr. President,
The people of Nagorno-Karabakh exercised their right for self-determination three decades ago. An entire generation has been raised free from any foreign domination.

Strengthening the role of women in peace and security, particularly those affected by conflicts, remains an important objective in translating Security Council Resolution 1325 into action. Armenia attaches great importance to the implementation of 1325 and we support the calls to increase the proportion of women in mediation processes. In 2017 an inter-ministerial working group was set up in Armenia to elaborate a national Action Plan on the implementation of resolution 1325. The drafting process has been conducted through extensive public consultations, with the involvement of civil society representatives, in particular women’s organizations.

The persistence and complexity of many crisis situations around the world necessitates careful elaboration of early warning mechanisms and capacities for timely and effective mediation. Early action and preventive engagements can help reduce human suffering before conflicts develop into humanitarian emergencies.

I thank you.

MFA RA
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