Staff of the UN mission in Colombia (Source: UN)

Addressing the UN Security Council’s online open debate on the situation in Colombia and operations of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, Quy acknowledged positive development steps in the country in the politic and socio-economic fields, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

He spoke highly of the Colombian Government’s commitments to implementing the re-integration process, including the protection of veterans.

The Vietnamese representative proposed all relevant parties continue participating in dialogue in a constructive manner to address challenges and differences in the peace process, particularly the approval of mechanisms which are set up in accordance with the Peace Agreement.

Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, spoke highly of political, security and economic progresses in the South American country since the Peace Agreement was signed.

He, however, expressed his concerns over increasing attacks and violence targeting veterans and socialists.

He called on the Colombian Government to continue promoting the political process and protecting the vulnerable groups, especially women and children, in conflict-affected areas.

Participants also suggested the government complete guidance on the implementation of public and socio-economic development policies.

They also reaffirmed their backing for activities of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and the country’s government during the peace and national reconciliation process.

Vietnam calls on parties in Western Sahara to return to negotiations

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for the settlement of the Western Sahara issue via peace talks between relevant parties on the basis of international law and resolutions of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Addressing the UNSC’s debate on the Western Sahara situation on April 21, the Vietnamese diplomat emphasised the need to find a fair, lasting and acceptable solution to all parties, which guarantees the self-determination of people in Western Sahara and is consistent with principles and purposes of the UN Charter for peace, cooperation and development in the region.

He also highlighted the role of the UN and other stakeholders, including the African Union (AU), in conciliating, preventing conflicts and building confidence to resolve the issue.

Quy urged relevant parties to restrain and avoid actions leading the escalation of tensions, and return to negotiations as soon as possible with the UN’s intermediate role.

The ambassador shared difficulties facing people in Western Sahara, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that priority should be given to ensuring that humanitarian activities are not impeded.

It is necessary to soon appoint an envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Western Sahara to continue implementing negotiation results achieved in 2019, Quy stated.

Reports presented at the debate showed that the Western Sahara situation in recent years continued to witness hostile activities and disrespect for the 1991 ceasefire and the Military Agreement No.1 between relevant parties.

Head of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) Colin Stewart also mentioned difficulties and challenges facing the mission in implementing its tasks, including collecting and verifying information in the field.

Vietnam concerned about recent developments in Somalia

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, on April 20 shared other countries’ concern over the recent developments in Somalia, which would hinder the electoral process in the country.

Chairing the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s informal interactive dialogue on the situation in Somalia, Quy called on relevant sides to restrain themselves from taking acts that could complicate the situation in Somalia and the region at large.

He also appealed to Somalia’s federal government and federal member states to set aside differences, resume dialogue, and make greater efforts to reach political consensus on the organisation of the election on the basis of the agreement dated September 17, 2020.

The ambassador also reiterated Vietnam’s support for the mediating role of the UN and regional organisations, especially the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, in dealing with political problems in Somalia.

Vietnam backs the Somali people’s efforts for peace, stability and development, he said, calling on the international community to assist these efforts on the basis of respecting international law and the independence and sovereignty of Somalia.

The dialogue was the first in-person meeting held by the UNSC since the beginning of this year thanks to endeavours by Vietnam as President of the council in April.

This was also the second time this year that Council members had discussed the situation in Somalia in an informal interactive dialogue. VNA