Im happy to welcome the new members we look forward to their participation in the work of the council. Their experience and wisdom will with invaluable assistance the councils responsibilities. I would take the opportunity to expose the gratitude to the outgoing members, namely egypt, fory, ukraine, and uruguay, their work to the council during their terms. I should also look to take this opportunity to pay tribute on behalf of the council to his excellency, the representative to then for his Service Council for the month of december 2017. Im sure i speak for all members of the council in expressing deep appreciation to the ambassador and for the next girl that helped reached the Council Business decision last month. In accordance with rules 37 of the councils provisional rules procedure, i it is so decided. With will 39 of the councils provisional rules us tocedure, i invite stand secretary general for Political Affairs to participate in the meeting. Scotus. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of ite s 2 of their agenda. Thank you. Mr. President. As requested, i would like to brief the Security Council on ongoing developments in the and therepublic of iran agenda item on the situation in the middle east. As this is the first Public Meeting of the Security Council and 2018, i would like, on behalf of the department of political au pairs Political Affairs, to congratulate the six new elected members of the council on the assumption of their responsibility. I also wish the Security Council a successful year. Mr. President , the protests in the Islamic Republic of iran started on the 28th of december 2017 when hundreds of iranians gathered in a largely peaceful manner in much are in the countries secondlargest city, chanting slogans against islamic hardship. Protestsfollowing days occurred in other cities and urban areas, as well as many rural areas. Some also expressed disappointment at the limited change in social sectors and Political Freedoms and criticized what demonstrators decried as a privileged position of the clergy and elements of the Country Security establishment. Demanded a costly involvement in the region. Escalated they turned violent. Media was posted on social media and footage broadcast by tv channels showed the beating of protesters as will the burning of government offices, inks, and religious centers. Byording to reports carried official iranian media, more than 20 iranians, including a teenage boy and policeman, have died during the protests. Irans ministry of interior stated that over 1000 protesters have been detained. With very limited presence on the ground, the secretary cannot the authenticity of the images that have been broadcast or the extent of the violence. Thatve received reports the police, rather than the military forces, where responding to the protests. Were responding to the protests. Guards announced the end of antigovernment protests. Recent reports indicate smaller and scattered menstruations. Meanwhile, from the third to the rallies january, large were reportedly held across the country with participants expressing support for the Supreme Leader and condemning violence. The president and members of the Security Council, on the first the president 17, told a Cabinet Meeting that the radiance should be allowed space to protest and criticize their government. At the same time violence will not be tolerated. Two days later from the second usednuary the spring later that the spring the spring later accused his enemies brought to the secretarygeneral, accusing the ,nited states of stepping up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way in irans internal affairs and the text the providing support. Mr. President , the outbreak of violence and protest in iran has focused the attention to events in the country. Leaders haveorld expressed support for the iranian protesters. Others, including the union, have called on the iranian expect the right to peaceful demonstration and freedom of opinion. More have supported the government of iran, calling for protests. On the third of january, the secretarygeneral issued a respectfulurging rights to Peaceful Assembly and freedom of expression, and that demonstrations take place in a peaceful matter that peaceful manner. They called on the they called on the iranian authorities to handle the wave of protests that have taken place around the country with great care so as not to further and to violence investigate all death and serious injuries that have occurred so far. January, fourf United Nations special reporters stated that the Iranian Authority should take immediate action to ensure all citizens can exercise peacefully the right to freedom of expression that these andd other fundamental rights are not met with violence. Mr. President , members of the council, as of today United NationsDevelopment Work in the Islamic Republic of iran has not been significantly affected by recent events. The secretariat will continue to monitor developments from the ground and engage iranian authorities to contribute efforts that addressthe secretao monitor developments from the the legitimate concerns of the population through peaceful , or distribution through peaceful protesters. Thank you for your briefing. I now give the floor to the Council Members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the United States. Happy new year to all the members of the Security Council and the general assembly. In the past week what has happened on the ground throughout the nation of iran is something the world wants to take note of. A spontaneous expression of fundamental human rights. Up uranium people are rising in 70 locations throughout the country. It is a powerful exhibition of brave people who have become so fed up with their oppressive government that they are willing to risk their lives and protest lives in protest. The voices of the iranian people should be heard. We have debated the proper role of human rights in the Security Council. Some of our colleagues believe human rights septal place here. Rights ande fundamental freedoms are the business only of the governments that control them. The United States does not share that belief. Human rights are not the gift of governments. The inalienable right of the people themselves. Freedom and Human Dignity cannot be separated from peace and security when the rights of the people are denied the people rightly resist. If the concerns are not acknowledged, then peace and security are notably fret and are inevitably threatened. The case of syria provides a horrible testament to this fact. And what is happening in the towns and cities across iran right now spells out this fundamental truth. Their rainy and regimes contempt for the rights of its people has been widely documented for many years. The people of iran have finally had enough. And they are showing it by taking to the streets. The iranian people understand the nature of the regime. They understand the lack of voice and their government has allowed the regime to ignore them. Allowed the regime to spread conflict and instability far and wide. If you listen to the slogans they chant in the street, this understanding comes through loud and clear. Theunited nation reports Iranian Regime spends at least 6 billion every year propping up the murders of assad regime in syria. The people of iran know this. So they are telling the syria,ent, let go of think of us. The Iranian Regime spends millions in militias in iraq each year. It gives millions more to the rebels in yemen. Including sending them a missiles to fire at other countries. Meanwhile, the average iranian today than5 poorer it was 10 years ago. To the iranian peoples demand, think of us. It rewards construction corpscts to corrupt guard , affiliated firms. They construct buildings that skimp on safety. Thousands of these buildings collapsed during an earthquake. Hundreds die. And the iranian people chant, think of us. Today the people of iran are speaking of their government. And their messages undeniable, stop the support for terrorism, stop giving billions of our money to killers and dictators. Stop taking our wealth and spending it on foreign fires foreign fighters. Freedom loving nations worldwide have spread support for the cause of your rainy and people. Can the deck, norway, the United Kingdom, israel, france, sweden, the European Union. We honor and appreciate all of the statements of soup statements of support. The Iranian Regime is attempting to cut down best to cut Internet Access in an attempt to silence communication. Every member of the u. N. States sovereign, the members but Member States cannot use sovereignty as a shield when they categorically deny their people fundamental rights. And i call on the government of iran to stop censoring the voice of the people and restore the access to the internet. The iranian people will determine their own destiny. Let there be no doubt whatsoever, the United States stance on apologetically with those in iran who speak freedom for themselves. We will not be quiet, no the iranian people know the truth. And we know the truth. Their owncting of will, on her own behalf, for their own future. Nothing will stop americans from standing in solidarity with them. The hosts of the uranium people work cut death were crushed by their government. Once again the people of iran are rising up. Asking something the government cant legitimately deny them. They are calling out, think of us. If the founding principles of this institution mean anything, we will not only hear their cry, we will finally answer it. The world will be watching what you do. Thank you. I think the representative of the United States for her statement. To give the floor i think thedent assistant secretarygeneral for the specific briefing element he shared with us on recent events. We kept a close eye on the situation. I would like on behalf of france to share with you two main messages this afternoon. Firstly we have met together this afternoon on the situation in the middle east. And everyone knows within the Security Council there are several agenda items to discuss the various matters relating to the middle east security and peace in the region. Whether that is put to 231 or actions pertaining to lebanon, syria, yemen. Our role is to do all that we can to find a solution to the flashpoint in the crisis in the middle east. That weat understanding must commit to fully upholding the Nuclear Agreement with iran. Fullyt also commit to promoting its implementation. This is the approach that enjoyed consensus to the Councils Meeting of last year. The said Nuclear Agreement concerns each and every one of us. And the laster of hand is to ensure is rigorously implemented. The agreement was one of the cornerstones of stability in the region and the middle east. To lose this hardwon ground would be a major setback not just for the region, but for us the entire International Community, and for the nonproliferation regime. Under consequences and the consequences and fallout may be heavy. We must also pursue a realistic and robusta and robust dialogue. Risksure it doesnt pose a of regional instability. Engage in the discussion with iran so that with terror and we can address the concern pertaining to their ran influence in the middle east. And its regional crises, more yemen. Cally iraq, syria, in each of the aforementioned countries, we need to find the ways and means that will allow us to respond to attempt external meddling. Stability in said countries or the extent on meddling. Includes solutions to the complex divisions, this dialogue is essential for all of us each and every one of us needs to engage in this dialogue. We are going to it opened i and pursued setting gauge went and dialogue honestly. My second point concerns the specific issue that has brought the Council Together today. I would like to express my alarm in light of the violence the recent protests in iran have met. We call upon the arena 40s to exercise restraint. It is a to fundamental freedom, such as the freedom of belief and conscious, freedom of expression and communication. Able toshould be peacefully protest and how their voices openly heard. We must be watchful and the and be ensured that this is what president macron said to his iranian counterpart during their conversation on the second of january. It is up to the arena people. However, the event of the last two days, they do not constitute per se, the threat to International Peace and security. We must react appropriately to what has been going on. You must ensure that we remain watchful and give proper vigilance to what is happening and to these peaceful protest. Given the risk of violence and response of protesters but we must be worried about attempts to as exploit this crisis for personal and. This is the opposed outcome to what is worst. The change will come from the iranian people themselves. Christ thank you where statement. I give the floor to the representative of bolivia. Thank you president. Testimony, given that this is the first open meeting of the Security Council this month, i would like to once again ongratulate the delegation behalf of the state of bolivia. I like to read ask for my delegations. One. President , the ballooning delegation believes that the holding of the meeting this afternoon is not a good sign. It is not a Welcome Initiative and i make that point in the understanding that that has been the case in the past. Witnessing a point attempt by some mission to bring to the attention of the Security Council issues that do not fall within the purview of this body. Theategorically reject undisguised attempt by some delegations on issues that do not represent threats to International Peace and security. In so doing, they run the risk of the Security Council turning into a Political Tool to be exploited to each member. It needs to be abundantly and crystalclear to the International Community that the situation in iran is not an issue that belongs on the agenda of the Security Council and we are concerned to see that there are clumsy attempts to force his inclusion on the Security Council agenda as part of the broader middle east agenda item. The scent of blood it was made abundantly clear. This was condemned in the strongest possible terms any in theto interfere internal affairs that would be an affront to the right of the people of the republic of iran. We are convinced that as history has proven time and time again, unilateral action, political individualism and regime change only ever lead to devastating humanitarian social and economic consequences. Resting the repercussions of that. On this particular occasion this is to respecting the National Unity and integrity of states as well as of holding the sovereignty quality of states. And the principle of the internal affairs of states. Finally, as a state, bolivia is convinced that any internal conflict of any stick around the world must be resolved in that own countries practices. And in line with its own summer vegetables without any x handle meddling. External meddling. Representative from kuwait . Thank you mr. President. Asis a great pleasure for me i speak for the first time in the Security Council to wish you a happy new year and to congratulate you on your presidency of the council and i wish you success. I would also like to congratulate to the newly elected members of the council, i wish them success in the upcoming years. Now, i would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we hope to Work Together and cooperate with you on all issues on the agenda of the council. Will workof kuwait hard in compliance with the principles and purposes of the u. N. Charter. We listened carefully to the and we appreciate the information he has provided for us and his efforts as well as work of the Staff Members of the Clinical Affairs department but which is not of the letter on the third of january of 2018 of the permanent representative of iran to the secretarygeneral of the United Nations as well as the press dated may by the secretarygeneral on the third of january in which he expressed regarding the loss of lives due to the demonstrations in iran. We have been following the event and we regret the loss of lives among civilians and member of the members of the Security Forces as well as the various acts of violence that have occurred in iran over the past few days, we insist that is important to respect the right of expression and the rights of peaceful peaceful demonstrators in accordance with their constitution and International Covenant on political and civil rights. This guarantees the freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly to respect these rights. The state of kuwait considers engage is important to in preventive diplomacy and strengthen the role of the Security Council in order to prevent conflict. This will nip crises in the degenerate. They of course, on the basis of the thatiple to define relationship between states that are founded on the United Nations, that is a sovereignty and in different in internal affairs and the compliance with the various bodies of the united of articlee council 24 is the body that is in charge of reserving International Security and dealing with all real threats to security and instability in the world. Years, therefew have been several cases of demonstrations and popular ideas that became his wife first but led to the loss of lives and damaged infrastructure and led external and furniture payment interference. Some of these events have led to thestrous results and International Community is still trying to draw lessons from these events. We hope this will not happen in iran or any other state. Is Islamic Republic of iran a neighbor of ours. We have longstanding historic relations with iran and we certainly are keen on maintaining relations based on sovereignty, not interference and we have asserted this framework of the gulf council and the various islamic bodies that like to convey their concerns to you as well. The stability and security of iran is linked to the stability and security of the world as a whole. This means restraint, demonstrators must show so there are no more victims. I think steps must be taken to avoid escalation and violence. Thank you. Thank you to the senator from kuwait. Welcome to the hot seat, k you to our a warm welcome to all the new members of the Security Council, we look forward to working with all tended to enhance security. United kingdom is watching a in iran very closely, we regret the loss of life that has occurred during the protests, we called for an end to the violence and for the government of iran to comply with its International Human rights obligations in dealing with these protests. There needs to be a meaningful debate about the legitimate and important issues that the protesters are raising. The president has said at the protesters concerned are legitimate and they have a right to peaceful protest. People should be able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and demonstrate peacefully and lawfully, we encourage the iranian authorities to commit to this. No one is forcing iran onto our agenda. The Security Council is perfectly empowered their article 34 of the u. N. Charter and by quote, to investigate any dispute or any situation which might lead to International Friction or give rise to a dispute in order to determine whether the situation is likely to endanger the maintenance of International Peace and security. The United Kingdoms consent about the human rights situation in iran extend beyond the recent treatment of protesters. The continued use of the death penalty, including for juveniles, restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of religion at the very least are all deeply worrying. We call iran to adhere to its International Obligations to respect the right of individuals , to freedom of expression, opinion and Peaceful Assembly. Fullyo urge iran to assess irans actions on areas of concern. , it issame time important to recognize that iran has legitimate security interests in the region. Iran suffered hugely in the iraniraq war. We worked with iran after 9 11. The iranian people are present in ancient and important civilization that has a rightful place in the modern world with the modern economy. Too often, irans security interest are pursued in a way that destabilizes and at times threatens others, supports terrorism and distorts the iranian economy. These regional activities risk increasing International Conflict and threaten International Peace and security, we are deeply concerned by iranian assistance to groups in yemen, lebanon, security syria and iraq. This includes transfers of iranian Ballistic Missile paths to yemen. D technology such transfers miley our resolution 2231 which prohibits authorization with the Security Council, they violate our resolution 2216. His prohibits the transfer of arms to the booties. This target is it civilian areas. They would have caused suffering and chaos. There are press reports even today of a new launch, this is unacceptable. We call on all Member States to implement un Security Council resolutions and prevent such attacks. This increases regional tensions and threatens peace and security. The transfer of weapons to the movies will also prolong the conflict in yemen and the suffering of the emily people. As i have said previously, it is essential that the yearend conduct after investigation and Security Council of the scope wasnt as soon as possible, we strong support secretarygenerals call for a joint meeting of the committee and the 22 31 format. We look forward to desperate report this month. The United Kingdom remains full of committed to the joint company is a plan of action, it is one of the International Communities with successes in recent memory. We welcome irans compliance with its nuclear commitment, we encourage all Member States to uphold their commitments to the remaining people to see the intangible benefits of this deal. We also encourage iran to occult uphold his commitments with respect to provisions of annex b as highlighted in the secretarygenerals fourth stipulated by Security Council resolution 3221. Iran can to this iran continues to invest heavily in missile development, despite you and sanctions, we saw lunches of Ballistic Missiles in 2016 and 2017 there were inconsistent with the resolution, we urge iran to refrain from such activity and ask all partners to report any evidence that iran is conducting activities inconsistent with resolution 2231 to the un Security Council. Conclusion this president , let us not forget a prosperous, stable iran is beneficial to us all. In the region and beyond, we will continue to encourage iran to comply fully with the Security Council resolutions, to two respective citizens human rights and to reduce regional tensions. This is the only way to achieve the peace and stability we all in endeavor to achieve. Thank you for your statement. I give the floor to the representative of peru. Peru thank you mr. President. Statementr first since becoming a nonpermanent member of the Security Council. As we come back to the security thisil for the fifth time, was who represented peru in the december 3, 1974 and his body. He said that my delegation will bring its small store experience in United Nations and will strive in fulfilling its mandate on the agenda in the spirit of making a calm contribution to dealing with these. We intend to act within the framework of the criteria set of the spirit and the letter the organization. We would like to reiterate these , proven like to thank the for theygeneral Briefing Regarding the situation in the Islamic Republic of iran. At this point, we regret the loss of life and we recall we would like to remind you that the freedom of expression and assembly are in a legal rights, we would like to underscore that the iranian authorities are duty bound to protect an individual and to guarantee their peaceful exercise of their rights and fundamental freedoms. Ofm the point of view International Peace and security, we will extend this opportunity to make three believefirst of all, we the Security Council which is the main body for maintaining International Peace and security be able toys contribute to preventing conflicts, this is in line with the charter of the united that iranhe situation is experiencing, iran is a particularly important country for stability in the middle east, it could always escalate and become worse, some as situations in other countries in the region have said serious consequences recently. Secondly, peru believes that to coherent and effective, the action of the Security Council should be based on ae Member States, based rigorous objective and cool headed analysis of the facts. The Security Council will demonstrate this approach in dealing with the Nuclear Issue of iran. Meaningful efforts that we are including. This was essential in achieving the gc pof. My country considers that complaint of this agreement is essential to preserve the nonproliferation regime. This will reflect that it is included on the agenda this is a separate item. For peru, supporting the nonproliferation regime is a top priority. The unity inintain dealing with issues related to iran. Along these lines we would like to underscore the importance of strengthening multilateralism, cooperation and International Law in order to tackle the serious challenges of International Sick 30. We know that the situation unfolding in iran also reflects the need to deal with the deeprooted causes of the conflict that are longstanding and that our regional in nature. This is a point to the clear link for security and development in human rights, for implies a full respect International Law and for respect for fundamental freedoms and rights. Competenteans that and the measures, it implies credible process of dialogue and negotiation. Greater participation of women and young people in respect of not theocesses defense and the risks of natural disasters as well as urgent that attention to humanitarian crises. I give the floor to the representative sweden. To start by congratulating you to the presidency and welcome the new members of the council and also think the assistant secretarygeneral for your briefing. We have aent, followed recent developments in iran. We condemn the excessive use of violence and the deplorable loss of life. The Security Council has an essential preventive function and we should constantly and set it means to followup on early winds in the most suitable and constructive manner, no matter what country is affected or which situation is involved. We do however have a reservation on the format and timing of this meeting. Andpresident , for sweden the European Union, human rights have always been a core issue in our relations with iran. Sweden supports respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law everywhere around the world. Familyights to peaceful and freedom of expression must be respected. This must be the case in iran as in any other country, the grievances aired in the process should be listened to and the issues raised are to be resolved through dialogue as part of a democratic process. Johnnysoted president s acknowledgment of the citizens right to protest peacefully. In this regard, continued and closed dialogue with iran is most important. In the spirit of frankness and respect, we have made clear that we expect all concerned to refrain from the excessive and appropriate use of force and to ensure and respect freedom of expression including on the map. Mr. President , Human Rights Violations in iran must be separated from the joint conference of plan of action. Sweden and European Union are very clear on the full support for the agreement. This is of crucial importance. This contributes to stability in the region and beyond. It is sick semantically ributes quasirepresentative of sweden for her statement. I give the floor to the representative of the netherlands. Thank you very much mr. President and then the congratulate you for assuming your eyes president of the council and that may stay in the kazakh language, thank you mr. President. Thatis the first time kingdom of the netherlands takes the book as a member of the Security Council for the year 2018, but mythic my colleagues and their team for the excellent work done in 2017 by italy in of the split. We want to we want to think the secretary general for his we welcome them in a session today. In an intervention, we will ess clean issues this originated and spread to doesnt of iranian cities and rural areas, these were legitimate and peaceful protest by the iranian people against social and Economic Conditions that they face in their daily lives. We witnessed it is seven level thatolence in a death toll has risen to more than 20 with many more wounded and arrested. As was just indicated, the situation in iran now seems to be calming down. In iranthe situation further stabilizes, especially when it comes to the use of violence. We call on all sides to refrain from any more violence, we further call upon the iranian government to launch a comprehensive accountability process. This accountability process should address all cases of serious Human Rights Violations including those involving the iranian judiciary and security agencies. It ends to impunity for such Human Rights Violations. This means me to my second point, respect for human rights. The right to peaceful toonstration in the right freedom of expression and fundamental rights, they fight all people, all countries and iran is no exception. A apply to all people, all countries and iran is no exception. We appreciate that the public statements of the iranian president regarding the legitimacy of peaceful protest in the country. We take note of the increased by the iranian authorities and issues related to human rights. However, we have seen that the islamic public of iran imposed both offline and online. Estrictions in the kingdom of the netherlands, their public iran will end his restrictions, both offline and online. My third point on prevention, without human rights, without fundamental freedoms there can be no Human Dignity. Without Human Dignity, there will be no lasting stability or security. The perspective of conflict prevention, this council has a when fund and other freedoms are in effect. Every person has a right to individual freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Every person has collect all trial,and erected a fair these are not just words, their obligations in International Law and all government have a responsibility to honor those obligations. In conclusion, mr. President , the kingdom of the netherlands reiterates and recent developments in iran, the hope that todays session can work as a preventive measure to avoid further escalation of violence. We call upon the government of the Islamic Republic of iran to exercise restraint and dressing to people exercise met human rights and lift restrictions of fundamentals and uphold the rule of law. Dialogue is crucial in this dialogue between iran and the broader International Community and the kingdom of the netherlands has committed to play its role in such a dialogue, i think the representative of the kingdom of the netherlands. Thank you, mr. President. To thank you for assuming the presidency. Everyone is ready to support you. I would like to thank the assistant secretary general for a very useful resin tatian. Now, allow me to refer to a few points. Due to recent developments in particularly the tragic we wish toan life, exercise maximum restraint. We also wish to emphasize that the basic human rights and factor into the right of Peaceful Assembly and demonstration, and the freedom of opinion and expression must with thected in line National Human rights instrument. That which the Islamic Republic of iran is party to. Vibrant economy that wants to be heard. Engage in as can peaceful dialogue as a way of addressing the challenges. I would also like to take the opportunity to address growing concerns in the region. Iran has the opportunity to play a constructive role. Therefore, we invite iranian authorities and other countries towardregion to work deescalation, and avoid actions which may contribute to violence, sectarianism and polarization. Thank you very much, mr. President. I think the representative from poland for her statement. Thank you, mr. President. This is the first time that i am taking the floor on this council. Ui would like to wish everyone here a happy new year. I would also like to congratulate you for taking up presidency of our counsel for the month of january. Mr. President , with your permission i would like to thank and commend the outgoing members of the council, particularly those from the african continent assistanceupport and in helping us to prepare for the council. My delegation would like to thank you for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank the assistant secretary general of affairs for his breathing on iran. My delegation takes note of this briefing, which gives an overview of the latest developments on the sociopolitical situation in iran. My delegation welcomes that, according to the latest reports, trendhas been a positive toward calm on the ground. We hope this trend will continue, as it obviously serves the interest of the people. It promotes to a policy of ,ialogue in crisis situations demonstrators continuing down the path of dialogue in order to reach a causedl solution that the Current Situation. To conclude, my delegation hopes that every effort will be made eye the Iranian Authority to restore calm among the people, among the iranian people. To continue in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation for the necessary reforms. Thank you. I thank you for your statement. I now give the floor to the representative from Equatorial Guinea. At the outset, i would like to wish all of those present a very happy new year. In the hope that 2018 will bring prosperity and success, as well as wisdom in our endeavors. Speciallike to add a congratulations to ving taken the ha reins of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to thank you for the Dynamic Program of work you have set before the council. Mr. President , the republic of Equatorial Guinea feels very honored to take its seat for the first time in the Council Chamber of the Security Council, and we would like to take this opportunity as we take our seat to thank all time of the Member States for the tasks they proposed in my country. We would particularly like to express gratitude to all of the members of the Security Council, both the current membership as well as those to whom we have just bade farewell, including uruguaysenegal, and for the welcome support they have extended to us over the past few months. I would like to convey similar gratitude to all the staff in the department of Political Affairs in the secretaria and thatt, and i would particularly , and i would particularly like to thank the affairs division. President , the political situation in iran before us today with those two protests that have been taking place in various cities in that country. Guinea duly recognizes the right to protest thattizens, and also notes said rights are laid out in irans only goal system. We underscore that the protests and must beeful, whileegulated by the law underway and after protests in conditions have improved. There must be full respect for those who choose not to participate in said protests. Situation inhts iran is not on the agenda of the Security Council. That, it does not constitute a threat to security. It must be dealt with, as in point of fact they have been recently. In other words, the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the general assembly, as appropriate. In all such discussions, there must be full respect for the United Nations noninterference charter. The republic of Equatorial Guinea bears the conviction that any dispute that arises must be resolved through an unflagging quest for a peaceful solution that arrives through consultation and dialogue, bound at all times by the principles of International Law, and commensurate with absolute respect for human rights. Equatorial guinea, therefore, believes that frank and inclusive dialogue is the only way in which the Current Situation in iran can be resolved. With that understanding, we believe the iranians themselves should be capable of and entrusted with finding solutions to their own problems, making use of their democratically elected and legitimate institutions with scrupulous respect for the rule of law. We wouldmr. President , like to express our gratitude for everything we have heard from the assistant secretary for Political Affairs. In said briefing, he provided us with updated information about the situation in iran. We are heartened to hear from asg that these protests and demonstrations are calling down. That thes our hope next step in iranian dialogue allows them to domestically resolved the situation that has come before said country. Thank you very much, indeed. I think the representative from Equatorial Guinea for his statement. Thank you. I wish first to say how pleased we are to see you take the responsibility of the presidency of the council. Count on your wisdom. Let me welcome the new members of the council, and assure them of our readiness to work with , as we did with those colleagues who left, having completed their terms. We applaud their contribution. Him forlike to thank his factual report on the issue today. Whatve also taken note of the secretary general said in his statement. Refer to a few points in connectio nwitn with e latest development in iran. Now, we have no reason to thatst the argument raising human rights issues have no relevance here. , thewe have doubt about debate has not been settled yet. Is thatfind troubling this might not enhance the possibility of achieving the unity of the council at a time when such unity is so critical. I would not say this without meaning it. Doubt, there are difficult this is a difficult. In world history. Period in world history. This calls for Cooperation Among nations. The middle east is one of those great need ofin taking advantage of whatever opportunities there are two work. All countries have a responsibility to contribute to the realizations of this objective. Iran also has great responsibilities in this regard. We do not want to sound selfrighteous, but we seriously believe that everything should be done to ensure that iran contributes to peace and stability. This is very critical. It is critical to have great hope that there will be the right global context for the realization of the 25th agenda, and the promise made in 2015 to the eradicate extremism, peace in the Korean Peninsula will contribute to this. To which, iran should and could contribute. No doubt, the concerns that people have with this regard lead to this. Adherence to the principles of International Law and governing is imperative. Sound conclude, lest i selfrighteous. It has to do with what befell us as a country. We were bound by the league of nations, but were blatantly abused. Thank you, mr. President. I think the representative of ethiopia for his statement. I give the floor to the representative from china. All,. President , first of china congratulates kazakhstan for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We Welcome New Members of the asgurity council, and thank for the briefing. Todays agenda is the situation in the middle east. I wish to express chinas rentable position on this agenda. Recent developments in parts of the middle east are worrying. Some countries are undergoing and and conflict, complicated issues influence one another. Terrorist forces are rampant and peace and hampering stability. To work withntinue the International Community to improve the situation in the middle east as quickly as a fundamentalseek solution to regional peace, stability and development. Alla political solution, sides should play constructive roles and consistently promote tologue and consultation reach a sustained solution that takes into account the interests of all parties. Second, we should combat terrorism using uniform standards and employing all kinds of means to eliminate the root causes that breed terrorism. Third, the principles of the u. N. Charter and rules governing International Relationships and independent sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. Countries of the region should be encouraged to strengthen and to deepen understanding and trust. The palestinian issue is the core of the middle east issue. The International Community should adhere to a two state solution. Should look for a sustained solution. The International Community should assist in a political solution to the syrian issue as the main direction, and continue to count on the u. N. As the main channel of mediation while working on the syrian issue. Mr. President , according to the the charter, the councils responsibility is maintaining peace and security. Shouldre, the council not discuss the internal affairs of any country, or discuss the human rights issues of any country. China takes note of the recent developments in iran. Iran willd trust that remain stable and achieve development. The iranian situation does not pose any threat on International Peace or security, nor is it on the agenda of the Security Council. Discussing the domestic atuation of the council is practice that is not in line with the councils responsibilities as outlined in the u. N. Charter. Doing so does not help that does not help so the domestic issue in iran. Think you. I now yield the floor to the representative from the Russian Federation. President , i would like to congratulate you on taking up your post. Congratulate you on the night, but the american delegation left me with no option but to thank you today. There are many members of the council who i am happy to see in this room, and with whom i hope to work. I also want to say goodbye to those who have stepped down from the council. Mr. President , today we are witnessing once again how the United States is abusing the platform of the Security Council. Ay is the United States, permanent member of the Security Council, undermining the authority of the council as the main body which is responsible for maintaining peace and security . I think it is obvious for everyone that the topic chosen today does not fall within the prerogatives established by the u. N. Charter. We heard today to article 34 of the u. N. Charter as applicable to this situation are completely inappropriate. This should be obvious to anyone who takes the time to read article 34 of the charter. We have often drawn attention to the fact that is unacceptable to for ap earlyretext internal political issue. Why has the United States chosen to do this today, when the iranian domestic situation has become normalized . By the way, we should thank washington for this. Thanks to the dynamic, words of encouragement are coming out that we wish for consolidation in the uranian iranian society. The feeling is that there is some sort of inexplicable clouding of the events of this country, which leads to wishful thinking. We regret the loss of lives as a result of demonstrations that were not so peaceful. However, let iran deal with its own problems. Especially since this is precisely what is taking place. You are dispersing the energy of the Security Council, instead of situations in yemen, dprk, iraq. You are proposing that we affair that we interfere in the internal affairs of the state. We do not want to destabilize iran or any other country. Lets have a substantive country havee middle east lets a substantive discussion on the middle east peace process. We should have meetings of the Security Council after ferguson, missouri, or after the dispersal by force of the occupy wall street movement. Perhaps we should have a meeting with a wave of demonstrations occurs in some western country. We should look to history to offer examples of ,hat shortsighted moves accompanied with interference in internal affairs, may lead to. The attempt to replace undesirable regimes. Due to various violations and neglect of the founding principles of the charterovergn equality of states, peaceful resolution of dispute, many countries that were stable until recently have become horrible. Undercupation of iraq is stilllse pretexts being heavily felt by the people of that country. The first manipulation of the mandate of the Security Council that led to chaos and theruction in libya, methodological incitement in fanning the flames of warfare in syria, the flirting with terrorists, the war in yemen all of these will remind us of the destructiveness of geopolitical engineering and determining the fate of other states and nations. However, people prefer not to mention this. The pretend does not concern them. Why wees we are asked are wary of the concept of the prevention of violent extremism. While the approach of the american delegation is an illustratexample to the substance of our concerns, the source of the problem is declared to be suppression of peaceful protests. The cruelty and undemocratic nature of the regime. There is a parallel drawn between the events in syria in 2011. The need for external interference is justified in the affairs of iran. This is precisely the kind of in theh that is involved notion that is being promoted by the United States of violent extremism. Incitementlarly, from the outside could lead to radicalization and violence weather in iran or any other country. The real reason for convening todays meeting is not an attempt to protect human rights or to promote the interests of the iranian people, but rather as a failed attempt to use the current moment to the jointo undermine plan of action. Similar assessments of the situation were expressed in berlin and paris just yesterday. It unacceptable to intentionally undermine the support of the international a, andity for the gcpo International Efforts to ensure international and Regional Security especially in a hasation where the iaea continually confirmed full compliance from iran on its obligations. The unitedthat, states has continued to announce unilateral restrictions that are in breach of International Law. We keep wondering, do you have any other means other than sanctions at your disposal . Instead of trying to involve the Security Council in internal should, the council usefuly support initiatives and establishing regional dialogue on security issues. We can find solutions to many issues and concerns. Russia has put forward an initiative on competent Building Measures in the persian gulf region. The provision of the resolution 8 from 1987 continues to remain unimplemented. We want security and confidence Building Measures. It would be useful to Pay Attention to the ideas of the secretarygeneral to launch the presence of political dialogue to resolve differences among the countries in the region. President , we would like to believe that we wont have meetings like this under your presidency or under any subsequent presidencies, and that the council will start working on the issues that the u. N. Charter has before it. Thank you very much. The representative of the Russian Federation for his statement. Statement inake a my capacity as the representative of kazakhstan. The asg for his factual breathing. His factual breathing. Iefing. The Security Council deals with issues related to National Peace and security, and respects the sovereignty of other states. We regret the loss of life in a iran, but kazakhstan considers this a domestic issue. This, since they do not threaten the peace and security of the region. Very careful in reiterating the importance of maintaining global stability worldwide by reducing violence and preventing tension. We have too many issues to address already in the middle east. We truly believe that disputes should be resolved by peaceful means to prevent the further escalation of violence, and not inspire extremist forces. We join in others in calling iran in calling on iran to have Mutual Respect for their society. We know that the level of tension in a ron has decreased in iran has decreased. A peaceful despite the recent developments, they should not undermine the sustainability of the joint comprehensive plan of action for the Iranian Nuclear program. The World Community must remain committed, which has been successful and is a successful and as a factor for you and security. I thank you. Now, i resume my function as a president of the council. Now, i give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of iran. Mr. President , i am moved by the United States to bring to this counsel by some of our citizens because of the grievances. Exacerbated by none other than the u. S. Itself in its declaration of its obligation under the joint comprehensive plan of action. It is an abuse of its power as a ofmanent member and an abuse the council itself. It is unfortunate that despite the resistance on the parts of some of its members, this counsel has allowed itself to be abused by the current u. S. Administration in holding a meeting on an issue that falls outside of the scope of its mandate. Putting on display the failure of the councils approval to fulfill its responsibility in maintaining International Peace and security. It is a discredit for the Security Council to take up a of a domestic nature while failing to lift a finger when it comes to issues such as the longlasting obligation of palestine, to whichan territory, we are dedicated and the indiscriminate calming of yemen in the past three years. In theas so far resulted deaths of thousands of human beings. And has brought hunger, disease, and destruction on the yemeni people. The exposure of such failures of are all to the obstructionist approach by the u. S. Delegation and goes on and on. Mr. President , this is nothing but another attempt by the u. S. As it hasn to lost every shred of moral credibility in the eyes of the whole world. Following such acts of disruption taken by this u. S. Administration as flouting International Law and disrespecting the practices of civilized behavior in international politics, this administration is now reaching for every straw that keeps it afloat. There is a long history of u. S. Bullying at the u. N. But this is. Preposterous example the purely internal affairs of a nation, in this case, protest that the iranian government has addressed. With every attempt to deal with this peacefully, despite bylund infiltrators and direct encouragement by Foreign Forces including by the president of the United States is not the subject of debate by the worlds most important security organization. If i did notmiss mention for those that may not remember also the united state the intervention in the history of iran. Democrats asian process the democratization process in iran. In 1963. Hostile acts intensified once. Ruler since then, among others, the u. S. Has coups attempted military and acts of sabotage in iran, imposed unilateral sanctions against ordinary iranians, unconditionally supported has on hussein including by providing him with chemical weapons and even directly engaging military confrontation with iran indifference to saddam. 290ould also refer to the2 innocent lives lost including 66 children on board and iranian air flight, shot down by the u. S. Navy in the persian gulf. It would be remiss of me not to famouslyat the u. S. Decorated the commander who gave the order to fire. Trumpesident, while mr. [indiscernible] that theyy be unaware have he may be unaware that they have no right to protest. The fact that this is a democratic country, citizens will from time to time take to the street to protest one thing and another. And iran iso no exception. In many countries, security iran is nond exception. While the u. S. Accuses iran of suppressing protests, one can only see the hypocrisy when viewing protesters during occupy wall street. Time, whenack in National Guardsmen fired on peaceful student protesters at cannes State University or watching film of the protests outside of the Democratic National convention in chicago in 1968. But more recently, we can review we can refer to the los over the brutal beating of rodney king by policeman and the killing of innocent africanamericans at the hands of Law Enforcement and how that has continued unabated. And the California National and the First Marine Division were called in to restore order. Killedl, 63 people were during the uprising. Injured. And more than 4000 were arrested. I do not recall any member of the un Security Council calling for debate on this issue. When the u. S. Military was involved in suppressing domestic unrest. No other debate nor was there a debate when the fbi in baited headquarters after 51 days of standoff killing 83 people including children. It was the u. S. Ambassador who perhaps was busy with other priorities at the time of the theseence to read up on travesties of justice on american soil before condemning others for far less. Just the u. S. And an enviable record of dealing with protesters. In france, the interior minister declared a zerotolerance policy towards protests emanating from the suburbs of paris and other major french citizens cities. To largely poor immigrants as scum. And 3000 arrest. Arrests. Recently, in 2017 when the a young french citizen of african origin. I do not recall the un Security Council being summoned for a debate on this. In 2011, the United Kingdom, theresa may condemned the violence of the protests in her meanwhile, the Prime MinisterDavid Cameron told rioters that they would feel the full force of the law and if they were old enough to commit the crimes, they were old enough to face punishment. In the span of merely a few days, 3100 arrests were made and authorities were told that they could ignore existing sentencing guidelines. Riotsung men who promoted they were handed over for sentences. I do not recall any country bringing any of these actions to protest across the selfdescribed civil democracies let alone opening debate at the un Security Council. Mr. President , we have hard evidence of the violence in iran. We have clear evidence that it was directed from abroad. These violent elements were facing the crowds as early as friday. Friday evening last week. At the inception of the protest. The hands of, elements from outside iran instigators based in the United States and europe began to be visible. To violence included encouraging and training people to use molotov cocktails, to use munitions and to stage an armed uprising. U. S. Citizens took to social media to order the killing of 120 members of our Security Forces contending that those who will be included among the killed will be the families of them in their homes. This same u. S. President publicly stated to u. S. Media a complete sense of impunity that [indiscernible]. Not just to enough us but also to third parties. The executive decided to block incitinghe violent channels. This is also well documented in the mainstream media. In one case, a man with ranve criminal record it over a car, murdering the driver and his 12yearold son. , they looted cases shops and banks. Altogether, the peaceful, legitimate protest, which one government emphatically confirms our a constitutional right and has been respected since the islamic revolution. Was hijacked and of used and used. And some other u. S. Politicians have joined isis and its patrons in our region to openly insight and encourage violence. Irony thatltimate the country whose head of state has thrown his lot in with those visiting violence and destruction on iran has its u. N. Ambassador who has a history of belligerent comments on my country. As an issuengs it to the un Security Council. If anything, it is iran that should be demanding a debate and investigation into how and why foreign elements, with impunity, are allowed to encourage and support violence in another sovereign and Founding Member of the United Nations. Let us debate why the United States has failed to stop the incitement of violence and murder of innocent civilians from its territory. Or why some European Countries continue to provide safe haven to terrorists who are inciting violence and armed riding as we speak. Why social media sites that promote and teach the use of molotov cocktails and [indiscernible] despite clear evidence. These are the real issues that need to be addressed. Distinguished members, to make this force into something more then a mere waste of time, let us discuss Something Else that this council has not, but should deal with. The free flow of information has brought forms of information that are fake news. These threats are common to all free and sovereign nations. It. Re not alone in finding this country, the french president , also lauded efforts to increase transparency about websites including their foreign [indiscernible]. Suggested social Media Channels used as propaganda by introducing laws to disclose the source of founding particularly for sponsored content. This is not needed to simply fight back against fake news, rioters, and elect to rural more ominouslyut in the fight against terrorists including isis. Distinguished members and colleagues, is not zerosum. Together either we win together or we lose together. Thank you, mr. President. Thank you to the representative from the republic of iran for his statement. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned. [gavel pound] the u. S. Today placed sanctions on five subsidiaries of an iranian Industrial Group that is considered key in the development and production of the country Ballistic Missiles. The Washington Post reports that the sanctions imposed i the office of foreign assets control, an arm of the treasury department, targeted companies that are owned or controlled by the Industrial Group, an Iranian Defense entity that is already under u. S. Sanctions. Each of the companies produces a specific component of ballistic andiles such as guidance control systems, motor cases, or fiber materials. Armed services tier, republican senator john mccain responded tweeting i welcome the administrations decision to sanction iranian entities responsible for Ballistic Missile development. Stepaction is an important forward in Holding Iran Accountable for its the stabilizing activities in the region. Democratic senator Sheldon Whitehouse address tehran laming the u. S. For the protests in 80 iranian city sending the message rather than lashing out at alleged foreign entities foreign enemies, the regime in iran should listen to the legitimate frustrations of the iranian people. The iranian people won a different future than the one they see. Trump spoke to reporters before leaving the white house for camp david. Where he will meet with republican congressional meetings and cabinet members to discuss the 2018 agenda. President trump hello, everyone. We are going to camp david. We have a lot of things to work on and accomplish. The stock market is up very big today. We set new records and i think we will continue to be set. The tax cuts are really kicking in far beyond what anyone thought. Numerous companies have today come out and announced they are going to make big payments to their employees. Something no one really had in mind. We are very honored by it. The market is good. The jobs report is very good and we think it will get really good in the next couple of months. Again, we are going to camp david with a lot of the great republican senators and we are making America Great again. Thank you. Thank you very much. Cspans washington journal live everyday with news and policy issues that impact you. Coming up saturday morning, Wilson Centers abraham denmark discusses rising tensions with north korea after tweet exchanges between President Trump and the north korean leader. And stars and stripes veteran reporter nikki wesley talks about the potential changes to Veterans Benefits in 2018. Then David Rubenstein discusses his book the day the stopped. Be sure to stop cspans washington journal live at 7 00 eastern saturday morning. Join the discussion. Of the major issues and Global Threats facing the u. S. Including isis, north korea, and syria and how the Trump Administration is addressing them after one year in office. From the Washington Center for internships and academic seminars, this is just over an hour