>> perhaps a bit late. >> do you want to comment on that? >> i can be very brief.

yes, i would, i would tend to agree with you. and mind you, i don't speak on behalf of the german government here, don't -- i don't want to be misunderstood. i speak as a private citizen. i believe we did

>> how i do you think we could help them just to have free elections in all of ukraine with this situation? >> if i may say? >> yes. >> i believe that we can do very little about eastern ukraine because, of course, the security situation will decide about possibility to have any kind of elections there or not. in my opinion, in fact, it is one of the targets that kind of hidden intervention not allowed to have elections at all than to

have a kind of pretext to question the results of elections in general. but in the rest of ukraine, it has been already decided that there will be a lot of observers from european institutions. in fact, i don't have any doubt that we can expect fair elections. >> yes. right here the gentleman and then the lady behind him. >> hi, i'm ira

>>

gorbachev did raise the question shouldn't russia join nato also, and james baker pooh-poohed him, and anytiming having made a mistake, james baker later regreated that and -- regretted that and said he should have engaged gorbachev on that question. one of the first acts of the yeltsin government in december 1991 was to raise the question of nato membership, the foreign ministry later said it was a mistranslation, but officials assured me that, in fact, it was a true translation, they just had to withdraw it because it became such a political embarrassment for yeltsin and if or you personally -- and for you personally. i am wondering how much damage has been done by our lack of engagement with russia on the question of a serious integration with russia and its interests with nato. >> first of all, i cannot agree more on your statement, thank you so much. [laughter]

and secondly, i agree with the assumption of your question, yes. that's the point, and that's where i technically agree, and i see the point of putin when he says that we had kind of, what was it, unclear. i would put it in a way if you read my memoirs, somebody publishes my memoirs -- [laughter] i am pro-western in terms that i want russia to become a western democracy, not only russian elite going to london or miami. but as a diplomat and practitioner i met with a lot of confusing signals from nato all the time. and even prime minister said that's very interesting.

the prime minister said that they believed that partnership for peace was instead of membership. if they believe that in poland, how much in russia, in kremlin, especially hard liners tended to believe it when so-called declaration was signed by my successor who was, of course, old kgb hand and still is. and he's, i mean, by that time everything was lost. i mean, every opportunity. the window was closed. for domestic reasons. but he believed that when he signed this fig leaf declaration of nato/russian partnership in 1997, 1998 which nato applauded for, he actually came home and

said publicly that they promised him that underlying under the declaration was the promise of nato not to expand to former soviet space, that is baltic state. so president putin who still has him as, i think, as his adviser, he tended to believe that he was deceived by that declaration. there is no -- we could not find any record of any promises to gorbachev that nato would not expand, for instance, to eastern germany. we could not find it, maybe somebody find it, but we have no record. we had no records of that. but gorbachev apparently seems to believe still today that he had such a promise. and president yeltsin believed that he had a promise, and they

detail how he was led to believe that, that partnership for peace was with instead of nato in -- [inaudible] not the first step, not a preparative step which i knew because delbert and then christopher and my western european colleagues spent time to explain that to me. while they failed to tell that to president putin -- to president yeltsin at that time. so that brings me back to my point. it's not enough for the to be on the right side of history. it's important. but they should speak in clear terms. that's what russians deserve. that's what putin deserves. that's what russian parliament deserves. that's what ukrainian people in

particular today because they are suffering in the war actually. so they deserve very, very clear message. and the message which meets the end. because somebody whispered something to somebody, you know? somebody hints that, yes, we will go very far in giving you protection from wherever there is pressure situation, and if that does not happen, that might spell in blood because people start fighting believing that there is somebody behind them like those so-called pro-russian militia. they are fighting there believing that the red army stands ready on the border which is probably true. so, and i tend to believe that it's true.

so that's one thing. the other thing if you promise something to people and then you fail, better not promise. they will do it themselves. i'm pretty sure that russian people haven't said its final word yet. there will be a democratic revolution or continuation of democratic process in russia sooner or later, maybe after the world oil prices go a little bit down because petrol dollars could buy everything including -- [inaudible] [laughter] >> i think we have time for one -- >> so it's, we will do it ourselves, but don't deceive people. >> all right. and so i think we have time, i was going to say for one, but let's take two, and if you both ask your question, and we'll get the panel to address. so the young lady there, and the woman here in blue. >> hi maim is lawr are --

[inaudible] so my question is in light of the ukrainian crisis, it has pointed to the weakness in the security plan of the west and of nato, and it has also indicated that russia still has influence in many of the countries in eastern europe. so in light of that, what should nato do to insure and reinforce the territorial integrity of countries like ukraine, azerbaijan, georgia and mull dove v.a. who have all -- moldova who have all, in fact, proven they are nato allies? >> and we'll take the second question as well. >> my name is -- [inaudible] with northrup grumman corporation. apparently, russia as has called for a u.n. security council meeting today to discuss ukraine. my is question is very simple, what can they hope to gain with this move? apparently, the u.s. doesn't support it. >> who would like to tackle

these questions paris? jamie? >> yeah. on the first question. first of all, we have to be clear, when it comes to the collective security guarantee, article v, applies to nato members which is, of course, why countries join nato, in order to have that. so ukraine is not a nato ally. it's true, it's a partner and a very close partner and, in fact, it's participated in nearly all of nato -- in fact, all of nato's operations including afghanistan. and, therefore, we're treating that partnership seriously. as i said in answer to a previous question, we've got teams at the moment in ukraine, we're helping them with defense reform, defense restructuring, with reform of the intelligence services and other kind of things -- [inaudible] pointing to what we need to do to help make ukraine a more resilient study. we've got a very strong partnership with georgia, the ambassadors of -- [inaudible] recently. we're helping moldova, we're operating relations with azerbaijan. so those partners, in fact, are

receiving assistance from nato, but we have to be clear. the article v obligation extends only to nato allies, and that's what we're doing when it comes to the reassurance package. but, of course, just one other point, russia also has to play a role in rea assuring -- reassuring the countries of central and eastern europe. just coming back to what was said a moment ago be i may very briefly, pause this is my last intervention. the war that mr. putin used to threaten these countries, made it clear their sovereignty in terms of what they were able to do was limited. the more it drove them into the arms of nato, and the more they became worried or became even more determined to seek nato membership. if russia -- [inaudible] it doesn't have to see that in terms of you are a vassal or an enemy, it has to adopt an approach to security as well.

that's not what president putin is doing in the current crisis. >> ambassador. >> just very briefly as a footnote to jamie's reply, in my view what russia has been doing in recent days and weeks is not really a demonstration of russian strength, it is more, to me, a demonstration of russian weakness. think for a moment what russia has already lost. colossal loss. loss of trust by all its neighbors. if president putin believes that this is the way for him to build the eurasian union of which he dreams, well, you know, good luck. i imagine that the president of azerbaijan and many others who are leading countries neighboring to russia will now think again how to buy some kind of reinsurance against possible

russian ambitions. so i think in terms of russian strategy i am not impressed that this is an expression of strength. i believe it is really weakening russia. of course, also because of the rather disastrous economic consequences which these actions are going to produce. >> and i think just because we have to end it now i'll just address your question about the meeting that russia's called for. i have no idea, i haven't checked my blackberry or my iphone in the last hour, but, you know, i think we saw at the geneva meeting, i mean, russia will participate and perhaps even help instigate certain diplomatic meetings and discussions and even agreements, and, you know, i think it's an open question right now about the level of sincerity or whether that's simply a diversion or a way of keeping -- staying engaged in the conversation while continuing to

do what it wants to on the ground. i know that is now a growing feeling within certainly after the failure of geneva, after the failure of the syria peace talks that in the administration -- i'm not speaking for myself, but just from people i've interviewed and talked to there -- that there is a sense that some of these are feints and simply maneuvers and that, meanwhile, russia continues to create effects on the ground. well, i want to thank our terrific panel. so many different perspectives here and really added a great deal to this conversation. and thank you all for your questions, and we'll leave it there. [applause] >> wrapping up this wilson

center event on future of nato. by the way, if you missed any of this program, we will have it in its entirety later on our program schedules where you can watch it anytime online at c-span.org. we are going to go live now to the u.n. in new york as delegates are meeting in emergency session on the situation in ukraine. russian forces are battling pro-ukrainian fighters, and we join this meeting in progress. it started about ten minutes ago. >> translator: undermining his authority in the face of organized attacks which are supported and justified by a neighboring country. it finally decided to use its army and police against the armed groups which are establishing a climate of insecurity at the expense of the people who in their great majority do not support them. these arms groups are so much not spontaneous local groups of demonstrators that they were actually capable to, of shooting down a helicopter with a ground-to-air missile. [speaking french]

>> translator: this is equipment that one normally doesn't find -- [inaudible] what right do we have to meddle in the internal affairs of the state that is but trying to restore itself besmirched sovereignty? we can, at the very least, recall bilaterally the need for acting with restraint. but nothing the is proving that it's not doing so. to go even further would be a violation of -- [inaudible] and i know that we're not there anymore. having trampled on the principle of territorial integrity of states, we might do the same with the principles of noninterference of the internal affairs of other states. after all, in sin it's only difficult to take the first step, says the moralist.6 >>ç? russia is proving that today by renouncing one principle after another which are the very foundations of international life. but in this dissent there are few regrets of the past that loom large, and so --

[inaudible] to point the finger at the other and invokes the agreement of the 21st of february which had not been enforced and was discovered but too late and waives the agreement of geneva to which it consents but has made no effort. and finally, it levies accusations which would be comical in other circumstances -- [inaudible] english speakers amongst the ranks of the ukrainian, and i'm sure there were no french speakers. and finally, the european union would be responsible for violence according to these allegations. no, the facts are much more -- [inaudible] russia has opened a pandora's box and allowed out the demons of nationalism. it has released bands of -- [inaudible] on ukraine and offers kiev a difficult choice between capitulation or partition. and it's suddenly discovering that this mixture might escape

their control, and nationalism might compel them to do what they don't want to do, that the thugs might actually behave like thugs, and finally that ukraine -- given this impossible choice -- might end up folding. a pyromaniac fireman situation is what we have here. screaming in order to make us forget that this path was set long before and it's no longer possible to go backwards. we are prepared, and we have been repeating this for weeks, to find a way to de escalate, but a deescalation would suppose that russia would calm groups that are providing support for observers of -- [inaudible] and release these hostages and open negotiations with ukraine, that free elections be held on the 25th of may under international oversight in order to provide irrefutable

legitimacy to kiev. [speaking french] >> translator: negotiations are starting between ukraine and russia. compromise is possible. everyone knows what's at stake, and the europeans who were first concerned by this crisis are also prepared to come to table. constitutional principles which would respect the sovereignty of ukraine is still possible. but to that end, what might first happen is a stop to this bad spy novel. the ministry of foreign affairs needs to resolve -- [inaudible] today we don't need an amateur james bond drinking vod can, nor -- vodka, nor diplomats. we need to come back to the principles that are the foundation of international life. thank you. >> i thank the representative of france. i now give the floor to the representative of the united

kingdom. >> thank you, mr. president, and i congratulate the republic of korea for assuming the presidency of the security council in the month of may, and i thank the ambassador and the nigerian team for the admirable way they spirited the security council during april. mr. president, thank you for convening this meeting. the the russian federation has described events this morning in eastern ukraine as a punitive military operation against peaceful activists. this is yet again a gross distortion of the facts. the ukrainian government has the right and, indeed, the responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect its citizens in its own territory. of course, in doing so it should at all times do so in a proportionate and measured way. the actions undertaken this morning by ukrainian security forces in and around sloviensk

appear to be just that, in an effort to relieve the city from armed groups supported by russia that have been terrorizing the local population. we urge them to continue to take every effort to insure that the risks to civilians are minimized. but let's be absolutely clear: there is no council member sitting around this table that would allow its towns to be overrun by armed militants. there is none of us that would abdicate can responsibility for the protection of citizens on our own territory who are being intimidated and militarized -- terrorized by heavily armed groups backed by an armed country. proportionate is not the same as passive. the scale of russian hypocrisy is breathtaking. russia stoutly supports and, indeed, arms the most -- [inaudible] regimes in the world, notably syria, a regime that brutally suppresses without sense of restraint or protection for civilians. russia's synthetic indig nation

over ukraine's actions convinces no one. russian claims that these are peaceful activists are simply not credible. peaceful activists do not have the means or the capabilities to shoot down three ukrainian military helicopters reportedly using man pads. the use of such sophisticated weaponry against ukrainian forces reaffirms our assessment that the armed groups in east ukraine include professionals funded, equipped and directed by russia. mr. president, the situation in east ukraine has continued to deteriorate. armed groups stormed the prosecutor's office yesterday increasing further the number of government buildings occupied since the 17, april, geneva agreement. we remain gravely concerned by the kidnap and continued detention of the osce vienna document inspectors and call on russia to condemn this criminal

act and use its influence over those who are holding these inspectors to bring about their immediate, safe and unconditional release. we are deeply disturbed by reports of abductions and intimidation of journalists reporting from east ukraine. this council discussed the protection of journalists in an open debate last year. one of the clearest conclusions from that was that of the central importance of safeguarding a free media so that facts and truth can be told. instead, what we are seeing in ukraine is a torrent of disinformation and propaganda. mr. president, three days ago all the members of this council emphasized the importance of the 17, april, agreement and its implementation. abiding by that agreement remains the best way to deescalate a volatile and dangerous situation in east ukraine. it is regrettable, therefore, that russia's presidential press

secretary said this morning that russia did not think it any longer possible to implement the 17, april, agreement. worsening instability in ukraine is in no one's long-term interest. we urge russia to step back from such rhetoric, to desist from their inflammatory prop propagaa and to commit to deescalating a perilous situation. we urge russia to throw its full weight behind the 17, april, agreement and to rein in the armed groups which it supports and which are responsible for the current crisis. i thank you. >> i thank the representative of the united kingdom for his statement. i now give the floor to the representative of the united states. >> thank you, mr. president. in recent months this council has met on more than a dozen occasions regarding the situation in ukraine. time and again we have urged

respect for ukraine easter to have y'all integrity, adherence to international law and steps to reduce tensions and deescalate the crisis. just this tuesday we met to discuss russia's inexcusable failure to fulfill its obligations under the april 17 geneva agreement. russia is pushing two monumental falsehoods right now. the first falsehood is that the ukrainians are carrying out a large scale, uncontrolled, violent attack on unarmed civilians. this is false. the ukrainian government is carrying out a targeted effort to contain russian-sponsored, paramilitary violence emanateing in an effort to deliver security for ukrainian citizens. there is horrible violence in eastern ukraine, and that violence is coming, as it has been for weeks now, from russian-directed agents and paramilitaries and their associates. the second monumental falsehood is that the russian federation

is deeply concerned by the instability in the east. the rest of us are deeply and sincerely concerned by this instability. but despite all of its rhetoric, russia can't be, because russia is causing this instability. this express concern is cynical and disingenuous and meant only to distract us from the reality that is playing out before our eyes. today i want to focus on one main point. from the outset the government of ukraine has sought to resolve all issues peacefully. through dialogue both internally and with the russian federation. this policy of restraint continued even after russia sub subverted crimea, orchestrated an undemocratic separatist vote in crimea, invaded crimea and announced to the world it had annexed to crimea while lying about its intentions and even its presence in crimea every step of the way. as its country has been carved up, as foreign operatives have

moved into its homeland, asthmases of -- as masses of troops have assembled along its border ukraine has continuously, day after day, shown remarkable, almost unimaginable restraint. it has done, -- it has done as this council has asked, it has implemented its international agreements, it has refrained from military responses to aggression even as russia proudly announced that it had annexed part of ukraine. ..

you crainian people and government emparked on effort to reclaim one city in the eastern part of their country. their response is reasonable. it is proportional and frankly it is what any one of our countries would have done in the face of this threat. imagine for a moment if 26,000 square kilometers of russian territory were seized by another country? would moscow show restraint week after week, day after day in the hopes that rational dialogue rather than brute force would prevail? how would president putin respond if parts of his country were seized to request to remove his army from those parts of the country? seriously there is some irony in

russian demands given the manner in which it would deal with separate tim within its borders. it has been 63 days since russia began its campaign to annex crimea. and for 63 days, day after day, ukrainian government has chosen peace. yet in those same 63 days russia, day after day, has chosen to pursue more territory. consider the following facts. pro-russian separatists seized don't next railway control center. that is illegal act -- donetsk. they received control of the prosecutor's office in a violent clash that left two dozen people hospitalized. that is a illegal act. pro-russian activists beat up two radio journalists filming a protest near the regional

administration building on day one that is an illegal act. we can r can go on and on about the illegal acts. all told in 1 towns in eastern ukraine, 32 buildings are under occupation, 21 by armed personnel. in addition we've seen dozens of ukrainian public officials illegally detained, three bodies pulled from a river near donetsk, a group of eight, now seven monitors abducted in direct defiance. not in defiance ukraine's government but this council and world community. alongside all this action we heard the russian federation building its case for intervention, outright intervention including president putin saying eastern you rainian cities and odessa was not art of ukraine in the good ol' days. ambassador cherkin taking the u.n. charter's name in vain invoking article 5as self-defense activated during

russian takeover in parts of georgia and relevant in the context of the crisis in eastern ukraine. a country that has a right of self-defense, ambassador, is ukraine. russia's military intervention in ukraine is a clear violation of international law and russia follows no one by calling its troops peacekeepers. unfortunately does have a track record of using term peacekeeping for unlawful military intervention and occupation without authorization from the u.n. security council. there is no evidence that the ukrainian government has targeted russian nationals or threatened rush is a in any way in stark contrast to the ongoing russian actions to detablize eastern ukraine. if russia thinks peacekeeping forces are required in ukraine it should come to the u.n. security council and seek u.n. peacekeepers. these separatists are not engaged in peaceful professes on behalf of their rights. their rights are not being threatened ability to use their language and recognized by the government is not being threatened. their ability to participate fully as voters and citizens is

not being threatened. it is their methods that have been intentionally provocative and threatening. the separatists are not pressing their case peacefully. they're using baseball bats, metal bars, clubs and knives. these are not activists. they are armed operatives. it must stop. my colleagues since the beginning of this crisis the ukrainian government has acted in good faith and with admirable restraint. the area around kiev city hall is clear of all maidan barricades and protesters. over the easter holiday ukraine voluntarily suspended counterterrorism initiative despite the fundamental right to provide territory on its own territory an its own people. ukrainian security forces are operating in a cautious and restrained manner. unlike the separatists, ukraine has cooperated fully with the osce special monitoring mission and allowed its observers to operate in regions which moscow voiced concerns regarding treatment of ethnic russians n

addition prime minister has committed his government to undertake far-reaching constitutional reforms that will strengthen the power of the regions. he appealed personally to russian-speaking ukrainians pledging to support special status for the russian language and protect those who use it. he announced to grant amnesty to those who used arms. ukraine is trying to take steps to restore order is expected, it is justified and what each and everyone of states we do would could this similar situation and probably would have done far earlier. the fact russia chose to call emergency session in protest is another indication that the anothers in moscow either underestimate the intelligence of the world community or that they are trying to exactly replicate in eastern ukraine the charade thatter this responsible for in crimea. we have outraged by that prospect but we are not fooled. just as russia and its pro-russian militia allies engage in a dramatic and dangerous campaign in eastern ukraine, the russian government is vetting some of its most wild

propaganda and fantasy stories since the beginning of crisis. over the course of this aggression some of those entrusted with carrying out the functions of municipal government and those reporting impartially on the facts have begun to slowly disappear. local council member, local police and journalists are missing and being held by armed operatives. international observers from the vienna document observation team as you know are being held in hostage. those who have interest and mandate to report on the truth are being silenced and that silenced is being filled with relentless russian propaganda and fiction they seem they hope will justify whatever actions they decide to take. today's russian foreign ministry ridiculous and false statement purporting western intervention would not be so alarming if it did not suggest that moscow is looking for nothing short of a pretext to invade. russia may have the power to instigate fear, to spread lies and sow discord and violence and disarray across its border.

it may even have the power to abuse its veto here at security council but as we said in the chamber before it can not veto the truth. these are dangerous days for ukraine and all of us. if there is hope to deescalate the russia must pull back troops from eastern border of ukraine, must cease its campaign of instability inside ukraine, it must work to release international observers and journalists taken by armed men working on behalf moves could you's agenda. over the past 63 days in the face of aggression and annexation, this council emplodder the ukrainians to demonstrate restraint and they heeded our call. we also asked russia to stop invading its neighbor. sadly it did not. for that russia must be held accountable n closing i reiterate the support of my government for the principles of the u.n. charter w he support the scheduled may 25th elections that will enable people of ukraine that choose their leaders freely and fairly. we continue to seek a peaceful,

democratic, united ukraine. we remain committed to a diplomatic process most urgently we call on russia to cease its provocative acts and fulfill the geneva commitments which it walked away. thank you. >> i thank the representative of the united states for her statement. and now i give the floor to representative of the luxembourg. >> translator: thank you, very much mr. president. i would like to thank undersecretary-general for his briefing. this situation in the east of ukraine is indeed worsening in a concerning manner. everything should be done to insure it does not turn into a open conflict with incalcuable consequences for international peace and security. we remain deeply concerned by the activities of pro-russian military separatists supported by russia. they seem to be aiming at destablizing east of the country

and hampering the holding of presidential elections on 25 may. for two months now, facing violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity the ukrainian authorities have demonstrated restraint. based upon, in a military manner to the occupation or annexation of crimea by the russian federation. up until yesterday the response of the ukrainian authorities regarding numerous cases of illegal seizure of public buildings by armed militia the growing number of attacks against the ukrainian armed forces as well as violence against those peacefully protesting for unity use crain east of the country the response to these acts has been absolutely moderate. we deeply regret that the clashes today during a protest in odessa saw people killed and dozens of wounded according to

the media. we would reiterate our appeal for deescalation of tensions as well as restraint to be demonstrated by all parties. this is indeed the spirit of the joint declaration adopted on 17 april in geneva by heads of diplomacy, ukraine, russia, u.s. and european union. let us not see this declaration die but rather be reborn. with losses of human life over the past hours could have been avoided if all parties had done everything necessary to implement the declaration. madam, we are together today at a time when the situation on the ground is difficult to understand. the presence across the ukraine of impartial monitors from the united nations and the osce is key to establish facts as well as put an end to the bellicose propraganda. observing in a neutral manner

and reporting on facts is a way to create conditions conducive to a deescalation. the special monitoring mission of the osce should be able to play its full role to the support the implementation of plan 4-d escalation measures. pursuant to the geneva declaration. the security of international monitors deployed across the ukraine should be guaranteed by all the parties. at this time, we repeat our strong condemn nation of the taking, the hostage-taking of a team of military monitors deployed under the framework of the vienna document of the osce of 2011. we reiterate our appeal to russia to continue to use all of its influence on the pro-russian separatists to insure that the monitors are freed without preconditions as swiftly as possible. the monitors who are being held for a week now as well as

ukrainian staff accompanying them, madam president, luxembourg continues to be believe it is possible to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. there is no substitute for substantive dialogue, direct dialogue between kiev and moscow for a diplomatic way out of the crisis in ukraine. to insure the dialogue takes place a swift deescalation of tensions should take place. we hope the forthcoming voice knit moskow and kiev by mr. feldman will continue to this. the good offices of the united nations are more necessary than ever. thank you. >> i thank the representative of luxembourg for her statement. and i now give the floor to the representative of argentina. >> translator: madam president, like to reiterate my delegation's, argentina's confidence in your leadership

during this month of your presidency and i'd also like to once again our gratitude to the presidency of nigeria for last month's efforts. i'd like to thank the undersecretary-general, mr. feldman, for his briefing on the situation in ukraine and recent events. madam president, to say that we're meeting a second time in a week once again to discuss the alarming situation in ukraine is a demonstration of the fact that this council has a responsibility to express itself. in the case of argentina, to reiterate our views about what is happening with regard to the bitter confrontations due to the escalation of tensions. news coming from slovanski would appear daily confrontations are reality and there is serious

risk of spiral of violence with serious consequences for ukraine, the region and the international community. argentina condemns violent acts recorded in the east of ukraine and which have left the loss of human life in its wake. obviously the voices of members of this council have not been listened to or heard, nor the voice of the secretary-general or the international community. calling on all parties to work to calm the situation, to bring it under control, and to begin constructive dialogue. the spirit of compromise as seen in geneva has unraveled very quickly. once again it is imperative to find that spirit, to find a diplomatic and political solution to the crisis. it should be clear to all parties that a peaceful way out is not possible in this difficult situation in the east of ukraine while there are any unilateral acts taking place from any party.

all parties should respect international humanitarian law and human rights without limit especially the rights of the minorities, strictly upholding international law. the only solution that argentina like the rest of the international community believes is desirable in this situation and necessary is to find a solution through inclusive dialogue which involves participation of all parties. however, in order to begin this process of dialogue and work toward a peaceful solution it is key to establish the traditions at that -- conditions that would be conducive to the negotiations and build trust among the different communities and provide security to all people in ukraine whose main concern is that there needs be met, that respecting ukraine's right to conduct its own internal affairs. madam president, we have been a witness to the rhetoric of confrontation once again. speeches of hate, discrimination

and hostility and violence and reactions which only lead to escalate being -- escalating tensions in a very volatile situation. all of this of course seriously undermines any efforts of the international commune to bring the parties to the table for constructive dialogue, to find a diplomatic, peaceful and political solution. it's key and important that all actors find a way to constructive diplomacy and stop all confrontational rhetoric or the use of influence on the parties so that there can be effective implementation of the measures agreed to on the 17th of april in geneva. measures that are necessary, unavoidable to deescalate tension and delay the foundation for a way out of the crisis. madam president, what is at stake here are human lives. their lives are in danger and it is one of the fundamental principles of the charter of the united nations that their lives

should be safe including the principle of territorial integrity, political independence of ukraine. this security council has met on numerous occasions in a short period of time in order to discuss the situation however we have not shown the ability to play a constructive role and find a way out of the crisis. calls to deescalate tension and start dialogue by members have no effect because they're not consistent. we have not been able to send a single message, unified message from the security council or have any unified reaction but it's not too late. it is still possible to avoid the worse. perhaps the call bit secretary-general today is in the same terms, in the same spirit, from the same reasons and convictions this council can leverage in order to express itself today. we must assume our

responsibilities to maintain peace and international security. thank you very much. >> i thank the representative of argentina for her statement and now i give the floor to the representative of australia. >> thank you, madam president. when we met on 29 april on the situation in ukraine we urged russia to abide by the commitments it made in geneva on 17 april including to refrain from violence, intimidation and provocative actions. since then the situation as undersecretary-general feldman has just told us has further deteriorated severely. this planned and coordinated destabilization could not happen without external support. the shooting down of ukrainian helicopters today by surface-to-air missiles is dramatic further evidence of that. we're witnessing well-armed, well-trained personnel using

military weapons who are intent on armed provocation. we've seen further takeover and consolidation of control by armed militia groups over key at that silts in cities and towns right across eastern ukraine, including donetsk, and others orchestrated violence today has spread to odessa. journalists in eastern ukraine have been detained. there are kidnappings, torture. the osec observers detained on 25 april are still being held hostage a week later this is in an front-- affront to the entire international community and they must be released immediately. these action by pro-russian groups are clearly not a legitimate protest or an attempt to protect russian speakers from alleged or spurious threats. they are calculated, cynical, and highly provocative actions, obviously designed to undermine

ukrainian state authority, to intimidate and destablize. they make a mockery of what russia has committed to in the geneva agreement. ukraine itself is working to implement its genieve commitments. it submitted to parliament a draft law on amnesty for protesters who surrender their weapons. it initiate ad process of constitutional reform aimed at decentralizing power. it is committed to holding a broad public debate on possible constitutional change. however in response to the extreme provocation ukraine is facing, ukrainian authorities have the right the right and responsibility to seek to reinstate state authority and restore public authority over all their territory. ukrainian authorities have given clear messages to militant groups what is required of them as interior minister is quoted as sayings and i quote him, free the hostages, lay down weapons, vacate administrative buildings

and bet municipal infrastructure back to normal. this has not happened. in these circumstances it is appropriate and necessary to the ukrainian government to take measures to try to insure security and protect its own citizens in its own territory. we've seen a statement from russia's foreign ministry earlier today describing hypocritely, shamelessly, the policy of those who have supported ukraine as i quote, destructive. but what is destructive? is russia's reckless interference in its neighbor's affairs, destructive of ukraine's territorial integrity? destructive of the geneva agreement? destructive of regional security? destructive of united nations charter and laws governing relations between countries and destructive of russia's own standing and credibility. we're in a very dangerous,

manipulative moment and russia must immediately deescalate the situation. they must implement the geneva agreement and demonstrate as president putin has claimed that it has no further territorial ambitions on ukraine. this certainly does not look like the case. thank you. >> i thank the representative of australia for his statement. and i now give the floor to the representative of china. >> translator: madam president, i wish to congratulate the republic of korea for its assumption of the presidency of the council for this month and express appreciation to ambassador of nigeria and her team for their outstanding leadership of the work of the council last month. i also wish to thank the u.s. -- for its briefing. in recent days the situation in some areas in southeastern ukraine has been characterized by lasting tension.

which caused tragedies. this is a matter of deep concern to china. china has indicated on many occasions its principled position on the question of ukraine. we hope the parties concerned would recede from safeguard of fundamental interests of various ethnic groups in maintain and maintain regional peace and stability, keep calm, exercise restraint and avoid further escalation of the situation. political solution is the only way out of the crisis in ukraine sentiment to the crisis in ukraine needs to take into consideration the full history and contrary situation and legitimate rights and interests and various regions and ethical groups within ukraine as well as legitimate concerns of all parties so as to achieve a balance for all parts.

for sometime various parties including china have worked actively to promote peace and facilitate negotiations. before the talks in geneva among the russian, the u.s., eu and ukraine agreed on measures for the situation. we hope the parties concerned will stick to those negotiations. the effectively implement the agreements reached, forcefully promote the process of political settlement and realize as soon as possible the stability and development of ukraine. china calls on all parties to seek a political set mane to the crisis of ukraine through dialogue, not confrontation. we will continue to support international good -- aimed at easing tension, easing tension and promoting political settlement. thank you, madam president. >> i thank the representative of china for their statement and i now give the florida to the

representative of chad. -- give the floor. >> translator: thank you, madam president. i would like to congratulate you on your accession to the presidency of the council and i wishing you, to you, and to your entire team every success in your endeavors. i would also like to pay tribute to madam oku and her team for their excellent stewardship of the council last month. i would also like to thank mr. felt man for his briefing. despite repeated calls for restraint and for calm, chad notes with alarm that the situation continues to deteriorate both politically and in terms of security in the east of ukraine and this runs the

risk of degenerating into a war with incalcuable consequences. a number of missions, mediation efforts and other efforts have been undertaken to contribute to the escalating situation and to open the way to dialogue. the results, however, have been far from expectations. chad condemns the most recent acts of violence in eastern ukraine which led to a number of deaths and significant material damage. given this serious situation, chad would reiterate its call for immediate halt to all combat and non-violence, both by government forces and separatists. we also launch an appeal for the release of the seven osce

observers still being held. we remain convinced that the solution to the ukrainian situation can be but a political, it must be sought in the full respect of territorial integrity, sovereignty. and unity of ukraine in keeping with the united nations charter. chad would also reiterate its call for the situation to be deescalated, for restraint and calm, and chad would invite countries having an influence on the parties present to use all means possible in order to establish direct dialogue between the parties. with this in mind we would encourage the international community and especially the

secretary-general of the united nations to be step up their efforts to bring about a effort between the parties in order to find a peaceful solution to the ukrainian crisis. thank you. >> i thank the representative of chad for his statement and i now give the floor to the representative of eritrea. >> i thank you, mad dim president. let me start by congratulating the korean delegation for assuming presidency of the security council. wish you best success during your tenure. i would also like to express my delegation's appreciation of the to the outgoing presidency of nigeria, for the weeds stewardship of the council during the month of april. i would like to thank mr. felled man for his leave brief but troubling information. . .

would you sit and wait for your country to be decimated or act in your country's interests, protecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity? ukraine has taken belated and highly cautious actions against

those who are determined to carve it up and parcel it out. like any other state represented in this whole, it has a right to protect its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity by all means necessary, as far as punitive actions go, let's be frank, there were -- after bombing, after these 33 people killed and wounded. many more wounded. only a day after barrel bomb dropped by a government aircraft on an elementary school in another part of the city, killed at least 20 other people. including 17 children. this punitive act by asaud regime has not been condemned by russia, like other acts of ongoing war in that country. today in eastern ukraine --

killed two military officers and injuring seven others. another army helicopter was also damaged. militants used grenade launchers and portable air defense systems. peaceful protesters do not use weapons that can shoot down copters. peaceful protesters do not make the morning walks armed with heavy weapons and automatic weapons. they do not kidnap and parade international observers. today prove cakes and instation guys are being cared out not other city in ukraine. in odessa. had the separatists respected and carried out general have no -- general neva, had they not taken up arms against their own state none of this would be happening. this would not be happening had

russia, the only power, the real influence, on the separatists, denounced the aggression and called on the separatists to accept a peaceful path of talks for the central government. instead russia chose to continue putting the blame on ukraine. the only side which is actually taking some steps at gunpoint to implement the geneva statement. in addition to the various initiatives that have been referred to a couple of days ago during our open briefing here, amnesty law limitation for presidential power, ukraine's prime minister announced now that government will submit a draft law to the parliament on a referendum on national unity, territorial integrity and decentralization on the 25th 25th of may together withpresidential elections. he again stresses decentralization would grant additional guarantees to russian speaking populations and members of ethnic minorities but i guess

people in southern and eastern ukraine don't know this exists because the propaganda machine has drowned the voice of kiev and the alternative -- they won't be allowed to know that viable paths exist because that is not in the plans of those who cannot wait to disrupt the may 25th election and proceed with ukraine's dismemberment under false reverend da, so-called will of the people or what sham putin continued to be use by militants and state sponsors, and we have to watch carefully, may 11th, when the self-proclaimed, so-called people's mayor demands a new referendum, i would not be surprised of another request to join russia would follow that referendum. my government condemns attempts to destroy ukraine's sovereignty

and reject russia's threat to use armed forces or send peacekeepers into ukraine territory. last time a couple of days ago we called for expressed sort for the secretary general's initiative and called for stepping up international mediation, we welcome now the fact that usg will be going to the region. we fully stand behind these efforts to de-escalate the situation. we also think like lux. boring has said that international on servers, those who are there to provide unbiased objective information must be allowed to work across all of ukraine's territory to help us all better understand what is happening there, but also to help de-escalate the situation without going to the very worst. international community was mobilize to prevent this crisis from turning into a blood bath

because we have seen time and again how deadly horrifying inhuman are the results of incitement and demonization of the other, in central african republican and elsewhere. here in a tragic twist of irony, in the middle of europe, two nations, two slavic orthodox nations, may start killing each other, both because of propaganda, manipulation, orchestrated by the kremlin. geneva is the only thing we have on the table now. we should good back to that. we have to let it work. it is in interest of all of us. i thank you. >> i thank the representative of ukraine for her statements and i now gave the floor to the representative of nigeria. >> madam president, i want to thank you for acceptance to

shepherd this council in the month of may. my delegation wishes you green pastures. i thank usg for his object. madam president, the delicate nature of the situation in ukraine impels us to urge great -- in order to avoid a degeneration of the crisis into full-blown military confrontation. this consideration is more pertinent today as developments on the ground have assumed an unlucky terror dimension. the report of two ukrainian military hospitals yes, and --

by unidentified armed groups amplify our concern. the takeover and control of public establishments by armed groups have led to the response by the government of ukraine. we acknowledge the responsibility of the government to maintain public order and the rule of law. it is also possible to restore public order in a measured manner to avoid a degeneration into full-blown conflict. i call on all parties to de-escalate thingses could not be more urgent. we reiterate our position that the outcome of the geneva meeting of april 17 between the ukraine, the russia federation, the eu and the united states, provides the path towards the resolution of this conflict.

there are -- however, to this. all sides must refrain from violence, intimidation, or provocative action. all armed groups must be -- the diplomatic solution must remain open, and international community, including the united nations and other relevant regional organizations, must remain engaged and committed to finding a peaceful solution that takes into consideration the interests of all the people of ukraine. we would like to see ukraine return to peace, security, and stability, and its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity respected in accordance with the chapter of the united nations. distinguished colleagues, the

alternative would be falling dominoes. not only in that region, but in every other region in the world. perhaps we should all do a study of the theory of dominoes. and modified by what we see. this for us is simply modifying -- motor identify -- modifying. it is a collective responsibility to prevent the dom in the theory from being replayed in our time. thank you. >> i thank the representative of nigeria for the statement and i now represent jordan. >> thank you, madam president. we'd also like to congratulate you on taking up the presidency of the security council for this

month. we thank the delegation of nigeria for everything done last month. we thank the undersecretary general for political affairs for his briefing. jordan would like to share its deep concern regarding the most recent development in the east of ukraine, in addition to spillover of violence in other regions of the country, including the city of odessa. we would call upon all parties to demonstrate a strength, bring about a return to calm, deescalation and to fully cooperation with the monitors. we reiterate our appeal for the freeing of all hostages.

held by rebels in. including osce monitors. what we have today in the east of ukraine is not civil war but, rather, mutiny. the actions of the rebels are in violation of the law. and this includes the continuing occupation of seized public and government buildings, the use of force, intimidation of sillans, and -- civilians and threats to their life and security. as mr. feldman said, the continuation of these actions running counter to this letter

and spirit of the geneva agreement, is running counter to the letter and spirit of the agreement. we reiterate ukraine's right to take appropriate and effective measures so as to halt violations in the eastern part of to -- part of the country. and retain its unity and sovereignty, the security of civilians, uphold constitutional and legal order. at the same time, we would call upon the ukrainian government to work towards a peaceful solution to the crisis. as well, as to work within international criteria to deal with the issue. important to uphold relevant

human rights principles as well as to spare no effort in immediately engaging in dialogue with the stakeholders. for a peaceful solution. let us not lose the opportunity brought about by the geneva agreement. this agreement is a safeguard for calm in the east of the country, and the territory of the ukraine. we would appeal to stakeholders to implement the agreement and to bring pressure to bear on the rebels to end the crisis. rebels and all active stakeholders in ukraine should refrain from racist speech or hate speech.

the need to guarantee return to stability in the country, we would call upon all players to help the ukrainian government in these endeavors, to guarantee the success on the political transition. thus coming to comprehensive and direct dialogue with all linguistic groups. finally, we would underscore the importance of respecting the legitimate aspirations of the ukrainian people, and working untiringly to ensure presidential elections are held within the set time frame in may 2014. in line with these said aspirations, and ensure that an

acceptable future is set forth for the ukrainian people with comprehensive and effective dialogue. thank you very much. >> i thank the representative of jordan for his statement. i now give the floor to the representative of chile. >> mr. president, i would like to congratulate your delegation on your assumption of the presidency of this council. and we would like to reiterate our commitment to ongoing support in your stewardship. we would also like to thank nigeria for their impeccable presidency during the month of april. we value the briefing by undersecretary general, mr. feldman.

since the last time when the council met to discuss this situation in ukraine, just three days ago, the crisis has escalated and, once again, we see acts of violence involving separatist groups. this crisis is very quickly entering a dangerous and unprecedented phase. we regret and would like to express our deep-seated concern given recent events in -- with fatal consequences. this council must contribute to maximum restraint and moderation by the parties and reiterate our call upon parties to use all means relevant to finding peaceful settlement of the crisis through inclusive political dialogue. it's also extremely important that parties focus on a peaceful

way out of this crisis through direct political dialogue, and if they refrain from acting unilaterally and they support international mediation efforts in keeping with resolutions 68 through 12 of the general assembly. in the context we reiterate our condemnation of the kidnapping of osce observers and we reiterate our call for them to be immediately and without conditions released. mr. president, now more than ever it is vital to work in the spirit of compromise at such as was seen during the geneva talks on the 17th of april, which then led to the joint declaration of the minister of foreign affairs in russia, the united states, the european union and ukraine.

lays out specific steps to reduce tension and restore security for all citizens, such as refraining from the use of violence, and returning illegally occupied buildings to their rightful owners. opposite again, we reiterate the need for respect of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of ukraine. we would also add to that the responsibility incumbent on the united nations members to restrain the use of force against territorial integrity or political independence. chile believes that it's necessary to strengthen the possibilities for a diplomatic solution to. to that end we support the efforts of the united nations and most particularly we welcome the visit from secretary general

feldman to russia and believe it is time -- it is a priority, the priority, and we should avoid any further escalation of the crisis by beginning dialogue and true confidence-building measures to contribute to the restoration of peace and stability so that the elections can take place on the 25th of may. thank you. >> i thank the representative of chile for his statements. and i'll give the floor to the representative of rwanda. >> thank you, mr. secretary, and thank you mr. feldman for his briefing. mr. president, the situation in ukraine has further deter 'er rated in the last hours. ukrainian forces have launched against the separatist militants

in the eastern party of the city. the rebels have continued to seize public buildings and cities in eastern ukraine. offices even occupied by the militants. even shot down two ukrainian helicopters on friday, killing two crew members. in the meantime, the osce military observers are stillle legally detained by separatist militants. we're of course deeply concerned by all these developments, which further deteriorate the already delicate situation in eastern ukraine and we condemn the violent methods used by armed separatists and we call for a proportionate response by the ukrainian forces. however, we should put our full support behind the good offices of the secretary general in

resolving the crisis in ukraine, and we're happy to hear that mr. feldman is going to ukraine and moscow. i call on all council members to trust him, and to give them the means and the political backing necessary to conduct a meaningful mediation in ukraine and the region. mr. president, the strongest condemnation rwanda or any council member will not solve the ukraine conflict. we all know that only, only a genuine dialogue by the ukrainians on the basis of the 17th, come and a strong commitment of those who have influence on there, who needs to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of ukraine are preserved, can solve this crisis. otherwise, the situation will

further escalate, the conflict will become regional or worse, and it will be useless to continue convening emergency public briefings of the security council if concerned parties and done can tries are not willing to be responsible and solve the conflict. mr. president, we need here to scale down the letter to -- rhetoric. i thank you. >> i thank the representative of rwanda for his statement. i shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the republican of korea. i thank undersecretary general for his briefing. the rub rub of -- republic of korea is concern over the increasing tensions in eastern ukraine. despite the agreement reached in geneva on 17 april, the situation in ukraine is showing no sign of abating.

we are particularly alarmed by the fresh violence erupted overnight, including violent attacks targeting two government helicopters by illegal armed groups. we strongly condemn these attacks that resulted in the death of two ukrainians. such instance point to a serious deterioration in the situation, and provocative actions and rhetoric aimed at destabilizing ukraine must cease immediately. in neither of the ongoing situation in ukraine we reiterate that constructive dialogue between all concerned parties will be the only way to achieve a peaceful solution. in this regard we call for all parties to the geneva statement to implement their commitment. we also fully support the secretary general's good offices

and diplomatic initiatives. we hope that usg's upcoming visit to ukraine and russia will contribute to the de-escalating of tensions on the ground. with the important elections scheduled in may, it is still all the more important to ensure the environment conducive to fair and free elections in the country without any intervention or influence by outside forces. we hope that ukrainian government leads an inclusive and transparent constitutional process. we once again re-affirm our full support for ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. i resume my function as president of the council, i now give the floor to the representative of ukraine. >> thank you, mr. president. mr. president, let me start by

congratulating you on assuming presidency of the security council for the month of may. we wish you discuss in fulfilling this duty. we also than to thank the nigeria delegation for the successful presidency last month. i would also like to extend our thanks to the security council delegations for your support and solidarity of the government and people of ukraine. thank you, mr. feldman, for your briefing. mr. president, ukraine remains committed to the implementation of the agreements reached at the meeting of foreign ministers of ukraine, the russian federation, the european union and the united states in geneva on april 17.

free and fair presidential elections on may 25 remain a top priority of the government of ukraine. we reject all attempts of russia to blame the government of ukraine for allegedly failing to implement the agreements and we state that despite numerous calls of the international community, the russia federation has taken no efforts to de-escalate the situation and implement geneva agreement. instead, russia's strongly supports illegal militant groups operating in the eastern region of ukraine. endangering civilians, seizing hostages, and creating an atmosphere of terror and violence. security, as well as protection of rights and fundamental freedoms of all people of ukraine, remain a top priority for the government of ukraine. therefore, purpose of the

counterterrorist operation, the active phase of which has been renewed in -- is to isolate civilian populations of the city. the commandment of the counterterrorist operation has required from the heavily armed illegal militants to immediately free all hostages, including ose monitors, and to stop violence and massacres. ukrainian authorities are ready to amnesty all those members of militant groups who haven't committed serious crimes. including political dialogue, the peaceful protesters remains a top priority for ukrainian government. we officially state that no tanks or missiles are used

against civilians. the russian statements about participation of nongovernmental armed groups in the counterterrorist operation is not true. russian statements or english speaking foreigners' involvement. they officially claim a the only foreign military in eastern ukraine are russian supporters and mercenaries. mr. president, the ukrainian side and the russian embassy in kiev was duly informed on today's arrival to ukraine of the so-called representative of the russian president. despite the circumstances of the

arrival and taking into account the highest priority of ukrainian government to make illegal militants to release all hostages, we are ready to discuss with interested mediators the practical contribution in order to resolve this problem. mr. president, let me remind you that due to the particularly dangerous situation in slovansk, the national security and defense council of ukraine has a decision to launch a large scale counterterrorism operation. due to increasing threats to civilian population, this morning, the face of counterterrorism operation has been renewed in the area of slovansk and other cities. where the units of ministry of

internal affairs, national guard, and various areas of ukraine were engaged. the counterterrorist operation is implemented exclusively by the enforcement -- by the law enforcement agencies of ukraine. at the moment, nine terrorist checkpoints have been taken under control by ukrainian law enforcement agencies in the slovansk city. the illegal militants, many of whom are foreign mercenaries, are using heavy firearms against ukrainian special forces. they have shot down two ukrainian helicopters with rpgs and antiaircraft guns two officers have been called, seven wounded. the terrorists don't hesitate too use local peaceful population as live shield. firing from the residential buildings, this group of tactics

is used widely by terrorists who are very well aware about the appropriate government instructions to its law enforcement agencies not to open fire towards residential buildings. also, i would like to mention that tonight, there were attempts to break through the state border by groups of russian arms stab would tours who were stopped by our guards. that is why we call upon our russian partners to immediately stop supporting all the illegal militants in the territory of ukraine -- undermine enter terry modify country inch conclusion i would like to quote today's statement of mr. alex, the acting president of ukraine.

we demand that terroris and all those who raised arms in our country lay down their arms, surrender hostages and administrative building those of lay down arms and not involved in serious crime will be subject to amnesty. but those perpetrators accused of murder and torture will be punished. despite all efforts and attempts to organize provocations and unrest to destabilize the situation in other areas in the east and south of the country. i would also like to appeal to the leadership of the russian federation to stop hysteria about the events in ukraine as well as to stop threats and intimidation. if you are concerned about the violations of the rights of

citizens, then protect them in your own country, where the violation of human rights is symptomatic. we also call on russia to stop provocations against our country and not use terrorism and sabotage as form of pressure on our country. despite all the problems and opposition, we well ensure peace and stability in our country and stop the terrorist threat in the east of ukraine. end of quote. i thank you, mr. president, for your attention. >> i thank the representative of ukraine for his statements. the representative of the russian federation has asked for the floor to make a further

statement. i give him the floor. >> thank you, mr. president. our educated and very eloquent colleague from france gave us an interesting quote, that the first step is the hardest and then it's all easy after there. in the history of the very just begun 21st century, there's actually confirmation of this wisdom. the 21st century, amongst other things, gifted to humanity international community that idea of forceful change of power. that is, imposing some sort of politicalization on other people and countries of the world. it's absolutely clear that all of those -- beginning the 21st 21st century have always led to huge destabilization, but nevertheless, for the first

test, for those who use the new practice, the first step is just a gateway, and it just led to other steps and further destabilization, such as the one we're talking about today in ukraine. now, i recall that over the few months of the crisis, the very legitimate power on the 22nd 22nd of february, our colleagues called upon -- called for stopping of government which was going on in kiev and other parts of ukraine against the government. now, we do not hear them telling president yanukovych to drop all powers in this hand as the president, including the use of force, to ensure law and order in the country. but now for some reason, those appeals are being made to the current -- in kiev.

russia has only been for one thing, preventing destabilization in ukraine and resolving everything by talking. talking. we suggest the talks be conducted between ukraine, russia, and the eu and russia, at the crisis and political confrontation in ukraine regarding the signing or not of the association agreement. that was our proposal but for some reason, for the -- it wasn't acceptable for the eu or the u.s. on the 1st of february we -- continued to feel today that many of the -- are justified and that they should be followed if we hope to bring the country out of the political crisis. it's a simple agreement but does pave the way for an extracation

from the crisis, and the only thing that has to be done is to implement the document. however, the most striking and irritating thing is that the requirement that people in the east of the country are very simple. they're in a situation where there's an illegitimate government in the capitol, very much representative of cad -- radical elements and people want guarantees of their rights, and over various longtime, period of time, perhaps two months after the toppling of the legitimate government, no one took up weapons, at least from -- they were waiting for con can instructive response from kiev regarding their requirements to ensure their legitimate interests. not one time did we hear any reasonable initiative or reaction from kiev. some kole colleagues today spoke about the declaration from the

eu where he said that on 25 may when there would be presidential elections, and the president be appointed, that there be some sort of survey con can ducted -- conducted regarding destabilization, people are at barricades but we need a survey so as to know their opinion about what they want? now, prom the discussions today, more than anything, very -- concerning how colleagues spoke about those operations which are currently being carried out by the kiev government in the east of the country. impression that our western colleagues can read the minds of the government in kiev, and so they're very calmly talking about what is going on. but of course, it isn't that surprising because, as we know,

that every visit from a high official with kiev and an american representative led to the situation where the situation further escalated, to a new level of confrontation and a more forceful turn of events, a violent turn of events and it's not surprising the u.s., as i said in my declaration. indeed, did not want the ose to do what is was supposed to do that is, to bring about dialogue, organize a roundtable between representatives of different regions in the government of kiev. why did the u.s. not want the ose to do that? in fact, over the crisis, russia several times suggested different formats for the organization of such dialogue between the government and opposition forces in the region.

the government didn't want to or can't themselves. we suggested a constitutional assembly. they said they weren't ready to organize that. when the 17 april meeting was prepared, you suggested that -- we suggested that some representatives of the regions should come, and that the fourth party would sit -- that is at least the eu, the u, the u.s. ad russia -- and the acting minister of foreign affairs of ukraine, and we could start those talks. but that proposal was rejected. for them the ose was given a mandate and tried to carry it out. then they were told they shouldn't, but tanks should be brought out to the city and other cities in the east of the country about what other kole can leagues said. one colleague said that russia is refusing to implement the geneva document of 17 april.

russia would never deny the implementation of any useful document in the crisis nor supporting the 21 february agreement, nor would it deny the implement addition of the 17 april agreement. if you actually listen to my statement today, all of the political components are quotations from the 17 april document. in spite of the dramatic events, perhaps we might ask our president of korea to make a statement from our meeting, stating that the council in line with the geneva document called for swift halting of violence, of course, including the use of force in the east of ukraine and appeals for a swift implementation of the geneva

document, a comprehensive implementation of it. if you would be ready to support that, we would, do. thank you, president. >> i thank the representative of russian federation for his statement. united states. >> i'd just like to offer a couple points in response. first, for the russians to blame ukraine for ukraine's actions in defense of its own people and its own territory really is starting to remind me of the story of the school boy who returned home with his nose bloody and his shirt torn, and asked by his mother, how the fight started, he said, it started when the other boy hit me back.

we have to be clear about cause and effect here. and many council members, including myself, have already gone through the facts that brought us to this point. but my second point is to just debunk one more of the lies that have been told in this chamber, and because it relates to my country to the united states. people in this chamber have heard many, many times, including just now, that the united states and other countries, but i'll speak speak only for my country -- never called on protesters to leave buildings or to avoid violence so the implex indication is we are holding russian separatists to a different standard. a claim made in almost every session we have had. i'd just like to correct the record. january 15, 2014. we condemn the actions of rioters outside of kiev court building on january 10th. january 22nd, to 14, the aggressive actions of members of

extreme right group are not acceptable and are inflaming conditions on the streets and undermining the efforts on peaceful protesters. we condemn the targeted attacks against journalists and unofficial groups. january 24th, protesters have occupied some regional administration buildings and we reiterate our call for all protesters and government forces to refrain from violence and the destruction of property. january 27th, we condemn. we also made clear that we condemn the use of violence to seize government buildings such as the takeover of the ministry of justice building that happened over the last couple of days in a exhibition haul this weekend and continue to reiterate our call for all protesters and government forces to restrain from violence and destruction of property. these are just a few of the statements we have made. so if we can take that particular lie off the table that would be helpful and more constructive.

what is more important now is where do we do from here? and what i would ask my russian colleague is, will russia make public statements and work privately behind the scenes to urge russian separatists to negotiate peacefully their departure from public buildings? where does rich -- who wear uniforms just like those of your soldiers, obtain weapons and training capable of shooting down ukrainian helicopters? and finally, russia again repeatedly takes aim at the so-called illegitimate government in kiev, but refuses to acknowledge ever in any session it did not embrace the february 21 agreement when it was negotiated. and here we have a golden opportunity on may 25th for the people of eastern ukraine to have their voices heard, for them to choose their own leaders, for us to get to a

universally legitimate government, respected and chosen by all of the people of ukraine, and yet, russia will not come out in support of these elections and work with us to ensure that these elections take place, which would be the best way of ensuring rights, representativeness, and more autonomy for the people of eastern ukraine. thank you, mr. president. >> i thank the representative of the united states. i like to ask the representative of russian federation whether his idea about a presidential statement to support the geneva agreement is a formal proposal or just an idea? >> well, first, i didn't want to say that a lie cannot only be a distortion of facts but also a selective interpretation of one0s own position and that's

what we uheard from my american colleague. what we heard from washington and the way it was heard, clearly has demonstrated to all, including those in kiev, which is most important, that the united states approving of the -- take an approving look to change of power which, in the end, do not serve -- does not serve the ukrainian people. now, regarding my proposal, yes, i think it would be good to end our meeting with that statement. not ask every delegation what it's going to declare but, rather, make a statement all together that we're calling for swift halt to all violence, including the use of military force in the east of the country, and seriously take up the implementation of the geneva document fully.

>> i thank the representative of the russian federation for his statement. on his proposal, i will ask our coordinators to consider that and to work on it. if there are no more names endescribed on the lest list of speakers, the council has thus concluded the present stage of the consideration of the agenda. the meeting is adjourned. >> the u.n. security council meeting ends, called by russia, as fighting has -- you can -- we joined the meeting in progress.

we'll continue to watch the situation in ukraine and give you updates as things change. in the news this afternoon, fox news reporting a key house committee has subpoenaed secretary of state john kerry to testify about newly released benghazi documents after the republican chairman accused the administration of hiding the records following an earlier congressional subpoena. the house oversight and reform committee announced it has issued the subpoena for secretary kerry to testify at a may 21st hearing, also house speaker john boehner has announced that a select committee to attend the hearing will be voted on when the house re-convenes this coming week. by the way, we showed the latest in that series of hearings yesterday on c-span3, and you can watch that online at chance.org and also likely be carrying secretary kerry's testimony on may 21st.

also the april unemployment numbers are out today. the labor department reporting 288,000 jobs were added last month. that's better than predicted. consequently the jobless rate dropped from 6.7 to 6.3%. some congressional reaction to those new unemployment -- the new unemployment rate, the house speaker, john boehner, saying earlier this week, we learned that economic growth largely stalled at the start of the year, and while it's welcome news that more of our friends and neighbors found work in the past month, this report also indicates more than 800,000 americans left the work force last month, which is troubling. and democratic counterpart nancy pelosi released a statement that reading in part: today's report shows our economy continues to move forward with the 50th consecutive month of

job growth. >> live programming coming up today. german chancellor angela merkel is in washington today. earlier today she held a joint news conference with president obama and later, at 2:00 eattorney, chance her merkel will review the statement of german-u.s. relations at the u.s. chamber of commerce. 2:00 p.m. eastern, on our come papillon network, c-span. >> this weekend it's the annual white house correspondents dinner, entertainment provided by joel mchale from community. our coverage is 6 eastern time with red carpet arrivals filed by the dinner remarks. >> in the beginning of the war, you're pressed into it and

afraid of holding the gun. when we win to the first battle and we fought and i shot somebody, killed somebody, it does something to you, and that so you start -- it's very difficult in the beginning but after time went on it became easy, it bake normalized, this word, and in the context of -- what happens if you normalize in the situation so you can live through it because if you don't, you die. >> one of 41 unique voices from 25 years of our book notes and q & a conversations. c-span, sundays at 8:00. published by public affairs books now available at your favorite book seller. next, state department officials and others discuss the worsening situation in the central african republican. the ute nights nations peacekeeping mission is preparing to deploy to the car but not expected to arrive until september. christopher smith chaired the three-hour hearing and told

panelists the crisis in the central african republic is getting wore and is underfunded. the event took place yesterday. [inaudible conversations] >> come to order and thank you for being here and good morning to everyone. our hearing dresses an extremely critical topic this morning. the worsening crisis in the central african republican where up told lives hang in the balance and the window for action is narrowing every day. this is not the first hearing we have had on the central african republican. follows up on a hearing from

last december... that we had recommended, this administration undertake, mainly that united nations peacekeepers be introduced into the

planting has always existed but it is given way to a country based on religious and ethnic affiliation. this is happening in a time when the mark the 20th anniversary of the genocide in rwanda. when that country was being turned into a massive killing field the world stood idly by. both president clinton and ewan chief kofi annan had information that could have prevented or at least mitigated the rwanda genocide but chose indifference that enable the slaughter of unprecedented proportion.

i herald a series of hearings, three, on rwanda and what are the people who we had information in hand. the general was there on the ground willing to take action to curtail what turned out to be upwards of 1 million people who were slaughtered and with that information, again i could've been prevented or at least largely mitigated. when the blood stopped flowing the word looked at the corpse piled high and shocked. never again was the phrase of egeland lives. it is happening again. our witnesses know and they will bear witness today. the question before us today is whether the phrase never again is one we sober used to pay lip service while nothing being done or not enough and whether not we're going to act. we do have to distinguish witnesses from state today and as i mentioned that's assistance secretary jackson and also anne richard, assistant secretary for

bureau of population, refugees and migration. while the state department is any two people to testify it's encouraging as it shows a heightened issue -- the question i'll ask them to answer is what are we doing -- not what i'm doing but are we doing enough. in 2012 the administration to much fanfare created an atrocity prevention board following a presidential study directed which stated quote preventing mass atrocities and genocide is a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility on the united states, closed quote. the abb is supposed to provide early warning resources to stop such atrocities. where has the board been? have we taken our eye off the ball on c.a.r. because where perhaps confront but to many other crises? will we've taken some steps including authorizing

$170 million in humanitarian and peacekeeping aid come something we don't hear more about from our government witnesses, are such resources adequate given the magnitude of the problem? we have a situation wher where a country with a population of roughly 5.2 million people, 1.3 million are at risk of starvation while 2.5 million are estimated indeed of other forms of assistance. that is nearly half the country. we are seeing ethnic cleansing whereby whole villages are being emptied in a countryside laid waste. there are more than 6000 internally displaced persons in the c.a.r. close more than 320,000 others who are refugees in neighboring countries. how the situation has worsened, the total number of those displaced has doubled since the time we held our hearing last november when it was estimated at 460,000 c.a.r. national displaced.

accurate figures for the number killed are hard to come by. we hope our witnesses will be able to find or shed some light on that. we are told an estimated 2000 people have been killed since december alone. i believe that number is probably a conservative estimate. the reports we receive are bloodcurdling. human rights watch reported on an attack of a muslim neighborhood in the early morning hours of february 1