First of all, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumpti...

First of all, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to commend you for convening this open debate on the subject before us. The protection of civilians in armed conflicts continues to be a subject to which the international community and my country in particular attach the utmost importance. Unfortunately, the Security Council has to continue to consider this issue owing to the fact that today civilians still suffer greatly from the consequences of armed conflict. The Security Council must therefore remain committed to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, to promoting full respect for humanitarian law, human rights law and human rights in general, and to combating impunity.