YouSaid · the spoken record

Zalmai Rassoul

lines on the record: 61
first: 2010-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“If we adhere to the principles of understanding, solidarity and cooperation, we will be able to secure our collective future, as evidenced in the historic successes we have achieved in Afghanistan over the past 12 years. The United Nations has been a reliable partner in helping us come this far. As we prepare to embark upon the transformation decade, we expect the Organization to continue its support through a renewed approach that reinforces Afghanistan’s leadership and ownership. Let me also assure the Assembly that, as we in Afghanistan work to preserve our gains and consolidate our young democracy in the crucial years ahead, we will remain an active Member of the United Nations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Speaking of long-standing conflicts, none is more evident than the decades-long strife between Palestine and Israel. Following years of deadlock and impasse, we see that renewed efforts for a peaceful settlement have emerged with the resumption of direct negotiations between the two sides. That is an important development, which we hope will result in durable peace, enabled by the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. We also hope to witness the inclusion of the State of Palestine as a full Member of the Organization. In conclusion, as I stand before the Assembly, I feel more strongly than ever that our shared vision of a world free from violence, conflict and destitution will be achieved only if we put our differences aside and act as one.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“This year’s General Assembly session is taking place at a time in which the United Nations has seen a number of conflicts continue, while new ones have taken shape. In Syria, we watch the ongoing immeasurable suffering of the great people of that country. Afghanistan calls for an immediate halt to the violence there, which has taken the lives of more than 100,000 people, forced more than 2 million Syrians to become refugees and left 6.8 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We strongly support a political solution, reached through a broad-based national dialogue that meets the aspirations of all Syrians. Moreover, the international community must provide the support necessary to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict, including the millions who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In addition to improving cooperation and confidence on a whole range of other issues, all countries in our region, and our allies and friends in the international community, must continue decisively to confront the single biggest challenge that still endangers our collective peace and security and undermines the welfare of our people, namely, the continuing menace of terrorism and extremism and their sanctuaries and support systems in the region. We will not achieve the full potential of our citizens or realize true and lasting peace and security in Afghanistan or the wider region until we have dealt decisively with the brutality and evilness of the terrorists who try to harm us every day. Fortunately, we are more hopeful now than in the past about a gathering common approach against terrorism and extremism in our region.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In that context, the Istanbul Process on Regional Security and Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Afghanistan, which we launched together with our Turkish friends and all other participating and supporting States in November 2011, is of vital importance for confidence-building and promoting results-oriented cooperation. Two follow-on ministerial meetings, in Kabul in June 2012 and in Almaty in April of this year, have taken the Process to the level of maturity. It has now developed into a meaningful forum for discussion on specific confidence-building measures and enjoys considerable momentum. As the permanent co-Chair of the Process, the Afghan Government is particularly grateful to the People’s Republic of China for hosting the next ministerial meeting next summer.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I should like to reiterate our long-standing principled position that any bilateral security agreements that Afghanistan signs with other countries, including the United States, will be purely for the purpose of ensuring peace, security, development and the consolidation of our young democracy, and not directed at our neighbours or any countries in the region. Afghanistan belongs to its region. As recent history has clearly demonstrated, the peace, security and stability of Afghanistan, as the centre of the heart of Asia region, has a direct impact on the peace, security and stability of the entire region, and vice versa. We want Afghanistan to serve its rightful role as a key land bridge in our vital region for the flow of people, goods and investments.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In that regard, I should like to reiterate the Afghan Government and people’s appreciation for the solid and broad-based expression of long-term political support for a peaceful, prosperous, democratic Afghanistan by more than 100 countries and organizations at the historic international Bonn Conference, kindly hosted by the German Government in December 2011. With the United States, we are negotiating a separate bilateral security agreement that will define the parameters of the long-term security and defence cooperation between our two countries.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“A successful presidential election will entrench our democratic process and greatly contribute to our efforts towards lasting peace, security and prosperity. As we go forward in implementing the transition agenda and preparing for the transformation decade, another key foundation of our long-term success will be the strategic partnerships we have forged with some of our closest friends and allies over the past few years. Since October 2011, when we signed our first long-term strategic partnership agreement with the Republic of India, we have entered into similar partnerships with the United States, Germany, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Poland. We have also concluded or are currently negotiating similar partnerships with the European Union, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Conference participants also committed to providing additional financial assistance to Afghanistan beyond 2016 at or near the levels of the past decade. That generous financial support will be critical in tiding us over the next few years. In addition to the security and economic transitions, we have a crucial political transition coming up next year, namely, the presidential and provincial council elections. Next year’s presidential elections will mark the first time in our history that one elected President will transfer power to another elected President through a peaceful democratic process. The Afghan Government is doing everything possible to ensure free, fair and credible elections, so that the Afghan people can choose who the next President will be.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We already have several State-owned and private companies — from China, India, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, in addition to Afghan companies — expressing a keen interest in investing billions of dollars in copper, iron ore, gold, rare-Earth minerals, oil and gas. We are actively seeking to attract additional foreign investment to this sector, while remaining duly diligent to make sure that our natural riches serve the goal of a strong legitimate national economy and improved prosperity and welfare for the Afghan people. Thirdly, the Tokyo Conference last July pledged more than $16 billion through 2015 to help the Afghan Government fill its projected fiscal gap.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In addition to our best efforts to fulfil Afghanistan’s role as the trade, transit and economic integration roundabout in the heart of Asia region for the benefit of all people of the region, the Afghan Government is keen to reduce the negative economic impact of the international military withdrawal and to strengthen our national economy in at least three ways. The first is by focusing on the development of the agriculture and agribusiness sector, in which more than 70 per cent of our population is directly or indirectly engaged, and where there is enormous potential for growth and employment generation. Secondly, Afghanistan is estimated to hold trillions of dollars of natural resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons, representing a guaranteed source of wealth and income for generations to come.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Pakistan’s essential role in advancing the Afghan peace process is a clear example of the support that Afghanistan’s neighbours and other countries in the region, especially Muslim countries, can provide to the Afghan peace process. As far as the economic component of transition is concerned, the presence of a large international military force over the past 10 years has generated employment and income opportunities for thousands of our citizens, so it is natural that there will be an adverse impact resulting from the withdrawal of those forces.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The key principles and conditions for that process are clear: respect for Afghanistan’s Constitution, which guarantees full and equal rights to Afghan men and women; the preservation and enhancement of the advances made over the past decade; and the renunciation of violence against the population. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a major neighbour, can play a key role in supporting our peace process. We have been heartened by the recent successful visit to Islamabad by President Karzai and the positive and constructive dialogue that took place between the two Governments during that visit. We look forward to further steps and progress in the weeks and months to come.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is through the enormous and selfless sacrifices of our proud and patriotic national security forces on a daily basis that security in most cities and towns that have gone through transition has improved and the Taliban have been beaten back. We are fully confident that, with the continued financial assistance of the international community for equipment and other requirements and needs, as pledged at the Chicago NATO Summit in May 2012, Afghan national forces will be able to provide security to the Afghan people and defend the country against external threats. Parallel to our ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity and capabilities of our national security forces, the Afghan Government is pursuing a political process of peace and reconciliation with the Taliban.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That is the vision of the Afghan people and Government for the years leading up to the completion of the transition in 2014 and into the transformation decade of 2015 to 2024. In the security area it is our more than 350,000 brave and professional soldiers and police officers — not foreign soldiers — who are directly responsible for the security of more than 90 per cent of the Afghan population. The transfer of security responsibilities from the international forces to Afghan national security forces, launched in the summer of 2011, will be completed throughout the country by the end of 2014. Our forces have demonstrated their courage, commitment and effectiveness in successfully taking over from their international partners.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I have drawn that clear contrast between the Afghanistan of 10 years ago and the positive reality of today for two main reasons: first, to underscore a model of collective action and international cooperation in support of one country’s efforts to establish peace, security and development; and, secondly, to counter a narrative of doom and gloom for Afghanistan by those who are ignorant about our progress, or who harbour ill-will towards us. The new Afghanistan is indeed currently going through a critical period of security, economic and political transition that comes with its difficulties and challenges but that is helping us to consolidate our fledgling democratic order and strengthening our national sovereignty, independence and ownership of our own affairs.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Afghanistan today is a proud and active member of the international community, while managing its ever- expanding relations and cooperation with countries and organizations throughout the world, through a network of some 70 diplomatic and consular missions. The examples of rejuvenation and development, progress and achievements that I have just described represent the true picture of today’s Afghanistan. Considering that 12 years is not a very long time in the history of a country, especially a country such as Afghanistan, which has gone through more than 35 years of war and destruction, those achievements and gains are nothing short of a historic transformation.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Today in the new Afghanistan the number of children attending school stands at well over 10 million, 40 per cent of them girls, and there are hundreds of thousands of young men and women attending some 70 public and private colleges and universities. More than 70 per cent of our people today have access to basic health- care services. That, among other things, has increased average life expectancy from approximately 40 years to more the 60 years in just one decade. We have built thousands of kilometres of roads, irrigation canals, bridges and other pieces of our country’s critical physical infrastructure, thereby cutting travel time and facilitating trade and movement within the country and with neighbouring countries.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Today Afghanistan is a forward-looking young democracy with functioning State institutions, an elected President, an elected Parliament and elected provincial councils in each one of our 34 provinces, backed up by a powerful civil society movement. Afghan independent media, with approximately 50 independent television channels, more than 100 community FM radio stations and hundreds of print publications, are arguably among the freest in the region. Today there are more than 20 million mobile-phone users across Afghanistan, an increasing number of them accessing information and using various platforms on the Internet. Per capita income has increased from $100 a year to $600 a year, our national currency has been consistently stable, and our trade ties with the outside world are rapidly expanding.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“However, following the Al-Qaida terrorist attacks in the United States, the Afghan people came together and, with support from the United States and a multitude of other friends and allies in the international community, removed the Taliban from power and embarked upon a new era of hope, reconstruction, development and progress — a new era marked by an entirely different reality. Primarily as a result of our own sacrifices and the considerable sacrifices and support of our international friends and allies during our 12-year partnership, Afghanistan once again has become the home of all Afghans, men and women, where they enjoy equal rights and freedoms under our democratic Constitution.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The average annual per capita income was about $100 and the country lacked a single national currency. Our roads, bridges, irrigation networks and other components of critical national infrastructure were completely destroyed. Afghanistan was without a national army or a national police force, and all our other State institutions had been reduced to nothing. In short, Afghanistan was a failed State, ruled by a proxy militant group that provided shelter to international terrorists, thus posing a real danger to regional and international peace and security. The situation in Afghanistan during that period was indeed bleak. The Afghan people had little hope for their own or their children’s future.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The international community did not mobilize to take action against the Taliban regime until the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, including in this city. At the end of 2001, when, with the military backing of the United States-led international coalition, we were getting ready to drive the Taliban regime from power, Afghanistan was in near-total isolation from the region and the world community. The Afghan people were a terrorized population, without rights or freedoms and without protection from the Taliban regime’s brutality. Severe poverty and disease were endemic, with little or no access to health-care services. The education system, which completely excluded women and girls and had fewer than half a million male students attending schools and universities, was a catastrophic failure.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The international community that had supported our struggle for several years abandoned us when the defeat and withdrawal of the Red Army became apparent. Exploiting the vacuum and internal strife created during the early 1990s, the foreign-backed Taliban movement rose to power and quickly controlled more than 90 per cent of Afghan territory. Then, equally quickly, they removed their masks and revealed their true identity, holding the Afghan nation hostage and embarking on a period of particularly cruel and barbaric violence and cruelty under the guise of Islam. With their backward views, violence and brutal suppression of the rights and freedoms of the Afghan people, especially women, they turned our country against itself.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Between the communist coup in 1978, followed by the invasion of our country in 1979, and the fall of the communist regime, more than 1 million Afghan men, women and children were killed, more than 2 million were made orphans or left with severe war wounds, and more than 5 million were forced out of their villages and towns into refugee camps in neighbouring countries, mainly in Pakistan and Iran, as a result of the brutality of the occupation and the communist regime and in the course of our resistance against that occupation. We fought for our freedom and independence — our holy jihad — and we won, in the process helping the national freedom and independence movements in Eastern Europe.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“To better illustrate the journey that Afghanistan and its noble people have been on over the past 12 years, I should like to share two contrasting pictures of the reality of Afghanistan — in the year 2001, at the time of the collapse of the Taliban regime, and in the year 2013, as we are going through a historic period and a process of transition. For a little more than two decades prior to November 2001, when the Afghan people ousted the Taliban regime from power, with military backing from the United States-led international military coalition, the people of Afghanistan suffered incalculable pain, deprivation and losses through three distinct periods.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I bring to all warm greetings and the good wishes of the Afghan people. I have the honour to address the General Assembly in the last year of the current elected Government of Afghanistan. I therefore think that it is useful briefly to revisit the story of Afghanistan over the past 12 years, our historic successes, the achievements that have transformed Afghanistan and, yes, the challenges we have faced continuously during that time. I should then like to share with the Assembly the vision of the Afghan people and Government for the future of freedom, dignity, prosperity and democracy that we are striving to solidify in our country and, briefly, to address the critical importance of our relations and cooperation with countries in our region and with the broader community of nations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On behalf of the people of Afghanistan, I again thank them for their support.””
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Japan is a longstanding friend of Afghanistan, and we are confident that this great nation will soon overcome the challenges of recovery. “The Assembly is a manifestation of our collective will to stand together against the challenges that face human society and to realize the potential for a peaceful and prosperous world for all. Our gathering here is also a testimony to the valuable role that the United Nations plays in the realization of our collective will. I applaud the remarkable leadership that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has demonstrated in steering the United Nations in a direction where it can truly become an asset to a peaceful world. “Finally, many countries from across the globe have stood in solidarity, over the past 10 years, with the Afghan people.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“However, based on our own experience, we urge the brotherly Libyan nation to recall that the shortest route to peace will be through ensuring inclusivity and safeguarding the unity of the Libyan nation. “The people of Afghanistan deeply sympathize with the plight of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We reiterate our call for an immediate end to their suffering and the realization of their inalienable rights, including the right to an independent State. In this connection, we stand firmly behind the efforts aimed at Palestine’s admission as a full Member of the United Nations. I hope that this year we will witness, with pride, the inclusion of Palestine as the 194th Member of the United Nations. “The Afghan people also shared the pain of the loss experienced by the Japanese people when the natural disasters struck earlier this year.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“11-51179 8 “In the coming weeks, we will expect to consult with all countries in the Heart of Asia region to develop a common understanding in the run-up to the Conference. “In today’s interconnected world, developments in Afghanistan and the surrounding region are hugely influenced by events in the wider world. Therefore, we in Afghanistan are closely watching the situation in the Middle East. As a nation that has experienced war and destruction for many years, the eruption of violence in these countries fills us with anxiety. We are particularly concerned by the developments in Libya. We recognize the National Transitional Council as the legitimate Government of Libya.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The Conference will recognize Afghanistan’s quest for stability, as well as the region’s growing need for confidence- building and cooperation in the face of the common challenges we face, notably terrorism, extremism, the drug trade and obstacles to legitimate interaction and movement, to name but a few. “Over the past 10 years, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to promote regional cooperation, mainly with a view to trade and economic activities. However, we have learned that unless we boldly address our political differences and the deficit of trust and confidence that divides the region, regional cooperation will remain an aspiration. It is for that very reason that at the Istanbul Conference we will aim to focus on political and security issues.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I welcome the review of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, as authorized by the Secretary-General. In the months ahead, we look forward to participating in this review and to its positive conclusion. “On the subject of regional cooperation, we are currently working closely with Afghanistan’s old friend and brother, the Republic of Turkey, towards a regional conference to be held in Istanbul on 2 November 2011. Hosted by Turkey and championed by Afghanistan, the Istanbul Conference will help build a common regional vision for peace and stability.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I emphasize that neither our strategic partnership with the United States, nor any other partnerships we will forge in the future, will be a threat to our neighbours or to any other country. “I also emphasize that in the context of these future partnerships, the principle of Afghan sovereignty and the centrality of the Afghan State must be given due credence; the manner of our continued partnership should conform to the requirements of a sovereign Afghanistan. As an important step in this direction, all the parallel structures created by the international community, be it in the security, governance or development arenas, must be removed to make space for the emergence of genuine and capable indigenous institutions. “In particular, the role of the United Nations in Afghanistan must be adjusted to the requirements of Afghan sovereignty.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This vision is worth all the efforts we Afghans can muster, as well as all the support we can get from the international community. “As a framework for long-term partnership, we will call for a new paradigm of cooperation between Afghanistan and our friends and partners. The strategic partnership that we are currently negotiating with the United States and other partners, including the European Union, will be a model for the kind of enduring and comprehensive partnership we wish to have with members of the international community. Such partnerships will help guarantee Afghanistan’s security and stability, as well as assist our future economic development.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Hosted by Germany and chaired by Afghanistan, the Bonn conference will be an opportunity for us to brief our international partners about the major Compact accomplishments of the past 10 years, and in particular about the progress of the Transition and reconciliation processes. “Most importantly, at Bonn we will call for continued commitment of the international community to assist Afghanistan in the post-2014 period, after the foreign military presence on Afghanistan soil comes to an end. To that end, we will share our vision for the next 10 years — the vision of developing Afghanistan into a stable country, a functioning democracy and a prospering economy. As a country at the centre of an emerging ‘new silk road’, Afghanistan can become a regional hub for trade and transit.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“7 11-51179 “On the other hand, transition is not just limited to security. Indeed, while transition is both desirable and inevitable, the economic effect of the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan needs to be managed carefully. In other words, for Afghanistan to become truly self- reliant, apart from the security transition, we will need a comprehensive economic transition. That transition will take much longer than the security transition and will require the continuation of steadfast support on the part of our international partners beyond 2014. “In this context, we look forward to the much awaited International Conference on Afghanistan, to be held in Bonn, Germany, on 5 December 2011.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“This process will see the complete transfer of security responsibility from international forces to Afghans by the end of 2014. With the completion of the transition process, we Afghans and our international partners will achieve the most important strategic goal of our 10-year partnership: the emergence of a sovereign Afghanistan that is self-reliant and is the peaceful home of all Afghans, an Afghanistan that is at peace and lives in peace with the rest of the world. “Needless to say, the success of the transition process depends on, besides the demand and solid resolve of the Afghan people, the continued support of the international community. The role of our NATO partners, particularly in terms of the capacity development of our security institutions, will be vital.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
““The reconciliation policy is based on our commitment to make the political process more inclusive and to provide a genuine and acceptable alternative to violence for all Taliban and other militant leaders, most of whom are currently based outside Afghanistan. Those leaders are welcome to return home and play their proper role in Afghan politics and Government — provided that they break ties with Al-Qaida, give up violent activities and accept the Afghan Constitution. Clearly, without sincere cooperation from regional and international partners, notably the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, this strategy will not succeed. “The year 2011 is a crucial year for Afghanistan. The most important development for our country was the commencement of the transition process last July.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
““On the other hand, when it comes to the Taliban insurgency, we do not see military action as the only solution. In our eager quest for restoring peace to the lives of our people, we have extended a hand of peace and reconciliation to all those Afghans who have had reason to remain outside the boundaries of the current political process in Afghanistan. “Led until now by the late Mr. Rabbani, who is tragically no longer among us, through the High Peace Council, and supported by our partners from the international community, the peace process is a comprehensive effort. It covers the reintegration of armed combatants into dignified civilian life and reconciles the leadership of the Taliban.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is urgent that we focus our strategy to make our collective struggle more objective and results-oriented. Our enemy must not be defined by a selective treatment of the geography to which we have access, but by an assessment of the threat it poses, regardless of where it may be based. “The Afghan people remain ardent supporters of the fight against international terrorism, despite having suffered unspeakable losses in this endeavour. However, we fail to see the efficacy of the fight in which ordinary citizens bear the brunt while terrorist sanctuaries remain untouched, far away from the towns and villages of Afghanistan. The continued credibility of the fight will depend above all on taking its focus to where terrorism originates.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“While together we have fought and crushed extremists in some of their long-held strongholds, elsewhere they have continued to thrive. Today, we see a worrying trend towards increased radicalization of the youth. Al-Qaida, despite the elimination of its leaders, remains active in the region, and the Taliban militancy maintains its deadly spectre over my country. Both continue to receive sanctuary and support in the region, which keeps them alive. This sanctuary problem is, without a doubt, the Achilles’ heel of this war. “To the extent that international terrorism and extremism remain real threats to international security, peace will remain mortgaged to the success of the fight in the region. To succeed, however, we must fundamentally review and adjust our approaches in this fight.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Our social and economic accomplishments are phenomenal, greater by comparison than in any other period in our country’s history. Never before have the Afghan people enjoyed comparable access to education and health or seen a greater development of infrastructure across the country. 11-51179 6 “Regrettably, the sense of gratitude and pride we feel at our achievements is tempered by the absence of a key ingredient of any country’s development, namely security. Despite the Afghan people’s sincere embrace of the international fight against terrorism and the immeasurable sacrifices made on this path, we have yet to reap the rewards of experiencing a life free from violence and terror. “We Afghans are proud to have partnered, over the past 10 years, with the world’s struggle against terrorism.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Above all, however, I ask that we pause and take stock of where we are 10 years after the world was shaken into an unprecedented resolve to act in the face of a common enemy. “Later this year, Afghanistan will also mark the anniversary of 10 years of the new political era heralded by the end of the Taliban rule and characterized by the beginning of a journey towards a peaceful, prosperous and democratic way of life. There is so much that we have to celebrate in the enormous achievements we have had, with the solidarity and generous help of the international community. These 10 years have been a truly unique chapter in the history of our ancient country. “Grasping the opportunity, we took bold steps to reunite the country after decades of strife and violence, laying the foundations of a young democracy.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“On behalf of the people of Afghanistan, who have experienced the scourge of terrorism in its worst imaginable form, I pay homage and respect to the memory of the 9/11 tragedy and commiserate with the people of the United States for their sense of loss, which this anniversary has rekindled. “On this occasion, I urge the Assembly to also reflect on the millions of lives around the world that were touched by terror and violence before 9/11 and those that have been lost to terrorist violence over the 10 years since. “My country, Afghanistan, has suffered the most, but many — from Pakistan to India, Iraq, Europe and many others around the world — have fallen victim to this modern-day enemy of peace. I urge the Assembly to also honour the sacrifices many nations have made in the fight against terrorism around the world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
““Over the past year, the world saw not only political volatility of historic proportions in the Middle East, but also an unabated global economic crisis, huge increases in the prices of food and energy and enormous devastation wrought by natural disasters. Most countries around the world have seen aggravated conditions of life for their peoples, and for many others the future looks continuously bleak. In short, we live in times of uncertainty and crisis, and it is at times like these that international cooperation gains true relevance and meaning. “Ten days ago, this very city marked the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“He was assassinated in a cowardly terrorist plot by the enemies of peace in our country. “As I speak, the Afghan nation is mourning the loss not only of a valued and deeply respected national figure, but a champion of peace who worked tirelessly, up to the last moment of his distinguished life, for peace in his country. On behalf of the Afghan people, I am grateful for the messages of condolences expressed by leaders around the world at this terrible national loss in Afghanistan. “As the single largest gathering of nations, the Assembly is the highest manifestation of the plurality of our world. It is also the most solemn opportunity we have, once a year, to bring to global attention our national concerns and to issues that are, in our view, of concern to the wider world.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“I am honoured to be here to read the statement of my President, His Excellency Hâmid Karzai, who had to return from New York to Kabul on an urgent basis, following the tragic assassination, through a terrorist plot, of Afghanistan’s former President and Chairman of the High Peace Council, Mr. Burhanuddin Rabbani. The President’s message begins: “It is a great honour to address the General Assembly at this year’s session, although I regret that I am unable to do so in person. I was here in New York the day before yesterday and had looked forward to attending this important session of the Assembly. I had to return to Kabul after the tragic news of the martyrdom of former President and Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council, Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“To conclude, I thank the States members of this Assembly for their solidarity and their support for the liberty and well-being of the people of Afghanistan. The Afghan people will never forget the generosity and great sacrifices of the United States, NATO and other international partners, whose men and women have bravely stood with us to defend our common security and ensure peace and stability for Afghanistan. I thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his efforts to revitalize the sense of partnership, cooperation and confidence between Afghanistan and the international community. I also thank the dedicated and committed staff of the United Nations and its specialized agencies for helping the Afghan people build a peaceful, secure and prosperous future.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“These initiatives will contribute greatly to peace, security and stability in our region. Afghanistan stands ready to step up cooperation with all its neighbours on economic, political and crime-related issues. I have spoken of the desire of the people of Afghanistan for peace and stability and of our right to them. We are, however, acutely aware that for over half a century our brothers and sisters in Palestine have 29 10-55128 been denied their right to an independent State living in peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. We are encouraged by the resumption of direct talks between the Israeli and Palestinian leadership, which give us hope that sustainable peace in the Middle East may be secured.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)
“By virtue of its location at the crossroads of four geostrategically important regions — Central Asia, South Asia, China and the Middle East — Afghanistan could play an important role in facilitating increased trade and transit and unleashing the enormous potential of our region. We will work towards further gains in trade and transit with countries in the region. The recent conclusion of the Afghanistan- Pakistan- Transit Trade Agreement and the signing by the heads of State of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India of an agreement on a gas pipeline project are milestones for increased regional cooperation. In addition, we have concluded the feasibility study for a Central Asia-South Asia project for the transfer of electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)