YouSaid · the spoken record

Adamson

lines on the record: 244
first: 2016-09-14
most recent: 2018-10-18
sittings or episodes: 24
sources: un-security-council

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

“The EU currently deploys 10 civilian missions, which operate in the framework of strengthening the rule of law, including in cooperation with United Nations missions. I mention in that connection Mali, Libya, Kosovo and Somalia. We would also like to encourage the Security Council to support the Geneva intergovernmental process on strengthening respect for international humanitarian law. For our part, in order to promote law and international humanitarian law in a visible and consistent manner, the EU has developed operational tools in the form of guidelines on human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Turning to the question ofstrengthening compliance, we would like to recall that the rule-of-law components within United Nations peacekeeping operations play a crucial role in integrating the promotion of justice and the rule of law, including respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, in the States where they are deployed. Clear and comprehensive mandates as well as appropriate means are vital to the success of these rule-of-law components. The Council should, working with other parts of the United Nations system, in particular the Peacebuilding Commission, the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group, and the Rule of Law Unit, pay particular regard to ensuring the sustainability of rule-of-law assistance measures after the termination of a United Nations operation.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“An example of such informal dialogue between the EU, its member States and the members of the Security Council was the recent EU-United Nations seminar on sanctions, held by the EU delegation in March. Such a format could also be used to discuss the questions set out in the concept note (S/2018/4l7/Rev.1, annex). The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea also makes a pre-eminent contribution to the strengthening of peace, security, cooperation and friendly relations among all nations. The Convention is recognized as the constitution of the oceans, reflecting also customary international law, and the EU and its member States urge all States to abide by its provisions. All States must refrain from actions that are in violation ofArticle 2, paragraph 4, of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“In the same vein, the Council could strive to make greater use of the possibility offered by Article 34 of the Charter to investigate any dispute or situation that might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute. The EU and its member States stand ready to contribute to this process by establishing a regular informal dialogue with the Security Council. We could in particular look at how we could contribute to United Nations action decided upon by the Council under Chapter VI of the Charter and share our own experiences as regards the peaceful settlement of disputes and upholding international law, in the framework of EU crisis-management operations.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Regarding the peaceful settlement of disputes, the EU and its member States support all the means of peaceful settlement referred to in the United Nations Charter. We would like to see the Security Council continue on a more systematic basis its practice of holding early discussions on situations at risk of violent conflict, with a view to identifying the possibilities for early collective action to prevent violence. In this regard, in situations where the Security Council could act to prevent or stop violence, it should do so. In particular, members of the Security Council should not vote against a credible draft resolution on timely and decisive action to end the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, or to prevent such crimes.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“One of the main objectives of the European Union's external action is support for the rule of law and the principles of international law, as well as the preservation of peace and the strengthening of international security, including through the peaceful settlement of disputes. These core objectives of the EU are reflected in its Global Strategy, which identifies the integrated approach to external conflicts and crises as one of our priorities and strongly resonates with the overall United Nations approach. It requires the EU to further strengthen the way it brings together institutions, expertise and instruments, and to work with its Member States on prevention, peacebuilding, crisis response and stabilization in order to contribute to sustainable peace.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: I am honoured to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, as well as Ukraine, the Republic ofMoldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank you, Madam President, for holding this open debate on this crucial topic at a moment where the international situation poses increasing challenges to the fundamental principles underlying the Charter of the United Nations, particularly respect for international law and the rules- based international order.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“On 17 May, the European Union's leaders will hold a summit in Sofia together with all our Western Balkans partners. Fifteen years after the Thessaloniki Summit, the door to the European Union remains open. It is for Bosnia and Herzegovina to seize the opportunity offered and to fulfil the conditions to reach its European goal. Finally, Bosnia and Herzegovina's resolve to move forward towards European integration needs to translate into an election campaign that allows for honest reflection on the challenges ahead and the reforms required to address them. That means an election campaign that does not dwell on what happened a quarter of a century ago, but that puts forward concrete proposals for its citizens to decide where the country sees its own future.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“In that context, we expect appropriate amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina to be adopted as a matter of priority. The amendments should be in line with international standards and should not undermine the ability of institutions to tackle serious organized crime, corruption and other rule of law challenges. In addition, the European Union calls on the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to step up efforts regarding the functioning and the independence of the judiciary, strengthening migration and border management, fighting corruption and organized crime, as well as countering terrorism and violent extremism and preventing radicalization. The adoption, in February, of the strategy for the Western Balkans demonstrates our renewed commitment to the Western Balkans.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to show the international community, and the EU member States in particular, that it can organize its political life effectively and in a spirit of compromise - a prerequisite for any country aspiring to become a member of the EU. The election of the members of the Presidency will be addressed after the October elections. While electoral campaigning will play a major part in the political scene ofBosnia and Herzegovina in the coming months, we urge other actors, chiefly the rule-of-law institutions, to continue taking forward reforms, and for judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officials to continue adjudicating, prosecuting and investigating with full determination.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The European Union considers that electoral reforms should be approached in a spirit of consensus and dialogue as an important matter, thereby also calling on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights recommendations in order to move the country towards European standards, improving democratic processes for future elections. The EU, together with our international partners, including the United States, has worked extensively through facilitation efforts to resolve the current electoral impasse, and we will continue to do so. The onus, however, remains on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take ownership for political reforms.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“To ensure the proper implementation of recent rulings by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina must find a compromise without further delay. While acknowledging that the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina lists Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs as constituent peoples, along with others, the European Union reiterates that the principles of equality of all citizens and non-discrimination shall be fully warranted. The most pressing issue is to find a solution that will enable the formation of the Federation House of Peoples and political institutions linked to it as required by 2016 and 2017 Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court decisions. The issue of local elections in Mostar requires full attention as well.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Despite a relatively calm security situation, in that politically charged context, the European Union maintains its firm support for the European Union-led peacekeeping force Operation Althea and the mandate given to it by the Council. (spoke in English) The conduct of elections also entails the proper implementation of its results. Unless political leaders break the current impasse on electoral reform, there is a real risk that the elections will fail to produce a Government, and a Government is essential to take forward reforms. There is nothing inevitable about a political crisis after the elections. Politicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the responsibility to prevent one. To date, we have witnessed from all sides little willingness for cross-party compromise.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Emigration of talented young people continues unabated. That brain drain puts a mortgage on the country's future. (spoke in French) It has often been said that to govern is to write prose, and to conduct an election campaign is to declaim poetry. What the election campaign needs, however, is prose that looks to the future and puts forward a political agenda for concrete progress. The glorification of war criminals found guilty by an international court, playing the secessionist card or glossing over rearmament, all such rhetoric from the past simply has no place in the electoral campaign of a European country aspiring to join the European Union.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“We are now approaching the end of the current legislature. The implementation of the reform agenda has delivered mixed results. Elections have been officially announced today to be held on 7 October. Official election campaigning will start. The real question for the election campaign is what new proposals on putting into action the reform agenda the new Government will put forward after the October elections. That is an opportunity political leaders should seize to show both their citizens and EU member States their concrete proposals to take forward reforms and improve the lives of citizens. Bosnia and Herzegovina today still has a gross domestic product per capita lower than in the 1980s. The percentage of Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens born in the country and living abroad is the highest in Europe, including the Western Balkans.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“But 2018 does not have to continue that cycle. Recent developments - ranging from the submission of the replies to the EU Commission questionnaire, the adoption of excise legislation or the removal of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the list of countries under the Grey List of the Financial Action Task Force - show that results can be obtained if Government coalition partners focus on improving the lives of citizens and delivering reforms. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made clear its desire to become a member of the European Union. That strategic commitment from the country's institutions and leaders should be followed up by concrete reforms, for which there is substantial EU support. Strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption and organized crime are key for advancing the socioeconomic situation in the country and EU rapprochement.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: I have the honour to speak on behalf ofthe European Union (EU) and its member States. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Liechtenstein align themselves with this statement. I join other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin lnzko back to the Security Council and in assuring him of the European Union's continued support. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina and thank him for his statement. I recall my delegation stating a year ago (see S/PV.8089) that 2016 had been a very good year for Bosnia and Herzegovina, both in terms of reforms and progress towards European integration. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for 2017. Early electoral campaigning, divisive rhetoric and delayed, if not stalled, reforms have too often occupied the main headlines.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Consistent with clear mandates, peacekeepers must protect civilians and be able to use force when civilians are threatened with physical violence, while operations must be equipped with the necessary tools in that regard. Finally, the international community will continue to address many challenging issues on the peacekeeping agenda this year. The EU stands ready to continue to constructively engage in that work.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“A lighter footprint would enable cost efficiencies, as well as improving safety and security both for troops and citizens of host countries and, ultimately, mandate delivery. We continue to underscore that the protection of civilians must be at the core ofpeacekeeping mandates. We also want to emphasize the critical role that United Nations peacekeepers play in protecting children in armed conflict. The effective implementation of the protection of civilians as a whole-of-mission effort requires better planning support for missions, capturing lessons learned effectively and improving analysis, alongside strengthening accountability for the implementation of mandated tasks.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“The Council, together with other stakeholders, should reconsider ways to build consensus around strategic objectives for peacekeeping missions, the design of mandates, the prioritization of tasks and how to best monitor achievement. An effective feedback loop is as crucial as the underpinning in-depth conflict analysis. Strategic reviews should support the adjustment of key operations through an assessment of the capabilities and conditions needed for successful mandate implementation. A comprehensive performance policy for peacekeeping operations should also ensure that necessary remedial actions are taken swiftly. We would also like to underline the importance of reducing the overall environmental impact of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“It is equally important to be realistic about what we can achieve and to manage expectations. The reform initiatives launched by Secretary- General Guterres on management, the peace and security pillar and the development system will be necessary enabling factors in the success of his efforts to ensure that peacekeeping operations have a greater impact. Even the most successful peace operations cannot be a substitute for political processes. We continue to stress the paramount importance ofpolitical solutions to conflicts in order to address their root causes and the drivers of conflict, including human rights violations, as well as the priority that should be given to prevention. Prevention and sustaining peace must be thought of as a continuous process of which peacekeeping missions are only one essential part.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Another area in which United Nations-EU cooperation has intensified and in which the EU's added value and complementary role are unmistakable is security sector reform. In the past few years, the EU has undertaken a greater role within the overall responsibility for coordinating security sector reform of United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as of United Nations special political missions. Going forward, we must become even better at drawing on our respective expertise and comparative advantages to mutually support each other in the field and to ensure progress, including on implementing the women and peace and security agenda in peacekeeping, as well as working with other partners to generate smart pledges. We should focus on areas where our cooperation is likely to make a real difference on the ground.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“We also remain committed to giving full support to Africa's efforts to manage its own security. The EU's support will continue to cover all phases of the conflict cycle, including African-led initiatives to engage in preventive diplomacy and mediation, the operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the deployment of African-led peace support operations. Together with the United Nations, we are deepening our cooperation on topics of mutual interest as part of our long-standing strategic partnership on peacekeeping and crisis management. The ongoing process for defining the follow-up to our priorities for the period from 2015 to 2018 in order to strengthen this strategic partnership on peacekeeping and crisis management is therefore very timely.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“It is also important to note that resolution 2391 (2017) calls for international contributions. The EU has delivered on that and we call on our fellow United Nations Members to do the same. Indeed, the importance of global-regional partnership in peacekeeping has been underlined by many speakers today. We continue to advocate for an increased role for regional organizations within United Nations-authorized interventions, facilitating rapid deployment, when appropriate; complementing United Nations operations or deploying in a bridging capacity, for instance, in order to restore a safe and secure environment conducive to the subsequent deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, as was the case in the Central African Republic with the EU military operation in the Central African Republic.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“The EU and the United Nations have come together to support an African Union-mandated African initiative through a channelling mechanism for financial contributions that also enables third parties to engage. By supporting the G5 Sahel Joint Force in its efforts to tackle terrorism, organized crime, people-smuggling and human trafficking in the region and thereby improve the overall security situation in Mali and beyond, we are also acting in support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). At the same time, the EU is providing financial reimbursement for MINUSMA's support to the G5 Sahel, as well as supporting the G5 Sahel in establishing a human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework for its operations.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“We owe them a frank debate and determined action to ensure that peacekeeping operations can effectively deliver on their mandates and that our Blue Helmets are provided with the means to perform. Recent reports, from the 2015 High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations report (see S/2015/446) to the Santos Cruz and Cammaert recommendations, highlight the need for change in order to ensure successful peacekeeping operations in very complex and challenging environments. We concur with the Secretary-General's call for the United Nations to become less risk-averse when it comes to innovation and to continually test new ideas, building on lessons learned. The experience with the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel) represents a combination of efforts we have never seen before.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: I thank you, Madam President, for holding this open debate. I am honoured to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this statement. I will give a shortened version of my statement, the full text of which is being circulated now. I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing and would like to convey the EU's strong support for his efforts to make the ability of the United Nations to deliver on the ground more effective and efficient. I would first like to pay tribute to the thousands of peacekeepers who have been putting their lives in harm's way for more than 70 years.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“The EU continues to consider UNAMA a key partner in that. UNAMA has an invaluable role in ensuring the broadest possible international support for that Afghan-led and Afghan- owned process. The EU will continue to support those efforts with all the means at its disposal.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“We support the efforts of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission to provide further training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions. The EU is alarmed about the sharp increase in opium production in Afghanistan by 83 per cent in 2017 as compared to 2016, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The illegal narcotics production and trade remain major critical challenges to the long-term stability and sustainability of the State, while providing significant funds to anti-Government forces and criminal networks. To conclude, the recent meeting of the Kabul Process on peace and security was a clear offer ofpeace to the Taliban, and we anticipate that that offer will now lead to the establishment ofa genuine peace process that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Our aim is to support a safe, manageable, predictable, voluntary and dignified return process for Afghan migrants. In 2017, UNAMA documented 10,453 civilian casualties, which is a decrease of 9 per cent as compared to 2016. However, the persistently high levels of violence and the corresponding impact on civilians remain a deep concern to the EU. We need to continue to protect the vital role of humanitarian agencies and to respect their impartiality and humanitarian space in addressing the most urgent needs ofthe most vulnerable. In view ofthe threat posed by the many mines and improvised explosive devices, the EU also encourages Afghanistan to maintain the current pace of demining.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The EU and its member States remain committed to supporting the Afghan electoral process. The EU has committed â‚¬15.5 million to that end. The EU and Afghanistan continue to engage in a comprehensive dialogue on migration. The implementation of the Joint Way Forward on migration issues between Afghanistan and the European Union is part of that discussion, with several planned common actions related to cooperation on addressing and preventing irregular migration and on the return of irregular migrants, the fight against smuggling and trafficking in human beings and awareness-raising activities on illegal migration. The European Commission continues to support Afghanistan through programmes for Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries to the amount of approximately â‚¬200 million.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Moreover, the elections scheduled for 2018 and 2019 must ensure the participation of women as candidates, voters or staff members, thereby safeguarding their rights as equal citizens. The death penalty remains a topic of discussion, and the EU repeats its call for a moratorium. On the positive side, we note that, in the new Penal Code, the number of crimes to which capital punishment applies has been considerably reduced. The EU calls for more concrete and accelerated actions to implement the anti-corruption strategy that was adopted, including an independent monitoring mechanism. With regard to the elections, some progress has been made on the appointment of the leadership of the Independent Election Commission and on voter registration. Electoral preparations for the parliamentary and district elections must be accelerated.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“In fact, human rights now form an integral part of the structured dialogue between the EU and Afghanistan under the framework that I just mentioned. In 2017, the human rights situation remained fragile and worrying in Afghanistan. There were positive achievements with the adoption of human rights legislation, such as the revised Penal Code and the Child Rights Protection Law. Progress has also been noted on the implementation of the national action plan pursuant to resolution 1325 (2000) and on the elimination ofviolence against women, for which Afghanistan has prepared an implementation strategy. However, more needs to be done. The EU is particularly pleased that the Kabul Process conference underlined the need to safeguard the achievements made in the area of women's rights in recent years.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“On 8 February, the EU held its first meeting of the EU-Afghanistan Joint Committee under the Cooperation Agreement for Partnership and Development. The Cooperation Agreement came into force provisionally as of 1 December 2017 and establishes a formal bilateral relationship. Ahead of the Joint Committee, High Representative of the European Union Federica Mogherini and Afghan Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi met and emphasized their strong commitment to bringing about peace and stability in Afghanistan. Respect for human rights, the full and equal participation of women and democratic elections continue to be a focus of the EU's dialogue with the Afghan authorities and of the EU's actions in the country.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The EU fully supports an Afghan-led and Afghan- owned peace process that will bring all Afghans together and pave the way to a better future for Afghanistan and the whole region. The EU welcomes the second meeting ofthe Kabul Process for Peace and Security Cooperation on 28 February as an important step towards peace and reconciliation. The European Union commends all those that made the conference possible: the Afghan Government and people, participants, regional actors and international partners. At the meeting, the Afghan Government put forward an important and welcome offer of peace to the Taliban. We encourage the Taliban to seize that offer and anticipate that it will lead towards the establishment ofa genuine peace process.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“I express sincere condolences to the Afghan people and the Government for the horrific attacks against Afghan civilians and security personnel. I reiterate the EU's unwavering engagement to stand by Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism, which is a global threat. The EU calls for an in-depth investigation of those crimes and identification of the perpetrators, who must be brought to justice. The EU strongly acknowledges the crucial role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and all the United Nations agencies in supporting the Afghan people. The EU wishes to have the closest and strongest relationship with UNAMA, both on the ground and in international forums, for the ultimate benefit of Afghanistan.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: On International Women's Day, and on any other day, I am delighted to see you in the President's chair, Madam. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2018/ 165) and strategic review. I would also like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto for his briefing. I express deep sorrow following the terrorist attacks in January, in particular the three in Kabul that inflicted hundreds of casualties, as well as the attack against Save the Children in Jalalabad.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Finally, the EU has been supporting regional cooperation at the level of border guards in order to help Afghanistan to foster regional cooperation and facilitate secure trade links with its neighbours, especially Central Asia. In that context, the EU Border Management Northern Afghanistan project assists Afghan border police in better securing the country's northern border in order to improve cross-border cooperation, reduce crime and improve legal trade, travel and commerce along Afghanistan's border with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, complementing similar programmes in Central Asia.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Threats from the nexus between terrorism and organized crime, including drug trafficking used for the financing of terrorism affecting all countries of the region, can be confronted only through increased political, economic and security cooperation. The EU is supporting the regional programme of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that covers Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The EU also supports Central Asian partners in the fight against drugs through a regional Central Asia drug action programme and a transregional programme, namely, the EU Action against Drugs and Organised Crime.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“A new regional project is being launched on conflict-sensitive reporting to support local media in positive action in favour of peace and security and against radicalization attempts and narratives. Similarly, there is a need to enhance data protection and internet governance. Terrorists use information and communication technologies to recruit, finance, intimidate, and disseminate their messages. A crucial element in counter-terrorism policies is finding a sustainable balance between freedom and security in order to prevent the re-emergence of ISIL affiliates. That is also important in Central Asia and Afghanistan. The EU is committed to achieving both. However, the debate on security versus freedom remains a work in progress.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“That will eventually allow for a reduction of both international development aid to the country and the influx of migrants and refugees to the region and beyond. Politically, it could help to bring regional partners to engage positively in Afghanistan and to contribute to a more stable and peaceful Afghanistan. The EU remains determined to counter all forms of terrorism, including the growing threat posed by affiliates of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as violent extremism, as fundamental threats to regional and international peace and stability. In that regard, in 2017, the EU decided to provide more support to Central Asia in the area of counter- terrorism.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“The EU supports efforts by Central Asian countries to facilitate trade and provide energy resources to Afghanistan. Afghanistan's own infrastructure and connectivity programme aims to develop transit and connectivity. The Lapis Lazuli Corridor railway, between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey; the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan- India pipeline; the Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project; and the regional water management and cross-border water management of the Kunar River basin are all important connectivity projects for Afghanistan. They will have an important long-term positive impact and are also in the interest of the international community. Indeed, better connectivity for Afghanistan and its citizens could lead to improved economic development and infrastructure.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Such cooperation is indispensable for sustainable development. Afghanistan continues to engage with its neighbours through international forums, such as the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process and the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan. The EU strongly supports such regional forums to facilitate economic and political cooperation among all regional stakeholders. We believe that the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia in Ashgabat has an important role to play in supporting countries in the region, including Afghanistan, in dealing with the common challenges related to security and development. In that context, connectivity, which is also part of the EU's global strategy, is key to success.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“International and regional support to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned inclusive peace process is essential. In that respect, the contribution of the countries of Central Asia, as direct neighbours, is crucial for the success of any meaningful peaceful settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan. In our view, any stabilization strategy requires a solid regional approach. The EU stands ready to support the Afghan stakeholders themselves in providing a conducive environment for an intra-Afghan peace process. The EU supports the Afghan Kabul Process on Peace and Security, of which the next meeting is planned for 28 February. From that meeting, the EU would expect tangible progress on the way forward towards a peaceful settlement with the Taliban. Reinforced regional cooperation is key to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Ms. Adamson: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank the Kazakh presidency of the Security Council, and in particular its Minister for Foreign Affairs, for convening this debate, which provides a good opportunity to share views, best practices and experiences on a very topical subject, as well as to take stock of initiatives, both planed and ongoing, that support international peace through regional cooperation. The EU and Central Asia have a common interest in Afghanistan's security and prosperity.”
2018-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8162 (2018) · source
“Insecurity and instability are also fuelled by the illicit cultivation and production of and trafficking in narcotics. We have seen alarming United Nations figures indicating significant increases in opium production. We encourage the Government of Afghanistan to continue to forcefully implement its national drug action plan, with the full support of the international community and in close cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other relevant regional frameworks, such as the Paris Pact initiative. In conclusion, the EU continues to consider UNAMA to be a key partner in efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan. UNAMA has an invaluable role to play in ensuring the broadest possible international support for an Afghan-led and Afghan- owned process.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“However, beyond those horrific figures, it is extremely worrying that the proportion of women killed and injured is on the rise, and extreme harm to civilians continued to be inflicted amidst a worsening toll from suicide attacks and a greater impact on women and children. We call on all parties to protect the civilian population, especially women and children, in line with international humanitarian law and human rights standards. We also need to continue to protect the vital role played by humanitarian agencies and respect their impartiality and humanitarian space as they work to address the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable. In view of the threat posed by the many mines and improvised explosive devices to the population, the EU also encourages Afghanistan to maintain the current demining pace.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“By the end of this year, the total amount of â‚¬78 million allocated to Afghanistan will have been mobilized, and the activities will have been launched. The EU support will be soon complemented by a new regional programme on migration and forced displacement with a budget of about â‚¬200 million, of which - as in 2016 - Afghanistan is the main beneficiary. It will include activities at both the country and the regional levels to address the challenges of migration and forced displacement, including support for Afghan refugees, internally displaced people and returnees. In October 2017 UNAMA reported a six per cent decrease in the number of civilians killed and wounded in the conflict this year, compared to the first nine months of 2016 - a year that saw record highs in harm to civilians.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“The EU also stands ready to accompany the efforts of the Afghan authorities to develop international trade and investment, including with the EU and its member States. The EU and Afghanistan continue to engage in a comprehensive dialogue on migration. The implementation of the EU-Afghanistan joint way forward is part of that discussion, with several planned common actions related to the fight against smuggling and trafficking in human beings and awareness-raising activities on illegal migration. Discussions are also under way to take stock of the implementation of the reintegration assistance programme adopted in 2016, with a view to ensuring a sustainable reintegration of returnees from both the EU and neighbouring countries.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Afghanistan continues to engage with its neighbours through international forums, such as the Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process and the regional economic cooperation conference on Afghanistan. The EU supports such regional forums aimed at facilitating economic and political cooperation among all regional stakeholders. In June 2016, Federica Mogherini, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, presented the global strategy for the European Union's foreign and security policy. Its main objective is to strengthen the relations of the EU with a "connected Asia". It is noteworthy that, through the deepening of its trade relations, the EU is becoming the largest market for a number of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source