YouSaid · the spoken record

Akram

lines on the record: 1,374
first: 2002-06-13
most recent: 2023-12-20
sittings or episodes: 175
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 increase in terrorist incidents in different places in the world in recent months, including the terrorist attacks in several Pakistani cities, shows that the terrorist threat is pervasive and that it is real. We have noted the work done during the last three months and the Committee's plans for the next three months. We share the Chairman's View that the fight against terrorism needs to be sustained effectively and with dynamism. We also share his View that it requires a consolidated and wide-ranging multinational response. In the context of our discussions today I would like to offer a few comments on the work of the CTC. First, we urge that reports be submitted by all States whose reports are outstanding. Secondly, we have noted the CTC's commitment to promote transparency in its work.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“I would like to join other members of the Council in thanking Ambassador Denisov, Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), for presenting the thirteenth 90-day work programme of the CTC and for his briefing on the work of the Committee during the last quarter. We greatly appreciate his leadership of the CTC. I would also like to thank Ambassador Ruperez, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), for his report to the Council today. We appreciate the opportunity offered by today's meeting to reflect on the course of action that we have taken so far in countering terrorism and to plan for the future. Pakistan remains committed to the fight against terrorism. Terrorism continues to pose serious challenges to every one of us.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059 (2004) · source
“In that context, President Musharraf of Pakistan stated in the General Assembly last month that "The immediate anti-terrorist response has to be accompanied by a clear long-term strategy that strikes at the root of the problem if we are to ensure final success against this scourge". (A/59/PV.5)”
2004-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5053 (2004) · source
“We attach particular importance to the ninth preambular paragraph of the resolution, which emphasizes that "enhancing dialogue and broadening the understanding among civilizations, in an effort to prevent the indiscriminate targeting of different religions and cultures, and addressing unresolved regional conflicts and the full range of global issues, including development issues, will contribute to international cooperation, which by itself is necessary to sustain the broadest possible fight against terrorism". (resolution 1566 (2004)) Finally, I would like to reiterate the need for a comprehensive strategy to address terrorism.”
2004-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5053 (2004) · source
“We are grateful to the Russian Federation and other sponsors for their flexibility in addressing some of the concerns we had with regard to specific aspects and language in the resolution. We believe that the resolution reaffirms the imperative to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”
2004-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5053 (2004) · source
“Over the past 25 years, Pakistan has been a principal victim of terrorism. We have therefore been in the forefront of the global campaign against terrorism. Periodically confronted by terrorist attacks against innocent people in our cities - including yesterday in Multan - my Government is steadfastly committed to achieving success in the war on terrorism. We believe that the resolution that has been adopted unanimously today will strengthen international cooperation, beyond our cooperation against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, to other sources of international terrorism. Operative paragraph 3 of the resolution enumerates a number of criminal acts that constitute offences within the scope of and as defined in international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism. We participated constructively in the negotiations on the resolution.”
2004-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5053 (2004) · source
“The international judicial system should be strengthened to promote adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. The international judicial bodies which have been established so far are, we believe, a good start. But we should seek to promote and further the international judicial systems, in the context of the measures being considered, to create a United Nations system responsive to the realities of the twenty-first century.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“Thus, national rule of law strategies must be complemented by the international rule of law. The Secretary-General made a powerful statement in opening the general debate of the General Assembly this year. I would like to quote three sentences from his statement at the Assembly's 3rd meeting "The rule of law is at risk around the world Every nation that proclaims the rule of law at home must respect it abroad; and every nation that insists on it abroad, must enforce it at home. Those who seek to bestow legitimacy must themselves embody it; and those who invoke international law must themselves submit to it." The United Nations must build its capacity to uphold the rule of law, both at the national and - even more importantly - the international level.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“Seventh, justice, peace and democracy are mutually re-enforcing and should be simultaneously promoted. Eighth, reconstruction, economic revival and employment generation also create a wider stake in the preservation of the rule of law. Ninth, the need for ending impunity for financial crimes is also important. The international community should strengthen and improve cooperative mechanisms to ensure that looted money or other assets acquired through corruption and other unlawful means are returned to the countries of origin. Justice and the rule of law is vital for the establishment and maintenance of order, peace and stability, both at the intra-State and inter-State levels. The international community today could also be regarded as a conflict society.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“We agree with the Secretary-General that pre-packaged solutions are ill-advised and that we must eschew one-size-fits-all formulas. Secondly, we support the recommendation that needs related to justice and rule of law should be integrated into any international or United Nations involvement in post- conflict societies. Thirdly, we recognize the importance of building national capacities in independent national institutions. Fourthly, we support the promotion of good governance and national institution-building, particularly national judicial capacity-building. Fifthly, we believe that use can be made of indigenous and informal traditions for the administration of justice and settlement of disputes, if they are consistent with international laws. Sixthly, we fully support the need for ending impunity for crimes against humanity.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“I would like to welcome you, Sir, to the Security Council to preside over this important meeting, which has been organized by the United Kingdom presidency. I also thank the Secretary- General for his clear statement today and for his report on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies. The need for justice and the rule of law is self- evident, particularly in conflict societies. Those principles are critical for the realization of social and economic justice and for the implementation of political, economic, cultural, religious and environmental rights. They are an essential means for the realizations of human aspirations for peace, equality and justice. I have a few comments on the subject. First, each conflict situation is unique and has its own dynamics.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052 (2004) · source
“We believe that by not acting today, the Council has missed an important opportunity to contribute to peace in the Middle East. We hope that those members which have refrained from supporting the draft resolution will use their bilateral influence in persuading Israel to respond to the international calls to cease its military operations in Gaza, withdraw its forces from Gaza and to commit itself to fully implement the Quartet's road map.”
2004-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5051 (2004) · source
“Thirdly, politically the situation poses a grave danger to the ongoing peace efforts in the region. The Council thus had a responsibility to respond. Fourthly, the draft resolution was carefully drafted to reaffirm agreed legal positions and demand measures that would be helpful in alleviating the humanitarian suffering resulting from the latest Israeli incursion and in restarting the peace process. Unfortunately, the Council could not meet the expectations of the Palestinians, nor of wider public opinion in the Muslim world. This clearly indicates that the Council in certain situations is unable to act. We believe that today's inaction will not contribute to the cause of peace and justice in the Middle East. The sense of helplessness and desperation among the Palestinians will increase further and aggravate an already volatile situation.”
2004-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5051 (2004) · source
“Pakistan sponsored and supported the draft resolution on the situation in the Middle East, which could not be adopted due to the negative vote of one permanent member. The reasons for our support are as follows. First, the draft resolution sought to address an emergency humanitarian situation arising from the Israeli military incursion, which, in the past few days, has led to the deaths of over 80 Palestinian civilians, including women and children. It has also left hundreds of civilians injured and without shelter. Secondly, apart from its humanitarian dimension, the incursion clearly constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, and thus warrants action by the Council under its Charter obligations, in particular those as envisaged in Articles 1, 2 and 24.”
2004-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5051 (2004) · source
“As the President of Pakistan observed in the General Assembly, "The tragedy of Palestine is an open wound inflicted on the psyche of every Muslim" (A/59/PV.5). A clash of civilizations may be the objective of some extremists, but it is certainly not in the interest of those who seek the part of peace and security in the Holy Land and beyond.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“The Security Council has a political, moral and legal obligation to demand that Israel: first, immediately withdraw the forces it sent into the Gaza during the last few days, and halt its deliberate policy of unleashing death and destruction against the Palestinians; secondly, respect its obligations under international law, especially international humanitarian law; thirdly, allow the United Nations and other relief organizations full and unhindered humanitarian access to areas affected by its incursions; and fourthly, fulfil its road map obligations - particularly those related to its withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories and its construction of illegal settlements. Israel must carefully consider the short and long- term implications of its actions and policies.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“As an occupying Power, Israel is bound by the Geneva Conventions, especially by the Fourth Geneva Convention. Need we remind ourselves that grave violations of the Geneva Conventions can be considered war crimes and crimes against humanity? The real cause of insecurity, for Israel as much as for the Palestinians, is Israel's illegal, protracted and forcible occupation of Palestinian territories. The uninterrupted policy of illegal settlements has added injury to the continued occupation. The construction of a separation wall in defiance of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice is a manifestation of an objective, that of the permanent annexation of occupied Palestinian territories.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“Unfortunately, instead of proceeding on the road map to peace, the Israeli Government has, once again, reacted by launching a cruel and ill-considered offensive, killing more than 80 Palestinians since last Wednesday. Innocent people, including women and children, have borne the brunt of the military might that Israel has brought to bear in the densely populated areas of Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun, to secure what has been described as its right to self-defence. No one can justify the killing of innocent civilians. That is why we condemn terrorism. The rationale of the right to self-defence can not be invoked for attacks that cause mainly civilian casualties. It was after the horrible experiences of the last world war that the Geneva Conventions were adopted, outlawing the targeting of mainly civilian targets.”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“As this is the first debate in the Council this month, may I take this opportunity to extend to you, Sir, our warm felicitations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council during the current month, which promises to be a busy and important one. We also wish to extend every cooperation to you, Sir, to ensure the success of your presidency. I also express my delegation's admiration to Ambassador Yafiez-Barnuevo, the Permanent Representative of Spain, for his eminently successful presidency last month. Pakistan believes that an end to the cycle of violence between Israel and the Palestinian people living under occupation could facilitate the implementation of the road map and the realization of the vision of a two-State solution in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1515 (2003).”
2004-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5049 (2004) · source
“We therefore look forward to the meeting of the Security Council with the President of Nigeria, the current Chairman of the African Union, His Excellency Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, on 24 September.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“Considering that progress had been made, we did not feel it was justifiable or necessary to threaten sanctions explicitly and solely against the Government of the Sudan, sanctions which are much broader in scope and more stringent in their potential impact even compared to resolution 1556 (2004). It has also been our concern that apart from being unfair, such a threat might provoke a response that would be counterproductive, threatening international humanitarian relief and eroding the mediatory efforts of the African Union. It could also harden the position of the rebels, as appears to have already happened. Pakistan agrees that the Security Council can and must make a useful contribution. We can do so primarily by supporting the African Union's efforts.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“We circulated our suggestions to improve the draft resolution's provisions and make it more balanced. We welcome the reflection of several of those suggestions in the final text, including acknowledgement of the steps taken by the Government of the Sudan to improve humanitarian access, greater emphasis on the obligations of the rebel groups and reaffirmation of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, which we believe must be upheld unconditionally in accordance with the Charter. We particularly welcome the greater emphasis on the central role of the African Union. Nevertheless, we have stated from the outset that Pakistan cannot endorse the use, or the threat of use, of sanctions, which we believe would be unhelpful in this situation. That was why we abstained in the vote on resolution 1556 (2004).”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“Humanitarian access had improved overall, and things seemed to be moving in the right direction. The Government of the Sudan was fully engaged with the African Union. Peace talks had commenced in Abuja. That trend deserved to be encouraged. However, the draft resolution presented by the sponsors was consistent neither with the report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/703) nor with the briefing of the Special Representative. It failed to recognize the progress that had been achieved. We were told that the central purpose of the draft resolution was to strengthen the African Union's role. However, the provisions of the original draft resolution did not reflect that central purpose. Nevertheless, the Pakistan delegation remained constructively engaged in the negotiations.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“Pakistan abstained in the vote on the draft resolution adopted by the Council today, and I would like to explain our reasons. On 30 July this year, the Council adopted resolution 1556 (2004). Within a week of the adoption of that resolution, the Government of the Sudan and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Pronk, agreed on the Darfur Plan of Action. The Plan acknowledged that the Government of Sudan may not be able to fulfil all the requirements of resolution 1556 (2004) within 30 days. In his briefing to the Council on 2 September (see S/PV.5027), Mr. Pronk reported positively on 10 of the 12 areas, in which the Government had made progress in fulfilment of its commitments. In two areas, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General reported that the Government had not met its commitments.”
2004-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5040 (2004) · source
“In this context, we would urge consideration of the strategy of enlightened moderation proposed by President Musharraf of Pakistan. We agree with the Chairman that we need to do a lot more to defeat terrorism. The Al Qaeda and Taliban sanctions Committee and the Security Council can reinforce and coordinate, but they cannot substitute for national and regional actions. The success of the Committee hinges on the cooperation it receives from States, as well as on the comprehensiveness and clarity of our response to the terrorist threat.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“First, there must be consensus on a definition of terrorism. Secondly, the terrorists' cause must be delegitimized by addressing issues such as foreign occupation, the denial of self-determination, military intervention and the use of force. Thirdly, broader structural issues must be addressed, including political and economic injustice. Fourthly, we must ensure that counter-terrorism does not violate fundamental human rights or provoke a clash of cultures. Attempts to identify terrorism with Islam are both unfair and counterproductive. They defame our sacred and peace-loving faith; unwittingly they accord terrorists an ideological respectability they do not deserve; and they intensify hostility. They weaken those who propagate moderation and cooperation.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“Paragraph 2 of the Monitoring Team report indicates that Al Qaeda has evolved into "a global network of groups unbound by structure but held together by a set of overlapping" ideological goals. It appears from the report that that evolving network generally avoids using conventional means of finance, travel or arms acquisition. That underscores the need for a matching response to prevent future terrorist attacks. Global cooperation against terrorism has been highly successful. Determined and collective action has contained and destroyed the violent agendas of the terrorists. The immediate anti-terrorist response must, however, be accompanied by a clear, long-term strategy for success in ensuring an end to this murderous tactic. Such a strategy must include the following elements.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“We believe that there is a need for a realistic evaluation of that threat, which should not divert the Committee from fulfilling its central mandate. The threats of terrorism by weapons of mass destruction can and should be addressed through steps under resolution 1540 (2004) of the Council, as well as through the faithful implementation and improvement of existing international regimes dealing with weapons of mass destruction issues. We believe that the Committee also needs to adopt a discerning approach in dealing with the Taliban, bearing in mind the political and security realities in Afghanistan and the policies of President Karzai's Government. Terrorism continues to be a global threat requiring a coordinated international response.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“Fifth, visits to States by the Committee Chairman and the Monitoring Team should be used to foster cooperation through facilitation of the provision of technical assistance and constructive dialogue. We hope that post-visit briefings and reports will continue to be made on a regular basis. These have been useful in enhancing the Committee's understanding and in promoting transparency. Sixth, the Committee's efforts to cooperate with other United Nations bodies should be pursued, as pointed out by the Chairman today, while fully respecting their distinctive mandates. Seventh, we have noted the Monitoring Team's concerns regarding the threat of Al Qaeda's constructing bombs that disperse a chemical, biological or radiological pollutant or making a dirty bomb or other weapons of mass casualties.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“First, we share the Chairman's view that the completeness and accuracy of the Consolidated List is essential for the success of sanctions. This would also help States in prosecuting or extraditing listed individuals and entities. Second, the Committee should continue to further improve the delisting procedures and address due process concerns. Third, the implementation of financial sanctions should not unduly target Islamic charities or discourage people from making contributions for charitable purposes, which is an Islamic obligation. Fourth, the Committee should use the term "associates" carefully. Expansive interpretation of that term to target diverse terrorists as being linked to Al Qaeda runs the risk of diluting the focus of the Committee.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“The Monitoring Team of the 1267 Committee, which visited Pakistan in July, noted in its report the convincing demonstration of our determination to fight the terrorists. It would be simplistic to expect the Security Council's sanctions regimes alone to eliminate the threat of terrorism. The campaign against terrorism must be pursued with full comprehension of the threat and with a clear strategy for success. We have noted the work done by the Committee during the past four months. We have also noted the recommendations of the Monitoring Team. We will continue to work closely with the Committee and the Team in their efforts to improve the sanctions. I have a few comments to make about the work of the Committee and the Monitoring Team.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“Last week's bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta is but the latest reminder of our vulnerabilities to globalized terrorism. Terrorism, whether perpetrated by individuals, groups or States, poses an ever-present threat to many countries. Today, it also threatens Pakistan's vital national interests. We have therefore participated actively in the global campaign against terrorism. We have led the way in capturing the majority of the leadership of Al Qaeda and over 500 terrorists. Our campaign is ongoing on the Afghan-Pakistan border, in bilateral cooperation with the major Powers and within the United Nations. Our success against the terrorists has, naturally, attracted increased terrorist attacks, including against our President and Prime Minister.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“I would like to join other delegations in expressing our gratitude to Ambassador Munoz, Chairman of the Al Qaeda and Taliban sanctions Committee, for his second l20-day briefing under paragraph 12 of Security Council resolution 1526 (2004). We also thank the Al Qaeda and Taliban Monitoring Team for their first six-month report under resolution 1526. Our meeting today closely follows the third anniversary of the tragic events of 11 September 2001, which shocked the entire world and evoked universal condemnation. The recent terrorist attack on innocent school children and their parents in Beslan was a gruesome reminder of the continuation of this threat. We extend our profound condolences to the victims and to the Government of the Russian Federation.”
2004-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5031 (2004) · source
“The Security Council must address the real threat to peace in the Middle East arising from the occupation of Palestinian and Arab territories, including territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. We trust that we shall not be deflected or diverted from that objective by the resolution which the Council has adopted today.”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“This resolution, in its sixth preambular paragraph and in its operative paragraph 5, intervenes in the internal affairs of Lebanon. Such intervention is unacceptable and is contrary to the Charter. It also sets an unfortunate precedent. It is, moreover, unclear, since it will be impossible for the Council to determine whether and when the constitutional rules of any country, in this case Lebanon, are, in the words of those paragraphs, "devised without foreign interference or influence". For that reason, this provision of the resolution is also unimplementable. Indeed, the Security Council will find it impossible to enforce changes in the national constitutions and rules of sovereign States. We have acted on this resolution under the item on the Middle East.”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“Secondly, the resolution addresses the wrong threat. If there is a threat to Lebanon it is well known; it does not arise from Syria. We construe the provisions of paragraph 2, as now worded, as constituting a reference to those foreign forces which have entered Lebanon uninvited and by the use of force. Thirdly, the resolution goes beyond the mandate and the authority of the Security Council. Article 24, paragraph 2, of the Charter states that Security Council shall act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. A fundamental principle of the United Nations is stated in Article 2, paragraph 7: "Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any State".”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“Pakistan abstained in the vote on the draft resolution just adopted by the Council, with nine votes in favour, as resolution 1559 (2004). We did so for the following reasons. First, the resolution is not consistent with the Security Council's functions and responsibilities. Article 39 of the Charter stipulates that the Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression and shall thereafter make recommendations for action. In this case, the resolution establishes no evidence of any urgent threat to peace. There has been no complaint from the country whose sovereignty and integrity the resolution purports to uphold. On the contrary, Lebanese representatives communicated to the Council their opposition to consideration of the draft resolution.”
2004-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5028 (2004) · source
“Have the actions taken on the other side of the border been more extensive than those enumerated with regard to what Pakistan has done on our side of the border? Are they more of a commitment? The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has agreed to enhance its forces by a few thousand. Is that the response that is required from the international community? And, if the international community asks us to do more, should it not do more itself? If the United Nations asks us to do more, should it not ask ISAF at least to match our efforts on the other side of the border? Those are real and practical issues. Therefore, I must say that my Government is very sensitive to any assertion that we could do more than we are doing without the help of the international community.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We have taken many political risks and have suffered many military casualties, and to call upon Pakistan to do even more is unfair. We can become more effective in our actions, but that requires a building up of our technical and other capacities. I believe that our friends at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and our allies are well aware of what those requirements are. We have not received those requirements, despite repeated requests. That adds to our sense of frustration when we are asked to do more. Secondly, cross-border action is not only the responsibility of Pakistan; even more, it is the responsibility of Afghanistan and of the international forces that are in Afghanistan. Pakistan has deployed 75,000 troops on the border. We would like to know what the number on the other side is. Is it larger?”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“The effort we have deployed, with the political costs that Pakistan has incurred by marching its troops into territories where even our British friends did not venture for 150 years, is, I think, remarkable. We have gone in and dealt with the tribes; we have gone in with peace, with construction, with schools and hospitals, in order to win those tribes over to our way of thinking. But we have encountered resistance, as members are aware, and our operations are under way; many of our soldiers have died. The question is, what more does the United Nations expect us to do? When that call is made upon us, what more is expected from Pakistan in this context that we are not already doing? That is the question. We feel very strongly that we are doing everything we can.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“If one were to review the location of the 30 or 35 incidents directed against election workers over the past two months or so, I think one would be able to pinpoint that, apart from four, five or six incidents, most of them have taken place well inside Afghan territory, at least 100 miles from the border with Pakistan. The five or six incidents in the border regions- at least those reported - have been in places such as Nangarhar and Zabul, close to Pakistan's borders. When you request or seek cooperation from Pakistan to enhance its actions to stop infiltration, two questions arise. First, I believe that what we are doing is extraordinary.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Arnault for his concluding remarks, which, in our view, put in balance the situation that exists in Afghanistan today. We agree that there is an effort on the part of the extremists to disrupt the elections; obviously, there are various reasons for that. There is no question that the extremists do not as yet enjoy popular support in Afghanistan, including in the south or the south-east of the country. However, we would like to make one point. In our view, it is not primarily cross-border infiltration that is resulting in the extremist violence in Afghanistan, including in the south and the south-east.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Nor should we be complacent about the insufficient levels of security in reconstruction support deployed by the international community in Afghanistan. Much more needs to be done by the international community in all the areas affecting security and reconstruction. Shifting the blame, finding scapegoats for failures in Afghanistan and asking those who are already doing more to do even more is unfair and unacceptable and will be ultimately self-defeating.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Even if pledges from both those conferences are realized, Afghanistan will still receive far less per capita assistance than that provided in similar circumstances provided in other crisis situations. Two years ago, during President Musharraf's first visit to Kabul, he told President Karzai, "Your plan is our plan". That still remains Pakistan's policy. A peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the best interests of Pakistan. To achieve that objective, we are doing, and we will continue to do, all that we can, including securing the long, difficult and inhospitable border between our two countries. However, there should be no attempt to underplay the enormity of the internal security and political problems in Afghanistan.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Projects are under way for the development of infrastructure, schools and hospitals; the construction of Turkham-Jalalabad road, which will be completed in July; and the Chaman-Kandahar rail link. Pakistan is also assisting Afghanistan in capacity- building for important State institutions in law enforcement, diplomacy, the judiciary, customs, postal services, taxation, banking, finance, audit and accounts. During President Karzai's visit, we agreed to boost trade further from the $1 billion at which it now stands and we are working together with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to build a gas pipeline, which holds great potential for the whole region. We remain concerned, however, that despite the substantive pledges made both at Tokyo and Berlin, Afghanistan continues to receive far less reconstruction than what it requires.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We have also persisted in this campaign in the face of fierce opposition from certain extremist groups within Pakistan. There can therefore be no doubt as to our commitment to wipe out the terrorist menace from our region. Our commitment was acknowledged yesterday by President Karzai when he spoke about the reaffirmation of the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and "the reaffirmation of our joint struggle against terrorism". Security is also essential for reconstruction and development in Afghanistan. But reconstruction will also improve the prospects for security. Pakistan has pledged $100 million for Afghanistan's reconstruction. Those funds are being used in sectors identified by the Afghans themselves.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We have fenced off a 25-kilometre stretch of the border and installed search lights and video cameras at border crossings. We have established an interdiction force in Baluchistan to prevent infiltration. In addition, the operations of the Pakistan army in South Waziristan Agency continue. Our forces have killed 165 terrorists and militants, including Commander Nek Muhammad, and arrested several hundred others. Our forces are operating in the most inhospitable and difficult terrain. We have lost 100 of our personnel in this operation. Pakistan is sustaining its efforts despite technical capacity deficits in equipment, unmanned air vehicles, surveillance equipment, attack helicopters, night Vision devices and long-range communications systems.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Our agreement on good-neighbourly relations, the memorandum of understanding on security and narcotics and the functioning of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-United States tripartite commission are clear manifestations of our commitment and of our policy. Pakistan has undertaken the following concrete measures in counter-terrorism to interdict suspects and to check infiltration across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. We have deployed 75,000 troops and established 800 posts and a number of forts along the border with Afghanistan. We have absorbed no-go areas in other tribal areas in South Waziristan, Khyber and Mohmend. We have established a quick-reaction force to deal with terrorists. We carry out aerial surveillance of the border and use helicopter-borne troops.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Unfortunately, instead of addressing those problems head on, there are some in certain quarters who are seeking to shift the blame for the insecurity in Afghanistan onto Pakistan. There seems to be a compulsion on the part of some, including certain individuals, who wish to find scapegoats for failing to address the real security threats in Afghanistan. Unfortunately as well, even some UNAMA officials seem to be playing into their hands, or playing their game. Pakistan has taken serious note of that, and we will look for assurances of objectivity and impartiality on the part of the United Nations. Pakistan has followed a strict hands-off approach to internal developments in Afghanistan. We are extending our full cooperation in the war against terrorism.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Does that reduction result from the exclusion of militias attached to certain members of the Government, or has some other form of calculation been resorted to that has changed the figure? In our view, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) will proceed when all the factional leaders accept the demobilization and genuine disarmament of their militias, and not their recapping under so-called national commanders. That will not change the nature of the militias. As the security situation continues to deteriorate and the warlords and criminals wreak havoc, conditions very similar to those that prevailed in 1992-1993 are being recreated. That is when the Taliban emerged. Chaos and insecurity in Afghanistan are once again breeding extremism.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source