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

“Until the Afghan national forces are in a position to provide credible security, it will continue to fall on the international forces - and in particular on ISAF - to step into the breech and to create circumstances for security, particularly in the south and south-east. It is our View that, without a substantial increase in ISAF's strength and its robust deployment throughout Afghanistan, there is likely to be no disarmament and no credible demobilization or reintegration of factional forces. I would like to ask Mr. Jean Arnault how the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reached the conclusion that the factional militias now number around 50,000, instead of the 100,000 previously estimated.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“These are similar circumstances to those that existed in 1992 and 1993, when the Taliban emerged. There is also no security presence in the south or south-east. Coalition forces are engaged mainly in anti- terrorist activities. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is deployed in Kabul and Kondoz but has no real presence to provide real security in the south. The Afghan National Army itself is small - 13,500 troops at the moment - and is not in a position to cope with security challenges. Moreover, in the south, it suffers from what I would call an ethnic deficit or imbalance.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“The warlords have stolen people's homes, arbitrarily arrested their enemies and tortured them in private jails." The primary mistake, in our View, has been to rely on the warlords and factional forces to provide stability in Afghanistan. The result of this mistake is the creation of security vacuums in large parts of Afghanistan, to which the authority of the central Government does not extend and where lawlessness, corruption and drug trafficking thrive. This has alienated a large part of Afghanistan's society and created the conditions for extremists and others to undermine the political process. The insecurity in the south and south-east is not difficult to understand. There is, first, alienation due to political exclusion and the activities of drug rings and criminals.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“But as President Karzai himself stated on 12 July, the warlords and their private armies are the greatest threat to Afghanistan's security, even more than the Taliban. An article that appeared in the journal Foreign Afiairs three months ago, by Kathy Gannon, who knows Afghanistan well, stated the following: "The warlords have now ruled the country for two years and Afghanistan seems to be degenerating into a sort of narco-State, which could spin out of control. Not only are the warlords complicit in drug-running and corruption but, according to Afghanistan's Human Rights Committee, they are also guilty of abusing and harassing the population.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“While we are pleased that the Afghan refugees in Pakistan will be participating in the presidential elections, we hope that they will also have an opportunity to participate in future elections for the parliament. These people are Afghan citizens and, as such, they retain their democratic rights to vote in any future Afghan elections. Those Afghans who are currently in Pakistan are not economic migrants, but refugees who fled war and suffering in their home country. We hope that, ultimately, ways will be found to return and repatriate all Afghans currently in Pakistan to their places of origin in Afghanistan. The threats to Afghanistan's security lie inside Afghanistan, and we agree that these threats arise from faction leaders, from criminal lords and from extremists, including Al Qaeda and the Taliban.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Pakistan is extending full cooperation and support to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Afghanistan in their preparations for the out-of-country participation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan in the 9 October presidential elections. To this effect, Pakistan has signed a memorandum of understanding with UNAMA and the Afghan Government on 20 July. We have also pledged $5 million for that purpose. Currently, Pakistan is facilitating the movement of UNAMA and IOM. personnel to various refugee camps located in the north-west frontier province and Baluchistan.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Pakistan attaches great importance to this important landmark of the Bonn process. It is equally important that these elections are free, fair and credible. While we are pleased to note that some 10 million Afghan voters have been registered, we remain concerned that sufficient registration has not taken place in the south and south- eastern parts of Afghanistan, mainly due to security concerns. At the same time, we remain concerned that vested interests in powerful warlords will seek to undermine or unfairly influence the electoral process. Therefore we believe it is of the utmost importance for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to provide early, effective and enhanced security for the elections throughout the country.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“President Musharraf, for his part, stated that anybody trying to carry out terrorist activities in Afghanistan or to disrupt the election process will not be allowed to do so from Pakistan. We will act against them, he declared. The Pakistan army is operating very strongly against Al Qaeda. We know that they are on the run; they are dispersed and displaced from a number of valleys which were their sanctuaries. Thus, Pakistan is sparing no effort to assist Afghanistan in all possible fields, and especially security. As we have heard from Mr. Arnault, security in Afghanistan remains a major concern. We agree with that assessment. Without security, there can be no stability, no progress in the political process and no reconstruction or recovery. Afghanistan now faces a major challenge in the forthcoming elections.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Mr. President, let us join others in expressing our deepest condolences to you, Sir, and to the people of the Russian Federation. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of innocent lives in the two plane crashes in your country yesterday. I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Jean Arnault, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his briefing to the Council on the current situation in Afghanistan. President Karzai has just completed a two-day official Visit to Islamabad, in which he held wide- ranging talks on a number of issues with President Musharraf and Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain. At the end of the talks, President Karzai said that the outcome of that discussion was the reaffirmation of brotherly ties between the two countries and the reaffirmation of our joint struggle against terrorism.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“At the very least, the Economic and Social Council should consider setting up a mechanism similar to the ones that have been created for Guinea-Bissau and Burundi for this purpose.”
2004-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5024 (2004) · source
“In our View, the long term stability and self- sufficiency of Timor-Leste must not be taken for granted. Without the necessary and sustained international assistance from the international community all the gains made in Timor-Leste could be in danger of reversal. To facilitate the transition from peace-making to peace-building it is important, in our View, at this stage for the appropriate involvement of all the organs of the United Nations and other elements of the international community - including the Breton Woods institutions and civil society - in assisting Timor-Leste. In this regard, we should examine the possibility of setting up a composite committee with representation from the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly to coordinate and oversee international support for East Timor.”
2004-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5024 (2004) · source
“In that context, we attach high importance to the early finalization of the maritime boundary between Timor-Leste and Australia and on the sharing of petroleum and natural gas resources in the region, resources that are so badly needed for Timor-Leste's immediate and long-term economic and social development. In conclusion, I would like to share the optimism expressed in the report of the Secretary-General on the progress made by Timor-Leste on the road to what is called self-sufficiency. However, as the report states, "it is clear that much remains to be accomplished during the remaining months of the UNMISET mandate and that the extent of its progress will depend upon joint efforts by Timor-Leste, UNMISET and the international community". (5/2004/669, para. 43).”
2004-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5024 (2004) · source
“46) Pakistan believes that the continued support of the neighbours of Timor-Leste is vital in that context. The development of close and friendly relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia is, of course, of vital importance and in the best interest of both countries. We welcome the efforts by both sides to improve their bilateral relations. We call on them to continue to work in a constructive manner in order to resolve their outstanding problems, in particular on the demarcation and management of their common land border. We hope that Timor-Leste's other neighbours can also resolve their bilateral issues with this emerging country, in order to allow it to attain its true economic potential.”
2004-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5024 (2004) · source
“We welcome the progress made by UNMISET in the three programme areas where it is mandated to support the Government - namely, first, public administration and the justice system, as well as justice in the area of serious crimes; secondly, the development of law enforcement; and, thirdly, security and stability in Timor-Leste. Those are critical tasks in assisting the country in this crucial period of institution- building. However, we agree with the observation made in the report of the Secretary-General that "UNMISET can meet only the most urgent requirements [and that] [c]omplementary bilateral efforts to strengthen Timorese public administration, law enforcement agencies and armed forces are essential for Timorese counterparts to achieve the necessary capability in an orderly and sustainable manner." (5/2004/669, para.”
2004-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5024 (2004) · source
“I would like to join others in thanking Assistant Secretary-General Hedi Annabi for his excellent introduction of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2004/669) and for updating the Council on the situation in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress since its independence over two years ago. We commend the Government of Timor-Leste for the achievements it has attained despite difficult circumstances. We also appreciate the efforts of the Timorese leadership to promote national reconciliation and to heal the deep wounds of the past, both the internal and external. Pakistan supports the efforts of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) to strengthen peace and assist institutional development in Timor-Leste.”
2004-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5024 (2004) · source
“The Security Council should act to strengthen the hand of the Secretary- General in any future move to implement his plan and help to bring us closer to the resolution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bicommunal, bizonal federation reflecting the wishes and interests of both the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot communities.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“In the circumstances, and pending the Council's decision on the Secretary-General's good-offices report, the Security Council should have taken a position that was more even-handed in the resolution we adopted today. A provision to welcome the Secretary-General's good-offices report would have been one way to indicate such even-handedness. Unfortunately, even this suggestion was not accommodated in the text. We can only hope that the resolution we have just adopted will not prove to be counterproductive and that it will not generate a further sense of injustice among the Turkish Cypriot community.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“The result is the maintenance of the status quo - a status quo deemed unacceptable by the Security Council." In paragraph 93 of the report, the Secretary- General said: "I would hope they [the members of the Council] can give a strong lead to all States to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development, deeming such a move as consistent with Security Council resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (l984)." The Security Council will, we hope, soon endorse this recommendation of the Secretary-General and urge actions by the international community to take concrete steps to end the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community, which has been penalized for so many years and is now unable to enjoy the benefits of European Union membership accorded to their Greek Cypriot compatriots.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“In paragraph 83 of the report on his good-offices mission, the Secretary-General states: "Benefits for the Greek Cypriots, which have been sought for decades - including the reunification of Cyprus, the return of a large swathe of territory, the return of most displaced persons to their homes the withdrawal of all troops not permitted by international treaties have been forgone.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“In April this year, after decades of hostility on the island, the referendums on the Secretary-General's plan for the reunification of Cyprus offered the hope for a permanent settlement of the Cyprus problem. Unfortunately, the plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriot side, while it was accepted by the Turkish Cypriot side. The Secretary-General considers it a historic opportunity that has been missed. That view is Widely shared by the international community. The Secretary- General believes that the rejection of his plan is a major setback which will cast a dark shadow of uncertainty over the implementation of a number of issues so dear to the hearts of so many Cypriots, including the question of the reunification of the island.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“Thus, in our view, UNFICYP's mandate should have been extended for only three months to enable that review to take place, rather than for the six months endorsed in the resolution. Moreover, the inclusion of operative paragraph 3 in the resolution changed it from a procedural to a substantive proposition. The reference in this paragraph could have been balanced by inclusion of language that was suggested by another delegation in our informal consultations. The resolution also should have incorporated a reference to the report of the Secretary-General on his good-offices mission, which was introduced by his Special Adviser, Mr. Alvaro de Soto, on 8 June.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“Pakistan voted in favour of resolution 1548 (2004), which authorizes an extension of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for six months. However, we supported the resolution with serious reservations. This resolution was supposed to be a proposal for a technical extension of UNFICYP for a short period of time that would enable the Secretary-General and the Security Council to undertake a review of its mandate, force size and concept of operations in the light of the new circumstances. That is natural following the recent rejection of the Secretary-General's compromise plan for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement and bearing in mind the positions of the concerned parties.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4989 (2004) · source
“This should be the central objective of the Security Council. Finally, in closing let me say that it should be a matter of principle that a country concerned in any issue under discussion by the Security Council or the subject of a resolution should have the right to participate and to speak in the Council's meetings. We have extended that right to other countries and we should not have denied it in this case.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4988 (2004) · source
“What is important now is for the international community to respond generously to this humanitarian crisis. This response has been disappointing so far. Therefore, we welcome the reference in the resolution to the need for extensive funding in support of peace in the Sudan. The Sudan is an important member of the African Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations. As a United Nations Member State, the Sudan has all the rights and privileges incumbent under the United Nations Charter, including to sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity - the principles that form the basis of international relations. Long-term peace and stability and the unity of the Sudan are in the interests not only of its own people, but also of the international community.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4988 (2004) · source
“The main objective of the resolution we have just adopted is to welcome the recent progress in the Naivasha process and to enable the deployment of a United Nations advance team in the Sudan to prepare for the introduction of a United Nations operation intended to support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement to be signed by the parties. The cooperation of the parties is and will remain vital for the implementation of any peace agreement. It will be important, therefore, to keep the Government of the Sudan fully and constructively engaged in the process. The resolution refers to the problems in the Darfur and Upper Nile regions of the Sudan. In Darfur, there is a humanitarian crisis initiated by an armed rebellion and escalated by the response.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4988 (2004) · source
“The civil war that has afflicted the Sudan for the larger part of its independent history is most unfortunate. Its consequences have been severe for the people of the country and for the region. Pakistan welcomes the progress made towards a negotiated and mutually acceptable settlement of the conflict. We welcome the engagement of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the international community in helping the parties move forward towards peace. Pakistan especially welcomes the commitment of the United Nations to supporting the peace process.”
2004-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4988 (2004) · source
“We are prepared to help them realize those aspirations in accordance with their national priorities and in accordance with their freely expressed wishes.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Peace and stability in Iraq will no doubt reinforce stability in the region. Continued instability in Iraq, on the other hand, is likely to have an adverse impact on the security environment of the region as a whole and beyond. As a regional State, Pakistan looks forward to an Iraq at peace with itself and with its neighbours. We believe that the support of Iraq's immediate neighbours and of the Arab and Islamic countries for Iraq's security and stability will be an important component in realizing the political, security and economic goals set out in this resolution. In a recent telephone call he received from Prime Minister Allawi, President Musharraf congratulated him and assured him of Pakistan's full support and cooperation in the reconstruction of Iraq. We fully support the aspirations of the Iraqi people.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“However, the security environment in Iraq remains volatile and unstable. We must all trust and hope that, following the transfer of sovereignty, the security environment will improve significantly. As indicated by Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, the problem of insecurity cannot be solved through military means alone. Political solutions and accommodations are required to achieve security and stability in that country. We hope that the interim Government will benefit from the international support expressed through this resolution to broaden political consensus in the country and to make all necessary efforts - as Mr. Brahimi has remarked - to bring all groups under the tent. We also hope that all Iraqis will respond to the efforts of the interim Government to broaden the political consensus and stabilize the security environment in their country.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“The resolution affirms that the United Nations must play a leading role in promoting the implementation of the processes envisaged therein. The Secretary-General has indeed remained personally engaged in the diplomatic and humanitarian efforts of the United Nations, even after 17 August 2003. The endeavours of Mr. Brahimi have been outstanding and he has again performed a most difficult diplomatic feat in difficult circumstances. We view this resolution as the most significant step since the first Gulf War towards the full normalization of the situation in Iraq. It endorses the presence of the multinational force at this time as a means of restoring peace and security in Iraq. It indicates a timetable for establishing an elected Government and a programme to end the mandate of the multinational force.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“These included, first, the transfer of full authority and sovereignty to Iraq and full control by the Iraqi people of their natural resources; second, an affirmation of the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq; third, respect for the primacy of the wishes and desires of the Iraqi people; fourth, Iraq's control of its own security forces, which will progressively assume full responsibility for its security; fifth, the presence of the multinational force at the request of the Iraqi Government and the creation of a coordination mechanism between the Iraqi Government and the multinational force on security policy and operations; sixth, adherence by all concerned to the principles of international humanitarian law; and seventh, respect for Iraq's cultural, archeological and religious shrines, which are among the most sacred in the Islamic world.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“It is Pakistan's hope that the adoption of this resolution will enable the Iraqi people to fully regain their sovereignty and full control over their own destiny; promote security and stability in Iraq and preserve its unity and territorial integrity; and promote the reconstruction of its shattered economy and revive its potential for economic growth and prosperity. The text of the resolution just adopted by the Security Council underwent substantial transformation before becoming acceptable to all the members of the Council, including Pakistan. We commend the sponsors for the flexibility they demonstrated in the negotiating process. We are glad that most of the suggestions for changes in the resolution proposed by Pakistan were accommodated in the draft by the sponsors.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“Pakistan voted in favour of resolution 1546 (2004), which has just been adopted unanimously by the Security Council. The people of Iraq suffered for decades under an oppressive regime, endured several wars initiated by that regime, was pauperised by prolonged international economic sanctions and then traumatized by another war. This resolution is designed, in our view, to prepare the way for Iraq to embark on a new era of security, stability, peace and prosperity. It should mark a new beginning for Iraq and its people.”
2004-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4987 (2004) · source
“These relate to the provisions in the draft resolution concerning the arms embargo and to the international monitoring body over the Iraqi development fund. Does the interim Government feel that these provisions are consistent with the provision of full sovereignty and full authority to the Iraqi Government? Finally, we expect that the interim Government will also soon establish contacts and consultations with its neighbours. We would be happy to learn of any plans for such contacts and cooperation, which we believe will enhance security and stability, both in Iraq and elsewhere in the region.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“We would be grateful to learn his evaluation of the principal sources of the security threat faced by Iraq today. Secondly, does the interim Government have in mind any time frame with regard to the presence of the multinational force Foreign Minister Zebari also mentioned that the multinational force will have to be regulated and that a partnership will be established between the Iraqi authorities and the multinational force. We would like to know whether consideration has already been given to the nature of this partnership in the security sphere and whether the establishment of any mechanisms has been envisaged for the purposes of regulating that partnership. Finally, I would like to leave a few questions for the Foreign Minister's consideration. Perhaps the Iraqi delegation could respond later if it cannot do so at the moment.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Foreign Minister Zebari mentioned that more than 400 political groups have mushroomed in Iraq; obviously not all of them are represented in the interim arrangements. We would like to know whether the interim Government intends to continue efforts to ensure the broadest possible inclusiveness of various political groups and to evoke the widest possible support from the Iraqi people. Secondly, we have noted that the Iraqi interim Government wishes to have full authority; in that context we would like to inquire whether it would envisage any limitations on this authority through a self-imposed restraint. The people of Iraq, Foreign Minister Zebari has told us, need - and have requested the multinational force - to help stabilize the security situation.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Pakistan also hopes that the United Nations will play a central role in assisting the Iraqi people to exercise full sovereignty and to bring about the earliest possible restoration of security and stability and the reconstruction of their country. We look forward to hearing a detailed report from Mr. Brahimi in the near future and to obtaining his evaluation of the situation and of future prospects. We listened with interest and attention to the statement made by Foreign Minister Zebari in the Security Council today. My delegation will be responsive to the views of the Iraqi interim Government in its consideration of the draft resolution which the Security Council is currently considering. In that context, I would like to offer some comments and pose a few questions to the Foreign Minister.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“As we have been advised, the formation of the interim Government, through a consultative process led by the Secretary-General and his special envoy, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, is a first step in the transition to a fully representative Government. The role of the United Nations and of Mr. Brahimi is, in our view, a vital one in fostering acceptance of the Iraqi interim Government within and outside the country. The Government of Pakistan has welcomed the appointment of the interim Iraqi administration as a step towards restoration of a fully representative Government in the country. Pakistan hopes that Iraq, under the interim administration, will exercise full sovereignty, which will lend it credibility, protect Iraq's unity and territorial integrity and help restore security and stability in the country.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“Since the inception of the crisis in Iraq last year, Pakistan has been guided by the interests and welfare of the Iraqi people - before the war, during the war and after the war. Following the war in Iraq, Pakistan pleaded for full respect for certain basic principles: Iraqi sovereignty and the interests of the Iraqi people; the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq; and Iraq's control over its own natural resources. We were glad that those principles were reflected in resolution 1483 (2003) and subsequent resolutions adopted by the Council. As we all acknowledge today, Iraq is entering a new phase in its political existence. An interim Government has been formed, and it has claimed all the attributes of full sovereignty.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4982 (2004) · source
“The forthcoming Security Council mission to West Africa, which will be led by our colleague Ambassador Jones Parry, will, we hope, strengthen the commitment of the international community to Liberia's re-emergence as a stable and prosperous country and to the realization of the objectives of peace and stability in the entire region.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“We note Chairman Bryant's assurance that Liberia would not export diamonds until it joins the Kimberley process, and we construe this as a positive confidence-building measure. Chairman Bryant has also outlined the measures taken to respond to the international community's concerns regarding the timber sector, and this, too, we believe, is a positive indication. In conclusion, let me say that Pakistan looks forward, in the months ahead, to the completion of the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation (DDRR) programme; and to a comprehensive review of sanctions, with a view to lifting them as soon as possible, paired with the full commitment of the resources which have been pledged by the international community for the reconstruction of Liberia.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“We have heard from Chairman Bryant that the sanctions have a punitive impact on the efforts of the Transitional Government to bring peace and stability to the country, and the Council needs to reflect on that. Resolution 1521 (2003) implicitly recognizes that such an impact could happen, and it provides for regular review of the diamond and timber sanctions, with a view to terminating them as soon as possible once the conditions are met, in order to create revenue for the reconstruction and development of Liberia. Given the progress made by the Liberian authorities in the case of diamonds, we can, hopefully, look forward to utilizing that provision in the resolution as soon as possible, with a view to the lifting of the diamond sanctions.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“Worryingly, though, this is not happening so far. We have been informed that 75 per cent of the pledges made at the reconstruction conference in February are yet to be redeemed. The principal option, therefore, for the Liberian Transitional Government must be to generate resources, especially through the use of its own natural wealth. Chairman Bryant has made an impassioned and credible plea for the lifting of the sanctions regime against Liberia. Pakistan, together with several other members of the Council, has emphasized the clear distinction between the arms and travel bans, on the one hand, and the economic sanctions - that is, the sanctions on diamonds and timber - on the other. There is a need to approach the two sets of sanctions separately, in our view.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“On that issue, we note the comment made by Chairman Bryant that war was over in Liberia, that Liberia was at peace with its neighbours, and that the purchase of arms was not a priority for the Transitional Government. Having said that, I must turn to the third major requirement, which is post-conflict peace-building and reconstruction. It is clear that Liberia requires resources and institutional capacity, and there is also the imperative of bringing the peace dividend to all sectors of its population, especially the young adult males, to which both Mr. Klein and Chairman Bryant referred. Resources, of course, are the key. To a large extent, all of this is dependent on adequate and sustained international assistance. Again, Mr. Klein has said that there is a future for Liberia if the money comes in.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“They have, we think, transformed a very difficult situation into a manageable one. As Mr. Klein remarked the other day, UNMIL is going to be a successful Mission. We welcome the fact that it will soon be fully deployed. Pakistan's participation in that Mission is a matter of pride and a reflection of our strong commitment to the cause of peace in Africa. We particularly welcome the cooperation between the peacekeeping missions in Liberia and in neighbouring countries. The change in circumstances in Liberia has also been helped by the improved political climate in the subregion. That has also had an immediate positive impact on the way sanctions are implemented. For example, the current report of the Panel of Experts on Liberia states that no violation of the arms embargo has been reported since August 2003.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“I think both of the statements we heard today are important statements requiring reflection by the Council and its members. First, our discussions in the Council on Liberia - like those on other conflict situations in Africa - have, I believe, led us to understand that some of the fundamental requirements for achieving the objective of sustainable peace are the following: the provision of credible security; a viable political and peace process; and, thirdly, economic recovery, reconstruction and development. In the case of Liberia, it would seem that we are on pretty sound footing as far as the first two prerequisites are concerned. We think that UNMIL has done a remarkable job in difficult circumstances. We commend Mr. Klein and his team, and indeed the entire United Nations family that has worked in Liberia.”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“Let me start by expressing to you, Sir, the warm felicitations of the Pakistan delegation on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. This is a month that will undoubtedly tax your considerable skills, but we have no doubt that it will be a most successful, even if eventful, presidency. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues who have made such kind and generous comments about last month's Pakistan presidency. It is a signal honour for us to welcome Chairman Bryant to the Council and to thank him for his comprehensive statement outlining the achievements of the Transitional Government. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jacques Paul Klein, for his report on the activities of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).”
2004-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4981 (2004) · source
“I express our best wishes to Ambassador Baja and the team of the Philippines delegation for a very successful presidency next month. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 1.15pm.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“In accordance with the understanding previously reached, the Pakistan presidency will prepare and circulate a summary of the many useful and important ideas and suggestions which have been made by almost every delegation in this debate. Since this is - I hope - our last public meeting for this month, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all Council members and the general membership of the United Nations for their unfailing support and cooperation to the Pakistan presidency during the month. It has been a real pleasure serving the Council in the capacity of President. I also wish to thank the Secretariat and all the support staff, including the conference officers, interpreters, security officers and all other personnel for their dedicated work.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“Not only are the United Nations and its family of organizations the only available instrument for dealing with complex crises: they are also the most cost-effective. Much more needs to be done to project and propagate that simple truth. We agree with those who said that all the issues which we have considered will come together and should be considered on the auspicious occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I wish to mention in concluding our discussion that this debate has more than lived up to the expectations held by the Pakistan presidency when it proposed consideration of the item.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source