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

“Post-conflict challenges in several countries are likely to become further exacerbated by the current global food crisis. That was mentioned in the Peacebuilding Commission's discussion on Sierra Leone yesterday. We still lack a strategy that would enable countries emerging from conflict to stand on their own feet to achieve self-sustained peace and development. Many promises of aid remain unfulfilled. Often the benefit and effectiveness of such aid is open to question, a point raised by others and by Mr. Brahimi in this discussion. One conclusion seems to be that such aid is best channelled through the budgets of the host Governments.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The objective should be the durable development of national capacities, not steps to replace them. These are conclusions that we derive from the Peacebuilding Commission's discussions relating to the countries on its agenda. The identification of gaps is a key step in formulating and implementing successful strategies. That should be done not piecemeal but through an objective and comprehensive diagnosis of the situation. Experience has shown that the biggest and most ominous gap in peacekeeping and peacebuilding strategies is the failure to comprehend and address the root causes of conflicts. In particular, the issues of poverty and unemployment and the imperative of socio-economic development have remained largely neglected in plans and strategies.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We also support the Standing Police Capacity. However, the concept of "rapidly deployable civilian capacities", in large numbers and as a standing structure or mechanism, needs further clarification with regard to its objectives and scope, its actual requirements and its possible implications. A somewhat similar proposal - to establish a civilian cadre of 2,500 personnel - was made earlier by the Secretary-General. It became the object of numerous and legitimate questions and concerns. It should also be noted that civilian capacities with relevant experience and perspectives are normally available in the host countries and among their diasporas, which can and should be harnessed and utilized. Mr. Brahimi's comments this morning were very pertinent in that regard.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Thirdly, in order to ensure a comprehensive approach, the Peacebuilding Commission must be involved in peacebuilding from the initial phases. The Security Council should, we believe, make use of paragraph 16 of Council resolution 1645 (2005) and General Assembly resolution 60/180 to seek the Commission's advice in situations where peacekeeping missions are still deployed. Empowerment of the Secretary- General's Special Representatives to lead and coordinate peacekeeping and peacebuilding is, of course, desirable. However, this should not supplant, but rather supplement, the authority and the role of host countries. There is, no doubt, a requirement for adequate civilian expertise, particularly to support rule-of-law activities. Such capacity is already being provided by the United Nations in integrated missions.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The coherence and integration of peacebuilding activities and the provision of timely, adequate and sustained funding are objectives that can best be promoted by the Commission, since all major stakeholders and partners are represented there. However, in order to ensure that that task is conducted effectively, the international community needs to develop a common strategic vision of peacebuilding. That requires, first, greater convergence between the perspectives of the partners and those of the host countries, based primarily on the priorities and policies of the latter: national ownership and leadership are key for the success of peacebuilding. Secondly, all actors should demonstrate genuine political will and flexibility to ensure effective peacebuilding.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The unique structure and composition of the Commission was conceived to bring together "all relevant actors to marshal resources and to advise on and propose integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery" (resolution 1645 (2005), para. 2 (a)). Indeed, several issues reflected in the presidency's concept paper for this debate (S/2008/29l, annex) - for example, the need to address the critical gaps in peacebuilding - constituted the basic rationale for the creation of the Peacebuilding Commission and are indeed part of its mandate. As the Non-Aligned Movement and others have pointed out, several of those issues are being discussed by the Commission in its various formats. We endorse the view that all efforts, including this debate, should aim at strengthening the role and the mandate of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“While that concept is well recognized, the challenge is to fully operationalize it in post-conflict stabilization efforts, to ensure coherence and synergy between peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities from the very outset of the engagement of the United Nations, and thus to ensure a smooth transition from peacekeeping to conditions of self-sustaining peace and development. To ensure such synergy and effective peacebuilding, the 2005 World Summit recognized the need for a dedicated institutional mechanism. That led to the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission. Together with the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund, the Commission is now the central instrument for peacebuilding activities.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“First of all, I wish to congratulate the United Kingdom on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the current month and the delegation of South Africa on an excellent presidency last month. Madam President, we welcome this open debate initiated by your Government on an important subject. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Jamaica on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Post-conflict peacebuilding is crucial for establishing peace and sustainable development in war- torn countries. Together with conflict prevention and peacekeeping, peacebuilding must be part of a comprehensive response to complex crises.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We shall consider ways and means of designing our future assistance in accordance with the priorities of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. Our bilateral trade with Afghanistan totals $1.5 billion. We shall continue to support Afghanistan's integration with regional economic cooperation efforts. Indeed, the success of these endeavours requires peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. Pakistan's ability to contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the region will be enhanced following the recent fair and open elections in Pakistan and the assumption of office by a popularly elected Government. We hope that these will lead to closer coordination and consensus on a strategy for success in Afghanistan and in the region.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We seek to strengthen our close, friendly relations with Afghanistan, based on reciprocity and mutual respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 08-26923 We want peace and greater prosperity for both our peoples. Our cooperation with Afghanistan is multifaceted. It is characterized by dialogue and regular exchange of visits at the highest levels. We are also trying to help reconciliation through the peace jirga, whose next meeting will be held in Pakistan. Pakistan is a major contributor to Afghanistan's reconstruction and economic development. A number of projects identified in consultation with the Afghan Government have been implemented in various fields, including infrastructure development, education and health, in addition to capacity-building initiatives and training and scholarship programmes.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We agree with the Secretary-General that UNAMA's existing mandate should be retained. We have also noted the areas identified by the Secretary-General as priorities for UNAMA. These should be carefully considered to ensure that they are totally consistent with UNAMA's current mandate and that they take into account the views of the host Government and others concerned. Given the realities on the ground, it is essential to avoid placing responsibilities on the United Nations that it may be not in a position to discharge and that could affect its neutrality and credibility. Pakistan remains strongly committed to helping Afghanistan to achieve sustainable peace and development. Our destinies are interlinked.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The safe and voluntary return of all remaining Afghan refugees, more than 2 million of whom are still hosted by Pakistan, should also be accorded high priority. We welcome the emphasis placed in the report on increased assistance to create conditions conducive to the return of the refugees. However, we do not agree with the Secretary-General's observation that the fact that over 80 per cent of the refugees have been in exile for more than 20 years could be a factor inhibiting their return. All refugees should return to their homeland. We appreciate the central and impartial role of the United Nations in coordinating the international efforts in Afghanistan. We welcome the appointment of Mr. Kai Eide as the Secretary-General's Special Representative. UNAMA's efforts should be focused on its core mandate in Afghanistan.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The international community must ensure adequate resources for its implementation. We hope that it will also inculcate a new culture of 08-26923 assistance that is demand-driven and channelled mostly through the Afghan Government. All these efforts to improve security, governance and development will have a greater impact if they are carried out in a politically propitious environment. The Afghan-led efforts for national reconciliation can play an important role in that regard and should be encouraged. The agreements already reached, and other policies and measures being considered to promote regional economic cooperation, will benefit Afghanistan and all the countries of the region. Pakistan is an important partner in this endeavour. We will also host the next regional economic cooperation conference on Afghanistan.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Extending State authority and improving governance are also fundamental in restoring the confidence of the population in the ability of the Government to respond to their basic needs. The efforts of the Afghan Government in that regard merit our full support. Security and governance issues cannot be divorced from development. As the report notes, despite progress in various social and economic indicators, the level of development is low, particularly at the provincial and district levels. Making security a prerequisite for development and assistance could prove to be counter-productive. We believe it is important to pursue the development track while security is being addressed. The launch of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy will be an important milestone and a major source of hope for the Afghan people.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Therefore, there is a need to follow approaches that are responsive to the challenges in each region. Increasing the strength of the troops of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) would help in the short term. However, for sustainable solutions, it is essential to focus more on building the national capacity of Afghanistan in the security sector, together with parallel endeavours aimed at political reconciliation, reconstruction and development. A more coherent and feasible counter-narcotics policy is required, one that is more responsive to the underlying economic, social and political aspects linked to increased poppy cultivation. That is essential if we wish to deny an important source of funding to insurgents and other anti-Government elements.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“However, what is most needed is better implementation, through enhanced coordination and the fulfilment of reciprocal commitments by Afghanistan and its international partners. We believe that the key to success lies in pursuing a comprehensive approach, with emphasis on building Afghan capacity to assume greater control and ownership with regard to security, governance and development issues. We are pleased to note that that is also the central theme of the report of the Secretary- General. The deterioration of the security situation in parts of Afghanistan is a common concern. As is clear from the present and previous United Nations reports, the factors contributing to insecurity and instability are diverse, complex and often interrelated. They also vary from region to region.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“As the country most affected by the decades of instability in Afghanistan, Pakistan has a direct and vital stake in the success of the efforts of the international community in Afghanistan. We appreciate the overall quality of the analysis, objectivity and recommendations of the Secretary- General's latest report on Afghanistan. While avoiding dramatic description, the report is reflective of the challenges and the realities on the ground. It provides a useful overview of the situation which is relevant to the Council's discussion, particularly with regard to the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). There have been many successes, which must be appreciated and consolidated. There are deficiencies in several areas.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“First of all, let me congratulate you on behalf of the delegation of Pakistan on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We are confident that with your well-known skills, this will be a most successful month for the Council. I would also like to express our appreciation to the Ambassador and the delegation of Panama for their successful presidency last month. We appreciate the convening of this open debate on Afghanistan. Two years after the London Conference, it is opportune to have a strategic review of the progress in the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact. A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is crucial to regional and international peace and security.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We want to see Pakistan develop as a hub of economic activity linking South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia through trade, energy and communications corridors. We cannot play that role without a partnership with Afghanistan. We therefore welcome Afghanistan's membership in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). As common members of both SAARC and the Economic Cooperation Organization, which spans Central Asia, Pakistan and Afghanistan can hope to play the role of a land bridge between those vast regions. As President Musharraf stated at the peace jirga in Kabul, "Pakistan desires peace, friendship and cooperation with Afghanistan based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, territorial integrity and independence".”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Unfortunately, even the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has on occasion displayed a certain lack of political sensitivity and lack of impartiality in its reports and its actions. In conclusion, let me say that there are no two countries that are as close as Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our peoples have struggled together against heavy odds and insuperable enemies. Both countries need one another. Our peace jirga will address the common challenges we face in terrorism and extremism. But both countries must be cautious about the machinations of those outsiders who wish to create mistrust and mischief between us. Pakistan wants to see Afghanistan emerge as a strong, united and cohesive nation that is at peace within and without. We have a vision for Pakistan and for the region.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“It is somewhat disturbing to see the account in the report of the Secretary-General with regard to the closure of the Jalozai camp, which we believe has been misrepresented in the report, as have certain other aspects of the current situation. The closure of those four camps is being delayed because of inexplicable reluctance, including on the part of United Nations agencies, to facilitate the return of refugees. We expect the United Nations and the international community to assist in the repatriation of those Afghan refugees. They should not try our hospitality or our patience, since we also face the brunt of allegations of cross-border activities from those camps.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Pakistan has a solemn responsibility not to allow support for the Taliban insurgency or Al-Qaida to flow across from our border regions. We have therefore deployed over 100,000 troops in this region, established 1,000 border posts, lost over 1,000 military personnel - more than any other country in this war against terror - and conducted over 120 military operations, some of which are ongoing as we speak. We believe that halting cross-border activity is a joint responsibility of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the coalition forces who are present across the border. In this context, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had reached an agreement to close down four Afghan refugee camps that are close to the border, since these camps served as a source for the flow of cross-border militants.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“We have long believed that a winning strategy in Afghanistan would have to be a comprehensive strategy, one that combines military, political, economic and administrative measures. Such a strategy will have to build peace painstakingly, district by district, region by region, since circumstances in each area differ from each other. Pakistan's cooperation with Afghanistan covers the entire spectrum of our relationship - military, intelligence, border control, trade, transit and development cooperation. Many of the successes against the Taliban, including some of those cited by my dear brother from Afghanistan, have been possible because of the intelligence, military and other cooperation extended by Pakistan bilaterally to Afghanistan or through the trilateral commission, including the United States and NATO.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Koenig's information that several Taliban commanders are prepared to talk. We hope that the process of reconciliation, including the peace jirga between Pakistan and Afghanistan, will be able to contribute to this objective of reconciliation. Thirdly, besides these two elements, there is a common population of Afghanistan that, in certain areas and for diverse reasons, has gained sympathy for the point of view of the Taliban and is susceptible to extremism. It is important for the international community and for the Government in Kabul to win over the hearts and minds of this population and to prevent their further alienation through the strategies that are followed on the military, political and economic fronts.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“In Afghanistan, there is first and foremost the core of violence and conflict that emanates from terrorist groups, foreign militants such as Al-Qaida and a handful of militant Taliban who are not prepared to reconcile and give up the path of violence. These elements must be confronted directly, but our military strategy must avoid civilian casualties and prevent the further alienation of the population. Secondly, there is the phenomenon of the rise of extremism, hence what has been called Talibanization. In this context, it should be well understood that the Taliban are part of Afghan society and have emerged from that society. Many can be won over. We therefore welcome President Karzai's offer of dialogue and reconciliation to the Taliban, and we regret the rejection by some Taliban leaders. We note Mr.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Let me say a few words regarding the security challenge facing Afghanistan. The report of the Secretary-General notes that at least 78 districts of Afghanistan are currently rated as extremely risky. There are large parts of Afghanistan that are ungoverned space or under parallel structures of insurgents, as noted by the Russian ambassador. These are the safe havens within Afghanistan. The report of the Secretary-General notes that, in addition to insurgent and terrorist activity, several other factors cause insecurity and violence, including factional fighting, criminal activity, warlords and drug barons. Therefore, in our analysis and response it is important to resist the temptation to externalize the security challenges faced within Afghanistan. We must have a proper understanding of these complex security challenges.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Capacity-building of Afghan National Security institutions and their use for counter-insurgency, and decreased reliance on foreign forces would be a positive development. What is required are properly trained, equipped, paid and ethnically balanced professional national forces. We also require capacity-building in the sectors of governance, rule of law and greater action against corruption. Also, despite improvement in several economic and social indicators, particularly in health and education, the pace of economic development and reconstruction remains slow and uneven, especially in the generation of gainful employment in the rural areas. The resources allocated for economic recovery and reconstruction are inadequate. There is also a perennial problem of non-fulfilment of commitments made to Afghanistan.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Obviously, progress is reported in some areas, which should be welcomed. It is, however, a matter of concern that the overall trend in Afghanistan appears to be negative. A multitude of internal problems continue to strain and challenge the transition to durable peace and security. At the recent meeting of high-level representatives in New York, the challenges facing Afghanistan were well identified. They include governance, drugs, lack of development and insecurity. Drugs are a grave and present danger to the entire effort in Afghanistan. A comprehensive and fair strategy to combat the problem of narcotics must break the link between drug money and the financing of terrorist and insurgent activity and criminality in Afghanistan.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“On behalf of the delegation of Pakistan, I would like to extend to you, Sir, our congratulations on Ghana's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. Allow me to also take this opportunity to convey our appreciation to Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert for the successful French presidency last month. I would like to welcome in particular the briefing provided to the Security Council by Mr. Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Afghanistan. We convey our appreciation to Mr. Koenigs on his latest presentation to the Council and for his sincere and dedicated efforts as the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during the past few years. We have read the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2007/555). It provides a useful overview of the situation.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Energy security is most desirable, not the least for developing countries. The United Nations needs to play a more active role to advance this objective in ways that are equitable for all consumers and producers. But energy security should not emerge as a new casus belli for the use of force or external aggression or intervention. Similarly, in a world with an expanding population, spreading deserts and melting glaciers, access to water - which is often shared - is likely to emerge as an existential issue for many nations and peoples. It could become the cause of a host of disputes and conflicts. It is time for the international community to construct an international regime that ensures equitable access to and availability of water for all peoples and all States.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The Peacebuilding Commission can play a vital role in capacity-building in the post-conflict situations that are referred to it. The Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly should promote similar measures to prevent the outbreak of conflicts by maximizing the benefits of natural resource exploitation for the countries that own them. It is natural that the Security Council should be focused on the conflict situations in Africa. Yet the international community will, very soon, need to focus on the equitable exploitation and use of two other vital resources: oil and water. Energy resources already are part of the strategic calculations of the major Powers, almost all of whom are major importers of fossil fuels. Oil in particular has been the object and the cause of major conflicts.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Beyond action by the Security Council, the United Nations and the international community can contribute to ending illegal exploitation by promoting national processing of natural resources and national control over the various stages of the value-addition and commercial process. For example, it is worth examining to what extent the diamond trade in Sierra Leone brings benefits to the Government and the people of the country. Their share of the proceeds from diamond exploitation and trade should be just and equitable. Specific mechanisms should be developed for each specific natural resource, or group of resources - gold, diamonds, minerals, forests and oil - to enhance the national share in the legitimate exploitation and trade of such resources.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The Pakistan delegation would suggest the following, among other elements: an undertaking by all States to prevent the financing, directly or indirectly, of the illegal exploitation of natural resources; the adoption by States of national laws that would criminalize the wilful provision or collection, by any means, directly or indirectly, of funds by their nationals, or in their territories, for the illegal exploitation of natural resources; action by States to freeze funds and other financial assets or economic resources of persons or entities which are identified as having participated in the illegal exploitation of such resources; the establishment and maintenance of lists by the United Nations of individuals, entities and enterprises designated as being associated with the illegal exploitation of natural resources; and an undertaking by Governments to take effective action against all those individuals, groups, entities and enterprises involved in the illegal exploitation of natural resources.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“More extensive measures, including border controls and wider monitoring, are required. Peacekeeping forces could be provided with the mandate and capacity for the monitoring and interdiction of illegal exploitation, transportation and trade in natural resources. However, it is vital to address not only the supply but also the demand for natural resources. It is the demand for resources, mostly from the advanced countries, and the financing provided for exploitation and marketing of natural resources which make possible the vicious circle of commerce and conflict. The Security Council or, if this is not possible, the General Assembly could adopt certain norms and recommendations for national laws and regulations that would help to prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources and its contribution to conflicts.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“While the Security Council should undertake action within its competence and relating to the issues on its agenda, comprehensive action by the other competent organs - the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission - will also be needed. The Pakistan delegation would strongly recommend that the Security Council establish a new task force of experts to study the exploitation of natural resources in the context of the numerous conflict situations on its agenda, especially the complex crises in Africa. The Security Council's approach of utilizing sanctions to control arms trafficking and natural resource exploitation has proved, unfortunately, to be too narrow and, at times, inappropriate in responding to various situations.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Absence of specific United Nations action signals perhaps the difficulty encountered in the past in reaching agreement on meaningful measures within the Security Council and other United Nations bodies. This reluctance was manifest in November 2003, when the Pakistan delegation in the Security Council circulated a draft resolution on the illegal exploitation of natural resources and arms trafficking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The eventual decisions of the Council did not act on some central recommendations of the Kassem Panel, which was discontinued. The current debate in the Council offers an opportunity to initiate a broader and more comprehensive approach to the issue, covering the whole range of conflicts and the different actions required at three stages - before, during and after a conflict.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Kassem report (S/2003/1027) - presented an excellent analysis of the continuing exploitation of the natural resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Security Council's presidential statement of 19 November 2003 (S/PRST/2003/21) condemned that exploitation. In varying degrees, the analysis of the Kassem report could be applied to past and current events in several other resource-rich African and other developing countries. More specific initiatives have been undertaken - significantly outside the United Nations - including the Kimberley Process and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The profits of exploitation also fuel and sustain conflicts. The creation of the United Nations coincided with and contributed to the era of decolonization and independence for many of its present Member States. It soon became apparent to these nascent States that their political independence would not be complete without the exercise of full sovereignty and control over their natural resources. Yet illegal and externally orchestrated exploitation of natural resources in the developing world continues in old and new forms, especially in Africa. It has been said that Africa is rich, but its people are poor. It is no accident, therefore, that so many conflicts continue to afflict that great continent. The Security Council has expressed its concern about this issue in the past.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Mr. Minister, I would like to congratulate you and Ambassador Verbeke, as well as the Belgian delegation, on your skilful guidance of the Council's work during this month. Let me also express our appreciation to Ambassador Khalilzad and the United States delegation for a successful presidency of the Council last month. We welcome Belgium's initiative in organizing this open debate on natural resources and conflict. The presidency's paper (S/2007/334, annex) offers an excellent analysis of the link between natural resources and conflict. This is an issue of special significance for developing countries, many of which have suffered from the exploitation of their natural resources during and after the colonial era. The exploitation of natural resources is, at times, the cause of conflict; indeed, it is often the very objective of war.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Political expediency and occasional frustration over failure must not be allowed to wreck the cooperative framework that has been established, that is operational and that is so vital for success in Afghanistan.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Pakistan stands willing to coordinate with Afghanistan to promote the creation of such zones. In conclusion, let me say that Pakistan wants friendly relations with Afghanistan. Our destinies are inextricably bound together. We respect each other's sovereignty, we treat Afghanistan with equality, and we wish that both countries would respect each other's territorial integrity. Pakistan will continue to extend its cooperation to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and to combat terrorism in all its forms. We hope that the Government of Afghanistan and others concerned will accept their own responsibilities to address the multiple challenges within Afghanistan. That is a collective endeavour and a joint responsibility.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Meanwhile, Pakistan believes there is a need to rapidly develop the areas on both sides of the border. For development of our tribal areas, we are grateful to the United States for its commitment of $750 million over the next five years. We would like to seek greater help from other sources as well for that vital objective. We are also working with the United States to establish reconstruction opportunity zones in the tribal areas. Pakistan's private sector is investing in industry and manufacturing in those areas. The United States has promised special tariff- and duty-free access to the United States market for products from those areas. We ask the European Union to provide similar access. Similar reconstruction opportunity zones could be established on the Afghan side as well.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Pakistan continues to retain the option of striking at terrorists where and when they are located, as we have demonstrated recently. We have advocated that approach of peace, reconciliation and development on the Afghanistan side as well. Similar agreements could be reached through local jirgas. They can offer a modality to establish relative if not complete peace in south and south-east Afghanistan. That was the essence of the understanding, at the tripartite summit in Washington last September, to promote the convening of jirgas. The first meeting of the Pakistan and Afghanistan Jirga Commission - as was mentioned by my Afghan colleague - was held last week in Islamabad. The two sides agreed to stop the blame game and to increase cooperation to address common problems of border control and refugee repatriation.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“The objective of the strategy is to win the hearts and minds of the local population and to isolate the militants from the moderates. The North Waziristan Agreement, concluded with the tribal elders, was essentially an exchange of peace for development. While there may be room for better implementation, we believe that the Agreement represents a correct approach and the right strategy. The Agreement has brought relative calm to the area. Activity from across the North Waziristan border has declined. Some assert that the total number of incidents inside Afghanistan have increased, but there is no proven direct correlation of those incidents and the conclusion of the North Waziristan Agreement. Meanwhile, violations by some recalcitrant elements in North Waziristan have been adequately punished.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Thus, we shall end this story of sanctuaries. Pakistan has also initiated a programme to repatriate all the remaining 3 million Afghan refugees within the next three years. We have hosted them for 30 years without any appreciable international assistance. That has placed an unconscionable burden on our national exchequer, our economy, our environment and our society. We hope that conditions will be created in Afghanistan for the return of those refugees in dignity and security. The international community should provide assistance and cooperation to Pakistan and Afghanistan in the repatriation process. Fifthly, Pakistan is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to promote peace and progress in our frontier regions. That involves military, political, economic and administrative components.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Fourthly, Pakistan will act shortly to eliminate the atrocious allegations about so-called sanctuaries and safe havens for the Taliban in terrorist training camps. That information is unsubstantiated and should not be given currency. What happens is that Taliban militants mostly seek to merge into the refugee camps that are close to the border. In a camp of some 80,000 Afghans, it is obviously difficult to identify who those Taliban militants are. We have therefore reached an agreement with the Afghan Government to relocate four of the large camps - Pir Alizai and Gidri Jungle in Baluchistan, and J allozai and Kachi Garhi in the North- West Frontier Province - to secure sites inside Afghanistan. We ask for the cooperation of the international community to create the facilities on the Afghan side to receive those refugees.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“It is not very helpful when border guards on the other side cut up and throw away those cards. I would also like to underline that control of the border is a joint responsibility of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the international coalition forces. Pakistan cannot accept the entire onus of controlling the border. Mr. Koenigs has referred to suicide attackers, facilitators and Taliban commanders crossing over from Pakistan. I would like to say that the crossing of the border is in both directions, and I hope he will agree that it is in both directions and that therefore the Taliban must be controlled on both sides of the border. Pakistan should also be provided with real-time intelligence as well as with the electronic and other equipment that we have requested to enhance our ability to control the long and difficult border.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“That number is higher than the combined forces of the international coalition and the Afghan National Army. We have established 1,000 border posts. There are 300 on the other side. We plan to fence about 35 kilometres of the border in the roughest terrain where clandestine crossings take place. In response to the concerns of some of our friends, we are reviewing the plan to mine parts of the border. Pakistan is also introducing stricter measures to better regulate the legal border traffic. Over one border crossing alone - in Chaman, Baluchistan - about 40,000 people and 14,000 vehicles cross in both directions each day. An estimated 300,000 people cross the Afghanistan-Pakistan border legally each day. To improve identification checks, we are introducing biometric cards.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Just during the last year, we have handed over 300 captured Taliban members to Afghanistan. However, as past and present United Nations reports have noted, most of the Taliban activity is within Afghanistan, as are its five command structures. That should not be distorted. Similarly, as for the financing of the Taliban from abroad, the major source of financing - the production of drugs and the drugs trade - lies inside Afghanistan. Thirdly, Pakistan has taken significant measures to control the difficult 2,500-kilometre border with Afghanistan. Pakistan has, for the first time in recent history, inducted its armed forces in the tribal areas. Eighty thousand Pakistani troops are now deployed in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and along the border with Afghanistan.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Vice-President Cheney of the United States recently said "I have often said before and I believe it is still true that we have captured and killed more Al-Qaeda in Pakistan than any place else". Pakistan has lost over 700 soldiers in those operations. In retaliation, the terrorists have launched several suicide attacks against our leaders, our security forces and civilian targets, but that has not deterred us. We shall continue to take resolute action against any suspected terrorist activity anywhere on our territory. Al-Qaeda will certainly not be allowed to regroup on our soil. Secondly, as to our actions against the Taliban, over the past three years, we have captured and handed over to Afghanistan 1,500 Taliban militants, including a large number of the leadership.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source