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

“No one, therefore, can question Pakistan's commitment and determination to succeed in defeating terrorism. A comprehensive approach is required to address the challenges of terrorism and criminal violence and insurgency in Afghanistan. The terrorist and other violent incidents in Afghanistan are taking place not only in the south and south-east but in various other parts of the country. They can be prevented by effective action within Afghanistan by the Afghan national forces and international coalition forces. To ensure success, the root causes of such violence - extremism, warlordism, the narcotics trade and local rivalries - will all need to be addressed patiently and sincerely. The failure to do so cannot be externalized.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“We have acted resolutely against Taliban terrorism, in accordance with the provisions of Security Council resolution 1267 (1999). We have deployed more than 80,000 troops on our western border with Afghanistan to prevent the infiltration or ex-filtration by Al-Qaida and other terrorists. Concurrently, we are investing in infrastructure and socio-economic developments of these so-far unsettled frontier regions. Pakistan has also launched major military operations in some of our tribal areas to eliminate the presence of foreign terrorists and their supporters. More than 600 Pakistani soldiers have lost their lives in the 75 operations conducted by Pakistani security forces. I should like to recall that those casualties are greater than all of those suffered by Coalition forces in Afghanistan.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“In accordance with our traditions and with the principles of humanitarian law, Pakistan has not obliged them to return involuntarily to their country. Yet return they should, and we trust that conditions will soon be created that will enable them to do so in dignity and honour. As history will recount, Pakistan's hospitality during Afghanistan's most difficult years created enduring problems for Pakistan, including the rise of extremism and the presence of terrorism. We are addressing those phenomena resolutely and, we believe, successfully. Pakistan has adopted short- and long-term strategies to address the problems of terrorism and extremism. We have captured more than 600 Al-Qaida terrorists, most of whom infiltrated Pakistan after 11 September 2001.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“The commitments undertaken by the Afghan Government and its international partners under the Compact will, we hope, be fulfilled. Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoy a close and symbiotic relationship rooted in geography, history, shared ethnicity and a common faith. Our destinies are inextricably linked. Peace in Afghanistan reinforces peace and tranquillity in Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan will enable both nations to serve as the bridge for trade and commerce between Central Asia, South Asia and beyond. The success of the endeavours for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan is therefore vital for Pakistan. More than 25 years ago, the Pakistani people welcomed nearly 4 million of their Afghan brothers with open arms. We hosted them mostly without the generosity of external assistance. Three million Afghans still remain in Pakistan.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“Pakistan fully supports the continuation of the important role of the United Nations in Afghanistan. We also support the international security assistance for Afghanistan. The Secretary-General's report outlines the considerable progress made in Afghanistan in fulfilling the benchmarks of the Bonn process. We wish to congratulate President Karzai and the fraternal people of Afghanistan on those achievements. Unfortunately, there are also many outstanding challenges that remain to be overcome - especially security, narcotics, crime, warlordism and development. The Afghanistan Compact, adopted at the London Conference, endorsed a comprehensive plan to address those challenges in order to restore peace and security and to build prosperity in Afghanistan.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“I would like to felicitate you, Sir, and the delegation of Argentina on the skilful manner in which Argentina is guiding the work of the Security Council this month. May I also congratulate Ambassador Bolton and the United States delegation for the successful and eventful United States presidency last month. I would also like to wish Ambassador Wang Guangya of China a successful presidency next month. The Pakistan delegation expresses its gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Tom Koenigs, for his briefing to the Council today and to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2006/145). Let me also take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Mr. Koenigs' predecessor, Mr. Jean Arnault.”
2006-03-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5385 (2006) · source
“Fifthly, sustainable peace and successful economic growth in the region cannot be achieved without addressing the complex root causes of the threats to security. Foremost among them is the illegal exploitation of the region's natural resources. That must be addressed from both the supply and the demand sides. We must follow up and not forget the Kassem report. Those involved in illegal exploitation of natural resources, and the financiers and profiteers of that illegal trade, must be equally held accountable.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The role of the United Nations remains central in the maintenance of international peace and security, but it should actively support capacity-building in the African Union in various fields and should secure the latter's services where possible to complement the work of the Organization. Fourthly, sustainable peace in the Great Lakes region cannot be realized without a sustained and sufficient international commitment to support the region's economic and social development. In that regard, we hope that the Peacebuilding Commission will be a valuable mechanism to marshal the necessary resources and cooperation to consolidate peace and prevent the recurrence of conflict in the Great Lakes region. We highly appreciate the role that Tanzania and Ambassador Mahiga played in the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“MONUC has been provided with a robust mandate, but robust operations must be undertaken with adequate strength and resources. Otherwise, the lives of peacekeepers are in danger. Is MONUC adequately staffed, equipped and resourced to carry out that mandate while operating in what are called particularly hazardous conditions? Thirdly, the United Nations should support the endeavour of the African States to assume ownership for securing solutions to African problems. Security Council resolutions 1625 (2005) and 1631 (2005) represent steps in the Organization's evolving relationship with the African Union, as will the resolution that will be adopted following this debate.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The tragic incident of 23 January, in which eight Guatemalan peacekeepers were killed, and the incident last February, in which nine Bangladeshi peacekeepers were ambushed by outlawed militias in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, indicate the need to fully evaluate the strategies that must be employed to promote sustainable security in that and other parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region. We urge the Secretary-General to investigate the circumstances of those incidents and identify any possible shortcomings in the conception of the mandate vis-a-vis force generation and deployment, intelligence gathering, forced disarmament and other kinds of robust action. We hope that after such an investigation, the Secretary-General will be able to recommend steps to address such shortcomings.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Your country, Madam, has played a leading role in promoting such regional relations, especially at the first International Conference on Peace, Security, Democracy and Development in the Great Lakes Region, held in Dar es-Salaam in November 2004, and in the implementation of the Dar es-Salaam Declaration and preparations for a second summit. An effective regional mechanism for the peaceful settlement and resolution of disputes could constitute an important component in fostering a peaceful and cooperative neighbourhood. Secondly, the urgent challenges need to be frontally addressed. Foremost among those challenges is the effective and complete disarmament and demobilization of armed groups and militias. They pose a pervasive threat to peace and can sabotage the achievements of the peace processes.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Let me, on behalf of Pakistan, mention five points which appear essential to building peace and security and advancing development in that region. First, it is important to consolidate the gains made so far. That requires the sustained engagement of the United Nations and the continued cooperation of the countries of the region. This debate has affirmed that the regional States and the United Nations are committed to that course. In that context, the vital importance of promoting good-neighbourly relations based on mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all States of the region cannot be overemphasized.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Yet, that incident cannot mask the considerable progress that has been made towards peace and development in the Great Lakes region, including the completion of the peace process leading to the democratically elected Government in Burundi, and the encouraging democratic transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pakistan has contributed and is contributing to the international effort in both countries through our peacekeeping contingents in the United Nations Operation in Burundi and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). Earlier speakers, including African ministers from the region, offered a clear perspective and important proposals that deserve the Council's close consideration.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“It is a pleasure to participate in this debate, especially at this propitious time on Friday evening. The Pakistan delegation welcomes your presence in New York, Madam, to preside over this important meeting. We congratulate Ambassador Mahiga and the Tanzanian delegation on their skilful guidance of the Council's work this month and on their initiative in holding this debate. Let me also express our appreciation to Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry for the United Kingdom's successful presidency last month and wish Tanzania's successor, Ambassador John Bolton of the United States, an equally successful presidency next month. The relevance of this debate has been illustrated by the recent casualties suffered by Guatemala's United Nations peacekeepers in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We offer Guatemala our deep condolences.”
2006-01-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5359Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Lastly, the humanitarian response to situations of violations should be adequate and timely. For that purpose, the United Nations humanitarian capacity should be enhanced, predictable financing provided and coordination reinforced. States should undertake to allow United Nations assistance to all affected civilian populations. There should be no "no go" areas where civilian populations are under serious threat. Collective action and multilateral solutions to today's conflicts offer the best hope for millions of civilians who are trapped between death and despair. We must not fail in responding to this challenge. We must act boldly in all situations where the survival of millions of civilians caught in the vise of violence and war is threatened.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Where a conflict has broken out, the United Nations should apply a standard operating procedure of dispatching a fact-finding mission, including for the purpose of observing and reporting on the treatment of civilians. That would facilitate both a political and a humanitarian response. In that context, particular attention should be paid to the need to abrogate draconian laws and similar legal or administrative measures that allow arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial executions. Where United Nations peacekeeping or observer missions are already deployed, their mandates should include observation of and reporting on the treatment of civilian populations and, where possible, measures to offer them protection. Adequate resources should be provided to peacekeeping missions for that purpose.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The Secretary- General and other United Nations mediatory mechanisms can and must play a more active role in conflict resolution under Chapter VI and other provisions of the Charter. The Secretary-General and this Council have a clear right to insist on a mediatory role in inter-State conflicts, but even in internal situations, an early and active role could be pursued - perhaps with discretion - by the United Nations, together with other influential partners. Thirdly, international monitoring can play an effective part in preventing violations against civilian populations. Where the danger of conflict is perceived, States should be asked to accept a United Nations or impartial international presence.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“And if powerful bodies, such as the Security Council, are unable to act, the international community should consider utilizing the Charter authority of the General Assembly to do so. It can also utilize international judicial mechanisms for that purpose. Apart from the decisions taken in the past, the Pakistan delegation would suggest that some concrete and practical actions be contemplated to ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflict. First, all States should undertake a binding legal obligation to observe and respect international humanitarian law and refrain from and oppose genocide and war crimes. That obligation could be created, preferably, through an international treaty or protocol. Secondly, much greater emphasis is required on preventing the outbreak of conflicts.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“In some situations, there is a quick and even robust response; in others, the perpetrators enjoy virtual impunity at both the national and the international levels. Most often, there is sufficient public concern, but insufficient political will to act. The record of the Security Council itself in that context is not without blemish. In the circumstances, it is vital to reinforce the concept of the protection of civilians in all - I repeat, all - such situations of violations. Indeed, the desire proclaimed at the 2005 summit to protect populations from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing can be fulfilled only if there are established standards to ensure a uniform and timely response to all situations in which such crimes occur or are likely to occur.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The list, however, is not exhaustive. It excludes, for example, a situation that is of particular concern to my country and in which the most blatant violations have been and are being perpetrated against civilians. An important question that should be posed is how to protect civilian populations when their very suppression is the object of the conflict. Moreover, the rationale of suppressing terrorism should not provide an escape route for the suppression of civilians seeking respect for their fundamental rights, including the right to self- determination. The challenges of addressing gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law are also exacerbated by the problem of inequity in the international response.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Ethnic and religious conflicts, the most common type of civil war, are by their very nature directed against entire populations, including civilians. Secondly, in many instances, it is the politics of poverty that lead to and exacerbate conflicts, involving competition between groups, including civilians, for scarce resources. Here again, civilians are usually in the front line. Thirdly, the empirical evidence of recent and old history shows that systematic and consistent violations of the rights of civilians are most frequent and pervasive in situations of foreign occupation and suppression of the right of peoples to self- determination. The list of places mentioned in the Secretary-General's report where the gravest violations of international human rights and humanitarian law are taking place amply illustrates that point.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Targeted attacks, forced displacement, sexual violence, forced conscription, indiscriminate killings, mutilation, hunger, disease and loss of livelihoods collectively paint an extremely grim picture of the human costs of armed conflict." (S/2005/740, para. 3) That is a sad commentary on the poverty of implementation of the entire body of international humanitarian and human rights law that codifies the protection of civilians. A comprehensive response entails the proper identification of underlying problems, which are multidimensional - legal, moral, political, cultural, social and economic. One reason for the escalation in violations is the changing nature of conflicts, which are now more likely to be internal wars than inter-State conflicts.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We hope the views expressed here by members of the Council and non-members will contribute to evolving a more effective response of the international community to the complex challenges related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The latest report of the Secretary-General provides useful insight into the entire range of issues related to the protection of civilians in aimed conflict. An overall decrease in the number of armed conflicts since the 1990s is indeed encouraging. However, in today's armed conflicts, violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have escalated, with tragic consequences for civilians, especially women, children and minorities. As observed by the Secretary- General, "[i]n the new warfare... the impact of armed conflict on civilians goes far beyond the notion of collateral damage.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Let me begin by extending our warm felicitations to the United Kingdom delegation on assuming the presidency of the Council for this closing month of the year. That has no doubt added to its already onerous responsibilities in its capacity as the presidency of the European Union. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Ambassador Denisov and the Russian delegation for their able stewardship of the Council last month. Pakistan welcomes the convening of this open debate. Let me thank Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland and Mr. Jacques Forster, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their informative briefings.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Besides developing a comprehensive strategy, we also need to focus our attention on developing an institutional mechanism to implement it. One proposal in that regard could be the development of an international counter-terrorism centre, which has already been proposed by His Majesty King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. We trust the General Assembly will take decisive and early action to develop a comprehensive approach to ensure sustained success against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The work of the Council's three Committees will remain an integral and essential part of that endeavour.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Let me reiterate that root causes do not justify terrorism, but they do explain it. In that regard, the need to win the hearts and minds of potential terrorists cannot be overemphasized. Domestically, religious bigotry, hate campaigns and confrontational tendencies have to be curbed. That must be done through bold, determined, well-thought- out and indigenously applicable strategies. The misuse of religion to spread militancy, hatred and violence has to be suppressed, and an international discourse, as well as a national debate in affected societies, must be conducted on religious harmony. President Musharraf of Pakistan has outlined such a strategy and what he terms the strategy of enlightened moderation at the global and international levels.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Indeed, armed forces, especially those engaged in foreign occupation and suppression of self- determination, have often been involved in acts that are terrorist in nature. Various proposals are under consideration to resolve that important issue. The September outcome document also called on the General Assembly to develop and adopt such a comprehensive strategy. We believe that such a strategy should include both short-term and long-term measures at the national, regional and international levels. The short-term measures should be aimed at providing support for, and enhancing the effectiveness of, ongoing efforts to counter terrorism, including by the three Committees of the Security Council. The long-term measures should aim at addressing the underlying causes of terrorism.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“81) The Summit sought the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive strategy; it agreed to consider convening a high-level United Nations conference; it recognized the important role of the United Nations in combating terrorism, and it stressed the need to make efforts to reach agreement on and conclude a comprehensive convention during the present session of the General Assembly. The conclusion of the convention is held up because of the unjustified effort to exclude from its purview the activities of armed forces in situations of armed conflict. Granting such a blanket exemption could imply that armed or military forces of a State enjoy impunity for acts that are terrorist in nature.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Pakistan has consistently urged the Security Council to evolve a mechanism to associate the larger membership of the United Nations with the Council's work, especially in the field of terrorism, since global cooperation is so essential in that field. It could be done, for example, by opening the membership of the counter-terrorism Committees to other United Nations Member States through elections. The ultimate decision-making would of course remain with the Security Council. That would promote inclusiveness, provide alternative perspectives and views and enhance transparency and accountability in the work of the three Committees. The 2005 summit has unequivocally condemned terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes". (General Assembly resolution 60/1, para.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“A significant number of reports have been examined by the 1540 Committee, yet as you yourself, Mr. President, have noted, 67 Member States have not been able to report. That underlines some of the challenges with regard to capacity and the need for assistance. We hope the Committee will draw appropriate attention to those aspects in its outreach activities. Consistent with our strong commitment to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction, we have provided to the Committee perhaps the most extensive information on a range of measures that we have in place to implement resolution 1540 (2004). We hope that other States will also be able to share with the Committee the steps they have taken or envisage taking to implement that resolution.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“We believe a more credible process for listing and delisting needs to be evolved. We hope that the Committee will continue to bring greater transparency to its work to ensure full cooperation from all States. We also welcome the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), which finally has become operational and is assisting the Committee in its work. We hope that Committee will become an instrument to promote a more comprehensive counter-terrorism approach in the future. We welcome the increased level of reporting by Member States on the steps they have taken or plan to take to implement the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004), whose scope is clear and is unambiguously focussed on preventing non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism for over two decades, including cross-border and State- sponsored terrorism. We remain in the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts. We have strengthened our legal, administrative and financial controls. We have signed, or are a party to, 11 out of the 13 United Nations conventions and protocols on terrorism. Our armed forces, moreover, continue their search and interdiction operations against terrorists in the border regions with Afghanistan, and we have captured more than 700 Al-Qaida operatives. With regard to the work of the three Committees, we have noted the efforts of the 1267 Sanctions Committee to bring clarity to its working methods and that the Committee is engaged in the process of improving its guidelines.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“Let me first express our felicitations to you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the present month. We are confident that for the Council this month will be not only eventful, but fruitful as well. We also wish to express our admiration to Ambassador Baja and the Philippines delegation on their very successful presidency last month. I wish to join other delegations in thanking the Chairmen of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the 1267 Sanctions Committee and the 1540 Committee. We appreciate the practice of these briefings. We have noted the reports of the three Chairmen and wish to offer some comments on this issue. The threat of terrorism knows no boundaries. It poses a challenge to entire humanity. Terrorism has no faith and is abhorrent to all religions and beliefs.”
2005-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5293 (2005) · source
“At this fateful moment, the international community, including the Security Council, must summon the political courage and will to ensure the realization of that shared Vision.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The Security Council should actively promote that process. Fifthly, the implementation of the road map offers the most viable way forward towards sustainable peace. Ensuring a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute in accordance with resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the road map is our collective obligation. The vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security is one that was reflected in the Arab peace initiative and that has been embraced by the entire international community. We must all work for the earliest possible realization of that vision. Success in realizing that vision can have profound and positive implications for peace and stability in the entire Middle East and beyond.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“But hope cannot be generated in a vacuum. Peace and development go hand in hand. The Palestinian Authority must have the necessary international assistance to revive the economy and undertake the development activities essential for beginning a new page in Palestinian life. We welcome recent commitments of support to the Palestinians, including at the Group of Eight summit. Thirdly, the Israeli plan to disengage from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank is a welcome step. It should be implemented with the utmost care and in full coordination with the Palestinian Authority. The withdrawal must be full and complete. Most important, it must be the first step towards the end of the occupation of all Palestinian territories. Fourthly, Israelis and Palestinian must deepen their dialogue and gradually move to address final status issues.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We appreciate President Abbas's commitment to security reforms and the practical steps taken by the Palestinian Authority to strengthen law and order. Those endeavours deserve the full support of the international community. The latest statistics also show a significant increase in Israeli construction activity in the West Bank and Gaza. The Quartet, in its statement of 23 June, expressed concern over Israeli settlement activity and rightly affirmed the need to avoid any action that contravenes the road map or prejudices final status negotiations. As consistently demanded by the international community, all illegal settlement activity must be frozen and reversed. It is vital that all sides avoid any escalation, observe the utmost restraint and work to establish a stable environment for hope and security.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The international community has an obligation to ensure that Israel does not further ignore the Court's opinion and the General Assembly resolution, that it fulfils its legal obligations and fully respects international humanitarian law, and that it does not pre-empt the final status issues, especially on the status of Jerusalem. Secondly, the situation on the ground continues to be of serious concern, with an increase in violence and the reported gradual erosion of the ceasefire. While referring to mortar and Qassem rocket attacks by the militants, the Special Coordinator also noted in today's briefing the Israeli side's resumption of the practice of targeted killings. The principal victims of that tragic conflict remain innocent civilians, most of them Palestinians.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“It is a matter of deep concern that, one year after the Court's advisory opinion and the General Assembly resolution, the construction of that illegal wall continues unabated and has, indeed, accelerated. The Israeli cabinet recently approved the remaining details of the separation wall's route around Jerusalem, which, as Special Coordinator de Soto reported this morning, would cut off some 55,000 Palestinians residents of East Jerusalem from the rest of the city. They will be separated from their workplaces, schools, hospitals and families. Aside from exacerbating the plight of the Palestinians, that action raises much larger issues, including the final status issues.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“First, the construction of the separation wall by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories, aside from enormously aggravating human suffering in the Palestinian territories, poses a mortal danger to the peace process, seriously undermines the implementation of the road map and presents a major obstacle to the creation of a viable and contiguous Palestinian State. Last July, the International Court of Justice rendered its advisory opinion, concluding that the wall is illegal. The General Assembly, in resolution ES-10/ 15 of 20 July 2004, demanded that Israel comply with its legal obligations as mentioned in the advisory opinion, which, inter alia, included immediate cessation of the wall's construction, the dismantling of the parts already built and payment of reparations to affected persons.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“First, let me welcome Mr. Alvaro de Soto, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, congratulate him on his appointment and express our deep appreciation for his balanced report to the Security Council today. We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. In the face of the far-reaching developments taking place in the region, it is important for the international community to be actively engaged. This Council in particular has a special responsibility for peace in the Middle East. A lot has been said during the day-long debate. I would like to make five essential points.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“It is important to emphasize that the vast majority of the adherents of any faith, especially Islam, are peaceful, tolerant, honest, just and caring people. Those who hold militant views are a small minority, and those who act on those militant views are an even smaller minority. The central message of all religions is almost identical. The root causes of friction between cultures and civilizations are not primarily religious differences, but mostly competing political and economic interests and misunderstandings. We therefore strongly support the Spanish initiative for an alliance of civilizations.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Those causes include political and economic injustices, festering international disputes, foreign occupation and denial of the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as cultural, social, economic and political marginalization and alienation. The essence of President Musharraf's strategy for enlightened moderation is to address the causes of terrorism at the root and comprehensively eradicate them. The perception of being disadvantaged, and even deliberately discriminated against as a faith and culture, results in frictions within societies and often strengthens extremist forces. Promoting greater mutual understanding among all religions and cultures is now a political and a moral imperative. We must remove misunderstandings, especially deliberately propagated negative caricatures such as some we have heard here today.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“There can be no basis for the exclusion of State terrorism - that is, the perpetration of sustained violence and brutality by a State against an innocent civilian population whose only crime is its opposition to foreign occupation and the denial of the right of self-determination. Nor can States conducting such terrorist acts against civilian populations be allowed to portray the resistance of these legitimate movements as terrorism. We support the Secretary-General's initiative for a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy. This must include measures to address the root of the problem. Root causes do not justify terrorism, but they do explain it, and understanding of the causes of terrorism is essential to success against this gruesome and unacceptable tactic.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Within the United Nations, and especially through the three committees reporting today, the international community is creating an international legal regime to counter all forms of terrorism. The deliberate killing or maiming of civilians is not justifiable. All acts of terrorism are condemnable, whether committed by an individual, a non-State actor or a State. The absence of a definition of terrorism should not hold up action against terrorism. At the same time, we must ensure that counter-terrorism measures have built-in safeguards to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right of peoples to self-determination.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Our Government is also engaged in an active and direct campaign to eradicate extremism from our society. This campaign includes the reform of the madrasas, a small fraction of which have preached extremist views. President Musharraf will outline our comprehensive efforts tomorrow in an address to the nation. The challenge of terrorism is both local and global. All those who have confronted terrorism and extremism know full well that success requires sustained and comprehensive efforts encompassing police action, societal change and creation of economic opportunities, as well as the solution of the political issues that provide the excuse and the oxygen to the terrorists. The responsibilities to address terrorism are, therefore, both national and international. The role of the United Nations is central and critical.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Geography and history have combined to present Pakistan with a special challenge and a special role in combating terrorism. Pakistan's commitment to the campaign against terrorism is clear, present, tangible and visible. In a recent statement at the National Youth Convention, President Musharraf made an appeal to "stand up and launch a jihad against extremism for peace, brotherhood and unity in the society and for knowledge, progress and poverty alleviation". Pakistan has taken a number of measures on the domestic front. For the first time in history, our armed forces have carried out operations, which are still ongoing, in the tribal areas along our border with Afghanistan. We have suffered over 300 casualties in this operation. We have been able to capture or extradite more than 600 terrorists, including key operatives of Al-Qaida.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The Committee also has to take into account the different levels of State capacity to implement its provisions and it should ensure that it does not infringe upon, erode the authority of, or duplicate or complicate the work of, established treaty regimes and international bodies established under those treaties. In this context, it will need to be taken into account that different States have a differentiated nature of obligations under various treaties. I would like to join others in expressing our solidarity with the victims and families of those affected by the recent terrorist incidents, particularly in the United Kingdom and Turkey. We strongly condemn such acts of terrorism and reiterate our commitment to fighting this menace in all its forms and manifestations.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“That is necessary in order to meet judicial and legal requirements and to allow national authorities to defend legal challenges to the freezing of assets and other sanctions measures. With regard to the 1540 Committee, that Committee - whose mandate is to prevent the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by non- State actors, including terrorists - needs to focus on the absence of a definition of various terms used in the resolution and on the absence of agreed international standards to assess actions taken by Member States to implement the resolution.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source
“On this occasion, I would like to offer some specific comments on the reports we have received. First, with regard to the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), we have noted the first country visits. We welcome the emphasis - particularly that of the CTC - on providing counter-terrorism-related technical assistance to States. Concerning the Al-Qaida/Taliban sanctions Committee, we have noted the views of its Chairman about focusing on the new and growing generation of supporters who may never have left their countries of residence but have embraced the core elements of the Al-Qaida message. Moreover, we believe that sufficient evidence and identifying particulars must accompany new and existing designations on the Committee's consolidated list.”
2005-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5229Resumption1 (2005) · source