YouSaid · the spoken record

Amil

lines on the record: 129
first: 2007-02-13
most recent: 2009-08-05
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“As the leading troop contributor, Pakistan will carefully consider the recommendations of this debate and the Secretariat's non-paper entitled "A New Partnership Agenda: Charting a New Horizon for United Nations Peacekeeping", on which a fuller discussion may be desirable in the context of the wider reform process. Let me conclude by reaffirming Pakistan's continued support and strong commitment to the success of our collective peacekeeping efforts in the interest of world peace and security.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The Council, for its part, should do what it can do best, that is, to evolve larger political consensus in support of peacekeeping, to promote political processes and to pursue comprehensive approaches for conflict prevention and resolution. It should accord priority to resolving inter-State conflicts alongside intra-State situations - which, by the way, consume most of the peacekeeping resources at present. And for the latter, there should be a fuller interface of peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities through early engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission when the peacekeepers are on ground. Lastly, for better implementation, we require continuity and coherence in the various reform proposals and other processes currently under way.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It is understandable that the Council reviews certain aspects of peacekeeping and opens up to other stakeholders with regard to its decision-making processes. That also makes sense in the context of improvement of the Council's working methods. However, such reviews cannot be Council-centric. The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations has the mandate for the comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations and is the right forum with the right expertise for that purpose. It must be fully utilized. More attention needs to be given to core issues, including the surge in demand and rapid deployment.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“I believe we should seriously pursue the two-way process of broadening the contributors' base with more developed countries and broadening the decision makers' base with more developing countries. Everyone should be fully in the loop. Without that, predictable capacities and credible actions cannot be ensured. Some cannot just monopolize the design, management, review and monitoring role, while the others are consigned to the implementation role. If we share the strategic vision of United Nations peacekeeping, we should also be willing to share the burden for its implementation. And we should be able to better explain why some of us, who have the capacity, are not willing to participate in United Nations peacekeeping operations but are there to advise how the job should be done.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Overstretch of resources also results in implementation lag and overstretch of a mission's duration, which ultimately increases costs. Effective implementation also requires more meaningful and tangible partnership with the troop- contributing countries (TCCs), and we hope to see that happen as a result of this exercise. This partnership means not only enhanced dialogue and consultation but also adequate representation of the major TCCs at the leadership level in the field and, particularly, at Headquarters. That is the best way of ensuring coherence between those who design mandates and those who implement them. We would have liked to see this aspect properly reflected in the presidential statement. Collective burden-sharing requires greater participation by Member States in United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“What gives strength to the strategic vision is the strict observance of the Charter and the basic principles of United Nations peacekeeping, as also stressed by the representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, whose statement my delegation fully supports. Implementation will also be enhanced if the mandates for peacekeeping operations are clear, credible and achievable, and if they are matched by appropriate resources. We are glad that the Council is committed to doing just that. Realities on the ground, not political expediencies, should guide the Council's decisions. Maintenance of international peace and security should be the objective and the main benchmark. When lives are at risk, that objective, not cost considerations, should drive peacekeeping.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The challenges of effective planning and management of peacekeeping operations are quite well known to the policymakers and practitioners. There also seems to be a fairly good idea of the kind of responses and actions, backed with adequate mechanisms, capacity and resources, that are required to address those challenges. What is generally lacking is the implementation part. And it is here that this process, and the draft presidential statement that is before the Council, could add value. Let me say that implementation will become easier if the relevant actors and stakeholders are operating, not in a piecemeal or fragmented manner, but with unity of purpose and a common strategic vision of peacekeeping. To ensure continued success, it is essential to preserve the identity of United Nations peacekeeping.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“I would first like to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the Council's presidency and to wish you success in your work. We welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate on United Nations peacekeeping operations, the third in a series of important discussions that the Council has held since January, in addition to the meetings of the Council's Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, to which the Pakistan delegation has also contributed. It is right that the Council devotes time and attention to this dialogue and interaction aimed at making peacekeeping work better. After all, peacekeeping is today the flagship activity of the United Nations and one of the key instruments in the hands of the Council to carry out its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Pakistan envisions a peaceful, stable, prosperous and thriving region and stands ready to play its part in that process. We reiterate our full support for durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. We also call on the international community and the United Nations to remain steadfast in their commitment to Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Our participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Moscow on 27 March further enhanced trilateral cooperation among the Russian Federation, Pakistan and Afghanistan. We welcome the readiness expressed by the Russian Federation to contribute to all positive initiatives. Similarly, our participation in the trilateral summit, very graciously hosted by our brother country Turkey in Ankara in April, constitutes a step forward in trilateral cooperation among our three nations in the field of security and intelligence-sharing, leading towards building greater trust among all sides. Equally important was the meeting in March in Tehran at which Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan established a trilateral mechanism. This was followed by a senior officials' meeting in April in Islamabad to strengthen further coordination.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The Prime Minister also announced specific measures at that forum, including 1,000 scholarships for Afghan students, setting up model villages for Afghan refugees when they return, and the establishment of vocational training centres. Lately, Pakistan has been engaged in trilateral summits involving key players, from the United States to Turkey, Iran and Russia, and has participated in other international meetings on Afghanistan, which continues to demonstrate our commitment. We welcome the reinvigoration of the United States focus on the region to promote broad-based cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meeting of the foreign ministers of three countries in February, followed by a trilateral summit in May, has greatly helped to define the future contours of a comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Since his meeting in Colombo in 2008 with President Karzai, our two democratic Governments have jointly brought about a fundamental transformation in our bilateral relationship. Today our multi-track engagement is comprehensive, encompassing the political, economic, security and social spheres. Pakistan has also been engaged in the capacity- building of Afghanistan's State institutions in the fields of diplomacy, law enforcement, judiciary, agriculture, counter-narcotics and medical services. Our participation is meant for the Afghan people, on projects identified by the Afghans and implemented through the Afghan authorities. A culturally nuanced, Afghan-led process of dialogue and reconciliation has to proceed in tandem with efforts to co-opt local populations. Pakistan welcomes the renewed focus on transregional development.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Pakistan attaches high priority to close, friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan and wants to have a broad-based, mutually beneficial relationship with its western neighbour. Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have improved tremendously with frequent contacts at the highest political levels and commitment on both sides to working together to address common problems and realizing our joint potential. The Third Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan, held in Islamabad on 13 and 14 May, was a further demonstration of Pakistan's commitment to the stability and economic development of Afghanistan. Let me highlight some of the words spoken by my Prime Minister at that meeting.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Given the formidable scope and gigantic task at hand, we believe that the Mission should be provided with the necessary resources to carry out its mandate. Apart from Afghanistan itself, no other country has a more vital stake in the establishment of peace, security and prosperity in that country than Pakistan. Pakistan is the direct sufferer of ongoing instability in Afghanistan. Peace in Afghanistan is essential to the tranquillity and development of Pakistan's own border regions. Therefore, we are firmly committed to helping the Government of Afghanistan and the international partners in restoring security and bringing stability to Afghanistan. Pakistan has been host to the world's largest refugee population, with all its consequences. The security forces and the people of Pakistan continue to make tremendous sacrifices.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Sixthly, the parameters of a sustainable solution should include a comprehensive regional approach, taking into account the interests, the capacities and the aspirations of sovereign States and their people. It should build solid stakes for all sides in lasting peace. Given its strategic geographical setting, the region has a vast potential to be transformed into an international cooperation and development hub. We must move from confrontation and rivalry to competition and cooperation in order to harvest the latent benefits. Tapping this 5 potential would be a win-win proposition for all in the region and beyond. The role of the United Nations is the cornerstone of the international efforts to help Afghanistan. We appreciate the constructive role played by UNAMA in Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Financial resources generated through illicit trade in drugs have helped sustain the activities of insurgents and extremist elements. There is a dire need to address this narcotics problem. Short-term measures need to be complemented by comprehensive, durable and long- term solutions based on alternative livelihoods and development. Fifthly, any strategy, no matter how innovative or dynamic it is, would be doomed to failure without the support of all elements of Afghan society. There is a dire need to launch an Afghan-led process of reconciliation based on dialogue. The renewal of the democratic mandate in the forthcoming elections in Afghanistan is an ideal opportunity to promote political and socio-economic inclusion and national reconciliation.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It would be worthwhile to focus less on military operations and to devote more energy to protecting populations and securing areas. Thirdly, a civilian development surge is needed. Massive investment is required in reconstruction, development and social welfare programmes, improving governance and putting a premium on the strengthening of State institutions and capacity-building. Providing better living conditions and making peace dividends visible would greatly help to win the support of the Afghan people. Fourthly, we must not deal with the problems of terrorism and violent extremism in isolation; they are part of a wider issue and should be tackled accordingly. The rise in militancy in Afghanistan is directly linked to the unchecked growth of narcotics there.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Based on cooperation and shared responsibility, such a consensus should address the past and present shortcomings and set a clear strategic direction for the international efforts in Afghanistan. In this regard, let me briefly mention some aspects which would require particular attention. First, the challenges faced by Afghanistan are of internal origin and therefore require internal solutions. Any comprehensive strategy devised to address these challenges must enjoy the full ownership of the Afghan people and the continued support of the international community, particularly the neighbouring countries. Secondly, the use of military force alone cannot deliver. The resultant civilian casualties have been a major cause of alienation.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We must move from the fragmented and piecemeal approach to tackle these formidable challenges and mount an integrated response fully owned and led by the Afghan people, with the support of the international community. Partnerships with regional States, as well as the international community, will remain key to sustainable peace and development in Afghanistan. A series of recent international and transregional meetings indicates the dedication and commitment of regional and international partners to the development of Afghanistan. The abundance of international attention and goodwill towards Afghanistan is a good opportunity to galvanize our efforts and evolve a new consensus on achieving a comprehensive strategy for peace in Afghanistan and the region.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The challenges facing Afghanistan are numerous and daunting. For decades, Afghanistan has suffered the ravages of war and civil strife. The brotherly people of Afghanistan have been the victims of instability, violence, terrorism, factional fighting, illegal arms, narcotics production and trafficking, and organized crime. This has had a disastrous effect on the Afghan economy, infrastructure and society. The time has arrived to put an end to this vicious cycle, but there is no magic wand to turn the devastation of decades into development overnight. The absence of a comprehensive strategy has prevented us from gaining any significant headway in the consolidation of peace and achieving stability in Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“While Afghanistan has made progress on certain frontiers, considerable challenges remain on the political, security, governance, humanitarian and development fronts. The overall deterioration of the security situation is a matter of concern. Development and reconstruction efforts are slow and uneven. The absence of State authority beyond some major cities, a lack of good governance, rampant corruption and economic hardships are shattering the people's confidence in the ability of the Government to provide protection and better conditions of life. An increase in civilian casualties is further fuelling public grievances against foreign forces. This has been a major impediment to winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, which is necessary for success in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is standing at the crossroads of history.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“I would like at the outset to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your successful and eventful presidency of the Security Council and on your able guidance and stewardship of the Council's work this month. As you are a dear friend of the people of Pakistan, and since you are coming to the end of a brilliant career, our delegation should like particularly to wish you all the best in your future endeavours. This timely debate is testimony to the continued attention of the international community and the Security Council to Afghanistan. We are also thankful to Mr. Kai Eide for his informative briefing this morning. Pakistan appreciates the important role of the United Nation in Afghanistan. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/323) presents an objective analysis of the situation in Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Let me conclude by saying that if the Member States regard peacekeeping as an indispensable instrument, then we should all take a strategic decision to support it fully and wholeheartedly, with the political will, burden-sharing and pooling of resources and equitable decision-making to ensure its success.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Let me add, from the perspective of the TCCs, that the question of decision-making and command and control is not limited to dialogue or consultations. We call for an enhanced and visible representation of major TCCs at highest-level positions at Headquarters and in the field. Finally, in the context of a comprehensive approach, the political process and peacebuilding efforts must be pursued in parallel to the peacekeeping activity in order to ensure speedy fulfilment of mandates and to prevent relapse. The financial crunch and finite resources are all the more reason to focus on conflict prevention and resolution in the first place, not to undercut peacekeeping.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The membership, particularly those who are contributing troops, have played an important role in facilitating the evolution and transformation of peacekeeping, including complex missions and robust mandates. That evolution, in our view, does not affect the basic principles of peacekeeping, which remain valid and relevant. Surprisingly, some of the objections with regard to concepts and principles, and the push for certain ideas that lack consensus, come from those who are not among the contributors in the field. This participation, we believe, will provide them better insight into the possible complications and difficulties in the field. There should be no monopoly on policy- and decision- making.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The existing major troop contributors, who are mostly developing countries, should, on the other hand, be accorded an increased role in the design and decision-making process in the Council, through consultations and increased representation in the Security Council. Diversifying and expanding the contributors base and the decision makers base is also important in promoting a common understanding of the concepts, basic principles and guidelines for peacekeeping. This is essential for maintaining the credibility, legitimacy and neutrality of the United Nations, which are so essential for the continuing success of peacekeeping. We do not think there is a problem of evolution of new concepts and tools to adapt peacekeeping to changing requirements.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We should try to address the issue in a more innovative way through a more dynamic interplay and sharing of roles and responsibilities between the designers and implementers of mandates. Take the issue of resources, for example. Shortfall of resources, particularly personnel and equipment, can be met by broadening the contributors base, with more burden-sharing in the field by the developed countries. Not only will they bring the required niche capabilities, the developed countries will also get first-hand experience of the resource gaps in the missions, which will better inform them in designing mandates.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It would be more productive if those meetings were held more regularly and coincided with the Council's direction of new missions as well as the review and renewal of ongoing mandates. Moreover, focused discussion of the situation on the ground, operational issues and challenges can really add value by promoting interaction with and feedback from the TCCs. In our view, enhanced consultations in the Working Group could also catalyse the hitherto somewhat lacklustre private meetings held under resolution 1353 (2001). There is general agreement that to ensure successful implementation of the mandates, we need a high degree of coherence between those who conceive and write mandates and those who implement them on the ground. How can we achieve that in practice?”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The TCCs contribute the basic building blocks of the partnership for peacekeeping. The role and engagement of the TCCs cuts across the whole range of activities in the mission cycle from early planning to deployment, management, drawdown and withdrawal of operations. It is therefore inconceivable that the effectiveness and success of the missions could be achieved unless that partnership is made more substantive and visible. There is a clear need to enhance the level and frequency of interaction and consultations with the TCCs. Debates such as this one provide good opportunity. The Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations is also an important avenue for providing trilateral cooperation, as its recent meetings have shown.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Our preliminary analysis of those initiatives is that while they could become catalysts for discussion, there is little new as regards the major issues and challenges. And we wonder whether it is a question of exposing the limitations of past reforms, or a question of fully implementing them through a sustained effort. Nevertheless, the value of these initiatives lies in considering them in an open and transparent manner within the framework of the ongoing process to ensure coherence and best results. Apart from the Security Council, the Committee of Thirty-Four remains the best forum to discuss all these issues in a comprehensive fashion. Pakistan welcomes the special focus that the presidency's concept note puts on cooperation and partnerships with the troop-contributing countries (TCCs).”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The latest of these - the Secretary-General's reform proposal - resulted in a major overhaul and reconfiguration of the United Nations peacekeeping architecture, which focused in particular on strengthening capacity at Headquarters. Of course the proposal was presented as a necessary sequel to the Brahimi process and peace agenda for 2010, and was considered a comprehensive response to the challenges confronting peacekeeping. Member States have not yet had the opportunity to fully and properly assess and review the result and impact of that reform exercise. We do not have a clear idea of how effectively the new mechanism and structures are performing. In the meanwhile, several new initiatives by some Member States and the Secretariat - such as the New Horizon initiative - have been put forward.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It is a major tool for the maintenance of international peace and security. While retaining its original purpose, peacekeeping has also evolved over time in response to the changing nature of conflict. Success in recent years, particularly of multidimensional operations, has led to raised expectations, increase in demand and corresponding challenges of planning and management, bridging the gap between mandates and resources and effective 09-3860] integration of conflict prevention and peacebuilding elements to achieve lasting and self-sustaining peace. The shared objective of making United Nations peacekeeping work better has brought Member States together on several important initiatives and efforts on policy issues, reform, restructuring and capacity- building over the last couple of years.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Ami] (Pakistan): I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing this important debate on peacekeeping and for this opportunity to share our views. As the top troop-contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations and a long-time participant in the policy discussions, Pakistan brings a rich and diverse perspective to this discussion. We are a major stakeholder in the success of United Nations peacekeeping. This is a collective endeavour of the Security Council, the United Nations Member States in particular, the troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat. Let me also thank the two Under-Secretaries- General - Under-Secretary-General Le Roy and Under- Secretary-General Malcorra - for their briefings. Peacekeeping is today the face of the United Nations and its flagship activity.”
2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We call for renewed determination to provide protection to all innocent civilians caught in armed conflicts and under foreign occupation, including those we see dying by the minute in Gaza as we speak.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In these circumstances, effective and swift application of the concept of protection of civilians in Gaza is a litmus test for this Council's future actions on this agenda item. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits collective penalties and collective punishment of the civilian population. The responsibility of Israel, as the occupying Power, is clear in that regard. In the context of protecting civilians in Gaza, the international community must live up to its responsibilities, and in particular the Security Council should lead the efforts to implement its own resolution 1860 (2009). We strongly feel that deliberate violence against humanitarian and United Nations personnel helping to protect civilians is unacceptable in any situation.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Empirical evidence throughout 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 inalienable right of peoples to self-determination. This holds particularly true for the people of Palestine and of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The challenges of addressing gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian law are exacerbated by the problem of inequity in the international response. While in some situations there is a quick and even a robust response, in others, such as Gaza, the perpetrators enjoy virtual impunity. The record of the Security Council itself in this context is not without blemish.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“This is also the case in Gaza. Less than a month ago, we celebrated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international community reaffirmed its pledge to uphold the value of the Declaration. Yet one month after reiterating that "we will not shy away" from the magnitude of the challenges of promoting and protecting human rights, the Security Council appears unable to enforce compliance with resolution 1860 (2009) or to protect the innocent people caught in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Resolution 1860 (2009) also condemns all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism. Since the adoption of the resolution, the number of Palestinians killed in the Israeli aggression has increased to around 1,000; almost 40 per cent of the killed and the nearly 5,000 wounded Palestinians are women and children.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The 1.5 million Palestinians imprisoned in Gaza, collectively punished, callously persecuted, strangulated and blockaded for years by Israel, the occupying Power, have been subjected to a new deliberate campaign of terror, death and destruction, which continues for the nineteenth day as the entire world watches in horror and disbelief. The besieged people of Gaza, we must not forget, are mostly the Palestinians who were originally dispossessed and driven from their homes by the Israeli occupation. Under the blockade in Gaza, the choice given to them has been either to starve or to submit. Over the years, stark and disturbing evidence has made it clear that civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict and remain the prime victims in such situations.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The issue at hand is not the lack of clarity or understanding, but the inability to implement these agreed mechanisms. This is the main focus of our intervention today. As we take the floor one after another, restating or rehashing known positions or offering new ideas on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, I am sure we all realize that the world is watching us. As Gaza burns, the world is watching us. The world is watching this Council in particular with disappointment. For while this Council spends a day debating high- sounding moral principles and respect for international law, it has failed to carry out its own primary responsibility under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. For a debate of the Council on this issue, these are no ordinary circumstances.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We believe that just, peaceful and durable settlements of conflicts require above all addressing their root causes. Where conflicts have erupted, Pakistan has also contributed in tangible terms to the international community's efforts to contain and resolve those conflicts. As the leading contributor of military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations, Pakistan has played its role in restoring peace and stability and creating the overall conditions in which civilian lives can best be protected. We shall continue our contribution in that regard. There exist internationally agreed mechanisms, including international laws, rules and regulations, as well as responsibilities and obligations with regard to the question of protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“First, we would like to thank Ambassador Ripert, Ambassador Lacroix and the French delegation for convening this debate during France's presidency of the Council. We would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Holmes for his briefing. It has been almost a decade since the United Nations began to systematically approach the issue of protection of civilians in armed conflict. Pakistan has been an avid supporter of these efforts. We have always espoused the calls for a comprehensive approach and system-wide coherence in effectively addressing the challenges related to the protection of civilians in armed conflict. This approach starts with prevention, and in that regard we have always emphasized the need to fully utilize and put into practice the Charter's provisions and mechanisms for the pacific settlement of disputes.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Together with these steps, the international community must rededicate its attention and redouble its efforts towards the larger objective of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and the resolution of the Palestinian question on the basis of international law and the full implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions and agreements, the obligations of the parties and the framework provided by the Madrid terms of reference, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative. We would like to conclude by reiterating Pakistan's steadfast and complete support for the achievement of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to exercise self-determination and sovereignty in their independent, viable State of Palestine, on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“09-20163 In that regard, we support the draft resolution submitted by Libya on behalf of the Arab Group, which is also consistent with the final communique of the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) at the level of foreign ministers, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 3 January 2009. We would also like to note that, in coordination with the Arab Group, the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIC Group in Geneva has requested a special session of the Human Rights Council on 9 January to address the grave violations of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the aggression on the occupied Gaza Strip.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We support the calls for the Council to adopt, without further delay, a resolution that should compel Israel to immediately stop its aggression, demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire and its full respect by both parties, provide for a complete lifting of the siege of Gaza and opening of the border crossings, ensure unhindered and safe access and conditions for humanitarian work, establish a mechanism to ensure the protection of the civilian population and the monitoring of the ceasefire, and promote intra- Palestinian unity and reconciliation.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We believe the Council must stand firmly behind its call on the parties to fulfil their obligations and to refrain from any steps that could undermine confidence or prejudice the outcome of the negotiations. The Council must stop the Israeli aggression in order to contribute to an atmosphere conducive to peace and negotiations.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“It has failed to reciprocate the sincere and constructive approach and proposals by the Arab Group, whose high-level delegation is currently with us. Under the circumstances, the silence and the inaction of the Council are inexplicable and are a further blow to its already questioned credibility and legitimacy - a point that was repeatedly raised by many delegations in the debate yesterday. Ironically, this foot-dragging by the Council comes in the wake of its own much-touted resolution 1850 (2008), adopted recently, on 16 December 2008. While noting the shortcomings of that resolution, we had nevertheless hoped that serious and sincere efforts would be undertaken to realize the underlying commitment for peace embodied in it.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The crisis in Gaza requires an urgent, collective and effective response from the international community. It cannot wait while innocent people continue to be killed. In accordance with its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council was expected to galvanize and lead such a response. Yet the Council has once again failed to act. To be truthful, it has not been allowed to act. It has failed to recognize the international condemnation of the situation in Gaza. It has been unable to capitalize on the worldwide backing for an immediate ceasefire and to support the numerous ongoing efforts by regional and international partners to secure peace.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We believe that the use of force not only contravenes international principles and norms; it is also counterproductive, as past experience has proved. The failure to stop the aggression will only perpetuate the cycle of violence and foment desperation, anger and extremism. We take note of the reprieve in attacks, and we sincerely hope that it becomes permanent. The resumption of attacks, with the resultant civilian casualties, however, is not acceptable. From the broader perspective, we are seriously concerned that the deteriorating situation in Gaza as a result of the Israeli attacks could lead to an escalation of tensions in the region and undermine the efforts for promoting a peaceful, just and durable settlement of 10 the question of Palestine, which is the key to achieving a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Nothing has been spared - homes, civilian facilities, places of worship, civilian shelters and even United Nations schools. Indeed, in this precision targeting and so-called smart bombing, among the hundreds martyred and the thousands injured are scores of women and children. Those actions cannot be justified under any pretext whatsoever. They are in flagrant violation of international law and of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. There should be accountability for these violations. Together with the entire international community, the Government and the people of Pakistan have strongly condemned this aggression and the spilling of innocent blood in Gaza. We have appealed for the cessation of hostilities and violence and support all efforts to that end.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Those actions do not serve the Palestinian cause in any way. However, attempts to justify the overwhelming force and massively disproportionate response by Israel to those rockets are misplaced. Such attempts seem to try to mask the origins of the conflict, the root cause - that is, the occupation, human rights violations and the collective punishment of the Palestinian people - and the obvious frustration of an oppressed and deprived population languishing under the stranglehold and blockades of the occupying Power. The colossal scale of death and destruction caused by this campaign of terror especially targeted against civilians and the infrastructure in Gaza has been widely reported and documented by the international media, human rights and humanitarian organizations and the United Nations.”
2009-01-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6061Resumption1 (2009) · source