YouSaid · the spoken record

Brahimi

lines on the record: 382
first: 1992-07-15
most recent: 2021-09-07
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“In the wake of the collapse of the Soviet-backed regime in 1992, the Islamic resistance groups could not reach agreement about the nature of political authority, and engaged in a devastating and long-drawn-out civil war which destroyed the city. Many Afghans have expressed determination to avoid another round of such fighting, and hence are calling for Kabul to be demilitarized and not to be controlled by a single party. Without a credible security arrangement, however, no political settlement can be implemented. Let me say something, too, about the all- important humanitarian action, and expand on what the Secretary-General has already said. It must be recognized that, whatever the political and security scenario, a grave humanitarian crisis looms and the suffering of the civilian population is of an immense magnitude.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The Secretary-General would require several months to obtain from Member States sufficient numbers of troops to pose a credible military deterrent and, subsequently, to deploy them. Furthermore, United Nations peacekeepers have proved most successful when deployed to implement an existing political settlement among willing parties, not to serve as a substitute for one. Any security force established in the absence of a credible ceasefire agreement or political settlement, whether constituted by Afghans, international personnel or both, could quickly find itself in the role of combatant. That is not a role for Blue Helmets. The need for such security arrangements is even more urgent for Kabul. The control of the capital of the country has immense symbolic value.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The preferred option is an all-Afghan force, provided it can be fielded in a speedy, robust and credible manner. Work to establish such an all-Afghan force should start as early as possible. However, it is unlikely that it can be constituted in the near term, which suggests that serious consideration will need to be given to the deployment of a national security presence. Provided that it includes adequately trained and armed units ready to defend themselves and their mandate, such a presence could ensure security in the major city and preserve the political space in which negotiations towards the resolution of the many problems ahead could proceed. An armed United Nations peacekeeping force is not recommended.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Parachuting a large number of international experts into Afghanistan could overwhelm the nascent transitional administration and interfere with the building of local capacity. However, without genuine and lasting security, nothing will be possible, let alone the establishment of a new Government. Even in a political settlement among Afghans, parties cannot ensure security on their own. The pervasive presence of non-Afghan armed and terrorist groups with no interest in a lasting peace will necessitate the introduction of a robust security force, able to deter and, if possible, defeat challenges to its authority. There are three options for such a force, presented here in the order of desirability: first, an all- Afghan security force; secondly, a multinational force; and thirdly, a United Nations peacekeeping force.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“For the Government to be sustainable, Afghans themselves must be engaged in the creation of institutions and good governance. Working with United Nations agencies and international and local non-governmental organizations has given many Afghans wide experience in managing accountable organizations. There is also significant capacity among a new generation of Afghans in the diaspora, particularly in Iran and Pakistan. It is these Afghans who can help constitute a transitional administration which would be far more credible, acceptable and legitimate in the eyes of the country's population than a transitional administration run by the United Nations or another constellation of foreigners.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Thirdly, the provisional council would propose the composition of a transitional administration and a programme of action for the period of political transition, to last no more than two years, as well as arrangements for security. Fourthly, an emergency Loya Jirgah would then be convened to approve the transitional administration, its programme of action and its proposals for security, as well as to authorize the transitional administration to prepare a constitution. Fifthly, the transitional phase would result in the convening of a second Loya Jirgah, which would approve the constitution and create the Government of Afghanistan. The challenge in Afghanistan will be the creation of good Government. That in turn will depend on the formulation of clear and fair rules of the game, and adherence to those rules by all.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Secondly, the meeting would suggest concrete steps for the convening of a provisional council, which would be composed of a fairly large and representative group of Afghans drawn from all ethnic and regional communities. The provisional council would be chaired by an individual recognized as a symbol of national unity, around whom all ethnic, religious and regional groups could rally, and could include several deputy chairmen who would conduct its day-to-day proceedings. The credibility and legitimacy of the provisional council would be enhanced if particular attention were to be given to the participation of individuals and groups, including women, who have not been engaged in armed conflict.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“I hope that those members of the Council who are in a position to do so will encourage the leaders of the Northern Alliance, the Rome and Cyprus processes and the Peshawar Convention to meet with us at a convenient venue as soon as possible. Based on the ideas discussed widely by Afghans themselves within these various processes and other forums, the approach might follow this sequence: First, the United Nations would convene a meeting, at a venue to be determined, of representatives of the Northern Alliance and existing processes - later complemented by representatives of other groups to ensure fair representation for all parts of Afghan society - to agree on a framework for the process of political transition.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“It is essential and urgent that the efforts of the various Afghan groups be brought together into a single process. Consequently, the Secretary-General thinks that instead of continuing with shuttle diplomacy, going from one group to another in the various capitals, the need for nimbleness in finding a political solution now requires that the Northern Alliance and the representatives of the existing initiatives meet with the United Nations as early as humanly possible so that a common framework can be created and enlarged to allow for fair representation for all Afghan communities. This suggestion, made yesterday by the Secretary-General, was favourably received by the "six plus two" Ministers.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Discussions are also taking place in many other forums both inside and outside Afghanistan, including within the Cyprus process and the Peshawar Convention. In these forums, Afghans have been proposing a series of steps and mechanisms to establish a transitional administration that would pave the way for a stable Government. It is time to bring these existing initiatives into a common framework and to broaden the process in a manner that would pave the way for a stable Government. A common theme of these proposals has been the emphasis on the convening role of the United Nations in order to bring the parties together. The United Nations has been trying to help build a national consensus for many years, but as was agreed yesterday at the ministerial meeting of the "six plus two" group, time is now of the essence.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The difficulty is in securing agreement among interested parties to design a series of concrete steps to reach that goal. The bitter experience of the last 10 years shows that the solution must be carefully put together and home-grown so that it enjoys the support of all internal and external players and so that no spoilers from either inside or outside will disrupt its implementation. Afghans themselves have been talking widely about how to achieve these objectives. The discussions in Rome between the former King of Afghanistan and the representatives of the United Islamic and National Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan, commonly known as the Northern Alliance, have raised these discussions to a new level.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“It consists of the need to help the people of Afghanistan establish a responsible, representative, accountable and stable Government which enjoys internal and external legitimacy; is committed to respecting and promoting the rights of all its men, women and children; enjoys peaceful and friendly relations with all its neighbours; and is able to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be used as a breeding and staging ground for terrorists or drug-traffickers. There is agreement among Afghan parties, as well as at the level of the international community, on the goal of creating a broad-based Government that would be representative of all groups in the country, accountable to its citizens and friendly to its neighbours, and would enjoy internal and external legitimacy.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Things are changing fast on the ground, as we have seen over the past few days, especially last night and this morning, with the Northern Alliance expanding its control over territory and entering Kabul. The Secretary-General has this morning asked me to relay his instruction to Francesc Vendrell, Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, to go to Kabul immediately security conditions permit, and I have done so. The Secretary-General has also asked that assessments by made as soon as possible to allow the return of our international staff to Afghanistan as soon as possible. Such an assessment was done earlier for Faizabad and United Nations personnel are expected back there in a day or two. For the longer term, however, the fundamentals will not change and the strategic objective of our common efforts will remain the same.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“I share the View of those of its members that believe that the Group of 21 should be reactivated and reinvigorated, and we have suggested that it reconvene on Friday. The United Nations also participates in the Afghanistan Support Group convened by donor countries, the Geneva Initiative in support of peace efforts seeking to legitimize a transition through a Loya Jirgah, and other initiatives. It is essential that all these groups and any other groups that Member States may wish to form on their own develop a common constructive position with regard to Afghanistan's political future. The Security Council will naturally be at the forefront of forging this international consensus and resolve, not only through the resolutions it adopts, but, even more importantly, by the actions its members will take.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“It is therefore necessary to strengthen other mechanisms for multilateral cooperation and coordination in Afghanistan. At this juncture, serious consideration should be given to ways to better utilize a rich pool of skilled Afghans in the planning and implementation of rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. With respect to Afghanistan, the United Nations has, over the years, convened several groups of interested countries in addition to the "six plus two" group, such as the Group of 21, which is comprised of a broader group of interested countries that also have either influence or interests, or both, or that have been directly or indirectly affected by the Afghan crisis and could, either directly or indirectly, help contribute to the resolution of Afghanistan's problems.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The meeting confirmed agreement that there should be established in Afghanistan a broad- based, multi-ethnic, politically balanced, freely chosen Afghan administration representative of Afghan aspirations and at peace with its neighbours. Given the rapidly changing conditions on the ground, the group stressed the need for speed. Consensus between Afghanistan's neighbours is essential. Without it, Afghans themselves will find it extremely difficult to achieve a durable solution free from undue interference in their own affairs. Of course, Afghanistan's neighbours alone cannot help the Afghans to achieve national reconciliation and to rebuild their country. Here, the international community at large will need to make a massive commitment, politically and financially, to the long- term stability of Afghanistan.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“The two Presidents maintained that it was not a good idea for any outsiders to impose a solution on the people of Afghanistan and they shared the view that the international community should help the Afghans to find that political solution on their own because only such a home-grown solution would be credible, legitimate and sustainable. On terrorism, both Presidents emphasized the need to find political solutions that would prevent Afghanistan from being used again as a breeding and staging ground for acts of terror. They expressed regret that Afghanistan had been used far too often by people who have no interest in the well-being of the Afghan nation. Yesterday, the Secretary-General chaired a meeting of the "six plus two" group at the level of Foreign Minister.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“They also have legitimate interests in the emergence of a stable Afghanistan and, up until now, they have had ties with particular movements in the country. The Governments of Iran and Pakistan expressed a clear commitment to finding a political solution that would preserve the unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and enable Afghans to choose a broad-based Government that would enjoy domestic and international legitimacy. The Presidents of the two countries, General Pervez Musharraf and Mr. Mohammad Khatami, assured me in no uncertain terms that, because the see the establishment of a stable and representative Government accountable to all Afghans to be in their own national interests, they would like the United Nations to play a pivotal role in the process of finding a political solution.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“They are united in the belief that only a legitimate Afghan Government, representing the aspirations and interests of all the people of Afghanistan, can muster sufficient resolve and legitimacy to free Afghanistan from the grip of international terrorist groups. Realizing the challenge involved in the establishment of such a legitimate authority, all the Afghans whom we met welcomed the current global focus on Afghanistan and hoped that the international community would remain engaged in finding a lasting solution to their crisis. Iran and Pakistan have a special role in Afghanistan. Geography, history, language and religion make for deep connections between each of those two countries and Afghanistan.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Before embarking on my mission to the region on 26 October, I had the opportunity to listen to the views of the members of the Security Council on two occasions. While in Pakistan and Iran, I spoke with a wide range of Afghan groups and individuals, including women and students, as well as people still living inside Afghanistan. These conversations reconfirmed the urgency of finding a viable and durable solution to the crisis. Afghans representing diverse walks of life and shades of opinion repeatedly emphasized a common theme. They categorically condemned the terrorist attacks on the United States and the fact that Afghan territory has been used as a staging ground for terrorist activity. At the same time, they understandably expressed deep concern about the impact of the military operations on ordinary Afghan men, women and children.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Mr. Brahimi: I am deeply grateful to the Secretary-General for the opportunity to work again on Afghanistan. The challenge, as all members are aware, is enormous, but I will do my utmost to support the Secretary-General's efforts to implement the decisions made by the States Members of the United Nations in general and by the members of this body in particular. The ll September terrorist attacks on the United States of America reminded the world of the reality that a collapsed and destitute State provides fertile ground for armed groups and individuals to plan and prepare unspeakable acts of terror at home and abroad. The united international reaction to those attacks has, as a result, transformed the conditions for international action in Afghanistan.”
2001-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4414 (2001) · source
“Africa has come here to demand rapid and effective action to put an end to the shedding of innocent blood, to end the destruction and violence, and to re-establish the basis for a resumption of negotiations to bring peace and harmony to South Africa in a constitutional context, which can only be the work of South Africans themselves. The African ministerial delegation has also come before this Council to reaffirm Africa's support of the democratic forces that, regardless of racial, cultural and linguistic differences, work towards a South Africa reconciled with itself - a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. The Security Council being the body charged with ensuring respect for international law, we therefore expect its staunch support for the rights of South Africa to peace, security, democracy and freedom.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“That would bear witness to the international Organization's concern over the acts of violence that have led to the suspension of negotiations and its commitment to the resumption of the peace process leading to a democratic South Africa. With respect te the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the African delegation present here, led by my friend from Senegal, stands ready to contribute to its framework. In making this urgent appeal to the Security Council - one which my country is honored to endorse - Africa has not come to seek partisan support.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“Secondly, implementation of the resolution that calls for the dismantling of the notorious "Battalion 32", which consists of foreign mercenaries and . Specializes in brutal repression in the townships. Thirdly, purging the ranks of the police and the army of the most reactionary elements and promoting recruitment among the black majority. Fourthly, reinstatement of the ban on the bearing of arms in public places, including so-called "traditional" weapons. Fifthly, conversion of hostels into family apartments and their integration into the townships. Lastly, the Council should seriously consider inviting the Secretary-General to designate an eminent person as Special Representative for South Africa.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“How else can we justify the complaisance of the forces of law and order with respect to the bearing of so-called "traditional" arms in public places, while they themselves have proved that these are deadly weapons, used against innocent people? The South African Government, which is responsible for maintaining public order and security, must be firmly invited by the Council to exercise that responsibility without discrimination, and to set an example by charging and punishing the perpetrators of these criminal acts, But that in itself will not suffice. The Government must also address the causes of violence in that country, which have already been identified. It is up to the Security Council to call upon it to adopt the following measures: First, dissolution of private militias, which are out of control.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“rivalry within the black majority. It simply does not stand up to scrutiny. There are serious indications that hidden, powerful and well-organized forces, which have accomplices within the security services, are fostering an escalating spiral of violence, fomenting ethnic differences and inciting bloody confrontations and acts of aggression against innocent people. How else can we explain the assassination in recent months of many local leaders close to the ANC? How can we otherwise justify the impunity enjoyed by hostel inmates, the perpetrators of deadly raids against the townships, which have traditionally favored the democratic movement?”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“Mandela and de Klerk, went hand in hand with the support and encouragement offered by Africa and the entire international community. Today, that crucial movement towards peace is in jeopardy. Violence, which has affected more than 10,000 victims in four years, has fanned the flames of passion and risks derailing the entire negotiating mechanism that was so laboriously established at the end of last year. The Boipatong massacre, which Algeria has strongly condemned, exemplifies the seriousness of the situation, one that we cannot accept, for whatever reason. This process came to an end, and the Dakar summit called on the Security Council to hold an urgent meeting. I believe that the representatives in the Security Council could not f possibly be satisfied with the facile explanation given - that of ethnic .”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“International sanctions, which are still in force, have been imposed in order to isolate the South African regime and prevail upon it to undertake a negotiating process aimed at ending racial discrimination. The international pressure has finally become a determining factor. Considerable progress has been made since Mr. de Klerk came to power as the Head of the Government. First, the legal foundations of the apartheid regime have been gradually dismantled; secondly, most of the political prisoners have been released; and lastly, a promising negotiating process has been undertaken on the constitutional future of the country. This progress, which would have been impossible without the courage and the spirit of compromise shown by Messrs.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“Quite simply, it is because our Organization has for more than 40 years worked to end what is an intolerable onslaught on human dignity and a violation of human rights - namely, racial discrimination, In the General Assembly our debates on this question and the resolutions adopted there have been an invaluable contribution in bolstering the legitimate claims for equality and justice for the black majority of South Africa. It is, furthermore, this universal forum, following the sixteenth special session of the General Assembly, in 1989, which set forth the guiding principles for the peaceful elimination of apartheid and for the advent of a united, democratic and non-racial South Africa. The Security Council has spared no effort, as the repressive measures taken against the black majority have continued to be brutal and revolting.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“Djibo Ka, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Senegal, has already expounded with eloquence upon the reasons why the African Heads of State, following the Dakar Summit, called for an urgent meeting of the Security Council to be devoted to the situation in South Africa. Permit 4 me briefly to reiterate those reasons and to make clear what we as Africans expect of this convening of the Council. First of all, why this recourse to the United Nations?”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“I should also like to convey my congratulations to Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali and wish him every success in carrying out his noble task. The presence of Mr. Nelson Mandela in this Chamber symbolizes the great progress made by the South African people in its long struggle for dignity; but I also wish to mention the grave dangers now threatening South Africa. I welcome Mr. Mandela and congratulate him on his statement before the Security Council; and at the same time I reaffirm Algeria's support for and solidarity with him in his pursuit of noble and just goals at the side of his brothers in the struggle. My colleague and friend Mr.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source
“Mr. BRAHIMI (Algeria) (interpretation from Arabic): I have the distinct pleasure, on behalf of the Algerian delegation, to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. Cape Verde, the friendly country you represent, has always expressed a resolute commitment to the peoples who seek freedom and justice, and is a country with which Algeria enjoys outstanding relations. Your personal qualifications and your competence have, for a long time now, won the esteem of your colleagues at the United Nations; they guarantee that the Security Council will enjoy wise leadership. Permit me also to greet your predecessor, His Excellency Ambassador Noterdaeme of Belgium, to whom I wish to pay particular tribute for the effective manner in which he presided over the deliberations of the Security Council last month.”
1992-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3095 (1992) · source