YouSaid · the spoken record

De Mistura

lines on the record: 707
first: 2008-01-21
most recent: 2018-12-20
sittings or episodes: 34
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

“The Syrian Government has accepted, in theory, to discuss the transitional governing body at the Geneva II conference, but continues to reject the concept as unconstitutional. It is still broadly understood that, whatever the solution, it should ensure the meaningfulness and irreversibility of any transition, in a widely acceptable process, without causing an abrupt jolt, shock, trauma or catastrophe to the system in Syria. We cannot afford that. It should also include assurances for Syrian communities, the many minorities who have been threatened and the regional stakeholders. It should also have guarantees that the Syrian people, especially women, are included in the decision-making. In our Geneva consultations, we met remarkable Syrian women who have provided the most powerful concepts and analysis we have yet heard.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7497 (2015) · source
“Yet many continue also to consider that the conflict needs to be about the Arab Spring calls for change. There is a firm recognition of the fact that counter-terrorism is now definitely a priority. However, many - both Syrians and Member States - are also considering that in order to assert that type of counter-terrorism, there is a need for a credible new Government with which they can partner in that effort. While common ground exists, the question of the devolution of executive authority to a transitional body - let us be honest with ourselves - remains the most polarized element of the communique. For some, that means that the transitional governing body is an instrument to hand over power. Some political and armed opposition groups generally reject any notion of power-sharing with the current Government in Damascus.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7497 (2015) · source
“Syrians overall emphasize their own vision for a united, sovereign, independent - they are a very proud people - non-sectarian, multi-confessional, all- inclusive State with territorial integrity; and preserved but reformed State institutions, such as ministries * for as we saw in Iraq, that was the biggest problem we faced, when many institutions disappeared suddenly at the time of the change - including in the political, security and judiciary sectors, led by those who can inspire public confidence and trust. Yet there is still disagreement - the Secretary- General said it very clearly - on how to get there, much of it based on different narratives; one is the root causes of the conflict and emerging priorities. The fear of black flags over Damascus is driving many to consider reassessing their own early positions.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7497 (2015) · source
“There is thus a growing reference to the need for a managed, phased, gradual, controlled transition to avoid a repetition of what no one in the Council would like to see: the problems we have had in Libya and in Iraq. Consultations, too, have reaffirmed that most Syrians and international actors agree on what Syria should look like in general and on the relevance of the principles and content of the Geneva communique. It was three years ago, but it is still valid.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7497 (2015) · source
“It is a set of structured, separate discussions with Syrian and non-Syrian players aimed at stress-testing any willingness, if there is any, to narrow the gaps in the interpretation of the principles contained in the Geneva communique, which is still, let us be frank, the only internationally recognized framework for a settlement, even if it is still ambiguous in some parts. To date, consultations with 216 individuals, Syrian and non-Syrian, in Geneva and in capitals, reveal a generally shared sense of urgency, given in particular the recent gains made by Daesh and the Al-Nusra Front and the talk of some de facto fragmentation, radicalization and sectarianism.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7497 (2015) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I wish to thank the Secretary- General for his strong and supportive introduction to this debate. It is precisely the immensity of the human suffering as just described by the Secretary-General, and yesterday by our colleague Under-Secretary- General O'Brien, that commands us to seek out even the remotest possibility of a political solution, even if - and we heard it, sadly - the logic of assuming a military victory by anyone, which is impossible, continues, and barrel bombs and other indiscriminate weapons continue to kill Syrian civilians. On 5 May, based on instructions from the Secretary- General, we unrolled the Geneva consultations. This is a new form of avoiding getting cornered into a conference which then gets us straitjacketed.”
2015-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7497 (2015) · source
“But never have we felt alone, because the Afghans were with us, showing us the way through their own determination and resilience, and because the Council 11-6435!) and the Secretary-General were always there supporting us. That is why I want to thank the Council warmly and Why I am so happy I could be with everyone, even from a long distance, on this occasion.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Last but not least is the aspect of aid coherence, which, with the establishment of the Joint Coordination Board, has enabled UNAMA, in partnership with Afghan authorities, to have a body that can move forward on what we call the Kabul process. The Conferences in London, Kabul, Lisbon, Istanbul and, most recently, in Bonn have all been opportunities where, in serving the United Nations, I have had the privilege of seeing the process and progress moving in a good direction for Afghanistan. In conclusion, I have had moments of great satisfaction at seeing Afghan achievements moving in the right direction. We have had setbacks and terribly sad moments, especially, as can be imagined, when my colleagues and friends died in Mazar-e-Sharif.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“I also take this opportunity to thank the NATO International Security Assistance Force, European Union representatives and representatives of the regional bodies for the excellent cooperation we have had during the past two years. We have different agendas and sometimes a different focus, but we have all worked in the same direction and towards the same goals. I welcome the review. Every opportunity for revisiting what we are trying to do and should be doing in the future - as can be seen from the Mission outlined in the coming report - becomes an opportunity for us to better serve Afghans and be more effective vis-a-vis the Security Council.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“There is support for Afghan institutions, such as the Independent Electoral Commission. A regional process that has started through the Istanbul Process, and we will see those new meetings taking place next year. We have constant reminders from the human rights side of the United Nations concerning human rights for women, for civilian casualties, for those in detention, and for children. And there is a process, albeit nascent and still insufficient, for political reconciliation. But we do have the Salaam Support Group from UNAMA that will be with Mr. Kubis, supporting any process that Afghans want to lead. And we have been supporting the transition, which is moving forward in the right direction.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Jan Kubis is perfectly suited for doing even better than has been done so far. He comes with the right spirit, enthusiasm and background. I feel that, with the Council's help and the Secretary- General's guidance, we will be able to continue doing what UNAMA has been trying to do for the past two years and to respond to Afghans' needs. We heard it from Deputy Foreign Minister Ludin: the most important thing for Afghans is respect for their dignity and sovereignty while at the same time understanding their need for a partnership, and a long-lasting one. What has been done so far, I think, with the Council's guidance and support, is to help the democratic process. There is now a parliament; there are 69 women in parliament; the parliament is working; and preparations are being made for future elections when the time comes for them.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I want, as is my custom, to make only three points and one conclusion. The first point is a warm thanks to the Council for allowing me not to miss this meeting of the Security Council. I would have loved to be there today in order to present my last report to the Council in my capacity as Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and, frankly, to thank all the members of the Council warmly and shake their hands, one by one, in gratitude for what they have done in supporting the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and me during the past two years. My colleagues and I never felt for a single moment during that time that we were not supported and guided by the Council. I leave UNAMA in excellent hands, as the Council will see. Mr.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: If Minister Rassoul will allow me, I will say that both Afghanistan and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) feel highly hopeful, from what I have been hearing in this meeting. This body is providing support for the future of Afghanistan - in spite of the tragic events that have occurred - and for the work of UNAMA, as well as for continuing cooperation between the Mission and the country. That support is going to help both of us when we return to Kabul, as I will tomorrow. That would be my only comment. I would like to say a word about Lebanon, for which I have great affection as I myself was posted there. As have many other speakers, I wish to say how pleased I am to see Lebanon holding the presidency of this body. 34 (spoke in Arabic) Thank you, Mr. President.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“When I will have the honour to return here in December to deliver my last briefing in my current capacity, I hope I will be able to bring good news. The Afghans deserve nothing else.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“That is why we look forward to seeing the outcome of the 2011 consolidated appeals emergency revision, which focuses particularly on the issue of drought. With regard to combating narcotics, I will never cease to remind the Council that current efforts are not sufficient and that the issue remains serious both for the Afghans as well as, quite frankly, neighbouring countries and their people. Finally, the next three months are likely to be very challenging. From a security point of view, I am afraid, the writing on the wall is clear. We will have to endure, resist and go forward even if a pattern of security challenges is likely to emerge. We are also going to have other kinds of opportunities, such as transition, second tranche, Istanbul and Bonn.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“With respect to the review, which, as members are aware, we take very seriously - and the Afghan authorities, rightly, also take very seriously - we will continue to work to ensure that the terms of reference are satisfactory to everyone, in particular to the Afghan authorities, and work in close cooperation with them and, of course, with full respect for the Security Council mandate. On the humanitarian front, although we recognize that there are many other areas in the world where humanitarian priorities require the Council's attention, we believe that the drought is an issue of concern. The humanitarian community, together with the Afghan authorities, will need to keep a close eye on the situation since, in addition to insecurity, the drought may produce food shortages.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“That also means that another important element, the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, which is basically a special window of financial support for the short-term funding of key national priority programmes, is looking much more positive. Additional funds are required, but already many countries have indicated that they will continue to fund it while waiting for the cloud to totally disappear. In that context, I think that, along with my friend the Minister of Finance, we are likely to be able to co-chair and convene a joint coordination and monitoring board, which is a kind of common board between the Government of Afghanistan and the international community on joint economic activities, which has been suspended during this period. We hope to do this in November, before the Bonn conference.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Nothing is perfect - of course, nothing is perfect anywhere, not only in Afghanistan - but there is movement in the right direction, and we feel that the cloud is moving away. On the issue of the Kabul Bank, we see light, strong light coming from behind the cloud, to the point where sometimes it does not even look like a cloud, frankly. There is a possibility of seeing an agreement in principle on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, and we believe that can be reached through the ongoing negotiations. An IMF technical mission will arrive in Kabul tomorrow, 30 September, and stay there for 10 days to finalize discussions. The IMF Board meting is scheduled for mid-November.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“The first cloud is dissipating thanks to a very courageous and wise decision by President Karzai. Indeed, the Independent Electoral Commission was recognized as the final authority on electoral issues, as in any other part of the world where democracy is moving in the right direction. We have therefore come to the conclusion of a difficult but probably useful trip related to the electoral process. I believe that we will be on a much smoother path for the next elections, whenever they take place, because recognizing that the Independent Electoral Commission is the final authority is a very good starting point for future elections and for the democratic process of the separation of powers in Afghanistan, like anywhere else. So there is good movement in the right direction.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“By that time we will also have had other meetings in other forums where the Afghan authorities and the International Security Assistance Force will make clear their views on how to substantially, we hope, increase the transition momentum; promote support beyond 2014, because they need to feel that they will not be abandoned once again; and facilitate whatever progress has been made, hopefully in the direction of reconciliation. There were clouds on the horizon last time I had the honour and the privilege of meeting with Council members here. The first cloud was the electoral follow- up and the parliamentary crisis, and the other was related to the Kabul Bank. I do not wish to be perceived as overly optimistic, but I think that I am honest enough to tell the Council that both clouds are dissipating.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Only trust among Afghanistan and its neighbours and trust among individuals can create an atmosphere in which private investment becomes more active and thrives, as we hope it will. We are looking forward to the Bonn conference, to be held on 5 December. It has the potential to have a historic impact, although, as always, we should be cautious in our expectations; but our hopes are very high. This will be a crucial opportunity for assessing the transition, which is moving ahead.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“We believe that the upcoming preparatory meeting in Oslo, to be held in two days' time, will ensure that there is a clear idea among regional players and others about the possibility of brainstorming on this issue, so that we can come up with a stronger declaration, or something along those lines, in Istanbul, and possibly some type of follow-up structural approach in order to ensure that whatever is discussed in Istanbul does not remain just a statement. UNAMA encourages and supports those efforts, of which it is a part, while, of course, recognizing the strong leadership of the two co-chairs, particularly Afghanistan and Turkey. We support all initiatives, including the New Silk Road, that are in the interest of Afghanistan, its neighbours and the broader region, in areas where we should be investing our attention.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Afghanistan feels, and we share those feelings, that it should not be the subject of but the catalyst for this conference, at which the region can discuss concrete, not theoretical, ways to develop confidence- building measures aimed at addressing common challenges. A great deal of constructive work has been done already, particularly on the economic side. I think that is what the Istanbul conference aspires to address, in keeping with the wishes of the Afghan people. We want to thank the Turkish authorities for their hospitality and their vision in offering this opportunity to address political and security issues as well as economic ones.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the upcoming conferences, particularly the two that I mentioned, are not ceremonial - we know that they are not going to be ceremonial - but complementary, substantive and forward-looking. 3 The Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan, to be held on 2 November, will be an important rendezvous that we hope will represent an opportunity for representatives of the region to gather in Istanbul with the intent of setting in motion measures to establish what is being defined as a benign regional order, one in which Afghanistan and its neighbours will exchange mutual assurances aimed at creating a stable and prosperous heart ofAsia.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“And when such progress takes place, we should acknowledge it, as in the case of the very encouraging improved regulation on women's shelters, which could potentially go a long way towards protecting Afghan women and girls, who often have been at risk of violence and abuse. Today we are having an important meeting at a very sad and important moment in Afghan history. This is one of the meetings being held in preparation for two crucial meetings that will be convened later this year, one in Istanbul and the other in Bonn. We hope that they will be an opportunity for a collective determination to support and reassure the Afghan Government and people that we will be with them in the long run.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“We are increasingly concerned about the rising number of casualties and the use of certain tactics, particularly by the Taliban and by the insurgents, because - and we have been seeing this - they are indiscriminately targeting the civilian population. Errors still occur, but there is an improvement in the right direction; however, the need for a surge in the protection of civilians needs to be our constant focus. The Afghan State, which has done a great deal, must continue to distinguish itself by putting respect for universal human rights at the centre of its own policies and practices, including in the treatment of prisoners and detainees, an area in which we have already seen substantial and encouraging movement in the right direction.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“In doing so, he saved many lives, including those of his own team. These are the types of incidents that make us foreigners in Kabul feel that it is not mere rhetoric to say that the Afghan National Police is growing in the respect it enjoys from the people and in the fulfilment of its functions. The human cost in terms of the lives of average Afghans is still too high, as President Karzai is constantly reminding us. While security incidents, and certainly military incidents, may be fewer in number- and there is no question about that, as compared with the past - the overall level of civilian casualties, is still, unfortunately, too high; even one civilian casualty is one too many.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“They have been showing that they are capable of taking on more security responsibilities and of becoming more self- sustaining. That is why, in spite of all these incidents, the transition is going forward. Recent security incidents, while regrettable due to the loss of life, have also shown the increased ability of the Afghan national security system to manage such incidents in a controlled and proportionate manner. I shall give another personal example of that, if I may. In August, among the many attacks that had taken place, there was an attack in Abdul Haq Square that lasted several hours. On that occasion, a Lieutenant Colonel who was the chief police officer in the area embraced the suicide attacker who was moving 11-52328 towards the people in the square; he exploded with him and died.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“That is why we wish to praise and commend the timely convening of a recent conference on the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme in Kandahar, which offered an opportunity to further promote reintegration, particularly in the South where, in all frankness, there has been less progress than in the northern part of the country. Furthermore, regarding the Programme, we should remain vigilant in ensuring a proper and rigorous vetting mechanism. Our memories of the tragic events in Kandahar, along with our experience in Mazar-e-Sharif and now with Mr. Rabbani, remind us of how important vetting can and should be. On a positive note with respect to the Afghan National Police and the Afghan National Army, we have noticed increasing positive progress in the development of both institutions.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“At the national level and as proof of its continued commitment to searching for peace, we support the Afghan Government and hope that it will proceed with the swift appointment of an authoritative voice not to replace Mr. Rabbani - who is not replaceable - but to persist in the efforts he led within the High Peace Council. Peace efforts are also very much about redressing local grievances. Here, I should like to pay my respects to and single out Minister Stanekzai, who is a friend to whom we wish a swift recovery from his wounds. His efforts to advance the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme as a critical process at the local level have been crucial and need to continue as a dispute resolution mechanism, in addition to other, similar mechanisms.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“That serves as a reminder to all of us that the Afghan Government and people, with the support of others like us, will eventually be able to work together to find a peaceful solution to their problems. There is no alternative to a political solution. There is a window of opportunity, albeit very narrow and clearly fragile, for talks to begin, and we need to pursue it. Peace is not an event but a process that, if it is to be sustainable and deliver lasting results, must be broad-based and include Afghans from all walks of life, including civil society. The priority must continue to be a dialogue among and led by Afghans themselves, 11-52328 with non-Afghans like us playing a supporting role, if and when required.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“The death of Mr. Rabbani is not the end of the peace process. That has been said by many Afghans, in particular the highest authorities of the country. This is a moment for the Afghans to recalibrate - a moment that calls for national unity among the leaders and people of Afghanistan as they again endure another tragic loss. I myself was recently invited to a showing of an Afghan film celebrating the achievements of four young Afghans who, with no previous experience and without the support of outsiders, were able to overcome the highest physical obstacle in Afghanistan to become the first team of Afghans to stand on the top of Mount Noshaq, the highest mountain in the country.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“That was said recently by President Karzai himself. It remains unclear who was behind this attack. As Mr. Rabbani's son said at the funeral in Kabul, we must continue to work for peace - the same peace that Mr. Rabbani had started and to which he had committed himself and sacrificed his life in his role as Chairman of the High Peace Council. History shows that reconciliation efforts are particularly vulnerable to attack when they start to gain traction and precisely for that reason. In recent years, there has been increased interest shown by many relevant parties in the idea of a peace process. Under Mr. Rabbani's leadership, the High Peace Council in fact started to generate a form of dialogue that was definitely needed to address the trust deficit before talks could become more concrete. The road to peace is never smooth. We know that.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I thank Minister Rassoul for being with us today. His presence sends a strong signal at a time when, as the Lebanese presidency has reminded us, Afghanistan is going through a terrible time. His presence reminds us of the departure of Mr. Rabbani, and we need to hear from him about how Afghanistan will once again confront a difficult moment. We meet today at a sad moment indeed for the people of Afghanistan. The recent killing of former President and head of the High Peace Council, Mr. Rabbani, who was a friend to many of us and 2 highly respected by us all, was a shock to all of us. But Afghanistan and the Afghans have shown so many times over thousands of years the capacity to recover again and again from tragic and sad losses, and we know and feel that their resolve in the search for peace will not be deterred.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Mr. De Mistura: I have three brief points. First, I thank Council members for all their comments. We have taken due note of the comments, advice and support offered by each member of the Security Council and beyond. Secondly, on behalf of all my 900-plus colleagues, I also wish to thank all participants for their very kind and warm words regarding the sacrifice that my colleagues are making and the sad events that took place in Mazar-e-Sharif. It does help. 32 Lastly, I believe that Ambassador Tanin and I will bring back to Kabul a strong message of support and of the consistent interest and engagement of the international community in Afghanistan. I think that that will help us during the difficult months ahead leading up the Istanbul Conference and Bonn.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“But there is also a message, which we must be certain the Afghans hear, that 2014 will not be 1989. They are worried, and rightly so, that for the third time during their recent history they will be graciously abandoned by the international community. I know that is not our intention and certainly not that of the United Nations or UNAMA, We are going to review our footprint. We will review the way that we must work, because transition is taking place everywhere. But we will be there - if everything is there and if the Afghans want us - for a long time. And I think that, from the international point of view, we need to constantly reassure the Afghans of that. That will help them to pass through the transition in this difficult period.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The second position is that, indeed, the judiciary has the right to prosecute anyone who has committed a crime, but not to change the outcome of elections, and that the solution must be an Afghan solution and a political solution, but not a judicial solution. We are hopeful and will continue to work on behalf of the Council, together with the Afghan authorities, to avoid prolongation of that institutional crisis. Afghanistan needs checks and balances; it needs a Parliament, an executive and a judiciary that all work together. At the moment there is a cloud, but since I am an optimist, I am not expecting much rain, yet, on that issue. The last point I will make, with the Council's permission, is a message. This is a transition period in every sense.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“Therefore, serious attention is being focused at the moment. The same applies to the issue with which the Council is very familiar - the parliamentary crisis. We were hoping that would not take place 10 months after the elections and six months after the President had solemnly inaugurated the Parliament. We would then have been going through an election that, while imperfect, would be handled by the Afghan institutions during a continued political process. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. A special court has indicated that 61 members of Parliament should perhaps leave their positions. There is a current tension, as the Council is aware. Our position is the position of the Security Council - 22 December. We will not change it.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“I do not need to remind the Council of that, but it is an important issue that is, in a way, an obstacle to progress at the moment on the JCMB and even to the follow-up to the Kabul Conference. That issue is not the Council's responsibility, but that of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF is engaged and, to be fair to Minister Zakhilwal, eight out of the 10 indicators that were requested to be deployed in order to reassure the international community and the IMF have been addressed, but two remain. We hope and have been contributing to drawing the attention of the IMF to the possible consequences of an Afghan default, so to speak, which is not imminent if that is not approved but is certainly of concern. At the same time, Kabul Bank is a serious issue to the Afghan authorities - $800 million is not something to gloss over.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“It is one of our own stars, trying to show the Afghan people that we will not abandon them at any time, as well as actually providing food to more than 6 million children. At the moment, it has had to substantially reduce the number of beneficiaries due to a lack of resources. I draw attention to that because it is an important issue for all. Aid coherence is crucial, and it is also important to recognize that there is a body for aid coherence. It is called the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB). The JCMB is the best body; there is no need to invent a new one. The United Nations specializes in creating new bodies, so I would be reluctant to suggest one. Rather, the JCMB should be reinforced. The JCMB has the possibility and potential to deal with aid coherence. But there is a cloud - it is the Kabul Bank.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We count on them to be able to defend what has been achieved by women in Afghanistan, but we remain worried about the reports we are getting about the many cases of concern, such as the judiciary sometimes punishing women when they move out of their homes or decide not to marry. The same thing obviously applies to the issue of children. There have been cases of children used as suicide bombers. There have been cases of children being attacked in a way that has drawn the attention of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. On the humanitarian side, there is one area to which I need to draw the Council's attention. At the moment, the welfare programme is having a difficulty with resources.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We have been telling them that there is a way to avoid that - by not hurting civilians. This has also had an impact on the interventions of the International Security Assistance Force and NATO, particularly air raids. I know that the errors that have been made are increasingly drawing the attention of the United States and NATO authorities, whereas the horrors that the Taliban have been perpetrating in many places - such as the recent attacks on the bank and a hospital - have also drawn attention, and they are annoyed by that. We hope that this will help everyone, and the Taliban in particular, to understand that there is a moment when the popular support that they believe they enjoy is being affected by the level of civilian casualties they have been causing. The issue of women is still very important. We have 69 women in Parliament.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The particular fear of my colleagues in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to which I draw the Council's attention, is that the narco-economy may then become more appealing to some Afghans. There is therefore an important need for us not to forget that aspect, which as Council members know is substantively affecting not only Afghanistan but also, again, its neighbours. That leads me to the issue of human rights. If there is one area where I believe the United Nations will be remembered in Afghanistan, it is probably the way it has held the fort and raised high the flag about the need to respect human rights. That is why the civilian casualties report is so important and has been a major irritant, frankly, particularly to the Taliban, who have told us many times that it is hurting them.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“Having travelled in the region, I recognize that it is still an issue that we believe would be better resolved with clarity before Istanbul. We hope it will. There have been statements issued by the United States authorities - even from the highest levels in the Pentagon - trying very rightly to offer reassurance in that regard, but some additional homework would probably help to dissipate that cloud. That leads me to another issue - counternarcotics. At a time of possible gradual changes of focus on the part of the international community in Afghanistan, there is a concern that the so-called economic environment will be changing. That is proven by facts. The military drawdown will also reduce the impact of everything that is financially linked to a substantial military presence.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“So while we are looking at these events with concern, we are also hopeful that this type of bilateral discussion will be a move in the right direction. There is another issue that is important in the context of the regional environment, and that is the concern of some regional neighbours over the ongoing ambiguity about the nature of the strategic pact or understanding that may be discussed between the Afghan authorities and, in particular, the United States. Some countries have been very concerned about the possibility of permanent, large foreign bases in Afghanistan. We have been trying to reassure everyone that this does not actually seem to be the case and that it is actually up to the Afghan authorities to reassure the neighbours about the real nature of whatever strategic agreement may be reached.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“All that may be on the table by the time of the Istanbul meeting, but we are certainly working seriously with the Afghan and Turkish authorities and all participants, regional and beyond, to get something moving in that regard. There is no question that, at the moment, there are some clouds related to regional understandings, such as that currently prevailing on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This should not be overly dramatized and should, frankly, be left to the Afghans and Pakistanis to discuss. They have recently held very constructive and useful meetings, both in Islamabad and in Afghanistan, and they will be neighbours forever. We will be there for a while, but they will always be there.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We had a very good and constructive meeting in Kabul, where, apart from other major issues related to transition, Deputy Foreign Minister Ludin came up with an initiative that we are planning to support. The initiative will seek to determine whether we may come to some understanding in Istanbul on stability, along the lines of what was done in the Balkans some time ago or during the Helsinki process. In other words, it will seek something in writing that reassures all sides about mutually reinforced stability. That would make more sense, of course, if there were also a mechanism to support it and a financial trust fund for regional incentives.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“That is why, over the past few months, we have been looking with great satisfaction and interest at the substantial increase in bilateral, trilateral and multilateral meetings, from the Shanghai process to the several meetings that have taken place between the Afghan, Pakistani and United States authorities. The same applies to the meetings taking place in Istanbul, in which Iran was included in addition to Pakistan and Afghanistan. We therefore hope and believe that the Istanbul meeting to take place on 2 November will be quite an opportunity for this to be addressed. As members of the Council know, there is an international contact group. It is informal, but is growing in its impact and influence.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“But having it ready in order to attract and respond to possible changes is very important, and the proof is that figure of 1,800. We have some concerns and are working on how to ensure that there is sufficient vetting. I must share with the Council the fact that one of the preliminary indicators of the attack in Mazar-e-Sharif was that three out of the five people who violently and brutally killed my colleagues were actually reintegrated ex-Taliban. That shows, first of all, that we need to be very careful about vetting and that none of this is waterproof until there is a final reconciliation. My next point is that, regardless of whether or not reconciliation takes place, without a regional context it will never be totally sustainable.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We, together with UNICEF, will continue studying the situation; if this is a trend, we will recognize it as a confidence-building measure. But it needs to be verified. There is one area that I think we need to refer to when we talk about reconciliation. That is reintegration. The institutional architecture is there, and all members of the Council have contributed substantially - some very substantially - to actually making sure that this is a real and well-prepared eventuality. So far, there has been some traction and momentum. More than 1,800 people are currently in the programme. But challenges exist. First of all, it is clear that until real reconciliation takes place, it will be very difficult to see major momentum.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source