YouSaid · the spoken record

Eide

lines on the record: 184
first: 2005-10-24
most recent: 2013-04-17
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“Sexual violence, including threats of sexual violence, can have far-reaching effects, not only for those affected and their families but also for the wider communities and future prospects for peace and reconciliation. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without inclusive processes in which women's agency and contributions are fully recognized. We strongly commend the tireless work of civil society organizations in continuing to advance women's participation and bringing their voices from the ground to the fore of international peace and security. Promoting and supporting the broad women and peace and security agenda is a priority for the Nordic Governments. It is part of our joint efforts to foster gender equality and international peace and security. We are convinced that the two are closely linked.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The agreed conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women also call for the provision of such life-saving services. Girls and women who have been raped during war should not be forced to continue unwanted pregnancies. For some victims of rape, undergoing a dangerous abortion is the only alternative to a life of shame, isolation and hardship, or even honour killings. The rehabilitation of victims will not be possible unless they have access to comprehensive services. That includes access to health, justice and reparations. As long as survivors have little or nothing to gain from reporting sexual violence and coming forward, under- reporting will continue and impunity will prevail.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“In that connection, the Nordic countries urge Council members, first, to include the women and peace and security agenda in all the relevant Council resolutions and mandates and to put the issue on the agenda of visits to missions. Secondly, we must ensure that the resolutions on women and peace and security are not only part of Security Council's debates but also have real impact on the ground and that commitments are followed up. Thirdly, we call on the Security Council to continue to combat impunity for crimes of sexual violence and to use its unique power to increase the pressure through targeted sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence. The Nordic countries warmly welcome the Secretary-General's call for emergency contraception and safe abortion to be included in the responses and services to survivors.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“One glaring example is Syria, where the Government continues to demonstrate its utter failure to protect its own citizens. The use of sexual violence and rape by warring parties in Syria has been reported by the independent international commission of inquiry, as well as by numerous human rights organizations. As thousands of civilians flee from war-torn Syria every day, the world is watching in horror as history repeats itself. As long as the permanent members of the Security Council remain divided, gross human rights violations are allowed to continue with impunity. In his report, the Secretary-General makes a number of important recommendations to the Security Council on combating impunity.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The Nordic countries welcome the comprehensive approach it takes, covering both protracted crises and emerging concerns. Its attention to sexual violence against men and boys, the practice of forced marriage and the plight of children born as a result of wartime rape is valid and timely. The Nordic countries commend the work of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, and particularly welcome her efforts to foster national leadership, build capacity and hold Governments accountable. During conflict it is national Governments that have the main responsibility to protect civilians, whether from more conventional methods of warfare or from conflict- related sexual violence. All too often they fail to do so.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“I have the honour to address the Council on behalf of the Nordic countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. Security threats against women are often dismissed as belonging to the private sphere or are written off as cultural issues. But let us be clear, conflict-related sexual violence can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, and, in the most extreme cases, an act of genocide. We must respond with the same sense of urgency as we do to other threats against peace and security. We must recognize the need for the participation of both women and men in preventing and solving conflict and, not least, in building sustainable peace. The report before us (S/2013/l49) is a catalogue of violence, rape, atrocities and torture.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“I have set out a political agenda that I believe is required to turn around the current negative trends. I am convinced that these trends can be turned around and that the conflict can be brought to an end in a way that serves the Afghan people and stability in a wider sense. But that will require discipline by all, constant efforts to give Afghans more of the responsibility for their own country and a commitment to a long-term partnership with the people who will continue to need our support.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“On top of that come the new posts provided through the 2010 budget, which will push the vacancy rate even higher. The new recruitment system put in place in July 2009 simply has not worked. In many cases it does not offer the kind of staff that UNAMA needs. In every case it has been far too slow. A11 vacancy announcements have been closed, meaning that people who have recently become interested in coming to Afghanistan are not able to apply. This is, in my view, a result of systemic flaws that affect not only UNAMA, but all peacekeeping missions and special political missions and, if not corrected, will threaten their effectiveness and possibly even worse. This is, as you said, Sir, my last briefing as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“I am grateful for the support of the Secretary-General and Member States in that respect. At the same time, we are facing a crisis in recruitment that jeopardizes the future of the Mission. When I took over UNAMA in March 2008, its vacancy rate stood at 30 per cent. By working with the Department of Field Support we were able to reduce that rate to 12 per cent, which is very, very good. Unfortunately, I have no such good news at this juncture. The number of staff members who left the Mission in the last six months of 2009 stands at 50, mainly due to security concerns and understandable fatigue. The number of staff members who have been hired by UNAMA during the same time period is five. The vacancy rate at the end of last year was around 25 per cent.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Success in our long-term partnership will depend on consulting more, listening more and demonstrating greater understanding for a society that needs our assistance but also demands our respect. We have to learn the pulse of Afghan society, which is very different from our own. UNAMA has been through some difficult months. UNAMA's staff consists of dedicated, knowledgeable and brave people. The terrible attack against the Bakhtar guest house was traumatic and illustrated that the United Nations is today more a target of attacks. But it also demonstrated the strength and solidarity of those who work for the United Nations in Afghanistan. Every effort is being undertaken to ensure that we can all continue our work, with safety and security for United Nations staff.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Military activities, civilian casualties, house searches and detention policies are sources of recruitment for the insurgency. In the Afghan context, what affects one individual in a village affects everyone there. I am pleased to see General McChrystal's efforts to reduce the number of such incidents and to demonstrate greater respect for Afghan sensitivities. The military surge will certainly make that challenge even more difficult. However, whether we are military or civilian, we must better understand the Afghan context and Afghan society. Even among ordinary Afghans who want our presence - and they are the majority - there are many who resent what they see as disrespect for their religion, their culture and their values.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Finally, since this meeting is my last before the Council, I think it is important for me to emphasize a fundamental aspect of our international approach to Afghanistan. There is a tendency in the international community to shape strategies, make decisions and operate on the ground in a way that Afghans perceive as disrespectful and sometimes arrogant. Afghans do sometimes feel that their country is treated as a no- man's land and not as a sovereign State. That perception contributes to unnecessary and dangerous tensions between the Afghan Government and the international community. It fuels suspicions of unacceptable foreign interference and breeds a sense of humiliation. I cannot emphasize strongly enough the need to bring this phenomenon to an end.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“The Secretary- General's report explains in some detail the approach that we took. But I want to emphasize here and now how fragile the political situation was in the aftermath of the first round. Significant economic resources left the country in anticipation of political instability. The number of visa applications rose dramatically for the same reason. The possibility of serious instability and violence was avoided through a careful handling of the process until the very last minute. The international community stood together, I must say, under United Nations leadership, and the Afghan political actors behaved responsibly and with respect for the Constitution. Those were important achievements and must not be underestimated.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Should Afghan authorities make use of that provision, then elections could be held later in the year, but in a way that still respects the Afghan legal system. In terms of reform, the President has expressed his intention to Afghanize the election process. I would support that position - as long as it results in elections that are considered to be fair and impartial by the Afghan public. During the last elections there was widespread fraud, which demonstrated the weakness of electoral institutions and a difficult security situation. There was also a perception of international interference, which I will say undoubtedly also occurred, before and after election day. Both must be eliminated in future electoral processes. Let me add a few words about the presidential elections that are now behind us.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Any institution, including the United Nations, can go only so far in successfully coordinating all actors. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that elections for the next parliament will take place on 22 May, in accordance with the Constitution. I certainly cannot criticize the IEC or any of the prominent politicians who were consulted for respecting the Constitution, which represents the foundation for all orderly political activity. There are technical reasons that will make it challenging to keep this timeline. Security remains a major concern, and the presidential elections demonstrated a need for reform of electoral institutions. Article 55 of the electoral law gives the IEC the right to postpone elections on the basis of security, financial or technical considerations.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“I have repeatedly - boring some, both here and in the capitals - emphasized the importance of not concentrating resources only in the south and the east, but also investing in the centre and the north of the country. That has not happened, however. Before leaving for New York, I asked a number of prominent Afghan politicians why the insurgency has spread over the last few years. There is no simple answer, but one element mentioned by all was the neglect of stable provinces in the allocation of development resources. For that neglect, we now have to pay a high price. However, with regard to coordination, I should add that there are limitations. With hundreds of donors, agencies and non-governmental organizations, there are limitations in Afghanistan, as there would be in any other country.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“These proposals are based on a continued United Nations coordination umbrella, with all of us working more closely under Afghan leadership. This plan will integrate officials of key donors into UNAMA's coordination structures, thereby ensuring that we are constantly plugged into donors' planning processes and can influence them at an early stage. However, these efforts must also be accompanied by greater efforts within the International Security Assistance Force to bring provincial reconstruction teams in line with Government plans and gradually transfer civilian projects carried out within the framework of military institutions to civilian structures. This coordination must now have a nationwide perspective.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“There has been some political progress over the last few years. I believe the international community speaks with one voice in important political matters. The Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board reforms that the United Nations initiated in 2008 have yielded a more effective coordination mechanism. Together with the Afghan Government, we have also been able to identify key priorities more clearly and develop critical initiatives in areas such as agriculture and capacity-building. The next challenge is to align donor resources behind these priorities, and there are some positive and promising signs that this is actually happening. But we need stronger coordination instruments. I have therefore, with the Minister of Finance, put together proposals that we believe will be an important step forward.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“With these challenges ahead of us, it is important for all, and first of all the Afghan people, that a strong and reform-oriented Government be put in place without further delay. The parliament's rejection of 17 candidates last week was a setback because it prolongs a situation where Afghanistan is without an established and functioning Government. This is particularly serious, of course, in a country in conflict, with so many challenges that need to be urgently addressed. At the same time, of course, parliament demonstrated that it is far from a rubber-stamping body. Soon the President will present new candidates, and it is my strong hope that parliament will then be able to consider those candidates as quickly as possible. The Secretary-General mentioned further improved coordination mechanisms, which are important.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“I have said before that I am ready to meet anybody, anywhere, if it can serve the purpose of peace. I believe that is the role of the United Nations whenever the Afghan Government seeks our support, and within the framework of our mandate. So these are, in my view, the key components of the political agenda. The London Conference can endorse a number of decisions, particularly in the security sector. In other areas, the London Conference should provide a road map for the time between London and Kabul so that, at the Kabul Conference, we can aim at having fundable projects ready in order to give momentum to the strategy of transition and contribute to turning the current negative trends around.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“The country has Asia's largest iron ore deposits and a number of other exploitable minerals. The United Nations and the Government have together identified transportation networks and energy supplies as top priorities for starting mining projects that would provide real economic growth. And, finally, a peace and reconciliation process must be launched and become an integrated part of the political agenda. It must be based on the Constitution and be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led; and if the insurgency were to agree to join a peace process, that would significantly enhance the prospect of troop withdrawals. However, by joining a peace process, the insurgents must also distance themselves from the past and embrace the future, as well as the progress that has been achieved over the past few years.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“These are serious imbalances, and we must all take our share of the responsibility to correct them, because it is important for the development of Afghanistan's economy. Thirdly, the critical sector of agriculture continues to be seriously underfunded, in spite of the fact that at least 80 per cent of the population is dependent on that sector, and in spite of the fact that it was identified as a key priority in The Hague and, before that, in Paris. Some even say that, in light of its impact on poverty reduction, job creation and revenue collection, the development of agriculture will decide whether the country fails or succeeds. Fourthly, infrastructure remains a neglected sector in spite of rich mineral resources that could be exploited, provide huge income and employ tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of people.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“It will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to implement an ambitious institution-building programme, but it is the best investment we can make in Afghanistan's future. Today, the Government lacks the delivery mechanisms in terms of substantive national institutions able to provide services. Our main challenge must be to develop these tools and to expand the reach of the Government, instead of continuing to rely on parallel international structures that one day will be withdrawn. Secondly, as to human resource development, the education system is seriously unbalanced, as I think I have also mentioned. I think I mentioned before that, today, the number of young girls and boys in primary school is 7 million, but there is room for only 60,000 of them in universities and 20,000 in vocational education.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“It is a question of training and education, of infrastructure and incentives. Soon the Civil Service Institute in Kabul and 32 provinces will have the ability to train 16,000 officials in key bureaucratic skills. At the moment, 1,700 young men and women from all provinces are being trained as future administrators in the National Institute for Management and Administration. Thus, the institutions exist, but they are fragile and underfunded. Furthermore, we need attractive incentives to ensure that young people who are trained by the Government also go to work for the Government, and that young people who come from the provinces and districts return to the provinces and districts. Today, a district governor earns $70 a month. Half of them have no dedicated office, and they normally have an operating budget of $15 per month.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“It must not lead to increased pressure for quick results in governance and economic development efforts, which would divert resources from a long-term approach to civilian institution-building and economic growth. Furthermore, it must not lead the military to expand its engagement in key civilian areas such as those I have mentioned. That could result in a situation where the international community becomes more entrenched rather than one where the Afghans are more empowered. Let me outline what I see as the components of a political strategy, some of which I have touched on before around this table. First of these is a systematic approach to the building of civilian institutions. This is not only a question of not appointing corrupt officials, although anti-corruption will be an important part of the effort.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Less than 10 per cent of total aid has been provided to the Government, but only a quarter of that amount is not earmarked for a specific activity in the budget. The situation has improved somewhat over the past year, but only somewhat, and remains basically the same as I have just indicated. These figures do not demonstrate a mindset whereby Afghans are allowed to take the lead. To me, the London and Kabul conferences represent critical opportunities to agree on a politically driven strategy in which Afghan ownership and Afghan capacity stand at the centre of all our activities. The military surge must not be allowed to undermine equally important civilian objectives and the development of this politically driven strategy.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“What we need is a strategy that is politically and not militarily driven. For years there has been a consensus, at least in rhetoric, that this conflict cannot ultimately be solved by military means. However, most of our focus has nonetheless been on the number and activities of military forces. The political strategy is too often shaped as an appendix to military thinking. For years there has also been a consensus, at least in rhetoric, that the process of Afghanization must be accelerated. However, structures that parallel the Afghan Government have not been reduced, and according to the last donor financial review from the Afghan Government, 80 per cent of aid to Afghanistan has been provided through bilateral projects, bypassing the Government.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“The London Conference should endorse those decisions. It should also signal an acceleration of the training and mentoring of the Army and a gradual transfer of authority from the international to the Afghan security forces. That will be the first step in a new transition strategy that can allow Afghans to be in charge of their future. However, as the Secretary-General also pointed out, this transition strategy must include key civilian areas and the systematic build-up of civilian institutions to enable the Government to deliver services to its people, and the development of the Afghan economy to enable the Government to pay for those services when international aid is reduced. If we do not take these civilian aspects of the transition strategy as seriously as we do the military, then we will fail.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“If these negative trends 10-20219 are not reversed - and reversed soon - there is a risk that they, in combination, will become unmanageable. As the Secretary-General pointed out, the political calendar has been set, with the London Conference to take place in three weeks from now and the Kabul conference later this year. Now, we have to get the political agenda right - or rather, quite frankly, return to the political priorities set in The Hague and in Paris. We have lost valuable time, especially in the past six months, when the protracted election process has diverted energy from pursuing the priorities we had set. The London Conference will focus mainly on security issues. On 23 January, the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board in Kabul will decide on the increase in the police force and on a reform programme for the police.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Mr. Eide: Let me first express my gratitude to the Secretary-General for being here and for his very kind words. On this very day nine years ago, the United Nations undertook its post-Taliban engagement in Afghanistan, and I believe that, together, we have achieved quite a lot in that time in the areas of education, health, building State institutions and so on. But I must also say that today, nine years later, I am worried about negative trends. I am worried about the growing impatience of public opinion in the donor and troop-contributing countries. I am worried about increasing frustration among the Afghan public over what they see as expectations that have not been met. And I am worried about the difficulties experienced by the international and Afghan forces in putting the insurgency on the defensive.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“He said that he was grateful for the role that I had played with regard to the election process. I must say here that in the very complex period we have been going through - and this is really a very positive sign - there has been full harmony between my View and those of ambassadors around this table and of others in the diplomatic community in Kabul. That has certainly facilitated our dialogue with Afghan authorities.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“My general comment is that in Bagram the new facility being built is a tremendous step in the right direction. With regard to the Afghan facilities, I would say that they are in many ways miserable. The reason for that is clear - it is a lack of resources. They do not have them. If we, the donors, were able to provide more resources, much could be done in that respect. We are suffering from a lack of resources not only for the actual facilities, but also for the justice system. That, of course, makes it even more difficult to handle things the way we should. I appeal to donors to provide more resources, and I know that those responsible in the Afghan Government are in full agreement with me in this respect. Finally, even though the French Ambassador did not ask me a question, I would like to comment on something he said.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“I really must say that the efforts being made now by General McChrystal are impressive, and I have also seen over the past few weeks how the level of civilian casualties has gone down. There has been one serious, unfortunate incident, but apart from that, the trend of the past few weeks is actually in the right direction. I commend General McChrystal on his efforts. His thinking on this is identical to mine. With regard to detention centres, I have visited a number of them and intend to continue to do so. There are three reasons for that. One is to see the physical conditions under which detainees live; the second is to make sure that there is a possibility for detainees to inform and keep in touch with their families; and the third, of course, has to do with the possibility of recourse in the justice system.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“Mr. Eide: Two or three issues were raised that I would like to comment on briefly. The first relates to the comment made by the representative of the United Kingdom about the expansion of our offices. Just to give a quick response, I hope that over the next very few months we will be able to open four more offices in provinces where it is possible to operate. There are some provinces where we are asked to go unarmed but where most people do not want to go even armed, so that is not our priority. After that, further offices will really depend on Council members and many others giving us the resources we require. The second issue relates to the comment by the Libyan Ambassador on civilian casualties.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“The United Nations has, I believe, expanded its efforts in accordance with its mandate, not least in the coordination of political and development issues. That work will continue. Our ambition is still to continue to expand with new offices across the country. There is a need for a stronger coordinating effort, primarily in the areas of development and governance. I have therefore asked for additional resources for next year's budget in order to implement the mandate more fully. However, as I have said before, it is not only a question of the number of staff. We need specialized personnel, who are hard to find. I appeal to Council members for their continued support and for their assistance in finding the people we need in a challenging environment.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“Only 3 per cent of the target group were not reached, mainly due to ongoing fighting. Thanks to the cooperation of all - including, I must say, the Taliban - access was obtained to areas that had been inaccessible in previous years. For us on the ground this is important good news, and even more for the children whose lives we may have saved. The Council has received a set of benchmarks, as instructed in resolution 1868 (2009) (S/2009/475, annex). They are formulated following a debate in Kabul on Whether they should be UNAMA-specific or of a more general nature. There was consensus on the latter. They represent a first attempt and can, of course, be further refined, following debate around this table and in Kabul.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“First, we talk a lot about drug production, and rightly so. This year again, the area under opium cultivation dropped significantly, by 22 per cent, including a major drop in Helmand province. The volume of production was reduced by 10 per cent and the number of poppy-free provinces went up from 18 to 20. That is good news. Second, in August, the young student named Parwez Kambaksh, who had been given a death sentence for downloading material concerning the interpretation of the Koran, was given a presidential amnesty on humanitarian grounds. This case had received global attention. He is now a free man. Third, during the United Nations Peace Day, which we celebrated a few days ago, and the campaign around that day, 1.2 million children were vaccinated against polio.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“But I also believe we should look towards a broader conference to formulate in a wider sense the goals of our partnership for the years ahead, goals that are ambitious but at the same time realistic and realizable, and that would provide a roadmap for a mutual long-term commitment, four years after the Afghanistan Compact was concluded in London. It would centre around some of the themes I have mentioned: the Government's ability to assume the full responsibilities of a sovereign State, institution- building, economic development, a peace and reconciliation process and Afghanistan's future status in the region. It would mark the end of one phase of our relationship and the beginning of another. Before I conclude, I would like to mention a few pieces of good news that have not received the attention they deserve.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“Such a conference, in the established JCMB format, would be a strong political signal and would underline that we are moving into a transition strategy where the main focus must be on a compact between the Afghan people and its Government, and where the Afghan Government assumes greater responsibilities for the future of its country, with the international community gradually in a more supporting role. That conference would be based on a new Government programme and would provide international support to it.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“That will require a political process, greater inclusiveness and a more effective justice system. There are differences from region to region. The insurgency is truly a multi-causal issue and must be approached as such. Simplicity simply does not work. We can play a supporting role, but let us leave it to the Afghans to decide how to move forward. There have been a number of calls for a new international conference on Afghanistan, and I support such calls. I believe that if security permits, the first such conference should be held at the ministerial level in Kabul.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“Finally, I indicated initially that a new Government will have to develop and decide on a peace and reconciliation programme. Some - in particular in the international community - are talking about a reintegration programme distinct from a plan such as I mentioned. I would like to appeal for some caution. First, I am convinced that any such effort, whatever we call it, must be an Afghan-elaborated and Afghan-led process. Second, the distinction between hard-core Taliban and those who can be brought over with a chequebook is indeed simplistic. I think we must analyze the insurgency better, how it is made up. Yes, there are irreconcilable insurgents. And yes, there are those who join the insurgency for financial reasons. But there are many who have joined the insurgency because they feel politically and socially alienated.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“At the Special Envoy meeting in Paris earlier this month, I brought with me a paper elaborated by the Afghan Minister of Finance with the United Nations, proposing a reorganization of the efforts of the Afghan Government and its approach to strategic and economic development. It moves away from 17 inter-ministerial committees and proposes to establish three main clusters: agriculture and rural development, human resource development and infrastructure and economic growth. It represents a radical shift away from an unprioritized competition among ministers to a strategic approach to sustained economic growth. I wish we could follow, because today our aid bureaucracies are too rigid and lack the ability to respond to new and better policies.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“At the G-8 meeting in Trieste, I presented proposals on behalf of the Government and the United Nations for two significant infrastructure projects: a railroad and an expanded electricity grid that would employ thousands of Afghans in the short term, and in the longer term enable Afghanistan to exploit its own rich mineral resources, not least the country's vast iron ore deposits. These projects would stimulate the private sector and provide engines for growth for significant parts of the country. I think that, in this respect, the Afghans seem to be more advanced than we are.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“So we need a two-track approach - with doable projects in conflict areas, in agriculture, rural development, and so forth, that can visibly improve the quality of the lives of the people - and greater investments in long-term projects centred around growth engines and national resources in those parts of the country that can enhance revenue collection and gradually reduce dependence on foreign aid. Today, that balance is simply wrong, with too little resources and attention given to long-term investment. This will, in fact, lead to a situation where much of what we have been doing so far will, in a few years' time, become unsustainable.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“The shortcomings I have just mentioned illustrate the complexity of the problem and the fact that we must have realistic expectations as to how fast we can go forward. The second priority is sustainable economic development. I understand the growing impatience in the international community and the need to demonstrate results for all the sacrifices that have been made and resources committed. However, this impatience must not lead us to accelerated pressure for quick-impact results that can easily turn into quick- collapse projects. If that were to happen, it would distract us further from what is required for the sustainable economic development that will enable Afghanistan to rely increasingly on its own resources.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“Thirdly, we must build an information technology network that enables provincial and district governors to communicate better with their employers in Kabul, and thereby also link up to Afghan national development plans. Fourthly, incentives must be strengthened. The fact that a district governor may earn $60 a month makes it difficult to attract competent people to dangerous districts. And, of course, there must be stronger emphasis on merit-based appointments and accountability. Yes, the Government must demonstrate, soon and in concrete terms, a readiness to fight corruption and strengthen its institutions. But the responsibility for building viable and accountable governance is one we must share.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“On the civilian side, I see two main areas that must be given urgent priority. The first is institution- building. If the Afghan Government is to connect better with its population, a huge institution programme is needed. I have said this before, and I insist on it. It can be divided into five components, and I do so to illustrate the complexity of the problem. First, with respect to training and education for current and future civil servants, some structures and institutions exist, but they must be expanded and improved. Today, 25 per cent of district governors - one in four - are either uneducated or have only primary education. Secondly, as regards the building of subnational infrastructure, today half of the district governors have no office, two thirds have no power supply and one third has no vehicles.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“More international troops for training and mentoring will be required. The situation with the police is similar. A decision to increase the number of police officers to around 140,000 should be taken, in my View, before the end of the year. But again, it is not merely a question of numbers. The current attrition rate in the Afghan police is between 20 and 25 per cent. That illustrates the need for better training, better equipment and better incentives. All this - the training and equipping of the police and army - cannot be a United States effort alone. There must be a much wider engagement. I therefore appeal strongly to other contributing countries to step up their efforts in the area of manpower as well as financial resources, and I did the same to defence ministers of the European Union three hours ago by video link to Sweden.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“I welcome his assessment, not least his emphasis on cultural sensitivity and the need to develop a different relationship with the population in many areas. I do not want to comment on the debate over the need for additional international fighting forces, but I do want to comment on the longer-term perspective. We agree that there is a need to improve the strength and capacity of the Afghan army and police. The increase in the army is ahead of schedule and could reach the goal of 135,000 personnel by October of next year. That is encouraging, though a further and significant increase will be required in subsequent years, but if the army is to take greater responsibility and conduct independent operations, much more than numbers will be required. Decisions concerning the procurement of equipment and weapons will have to be taken soon.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source
“They are made around the kitchen tables and in the living rooms where public opinion is shaped. And the strength of that public support in the international community depends on the readiness of the Afghan Government to come closer to the concerns of its people. The future Afghan Government must understand that fully. Important decisions will also be required by the international community. On the security side, General McChrystal has now presented his assessment. It is clear, straightforward and demanding. His main themes are the need to change the operational culture and get closer to the people, to improve unity of effort and to focus the resources and effectiveness of the Afghan national security forces.”
2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source