YouSaid · the spoken record

Ghafoorzai

lines on the record: 156
first: 1992-11-16
most recent: 2019-05-23
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“Various directives, laws and mechanisms have been issued to ensure the protection of children. We all know that civilian protection can best be achieved by preventing conflicts. This requires a new organizational approach, addressing the immediate needs of civilians caught in conflict as well as the root causes and structural drivers of conflict in each given setting. We welcome the creation of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations as important components of the Secretary- General's reform agenda. The role of the United Nations will remain vital in the context of international efforts to prevent the outbreak, exacerbation and continuation of conflicts around the world. In conclusion, let us make sure that today's meeting builds on the important work of the Council to protect civilians in conflict.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“They are operating with professionalism, adhering to strict guidelines of rules of engagement and coordinating closely with international forces on counter-terrorism operations to avoid and prevent harm to civilian populations, schools, hospitals, medical facilities and other public infrastructure. These precautionary measures are also based on presidential decrees and other directives from the security institutions. Any incident of collateral damage by our security forces are investigated thoroughly and with accountability. Our protection measures also include a special focus on ensuring the protection and well-being of our children in society. To this end, we have signed a joint action plan with the United Nations, which is continuing to be steadily implemented.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Where Afghans have made immense sacrifices to achieve peace and prosperity, the Taliban have responded with the same old approach: violence, killings and destruction. This further affirms the need for a careful collaborative approach in the context of ongoing peace efforts to end the current conflict in the country. Any eventual outcome to peace talks should come with clear and decisive guarantees for ajust and lasting peace that will conform to the needs and expectations of all Afghans. Our focus on the protection of civilians is being pursued by various Government institutions and agencies as their highest priority. The Afghan security forces are defending our country and people against the dangerous threats of international terrorism and extremism.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“This month we witnessed Taliban attacks on two aid organizations in Kabul - Counterpart International and CARE -killing 15 people, including aid workers and civilians. The group vowed that the attacks would not be their last on aid organizations operating in Afghanistan. They are doing whatever they can to disrupt the normal functioning of humanitarian agencies and organizations in the country. We strongly condemn all attacks against civilians, infrastructure and humanitarian personnel in Afghanistan as a violation of international humanitarian law. We call on the Council to take appropriate action to end such atrocities. Continued Taliban attacks come at a time when the people of Afghanistan and the international community extended another opportunity to the group to give up terror for peace.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“This month alone, during the holy month of Ramadan - a time of spiritual renewal and reflection to better one's life and advance peace, harmony and solidarity in society - new attacks by these groups occurred in different parts of the country. A few weeks ago, in Ghazni province, a Taliban-planted improvised explosive device killed eight children, while another such attack in Farah province left many wounded. These events are a manifestation of the gross violation and disregard of international humanitarian law and fundamental Islamic values. Sadly, we have also seen a rise in the deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel and infrastructure in different parts of the country.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The Taliban and its affiliate terrorist groups have continued their attacks on all segments of Afghan society - ordinary Afghans, religious figures and journalists. They also attack public infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals and religious sites. When they do, they spare no one their brutality. Based on the quarterly report of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Taliban attacks from January to March 2019 resulted in almost 700 civilian casualties. They have resorted to all means and tactics, including launching attacks from public places and compounds, civilian homes and mosques, and they have used women and children as human shields.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“At the outset, we wish to commend the Indonesian presidency for holding today's debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Twenty years have passed since the inclusion of the protection of civilians focus in the agenda of the Security Council, yet millions of peoples across the world still face conflict-related challenges. That means innocent lives lost, families left in grief and enormous humanitarian consequences in the form of loss of property, displacement and lack of basic necessities, such as food, water and electricity. For Afghanistan, the meaning of protection is broad and comprehensive, entailing not only physical protection but also human security. Civilians continue to bear the cost of the decades-long imposed conflict in our country.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“In brief, I would like to put on the record of the Security Council the fact that tolerance of the Taliban and their supporters would mean tolerance of human rights violations; justification of obscurantism; opposition to the principles of democracy; rejectionism; and a continued intransigent attitude towards the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The Ambassador of Pakistan also referred to the statement made by Commander Massoud, in which he indicated his resoluteness to continue to fight on in various battles against the Taliban. Yes, he said that; he made that statement. As long as the Taliban continue to reject any proposal for dialogue and political settlement, Commander Massoud and the other members of the Supreme Council for the Defence of Afghanistan have no option but to continue to defend the territorial integrity, national unity and sovereignty of Afghanistan.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“I was not clear about the decision to which he referred, because the Islamic State of Afghanistan continues to represent Afghanistan at the Organization of the Islamic Conference. There have been many gatherings and meetings, the last as recently as three weeks ago. The representative of the Islamic State of Afghanistan represented Afghanistan at the meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, that was held, at ambassadorial level, in New York. What happened in Islamabad? I think that the presence of some esteemed leaders of Islamic countries at the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of Pakistan was used by the host country for political gain, in favour of the Taliban.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“Moreover, I wonder whether there is any need for the Taliban to have a voice in the United Nations as long as they enjoy the presence of a loyal representative here. For the Council to listen to the Taliban under the Arria formula would basically run counter to the resolutions of the General Assembly with regard to mercenaries, especially those who are used against the right to self- determination of peoples throughout the world. That would definitely establish a dangerous precedent. The Ambassador of Pakistan said that he would prefer the "vacant seat" formula to be used for Afghanistan, and he referred to a decision of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“First of all, he was of the opinion that the Taliban are not the kind of power to be washed away easily. We have never advocated that the Taliban should not be heard, that they should not have any role in shaping the future political situation of Afghanistan. It is the Taliban who have continuously rejected any proposal for dialogue and negotiations. By inviting the New York-based Taliban representative, the Ambassador of Pakistan even approached the point of giving the exact location and address of the Taliban office in New York. It was somewhat surprising. He was inviting the New York Taliban under the Arria formula. That would constitute a recognition that the current contacts between Mr. H011 and the Taliban are useless and inadequate.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The Council members were surprised to hear that; yet it was once again repeated by the representative of the Secretariat that this is exactly what the former Minister of the Interior of Pakistan had said. Upon hearing the Pakistani Ambassador's statement, it became somewhat clear that the Government of Pakistan is still trying to lend some kind of legitimacy to the Taliban mercenaries. When we say mercenaries, I think we have adequate reasons to justify describing the Taliban as a mercenary group. We have presented and submitted more than adequate documentation that they are being trained, financed, armed and equipped in Pakistani territory, in Quetta, and then they are being sent into Afghanistan for operations. The Ambassador of Pakistan made some suggestions.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“We were not caught by surprise, but we were somewhat disappointed, because the Prime Minister of Pakistan had promised that he would reconsider the policy of the new Pakistani Government with regard to the issue of Afghanistan. However, the statement made by the Ambassador of Pakistan was the only one with a totally different tone and spirit, when we compare it with the statements made by all representatives who took part in the debate. Security Council members may recall that at one of the consultation meetings of the Council, it was reported that the former Minister of the Interior of Pakistan, Mr. Naseerullah Babar, had stated in a meeting in Mazar-i- Sharif that he had power of attorney from the Taliban.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“As far as the Islamic State of Afghanistan is concerned, I can assure all Council members that these appeals will be communicated and will be heard. As far as we are concerned, we have adopted a policy of respecting both General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. We have expressed our readiness to support Mr. Holl's Mission. We have also expressed our support for any negotiated political settlement, at any venue, on any platform. It has been, and continues to be, the Taliban who have adopted an intransigent attitude towards the United Nations. This reality is reflected in the records of the General Assembly and of the Security Council. We also heard a statement today by Ambassador Kamal of Pakistan.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“At the outset, I would like to sincerely thank, in the name of the Afghan nation, all those who have participated during these last two days in the debate on Afghanistan. On behalf of tormented Afghan women, I would especially like to thank all those countries that took a strong stance in defence of the God- given rights of women in Afghanistan against the brutal, un-Islamic, uncivilized behaviour and deeds of the Taliban, in violation of basic human rights, basic principles of democracy and basic principles of the United Nations Charter to which we are all committed. We have heard the appeals made in the debate by members of the Security Council and other members of the United Nations to all of the Afghan conflicting sides to choose negotiations instead of conflict and war.”
1997-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765Resumption1 (1997) · source
“This can only be achieved through serious negotiations, for which the Islamic State of Afghanistan has always expressed its readiness. Today, we are still ready.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Having fervently stood by the ideals of the United Nations, the Islamic State of Afghanistan, despite incalculable odds, has struggled for the preservation of the national independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and continues to do so. While we believe there is no military solution to our country's multifaceted problems, the Islamic State of Afghanistan has no viable option other than to resist the Taliban's agenda. Just a few years ago, we halted a Soviet thrust southward, so that part of the world would be safer. Today we are striving to contain the Taliban within Afghanistan, because we are committed to regional and global peace and stability. Yet we still hold the conviction that the return of peace and stability to Afghanistan requires a national accord reached between all sides.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Many districts in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Laghman and the north-western province of Badghis have very recently been liberated with the assistance of the Supreme Council for the Defence of Afghanistan. All that I have stated is not to justify the Islamic State of Afghanistan as the only Power capable of bringing peace to the entire country, although the foundations of the Government have broadened considerably, to include the Eastern Council of Nangarhar. Rather it is to emphasize the serious ramifications of the continuation of assistance being channeled to the Taliban, which poses a threat to democracy, human rights and peace and stability - not only in Afghanistan but in the entire region.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“As clearly indicated in paragraph 7 of the report of the Secretary-General dated 16 March 1997, "The Taliban, judging both from their words and from their activities on the ground, appear determined to gain military and political control of the whole of Afghanistan and to establish their" - and I emphasize "their" - "vision of an Islamic State. They view the other side as opposed to this goal." (S/1997/240, para. 7) We earnestly believe that the Security Council should take appropriate measures, including sanctions against the Taliban and their supporters, who are supplying arms and logistical support and are preaching an appeasement policy towards the Taliban. Armed popular opposition, including mass civil unrest against the Taliban, is continuing to increase.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“We believe that with a view to the achievement of a durable political settlement in Afghanistan and to the alleviation of regional and international concern at the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan, the Security Council will appreciate all of the harsh and complex realities in our country. The Islamic State of Afghanistan actively cooperates with the Head of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan and will positively consider any peace plan that is in conformity with Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. A military solution in Afghanistan would be a serious threat to the peace and security of the region.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“As stated during the gatherings of the Economic Cooperation Organization, and also as communicated to the Unocal-Delta Consortium and Bridas - the two leading competing corporations for the project - and in compliance with the memorandum of understanding signed by Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan at the fourth summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Ashgabat in May 1996, Afghanistan believes that the construction of this project may best be done through a consortium representing all interested multinational corporations. Otherwise, we would be ready to negotiate with a company that will not tie the project to any political conditions and would be ready to take preliminary practical steps for the project's implementation.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Construction of the pipeline project should complement peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and aim at extinguishing the flames of war rather than at fuelling them. Continued war and violence in Afghanistan would only delay not only the construction of the pipeline project but also the reconstruction and rehabilitation of our war-shattered homeland.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“The significance attached to this project by some industrialized countries and the interest taken by major corporations in the construction of the pipeline have come to represent a classic political game and a struggle for the control of the ancient Silk Road, thus signifying a race for securing energy pipelines. This competition is undoubtedly about to create major political ramifications, jeopardizing regional peace and stability. We appreciate this historic opportunity. We are ready to reap the benefits of the project, but only if it serves the supreme interests of Afghanistan. But we cannot afford to be part of a political game, because we have suffered enough. What we need is peace. Our salvation depends on our national unity. To achieve that, we need national reconciliation.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“A cessation of cross-border assistance to the Taliban would be a first step towards the realization of reconciliation, peace and stability in our country. If there is any country that fancies that it will be spared the ramifications of the flames of war and violence fuelled by the Taliban, let us remind it that it needs to do some deep thinking. Permit me to refer to another factor which has bearing on the current Afghan situation: the gas and oil pipeline project referred to by the Far Eastern Economic Review of 10 April 1997 as a new Central Asian version of the nineteenth-century Great Game. The Islamic State of Afghanistan is well aware of the outstanding economic significance of the projected gas and oil pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan, and probably India, through the territory of Afghanistan.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“When Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif gained the majority vote in the Pakistani elections, our hopes were further strengthened that he would abandon the stance of the former Pakistani Administration and shift the Pakistani position onto the path of fraternity, good-neighbourliness and mutual respect. His promise on a reconsideration of the Pakistani policy towards Afghanistan is in essence indicative of his approval of the Pakistani constituency's preference for friendship, mutual respect and brotherhood. We hope that fulfilment of that promise will assist us in the peace process and curtail the flow of arms and assistance to a group in Afghanistan that wants to impose draconian military rule.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“The Islamic State of Afghanistan wishes to request the Security Council to take appropriate preventive measures to halt the onslaught which otherwise, apart from causing a social catastrophe, will negatively affect the peace process. We have always emphasized the need for the existence of a positive regional atmosphere as an important factor for the cessation of the current crisis in Afghanistan. This desire of ours has been well received by all our neighbouring States except one. We are still waiting to see a change in the stance and attitude of this neighbour towards cooperation, understanding and participation in all common efforts, including peace initiatives. We are certain that the nation of Pakistan supports non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan and favours friendship and brotherhood with the Afghan nation.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“According to reliable accounts, the Taliban mercenaries - heavily reinforced from outside very recently - have been preparing a massive attack against northern Afghanistan to take place in the next few days. The mobilization of forces reaching Kabul is still continuing. Thousands of militia members from outside, whose identity and nationality have been well explained in previous communications addressed to the President of the Security Council and to the Secretary-General, are part of the mobilization. The Council may recall the involvement of "foreign military personnel" in the Afghan conflict, which was identified as inadmissible in resolution 1076 (1996) of 22 October 1996, as well as in General Assembly resolution 51/195 B of 17 December 1996.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Since then the Taliban have forcibly evicted many other villagers from their homes and farms. The total estimate of victims facing forced eviction has since surpassed 150,000. It is the earnest expectation of the Islamic State of Afghanistan that the United Nations will appropriately address these grave violations of international humanitarian law committed by the Taliban. We hope that the United Nations will not spare Taliban advisers, supporters and financiers. In identical letters dated 13 April 1997 - as recently as yesterday - addressed to the Secretary- General and to you, Sir, I drew the attention of the Security Council to an alarming situation.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“John Burns of The New York Times reminded readers that the razing of villages had already taken place during the 18 years of war in Afghanistan, but that "the twist this time was that the men who destroyed Sar-Cheshma were the turbaned warriors of the Taliban, the ultra-conservative Muslims who have imposed a medieval social order across much of Afghanistan The villagers of Sar-Cheshma say 30 Taliban fighters swept in at dawn on 23 October, then spent several hours pouring canisters of gasoline into the 120 courtyards, one after another, where hundreds of people live. Little remains but buckled bed frames and melted kitchen utensils". Regarding the forced exodus of the non-Pashtun civilian population in January, we provided early information to the Security Council in document S/1997/54 of 21 January 1997.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“The report also briefed the Commission on mass violations of women's rights committed by the Taliban, including the beating of 225 women because they had not met the Taliban dress code. The women of Afghanistan, who compose more than half the Afghan population, would like their grievances to be heard by the Security Council. The first sign of ethnic cleansing occurred in Sar- Cheshma, a small village north-west of Kabul, at a time when the Taliban had suffered major setbacks, on 23 October 1996.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Sadly, one of the new breaches of international humanitarian law committed by the Taliban is a Serbian-style "ethnic cleansing" involving 140,000 non-Pashtun Afghans, as widely reported by The New York Times, as well as by both Mr. Norbert Holl, Head of the United Nations Special Mission and Mr. Paik, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan. We believe that the latest series of heinous acts constitute crimes of genocide punishable in accordance with relevant conventions. On 8 April 1997, Mr. Choong Hyun Paik presented a report to the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. In his report he informed the Commission of the displacement of 250,000 Afghans from their villages since October 1996.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Such moves deserve the condemnation of the entire international community, and any effort aimed at legitimizing such a mercenary group and the consequent effects of foreign-sponsored intervention sets dangerous precedents for international relations. The Taliban qualify as the embodiment of such a mercenary group. In October 1996, I gave an adequate introduction of the Taliban mercenaries to this Council. They support international terrorism and shelter those who finance them. They commit gross and massive violations of human rights, particularly chain-lashing and beating women. As the members of the Council well know, the Taliban cultivate, process and export narcotics.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“Respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries is a recognized principle of the United Nations Charter and other international instruments. This requires all countries, in their international relations, to refrain from any kind of interference or intervention in the internal affairs of other States and to base their relations with others on the renowned guidelines of equality of States and mutual respect. Likewise, recruiting, arming, training and dispatching an armed mercenary group assigned to destabilize another country's Government or jeopardize a political process are in violation of recognized principles of international law.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“The desire of the Afghan nation for a durable peace is fading away, with military interventions and corporate interests acting as obstacles to peace rather than catalysts for peace. We believe that if the Afghan problem is not addressed with sincerity and caution, Afghanistan will present the world with serious dangers that will have subsequent ramifications. It is therefore incumbent upon the members of the Council to note that the disastrous destabilizing effects of turmoil in Afghanistan can potentially spill over. With all the good for which the United Nations strives, I am quite confident that a political solution can be found for Afghanistan. Let us all contribute to that solution.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of April. We are sure that your broad knowledge of international issues and your diplomatic skill will contribute to the successful conduct of the Security Council's work during the month of April. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing President. I sincerely thank the Council for convening this special meeting on the current situation in Afghanistan. The last two decades have seen Afghanistan become an issue of concern for the world. Each year, it seems that new dimensions are added to the protracted, annihilating conflict in our country, the land of perilous events and critical circumstances.”
1997-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3765 (1997) · source
“We come to this Council and pledge our resoluteness to forget what happened in the past and to work together for building our shattered common house, if the Council pledges to give voice to the anxiety of our suffering people and halt the outside interference and intervention.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“Where will it be going? How can the community of nations manage this wonderfully rich, life-teeming planet in peace, justice and happiness for all, if Afghans are part of all this? May all present be inspired by the image of a soldier painted as a symbol on the mural in the Security Council Chamber just in front of us: a soldier depositing his arms, taking off his helmet and wanting to walk straight into the Security Council. Yes, the artist, like Mahatma Gandhi, Franklin Roosevelt, Simon Bolivar and Olof Palme had the right view and knew the right path: the road to peace goes through security. The Afghan nation thirsts to follow the path to peace.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The Islamic State of Afghanistan, while presenting this proposal, demands that the Security Council exert the necessary international pressure on the Taliban to accept and agree on this proposal. If the Taliban continue to insist that they are the only force, one which usurped power, endangered life in Kabul and tortured and oppressed civilians, the armed forces of the Islamic State of Afghanistan will resort to action to end this catastrophic situation in Kabul, should there be no other alternative. We are moving closer to the end of the twentieth century. The Afghan nation, against the background of what it has experienced, is increasingly bound to ask itself some of the deepest, most fundamental and far-reaching questions ever. What is the meaning of life and of all the sacrifices it has offered and the grievances it has endured?”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The Islamic State of Afghanistan would observe an immediate ceasefire under the following conditions: first, the Taliban armed forces must evacuate the capital immediately; secondly, their heavy weapons must be withdrawn to a distance beyond the range of their heavy artillery; thirdly, Kabul must be recognized as a demilitarized zone; fourthly, a police force should be formed under the supervision of the United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to ensure the security of Kabul; and, fifthly, the negotiations should start in order to pave the way for the formation of an interim government of national unity in the capital city of Kabul.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“Karim Khalili and General Ismail Khan; and, secondly, the Supreme Military Council for the Defence of Afghanistan, which so far includes the following personalities: Commander Ahmad Shah Massood, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, Pir Sayed Ahmad Gailany, Mr. Karim Khalili and General Ismail Khan, of course under the chairmanship of President Rabbani. The Supreme Military Council for the Defence of Afghanistan, while having the ability to enter and liberate the capital city of Kabul, is avoiding entering the city in order to prevent civilian casualties and further destruction of the capital, and declares the following.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“This shows that when facing crises jeopardizing national unity and sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite a past of enmity and bitter experiences, Afghans will unite against foreign conspiracies. The agreement reached on 10 October 1996 in Mazar-i-Sharif and on 11 October 1996 in Khinjan reminds us about the aspirations of national unity which the Afghans have exhibited throughout history, including against foreign invaders, among them the British Empire and the Red Army. The latest agreement considers two major points: first, the establishment of the supreme council of transitional State, headed by Mr. Burhanuddin Rabbani, which is to be broadened and includes General Abdul Rashid Dostum, Commander Ahmad Shah Massood, Mr.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“All present may be aware that forces of the Islamic State of Afghanistan have been able to recapture most areas recently seized by the Taliban. Currently our forces are at the gates of Kabul, the capital. The most important factors in these successes have been the popular uprisings of the peoples of Parwan and Kapisa Provinces. The men and women proved wrong the propaganda chanted by the sponsors of the Taliban that people welcomed the Taliban wherever they went. On the other hand, major power shifts have occurred in the positions of forces inside Afghanistan. The Pakistani-backed invasion of Kabul has brought together forces that for the past four years stood against one another.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“Those recommending the formation of a Security Council committee to consider any information brought to its attention by States concerning the violations of the embargo have to answer to the following question: how about the violation by such military intelligence services as Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI)? These violations have always been considered official secrets of military intelligence services and, by definition, cannot be the object of an investigation by civilian or international authorities. Such a proposal would have one equivalent: the delegation of the country responsible for 99 per cent of interventions in Afghanistan proposing in a draft it has circulated that all States refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. Let me now consider a solution to the present crisis in Afghanistan.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The Islamic State of Afghanistan agrees with the majority of Member States that the Security Council should not adopt any resolution the implementation of which would be exhaustively burdensome and ultimately unattainable. More than 1,250 kilometres of frontier in the south-east and south of Afghanistan are unguarded. The requirements of implementing an arms embargo practically on such a basis are not workable and the costs would be exorbitant. The parties involved would continue to fight by using the arms at their disposal, even if a quasi-possible arms embargo were announced.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“If the Government of Afghanistan were convinced that not importing arms, ammunition and spare parts would effectively serve to secure peace in Afghanistan, it would voluntarily decide not to exercise that right, which is recognized by international law. As for the implementation of the arms embargo against the armed groups fighting the Government, these groups are not legally subject to international law. Their accountability and their observance of any resolution in this respect are neither legally nor practically credible. The only effective legal instrument would be the implementation of a curb on the illicit transfer of arms to such groups from abroad.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“It is quite clear that such a proposal will only act as an invitation to the armed groups fighting the Government to broaden their armed aggression simply because no practical monitoring is feasible along the porous boundaries adjacent to the territories that they occupy. As an independent, indivisible, unitary State, Afghanistan enjoys national sovereignty. The Afghan Government has the duty to take necessary measures to defend its territorial integrity and national unity. In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Afghanistan has the inherent right to self-defence. Any attempt to prevent Afghanistan from strengthening its national defences as a sovereign State would therefore be against the Charter and particularly against the interests of peace, stability and security in the region.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“We believe that the embargo should be applied against the Government that sends these officers and mercenaries to Afghanistan, thereby blatantly violating the Charter and the recognized principles of international law. N 0 Article of the Charter stipulates that such a measure should be imposed against the Government of a Member State that is itself the Victim of foreign intervention and conspiracies and which is defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. An idea is being floated that international monitoring teams are to be assigned to report on the import of arms, ammunition and spare parts by the Afghan Government.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“The mission would also look into the issue of chemical weapons used against Afghan Government troops in battles just east of Kabul in Lata-band, Band-i-Ghazi and Pul-i-Charkhi, on 25 and 26 September 1996. In addressing the Council from this table, I sometimes wonder to myself, as I did when I addressed the General Assembly last week, whether this international body needs fundamental and structural reforms; whether there are faults and shortcomings in our commitments; or whether this institution has become the instrument of power politics for the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor, the oppressed and the weak. I wish to address another crucial subject raised by some countries: the arms embargo on Afghanistan.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source
“On 1 October 1996, The Independent stated that "drug enforcement experts claim that last year Afghanistan flooded the European, US and Eastern markets with over $75 bn of heroin." The most recent information from the United Nations International Drug Control Programme says that, with regard to Afghanistan's opium production in 1996, the Taliban control some 95 per cent of the poppy-growing areas in Afghanistan. Once again, we are asking and urging the United Nations to send a fact-finding mission to Afghanistan, where the authorities of the Islamic State of Afghanistan will put at its disposal all the hard evidence relating to different aspects of the continued conflict there.”
1996-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3705 (1996) · source