YouSaid · the spoken record

Gopinathan

lines on the record: 80
first: 2002-03-30
most recent: 2005-07-21
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“Notwithstanding the recent discouraging events, we are confident that a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict is attainable. We call upon all sides to work together assiduously to achieve the vision of two States living side by side in secure and recognized borders, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003).”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“One of the primary obligations under the road map was the requirement for Israel to halt all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle settlement outposts erected since March 2001. We call upon Israel to fulfil its obligations and to desist from any further settlement construction activity. That would also serve as an important confidence- building measure. At this juncture, it is critical for the international community, in particular the Middle East Quartet, to carefully monitor the situation and to work closely with the parties with a view to encouraging them to fulfil their commitments and obligations. At the same time, it must be ensured that vested interests on both sides are not allowed to derail the process, thereby once again damaging the real prospects for peace in the Middle East.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“In that connection, we recall the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of the construction by Israel of the wall in the occupied Palestine territory. The Court opined that the wall is contrary to international law and should be dismantled. We called on Israel, in keeping with overwhelming international opinion on the matter, to take full account of the advisory opinion with a view to its early implementation. We once again renew our call on Israel to take note of the recommendations in General Assembly resolution ES-10/15 of 20 July 2004, based on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. We also call upon the Secretary-General to establish the register of damage, as recommended by the same General Assembly resolution, at the earliest date.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“While we recognize Israel's legitimate right to self-defence, we have also cautioned that any such moves should be exercised proportionately and in conformity with international law. Israel's ongoing construction of the separation wall remains a source of deep concern to the international community. As we have stated in the past, no one could have objections to the construction of the wall in areas coinciding with the Green Line. Its encroachment on Palestinian land and interests creates great hardships for the people affected by its construction and exacerbates the situation. Besides, continued construction of the wall on Palestinian land threatens to prejudge the eventual outcome of the final status negotiations between the parties.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“In that context, the decision of the Israeli Knesset yesterday to vote down three resolutions aimed at delaying the withdrawal is a welcome development. We hope that the withdrawal will be full and complete, and that it will be followed by negotiations on final status issues. Unfortunately, recent events, including an escalation in violence, have threatened the hopes for progress that the past few months had represented. The recent suicide bombing in Netanya, Israel, and the firing of rockets from Gaza were condemnable acts. We call upon the Palestinian Authority to continue to make every effort to prevent such actions. At the same time, Israel's resumed forceful actions in response to those attacks, including targeted killings, could seriously compromise the calm that has prevailed in the past few months.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We have witnessed the successful completion of Palestinian presidential elections on 9 January 2005, which was followed by the convening of the Summit at Sharm el-Sheikh on 8 February 2005, where Israeli and Palestinian leaders announced a series of commitments to end violence, and to rebuild trust and mutual confidence". (S/2005/432) Israel's proposed withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank is scheduled to take place next month. The international community is hopeful that the withdrawal will represent a step in the broader peace process, and that it will be used as a springboard to revitalize the road map. It is essential for the Israeli and Palestinian sides to coordinate the economic, civilian and security aspects of the withdrawal. The withdrawal must take place as scheduled.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for providing the general membership with an opportunity to proffer their views on the situation in the Middle East by scheduling this open debate of the Security Council. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Alvaro de Soto on his recent appointment as the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and for his comprehensive briefing this morning. This meeting of the Security Council comes at a critical time in the Middle East. The Secretary-General recently noted the prospects for a positive conjuncture in the Middle East peace process when he said: "Recent events in the Middle East have raised hopes of a possible resumption of the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2005-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5230Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Any breakdown of peace and security, and the conflicts that ensue, have a tragic impact on children. However, we feel that we ought to make decisions and act in ways that will lead to effective results. We should bear in mind the need to obtain the most efficient and optimal results, as the resources dedicated to any of these mandates are finite and inelastic, especially in an era of zero nominal growth in most United Nations budget lines. We should strive for increasing efficiency, cost-effectiveness and impact as we deal with this important question of protecting children from the impact of armed conflict.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We believe that the situation of children and armed conflict has not seen appreciable amelioration because, in such situations, sometimes one and sometimes both parties are non-State actors. States can be expected - and can be counted upon - to abide by the obligations assumed by them under international legal instruments to which they are parties. The Secretary-General's monitoring proposals are applicable primarily to States. The Secretary-General's report has not made any suggestions on how non-State actors are to be held accountable. Until that aspect is addressed, the proposals that Member States consider will have limited value, as all parties to an armed conflict - not only States - need to have accountability. The concerns raised here are aimed at finding an effective means of dealing with an important problem.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We support the principle, enunciated in paragraph 108 of the report, that any action by United Nations entities and international non-governmental organizations at the country level should be designed to support and complement the protection and rehabilitation roles of national authorities and should never supplant them. However, we believe that that principle remains valid not only in the context of taking necessary action based on monitoring reports, but also in designing the monitoring and reporting mechanisms themselves. While we appreciate the substantive work undertaken to present the report, we would draw attention to a fundamental and critical issue that, although it is at the heart of this debate, has not, in our View, received adequate consideration, thereby undermining the proposals that have been made in this report.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Illegal arms trafficking and poor monitoring of the legal trade make it easy for children to gain access to such weapons. We are disappointed to note that the report does not call for the adoption of more legally binding commitments by Member States, such as those on the marking and tracing of small arms and light weapons and on preventing the sale of such arms to non-State actors or groups. It cannot be denied that, in many conflict situations, the most vulnerable members of the population - particularly women and children - are targeted with impunity. While no leniency should be shown for crimes perpetrated on innocent children, we need to see in perspective the fact that many children responsible for reprehensible crimes have often been manipulated by unscrupulous adults to take part in armed conflicts.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The nature of situations of conflict - particularly in Africa - is such that the models of monitoring, reporting and compliance provided by the Secretary-General are impractical and would therefore be ineffective. A body of standards for monitoring, including instruments that do not command universal adherence or acceptance, cannot be imposed on Member States. A Member State that is otherwise committed to the norms and commitments on the promotion and protection of the rights of children would be right to maintain that it would not be bound by any instrument to which it is not a party. The use of children in armed conflict has been aggravated by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons worldwide. These weapons are inexpensive, durable, small, lightweight, easy to maintain and small enough for children to handle.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The fifth report of the Secretary-General shows that, in the years since this issue has drawn the attention of Member States, the overall progress made in addressing the circumstances of children in situations of armed conflict has not been particularly satisfactory, although there have been pockets of success. It can be seen from this report and from previous reports submitted to the Security Council that success has been achieved where the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has himself engaged in or has been involved in obtaining a commitment for the release and demobilization of child soldiers. Of the four key components that encompass the Secretary-General's concept of the "era of application", the element of establishing a monitoring, reporting and compliance mechanism is, in our view, the least practical.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The report has also offered targeted sanctions as the universal remedy in cases of insufficient or no progress. However, the Council can impose sanctions under Article 41 of the Charter only if it has established, under Article 39, that there is a sufficient danger to international peace and security to justify them. Only States are parties to conventions; non-State actors are not bound by them. More important, most armed groups obey no laws, national or international. In some cases of internal conflict, non-State actors or rival political groupings may make offers to adhere to such instruments precisely to gain legitimacy or a political locus standi. Further, can a violation by a State of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child be construed as a threat to international peace and security?”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“How useful is it to have a thematic debate in the Security Council on subjects such as the present one? It is true that a large number of children are victims of armed conflicts, but it is also true that malaria and AIDS kill more children than conflicts do. However, we do not deal separately in the Council with children and malaria or children and AIDS, or request reports from the Secretary- General on those subjects. A sense of balance and perspective should be retained in order to make sure that too narrow a focus does not blot out the larger picture of what has sometimes been called the soft challenges to international peace and security. The report has identified the Security Council as by far the most important international "destination for action".”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The more vulnerable people are, the easier the process of recruitment becomes. Whereas some children join armed groups for food or in order to survive or to avenge atrocities in their communities, others are physically abducted by armed groups for war. Enticed by promises of food, shelter and security and sometimes plied with drugs, child soldiers are at times led to commit atrocities against other armed groups and civilian populations, sometimes even against their own communities. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on children and armed conflict (S/2005/72). The report makes a significant attempt to address an important issue. Before I comment on some specific aspects of the report, a few general points made in the past by India on this issue need reiteration. The first point relates to salience.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“It is an honour for us to see you, Sir, presiding over the Council's deliberations today. We would like to congratulate Benin once again on its assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. In the interest of keeping within the time limit, I shall limit my oral remarks, but the full text will be circulated to delegations. We welcome this opportunity to participate in the Council's consideration of the issue of children and armed conflict. Children have become increasingly involved in conflicts, both as targets of violence and as combatants. During the past few years, more than 500,000 children, recruited in 87 countries, with approximately 300,000 actively participating in combat, have been involved in conflict in some form. Most often, it is not possible to make a distinction between a forced and a voluntary child soldier.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The progress achieved since the independence of the Timor-Leste has to be attributed to the country's enlightened and forward looking leadership. Special recognition has to be accorded here to Prime Minister HE. Mr. Mari B. Alkatiri, who only recently addressed the United Nations General Assembly. The contributions of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma and the civilian, military and police components of UNMISET, including the United Nations Volunteers, in the successful evolution of Timor-Leste from a nascent State to a confident member of the United Nations fraternity, also deserve our recognition. We also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of the late Sergio Vieira de Mello, who made invaluable contributions to nation-building in Timor- Leste.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“The final highlight is the establishment of strong relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia by way of exchange of high-level visits and conclusion of a joint statement reaffirming the intention of the two countries to address together a number of important bilateral issues. Those developments illustrate the progress achieved during the period covered by the Secretary- General's report. Recognizing that nation-building is a long-term process, the Secretary-General has highlighted the continued indispensability of international assistance. He has projected that Timor- Leste will continue to need international guidance and advice in the areas of civil administration, justice and policing, human rights training and, possibly, security. We took forward to hearing further from the Secretary- General on his recommendations in this regard.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“The second highlight is the relative calm in the internal situation that has allowed 12 districts to be handed over by UNMISET to the National Police of Timor-Leste, with the thirteenth district ready for handing over. The third is the progress achieved by UNMISET in preparing Timor-Leste to gradually take over its civil administration. The Secretary-General has acknowledged this by referring to Timor-Leste's "remarkable progress in laying the foundations for a functioning civil service and police force." (S/2003/944, para. 55). The fourth highlight is the success of the Government of Timor-Leste in generating revenues worth $44.1 million, including $26.7 million from Timor Sea revenues during the current year, as an indication of the increasing ability of the State to mobilize its own resources.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“It is gratifying to learn that since its independence Timor-Leste has made significant progress in promoting its social and economic development, and that its political institutions have continued to develop, as have its relations with countries in and beyond the region. I wish to comment briefly on the following highlights of the Secretary-General's report on developments in Timor-Leste. The first is the successful phased withdrawal of UNMISET's military component, as per the revised downsizing schedule authorized in resolution 1473 (2003), with plans to bring down its numbers to 1,750 by the end of 2003. We note that this downsizing has gone hand in hand with the development of Timorese armed forces.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“We congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. This has been, and will undoubtedly be, a month of major activity for the Council. We are confident that the conclusion of your presidency at the end of the month will record forward movement on many important issues currently under consideration. It has been almost 17 months since the establishment of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), pursuant to resolution 1410 (2002). It is a rare but happy occasion when we are able to review what the Secretary-General has described as significant progress in reaching the major milestones identified in the mandate of the Mission's implementation plan.”
2003-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4843 (2003) · source
“Referring to the responsibilities of the international community in this regard, the Minister for External Affairs of India stated recently that "the forces of terror, the forces of darkness, the forces of obscurantism and extremism will not be allowed to cast their long shadows over the future of the people" of Afghanistan. For this, the international community needs to persevere with commitment, solidarity and generosity.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“That process needs to be carried out in a calibrated manner without weakening current resources and strength. At the same time, disarmament and demobilization processes should continue forward. We are at a delicate crossroads in the process of forming a stable and secure Afghanistan. It is therefore vital that the international community continue to engage with the same intensity in the task of rehabilitating Afghanistan from the dark ages under the Taliban yoke to the light of a new century under a stable, democratic order.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan constitute crucial elements in the search for the return of peace and stability to that country. It is therefore vital that signatory States adhere to their commitments outlined under the Kabul Declaration on Good-neighbourly Relations signed on 22 December 2002. One way to ensure this would be to entrust the Secretary-General with the role of monitoring adherence by concerned States to the Declaration. The Afghan Government could also provide valuable information towards any monitoring mechanism set up in that regard. Another measure to facilitate a more secure environment in Afghanistan would be to proceed rapidly forward on the development of indigenous security structures as a guarantee towards the long- term unity and stability of the country.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“This escalation can be directly attributed to the increasingly emboldened subversive and terrorist activity by elements hostile to the Afghan Government, including Taliban remnants, Al Qaeda and their accomplices, and their efforts to regroup with supporters from outside. Ambassador Brahimi, in his last briefing to the Council, on 6 May, expressed concern over reports of hostile elements crossing into Afghanistan over its eastern and southern borders. More recent incidents have shown that infiltrations by terrorist and extremist groups from those areas into Afghanistan have targeted international aid workers and coalition forces in a clear design to sabotage efforts aimed at national reconciliation through political and economic processes. Serious international efforts would need to be directed against that threat.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Security remains the most serious challenge to the process of peace-building and economic reconstruction in Afghanistan. Reports of increasing instability in Afghanistan due to the deteriorating security situation need to be addressed firmly and resolutely by the international community before matters run out of control. We extend our sincere condolences to the Government and people of Germany for the loss of 4 soldiers during the recent terrorist attack in Kabul. This incident, taken in conjunction with several other recent security-related developments, such as the killing of the employee of the International Committee of the Red Cross in March this year, highlights the increasing need for the international community to address the threats to regional peace and stability emanating from terrorist activity in the region.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It is towards this end that India has extended an assistance package amounting to over $170 million to Afghanistan. This includes a recent commitment of $70 million to upgrade and reconstruct a key arterial road linking Delaram in Afghanistan to port facilities in Iran. We have also trained about 500 Afghan nationals in disciplines ranging from law enforcement, journalism and civil aviation to the judiciary, diplomacy and agriculture. Unfortunately, transit- related difficulties prevented the supply of India's gift of a million tons of wheat to Afghanistan. However, a portion of the wheat was converted into high-protein biscuits for the children's school feeding programme and is understood to be sufficient to meet the requirements of one million Afghan schoolchildren for a period of six months. We intend to build further on this.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“India has fully supported international efforts aimed at the reconstruction and emergence of Afghanistan as a peaceful, strong, prosperous, united and independent nation. We have noted carefully the progress achieved in the implementation of the provisions of the Bonn Agreement and the coordination of various international efforts aimed at rehabilitation and reconstruction. The agreement reached in May 2003 to enable the Afghan Administration to centralize revenue collection is an important step towards the development of an independent resource base and should be adequately supported by the parties concerned. India fully supports the broad-based Government led by President Hamid Karzai and appreciates his committed efforts at promoting national reconciliation.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Some essential components in such a strategy could include the allocation of more resources for the affected parts of the country to bolster ongoing security efforts; enhancement of the capacity of the Afghan Government to enforce its ban on opium cultivation, production and trafficking; identification and elimination of the chain of trans-border criminals and their supporters involved in the supply and sale of drugs, drug-related money laundering, arms supply, terrorism and illegal immigration; greater cooperation among the countries concerned on information-sharing, legal and judicial matters, including the extradition of drug offenders wanted in other countries and interdiction efforts; and a strong crackdown on the warlords concerned and external actors involved in the facilitation of this illegal trade.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We emphasized the role of the international community in supporting Afghanistan in its drive to combat drug cultivation and trade and the efforts required to extend development plans to different parts of the country. In India's view, given the seriousness of the situation - its dimensions and implications within and outside Afghanistan - there is a pressing need to tackle the issue on an immediate basis to supplement other long-term programmes under implementation or consideration.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of the sixth meeting of the India-Russia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan, on 28 March 2003, expressed concern over the increased production of narcotic drugs in Afghanistan and their illegal trafficking, and emphasized the need for the development of a comprehensive strategy, with an appropriate key United Nations role in the process. India recognizes that most of these projects are long- term, but vital in the elimination of drugs on a sustainable basis. In the statement on Afghanistan made in the General Assembly on 6 December 2002, India expressed deep concern over reports of an increase in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and the fact that the momentum for putting in place an anti-narcotics strategy had faltered.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“To that end, the Taliban not only failed to eliminate the large accumulated stockpiles of opium and heroin under its control, but also allowed de facto trade in narcotics to continue. President Karzai has indicated his Government's seriousness in addressing this issue. His decision has to be supported through the will of the international community. India welcomes the significant contribution by UNODC and the United Nations Drug Control Programme, as well as individual States, to counter the threat of drugs in Afghanistan.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Discussions at the Paris Conference on drug routes from Central Asia to Europe, held from 21 to 23 May 2003, highlighted the nexus between drug trafficking and financing of terrorism, and reinforced the requirement for an urgent, swift and coordinated response to the problem. That this form of narco- terrorism has often been State-sponsored or assisted by unrestrained agents of State authority have not made it any easier to control. India welcomes the efforts made by President Hamid Karzai and the Afghan Transitional Administration to implement the decrees prohibiting the cultivation, production and processing of opium, including illicit drug-trafficking and abuse. This is a qualitative step forward from the Taliban regime that banned production with the intention of inflating prices.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“This small area is the origin of almost three quarters of the heroin sold in Europe and virtually all of the heroin in the Russian Federation. Drugs account for as much as 18 per cent of Afghanistan's gross domestic product. The UNODC report has sought to emphasize that the problem of drugs in Afghanistan can be traced to its socio- economic roots. The phenomenon needs to be tackled at a multifaceted level, involving comprehensive action providing for accelerated development in the provinces concerned, increasing literacy and employment opportunities and alternative crop cultivation options for opium farms. However, none of those medium- to long-term solutions can be achieved without facilitating a basic environment of security and stability.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Years of instability, internal strife, mismanagement by the Taliban and complicity within certain quarters of the country and outside have contributed to the current situation whereby Afghanistan has emerged as the world's largest producer of illicit opium, accounting for almost three quarters of global opium production. The report highlights that over the last two decades, Afghanistan's opium production has increased more than lS-fold, with production in 2002 at 3,400 tons. As the report indicates, Afghanistan's opium economy is not a country-wide phenomenon, but is limited to a few provinces that have continued to defy the opium ban issued by President Karzai in January 2002. Almost 80 per cent of all opium production in Afghanistan is confined to provinces along the southern and south-eastern borders of Afghanistan.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It is, however, critical that the United Nations remain fully engaged in monitoring and supporting developments in this vital part of the world. We understand that while the focus of deliberations today is on the problem of drugs in Afghanistan, the debate has been left open to a consideration of some of the other pressing issues involving the country. Let me first address the issue of drugs in Afghanistan. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has, in its report of February 2003 entitled "The opium economy in Afghanistan: an international problem", drawn attention to the serious situation that has been brought about by a rampant increase in drug cultivation and the threat it represents to Afghanistan and the international community.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We extend our warm felicitations to you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June. The Security Council and the general membership of the United Nations will benefit greatly from your adroit stewardship of the Council at a time when complex and sensitive issues remain on the Council's agenda. Most appropriately, you have chosen to hold a public debate on the situation in Afghanistan as the highlight of your presidency. Despite the scale and complexity of diverse problems it faces, Afghanistan, under the leadership of President Hamid Karzai, has made impressive progress in addressing the tasks of nation-building, political reconciliation and reconstruction of the economy.”
2003-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4774Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The next few weeks will provide the Afghan leaders and the international community with another opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of all parties to the faithful implementation of the Bonn Agreement through the holding of the loya jirga. We hope that everyone will assume his or her responsibility and that this will lead to the peaceful selection of the Transitional Administration.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“In that context, India has already announced a commitment of $100 million and has pledged assistance, both humanitarian assistance - the requirements of which are more immediate in nature, such as a million tons of wheat and much-needed medical aid - and long-term assistance to meet the economic reconstruction needs that encompass several sectors, including police training, education, housing, human resource development, industrial development, public transport and information technology. We have decided, in addition, to make available a sum of $10 million as a budget subsidy to the Afghan Government. Discussions are at an advanced stage for a gift of three aircraft by India to Ariana Airlines to enable it to build up its fleet.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“Chairman Karzai and other members of the Interim Administration have demonstrated enormous resolve and determination to put Afghanistan on the road to peace and prosperity. But this long, arduous but rewarding journey will become a bit easier, a bit faster, if the international community extends all the assistance that Afghanistan requires in keeping with the priorities and preferences expressed by the Afghan people. We would like to reiterate India's commitment to contribute to Afghanistan's reconstruction and rehabilitation, both in terms of financial commitments and project-based assistance, as prioritized by the Afghan Interim Administration.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The main objectives of this conference are: to fully appreciate the magnitude of the challenges facing Afghanistan and the development assistance required for its economic and social recovery and reconstruction over the medium to long term; to identify specific capacity needs in both software and hardware areas that can be met or supplied by other developing countries; and to recommend mechanisms by which such capacities and supplies from developing countries can be easily and cost-effectively channelled to Afghanistan. We are confident that the conference will give the required impetus to South-South cooperation for the development of Afghanistan and serve as a model for similar cooperation elsewhere.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“They have offered development cooperation - both software and hardware - as well as highly skilled human resources to assist in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. To facilitate a process through which relevant capacities from developing countries can be easily and cost-effectively made available for Afghanistan's rebuilding efforts, the Government of India and the United Nations Development Programme have organized a two-day conference on South-South cooperation for rebuilding Afghanistan, which began in New Delhi today with the participation of a large number of developing countries, United Nations funds and agencies, and international financial institutions. In an effort to ensure greater transparency and better overall coordination of the ongoing international effort, developed countries have been invited as observers.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“In another three weeks' time, the emergency loya jirga will have completed its work, giving to Afghanistan a Transitional Administration reflecting the wishes of the Afghan people. This will be a significant milestone in the implementation of the Bonn Agreement and a major step towards the ultimate objective of a democratic Government in Afghanistan installed through free and fair elections. More than two decades of conflict and three years of drought have led to widespread human suffering and massive displacement of the people of Afghanistan. International and bilateral efforts for the reconstruction of Afghanistan must be sustained and widened. Several developing countries have explicitly expressed keen interest in participating in the rebuilding of Afghanistan within the South-South cooperation modality.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“India is contributing to the efforts in that regard. The process of selecting representatives for the emergency loya jirga has begun and appears to be on course. We applaud and commend the Special Independent Commission, which has accomplished so much in so little time with such meagre resources. However, there are twin but interlinked concerns. The first relates to ensuring that the process is free of intimidation and coercion. And the second is to keep the Taliban and its backers firmly out of the process. Otherwise, there will be questions about the outcome's credibility and acceptance. Security for the loya jirga process is therefore important, and all available resources on the ground should be marshalled to that end.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“The international community has paid a very heavy price for tolerating such uncivilized and illegal behaviour, which should no longer be countenanced. It will not be possible to eliminate terrorism conclusively from Afghanistan unless the question of the external support extended to the Al Qaeda and Taliban cadres is firmly addressed and dealt with. The declaration of intent to participate in the international struggle against terrorism should not be permitted to be accompanied by subversion in parallel, in the form of protecting, sheltering and supporting elements of the terror machine. We cannot overemphasize the need for the establishment of security structures in Afghanistan that not only result from intra-Afghan processes, but also lay the foundations for the establishment of a multi- ethnic Afghan national army and police force.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“Time and again, those two entities have shown that they are lying low and biding their time, in order to regroup and strike again in Afghanistan and elsewhere. To counter these forces of malevolence and darkness is a task beyond the present capacity of the Interim Administration. Those twin tormentors of Afghanistan need to be decisively neutralized by the international community without delay. There are many reports of Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters hiding and regrouping along the eastern and southern borders of Afghanistan. This is the time for a reality check for those who created, nurtured, promoted and supported the Taliban but who now claim to have changed. They should be asked to match their rhetoric with action on the ground or be held accountable for aiding, abetting and supporting international terrorism.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“Mr. President, we once again welcome you to the Council and would like to convey our deep appreciation to you for calling this meeting on an issue which is of particular importance to the international community as well as to my delegation. My delegation had made a detailed statement during the open meeting of the Council on this subject on 26 March 2002. We shall therefore focus only on developments since then. We welcome the return to Afghanistan of former King Mohammad Zahir Shah. We believe that his presence will contribute to ongoing efforts to resolve political differences and promote unity in Afghanistan. The presence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan continues to be a cause of serious concern to the international community.”
2002-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4541 (2002) · source
“We support the work of the ad hoc Working Group, which has the potential to substantially contribute to promoting peace and resolving conflicts in Africa. Its focus, therefore, should be on actions that are within the mandate of the Council, so that its recommendations can be acted upon by the Council expeditiously.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source
“The Council must come out strongly against illicit arms traffickers and countries that either facilitate this trade or turn a blind eye towards it. It must also take resolute action against the supply of arms and weapons to non-State actors. We share the feeling of many African and other members of the United Nations that the Council does not give the same attention or devote the same level of resources to addressing African issues as compared to problems elsewhere or where the interests of some Council members are involved. This needs to be addressed seriously, sincerely and squarely. The message must go out to African countries that, for the Council, Africa's problems are as important as, if not more important than, other problems before the Council.”
2002-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4538 (2002) · source