YouSaid · the spoken record

Hardeep Singh Puri

lines on the record: 886
first: 2009-11-25
most recent: 2013-02-12
sittings or episodes: 121
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

“India supports the international efforts to prevent non-State actors and terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery. We are conscious of the dangers that the transfers of such WMDs to non-State actors could entail. Given the evolving complex challenges to international peace and security emanating from non-State actors, such risks are greater than ever before. The international community must join hands to eliminate the risks relating to sensitive materials and technologies falling into the hands of terrorists and non-State actors. The international response to the threat needs to be national as well as multilateral and global. We support the work of the 1540 Committee in accordance with its mandate. Finally, I apologize for having taken up so much of the Council's time.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“It is critical that all sanctions regimes established by the Council ensure due process in their working procedures and decision- making. The decision-making process should be swift, fair and transparent. The process of listing and de-listing must be guided by the same set of principles: fairness, credibility and transparency. The 1267 and 1989 Committee and the 1988 Committee must continue to focus on the linkages between Al-Qaida and the Taliban, which pose a serious threat to international peace and security. The Monitoring Team should examine the linkages between Al-Qaida and the Taliban comprehensively and objectively, and submit its reports and recommendations periodically, as mandated by resolutions 1988 (2011) and 1989 (2011).”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“It is our expectation that the splitting of the 1267 sanctions regime in June this year will enable the Afghan Government to have a greater say in confronting the challenges emanating from those constituting a threat to the peace, security and stability of Afghanistan. We are concerned that the functioning of the 1267 Sanctions Committee continues to be subject to political pulls and pressure. This is a scenario that we can ill afford in our fight against terrorism. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) and the 1267 and 1989 Committee, both newly created, are in the process of formulating guidelines for the conduct of their work. We hope that these will address the deficiencies in the existing guidelines for these Committees.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“The outcome document introduces a new zero-tolerance paradigm in the international community's fight against terrorism and will be helpful in raising the bar in the fight against terrorism to a higher level. Speaking at the general debate at the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly, our Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh, said: "The fight against terrorism must be unrelenting. There cannot be selective approaches in dealing with terrorist groups or the infrastructure of terrorism. Terrorism has to be fought across all fronts." (A/66/PV.22, p. 11) Indeed, our entire region, South Asia, has been racked by the activities of the biggest terrorist organizations and entities in the world, be they Al-Qaida, elements of the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Toiba or others.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“It is important that the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) continue to explore ways and means to enhance their synergies in the fight against terrorism. International cooperation and concerted action against terrorists and their sponsors - including the complete dismantling of terrorist safe havens, sanctuaries, training grounds and financial and ideological support structures - are the critical imperatives needed to defeat this scourge. The outcome document adopted by the Counter- Terrorism Committee at its special meeting on 28 September is a major milestone in providing strategic direction for the work of the Committee to strengthen the capacity of States in their counter- terrorism efforts.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“Pursuant to resolution 1963 (2010), CTED is currently preparing a global survey of the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005) for submission by 31 December. The Committee continues to focus on region- specific discussions and on issues identified in the 2011 global survey. It also continues to organize and participate in discussions and workshops on thematic issues. Some of the major issues considered by the Committee during the past six months include facilitating the provision of technical assistance to Member States, and the challenges involved in adopting and implementing counter-terrorism measures relating to legislation and law enforcement, with an emphasis on prevention and emergency response. With the Council's permission, I would now like to make a brief statement in my national capacity.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“The survey offers several recommendations aimed at strengthening the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). It is essential that Member States address terrorism by means other than law enforcement. Prevention is critical and a condition for the effectiveness of any comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism, as noted in the survey. Effective responses will necessarily include other aspects of legal and social policy. Development, education, social integration, the rule of law and human rights are among the key components of such responses. The Committee continues to be guided in its work by the relevant resolutions, especially 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005) and 1963 (2010), and continues to play a critical role in promoting and facilitating their implementation.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“It underscores, among other concerns, the fact that Member States continue to struggle to secure porous borders, monitor financial systems, strengthen their judicial systems and prosecute or extradite terrorist suspects. Inadequate funding and training constrain the ability of many States to be as effective as they would wish. The survey expresses concern that terrorists are increasingly turning to the Internet and other new technologies to recruit, incite and raise funds for their activities. Another area of concern is the link between terrorist networks and organized crime. Despite these challenges, however, States have made significant progress since the adoption of the resolution, which, over the past decade, has strengthened solidarity and dialogue among Member States in their efforts to counter the terrorist threat.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“Coinciding with the special meeting, the Committee issued an updated global survey of the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) by Member States, prepared by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) at the request of the Security Council on the basis of information available as of 31 May. The survey provides a comprehensive overview, on a regional as well as a thematic basis, of the status of counter-terrorism efforts around the world as they relate to the implementation of the resolution. The survey evaluates Member States' strengths and vulnerabilities, identifies gaps in the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and recommends future action.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“The Committee also adopted an outcome document in which it urged "all Member States to ensure zero tolerance towards terrorism and take urgent action to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations through the full and effective implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant international instruments relating to terrorism". The outcome document will be circulated as a document of the Security Council and is also available on the Committee's website. A separate event for members of civil society was also held on the margins of that meeting.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“I have had the honour to chair the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism since the beginning of this year. It has been an extremely eventful year, and today it gives me great pleasure to brief the Security Council on the work of the Committee since the previous briefing in May (S/PV.6536). Perhaps the most significant event of the year for the Counter-Terrorism Committee was the special meeting held on 28 September to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001). Representatives of Member States, United Nations entities and other international and regional organizations had a comprehensive exchange of views on counter-terrorism during the day-long event, which was held at United Nations Headquarters.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6658 (2011) · source
“In conclusion, let me state that long-term socio-economic development and broad-based inclusive political systems are the key to addressing the threat posed by armed groups including the LRA. Towards that end, India is committed to enhancing cooperation with its African partners, including through the African Union and other regional and subregional organizations. We have announced credit lines of $5 billion for the next three years, as well as a number of projects designed for human resource development in African countries, including the Pan- African e-Network Project. These projects will strengthen national capacities to meet the development needs and aspirations that would also help address security problems, including the LRA. Finally, we will support the draft presidential statement that has been proposed.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“We have already seen in the African Union Mission in Somalia that the AU is capable of mounting such a force with the assistance of the international community, and hope that those initiatives will bear fruit soon. We have also taken note of the individual efforts of several countries to assist the countries in the region in building capacity to fight the LRA. Such assistance should be apolitical in nature and respect national sovereignty and policy, as well as operational matters. In addition, helping the affected communities to overcome the trauma of displacement and social stigma should also become an immediate priority. It is important that the affected communities be reintegrated through the provision of necessary resources.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“While long-term solutions to this problem are to extend the reach of the law enforcement agencies of States and focus on socio-economic development in the affected areas, it is important that serious efforts be made to eliminate the remaining active groups and bring the leadership of the LRA to justice. While UNOCA has a critical role to play in coordinating United Nations efforts to assist national Governments in their fight against armed groups, including the LRA, it is necessary for the international community to strengthen the capacity of the countries in the region, particularly that of their armed forces and other law enforcement agencies, to take the lead in combating the LRA. In that connection, we welcome the initiatives of the AU to appoint a special envoy for the LM. and establish a regional intervention force.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“It is necessary that the United Nations offices and missions, including UNOCA, be adequately staffed and resourced if they are to effectively and efficiently implement their mandates. Given the adverse impact of past conflicts on the social fabric of the countries in the region, the threat of the LRA cannot be neglected. The measures taken by Uganda in cooperation with its neighbours have helped to contain the problem. Nevertheless, the LRA, with its leadership at large, continues to pose a serious threat to peace and security, particularly for innocent civilians, given its ability to move freely and carry out operations across borders in several countries of the region. The inhuman acts inflicted by the LRA on local communities have resulted in the large-scale displacement and uprooting of communities.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“The effective functioning of UNOCA would greatly help the United Nations, including this Council, in assisting the countries to address those issues, many of which have a regional dimension and require a regional approach for their lasting resolution. The focus should be on finding local solutions to problems involving governance, capacity-building, security and transnational crime. Towards that end, creating synergy with other United Nations offices, such as the United Nations Office for West Africa and the United Nations Office to the African Union, would greatly benefit UNOCA's work. Those United Nations offices should work closely with the African Union (AU) and subregional organizations, such as the Economic Community of Central African States, and channel regional initiatives more effectively into their programmes.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“The countries in the region, as stated in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/704), have warmly welcomed the establishment of UNOCA and have started taking active interest in its work. UNOCA's activities during the past six months have been able to create a positive environment, paving the way for regional cooperation on important issues. The region faces several challenges, such as the proliferation of small arms, organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal exploitation of mineral resources, governance issues, high unemployment, internally displaced persons and refugees and of course, the problems associated with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). As stated in the report of the Secretary- General, the conflict in Libya has exacerbated some of those problems.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“Several countries are conducting democratic elections largely on their own. They have undertaken economic reforms and initiated measures to improve the capacity of their security and police forces. In this transition process, it is natural that countries are faced with many challenges, including from the remnants of past conflicts. It is critical that the international community continues to assist the nation-building efforts of the Central African countries. It is also important that international assistance not impinge on national ownership and the sovereign functions of States. With its mandate to help prevent conflict and consolidate peace in Central Africa, UNOCA has started its work on a positive note.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“Like others, I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing this meeting to discuss the activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the threat posed by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). I also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Abou Moussa, for his comprehensive briefings, and Ambassador Tete Antonio and General Louis Sylvain-Goma for their presentations. After decades of instability and conflict, the countries in the Central African region have now embarked on a process of moving towards democracy and development. The Governments have shown tremendous resolve and determination to handle their problems, individually and collectively, through regional cooperation and with the assistance of the international community, led by the United Nations.”
2011-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6657 (2011) · source
“This inclusive approach to national reconciliation, anchored in State sovereignty, is the only way to move forward and ensure the protection of civilians in an effective, pragmatic and enduring manner.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“It should only be the measure of last resort and be used only when all diplomatic and political efforts fail. The Security Council must also be clear that its responsibility for protecting civilians does not end with a military or police response. Civilians require humanitarian wherewithal for survival. The Council requires a more integrated view. Multiple stakeholders are involved in this process, not just the military. The actions of the Council and international community should facilitate engagement among warring factions in a conflict situation in a nationally owned and inclusive political process and not complicate the situation by threats of sanctions, regime change, et cetera.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“There are also instances when the Council is expected to quickly criticize national Governments for failing in their responsibility to protect civilians, while little or no accountability is enforced on armed groups indulging in violence. As stated earlier, the protection of civilians is a national responsibility and requires institutions, and conditions in which the institutions can function. To enable States to fulfil their responsibility to protect their populations, national capacities need to be strengthened, where needed. Peacekeepers, in spite of their best efforts, cannot possibly protect everyone from everything. Peacekeepers are primarily there to assist and aid in the development of national capacities. In concluding, I would like to stress that force is not the only way to protect civilians.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In this regard, I would like to draw attention to the need for accountability. We believe that there should be accountability of those who mandate. Their responsibility does not end with the generation of mandates. They should be held accountable if unachievable mandates are generated for political expediency or if adequate resources are not made available. Further, it is important that the principle of protecting civilians must be applied in a uniform manner by all parties to a conflict. The Council's recent actions have brought to the fore a considerable sense of unease about the manner in which the humanitarian imperative of protecting civilians has been interpreted for actual action on the ground. Monitoring of the manner in which the Council's mandates are interpreted has, therefore, assumed importance.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“We must also be clear that the United Nations has a mandate to intervene only in situations where there is a threat to international peace and security. Any Council decision to intervene must, therefore, be based on credible and verifiable information. This requires a much greater information flow when the Council is seized ofa situation. The Security Council must make up its mind on what it means by protection of civilians. It must have clarity about who is to be protected and what constitutes a threat. It must also clarify what kind of response it expects and who is to respond. For example, it must be able to differentiate between threats that require a military response and a rule-of- law response. It should not ask force commanders or their soldiers to assume policing responsibilities.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Any decision to intervene that is associated with political motives distracts from the noble principles and must be avoided. Also, the response of the Council and the international community must be proportional to the threat involved, use the appropriate methods and make available adequate resources to any peacekeeping mission involved. In this context, it is pertinent to mention that we find several Member States all too willing to expend considerable resources for regime change in the name of protection of civilians. However, they are unwilling to provide minimal resources, like military helicopters, to the United Nations peacekeeping missions, which are mandated to protect civilians and designed to strengthen capacity of State institutions as well.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“At the same time, States also have the obligation to protect their citizens from armed groups and militants. While the right of people to protest peacefully is to be respected, States cannot but take appropriate action when heavily armed militant groups resort to violence against State authority and infrastructure. The Security Council has placed protection issues squarely at the centre of the conflict resolution and peacekeeping agenda by adopting a number of resolutions and statements on protection of civilians and on related issues of violence against women and children in situations of armed conflict. Protection of civilians, when applied as a basis for Security Council action, needs to respect the fundamental aspects of the United Nations Charter, including the sovereignty and integrity of the Member States.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“India is proud to have been associated with United Nations peacekeeping from its very inception. As a country that has contributed more than 100,000 peacekeepers and to virtually every United Nations peacekeeping operation in the past six decades, India is steadfast in its commitment to protect civilians at the international level. India brings to the table a quantum of experience in actually protecting civilians in peacekeeping missions that is unique in its relevance, variety and depth. It has been India's consistent view that protection of the population is first and foremost the responsibility of each State. We recognize the responsibility of all States to respect the fundamental rights of their people, address their legitimate aspirations and respond to their grievances through administrative, political, economic and other measures.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Civilians have always suffered the most in war. Notwithstanding the development of international humanitarian law and Security Council mandates, civilians continue to suffer today. Even more unfortunate is the fact that civilians, or non-belligerents, suffer a disproportionate share of casualties compared to belligerents. It is they who bear the brunt of violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. United Nations peacekeeping is one of the key instruments available to the international community to protect people from the scourge of war and lawlessness. India has contributed, through ideas and resources, to global efforts towards protecting civilians. Our men on the ground are the ones who translate the Council's mandates into actions in challenging circumstances.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Such instances leave a deep scar on our collective consciousness. Living in a globalized world today, the international community cannot but deal with such cases. At the same time, most cases where civilians are at the greatest risk today do not involve nation States, but belligerents who are not necessarily combatants under international humanitarian law. That makes the task of the international community, the Council in particular, so much more difficult as it needs to act within the established principles of international law. I would therefore like to thank the Portuguese presidency for having organized this meeting, and hope that today's debate will contribute meaningfully towards the United Nations response for the protection of civilians. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General for his incisive statement.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Portuguese presidency for having organized the Council's open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict today. I also want to warmly welcome President Cavaco Silva to the Security Council and to thank him for his statement. I would also like to thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their briefings. The right to life is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitutions of a vast number of United Nations Member States, including my own. It is, in fact, the foundation of any social order. Unfortunately, there are instances when that foundation is disturbed, leading to the killing of civilians on a large scale.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Political or other non-judicial considerations should not exonerate anybody from prosecution for the crimes committed. Last but not least, it is also important to ensure that all actions by the ICC Prosecutor should fall strictly within the ambit of resolution 1970 (2011), in particular paragraph 6, which concerns the States that are not parties to the Rome Statute.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“We have noted that the ICC Prosecutor's immediate goal is to complete the investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Prosecutor's Office is also making progress in the investigations on gender crimes and is examining information related to attacks on migrant workers. We expect that the Prosecutor will carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into all alleged crimes by all parties to the conflict in Libya. The Prosecutor must not be influenced by non-judicial considerations and must focus his attention solely on prosecution, without diversion due to extraneous considerations. All those responsible for committing crimes covered under the Rome Statute should be held accountable irrespective of which side to the conflict they may belong to.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“The proliferation of weapons has emerged as a major problem, posing a threat to the stability of Libya as well as to that of the larger region. The time has come for the new authorities in Libya to exert their sovereignty and independence and undertake an inclusive political process aimed at achieving national reconciliation, peace, security and stability in the country. The international community, including the Security Council and the ICC, should fully assist the Libyan authorities in that process. That inclusive approach to national reconciliation, anchored in State sovereignty, is the only way to overcome the multitude of problems that Libya faces in the present ostensible post-conflict scenario.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“Even at the risk of sounding repetitive, it is necessary to reiterate that India is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and not a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for reasons that are well known. It is also important to note that of the 193 Members of the United Nations, only 119 are States parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC. Five of the 15 members of the Council, including three permanent members, are not parties to the Statute. We do, however, support the rights and obligations of the States that are members of the ICC. The situation in Libya has significantly changed since the Prosecutor's last report and his briefing to the Security Council. During the eight months of conflict in Libya, there were a large number of deaths and destruction on a massive scale.”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to join others in congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. I would also like to take this opportunity to assure you and, through you, your delegation of my delegation's full cooperation in the discharge of your duties during the course of the month. I would like also to take this opportunity to thank the Permanent Representative of Nigeria, Ambassador Joy ngu, and her delegation for her successful stewardship of the work of the Council during the month of October. In addition, I would like to thank the Prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, for his briefing today. We have also taken note of his second report to the Security Council, submitted pursuant to paragraph 7 of resolution 1970 (2011).”
2011-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6647 (2011) · source
“We firmly believe that the actions of the international community should facilitate engagement of the Syrian Government and the opposition in a Syrian-led inclusive political process, and not complicate the situation by threats of sanctions, regime change, et cetera. 11-52974 The resolution under the Council's consideration does not accommodate our concern about the threat of sanctions. It does not condemn the violence perpetrated by the Syrian opposition, nor does it place any responsibility on the opposition to abjure violence and engage with the Syrian authorities for redressing of their grievances through a peaceful political process. We have, therefore, abstained in the vote on the resolution.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“Given the complexity of ground realities in Syria, we believe that engaging Syria in a collaborative and constructive dialogue and partnership is the only pragmatic and productive way forward. In our bilateral contacts with the Syrian Government, as well as through the India-Brazil-South Africa initiative, we have urged them to exercise restraint, abjure violence and pay heed to the aspirations of their people. The international community should give time and space for the Syrian Government to implement the far-reaching reform measures they have announced. For this, it is also necessary that the opposition forces in Syria give up the path of armed insurrection and engage constructively with the authorities.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“India remains concerned about the unfolding events in Syria that have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and security force personnel. We deplore all violence, irrespective of who its perpetrators are. We recognize the responsibility of all States to respect the fundamental rights of their people, address their legitimate aspirations and respond to their grievances through administrative, political, economic and other measures. At the same time, States also have the obligation to protect their citizens from armed groups and militants. While the right of people to protest peacefully is to be respected, States cannot but take appropriate action when militant groups - heavily armed - resort to Violence against State authority and infrastructure.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“I want to start by congratulating you, Madame President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. We have no doubt that you will have an extremely successful presidency. I would also like to take this opportunity to complement Lebanon, and in particular Ambassador Nawaf Salam, for the very wise and able stewardship that he provided to the Council during September, a difficult month at the best of times. Both historically and in contemporary times, Syria has been an important country in the Middle East. Its role in the Middle East peace process and in the stability of the wider region cannot be overemphasized. Prolonged instability and unrest in Syria therefore clearly have ramifications for the region and beyond.”
2011-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6627 (2011) · source
“As the security transition moves forward, Afghanistan needs the long-term commitment and support of the international community. We look forward to the forthcoming Istanbul and Bonn Conferences and the comprehensive review of UNAMA's mandated activities and United Nations support in Afghanistan by the end of this year. We hope that this will contribute to efforts towards lasting peace and the stability, economic sustainability and regional integration of Afghanistan in the years ahead.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Those are projects that call for large investment. We express our resolve to cooperate with Afghanistan on plans involving regional integration for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, of which Afghanistan is a full member, is an important vehicle for regional economic cooperation within the South Asia region. We have always considered Afghanistan as a South Asian country with natural complementarities and synergies with other countries of South Asia, and one that is uniquely placed to build bridges even beyond it. India's rapidly growing economy and its large market make it a natural destination for Afghan exports. Similarly, India can be a cost-effective and efficient source of Afghan imports.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“India remains committed to partnering with the Government and people of Afghanistan in the building of a peaceful, stable, democratic and pluralistic nation. India's assistance programme is spread across Afghanistan, spanning almost the entire gamut of economic and social development activities. We are undertaking reconstruction and development activities in Afghanistan with a total bilateral assistance commitment of approximately $2 billion. We have placed special emphasis on capacity building and human resource development, which, in our opinion, are the building blocks for a robust and self-reliant economy. Indian companies have evinced interest in the exploitation of Afghanistan's iron ore reserves. India is also participating in the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan- Pakistan gas pipeline project.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“With the onset of the drawdown of foreign security forces and the transition process, it is all the more important for the international community - especially the countries of the region - to remain committed in this crucial phase, when Afghan national institutions are still being developed and consolidated. It is also important that Afghanistan's growth strategy be built upon the country's comparative advantage of abundant natural resources and its strategic geographical location. Those will have to be the building blocks of our vision for Afghanistan as a hub lining Central and South Asia through pipelines, trade and transit routes for the common good of the people of our region and the world. We support the New Silk Road Initiative, which is an important step in that direction.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“As we have stressed earlier, that must be accompanied by an inclusive political process and intra-Afghan dialogue and include a renunciation of violence, the cutting of ties to terrorist groups and respect for the Afghan Constitutions, with its protections for human rights, including the rights of women. Afghan ownership and leadership are also vital to development and reconstruction in Afghanistan. That also implies greater coherence, coordination and further streamlining of the international community's development-related efforts, including aligning assistance with Afghan national priorities and increasingly working through Afghan institutions. We are happy to note efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in that regard.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“For the security and stabilization of Afghanistan, it is important to isolate and root out the syndicate of terrorism, which includes elements of the Al-Qaida, Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terrorist and extremist groups operating within and outside Afghanistan's borders. These groups are ideologically and operationally fused, and their bonds have strengthened over the years. It will not be possible to consolidate the gains on the security front unless the international community is able to firmly deal with safe havens for terrorist groups outside Afghanistan's borders. We fully support an Afghan-led, inclusive and transparent process of reconciliation, adhering to the red lines enunciated by the Afghan Government in the Kabul and London communique's.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“In its hurry to withdraw from a combat role in Afghanistan, the international community will only ignore that at its own peril. The latest report (S/2011/590) of the Secretary- General underscores that, for the success of the transition, it is important that the Afghan National Security Forces continue to demonstrate enhanced independent capability and professionalism to assume an increasing level of responsibility and accountability. We support the further strengthening of the Afghan National Security Forces, which must go hand in hand with the enhancement of their capabilities and adequate enablers. It is important that the transition be Afghan- owned and planned and implemented in a systematic manner. It must also ensure the protection and promotion of the human rights of all Afghans.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“Tragically, the forces of terror and hatred have silenced yet another powerful voice of reason and peace in Afghanistan. As we have repeatedly stressed in the Security Council, such attacks point to a dangerous osmosis of ideologies, ambitions, training and operations among the syndicate of terrorism in the region, with suicide terrorism as its main technique and targets not limited to Afghanistan. The resilience of insurgents and their ability to target areas otherwise considered safe and secure is a grim reminder that the security gains are still tenuous. For peace, stability and security in Afghanistan, it is imperative that the ongoing transition be linked to the realities on the ground, rather than rigid timetables.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“While the process of transition of security responsibilities to the Afghan National Security Forces has been ongoing since July 2011, it is, indeed, worrisome that there has been no let-up in terrorist violence. The Taliban has opted for attacking high-security targets, assassinations and launching complex suicide attacks in urban centres, including Kabul. Important political figures and Government officials have been killed in the recent past, including Ahmad Wali Karzai, Chair of the Kandahar Provincial Council, and Ghulam Haydar Hamidi, the Mayor of Kandahar. The Intercontinental Hotel, the British Council and the United States Embassy in Kabul have also been targeted. We unreservedly condemn last week's assassination of Mr. Burhanuddin Rabbani, Chair of the High Peace Council and former President of Afghanistan.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling today's debate on the situation in Afghanistan. I welcome His Excellency Mr. Zalmai Rassoul, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, to the Council and thank him for his statement. We are grateful for the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/590) and appreciate the briefing by Special Representative of the Secretary- General Staffan de Mistura. We are deeply concerned that the overall security environment in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate. The latest Secretary-General's report notes that the average monthly number of security incidents is up 39 per cent as compared to the same period in 2010.”
2011-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6625 (2011) · source
“We have also undertaken a waste management project as part of a joint India-Brazil-South Africa initiative. In addition, at the request of the President of Haiti, the Government of India will support the construction of 500 low-cost housing units. In conclusion, the continuing support of the international community, coupled with stable and effective governance in Haiti, would help the Haitian people to overcome the problems they are currently facing. It is our hope that Haiti will soon do so and move towards stability and development.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source