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

“There is also a growing risk of weapons of mass destruction of different kinds falling into the hands of terrorists, which will only exacerbate the existing grave security challenge to the international community. In today's Internet-based age, there is also increasing misuse of cyberspace and related technologies by terrorists and their supporters for the purposes of recruitment and training and the financing, planning, preparation and incitement of their activities. An effective counter-terrorism strategy therefore requires greater international and regional cooperation than the international community has so far been able to achieve.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“Our thanks are also due to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and insightful briefing. Today, terrorism constitutes the most serious challenge to international peace and security. Over the years, the visible landscape of international terrorism has changed vastly. In our globalized world, terrorists are also globalized in their reach and activities and are able to wage asymmetric warfare against the international community. Terrorists have established linkages with transnational organized crime, and their veritable nexus with drug, human and arms trafficking is now well established. Terrorist financing, illicit money-laundering, drug trafficking and the illicit arms trade remain intertwined in a complex web of toxic relationships.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“At the outset, allow me to extend to you, Mr. President, a very warm welcome to the Security Council. Your presence in the Council is indeed a defining moment as Azerbaijan assumes the presidency of the Security Council for the first time in its history. I would also like to express our deep appreciation to you, Sir, and to your delegation for organizing today's meeting on this important subject of threats to peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and for chairing the meeting. I would also like to acknowledge the participation of ministers and high officials of Germany, Togo, Colombia, Morocco and the Russian Federation in today's meeting. Their participation and valuable statements underscore the importance of the subject for the international community.”
2012-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6765 (2012) · source
“India has been steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people's struggle for a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital and living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as per the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map. For the achievement of that dream, India will continue to support all efforts, including those of the Quartet. At the same time, for a comprehensive settlement of Arab-Israeli problems, it is also important not to lose sight of other Arab lands under Israeli occupation.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“The formation of a unity Government and the implementation of the reconciliation agreement among Palestinian factions, signed last May, are important for strengthening the administrative and security achievements made by the Palestinian Authority in spite of several financial crises. It will not only bring all Palestinian factions together, but also ensure the establishment of a single authority for the whole of the Palestinian territories. Early action on that front will help in reaching political common ground - essential for future democratic processes in Palestine. The Palestinian question remains at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The resolution of this issue should be a priority for the international community.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“While we welcome some steps in easing restrictions and the blockade, much more is required to be done urgently. There is also a need to enhance the level of humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. That should be done through the established channels. At the same time, the capacity of those channels should be increased. On its part, India is continuing its development cooperation with Palestine through untied direct budgetary support - $10 million for the past two years - as well as through the training of personnel in various areas, an annual $1 million contribution to UNRWA and projects under the India- Brazil-South Africa Fund.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Indiscriminate violence not only puts the lives of civilians in real danger, it also leads to a vicious cycle of violence. We condemn all such attacks, which cause harm to the civilian population and damage civilian infrastructure, and call for their full cessation. The humanitarian situation in Gaza due to the continuing blockade and restrictions on exports is constantly aggravating the livelihoods of the civilian population. As has been brought out in several reports by United Nations agencies, poverty and aid dependency have increased. Demands for emergency services, such as health, water, sanitation, education and temporary shelter, have overstretched the resources of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“As I have said, if there is one issue that has become the major hindrance to the peace process, it is Israel's illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. Several reports, including those of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have clearly shown that the intensification of these activities is not compatible with the two-State solution. In fact, it is destroying the very possibility of the two-State solution. Settlement activities have also exacerbated the humanitarian problems of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They have led to violence and an aggravation of tension between the Israeli settlers and the Palestinian population. We therefore reiterate our call for Israel to stop all settlement activities.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“The parties should take urgent steps to recommence negotiations for realizing the aspirations of the Palestinian people to having a State of their own, living side by side and at peace with Israel. In this regard, the complete cessation of settlement activities is of the utmost importance. At the same time, all Violence against civilians, irrespective of its source and cause, must stop. The international community, particularly the Quartet, must redouble its efforts to bring the parties to the negotiating table. We hope that the meeting that took place between the Palestinian and Israeli negotiators on 17 April will facilitate their efforts towards the commencement of direct talks.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“Ironically, this is happening at a time when the international community is supporting the democratic aspirations of other peoples in the region. If the present stalemate is allowed to continue and Palestinian aspirations continue to be denied, we run the risk of seeing a sharp deterioration in the situation. The lack of trust between the parties, primarily due to the intensification of Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, needs to be seriously and urgently addressed. In that regard, we call for a renewed commitment on the part of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to the accepted principles for the settlement of the Palestinian issue, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, the Oslo accords, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet principles.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his comprehensive briefing on developments in the Middle East, particularly on the Palestinian question, during the past month. I would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their useful statements. The Middle East peace process is undoubtedly passing through one of the most difficult times since the signing of the Oslo accord. The continuing stalemate in the peace process is undermining the gains made so far. In fact, dramatic developments in West Asia and North Africa since the beginning of 2011 appear to have pushed the Palestinian issue onto the back burner.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source
“We hope that all parties, including the opposition, will abide by those conditions. While the Syrian parties cooperate with UNSMIS and the Joint Special Envoy, it is also essential that all countries interested in securing peace and stability in Syria lend their full support to Mr. Annan and UNSMIS, and that they refrain from any action that might cause further bloodshed. This will help to expeditiously resolve the Syrian crisis, as well as to ensure that it does not spill beyond Syria's borders.”
2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source
“That resolution is also an appeal to all parties to walk back from violence, so that impartial supervision and monitoring of the ceasefire can contribute to the parties' observing and upholding their commitment. We voted in favour of resolution 2043 (2012) with the expectation that UNSMIS will implement its mandate impartially, objectively and fairly, and will help the Syrian parties build on the ceasefire and begin an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that will meet the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. For the Annan plan to succeed, all parties must implement their respective commitments under the six-point proposal. We note that the preliminary understanding signed on 19 April by the Syrian Government and the United Nations sets out clear conditions that have to be met by the Government and the armed opposition groups.”
2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Russian delegation for introducing the draft resolution that the Security Council has adopted unanimously today as resolution 2043 (2012). It is a significant step in the Council's collective support for the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy, Mr. Kofi Annan. It is a matter for satisfaction that Mr. Annan's efforts over the past seven weeks have resulted in an improvement in the situation in Syria. Although there have been reports of violations, the ceasefire that came into force on 12 April has been observed by all parties in a large part of Syria. Obviously, there is a need to sustain the gains made so far. That should be facilitated by the expeditious deployment of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), authorized by today's resolution.”
2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source
“We hope that this meeting of the Security Council will help draw attention to the challenges posed by nuclear terrorism and reinforce national and international commitments to strengthen nuclear security and contribute to the enhancement of the global nuclear security architecture.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“All States have the right to develop and utilize nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in accordance with the international obligations they have undertaken. Given India's growing energy demands, we see nuclear energy as an important component of our energy mix. We are taking forward our three-stage nuclear programme based on a closed-fuel cycle, with new safety features and proliferation-resistant technologies. Our goal is to generate 62,000 megawatts from nuclear energy by 2032. We are determined that our expanding nuclear power programme will follow the highest standards of nuclear safety and security.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“States should fully and effectively implement the obligations arising from the agreements and treaties to which they are parties. The role of the Security Council should be in accordance with the Charter and applicable provisions of international agreements that provide for such a role. India has never been a source of proliferation of sensitive technologies. We are determined to further strengthen our export control systems to keep them on a par with the highest international standards. We have already adhered to the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime. As a country with the ability and willingness to promote global non-proliferation objectives, we believe that the next logical step is India's membership in the four export control regimes.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“This should include measures to reduce nuclear dangers by reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in security doctrines and by increasing universal restraints on the first use of nuclear weapons. Working towards the common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons will require a steadfast commitment to multilateralism, which has proved its worth in the case of conventions banning two other categories of weapons of mass destruction. The United Nations disarmament machinery, especially the Conference on Disarmament as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, should play its role. We support the early commencement of negotiations in the Conference of Disarmament in Geneva on a fissile material cut-off treaty, which has since 1993 been envisaged as a significant contribution to non-proliferation in all its aspects.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“India will contribute $1 million to the IAEA's Nuclear Security Fund for the years 2012 and 2013 and will participate in the Agency's 2013 International Coordinating Conference on various nuclear security activities, including the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, of which we are a member. India intends to host a 1540 workshop this year to strengthen its implementation. We believe that the best guarantee of nuclear security is a world free of nuclear weapons. The Rajiv Gandhi action plan, submitted nearly 25 years ago, remains the most comprehensive and elaborate proposal to achieve the objective of global nuclear disarmament in a time-bound framework. Attaining the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world will require commitments embedded in an agreed multilateral framework involving all States possessing nuclear weapons.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We welcome the successful outcome of the Nuclear Security Summit held on Seoul on 26 and 27 March 2012, which sets new benchmarks for nuclear security and new frameworks for international cooperation. India's Prime Minister participated in the Summit. India has contributed to the Nuclear Security Summit process, including by hosting a Sherpa meeting in New Delhi this year. While nuclear security is primarily a national responsibility, there are benefits to supplementing responsible national actions through sustained and effective international cooperation. We have made progress in the establishment of the global centre for nuclear energy partnership. The physical infrastructure for the centre is being set up, and cooperation agreements have been signed with several countries and the IAEA. Off-campus courses are already under way.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“India's resolution in the General Assembly on measures to deny terrorists access to weapons of mass destruction, which has been adopted by consensus since 2002, and the recently extended work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) are important in that regard. So are international legal instruments on national security, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment, and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. We support the universalization of those instruments and the central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in strengthening the international global nuclear security architecture.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“India welcomes the initiative taken by the United States to convene a meeting of the Security Council on nuclear security. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General for his briefing. India fully shares international concerns about the serious threat posed by nuclear terrorism and clandestine proliferation to international security. In recent years, there has been heightened awareness of the threat of terrorists and traffickers seeking access to nuclear material and technologies for malicious purposes. Addressing that threat requires sustained and effective international cooperation to supplement responsible national actions.”
2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source
“We expect that the opposition will also engage seriously in the process, so that the crisis is resolved without any further bloodshed; peace, stability and security are re-established; and the people of Syria are able to focus their energies on socio-economic development. For the success of the Annan mission, it is also necessary that all countries in Syria's neighbourhood and beyond facilitate and extend their support for a political resolution of the Syrian crisis under the auspices of the Joint Special Envoy. India, for its part, will continue to extend full support for the impartial implementation of Mr. Annan's six-point plan.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“We voted in favour of resolution 2042 (2012) today so that an advance team of the United Nations supervision mission may be deployed expeditiously to monitor the cessation of Violence. We hope that all parties, including the opposition, will implement their commitments and cooperate with the mission. It is also necessary that the mission carry out its work impartially, fairly and independently, with due respect for Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. For the success of the Annan plan and the observer mission, it is necessary that they be accompanied by an inclusive Syrian-led political process. The cessation of violence should create a conducive environment for such a process to start as early as possible. We have noted the commitment of the Government of Syria to such a process.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“India has consistently supported all efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis through an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of all sections of Syrian society. To that end, we have given our full support to the mission of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan. Earlier this morning, our Minister of External 12-29516 Affairs spoke to Mr. Annan and underscored India's support for his mission. It is a matter of satisfaction that Mr. Annan's efforts over the past six weeks have resulted in a cessation of violence. We welcome that development and the commitment of the Government of Syria to the six-point plan that Mr. Arman has proposed. We expect that the Syrian opposition will also adhere to the relevant parts of the plan, renounce violence and cooperate fully with Mr. Annan.”
2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source
“That briefing will also serve as a useful opportunity for the members of the Committee and the Panel to get the Views of the wider United Nations membership.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“We hope that the outstanding technical issues concerning the Iranian nuclear programme will be resolved peacefully through Iran's cooperation with the IAEA. We also welcome the decision to resume talks between the P5+1 group and Iran. Those talks should serve as an important confidence-building measure and help avoid an escalation of the situation. India supports the full implementation of relevant resolutions of the Security Council concerning the Iranian nuclear issue. While implementing those resolutions, it is necessary that all efforts be made to ensure that legitimate trade and economic activities do not suffer. In conclusion, we support the Chair's intention to hold an open briefing, along with the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts, in April 2012 for interested Member States on implementation procedures.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“During the reporting period, the Panel submitted several reports, including a quarterly update on the implementation reports of the Member States submitted during the period from 1 November 2011 to 31 January 2012. We thank the Panel for those reports, which we are carefully studying. In January this year, three members of the Panel visited India. They had a useful exchange of Views with the authorities concerned in New Delhi. India has consistently supported the right of all nations to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in accordance with relevant international treaties to which they are parties. Iran should fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. In that connection, we welcome the recent exchanges between Iran and the IAEA.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Ambassador Nestor Osorio for presenting the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We commend his stewardship of the Committee and the professionalism with which the Committee has been implementing its mandate. The Panel of Experts is mandated to assist the Committee in the implementation of the relevant resolutions, and has to work under the direction of the Committee. We appreciate the work, including outreach activities, that the Panel has been doing, and we encourage it to continue its work in strict compliance with the relevant resolutions in an independent, objective, transparent and impartial manner. The Panel should also brief the Committee regularly on all its activities.”
2012-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6737 (2012) · source
“We look forward to a future for Afghanistan where the Afghan people can live in peace and security and decide their future themselves, without outside interference, coercion or intimidation. We must continue to work together with renewed vigour and unity of purpose towards strengthening the efforts of the Afghan Government in seeking solutions that are inclusive and led by the Afghan people themselves. It is in that spirit that India will remain engaged with the international community's efforts in Afghanistan.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“We firmly believe that Afghanistan's growth strategy has to be built upon its comparative advantage of abundant natural resources and its strategic geographical location. Those would have to be the building blocks of our vision for Afghanistan as a hub linking the Middle East and West Asia with Central and South Asia through trade and transit routes, railways and highways, energy pipelines and electricity networks, economic projects and cross-investments. Such cooperation should not be only between Governments, but have civil society and business as stakeholders. In that context, we are prepared to make long-term investments in Afghanistan, as we have done with Hajigak. In conclusion, India believes in a strong, independent, sovereign, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan at lasting peace with itself and its neighbours.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“In November 2011, we eliminated baseline customs duties on virtually all imports from Afghanistan, and in December a consortium of seven Indian public and private-sector companies were awarded the bid for three blocks of the Hajigak iron-ore reserves. We are happy to note the enhanced focus on regional cooperation. Today our investments in Afghanistan require a framework of regional collaboration for their success. 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 Asian region. Cooperation linking our region with Central Asia through Afghanistan could be a critical confidence-building measure.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“During the last decade, our relationship has been renewed and consolidated by our partnership in the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan. India has pledged up to $2 billion in development and humanitarian assistance. India signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan last October, looking to 2014 and beyond. The agreement creates an institutional framework for our multifaceted relationship in the fields of political and security cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, capacity- building and education, and social, cultural, civil society and people-to-people relations.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“I am happy to state that India is contributing in each of those areas. That is also the approach that we advocate for the Chicago, Kabul and Tokyo conferences. We also need greater coherence, coordination and further streamlining of the international community's development-related efforts, including the aligning of assistance with the Afghan national priorities. In that context, we are appreciative of the comprehensive review of UNAMA's mandated activities, the support of the United Nations in Afghanistan and the intention of the United Nations Development Programme to channel 80 per cent of its assistance through on-budget support. India appreciates and supports the work of UNAMA. India has age-old historical, cultural, civilizational and economic ties with our neighbour Afghanistan.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“With the gradual drawing down of international forces from their combat role, there are already signs of a transition recession. We need to find ways and means to ensure that Afghanistan does not feel abandoned by a withdrawal of assistance, at least in terms of the quantity, if not the quality, of the international assistance required post-2014. Afghanistan needs a comprehensive strategy for its national development that takes into account its least- developed-country status, its landlocked situation, three decades of conflict and a continued existential threat to its future from terrorism. Such a strategy should include security cooperation, official development assistance, capacity-building and education, trade access, and foreign investment commensurate with its needs.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“India fully supports an Afghan-led and Afghan- owned inclusive and transparent process of reconciliation, as opposed to an internationally led process, accompanied by an inclusive political process and intra-Afghan dialogue that should include a renunciation of violence, a cutting of ties to terrorist groups, and abiding by the Afghan Constitution, with its protections for human rights, including the rights of women. It is important that any political settlement not jeopardize the hard-won gains of the past 10 years and be acceptable to all constituents of the Afghan nation. It is also important that the ongoing transition remain Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, be multi-faceted and ensure the protection and promotion of the human rights of all Afghans and lead to the strengthening of the Afghan State and its institutions.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Afghanistan needs assistance and support to build its capacity to tackle the critical challenges of terrorism, including suicide terrorism, the religious extremism that fuels it and the drug trafficking that sustains it. We must ensure that Afghanistan's security is ensured through non-interference in its internal affairs. As Afghanistan moves ahead with the transition process, we must take into account the conditions on the ground and the capacity of Afghanistan's security forces to preserve the sovereignty, independence and territorial unity and integrity of its nation. We support all efforts for the strengthening of the Afghan national security forces, which must go hand-in-hand with the strengthening of their training and equipping and the financing and development of their capabilities beyond the transition period.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Terrorist violence shows no sign of receding and civilian casualties attributed to anti-Government elements have continued to rise over the past five years, reaching a peak in 2011. Terrorism continues to find sustenance and support from 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. We need concerted action to isolate and root out this syndicate of terrorism, which includes elements of the Al-Qaida, Taliban, Lashkar-e- Taiba and other terrorist and extremist groups operating mainly from outside Afghanistan's borders.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The upcoming conferences in 2012, including the NATO Chicago summit in May on security, the follow- up ministerial conference in Kabul in June on regional cooperation, and the Tokyo conference in July on development, will be instrumental in working out clearly defined and tangible commitments in the critical areas of security, governance, trade promotion, investment, development and regional cooperation. Afghanistan today confronts major challenges in those areas and will need considerable assistance for a long time, even beyond the transition period, to address those challenges. First and foremost, concerns on the security front continue to remain paramount. The security gains achieved during the past decade are still tenuous and fragile.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“However, the journey is far from over and much more needs to be done. The past few months have witnessed important high-level regional and international engagements on Afghanistan. The Istanbul Conference provided a new impetus to regional cooperation. The outcome of the Bonn Conference, as embodied in the Bonn Conference conclusions, was an expression of the international community's determination and political commitment to sustained long-term engagement with Afghanistan.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling today's debate on the situation in Afghanistan. I also thank Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, for his statement. I would also like to thank Mr. Jim Kubis, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, for his briefing, as well as the Secretary- General for his latest report on Afghanistan (S/2012/133). It is now more than a decade since the international community came together to assist Afghanistan with the shared goal of eliminating terrorism and the safe havens and sanctuaries from where it is emanating, right from the source, and to set the country firmly on the path to security, recovery, reconstruction and development. The progress made since then cannot be underestimated.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“India stands ready to share its experiences with the concerned countries in building democratic and plural political institutions and to partner with them in such fields as the drafting of new constitutional and legal frameworks, judicial and security sector reforms, the creation of impartial and independent electoral institutions for the conduct of elections, and human resource development, including training and technical assistance. India will continue to support the Council in meeting the challenge of assisting the countries of West Asia and North Africa in implementing required political reforms without recourse to violence or violations of fundamental human rights, and in building an inclusive political system that enables the participation of all people.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Moreover, the call of the international community for democratic and political reforms sounds hollow to Palestinians and other people in the region living under occupation. In that connection, some important and immediate measures need to be taken, including putting an end to all settlement activities and favourable consideration by this Council of the Palestinian application for membership in the Organization. As the world's largest democracy, India supports measures taken by the countries in the region to address the grievances of their people in an atmosphere free of violence and bloodshed.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“The international community also needs to be galvanized to expeditiously resolve the long-pending problem of the West Asian and North African region, namely, the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the Israeli- Palestinian problem. That problem cannot be allowed to be lost in the din and preoccupations of other developments in the region. Quite apart from the fact that without a resolution of that conflict, developments in West Asia and North Africa cannot be adequately addressed, we seriously run the risk of violence if the people of Palestine feel marginalized and sense a complete loss of attention to their plight. Their protests may get radicalized unless concrete action is taken to end the occupation of Arab lands, so that all peoples in the region can live in peace in their respective homelands and build cooperative relations.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“The principles of national sovereignty, political independence and territorial unity and integrity must be respected. The international community should - including through the auspices of the United Nations - use diplomatic leverage and make available technical assistance in fields such as political, security and justice sector reforms, the drafting of new constitutions and legal frameworks, electoral institutions and the conduct of elections, among others. Actions based on selective or partial interpretations of a mandate of the United Nations must be avoided to ensure that long- term political reconciliation is achieved among various sections of society through peaceful, inclusive political processes.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“It also risks breeding extremism and intolerance, whose adverse consequences will be felt in the region and beyond. I would like to recall that the Father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi, said that "non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind". Even during the course of the past year, we have seen that wherever changes have taken place without violence, not only has normalcy returned faster but the changes have been accepted by society as a whole. We are therefore of the considered view that the political leaders of the concerned countries in West Asia and North Africa should resolve their problems through inclusive internal political processes that meet the aspirations of their people, in an atmosphere free of violence and bloodshed.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“In dealing with developments in West Asia and North Africa, the international community needs to use all the tools of diplomacy at its disposal and be there to assist the concerned countries in transitioning to an inclusive and participatory polity while maintaining social stability and cohesion. Since the exact nature of grievances varies from country to country, there is no one set of measures that can be applied to all of them. The solutions of the problems in each country have to take into consideration the society's particular circumstances and the genius of its people. However, what is certain is that solutions cannot include intervention through military force or arming the civilian population. Such a course of action will only fuel further bloodshed and instability and create new marginalized groups.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“The region is home to over 6 million Indians, with some of our largest economic and trade linkages. It is also the most important source for our energy needs and, being in our extended neighbourhood, vitally important to India. The unrest in West Asia and North Africa, which began more than a year ago, has its roots in the desire of people to play a greater role in shaping their destiny, politically and economically. Those aspirations will not be met through violence or armed struggle, and a solution cannot be reached through prescriptions from outside. In fact, given the history of foreign interference, such prescriptions will not only be suspect in the eyes of various segments of society, but may also have the potential to exacerbate the problem.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“By virtue of the genius of their peoples, their strategic location and, more recently, their natural resources, those societies have attracted considerable interest from far and wide. Over centuries, countries in the region have built multifaceted socio-economic and strategic linkages with the rest of world. Developments in the region have implications within and beyond the region, and they naturally are of interest to the international community. The relationship between India and the Arab world is unique, with age-old historic and cultural connections. The impact of the Arab and Islamic world on India itself has been profound and far-reaching, giving rise to a composite culture that is rich in its diversity and enduring in its essential unity.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source
“Let me begin by welcoming you, Foreign Secretary Hague, and the other Ministers to the Security Council. I would like to thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for organizing today's debate to discuss developments in West Asia and North Africa over the past year. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, you Mr. President, and the other speakers for the valuable statements made here today. We have listened carefully to the views expressed and hope that today's deliberations will help the international community to develop a more coordinated and consensual outlook to the serious challenges posed by developments in the region and beyond. For more than a millennium now, societies in West Asia and North Africa have played an important role in world history.”
2012-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6734 (2012) · source