YouSaid · the spoken record

John Sawers

lines on the record

590

first

2007-08-28

most recent

2009-10-14

sittings or episodes

89

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

1. “After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council congratulates the leaders and people of Lebanon and welcomes and strongly supports the agreement reached in Doha on 21 May under the auspices of the Arab League, which constitutes an essential step towards the resolution of the current crisis, the return to the normal functioning of Lebanese democratic institutions, and the complete restoration of Lebanon's unity and stability.”

   2008-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5896 (2008) · source

2. “I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Lebanon, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Salam (Lebanon) took a seat at the Council table. The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”

   2008-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5896 (2008) · source

3. “There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Belgium, Burkina Faso, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Panama, Russian Federation, South Africa, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Viet Nam. The President: There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1814 (2008). The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council will remain seized of the matter. The meeting rose at 3.55 p.m. 08-34033”

   2008-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5893 (2008) · source

4. “Members of the Council have before them document 8/2008/327, which contains the text of a draft resolution prepared in the course of the Council's prior consultations. Members also have before them document 8/2008/178, which contains the report of the 2 Secretary-General on the situation in Somalia. I also wish to draw the attention of members to document S/2008/309, containing the text of a letter dated 8 May 2008 from the Secretary-General to the President of the Security Council transmitting the text of a letter dated 23 April 2008 from the Secretary-General to the Chairman of the Commission of the African Union. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall now put the draft resolution to the vote.”

   2008-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5893 (2008) · source

5. “I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Somalia, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Duale (Somalia) took a seat at the Council table. The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”

   2008-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5893 (2008) · source

6. “I thank Mr. Guehenno for his briefing. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I should now like to invite Council members to informal consultations on the same subject. The meeting rose at 10.40 am.”

   2008-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5892 (2008) · source

7. “In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Affairs. It is so decided. I invite Mr. Guehenno to take a seat at the Council table. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document 8/2008/304 which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the deployment of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr.”

   2008-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5892 (2008) · source

8. “The Security Council calls upon the States of the region to implement their commitments under the Dakar Accord, and to cooperate with a view to putting an end to the activities of armed groups and their attempts to seize power by force. "The Security Council strongly condemns all attempts at destabilization by force, and reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan." This statement will be issued as a document of Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2008/15. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 3.10 p.m. 08-3374]”

   2008-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5891 (2008) · source

9. “Following consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council strongly condemns the attacks of 10 May perpetrated by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) against the the Sudanese Government in Omdurman, and urges all parties to cease violence immediately, respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and commit to a peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues. "The Security Council urges restraint by all parties and, in particular, warns that no retaliatory action should be taken against civilian populations, or that has an impact on stability in the region. "The Security Council reiterates the urgent need for all parties to engage fully and constructively in the political process.”

   2008-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5891 (2008) · source

10. “I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of the Sudan, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In accordance with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item, without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Mohamad (Sudan) took a seat at the Council table. The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”

    2008-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5891 (2008) · source

11. “"The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to continue to include, wherever appropriate, recommendations related to security sector reform in his periodic reports on United Nations operations mandated by the Security Council." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2008/14. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on the agenda. The meeting rose at 6.50 p.m.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5890 (2008) · source

12. “This will require coordination with all relevant United Nations actors, in particular the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group, to ensure coherence of approach. "The Security Council emphasizes the important role that the Peacebuilding Commission, through its integrated peacebuilding strategies, can play in ensuring continuous international support to countries emerging from conflict. The Security Council also recognizes the importance of continued close cooperation and partnerships with non-United Nations actors, in particular regional, subregional and other intergoverninental organizations, including international financial 08-33606 institutions and bilateral donors, as well as non-governmental organizations.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5890 (2008) · source

13. “"The Security Council recognizes the important role that the United Nations has played in supporting national security sector reform efforts and underlines the need for its continued engagement. In this regard, the Security Council emphasizes the need to develop a holistic and coherent United Nations approach to security sector reform as recommended by the Secretary- General, in close consultation with Member States. "The Security Council underlines that United Nations support to security sector reform must take place within a broad framework of the rule of law and should contribute to the overall strengthening of the United Nations rule of law activities as well as wider reconstruction and development efforts.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5890 (2008) · source

14. “The Security Council encourages further similar activities. "The Security Council recognizes that security sector reform is a long-term process and reiterates that it is the sovereign right and primary responsibility of the country concerned to determine its national approach and priorities for security sector reform. It should be a nationally owned process that is rooted in the particular needs and conditions of the country in question. The Security Council underlines that the strong support of the United Nations and international community is also critical in strengthening national capacities thereby reinforcing national ownership, which is crucial for the sustainability of the process.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5890 (2008) · source

15. “The Security Council recognizes that the establishment of an effective, professional and accountable security sector is one of the necessary elements for laying the foundations for peace and sustainable development. "The Security Council welcomes the Secretary-General's efforts on security sector reform and takes note of his report entitled 'Securing peace and development: the role of the United Nations in supporting security sector reform' of 23 January 2008 (S/2008/39). "The Security Council commends Slovakia and South Africa for their joint initiative in holding the International Workshop on Enhancing United Nations Support for Security Sector Reform in Africa on 7-8 November 2007 and takes note of the letter dated 20 November 2007 from the Permanent Representatives of Slovakia and South Africa (S/2007/687).”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5890 (2008) · source

16. “The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2008/39, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on securing peace and development: the role of the United Nations in supporting security sector reform. Following consultations among the members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council recalls the statement by its President of 21 February 2007 (S/PRST/2007/3) and emphasizes that security sector reform is an essential element of any stabilization and reconstruction process in post- conflict environments.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5890 (2008) · source

17. “I thank Mr. Takasu for his statement. There are no further speakers on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded its consideration of the item on its agenda. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I should now like to invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 3.45 p.m.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5889 (2008) · source

18. “I thank the Secretary-General for his statement. At this meeting the Council will hear briefings by His Excellency Mr. Jan Kubis, Her Excellency Ms. Susan van der Merwe and His Excellency Mr. Yukio Takasu. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Ian Kubis.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5889 (2008) · source

19. “Yukio Takasu, Chairman of the Peacebuilding Commission and Permanent Representative of Japan. There being no objection, it is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document 8/2008/39, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on securing peace and development: the role of the United Nations in supporting security sector reform. I very much welcome the presence of the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, at this meeting. We understand that you are only 2 available, Sir, for a brief time because of other important business, which is also on the agenda of the Security Council.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5889 (2008) · source

20. “In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 37 of its provisional rules of procedure to His Excellency Mr. Jan Kubis, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Slovakia. There being no objection, it is so decided. On behalf of the Council, I extend a very warm welcome to you, Mr. Minister. It is very good to have you here. I also welcome the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Susan van der Merwe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to His Excellency Mr.”

    2008-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5889 (2008) · source

21. “I have no other speakers inscribed on my list. In accordance with the 6 understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at I] am. 08-33183”

    2008-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5888 (2008) · source

22. “The President: In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council's prior consultations, I shall take it that the Security Council agrees to extend an invitation under rule 39 of its provisional rules of procedure to Mr. Terje Roed- Larsen, Special Envoy for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). It is so decided. I invite Mr. Roed-Larsen to take a seat at the Council table. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear a briefing by Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, to whom I give the floor.”

    2008-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5888 (2008) · source

23. “I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Lebanon, in which he requests to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In conformity with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite that representative to participate in the consideration of the item without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. At the invitation of the President, Mr. Salam (Lebanon) took a seat at the Council table.”

    2008-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5888 (2008) · source

24. “The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 12.10p.m. 08-32636”

    2008-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5885 (2008) · source

25. “"The Security Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the Secretary-General's good offices mission and expresses its appreciation for the work of his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari. The Security Council encourages the Government of Myanmar and all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the United Nations. "The Security Council welcomes the important role that the ASEAN countries continue to play in supporting the United Nations good offices mission. "The Security Council affirms its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar and, in that context, reiterates that the future of Myanmar lies in the hands of all ofits people. "The Security Council remains seized of the matter." This statement will be issued as a document of Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/2008/l3.”

    2008-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5885 (2008) · source

26. “After consultations among members of the Security Council, I have been authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the Council: "The Security Council reaffirms its statements of 11 October and 15 November 2007 and all the expectations expressed in those statements. "The Security Council takes note of the announcement by the Government of Myanmar of a referendum on a draft constitution in May 2008 and elections in 2010. It further notes the commitment by the Government of Myanmar to the ensure that the referendum process will be free and fair. The Security Council underlines the need for the Government of Myanmar to establish the conditions and create an atmosphere conducive to an inclusive and credible process, including the full participation of all political actors and respect for fundamental political freedoms.”

    2008-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5885 (2008) · source

27. “As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of May 2008, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Dumisani Kumalo, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of April 2008. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Kumalo for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in Myanmar The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”

    2008-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5885 (2008) · source

28. “We urge Syria, as hosts, to take the steps necessary for a resolution in Lebanon to be reached, and we urge all actors in the region to work in the interests of stability and democracy in Lebanon. Sustained United Nations engagement is crucial. That includes the implementation of all Security Council resolutions on Lebanon and the Secretary- General's continued leadership. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon continues to play a vital role in providing security in the south. Once again, the United Kingdom is grateful to the troop-contributing countries for the work they are doing alongside the Lebanese armed forces.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

29. “The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee will meet in London at the beginning of May in order to coordinate donor activity and provide a clear demonstration of international support for the Annapolis process. I would also like to make a couple of points on Lebanon. The Government of Lebanon needs the support of the international community. The continued political impasse and insecurity in Lebanon are a major concern. The United Kingdom continues to support the efforts of Amre Moussa, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, to promote a solution. All countries with influence in Lebanon, in particular Syria, must play a constructive role. The Arab League summit in Damascus this week marks an opportunity to make progress.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

30. “The United Nations should support efforts to open Gaza crossings. We in the European Union are ready to redeploy our border assistance mission at Rafah at the earliest opportunity. A long-term solution to the situation in Gaza must address both Israeli security and Palestinian hardship. That can only come from a political process. The efforts of the international community must be in support of the Annapolis process in order to achieve this objective. In addition to our ongoing humanitarian support, the United Kingdom continues to address the economic and development needs that are vital to political progress. The Bethlehem investors' conference will take place with our support in mid-May, and it is our hope that that will lead to real improvements on the ground.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

31. “It is important that each side takes steps to meet these obligations without waiting for the other to make the first move. The Palestinians must address Israeli security concerns, making visible efforts on the ground to arrest, disrupt and restrain those who conduct and plan violent attacks on Israelis. Israel should freeze all settlement activity, including the natural growth of existing settlements. The United Kingdom considers that Israeli settlement building anywhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is illegal under international law. That includes settlements in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains of grave concern. Essential services, including water and sanitation, are close to breakdown, and a number of essential medical items and drugs are out of stock.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

32. “Broader support for the peace process, in particular in the region, is also invaluable. We welcome the international community's continued efforts, including the recent visit by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Yemeni initiative to support intra-Palestinian dialogue. The situation on the ground, and in particular in Gaza and southern Israel, is of great concern to my Government. We have been deeply saddened by the civilian casualties on both sides. The United Kingdom unequivocally condemns the incessant rocket attacks against Israel and the appalling attack on the seminary in Mercaz Harav. Measures in response must be in accordance with international law and not cause suffering to innocent civilians. We look to the Israeli authorities to achieve that objective. Both sides have obligations under the Road Map.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

33. “All of us need to encourage an early resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and to secure visible progress from these negotiations in order to bring the focus back to the political process. It is the political process that offers the only prospect for a solution and peace in the region. We look to Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas to continue to demonstrate strong leadership in search of peace at a difficult time. We look to them to resume negotiations at the earliest opportunity. As part of the Quartet, the United Nations has a responsibility to influence the peace process, to encourage both sides to take difficult but necessary steps. That can only be done through a balanced approach, as far as possible achieving consensus here in the Security Council.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

34. “I apologize to colleagues for missing much of the earlier debate. I was attending the commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade in an adjacent room. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for the briefing that the Council received earlier. I will study it and the speeches we have heard closely. At the end of 2007, we all spoke of a window of hope in our common efforts to achieve a two-State solution in the Middle East. Some cautioned against allowing this window to close since it might be the last opportunity. We need to get back to a level of optimism. With political will, we can stop the window from closing.”

    2008-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5859 (2008) · source

35. “We look forward to the report of the Counter- Terrorism Committee on the implementation of the counter-terrorism obligations by States under resolution 1373 (2001) to which Mr. Smith referred. We attach importance to having a global picture of achievements and gaps in order for the Council to be able to guide the priorities of the Committee in the year ahead. We think that such an analysis will be important at the start of each year. I would like to close by saying that under the able leadership of Ambassador Jurica and Mr. Smith at CTED, this is a promising time for the work of the Council on counter-terrorism issues. The United Kingdom would welcome sustained Council involvement in counter-terrorism, and we stand ready to do our part.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

36. “We welcome the commitment to increase cooperation with other parts of the United Nations. This should include strengthening work with the 1267 (1999) monitoring team and the 1540 (2004) Committee experts, for which this Council has called for some time. Equally important, we welcome their commitment to play their full part in the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. The continued commitment to take forward work on incitement to terrorism and dealing with that problem within the context of resolution 1624 (2005) is also particularly important. In view of the threat we see emerging today, attacking radicalization and recruitment is essential, especially by challenging the ideology of violent extremism and helping to support vulnerable communities.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

37. “We particularly welcome the focus he put on three things: first, looking internally at CTED processes to improve their consistency and to get the most out of the range of expertise in the Directorate; secondly, looking outside CTED to consult widely on its role and how it can best work with all Member States, including through international and regional organizations; and, thirdly, considering new priorities in the work of CTED. 08-27612 I think the briefing that Mr. Smith has just given us has amply demonstrated the focus that he has brought on all three of these issues, and I warmly endorse the recommendations he has put forward. In the areas of renewed emphasis for CTED, we welcome, in particular, the focus on increased work with donors, for which we stand ready to do our part.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

38. “We have to focus on interventions that make a visible difference. We will know that we have succeeded when we see an improvement in Member States' preparedness to tackle terrorism. Some of that will come from capacity- building; we must make sure that it leads to a genuine increase in countries' capabilities. That includes a wide range of challenges, from investigation and disruption of terrorist networks to blocking terrorist financing; from border security to protecting transports and other critical infrastructure. It is against that backdrop that the appointment of Mr. Smith and his briefing of this Council is so welcome.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

39. “The threat of terrorism continues to face a significant number of United Nations Member States directly, day in and day out. The consequences of terrorism reach all of us. Increasingly and tragically, they seek to strike at the United Nations itself. I would like to place on record once again the United Kingdom's utter condemnation of the attack on the United Nations in Algiers last December and our deep condolences to the victims and their families. We must succeed in our joint endeavour to stop the criminals and murderers from perpetrating terrorist acts. The terrorist threat is complex and requires a multidimensional response. It will require work across the United Nations system, underpinned by genuine coordination. I believe that Mr. Smith's report helped to bring all of that out.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

40. “It is a particular pleasure to be the first member of the Council to give a very warm welcome to Mr. Smith in his new job. Those of us who have followed the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) have seen that, in the few months that he has been in that role, he has already given a real boost to the sense of direction and purpose of the Directorate. I believe that, with the combination of him in that role and Ambassador Jurica as Chairman of the Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee, there is a new vitality in our work on counter-terrorism. We in the United Kingdom certainly believe that the United Nations and the Security Council have a very important role to play in the fight against terrorism.”

    2008-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5855 (2008) · source

41. “But we recognize what is at stake in Afghanistan, and that is why we have committed our military, financial and political support since 2001 and have stepped it up markedly over the past two years. We are optimistic. We know that the people of Afghanistan and their Government want what people everywhere want: the chance to live peaceful, prosperous lives. That is a far more powerful vision than the violence and hatred offered by the enemies of democracy in Afghanistan. We are confident that, with our support, it is the vision of peace and prosperity that will win out.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

42. “We also hope to see continued government efforts to improve local governance, which is so crucial to the counter-narcotics drive, including through the work of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance. On the development side, we look forward to the finalization and launch of the Afghan National Development Strategy. That will be an important step in increasing Afghan ownership of the development effort, including the difficult process of identifying a realistic number of priority areas for that effort to focus on. The Paris conference to be held in June this year will be an important opportunity to review progress in implementing both the Development Strategy and the Compact more generally. No one, and certainly not the United Kingdom, underestimates the challenges we face in Afghanistan.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

43. “I know that is also how the Afghan Government judges success and is what all their efforts are aimed at. The process will take time. We are already seeing the Afghan National Security Forces increasingly take the lead in security operations, with international forces in support. It is clear that the next presidential and parliamentary elections should be Afghan-led and Afghan-administered, with the support, including financial, of the international community and the United Nations. We also look forward to an increasingly proactive Afghan lead in counter-narcotics. The agreement reached in Tokyo on a prioritized implementation plan for the National Drug Control Strategy is an important step forward, with its aggressive eradication targets and commitment to provision of proper force protection.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

44. “Supporting a comprehensive approach also means supporting Afghan efforts to bring disaffected Afghans into society's mainstream, provided they renounce violence and accept Afghanistan's Constitution. We agree with the Secretary-General that UNAMA has an important role to play in supporting Afghan-led reconciliation activities in whatever ways the Government of Afghanistan considers appropriate. The overall framework for our work in Afghanistan remains the Afghanistan Compact, signed in London in January 2006. That agreement constitutes the international community's commitment to Afghanistan. It also sets out what we, the international community, expect of the Government of Afghanistan. We should remember that this is an Afghan-led process, and that progress is measured by the ability of the Afghan Government to take the lead in key areas.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

45. “The NATO summit to be held in Bucharest next month is an opportunity to look at the totality of NATO contributions in Afghanistan and the way in which those efforts can best contribute to our overall objective. We welcome the announcement by the Secretary-General yesterday that he and President Karzai will both be present for a special meeting to discuss Afghanistan in Bucharest. We also look forward to further expansion of the UNAMA presence in Afghanistan, including into the south. The greater the reach of UNAMA and the better its understanding of the dynamics in different parts of Afghanistan, the more it can deliver on its mandate and play the leadership role we all want to see.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

46. “One of the tasks of the international community, led by the United Nations, is to bring together the various strands of activity - military, political, 9 development and economic - in a comprehensive approach in support of the Afghanistan Government. We are all aware that there is no purely military solution to Afghanistan's current challenges. Success depends upon marshalling all our resources in support of a common objective. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's call for closer civilian-military cooperation. The United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) share the same objectives in Afghanistan, and it is important they work together to deliver them.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

47. “Events such as today's are an important reminder of the breadth of that international engagement and the extent of the common support for the Government of Afghanistan. I warmly welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan at today's debate. We welcome the Secretary-General's latest report on and we recognize the picture it paints: a country that has made great strides since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, but that continues to face significant challenges - some of which are unique to Afghanistan, some of which are common to other post- conflict democracies. The international community has no choice but to continue to support Afghanistan in overcoming those Challenges.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

48. “Eide is going to play a crucial role in coordinating the overall international effort in Afghanistan. We welcome the Secretary-General's willingness to see UNAMA assume an even greater role in that coordination process. That is something we and others have been advocating for some time, and we recognize that those calling for greater coordination must themselves be willing to be coordinated. I would also like to thank you, Mr. President, for taking the initiative of convening today's debate. One of the remarkable things about Afghanistan is the number of countries and organizations involved in the international effort there. Another remarkable aspect is the degree of common thinking and common purpose among those countries and organizations.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

49. “Permit me to begin by drawing the Council's attention to the presence of a delegation of six British Members of Parliament from the House of Commons who are here on an official visit to the United Nations, at the side of the Chamber. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Guehenno for his briefing, which, as always, was very full and informative. I also wish to thank Acting Special Representative Asplund for his leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) since the beginning of the year and to pay a particularly warm welcome to Ambassador Kai Eide and to congratulate him on his appointment. We look forward to working very closely with him in the months ahead. The United Nations is at the heart of the international effort in Afghanistan, and as head of UNAMA, Mr.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source

50. “With this new resolution, the Security Council is reaffirming the clear choice confronting Iran's leaders: to cooperate with the international community and enjoy the benefits of normal relations with the rest of the world or to pursue their nuclear programme in disregard of international concerns and worsen still further their international isolation. The choice is for Iran's leaders to make. The British Government hopes they take the positive path. The Iranian people deserve no less.”

    2008-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5848 (2008) · source