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Kaiser

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66
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2009-01-23
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2010-04-22
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un-security-council

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  1. At the same time, we would like to stress that all efforts aimed at improving the working methods of the Security Council are extremely important, but that they are just part of a more complex task, which is the adaptation of the Council to the realities of today's world. In other words, the improvement of the working methods will bring about meaningful difference only if the Council itself is reformed to be more representative and legitimate. Finally, let me assure you, Mr. President, of the readiness of the Czech Republic to work with the Council and all the Member States in further improving the working methods of this key body of the United Nations system.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  2. We believe that the PBC and its country-specific configurations can contribute substantially to the work of the Council, specifically on issues relating to peacekeeping and early peacebuilding. We believe that it is hardly possible to overestimate the importance of the interaction of the Council with regional organizations. We are convinced that the measures aimed at increasing transparency and improving interaction should not be detrimental to the effectiveness of the Council. On the contrary, they could form the basis for a better response and a more effective decision-making process based on better knowledge of the actual challenges that the Member States are facing.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  3. Regarding a more general problem of dialogue between the Council and affected or otherwise interested non-member States, we believe that we can more benefit from such measures as ad hoc consultations or Arria Formula meetings. In the presidential note, the Security Council expresses its intention to maintain regular communication with other principal organs of the United Nations. It is our conviction that enhancement of the working relations between the Security Council, on the one hand, and the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), on the other, is a precondition for making the whole United Nations system more efficient. We therefore share the opinion expressed by a number of speakers today that we should further strengthen the relations between the Council and the PBC.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  4. I would like now to say a few words on the other two issues mentioned in the concept paper, namely, interaction and effectiveness. There is no doubt that interaction with the parties that have direct interest in an issue on the table of the Security Council is of crucial importance. We appreciate the efforts made so far in this regard, but there is still room for improvement. This applies also to the relations between the Security Council and the troop- contributing countries. Despite recent important initiatives, much remains to be done in engaging the troop-contributing countries in the whole decision- making process concerning peacekeeping operations, from the initial phases of shaping their mandates to their deployment and management.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  5. This applies primarily but not exclusively to the annual report to the General Assembly. In this context, let me express appreciation for the recent increase in open debates of the Security Council. We welcome this progress and believe that it should be further developed. The Czech Republic would also like to welcome the adoption of resolution 1904 (2009), improving the transparency of the listing and de-listing procedures in the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 ( 1999). We hope that the newly adopted measure - the establishment of the ombudsperson - will be fully explored in order to ensure the due process rights of concerned individuals and entities, including petitioners filing de-listing requests.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  6. We have studied with great interest the concept paper prepared by the Japanese presidency (S/2010/165), and we agree with its outline of the main topics: transparency, interaction of the Council with non-members and, last but not least, efficiency. I will turn now to the issues of transparency and access. In our view, more transparency can be achieved by advancing prompt information-sharing and better access. All Member States should receive as much information as possible about the current deliberations of the Council and its subsidiary bodies. We welcome the practice of briefings by new Council Presidents, as well as greater coverage of the subsidiary bodies and all the improvements in reporting to non-members in general. Nevertheless, such reporting should be more substantial and analytical.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  7. However, this goal cannot and should not be achieved at the expense of transparency. The key United Nations organ should be accountable to the broader membership and the whole United Nations system; that is the only way to maintain and enhance its legitimacy when acting on behalf of us all. The Czech Republic recognizes that the Council has already undertaken a number of important initiatives, including those referred to in the presidential note. At the same time, we are of the opinion that further steps are required in order to build trust among the Member States and create a sense of ownership of the Council's decisions, which they are all are obliged to implement.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  8. First of all, I would like to thank the delegation of Japan for organizing this open debate on the implementation of the presidential note contained in document S/2006/507. We believe - and today's debate confirms our conviction - that the topic of the improvement of the working methods of the Security Council is a very important one. We acknowledge and appreciate the long-standing commitment of Japan in this regard, especially its stewardship of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. The Czech Republic fully recognizes the primary responsibility of the Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter. This role requires the Council to be action- oriented and efficient in its proceedings.

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

  9. The EU welcomes the intention of the Secretary-General to propose in his report due in September 2009 a finalized set of benchmarks designed to contribute to measuring progress in the implementation of the mandates and priorities of UNAMA. In conclusion, allow me to recall that the European Union reiterates its full recognition that the primary responsibility for the development of the country lies with the Afghan Government and people themselves. I would like to assure you that the European Union will continue to play an active role in assisting Afghanistan on its road to security, stability and prosperity, in close cooperation and coordination with UNAMA and other international actors.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  10. The EU appreciates the increased attention of the Group of Eight (G8) countries to Afghanistan and regional cooperation, as also demonstrated by the meeting of the G8 Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan and the region, which took place in Trieste, Italy, on 26 and 27 June 2009. The EU strongly supports the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in its important role as the coordinator of international efforts, while recognizing Member States' responsibility to assist UNAMA in performing this task. The new provincial offices are a welcome contribution, and the EU hopes that this expansion can continue.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  11. The EU particularly acknowledges the key role of Pakistan for stability in the region and therefore welcomes the fact that further progress that has been achieved in the bilateral dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as indicated in the Secretary-General's report. As highlighted in the joint statement of the first EU-Pakistan summit held in Brussels on 17 June 2009, where Pakistan was represented by President Asif Ali Zardari, the EU, in close cooperation with Pakistan, is committed to strengthening security and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region, including through enhanced cooperation on combating terrorism.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  12. Recognizing the Afghan Compact and the Afghan National Development Strategy and the principles agreed to in The Hague at the conference on Afghanistan as the framework for the country's political, social and economic development, the EU intends to further enhance and consolidate its commitment to Afghanistan's reconstruction and development through a common approach and bilaterally by individual member States. Without a doubt, stability, security and development in Afghanistan are closely linked to the overall situation in the region. The European Union strongly supports the development of a coordinated approach at the regional level and an enhanced cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours, especially Pakistan.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  13. In that regard, the EU urges the Government of Afghanistan to give the utmost priority to the achievement of significant progress in those areas, especially at the subnational level. The European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan is clear proof of such an active and continued engagement. The EU Mission aims at contributing to the establishment of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements under Afghan ownership. Its mandate encompasses the monitoring, mentoring, advising and training of national police forces. As a complementary initiative to building up police capacity, the EU underlines the importance of the prospect of a deployment of the European Gendarmerie Force to Afghanistan.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  14. Maintaining security during the election period is a shared responsibility between the Afghan national security forces and the international community. The European Union concurs with the Secretary-General's report that increased levels of security-related operations should, however, do everything possible to avoid the risk of more civilian casualties, and that we should continue looking at ways of promoting wider "Afghanization" of relevant operations. The European Union actively supports the improvement of good governance and the rule of law in Afghanistan, as well as the fight against corruption and promoting respect for human rights. Building Afghan capacity and ownership in the police and civil sectors remains at the core of the EU's engagement in Afghanistan.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  15. The updating of the voter registration list, the completion of the candidate nomination process and the publication of the final list of candidates, while not without their problems, represent important preliminary developments in relation to the upcoming elections. However, it is vital that sound mechanisms be in place to avoid large-scale irregularities occurring at the time of the vote. The European Union has decided to deploy an electoral observation mission to observe the elections. Clearly, UNAMA will also have a crucial role to play in that regard. The enhanced international presence in Afghanistan in connection with the elections should focus on safeguarding a stable security situation, and thereby make development possible.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  16. The upcoming elections, to be held on 20 August, will be a major stepping stone for the further political development of Afghanistan. It is important that the elections serve to ensure the political legitimacy of the next Government and provide it with a strong mandate. The European Union attaches the greatest importance to the holding of legitimate, inclusive and secure presidential elections, in line with international standards, which would strengthen the support of the Afghan people for their institutions. To that end, it is particularly important that the Afghan Government exercises its authority with impartiality and integrity, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. The election process should be managed in close cooperation with the Afghanistan Independent Election Commission.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  17. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report (S/2009/323), there have recently been positive developments of great significance in Afghanistan. The work of UNAMA has contributed to that progress. At the same time, daunting challenges remain. The EU strongly encourages the Afghan Government to sustain the positive efforts, so as to ensure a major improvement of the situation, with assistance provided by the multinational presence on the ground. In that respect, the European Union would like to reiterate its unwavering dedication to assisting Afghan authorities in maintaining the current positive momentum during the complex period ahead. That is of crucial importance with regard to the upcoming presidential and provincial elections, which will have significant effects on the development of the situation in Afghanistan.

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  18. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries of Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Let me begin by expressing our appreciation for the opportunity to participate in today's debate on behalf of the European Union. I would also like to thank Mr. Kai Eide, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing and for his excellent ongoing work in leading the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

    2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source

  19. At the same time, the EU is aware of and committed to helping to meet the need to address the root causes of piracy through sustainable development and the full restoration of the rule of law in Somalia. In conclusion, I wish to assure the Council that the European Union, together with other members of the international community, stands ready to continue assisting Somalia. However, Somalia must do its part. The immediate goal is to develop its own National Security Force and civilian police force. A long-term security strategy is a precondition for future development. The European Union welcomes the announcement by President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Brussels that the issue of security is one of his Government's highest priorities.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  20. At the Brussels pledging conference, the European Commission announced that it planned to allocate more than €215 million to those areas for the period 2008-2013. The European Union also provides humanitarian emergency relief and other forms of assistance to ease the suffering of the Somali people. The European Union is contributing to international efforts to curb piracy off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden. The EU is ready to continue, through the deployment of the maritime military mission Atalanta, to protect United Nations vessels delivering the logistical support package to AMISOM and shipments of humanitarian relief, as well as surveillance and patrolling in maritime areas.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  21. troop-contributing countries for their contributions to stabilizing the situation in Mogadishu, given the difficult operating environment. It is also important to continue to support AMISOM through the United Nations logistical support package, through the United Nations trust funds and bilaterally, with a coordinated approach. 10 In addition, the European Union and its member States are supporting AMISOM. in the training of the Somali National Security Force and Somali police. With regard to support for AMISOM, the European Commission has so far committed a total of €40 million. Moreover, several EU member States have offered financial, material and logistical assistance. The EU's priority is to support good governance, human rights and the rule of law.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  22. The European Union stresses that building up the Somali security and police forces is vital to the country's stability. The European Union also calls on the international community to step up its support for Somali institutions in order to take on challenges and opportunities to further consolidate reconciliation, restore peace and rebuild the country. The European Union remains committed to engaging in such support. In Brussels, the international community also highlighted the need to continue to address the issue of piracy, inter alia, through an international naval presence, emphasizing that land-based solutions to the root causes of piracy must be urgently addressed. The European Union would also like to express its gratitude to AMISOM.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  23. The European Union welcomes the pledges made during the International Conference in Support of the Somali Security Institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia, which was held in Brussels on 22 and 23 April 2009, under the joint auspices of the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the League of Arab States. The pledges made at that conference amounted to €l64 million - both for AMISOM. needs not covered by the United Nations logistical support package and to support the Somali transitional security institutions - of which the European Commission alone pledged more than €80 million. That testifies to the strong commitment of the European Union to working with the international community to help the new Somali Transitional Federal Government to bring about peace and stability.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  24. Despite the positive developments at the political level and the powerful political momentum created by the Djibouti peace process, the overall security situation on the ground remains extremely volatile, as demonstrated by the recent outburst of fighting in Mogadishu. In that context, the EU welcomes the continued efforts of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to reach out to those groups that remain opposed to the Djibouti process. The humanitarian situation, the continued plight of the internally displaced persons and the dramatic increase in pirate attacks off the Somalia coast and on the international high seas are still of great concern.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  25. The EU acknowledges the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his report (S/2009/210). Given the current security conditions, we believe that the proposed phased approach of continued support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the strengthening of Somali security institutions is the best available option. The European Union takes note that, after the two first phases, the Secretary-General recommends that the Security Council decide whether the conditions set out in his report and the timing are conducive to a shift to the final phase, in which a United Nations peacekeeping operation could be established to take over from AMISOM.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  26. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this statement. First of all, I would like to express our appreciation for having been invited to participate in today's meeting on behalf of the European Union. I would also like to thank Under-Secretaries-General Malcorra, Pascoe and Le Roy for their respective briefings, and extend my gratitude to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia for his contribution to today's debate.

    2009-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6124 (2009) · source

  27. These NGOs provide a vital service to millions of vulnerable Sudanese civilians, guided by the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source

  28. Moreover, the Ministers recalled the declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union. In this declaration, the EU expresses its belief that the continued delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Sudan is of the highest importance to saving lives and is crucial to creating an environment conducive to the implementation of all peace processes in the Sudan, which the European Union will continue to support strongly. The decision by the Government of the Sudan to expel 13 international NGOs from the Sudan and to revoke the licences of three local NGOs is a direct and immediate threat to the continuity of international humanitarian assistance in Darfur and damages eight operations in the rest of the northern Sudan.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source

  29. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). First of all, I would like to thank Mr. Rashid Khalikov of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for his comprehensive briefing. Allow me to inform the Council that on 16 March, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the European Union met in Brussels and adopted conclusions in which they called upon the Government of the Sudan to urgently reconsider its decision to expel 13 international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs)and revoke the licences of three local NGOs. The Ministers also called on the Government of the Sudan to ensure that humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in the Sudan be continuously guaranteed, guided by the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6096 (2009) · source

  30. This support should be complemented by the efforts of Somalis themselves, who are ultimately responsible for the achievement of full national reconciliation. The EU stands ready to continue to assist Somalia. The EU is, inter alia, currently working on a comprehensive and coherent approach towards the Horn of Africa, including the regional dimension of the situation in Somalia.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  31. The EU Secretary-General and High Representative, Javier Solana, stated, in his letter addressed to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, that the European Union is ready, through its naval Operation Atalanta, to contribute, within its means and capabilities, to the protection at sea of the United Nations vessels delivering the logistical support package to AMISOM. In this context, it is very important for the European Union to continue to have an operational contact point in the Secretariat in New York, in addition to the focal point of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia in Nairobi. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate that the international community should continue to support the political process in Somalia.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  32. Other contributors such as Croatia, Ukraine and Switzerland are also considering possible contributions. The European Union operation is commanded by a British admiral from multinational headquarters in Northwood, United Kingdom. That headquarters is also the location for the Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa, a joint enterprise between the EU military operation and the shipping industry, which is helping to ensure the most effective interaction with the industry and the widest possible application of agreed best practice, thus minimizing risk. The EU operation is effectively fighting piracy together with other countries that have deployed their naval units in the Gulf of Aden and that work with Combined Task Force 151, operating in the area, as well as countries of the region.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  33. However, suppressing piracy off the coast of Somalia can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of the problem, which the instability and the lack of rule of law and good governance, and by assisting the development of the capacities of the State of Somalia. Operation Atalanta currently has a strength of some 1,000 personnel from 12 member States. The naval force is currently comprised of five frigates provided by France, Germany, Greece, Spain and Italy. Helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft were made available by France and Spain. One more Spanish warship is expected to join the operation soon, as are three Swedish ships in May. In August, Norway will deploy a frigate, and the Netherlands and Belgium will deploy their frigates in the second semester of 2009.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  34. The direct engagement of the European Union in the fight against piracy started in September 2008, when it completed the actions launched by some European member States in November 2007, which continued until 8 December 2008, when they were replaced by a naval operation, Operation Atalanta. In accordance with the provisions of resolution 1846 (2008), Operation Atalanta focuses on three primary tasks: first, the protection of World Food Programme shipping providing assistance to Somalis dependent on humanitarian assistance; secondly, the escort of some of the most vulnerable vessels in the area of responsibility; and thirdly, to the utmost extent possible, the deterrence and repression of acts of piracy through surveillance and patrolling in the maritime areas where the pirates have proved to be most active.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  35. Recognizing the need for immediate actions in favour of the Somali security sector, financial support from the European Commission and EU member States to the civilian Somali Police Force will also continue, through the United Nations Development Programme, under its Rule of Law and Security Programme and/or through other new channels, such as the African Union and AMISOM. In February, the African Union requested that the European Union financially support the immediate and short-term needs of the AMISOM. police component. The European Commission is, in principle, open to contributing through the African Peace Facility.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  36. In that regard, the European Union supports the requests contained in Security Council resolution 1863 (2009) to provide a United Nations logistical support package to support AMISOM. and to establish a trust fund. Through its Joint Strategy Paper 2008-2013, the European Union continues to ensure medium- to long- term assistance to Somalia. Priority is given to promoting a peaceful and secure environment, human rights, democratic processes and institution-building. The European Community's support programme for the same period amounts to €215 million, with good governance, security, education, economic development and support of livelihoods as priority sectors. With regard to support for AMISOM, the European Commission has so far committed a total of €40 million.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  37. The Security Council has expressed, in resolution 1863 (2009), its intent to establish a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia as a follow-on force to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), subject to its further decision by 1 June 2009. In any case, in the upcoming months, AMISOM, as well as Somali security institutions, will continue to play an important role in ensuring security, stability and law and order and in supporting the political process and facilitating humanitarian activities. That is why both the reinforcement of AMISOM. and the establishment of an effective Somali security sector should be supported, as widely as possible, by the international community.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  38. The European Union acknowledges that the support of the international community to the Somali Joint Security Force and the Somali Police Service is key. In that context, the EU condemns the attack of 22 February on AMISOM, leading to the death of 11 Burundian peacekeepers and injuries to others, and those against humanitarian workers. The humanitarian situation remains critical. More than 3 million people in Somalia still need humanitarian assistance. The acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia remain a source of real concern to the Somali people and, in particular, to the millions who depend on the assistance transferred to Somalia by sea by the World Food Programme. The EU welcomes the Secretary-General's recommendations contained in his comprehensive report (S/2009/132).

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  39. The EU looks forward to working with the President, the enlarged Transitional Federal Parliament and the Government of national unity in their endeavours and will continue to support the political process as it takes on challenges and opportunities to further consolidate reconciliation, to restore peace for all the Somali people and to rebuild the country. Despite positive developments at the political level, the situation on the ground remains extremely volatile. Security constraints continue to hamper humanitarian operations across Somalia and have led to a wave of attacks on humanitarian workers, peacekeepers and human rights defenders, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the casualties.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  40. The EU welcomes the expansion of the transitional parliament, the election of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, followed by the appointment of the Prime Minister, Omar Sharmarke, and his Cabinet. The EU encourages President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Prime Minister Omar Sharmarke to continue their efforts to achieve a cessation of hostilities and to create an inclusive peace process involving all parties to the conflict. Such a process must also give women a voice. The EU welcomes the intention of the President to reach out to those groups that remain opposed to the Djibouti process.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  41. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Let me begin by thanking Mr. Ould Abdallah, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing. I would also like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Somalia, and thank him for his contribution to today's debate. During the past two months, the Djibouti peace process has generated a new scenario for Somalia with opportunities for an inclusive political solution.

    2009-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6095 (2009) · source

  42. In this respect, the European Union welcomes the upcoming Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan, to be held in Islamabad, and the Outreach Session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Eight (G-8), to be held in Trieste on 26 and 27 June 2009. The European Union also welcomes the conference entitled "International Conference on Afghanistan: a Comprehensive Strategy in a Regional Context", to take place in The Hague on 31 March. In closing my remarks, I would like to assure the Council that the European Union will continue to play an active role in supporting Afghanistan, in close cooperation and coordination with other international actors on the ground, including the United Nations.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  43. The European Union underlines the importance of freedom of expression and diverse media in Afghanistan and, in this regard, calls upon the Afghan Government to pass the media law approved by the lower house of the parliament. It is certain that stability and security in Afghanistan are closely linked to overall regional stability. The European Union strongly supports the development of a coordinated approach at the regional level and enhanced cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours against threats such as terrorism and drug trafficking. The European Union calls upon the neighbouring countries to constructively work together to ensure sustainable development embedded in a stable region. Fostering stability in Afghanistan is in the interest of all countries in the region and the wider international community.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  44. The fight against corruption, impunity and human rights violations, especially violence against women, is central to good governance, and the European Union looks to the Afghan authorities to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Afghanistan and under international law. In this regard, the European Union encourages UNAMA to pursue its monitoring mandate, in particular with regard to the human rights situation of women. Regarding the grave humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the European Union welcomes the strengthened presence of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan in order to further improve humanitarian coordination.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  45. In this regard, it decided to significantly and progressively increase the number of mission personnel starting in December 2008, which will enable the mission, on the basis of a renewed mandate, to reinforce its activities in support of the Afghan National Police and contribute to its reform. However, this will require additional resources from contributing States. The European Union is committed to the improvement of governance and the rule of law in Afghanistan and reiterates its commitment to capacity- building in the justice and rule of law sectors.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  46. The mission includes contributions from non-member States Norway, Canada, New Zealand and Croatia. The mission aims at contributing to the establishment of sustainable and effective civilian policing arrangements under Afghan ownership and in accordance with international standards. More particularly, the mission monitors, mentors, advises and trains at the level of the Afghan Ministry of Interior, regions and provinces. The area of deployment includes Kabul and some 15 provinces of Afghanistan. The EU would like to reaffirm its long-term commitment to contribute to peace, security and development in line with its mandate, supporting the development of the Afghan police under local ownership.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  47. The EU is the second largest financial contributor. The collective pledged contribution of the EU amounts to €8 billion for reconstruction during the period 2001-2010. The European Commission has pledged €700 million for Afghanistan from 2007 to 2010, and member States currently provide approximately half of ISAF troops. The EU is strongly committed to the improvement of Afghan State structures and has channelled approximately 30 per cent of its assistance budget through multi-donor trust funds, such as the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund and the Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan, which essentially contribute to the reconstruction of the Afghan police forces. In the framework of its comprehensive approach towards Afghanistan, the EU launched an EU police mission in Afghanistan in mid-June 2007.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  48. EU Special Representative Sequi will continue to monitor political and security developments, and the EU is willing to work alongside the Afghan Government, the United Nations and ISAF to support elections across the country, including by providing substantial financial assistance and, subject to security and other conditions being met, through the deployment of an electoral observation mission. During the period from 22 May to the inauguration of the next presidential term, stability, security and a functioning Government must be ensured. On behalf of the EU, I would like to underline its continued engagement in Afghanistan, including through the bilateral cooperation programmes of EU member States and the European Commission assistance strategy. The EU is looking urgently at how to enhance and improve its engagement.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  49. The main challenges Afghanistan will face over the next year are the forthcoming elections, which are essential to further political development. It is important that the elections reaffirm the Afghan people's faith in their future. In this regard, we support efforts by the Afghan Government to reach out across the political spectrum to build a broad-based political settlement. The EU attaches the greatest importance to the holding of free and inclusive elections in Afghanistan and welcomes the confirmation of the date of presidential and provincial elections by the Independent Electoral Commission. It is now up to the Afghan authorities, all the political parties and other stakeholders to work for transparent, fair and credible elections in order to ensure the legitimacy of the next Government and provide it with a strong mandate.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

  50. There is no stability without sustainable governance. While the narcotics trade still poses a continuing cause for concern, the EU welcomes the fact that, after reaching another record level in 2007, poppy cultivation was in decline this past year and a further decrease is expected in 2009. The prognosis of a 20 to 30 per cent decrease in opium production indicates a potential increase in the number of poppy-free provinces to 22. Also, the reinforced international cooperation in controlling the chemical precursor needed to produce heroin contributes to the fight against drug trafficking. The EU also encourages the Afghan Government, with the assistance of the international community, to accelerate the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy, including through alternative livelihood programmes.

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source