YouSaid · the spoken record

Kubiš

lines on the record: 502
first: 2003-04-11
most recent: 2021-11-24
sittings or episodes: 34
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

“That was, however, dominated by economic downturn linked to a lack of confidence due to the current uncertainties; the activities of the insurgency and spoilers, including those linked to international terrorism and narcotics networks; the protracted electoral impasse; and deaths and displacement due to natural hazards and conflict. Just last week, an attempt was made on the life of the head of the High Peace Council secretariat, Masoom Stanekzai, an individual who has worked tirelessly for peace. Still the people of Afghanistan look towards a better future, and expect their leaders to work for it. Finally, I would note that Afghanistan, together with the whole Umma, is preparing to observe the holy month of Ramadan.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“The upcoming sequence of high-level meetings is specifically seen as an opportunity to highlight and renew commitments with a new administration, including regional cooperation at the Heart of Asia/ Istanbul Process Ministerial Conference hosted by the People's Republic of China, ongoing international security assistance at the NATO Summit in Wales, and development priorities at the London Conference on Afghanistan. This will all depend on Afghanistan's political leaders and institutions breaking the electoral impasse and the completion of political transition in an orderly and timely manner. Altogether, this reporting quarter has been both promising and challenging for Afghanistan. On the bright side is the people's participation and engagement in the election process.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“All necessary steps need to be taken by the two leaders to avoid creating a slippery slope to civil disorder and instability. The country's political class, and notably the two candidates Mr. Abdullah and Mr. Ghani, have a paramount responsibility to manage this situation. The wishes of the people for a timely conclusion of the leadership transition, in accordance with the country's laws, need to be respected. They must decisively and actively engage in finding solutions to end the current impasse and contribute to Afghanistan's forward momentum at this critical time. As with elections anywhere in the world, there can ultimately be only one winner. The need now is for statesmanship, not brinksmanship. In challenging times, the predictability of international support is all the more critical.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“That could lead to a protracted confrontation with the danger of a slide into violence. Afghanistan can ill afford the unpredictable impact on security, stability, the economy and the wider region. The candidates urgently need to cooperate with one another to prevent such scenarios, which, unfortunately, cannot be excluded for now. Insuchtimesoftension,missteps,miscommunication, misunderstandings and the actions of a few radical people can have broader consequences. I appeal for calm among the supporters of both candidates amid sharpening, hateful rhetoric of an increasingly inflammatory tone that risks creating ethnic divisions. Most disturbingly, this includes rhetoric invoking memories of the fratricidal factional conflicts of the 19905.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We can provide technical expertise to advise on the possibilies and modalities of strengthened checks and balances where there are questions about the process. What we cannot do is to prepare solutions and decide on behalf of the Afghans. That is the exclusive responsibility of Afghans. The United Nations efforts assist Afghan institutions and stakeholders. We cannot substitute for them or replace them. Given the rising tensions following the second round, including increasing ethnic overtones, the utmost maturity and statesmanship are required, in particular by the two presidential candidates. Otherwise, the risk is a confrontation of the two condidates and their supporters, in which the losing side will reject the results and contest their legitimacy.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“The presidential candidates need to immediately engage with one another and the mandated electoral institutions in actively defining solutions to help the process move forward with improved quality and credibility. There is no political transition besides the elections to decide the country's legitimate leadership, accepted by the majority, and to protect its Constitution and the gains since the fall of the Taliban. Under the Council's mandate, the United Nations and I, myself, as Special Representative can and do provide good offices at the request of the Afghan authorities. We have received such requests recently. I remain very clear, however, about the parameters of United Nations engagement. They are Afghan elections. We can facilitate Afghan parties reaching solutions.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“Abdullah chose to disengage from the electoral process. Accusations have centred around the high levels of turnout in some areas of the country, which Mr. Ghani's camp, in turn, put down to his team's mobilization efforts. The recent resignation of the Independent Election Commission's chief electoral officer was hoped to provide an opportunity for the resumption of the process and, in particular, lead to discussions between the campaign teams and institutions on strengthening technical checks and balances where voting patterns are claimed to be unusual in increasing confidence in the credibility ofthe electoral process and the acceptability of its outcome.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“At this time ofthe election impasse, the determination and sacrifice of the candidates, campaign workers, electoral personnel, security officials and voters must be at the forefront of the minds of Afghanistan's leaders. Millions of people came out to support each of the two candidates. Their votes and those wishes must be respected and protected. That the outcome of such an extraordinary effort is currently at an impasse makes it all the more disappointing and dangerous. It is the responsibility of the Afghan independent electoral management bodies and Afghan stakeholders, including, first and foremost, the candidates, to ensure the timely and orderly completion of the election process from which a legitimate leader emerges. Soon after the second round of polling, citing institutional bias and substantial fraud, Mr.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“What keeps us hopeful in such challenging times is the very strong and encouraging statements of the Afghan people on the polling days of 5 April and 14 June. With pride and determination they turned out in support of a democratic political transition and an end to cycles of ruinous violence. The presidential and provincial council elections of 2014 are Afghan-held, Afghan-managed, Afghan-led and Afghan-secured. The electoral institutions are still maturing but the preparations for and conduct of the electoral cycle have been recognized by domestic and international observers as an improvement compared with the past. That is certainly not to suggest that there were not instances of fraud and irregularity.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“Mr. Kubis: The report of the Secretary-General of 18 June (8/2014/420) provides a comprehensive account of the events and trends of the recent quarter. It was finalized prior to the second round ofpolling on 14 June. I shall therefore provide an update on election-related events since then, which have prevented me from being pysically present in New York at the Security Council today. The Council is meeting amid challenges that are testing Afghanistan's electoral, institutional and legal frameworks, together with the maturity of its political leaders. How the two presidential candidates, Mr. Abdullah Abdullah and Mr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, and the country's leadership manage those events and the current impasse will be vital to Afghanistan's unity and stability.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“Indeed, as other international institutions and Member States reduce their sub-national presence, the international community is increasingly seeking our support in understanding and accessing a diverse country. All that work in implementing our complex mandate requires adequate and predictable resources. In highlighting progress and positive momentum, I emphasize that gains are fragile. Yet Afghanistan is not poised atop an inevitable post-2014 abyss, as some doomsayers have predicted. What is needed in such a period of unpredictability is the smooth and timely transfer ofpolitical power. The success ofthe April 2014 elections will be of critical significance in reinforcing Afghanistan's institutional and political stability and instilling confidence in the future.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“I welcome the Government's commitment to ending child recruitment by 2016, which requires that implementation of the action plan on underage recruitment be expedited. As the new United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate is renewed, I again stress the United Nations' long-term commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. Given the current elements of uncertainty, interlocutors almost unanimously stress the continuity and value that UNAMA brings in the exercise of good offices, the protection and promotion of human rights and the facilitation of international development coherence. The Mission's national footprint continues to be an invaluable asset in undertaking mandated elections, outreach and human rights activities.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Narcotics production and trafficking undermine the well-being of the population, economy and institutions of Afghanistan and the wider region and increasingly contribute to the financing of terrorism. A shared long-term strategy, high-level leadership and genuine political will are required of both the Government and the international community. Sustaining the gains Afghanistan has made in human rights over the past decade and, in particular, the rights of women and children is not a luxury and must not be sacrificed to short-term political expediency. Justice, good governance, the rule of law and human rights are crucial elements of lasting peace, equitable development and human security.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“The levels of international assistance pledged remains truly exceptional, while remaining dependent on successful political transition and demonstrable progress in Government commitments to governance, reforms, economic sustainability and a rights-based agenda. I welcome assurances by the presidential candidates of their commitment to sustaining and accelerating momentum under the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. There are risks, but there are even more opportunities in returning to a more normalized development agenda. In looking forward to the ministerial-level development conference with the new Government later this year, it cannot be business as usual. Strengthening employment, generating licit economic activity and undercutting the burgeoning illicit economy should be central to all development approaches.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“As other international actors draw down, I am pleased to see neighbouring countries and regional powers recognizing the need for active engagement in support of Afghan solutions. There is a realization that a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is ultimately in the self-interest of all. I am pleased to note continued practical progress being made under the Istanbul Process on Regional Security and Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Afghanistan. Peace and stability in Afghanistan will not be sustainable without economic and social transitions assisted by donors meeting their commitments in the years to come. At January's special Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board meeting, in which all 11 presidential candidates participated, representatives of 50 Member States underscored their continuing support for Afghanistan.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“These women demand only the chance for a secure future for their families. It is a message of hope and resilience amid the misery and death inflicted by terrorism, extremism, transnational criminal networks and local power-holders. A breakthrough in direct talks between Afghan authorities and the Taliban remains elusive thus far, despite some interesting recent initiatives by the High Peace Council. Efforts to build understanding and agree on frameworks must continue while patiently building an environment conducive to later, more formal efforts, in which the United Nations should, and will, have a more prominent role. Afghanistan's ultimate stability and sustainability lies in the region.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“However, I want to make very clear that even groups such as the Taliban that reject the elections have an obligation to respect a civilian process. I am gravely disturbed by the Taliban's recent declaration that it will seek to disrupt the process by force, unleashing a campaign of terror. Voters, electoral workers, candidates and observers are all civilians. Targeting civilians or carrying out indiscriminate attacks on polling centres and other civilian locations undermine any claims to legitimate political status and are acts punishable under international law. I bear with me, for the Secretary-General, a message signed by a quarter ofa million Afghan women in support of peace. I commend the organizers and petitioners who have raised their voice - the voices of the majority of Afghans.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“While in no way replacing the people's voice at the polls, I urge candidates to come to the understanding that not being the winner is not prima facie evidence of fraud. Threats of civil disobedience over alleged fraud now, weeks before the elections, or the resort to civil disruption only increase tensions and create confusion. Security will have a major impact on the polls. To date, election-related violence has been of a lower order than in 2009 or 2010, even as general security incidents have increased. However, even election violence is on the rise. I welcome the support for the electoral process expressed by parts of the insurgency, notably Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's armed wing of Hezb-e Islami.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Technical preparations for what is an Afghan- managed and Afghan-led electoral process remain on track and are of a better quality than previously, including in fraud prevention and mitigation. In addition to the electoral authorities, the responsibility for peaceful and credible polls largely rests with political leaders, candidates and their supporters. I urge all candidates to guide and shape the actions and attitudes of their supporters with serious public commitment to opposing fraud committed in their name. Where there are alleged electoral violations, complainants should seek immediate redress through institutional means. Elections will necessarily have losers, but, in particular in the current conditions in Afghanistan, they should not be a winner-takes-all contest.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“In underscoring a stable political dispensation, those elections are a defining moment that will earn President Hamid Karzai a place in history. I urge all eligible Afghan citizens - men and women - to exercise their franchise on 5 April. I urge them to not let spoilers and terrorists deprive them of their choice or of their future. Participation as voters, elections officials and observers is a rejection of force, violence and intimidation as the means by which their proud nation decides its leadership. At this delicate juncture in Afghanistan's transitions, it is a credible electoral transition that can provide much-needed stability and predictability through a popular mandate across ethnic lines for broader political, economic and social development agendas, including peace and reconciliation.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Mr. Kubis: Khanjar Wabel Abdallah of Lebanon, Basra Hassan of the United States and of Somali origin, Nasreen Khan of Pakistan and Vadim Nazarov of the Russian Federation are four members of the United Nations family who were brutally murdered in January. They died, along with 17 other Afghan and international civilians, in a suicide assault in Kabul city. I offer my deepest condolences to their families in recognizing the sacrifice of those dedicated international civil servants. In less than three weeks' time, Afghanistan intends to hold presidential and provincial council elections, which will effect the country's first democratic transfer of power. Leadership and commitment remain critical to the holding of that historic event.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“The budget must necessarily be informed by the mandate, which remains extensive and complex. In particular, I would like to highlight the value of the Mission's national footprint, which is a unique network. Our field offices are essential to mandated elections work and human rights monitoring in particular. Reductions in funding would most likely, and most unfortunately, require additional closures. Essential elements of Afghanistan's transition are coalescing and efforts remain generally on track. The key at this delicate time is enhancing predictability. We must remain patient and not waver in our determination, ensuring that mutual efforts remain firmly focused on strategic interests and ultimate goals shared by both Afghans and the international community.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“This includes increasingly integrated efforts across the United Nations family in support of comprehensive approaches to tackling the illicit economy and improved coherence in the delivery of justice and enhancing the rule of law. While not seeking in any way to pre-empt Council discussions on a future mandate, at this juncture I foresee the continued need for an integrated mission streamlined around core areas, namely, good offices in support of Afghan-led processes, leading development coherence among international stakeholders, and human rights monitoring and advocacy, including a particular focus on the rights of women and children, as well as humanitarian assistance. I thank Council members for their clear statements in previous debates supporting stability in UNAMA's resourcing in the coming biennium.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“UNAMA's latest reporting has found that Afghan authorities registered more reports of violence against women under the law over the past year, but that prosecutions and convictions remained low. Increased levels of reporting are a positive development, but must be met by real will to enforce legal prohibitions on harmful practices against women, including the prosecution of perpetrators. The role of UNAMA, and more broadly of the United Nations in Afghanistan, appears to be widely appreciated. A need for greater internal United Nations coherence and efficiencies is recognized. Assistance must be delivered in ways that reinforce and strengthen the capacity of Afghan institutions to deliver services to their people, in line with agreed national priorities.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“On behalf of the humanitarian community in Afghanistan, I express my deep gratitude for that. Continued momentum in the development agenda is required to ensure continuity and progress throughout the upcoming political transition. In taking stock of progress on the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework and in building a forward-looking agenda, arrangements are currently being finalized for a special Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board meeting on 29 January 2014. Some areas, such as elections, have seen encouraging results, but greater efforts are needed in others, such as the implementation of the law on the elimination of violence against women.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Working to build understanding of human rights obligations, together with promoting the transparency and accountability of Afghan security institutions, should be an important element of international training and assistance going forward. Humanitarian needs will likely increase. Afghanistan remains a country of chronic poverty, which exacerbates vulnerability to natural disasters and conflict. Winter is an additional stress. Even as such needs increase, so do the dangers to those seeking to assist. So far in 2013, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has recorded 237 incidents against humanitarian personnel, facilities and assets, including 36 deaths, 24 detentions, 46 injuries and 72 abductions. The Security Council has already expressed its strong condemnation of two particularly tragic incidents in this period.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Most immediately, another record-setting year of poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan - resulting in some 5,500 tons of opium - is of grave concern. This menace threatens the health, security and economic well-being not just of Afghanistan but also of the region and the wider international community. It is civilians who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. By the end of November, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had recorded 2,730 deaths and 5,169 injuries - a 10 per cent increase over the same period in 2012. The Mission's data continues to show that armed opposition groups are responsible for the vast majority of such casualties. As Afghan forces assume the security lead, this brings with it increased responsibilities for ensuring the protection of civilians.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The Istanbul Heart of Asia process continues to demonstrate potential in enhancing multilateral relationships and regional approaches on Afghanistan. Recent progress in talks on the Iranian nuclear programme in Geneva is being closely followed in Kabul as potentially contributing to an environment more conducive to peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, as well. In my meetings with the leaderships of Afghanistan's neighbours and regional partners, I heard concerns centred around current uncertainties. This included the potential for volatility post-2014 if there is a vacuum that could encourage the spread of Al-Qaeda- linked international terrorism and criminality, with implications across the region.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“I urge Member States, together with regional and multilateral organizations, to contribute to efforts in this regard. Afghanistan's regional relationships and establishing its rightful place in a cooperative neighbourhood will be the best guarantors of future stability and sustainability both for Afghanistan and its for neighbours. Iparticularly welcome the positive momentum in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The recent high-level visits are an important demonstration of mutual willingness to build trust and cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest. I was encouraged by the recent reception of Afghanistan's High Peace Council at the highest levels in Islamabad. There is now broad recognition across the region that political solutions will be key to sustainable peace, security and prosperity.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Technical preparations and political momentum for the agreed election day of 5 April remain on track and are further advanced than previous polls. The security challenges are real and should be proactively and realistically addressed in order to promote maximum inclusion and avoid any pretext for disenfranchisement or delay. This includes transparency on the location and status of polling centres, with important decisions to be made in the coming period. The polls and the surrounding political environment should also contribute to national unity and not enflame or exacerbate tensions, including ethnic or sectarian divisions. Observation efforts - not just on election day but of the environment leading up to polling and the compilation of results - can strengthen confidence.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The consultative loya jirga's recent endorsement of the bilateral security agreement between Afghanistan and the United States reinforced the widespread expectations for the finalization of that important framework for ongoing partnership and, by extension, continuity in broader international engagement. Predictability is critical to building confidence in the future. We must resolutely continue working together to ensure a sovereign and sustainable State that will never again become a haven for international terrorism and organized crime, including, notably, narco-business. This is in everyone's interest. The critical importance of holding credible polls on time and in full accordance with the Constitution is widely appreciated.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Mr. Kubis: When I was last here three months ago in September (see S/PV.7035), I highlighted the positive trajectory as Afghanistan undergoes ambitious security, political and economic transitions. Today I can reiterate that progress continues and efforts are by and large on track, although not without challenges and temporary setbacks and at a heavy cost in life and limb to Afghan and international soldiers. I would like to express my condolences over the deaths of six NATO soldiers who were killed today in a plane crash in southern Afghanistan. Yes, there is volatility. There is uncertainty. However, the fundamental elements required to enhance stability in Afghanistan and the wider region are being consolidated as the drawdown of international forces continues.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“I welcome the signals of positive support to the region and the ongoing commitment of the international community in ensuring continued momentum in strengthening Afghan institutions, Afghan sovereignty, and Afghan solutions.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“I am happy to note that there is now agreement and commitment from the international donor community to support a common humanitarian fund for Afghanistan, which should become operational in early 2014. Clear progress has been made in vital elements underpinning Afghanistan's transition processes. At the same time, challenges persist in the security and narcotics sectors in particular. More needs to be done in meeting mutual commitments under the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. A focus on election preparations must not draw attention away from such issues as combatting corruption, the rule of law and economic growth. They are what will ensure Afghanistan's ultimate institutional and financial sustainability.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Only last Monday, a courageous female police officer in Helmand, Lieutenant Nigara, was gunned down, as was her predecessor, Islam Bibi, earlier this year. The Taliban movement continues to assert in its public statements that anyone associated with the Government or seen to support it constitutes a target. This includes educators, judicial officials and civil servants, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. A further effect of heightened uncertainty and violence has been increased population displacement. Half a million individuals have been internally displaced, over 100,000 during the first seven months of the year. At the same time, the number of refugees returning to Afghanistan decreased by 41 per cent compared to the same period in 2012.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Issues of human rights and accountability need to be mainstreamed across all lines of effort - political, development and security-related. The rise in civilian casualties - the vast majority of which are at the hands of anti-Government elements and rogue or criminal armed groups - is of deep concern. The targeted killings of civilians and the use of improvised explosive devices are increasingly frequent tactics. Deaths during this period include the head of the Kunduz appellate court, the chief electoral officer in Kunduz, a district education head in Parwan, and a young woman taking part in vaccination campaigns in Jawzjan, to name but a few. Indeed, increasing attacks on women are of major concern.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, was in Kabul this week meeting with President Karzai and senior officials, as well as with civil society representatives and human rights activists. Ms. Pi11ay noted commendable progress in some areas of human rights and the commitment of President Karzai and other key officials. However, she stated her concern that the momentum of improvements in human rights may not only have peaked but may even be waning. She urged additional efforts on the part of the President and the Government to ensure that justice and human rights - in particular women's rights - are preserved and consolidated rather than undermined or sacrificed to political expediency.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“More broadly, this must include early dialogue on peace and reconciliation, as was stressed in many of my discussions with the neighbouring countries. The United Nations continues to support the need for dialogue. We hope that new, mutually accepted modalities for such a dialogue on peace and reconciliation can be swiftly agreed and implemented. Narcotics remain a key problem in Afghanistan and beyond. The annual survey conducted by the Ministry of Counter-Narcotics and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found that there was a reduction in cannabis cultivation in 2012, although higher yields still saw increased production. I am extremely concerned by assessments that this year will see a significant rise, yet again, in opium cultivation and a continuing drop in poppy-free provinces.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is also positioning itself to play an increasing role in support of Afghanistan. At this month's Heads of State summit, there was clear interest in moving beyond anxiety and expressions of concern about the situation post-2014. The emphasis was rather on shared responsibilities, with Afghanistan and the broader international community, in ensuring durable solutions, including through the increased engagement of regional countries. Indeed, throughout my regional travels, it was clearly understood that political solutions will be the key to sustainable peace, security and economic prosperity in Afghanistan and the region. Most immediately for Afghanistan, this means elections resulting in a legitimate and peaceful transfer of power.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“That was confirmed by the statements made by Sartaj Aziz, the Pakistani Prime Minister's adviser, in which he placed emphasis on genuine efforts to facilitate an Afghan- led and Afghan-owned peace process. He stated that Pakistan has no favourites in Afghanistan and that the policy is one of non-interference. Afghan officials are also reasonably hopeful, as they say, of better cooperation with the new Government of Pakistan. Confidence-building measures, including in the area of economic development, can help build trust through shared interests and prosperity. The Istanbul Process remains a valuable regional effort, placing Afghanistan at the very heart of Asia. I welcome the People's Republic of China's preparations to host the 2014 ministerial summit. Beijing's seriousness of intent was highlighted during my recent visit.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“There is increasing concern over the slow progress in creating an appropriate legal framework for the media, especially in this election period, and over violence against journalists, which is seen to be on the rise. Across the region, there is a growing recognition of the need for a constructive bilateral and multilateral engagement with Afghanistan. The transnational nature of the challenges, including instability, terrorism, population displacement and narcotics, as well as the opportunities - in trade, infrastructure and connectivity - seems to be understood. I welcome the positive initial signals and engagements from the new leaderships in Iran and Pakistan. President Karzai's visit to Islamabad was of particular significance. A new tone in relations seems to be emerging, narrowing the trust deficit.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Again, President Karzai has recognized that "any election is better than no election. We cannot delay elections for security considerations". With the launch of candidate registration earlier this week, the political contest is formally under way. Clear visions for the future of Afghanistan need to be articulated to allow voters to make their choices. Direct or indirect appeals to narrow ethnic or factional interests must be avoided. The democratic transfer of political authority should contribute to national unity. A level playing field, including equal access to State resources as well as balance in media coverage, will be important aspects of a fair process.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“That includes the passage of two key laws, appointments to the two independent electoral management bodies and the rollout of the district-level voter registration update. A six-week extension of the registration effort will help ensure maximum participation, including that of women. The acceleration in registration that has taken place since Ramadan means that more than 1 million new voter cards have been issued, nearly 30 per cent ofthose to women. The numbers continue to grow steadily. I welcome the attention that Afghan authorities are giving to securing the elections. Improved coordination of security institutions; robust security assessments; planning and implementing risk-mitigation measures; and instilling greater confidence through public awareness are necessary now.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“I welcome the numerous bilateral partnership agreements that now underlie the multilateral commitments from Chicago. Those are a demonstration of the seriousness and long-term nature of international support. The 2014 elections remain at the forefront of political life in Afghanistan. More broadly, a stable leadership transition through timely elections in accordance with the Constitution is central to everything else to be achieved. President Karzai recently emphasized once again that polls would be held, recognizing that "retaining power without elections will raise questions about the system's legitimacy". The last three months have seen significant progress in technical preparations.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“However, they have failed to achieve a significant military victory. The majority of the violence has taken place away from populated areas. The Afghan army and police have shown courage and an increased capability in rising to the challenge of the security transition. They increasingly trust themselves and work to earn the trust of the population, despite heavy casualties in their ranks. We are requested to trust them as well. Yet the Afghan security forces' capabilities are not yet fully developed or completely sustainable. International Security Assistance Force Commander General Dunford recently stated that international support would be required for at least the next five years in order to enable entirely independent operations.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Mr. Kubis: Last week, Afghanistan's first international football victory in the South Asian Football Federation Championship triggered exuberant celebrations of a historic achievement, in a display of national unity and national pride, and I congratulate our Afghan friends. That achievement is in a way a signal of a gradual return to normalcy in Afghanistan. The three months since I last appeared before the Council have seen progress in Afghanistan's political and security transitions. Considerable challenges remain and the situation is volatile, but efforts are on track. Since that time, security incidents have increased compared with 2012, but not to the record levels of 2011. The campaign of bloodshed by anti-Government elements has targeted mostly Afghans, both those in uniform and civilians, including in previously calmer districts.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Determined internal and external efforts are required to prove that the worse-case scenarios are wrong. This is challenging but possible.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Afghanistan's already acutely low humanitarian indicators are put further at risk by shrinking humanitarian space. But humanitarian response alone will not suffice, and greater attention and priority must be afforded to durable solutions and Government capacity. This includes a greater development focus on disaster management systems, internally displaced persons and refugees, their strictly voluntary return and sustainable livelihoods, and sustaining access to and the quality of the health system. This is a critical juncture. The trajectory is irreversible, but the Afghan authorities, the Afghan people and international partners need to work together in ensuring that it is sustainable. There are results to report, but setbacks appear and are and will be inevitable. The need is for predictability and confidence.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The implementation of the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and protecting and promoting the rights of Afghan women and girls and the gains they have made over the past decade, are another central obligation. Women's equal and meaningful participation in economic, political and public life is constitutionally guaranteed in Afghanistan and globally recognized as central to improving social development, including the health and well-being of children, who represent the future of any nation. Key international donors are clear that any erosion of such commitments, including of the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and its implementation, would have a direct negative impact on future international assistance.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“They address fundamental building blocks of the Afghan State. This week's appointment of new human rights commissioners to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission raised concerns at whether the appointment process complied with international principles and standards and met Afghan legal requirements of transparency, broad consultations and selection of independent, qualified individuals. These concerns are currently under review by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and will be further reviewed by the respective international accreditation body for such national human rights institutions. In the meantime, the work of the Commission will be under increased scrutiny.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source