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

“I am encouraged by the positive exchanges following the recent Pakistani elections between President Karzai and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, as well as by the resumption of high-level military contacts between the two countries, with the participation of the International Security Assistance Force. A major conference in Kabul next month will assess the progress made on the mutual commitments to Government reform and international civilian assistance made one year ago in Tokyo. Frank discussions between the Government of Afghanistan and its international partners must result in a reinvigorated agenda for action in the coming year. Among the hard deliverables are not only issues of economic development and good governance, but also, at this juncture of the transition, issues related to elections and human rights.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Recent developments between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as noted in the Secretary-General's report (8/2013/350), are of concern. Such tensions are unfortunate and dangerous, especially at this stage of Afghanistan's development. They bring in additional elements of risk to an already complex and complicated political and security situation in Afghanistan and in the region. It is for the two countries to address those concerns and problems and their underlying reasons, to build trust and to refrain from any steps that could contribute to an escalation of tensions and inflamed public sentiments. The two neighbouring countries share common concerns and interests in fighting terrorism. They can succeed or fail together.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“We hope that the current controversies and legitimate concerns related to the Taliban office in Doha will soon be resolved, thus opening the way for direct peace and reconciliation discussions between the High Peace Council and the Taliban. We also hope that this will be accompanied by a reduction of violence and of civilian casualties. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan stands ready to support all peace and reconciliation efforts, based on and in full conformity with its mandate. Among other things, it stands ready to facilitate an inter-Afghan track-two dialogue as well as to engage with the Taliban on issues related to the promotion of human rights, the application of humanitarian law and the reduction of civilian casualties. The promotion of peace and reconciliation requires an enabling regional environment.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“There is no alternative to inclusive and transparent elections as a means of delivering a political transition with the necessary degree of legitimacy and acceptability. The elections are central to international and domestic legitimacy and sustained extraordinary support on the part of the international community for the new Government. Peace is the Afghan people's greatest desire. Political efforts centred on establishing a Taliban office in Doha for the purpose of talks between the Afghan High Peace Council and authorized representatives of the Taliban to promote peace and reconciliation led to contradictory developments and announcements this week.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“For orderly and timely preparations for the polls, promulgation is necessary before the summer recess of the National Assembly. That will require compromise and goodwill on all sides, notably the proactive engagement of the Government. The continuous lack of progress in this critical area has already raised questions in some minds about intentions to hold elections in a timely and acceptable manner. An increased focus on a broad national accord with regard to electoral platforms and possible presidential candidates is legitimate and even advisable. However, that must not be at the expense of electoral preparations, and it cannot and should not be a substitute for credible elections.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“At the same time, the Afghan forces, notably the National Army, urgently require critical enablers such as air capacity to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. The international community must assist them. A smooth and legitimate transfer of power is widely acknowledged as the most critical part of the transition, underpinning all other efforts. President Karzai continues to reiterate his commitment to standing aside, in accordance with the Constitution. Planning and positioning ahead of the polls, scheduled for 5 April 2014, dominates the political landscape. Although I see progress in many technical areas, I am concerned by the continued delays in the passage of the two major pieces of electoral legislation.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Anti-Government elements are, however, seeking to counter this by targeting security personnel and terrorizing civilians. They aim to shake the population's confidence in the Government and its armed forces. We are seeing increasingly brutal, complex assaults on high-profile targets, high in civilian casualties but low on reaching military objectives, but nevertheless garnering media attention. Targeted killings of those deemed supportive of the Government include civil servants and judicial workers, in violation of international law and the norms of war. In population centres, attacks in public spaces demonstrate a complete disregard for civilian lives. Afghan security forces fight bravely and bear the brunt of losses, showing increased courage, confidence and competence in countering the intentions of the anti-Government forces.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Mr. Kubis: We are meeting amid intense focus on ensuring that Afghanistan's three complex and intertwined transition processes - political, security and economic - are on track. Those efforts are due to culminate in 2014, but the fundamentals are to be put in place this year. The very core of transition is the strengthening of Afghan national ownership and leadership. The onus for driving progress is thus on the Government of Afghanistan and the country's leading political forces. There is, however, a clear need for sustained and predictable international support, through 2014 and beyond, in ways that reinforce Afghanistan's leadership. As announced this week, Afghan security forces have entered the last phase in assuming the lead responsibility for security throughout the country.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“As I end my presentation, I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of Germany, under the leadership of Ambassador Wittig, for its support and contribution to the work of all ofus as the penholder on the Afghanistan portfolio. I would also like to thank all the outgoing members of the Security Council for their support and hard work.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“However, the very core of transition is that the Afghan Government is in the lead. That must be the first port of call. Where requested by the Afghan Government, the United Nations will look to assist. I emphasize, however, that tasks and efforts must be part of agreed Afghan national priorities and strategies, and be in line with United Nations mandates and capacities. Amid that focus on building the sustainable development systems for the future, immediate humanitarian needs must not be forgotten. Contributions forthisyear's consolidatedhumanitarianappeal-at48 per cent ofthe requested $448 million - were disappointing. I hope donors will strengthen their support in the coming year.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“In a new development, UNAMA has also institutionalized dialogue with the organization to help seek support for a stable Afghanistan within the region. On the security transition, the Afghan Government is seeking to assert a greater lead to smooth the many associated processes. I urge cooperation from Member States in that regard. Soon, the start of the fourth tranche of security transition will be announced by President Karzai. Afghan authorities and communities need to be better engaged on the closure of provincial reconstruction teams. So far, communication and coordination on assets- and tasks-transfer has varied enormously. There have been some appeals to the United Nations to assume new functions and projects from other parts of the international community.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“I welcome the adoption of resolution 2082 (2012), which defines a strong role for the Afghan Government and provides for increased flexibility in the mechanism to secure travel ban exemptions for those insurgents who are willing to contribute towards these aims. Exploratory dialogue requires contacts with recognized interlocutors, and that resolution establishes a less onerous means to ensure compliance. Afghanistan is increasingly embedding itself in regional consultative processes, partnership agreements and regional organizations. The Istanbul Process has moved into practical work on the agreed confidence-building measures. I look forward to the endorsement of implementation plans at the next senior officials' meeting, to be held in Baku in February. Afghanistan now enjoys observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Consistent dialogue between the neighbours can now help build upon mutual understandings, facilitate peace and reconciliation efforts, and engage the insurgency. In support of Afghan-led efforts, encouraged by the Afghan parties and in line with its mandate, UNAMA is ready to facilitate an inclusive infra-Afghan dialogue, eventually bringing the series of dialogue meetings to Afghanistan. On 8 and 9 December, initial consultative meetings were held amongst diverse Afghan stakeholders to help define the focus, agenda, participation and modalities of such a process. The first track-two inter-Afghan dialogue under the UNAMA umbrella is planned to take place in Turkmenistan in February 2013.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“We continue to be ready to cooperate with all parties in order to contribute to the reduction and prevention of civilian causalities and to provide as precise and correct reporting as possible. I welcome increased attention to the professionalization of the police with a law enforcement role distinct from the military, in line with Tokyo commitments. The new Minister of the Interior has reiterated the importance of community police initiatives in building public confidence. National accord, reconciliation, peace, good governance and justice are Afghanistan's greatest needs. The High Peace Council's work is enjoying renewed momentum following its positive visit to Pakistan, facilitated logistically by UNAMA. High- level engagement and concrete outcomes were highlighted in the joint statement.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“On 1 December, Anisa, a young woman in Kapisa who was an active volunteer in vaccination initiatives was killed. Ten days later, on Human Rights Day, the acting head of the Department of Women's Affairs of Laghman province was murdered, her predecessor having been killed a few months earlier. Civilians overall are bearing the heaviest burden of the conflict and, as the Secretary-General's report notes, it is the insurgency that is behind the majority of cases. The Taliban leadership has reacted strongly to our assessments on civilian causalities. We stand by our verification systems and international legal definitions of civilians. To account fully and most precisely for all incidents, regardless of their perpetrators, UNAMA has been investigating all claims, including those presented by the insurgency.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“The gains made over the past decade - particularly in the rights of women and girls - must be reinforced and expanded. Progress in implementation of the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women can be seen over the past three years, but application remains uneven. Only a small number of cases are ever reported. I am, however, encouraged by what appears to be increased confidence in approaching authorities, and by successful prosecutions. The human rights unit of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) conducted research in 16 provinces over the course of a year, and found that in 470 reported cases of violence against women, prosecutors filed indictments in 163, with convictions in 100. The challenges women who take an active role in public life still face were starkly highlighted in this period.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Greater attention to tackling this scourge - including on the part of international donors - is required across all lines of effort, including the use of such platforms as the counter-narcotics confidence-building measure of the Istanbul Process. Finally, on the issue of ensuring a sound institutional framework, I note the protracted delay in making a number of senior appointments. This includes the constitutional requirement for a new Chief Justice. Meanwhile, civil society continues to be concerned at the extended process of appointments to Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission. As was made clear at Tokyo, the protection of human rights is vital to state legitimacy and a cornerstone of sustained international engagement.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“In ensuring the legitimacy of institutions, anti-corruption efforts are also high on the agenda. I welcome the robust reporting of the Independent Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee on the Kabul Bank crisis. A public inquiry is a valuable step towards public accountability. Decisive Government action to strengthen the country's financial sector is now required to ensure that such events are never repeated. Closely correlated with corruption is the corrosive effect of the narcotics industry. The increase in both cannabis and opium cultivation reported in this period must be a wake-up call, with the illicit economy being an active impediment to institutional development and sustainable growth.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Such arrangements must respect and reinforce the different constitutional roles and responsibilities of the various institutions, including the constitutionally mandated authority of the Independent Election Commission in the compilation and finalization of the voter list. They must ensure the broadest possible enfranchisement of Afghan actors across the country and create conditions for the fullest possible participation of the Afghans, men and women on election day throughout the country. Given the necessary realignment of electoral assistance, a United Nations needs assessment mission made an initial visit to Kabul in December. Following a second visit in early 2013, the team will advise United Nations leadership on appropriate parameters for support to Afghan-led and managed electoral processes.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Vital issues such as the electoral system, appointments to the management bodies, and a dispute resolution mechanism are currently the subjects of vigorous debate. I am closely following the progress of the two electoral laws, which will require compromise on all sides. The Council of Minister's support for building a system of voter identification and eligibility based on two pillars - the issuance of electronic national identity cards and a series of fraud-mitigating measures - requires a coherent approach across Afghan institutions, with strong Afghan leadership in driving the implementation of the national identification programme.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Certainty and sustained partnership with Afghanistan is what is required now, ensuring that the Afghan people have the confidence to focus on building a better future. The Chicago and Tokyo conferences provided a solid foundation. Sound and representative governance is central to the concept of transition and underpins sustainability. This includes a credible and widely accepted constitutional transfer of power with the 2014 presidential election. The Independent Election Commission has now namedthe date- 5 April 2014. The second part of the electoral indicator is the development of a credible and robust electoral architecture by early 2013. Just as important as what is agreed is how it is agreed, with commitment to a transparent, inclusive and consultative process.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Mr. Kubis: I will shortly mark my first full year of representing the United Nations in Afghanistan. It has been both a challenge and a privilege. From Kabul, the international media's relentless depiction of Afghanistan almost solely as a place of conflict and terror is disconcerting. However, Afghanistan today is about so much more. In my travels around 22 provinces this past year, I have seen girls and boys getting an education unthinkable a decade ago, bustling and industrious towns and villages and Government institutions slowly becoming increasingly capable, with Afghans determined to take their destiny into their own hands. Any transition is, by definition, a delicate period.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“In two of these, Uruzgan and Ghor, while UNAMA will no longer maintain a permanent physical presence, we managed to hand over our field offices to other United Nations agencies. UNAMA's increased focus on core activities amidst transition is taking place in conditions of a steep budget reduction for 2013. Fewer resources necessarily mean that UNAMA can deliver less, and I will not pretend otherwise. But in making strategic choices, we will focus on support for the Afghan authorities in the priority areas of our mandate in a way that ensures maximum impact.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“A criticality review - the first undertaken by a special political mission - is currently under way. Good offices, regional cooperation and support for elections, peace and reconciliation; an impartial voice and advocacy on human rights, including the rights of women and children; and helping drive development coherence and humanitarian aid are at the very core of what UNAMA does and I assume will also do after 2014, while fully respecting the new, sovereign Afghanistan. Despite the closure of nine field offices, UNAMA still emphasizes national outreach and will continue to provide support throughout the country. I myself visited seven provincial capitals in this quarter.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Such revisions could further facilitate the safe passage and travel of those anti-Government forces that genuinely wish to participate in contacts, discussions and talks for the purpose of reconciliation. I welcome the continued momentum of the Istanbul process and the gradual start of the activities of the relevant working groups on confidence-building measures. I also welcome the emerging interest of regional organizations, notably the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, in engaging with Afghanistan and UNAMA in a structured dialogue for the benefit of Afghanistan and the region. At UNAMA, together with the wider United Nations family, we are working to sharpen and focus activities in a challenging and ever-shifting security and political environment.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Also crucial is clear agreement, with wide buy-in, on the final dispute resolution mechanism. Fostering an environment conducive to building national accord on a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is among our priorities. As part of this, we plan to support a track 11 inter-Afghan dialogue to help engage civil society and broad political forces in discussing the future of the country. Given the increasing urgency of seeing progress towards peace and reconciliation, I would consider it useful to reflect upon possible revisions of the travel ban procedure, while fully respecting the relevant Security Council resolutions and the sanctions regime under resolution 1988 (2011).”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“At the same time, this is a time-bound process, and crucial decisions by the Independent Election Commission on voter registration, drawing lessons from past problems and mistakes and ensuring that all eligible voters have a chance to vote, are required soon, as is the demonstrable support of the Government and donors. The United Nations will support decisions taken by the Afghan authorities that contribute to the sustainability, integrity and inclusiveness of the electoral process. The strong and credible leadership of and by the Independent Election Commission is another vital aspect of electoral preparations. In appointing senior electoral officials, a wide-ranging consultative process on potential candidates who enjoy respect and acceptability across the political spectrum is essential.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“The conduct of credible polls with a mandate for the new country's leadership is essential to national unity and legitimacy and, as highlighted in Tokyo, a critical component of ongoing international support. I continuously encourage wide consultations and robust public debate over the future election process, including an improved legal framework for the elections, independent electoral institutions and the media coverage of the elections. It is such inclusiveness that will help ensure the transparency, integrity and acceptability of the elections and their results.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“The success of another transition - that of detention facilities - will depend in large part on the extent to which any future administrative detention regime respects core human rights protections for detainees, particularly fair trial standards and the prevention of torture. I call on the new leadership in the National Directorate of Security and the Ministry of the Interior to implement the reforms necessary to prevent torture and inhumane treatment in all of their facilities. The ultimate key to a future stable Afghanistan will be, however, successful Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political transition. The 2014 presidential elections are at the centre of attention.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Reports of uprisings against the Taliban in various areas of the country are a new development requiring greater analysis. Amidst three decades of conflict, the drivers of violence are complex and the actors and their allegiances fluid. The desire of local communities to have security and justice has led them to taking the situation into their own hands. There is a risk of even greater fragmentation of the security environment. Many of these localized conflicts would appear to be resistance to the Taliban, but not necessarily in support of a greater Government presence. The Government should eventually be the solution, notably by ensuring improved sub-national governance and the rule of law.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Insecurity comes not just at the hands of the Taliban and other anti-Government forces, but also from predatory armed groups and narcotics rings. The impact is visible in the curtailed delivery of development programmes and humanitarian aid. Outreach by Government services and personnel is limited in many part of the country. Recently I visited Kunar, a province bordering Pakistan. There I learned about the concerns of civilians arising from cross-border shelling. Humanitarian agencies have registered more than 700 families - that is, approximately 4,000 individuals - displaced from Kunar border districts to the neighbouring province of Nangarhar since April. I was also glad to hear that authorities in Afghanistan and Pakistan are already engaged in multi-level dialogue in order to resolve this situation and address its root causes.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“As reported by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan authorities, both the military campaign and the security transition are on time and on track. The Secretary-General's report (S/2012/703) shows a decrease in security incidents between May and July as compared to 2011. Yet many ordinary citizens and Government officials throughout Afghanistan continue to point to the ongoing fragility of the security situation in Afghanistan and to the fear and insecurity that impede everyday life. Even where there are no armed clashes, an insidious campaign of intimidation and targeted killings is claiming the lives of Government officials, women's rights activists, tribal elders and community leaders, including those actively working for peace.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Generous donor pledges for social and economic development were matched by Afghan Government commitments, notably in the areas of good governance, anti-corruption, human rights and elections. Continued, predictable support and funding for Afghanistan is dependent on credible progress in meeting the mutually agreed Tokyo benchmarks. Donors in turn have committed not just to funding levels, but on how money is to be spent. It is understood that assistance must reinforce Government systems. That applies also to the United Nations family. And we, the United Nations family, are also committed to reinvigorating the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board as a more effective forum to ensure mutual accountability in driving and monitoring the Tokyo Framework.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Mr. Kubis: Following the Bonn Conference in 2011, the recent series of successful high-level meetings has redefined and reinvigorated the long-term partnership between Afghanistan and the international community. The NATO Summit in Chicago produced a solid commitment to supporting Afghan security forces well beyond the end of the international combat mission in 2014. The Heart of Asia ministerial conference in Kabul put the Istanbul process, regional cooperation and political consultations on firm ground with prioritized confidence-building measures. Finally, in Tokyo on 8 July, Afghanistan and its international partners concluded a long-term compact based on mutual accountability.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“As Humanitarian Coordinator, he is working with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to promote and provide practical support for an effective response to humanitarian needs, whether as a result of chronic vulnerability, disasters or conflict. Also, decades-long ongoing problems with regard to refugees and internally displaced persons should be addressed 12-26920 on the basis of sustainable solutions that link humanitarian efforts with development. From the beginning of my work in Kabul, I have been clear that the Mission and the 28 United Nations agencies, funds and programmes present in Afghanistan must work in support of increasing the capacity of Afghan authorities, institutions and systems to meet the needs of the Afghan people. That will also guide my work in the future.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“My recent visits to Pakistan, Turkmenistan, India and Iran provided invaluable opportunities for an exchange of views on the support of those countries for Afghanistan and UNAMA. We spoke about opportunities, but I also heard words of strong concern. I would like to thank those countries for the valuable meetings and for their hospitality. One of my top priorities is to ensure greater coherence of United Nations efforts in all areas - pragmatic, operational and policy - and to ensure that our activities are outcome-oriented, transparent and cost-effective. My deputy, Mr. Michael Keating, is working with the entire United Nations system to ensure full United Nations alignment behind a national development strategy and the national priority programmes, which will serve as the basis for the United Nations pragmatic and operational coherence.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Support for Afghanistan in the region has gained momentum, as reflected, among other similar efforts, by the recently held trilateral summit at Islamabad between the leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, who spoke in favour of an Afghan-led peace process. I have been particularly impressed with the Afghan leadership of the regionally owned Istanbul process, as well as with how the process is progressing. I also welcome the commitment of the supporting countries. The work currently focuses on seven specific confidence-building measures and on preparations for the Kabul ministerial meeting in June, which will be preceded next week by an important meeting in Dushanbe of the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“To turn that potential into a successful process, efforts must first of all be fully Afghan-led, but also comprehensive and genuinely inclusive and involve representatives of all relevant forces and segments of Afghan society. At the same time, peace should not be achieved at the expense of the basic achievements of the past decade, as confirmed by the Kabul communique and the Bonn Conference. In moving towards a peace process, reducing civilian deaths and injuries should be of the highest priority. A much repeated request has been for UNAMA to continue to support the High Peace Council and generally make use of its good offices and services in support of peace and reconciliation. Many have called for a United Nations role in those nascent processes, and there are different ideas on what form and shape that could take and when.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“In spite of legal and constitutional protections for women, violence against women and girls remains pervasive in Afghanistan. Improvements require the enforcement of laws - notably the law on the elimination of violence against women - that criminalize and penalize violence and harmful practices against women and girls. UNAMA will continue to work to improve protection and to promote the rights of Afghan women, including their participation in public life and peace and reconciliation processes and with regard to equal opportunities in education and employment. Similarly, we will continue our work for the benefit of Afghan children. Recent months have seen some potentially positive developments in support of peace and reconciliation.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“As confirmed by UNAMA's impartial tracking and verification of civilian casualties, 2011 was the fifth year in a row that civilian deaths rose. Insurgent tactics of suicide attacks and the use of victim-activated pressure-plate improvised explosive devices account for the majority of this toll. This is unacceptable and contradicts even the publicly declared ban on land mines by anti-Government forces. Improvements in the condition of Afghan detention centres and a reduction in the torture and mistreatment of detainees are another concrete outcome of our efforts. Both ISAF and Afghan authorities have undertaken measures to address abusive practices in Afghan detention facilities. It is important to build on gains made to date.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Many of my Afghan interlocutors have placed emphasis on the 2014 presidential polls. Already the focus of intense debate and political mobilization, the leadership change coincides with the planned culmination of the security transfer. Elections are an Afghan process to be managed by independent Afghan electoral management bodies. If the results are to be 3 trusted, the majority of my Afghan partners gave me a clear message - there is a need to strengthen and improve Afghanistan's electoral process, including electoral reform, in order to increase its sustainability, integrity, transparency and inclusiveness. A United Nations supporting role, at the request of the Afghan authorities, is welcome and, indeed, needed. The value of UNAMA's human rights work has been repeatedly emphasized to me by all parties.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Tokyo will provide that opportunity. In the coming months, the Government and its international partners must intensify their engagement to ensure that properly sequenced national priority programmes serve as the basis for strategic public and private funding and the achievement of development outcomes identified by the Government as fundamental to self-reliance. Long-term support and predictability are further enhanced by a number of comprehensive partnership agreements between Afghanistan and its bilateral partners. This process continues. UNAMA is working consistently for coherent approaches on the part of the international community in support of Afghanistan's development and governance challenges, including as co-chair of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Stronger efforts in combating drug production and trafficking are critically important, given the increase in poppy cultivation and opium production and the consequent increased threat to security, stability, development and governance in Afghanistan and the region. Security gains must be supported by progress in these areas to make them and the transition sustainable. Last year's international conference in Bonn saw commitment to enduring partnership also during the transformation decade beyond the 2014. Mutual commitments need to be respected by both the international community and Afghanistan. The challenge now is to translate political commitments into predictable funding for the national priority programmes, and to define a follow up mechanism for mutual accountability between Government and its partners for the coming decade.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The transition so far has been on track and on target, and the Afghan National Security Forces have so far proven that they are up to their tasks. The Chicago summit should firm up these developments and plans by reaching specific and solid commitments. The absence of such commitments would be a setback to the 12-26920 transition and stability in Afghanistan and the region. In looking to the future, we must demonstrate that we have learned from our mistakes of the past. Transition, however, also encompasses accelerated Afghan leadership, responsibility and accountability in governance, the rule of law, justice, economic development and combating corruption and poverty, to name but a few.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“This may have an impact on some programmes in the short term, and local leaders have already issued statements appealing for their return. However, the security of all our staff, national and international, is of critical importance. We continue to work with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and increasingly with the Afghan authorities, to address this. I expect, and indeed request, the support and understanding of the Afghan authorities for our security requirements. They are sine qua non for our continuous work and presence in the country. Regardless of those recent tragedies, let us not loose perspective. Recent events should not eclipse or overshadow positive trends and developments or push the international community, Afghanistan or the transition process off agreed plans and timetables.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Such malicious acts have potentially profound implications for these essential efforts, for public support and for the enduring commitment of the international community to assisting Afghanistan and its people. The United Nations has also been singled out for violence by some. Notably, the UNAMA office in Kunduz was directly attacked, which brought back frightening memories of the seven dear colleagues of ours killed a year ago in similar circumstances in Mazar-e Sharif. The timely actions of the Afghan National Security Forces ensured that no United Nations personnel were hurt, but six persons lost their lives. We regret these losses. In response, international staff members have been temporarily relocated while security is reassessed.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“At the same time, I passionately emphasize the need for non-violent means of protest, even in response 12-26920 to such grave, albeit unintentional mistakes as the recent burning of the Holy Quran. I commend the appeals and actions of the majority of religious leaders and community elders, who ensured that deep anger was expressed at peaceful community gatherings. And I condemn the sermons and appeals of those few who called for violence. They have only brought death and destruction, first and foremost to Afghans. A series of killings also targeted international troops there to help and train Afghan forces and institutions. This is unacceptable.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“The Dialogue also revealed that corruption, lack of justice and abuse of authority are seen by many as the biggest problem facing ordinary people, coupled with a lack of work prospects for the growing urban population of young people. Another important point I drew from my meetings was a near universal recognition of the value of the United Nations work and a great desire for UNAMA's continued presence. Finally, I need to mention the recent tragedies that marked my first weeks in Afghanistan. I again offer my condolences and sympathies to the families of all casualties of the recent instances of violence, be it civilian or military. And I applaud the commitment to full accountability.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“During the first two months of my work in Afghanistan, I met Government officials, political leaders and civil society actors in Kabul and the provinces and across the region. Starting with President Karzai, each and every individual offered me a warm welcome. If there was one thing I drew hope from, it was the strong expressions of the desire for peace. The message of the people is clear - it is time to wind down this war. News about the nascent peace process has prompted a lively debate that needs to be harnessed and fed into constructive policymaking. Under the People's Dialogue supported by UNAMA, Afghans across the country share their vision of and road map for a peace process.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source
“Efforts continue to make institutions of national and sub-national governance increasingly capable of providing governance, the rule of law, development and social services to the population, in order to ensure their fundamental rights and freedoms. Voices in support of Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation are stronger, both from the various parts of Afghan society and from the region. The profile and work of the United Nations in Afghanistan must reflect those realities and take full account of the principles and requirements of the transition process. Active support of those positive trends and developments, in partnership with Afghan authorities and society, must be at the very core of the way we work.”
2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source