YouSaid · the spoken record

Le Luong Minh

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567

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2007-02-23

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2010-01-13

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88

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un-security-council

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1. “As this is the first meeting of the Security Council for the month of July 2008, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of June 2008. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Khalilzad for the great diplomatic skill with which he conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. Peace and security in Africa The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations.”

   2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source

2. “My delegation wishes to take this opportunity to commend the efforts undertaken by the Secretary- General and to encourage him, in coordination with existing mechanisms, to engage both parties in diplomatic efforts with a view to ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of all communities in Kosovo and to facilitate the dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Allow me to conclude by reiterating Viet Nam's support for the central role of the United Nations in promoting dialogue and the reconciliation process and in maintaining peace and security in Kosovo and in the Balkans.”

   2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source

3. “Reaffirming Viet Nam's consistent position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States must be fully respected, we call upon Belgrade and Pristina to refrain from actions that would endanger peace and lead to violence or jeopardize security in Kosovo and in the region. We urge both sides to resume dialogue and negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting solution to the issue of Kosovo in the interest of peace, security and stability in the Balkan region and in Europe at large.”

   2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source

4. “We share his view that recent events in Kosovo have posed significant challenges to the ability of UNMIK to exercise its administrative authority and that there is a pressing need for a consensual solution that preserves peace and security in Kosovo. It is the view of my delegation that, as the legal framework for the international civil presence in Kosovo was provided for by resolution 1244 (1999) and as its format, in the form of UNMIK, was determined by the Council on the basis of the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/1999/672, any change or reconfiguration of the international civil presence in Kosovo will require a new decision of the Council, in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999), as well as the consent of all parties concerned.”

   2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source

5. “I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate of the Council. I thank the Secretary-General for his participation and for his personal presentation of his report on the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) (S/2008/354). My delegation also welcomes the participation of His Excellency Mr. Boris Tadie, President of the Republic of Serbia, and Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu in the Council's meeting today. The position of the Government of Viet Nam concerning the issue of Kosovo reflects our respect for the most fundamental principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Our principled position remains unchanged. My delegation has carefully studied the report of the Secretary-General.”

   2008-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5917 (2008) · source

6. “As far as peacekeeping missions are concerned, we support the recommendation contained in the draft resolution presented for adoption by the Council today that the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Security Council, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and its Working Group and relevant States, develop and implement appropriate training programmes for all peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel deployed by the United Nations in the context of missions, as mandated by the Council, to help them better prevent, recognize and respond to sexual violence and other forms of violence against civilians. This and the empowerment of women and girls are essential measures of prevention, which is, in my delegation's view, always more effective and less costly than cure.”

   2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

7. “The inter-agency United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict should serve as a tool to enhance such coordination. At the same time, we must make sure that any new mechanism to be established will be given careful consideration so as not to create unnecessary administrative and financial burdens for Member States and United Nations agencies. I wish to further emphasize that States bear the primary responsibility to protect their own civilians and deal with violence against them, including sexual violence.”

   2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

8. “Viet Nam holds the view that the most effective way to protect women and girls from sexual violence, including sexual violence in armed conflict, is to empower women and girls, help them understand their fundamental rights and raise their awareness and their capacity to protect themselves. We fully endorse the women's empowerment and advancement measures set out in the Beijing Platform for Action. As sexual violence, including sexual violence in armed conflict situations, has been a major topic intensively debated by other pertinent United Nations bodies, it is important to enhance the efficiency of those existing mechanisms and improve coordination and cooperation between the Security Council and those bodies, while avoiding duplication of their work.”

   2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

9. “My delegation is deeply concerned by the grave sexual violence in many conflict areas, which continues to occur despite repeated strong condemnation and calls for the parties concerned to take measures to prevent and put an end to such acts, whose consequences are not only the personal suffering of women and girls, but very often also the breakdown of their families and the spread of contagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, which adversely affect whole communities and their post-conflict reconstruction processes. The consequences are even more severe when victims are under-age girls.”

   2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

10. “These, together with the 2008 adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 62/134 on "Eliminating rape and other forms of sexual violence in all their manifestations, including in conflict and related situations" and the Secretary-General's launch this year of a multi-year global campaign to end violence against women, manifest the concern of Member States about the widespread nature of this type of inhumane acts against the "better half" of humankind as well as their determination to tackle it.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

11. “Commitments to resolve the issue of sexual violence against women are contained in major documents such as the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (General Assembly resolution 60/1), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

12. “I thank you, Mr. President, and the United States delegation for convening this important debate on sexual violence in situations of armed conflict as a follow-up to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security, an issue to which my country attaches great importance. I thank Secretary of State Rice for personally presiding over the Council's deliberations earlier today. I also thank Their Excellencies the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly for their participation and their statements.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source

13. “We look forward to continuing to support the work of the compact in moving the country forward. Finally, Mr. President, let me thank you and the United States delegation for the draft press statement, which we support.”

    2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source

14. “We commend the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and encourage it to further assist the Government of Iraq to address key priority issues, as mandated by Security Council resolution 1770 (2007). We also hope that the International Advisory and Monitoring Board will continue to enhance its audit and oversight capacity to ensure that all resources from the Development Fund for Iraq are transparently and efficiently disbursed in the service of the best interests of Iraq and its people. With its modest capacity, Viet Nam stands ready to join the collective effort of the international community in helping the Iraqi people to rebuild their country. Viet Nam participated in the two conferences on the International Compact with Iraq in Sharm el-Sheikh and Stockholm in 2007 and 2008, respectively.”

    2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source

15. “While firmly supporting the efforts of the Iraqi Government and the other parties concerned in consolidating peace and security, promoting sustainable development and strengthening national reconciliation, Viet Nam recognizes and supports the important role that the United Nations, the countries of the region and the international community at large can play, on the basis of respect for the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq, to help Iraq strengthen its political process and regional dialogue and to promote economic reconstruction and humanitarian relief work.”

    2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source

16. “We therefore all realize that there are still formidable challenges in security, humanitarian, reconstruction and national reconciliation spheres for the country to overcome. A united, prosperous and stable Iraq, which has been the fervent desire of the Iraqi people, who have endured tremendous losses and difficulties for too many years, will contribute to the peace, security and stability of the region.”

    2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source

17. “The progress that the country has achieved under extremely difficult conditions across various political and socioeconomic fields, its improved relations with neighbouring countries and its reintegration into the international community deserve our full recognition and encouragement. At the same time, we wish to see Iraq achieve further concrete improvements in, inter alia, ending the outbreak of sectarian violence; resolving internal boundary disputes; reinforcing the rule of law; strengthening poverty reduction and social welfare development; curbing illicit use of weapons and combating organized crimes; promoting disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants; clearing a substantial amount of foreign debts; and providing assistance to more than 4 million refugees and internally displaced persons.”

    2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source

18. “As the Council today is debating the situation concerning Iraq, on behalf of the Vietnamese delegation let me first of all extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency Mr. Hoshyar Zebari, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, for his presence and his statement. I would like to thank Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari and Assistant Secretary-General Warren Sach for their detailed briefings. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your presentation, in your national capacity, on behalf of the Multinational Force in Iraq. During the past five years, Iraq has undergone significant changes.”

    2008-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5910 (2008) · source

19. “Since the submission of its report on the implementation of the Programme of Action in 2006, Viet Nam has been taking various steps at the national, regional and international levels to effectively implement the Programme. To date, no incidents of illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons from or into Viet Nam have been discovered; the number of criminal cases in which small arms and light weapons are used has been minimized. The safety of the people is ensured; small arms and light weapons manufactured domestically are closely managed and properly marked, in accordance with the Government's regulations. We pledge to continue to work with all Member States to promote international cooperation in combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and to promote the implementation of the Programme of Action.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

20. “The production, importation and retention of small arms and light weapons in particular and of conventional weapons in general for the purpose of national defence and security remain the legitimate right of every sovereign State, recognized by international conventions. International cooperation in combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and preventing them from falling into the hands of members of organized crime and terrorists is necessary, but it must be in accordance with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and it must not affect that legitimate right of States. Viet Nam is fully committed to implementing the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

21. “However, we consider it necessary to further study the feasibility of the development of quantitative indicators for the area of small arms with a view to their being used as a base against which to set measurable goals and a 2015 deadline for that work to be done, as mentioned in recommendation 2. Discussions within the framework of the General Assembly and the Council in recent years have shown that there are still different Views among Member States and that an early consensus is unlikely. We concur with the view of the Secretary-General that Member States remain central providers of security and that that is their sovereign right and responsibility.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

22. “Viet Nam reaffirms its view that the establishment, deployment and extension of peace-keeping missions and the expansion of their mandates must be with the consent of all parties concerned, must respect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity of States and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs, and must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Viet Nam supports the role of the Security Council in the inclusion of United Nations arms embargoes monitoring functions in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping missions, as outlined in recommendation 5.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

23. “We share the view of the Secretary-General that, within the United Nations, coordination on the issue of small arms could benefit from further improvement. We look forward to studying specific proposals to this end, including those aimed at promoting exchanges between the Security Council and the General Assembly on the issue. We commend the Secretary-General for the comprehensiveness of his report and are of the View that the recommendations contained therein relating to a wide range of activities of the United Nations, the Security Council and Member States deserve and require careful consideration.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

24. “I wish to reaffirm Viet Nam's support for the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. Recent reviews show that remarkable efforts have been made by countries in different parts of the world, resulting in the enhanced awareness of the need for effective control of such illicit activities and the birth of mechanisms supporting implementation of this Programme of Action. In the light of the fact that much remains to be done in the context of the many prolonged conflicts and the growing threats of transnational crimes and terrorism, the United Nations must be supported in continuing its central role in promoting and sustaining international cooperation.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

25. “I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate of the Security Council, and congratulate you and South Africa on the leadership you have shown in guiding the work of the Council for this month. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2008/258) and the Director for her introduction. Viet Nam is convinced that general and complete disarmament constitutes a solid guarantee for world peace and security and that the illicit trade in small arms can strain relations between States, fuelling and increasing violent disturbances, especially transnational crimes and civil wars, each causing much suffering to human beings. Viet Nam therefore realizes the need for the international community to strengthen cooperation against the illicit trade and proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881 (2008) · source

26. “I wish to reaffirm Viet Nam's support for the roles of the Quartet, the League of Arab States, the countries of the region and the United Nations, especially the Security Council, in the quest for a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict along those lines.”

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

27. “We continue to support resolution 1701 (2006) and call for its full implementation, especially with regard to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, the protection of assets and the livelihood of civilians, and the safety and security of international peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel. The Middle East has seen too much bloodshed. Continued Violence will only make the people of the region - Arabs and Israelis alike - shed more blood. The Middle East conflict can only be solved through peaceful dialogue and negotiations in accordance with the principle of land for peace and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, taking into account the legitimate rights and interests of all parties concerned.”

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

28. “We continue to share the concerns about repeated postponements of the presidential elections, the slow progress in the disarmament of armed groups, the lack of technical strike data of Israeli cluster munitions and the unresolved issue of Lebanese prisoners. While we support the efforts undertaken by the League of Arab States and the Government of Lebanon to advance the political process, we urge all parties concerned to promote political dialogue and national reconciliation and to proceed to the presidential elections as planned.”

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

29. “My delegation takes note of certain positive developments that have been recorded in the implementation of resolution 1701 (2006), such as the tripartite cooperation between Israel, Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to address key security and military operational issues, as well as the dialogues taking place between Lebanon and Syria on border delineation and demarcation. However, we are deeply concerned about the continuation of targeted attacks against Lebanese civilians and UNIFIL personnel, as well as about Israel's air Violations and its occupation of the village of Ghajar, on the northern side of the Blue Line.”

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

30. “In the light of the difficulties that the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip are enduring as a result of restrictive Israeli measures, and while concurring with the Secretary-General's support for the Palestinian Authority's proposal to operate the Gaza crossings, we join the appeal to the international community, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to extend to them the necessary emergency and humanitarian assistance.”

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

31. “By aggravating the already tense situation on the ground, those actions are endangering the limited positive progress achieved since the launch of the Arab Peace Initiative and the Annapolis and Paris Conferences. Whether the first act or the response, Violence only adds to the never-ending spiral of its own. We urge the parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and abide by international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. We call upon Israel to put an end to those actions and abide by the spirit of the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, in order to de-escalate tension and create an atmosphere conducive to tangible results in the negotiations it is engaging in with Palestine on final status issues, thereby bringing the Middle East peace process back on track.”

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

32. “We remain deeply concerned about the fact that, in disregarding the repeated appeals of the international community, Israel has not relaxed its restrictive measures in the Gaza Strip, which are being implemented in Violation of international law, including international human rights and humanitarian laws, and which are taking an alarming toll in human lives, especially those of women and children, and great suffering to the Palestinian population. While expressing our sympathy for innocent Israeli civilians killed, injured or otherwise harmed in attacks targeting southern Israel and other acts of violence, acts which Viet Nam has condemned and will continue to condemn, we cannot accept that this is being used to justify the illegal actions of Israel to which I have referred.”

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

33. “The resumption of negotiations between Israel and Palestine on final status issues and the international efforts in the Middle East peace process did give us some hope of moving closer to a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israel- Palestine issue based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian State living in peace side-by- side with Israel. Our hope, however, is being dimmed by the realities on the ground. My delegation is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, where Israel's military attacks and its construction of illegal settlements and the wall in the West Bank continue.”

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

34. “On behalf of my delegation, I would like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his presence here today and for his address to the Council. Among other things, the Secretary-General has addressed a concern that we share about the continuing violence. He has also emphasized the need for continued negotiations - which we support - to resolve the Middle East conflict. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Lynn Pascoe for his detailed briefing. My delegation shares the views of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that will be presented by the representative of Cuba on behalf of NAM.”

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

35. “We welcome the readiness of CTED to participate in and support all relevant activities under the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, including its more active involvement in the work of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force.”

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

36. “Acknowledging the crucial role of CTED in supporting CTC in its efforts to fulfil its overarching goal of ensuring the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), Viet Nam will support the renewal of the mandate of CTED for three years, as specified in paragraph 2 of resolution 1535 (2004). We call for further emphasis by CTED on the guiding principles of cooperation, transparency and even- handedness. We welcome the decision of CTC to direct CTED in developing a more flexible approach to visits to countries, which would allow more focused visits, tailored to the needs and situation of the country concerned. We encourage CTED to work out a more comprehensive strategy for engagement with donors to match their capabilities and programs with the capacity-building requirements of Member States.”

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

37. “We concur with the CTED assessment that there have been further developments in both the threat that terrorism poses to us and how we face these challenges. Much progress has been made in raising the awareness of Member States of their obligations under Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism, as well as of the need to promote international cooperation in this connection. Member States now look to the United Nations agencies for assistance to strengthen their capacity and expertise for effective implementation of their counter-terrorism obligations.”

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

38. “My delegation aligns itself with the conclusions by the Council as reflected in the statements by the President of the Council contained in documents S/PRST/2005/64 of 21 December 2005 and S/PRST/2006/56 of 20 December 2006. Viet Nam has been supportive of CTED in its dialogues with Member States to identify ways of improving their counterterrorism capacity as well as its efforts to provide them with technical assistance. In August last year, CTED undertook a visit to Viet Nam where it had fruitful discussions with Vietnamese counter-terrorism agencies. We are committed to continued cooperation with CTED, especially in the follow-up to the visits and in contributing to the work of CTC.”

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

39. “In the fight against international terrorism, the United Nations must continue to play a leading role, especially in promoting international cooperation and complementing the efforts of Member States. Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Security Council adopted resolution 1373 (2001), stipulating as concrete obligations that Member States shall undertake to prevent and suppress terrorist attacks. By the same resolution, the Council decided to establish the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) to monitor the implementation of those obligations. The CTED, established by the Council in March 2004 and tasked to support CTC in performing its mandate of monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and continuing the capacity- building work that CTC had undertaken, has completed in its first three-year mandate.”

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

40. “We support the view that the international fight against terrorism must be strengthened in a comprehensive and balanced manner in compliance with international law, particularly the principles of respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Phenomena such as political, economic and social inequalities, double standards and selectivity, as well as the use of force in international relations - all of which create conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism - need to be addressed, together with the root causes of international terrorism, such as absolute poverty and political and social injustices.”

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

41. “International terrorism continues to be one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. It constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, endangers the territorial integrity and stability of States and causes severe damage to the infrastructure of many countries and horrifying losses and injuries to innocent people. Viet Nam has been consistent in its condemnation of terrorist attacks in whatever form, for whatever motive and by whomsoever committed, including those committed under the pretext of defending democracy and human rights. At the same time, we are against linking terrorism to any religion.”

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

42. “Terrorism is a concern shared by the entire membership of the United Nations and the international community at large. My delegation supported your decision, Mr. President, to organize this open debate, as a result of our understanding that broad participation by United Nations Member States in this debate would contribute not only to the promotion of our common efforts in the fight against terrorism, but also to the effectiveness of those efforts. I thank Mr. Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), for his briefing. We appreciate his efforts to improve the organization and the working methods of CTED, as reflected in the proposed changes set out in the organizational plan presented to the Council in document S/2008/80.”

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

43. “With the people of Afghanistan, we share a special bond of traditional friendship. We have always followed with keen interest and concern the situation in Afghanistan. Viet Nam has participated in the international conferences on the reconstruction of Afghanistan. With our limited resources, we have extended to the people of Afghanistan our modest assistance. With our post-war reconstruction experience, we are ready to join Afghanistan's reconstruction efforts, bilaterally and in tripartite frameworks with the participation of donor countries and the Afghan Government.”

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

44. “While commending UNAMA for its work in Afghanistan and while supporting the Secretary- General's recommendation that the current mandate of UNAMA be extended for a further 12 months, we are of the opinion that, in the context of the complex security situation still prevailing in Afghanistan, UNAMA should focus on carrying out its present mandate, although I agree with Under-Secretary- General Guehenno that the mandate should be sharpened. We support UNAMA in its willingness to play a role in supporting the electoral process by providing technical assistance and channelling international funds earmarked to support Afghan electoral institutions. However, this must be at the request of the Government of Afghanistan, in accordance with the principle of respect for the independence and sovereignty of the country.”

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

45. “In that connection, we find it worrisome that Afghanistan remains one of the largest suppliers of cannabis in the world. While agreeing that there is an urgent need to strengthen enforcement activities aimed at eradicating and interdicting illicit drug trafficking and at dismantling production facilities, we believe that it is vital to address the pervasive poverty which is the root cause of this situation. Parallel to enforcement measures, in-depth action-oriented study is needed to come up with initiatives on building alternative livelihoods for the people so that they can enjoy a better life without engaging in drug-related activities.”

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

46. “In reaffirming our support for the efforts of the Government and the people of Afghanistan aimed at stabilizing and rebuilding the country, and given the specific situation in Afghanistan, which has gone through long decades of internal conflict and division, it is our view that besides measures to enhance security, the need to promote national reconciliation and a political process aimed at ensuring lasting Afghan and regional peace and stability should be duly recognized. Because of all the suffering they have endured and because of their earnest aspiration to move forward, the people of Afghanistan deserve the continued support and assistance of the international community in their cause of national rebuilding, the success of which depends on success against both major enemies: terrorism and drugs.”

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

47. “We are deeply concerned over the current security situation in Afghanistan, where, as reported by the Secretary-General, in 2007 alone there were 8,000 conflict-related fatalities, of which 1,500 were civilians. We condemn all acts of violence aimed at destabilizing the country, in particular those targeting innocent civilians, including the terrorist attack that took place on 17 February near Kandahar, which killed over 100 people. The difficulties and challenges that Afghanistan is facing today are not only those of a security nature.”

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

48. “I join others in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this important open debate. At the outset, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guehenno for his briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and for his introduction of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/159). I would like also to extend to Mr. Kai Eide our warmest congratulations on his appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). In his report, the Secretary-General says that two years after the adoption of the Afghanistan Compact the political transition continues to face serious challenges.”

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

49. “Having decided to vote in favour of the draft resolution, we are strongly convinced that favourable conditions must be created for the peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue, including cessation of hostile policies against Iran, assurance of Iran's legitimate security interests and respect for the right of Iran to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We also believe that the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free-zone in the Middle East, in accordance with relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and the adherence by all States in the region to the NPT would be positive steps in this direction. Finally, while hailing the new progress in cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, we are desirous to see Iran's efforts positively matched in the coming period.”

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

50. “With the incorporation of such changes that we and other Council members proposed, and given the following facts - the fact that both the draft resolution and the statement to be issued by the Foreign Ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States advocate a diplomatic and negotiated solution to the Iran nuclear issue; the fact that the 22 February 2008 report of the Director General of the IAEA, while recognizing progress in Iran's cooperation with the IAEA, indicates that Iran still needs to respond to requests by the Security Council and the IAEA; the fact that the scope of implementation envisaged in this draft resolution is basically the same as that in the previous resolutions, namely resolutions 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007), adopted by consensus by the Council - Viet Nam will vote in favour of the draft resolution contained in document S/2008/141.”

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