YouSaid · the spoken record

Manjeev Singh Puri

lines on the record: 245
first: 2009-11-13
most recent: 2013-06-20
sittings or episodes: 37
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

“India has age-old historical, cultural, civilizational and economic ties with neighbouring Afghanistan. During the past decade our relationship has been renewed and consolidated by India's contribution to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan. India fully supports a genuinely Afghan- led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-driven peace and reconciliation process - as opposed to an internationally led process - accompanied by an inclusive political process and intra-Afghan dialogue with those who renounce violence, cut off ties to terrorist groups, abide by the Afghan Constitution and are committed to the protection of human rights, including the rights of women. India believes in a strong, independent, sovereign, stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, at peace with itself and its neighbours.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Our vision for the period of transition must also take into account the conditions on the ground and the capacity of Afghanistan's security forces to preserve the sovereignty, independence and integrity of the nation. We support further strengthening of the Afghan National Security Forces, which must go hand in hand with strengthening their training and equipping and with financing and developing their capabilities beyond the transition period. In addition to security, we also need concomitant progress on the development front. That requires market access, foreign investment and a coherent international economic strategy for Afghanistan. It also implies greater coordination and further streamlining of the international community's development-related efforts, including aligning assistance with Afghanistan national priorities.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“As we have repeatedly highlighted, terrorism finds sustenance and support from a dangerous osmosis of ideologies, ambitions, training and operations among the syndicates of terrorism in the region, with suicide terrorism as its main technique and targets not limited to Afghanistan. We need concerted action to isolate and root out the syndicate of terrorism, which includes elements of Al-Qaida, the Taliban, Lashkar- e-Taiba and other terrorist and extremist groups, operating mainly from outside Afghanistan's borders. The groups are ideologically and operationally fused, and their bonds have strengthened over the years. We need resolute determination and political will to deal firmly with safe havens for terrorist groups outside Afghanistan's borders in the region.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“First and foremost, Afghanistan needs assistance and support to build its capacity to tackle the critical challenges of terrorism, including suicide terrorism, the religious extremism that fuels it and the drug trafficking that sustains it. We are seriously concerned that the insurgency remains resilient. There has been no let-up in terrorist violence, and the security gains are still tenuous. Besides the targeting of high-profile political and public figures, innocent civilians have been repeatedly targeted by the Taliban, even on solemn and auspicious occasions.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“We should not let Afghanistan slip back. We need to avert the possibility that Afghanistan could be let down or made to feel abandoned by a withdrawal of assistance, both in terms of quantity and in quality post-2014. Afghanistan's security can only be ensured through non-interference in its internal affairs. Concerted international and regional efforts are imperative for laying the foundations of lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. It is important that the ongoing transition remain Afghan-owned and that it be carried out in a systematic manner, taking into account the realities on the ground. The transition must be multifaceted and should ensure the protection and promotion of the human rights of all Afghans and lead to strengthening of the Afghan State and its institutions.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“We hope that the upcoming conferences in 2012 - the Chicago conference on security in May, the Kabul conference on regional cooperation in June and the Tokyo conference on development in July - will ensure the continued engagement of the international community in Afghanistan's growth. Afghanistan today faces at least four deficits, primarily with respect to security, governance, development and investment. Afghanistan will require enormous assistance for a long time if it is to adequately address those four deficits. There is real danger that, as international forces withdraw from a combat role and in numbers, there will be a transition recession, namely, that attention and aid will decline just when Afghan Government security demands increase. It is important that we draw the right lessons from our past mistakes.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Coming close on the heels of the Istanbul Conference, which provided new and better regional cooperation, the Bonn Conference provided an opportunity to comprehensively review developments in Afghanistan during the past decade and to chart the collective vision of the international community for the future. The outcome, as embodied in the Bonn Conference conclusions, is an expression of the international community's determination and political commitment to sustained long-term engagement with Afghanistan. To realize that vision, we need to back up our commitments with more resources and actions. If the Afghan Government assumes full ownership, it also needs support for economic development.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“I would like to join others in welcoming His Excellency Mr. Jawed Ludin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, and to thank him very much for his comprehensive statement. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his latest report (S/2011/772*). We are very appreciative of the briefings by Under-Secretary-General Ladsous and Mr. Staffan de Mistura. I would also like to join others in appreciating all the work that Mr. De Mistura has done in Afghanistan and to congratulate him on his new appointment as undersecretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in his country. We are pleased that the Bonn Conference was well attended. We would like to congratulate Afghanistan for its outstanding chairmanship and to thank Germany for hosting that important Conference.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“There should be no violation of the measures mandated in those resolutions. At the same time, all efforts should be made to ensure that the legitimate trade and economic activities of Iranian entities and those of other countries do not suffer. In conclusion, I would like to assure the Chairman of the 1737 Committee that we will continue to work cooperatively with the other members of the Committee and contribute constructively to the Committee's work.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“I would like to reiterate India's consistent stand on the Iranian nuclear issue. We support the right of all States, including Iran, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Exercise of this right should, however, be consistent with their international obligations. We believe that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should play a central role in the resolution of technical issues concerning the Iranian nuclear programme. The issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiations. Iran should cooperate fully with the IAEA to restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. We support all efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the issue. We also call upon all sides to fully implement the resolutions adopted by the Security Council.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“We have noted the work done by the Committee during the reporting period, including its finalization of the revised guidelines for the conduct of the Committee's work. We hope that the Committee will soon approve its updated programme of work. Reappointment of the Panel of Experts consequent upon the adoption of resolution 1984 (2011) should facilitate the Committee's work. We appreciate the quarterly update prepared by the Panel of Experts assessing the implementation reports of Member States submitted during the period from 1 May to 31 July 2011. We encourage the Panel to continue its work impartially, independently and transparently, based on verifiable information under the Committee's direction, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“Please allow me at the outset, Sir, to congratulate you on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. Please rest assured of our fullest cooperation. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the warm words you had for our Permanent Representative and for all the words of appreciation and thanks that were expressed by other members of the Council. I would like to join other colleagues in thanking Ambassador Nestor Osorio for presenting the 90-day report of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We commend his stewardship of the Committee and the professionalism with which the Committee has been implementing its mandate.”
2011-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6607 (2011) · source
“The international community has not just the responsibility but the obligation to do its utmost to ensure the security of women and children, particularly in conflict and post-conflict situations. Indian troops and police officers, which include the first fully female units deployed under the United Nations flag, will do their utmost to protect the vulnerable in their areas of operation. In conclusion, I would like to thank the Force Commanders and the men and women under their command. It is they who turn the Council's words into deeds. I would also like to pay tribute to those peacekeepers who have made the supreme sacrifice when serving the United Nations in its efforts to create a better and safer world.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“In this connection, I would like to quote from the address of our Prime Minister at the second India-Africa Forum summit in Addis Ababa in May. He said: "India has consistently supported the development of African capacities. As a token of our commitment to supporting Africa's endeavours for seeking African solutions, I am happy to announce that India will contribute $2 million for the African Union Mission in Somalia." Similar assistance needs to be provided by other Member States to build the African Union's capacity in peacekeeping. India is also committed to the early operationalization of the African Standby Force through special training arrangements. We know that the weakest suffer the most in conflict. Women and children have suffered and continue to suffer appallingly in conflicts around the world.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“In that context, it is particularly important that the process of interacting with troop-contributing countries, which has already been begun, should be carried out in a much more intensive manner in which we have much greater clarity on what can actually be produced and done with the kind of resources that are being placed at the disposal of the force that we are creating. I would also like to highlight one other very important element - the willingness to work in partnerships. Here, let me draw members' attention to Africa. Two-thirds of the Council's meetings and outcomes concern Africa. It is also central to United Nations peacekeeping. India strongly supports the development of greater African Union capacities in peacekeeping.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“I understand efficiency gains; I understand the need to squeeze more; but I think it needs to be clearly understood that operating on shoestring budgets and with ever-increasing mandates is certainly just not possible or effective. Moreover, mandates need to have clarity. The Force Commander from my country, India, noted ambiguity in mandates and how it translates into people lower down the command chain really not knowing what is expected of them. I think we in the Council owe it to ourselves and the forces that we deploy on the ground to be clear in that respect and to understand that mandates and resources need to be married and in synergy.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“We have also engaged in the normative side of this particular debate, both in the Council and the General Assembly. A seminar was recently held in New Delhi in the tradition of that constructive engagement. It broke new ground in drawing from the operational experience of peacekeepers in the further evolution of the peacekeeping agenda. Peacekeeping has matured. More than 80 per cent of peacekeeping resources today are devoted to operations that are more than five years old. As we launch two new missions - the first new operations in several years - we need to take stock of the situation. I would like to stress the following points. The first is the lack of resources and the whole issue of trying simply to tell people to do more with existing or even less resources.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy for having introduced the Force Commanders and for having given us this opportunity to hear directly from the people on the ground. I believe that this is particularly important since peacekeeping really is the main tool at the disposal of the Security Council, involves the largest percentage of the United Nations budget and is certainly the particular activity that occupies the maximum amount of time of the Council. India has contributed more troops and police officers to peacekeeping operations than any other country. With more than 100,000 personnel in over 40 peacekeeping operations, we are very familiar with what all of this entails, what is possible and What peacekeeping operations are capable of.”
2011-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6592 (2011) · source
“That will pave the way for the successful trials of the remaining accused and a smooth transition to an effective Residual Mechanism.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“A multitude of factors is involved in that process, and we hope that the Steering Committee, in coordination with the ICTR, the Office of Legal Affairs, the Archives and Records Management Section and the Council's Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, will accomplish those tasks smoothly and successfully. Any functional, operational or institutional issue in the completion strategy may be addressed by the Council as and when it arises. In conclusion, we believe that the two Tribunals have implemented their mandates admirably. We consider that the support of the Security Council is crucial at this critical juncture in the life of the Tribunals. At the same time, we urge both Tribunals to take all necessary steps to keep the trial and appeals schedules on track.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“Judge Robinson also raised the issue of the enforcement of sentences, which is an important matter that needs further consideration. We welcome the cooperation extended to the Tribunals by all States concerned, which is vital to ensuring the completion of the mandates of the Tribunals and to the implementation of the completion strategies. The arrest of Ratko Mladie is an important example of effective cooperation, and we appreciate Serbia's sustained efforts in that regard. We hope that the remaining fugitives will be located soon and surrendered to the Tribunals. We also note with satisfaction the progress made by the ICTY Residual Mechanism Steering Committee in the implementation of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals established pursuant to resolution 1966 (2010).”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“We have listened very carefully to the concerns raised by the Presidents of the two Tribunals in relation to their ability to keep pace with their work, while adhering to the expected timelines until the close of business. The judges have pointed out that the Tribunals' trials and appeals continue to be affected by staffing shortages and the loss of highly efficient staff members. We share the concerns expressed by the judges, especially on the need to retain adequate and experienced staff. Careful consideration should be given to the suggestions made by the Tribunals on how to address that challenge. This is a practical issue and requires the consideration of pragmatic and innovative solutions, and we stand ready to work with the other members of the Council to resolve it.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“The adoption and implementation of e-Court and e-Filing procedures could serve as a useful model in the national courts to which some of the cases have been transferred. We are happy to note that the ICTY has transferred all low- and mid-level accused from its trial docket to national courts, in accordance with resolution 1503 (2003), and that the Prosecutor is continuously monitoring the progress of the referred proceedings in national courts in the region. We also commend the efforts of the Prosecutor to handle such cases through effective partnerships with national prosecutors and courts in the region, including training initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of national systems. It is critical that the Tribunals finish their work on time.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to join others in thanking Judge Robinson, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and Judge Khan, President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), for their presentations and assessment of the Tribunals. We also appreciate the briefings given by the two Prosecutors. India welcomes the progress made by the two Tribunals in expediting their work. We appreciate the measures adopted to implement the completion strategies. The Tribunals have set up new benchmarks and adopted innovative procedures to expedite their day-to-day work, including e-Court and e-Filing, amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, and case management techniques.”
2011-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6545 (2011) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate India's consistent position that all issues concerning Kosovo should be resolved peacefully through consultation and dialogue between the concerned parties. Only thus can the aspirations of all the people be met on an enduring basis, and lasting peace and stability be established in the region. We applaud the role played by UNMIK in upholding the goals of the United Nations.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We have also noted the Secretary-General's view that the Kosovo authorities remain fundamentally sceptical about UNMIK facilitation of their engagement in international and regional initiatives. We hope that they will not seek to undermine UNMIK's role, mandated by the Security Council, and will instead fully cooperate with UNMIK and other United Nations and European Union institutions. We agree with the Secretary-General's View that there is a need for thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the allegations contained in the report of Council of Europe Special Rapporteur Dick Marty. All stakeholders should agree on the creation of a mechanism to carry out the follow-up investigation, which should be fully supported by national and international entities present in Kosovo.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“Many untoward incidents of criminal assault, armed robbery, murder, shooting, damage of religious places and so on continue to be reported. We would appeal to the local authorities, especially the Kosovo Police, to be more vigilant and watchful. The continued voluntary return of refugees recorded by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is heartening. We are concerned by reports of opposition by some receiving communities. It is noted that a population and housing census took place during the period covered by the report, except in northern Kosovo, where it will be conducted at a later date. It is hoped that the census will appropriately reflect the plight of displaced persons and not legalize any ethnic cleansing.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We hope that both sides will pursue serious dialogue until those immediate issues are resolved, and that they will eventually begin to deliberate on more complex political issues. We urge all parties to take no unilateral action that could undermine that reconciliation process. We appreciate UNMIK's contribution to facilitating this dialogue process, and feel that its continued engagement would be helpful. We have also noted with satisfaction that UNMIK has facilitated cooperation between Belgrade and Pristina on the issue of missing persons through the Working Group on Missing Persons, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross. While the overall security situation in Kosovo, especially in the northern part, has remained relatively calm, it is a matter of concern that underlying tension continues.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“We note with satisfaction that UNMIK continues with its endeavour to provide transitional administration to Kosovo, as mandated by resolution 1244 (1999), with the active cooperation and support of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. We welcome the commencement of a dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina, facilitated by the European Union in accordance with General Assembly resolution 64/298 of 9 September 2010. We all know that from small beginnings come great things. India has always believed that the Kosovo issue should be resolved peacefully through consultation and dialogue between the concerned parties. We are happy that both sides have agreed to start discussing the topics that most impact the daily lives of the affected population.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“I would like to join my colleagues in thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Lamberto Zannier, for his comprehensive briefing on the situation in Kosovo and the activities of UNMIK. I also want to thank His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremie, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, for his statement outlining his country's perspective on the situation in Kosovo. We have also carefully listened to the statement of Mr. Enver Hoxhaj. The Secretary-General's report on UNMIK for the quarter ending 15 April (S/2011/281) describes in detail the ground situation in Kosovo.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“There is an international shift in many fields towards sourcing capabilities from the global South, driven by sound economic and functional considerations. United Nations efforts to source civilian capacities from developing nations would be in consonance with these broad prints. The United Nations remains, in the eyes of the affected, the most credible and legitimate representative of the international community. Its peacekeeping activities have provided the bedrock of this trust. It is imperative that civilian capacities add to this credibility.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“It gives the United Nations rapid access to the required capacities, allowing rapid scaling up and scaling down of capacities. Above all it provides capacities that are trained to work in and establish government structures, and it would mesh well with the peacekeeping personnel on the ground. The DPKO has a fourth-generation model. Perhaps that too could be used to generate civilian capacities from Governments of Member States. My delegation also believes that the capacities that are being sourced must be relevant to the conditions in post-conflict situations. The expertise that is most relevant and actually tried on the ground is in developing countries that have undertaken successful efforts in recent times in building government structures and arranging for better delivery of basic services.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“I recall the secondment of several of our civilian officials to United Nations missions in the former Yugoslavia and even right now in Afghanistan. The report has underscored recognition of national ownership and the importance of support to core government functions to ensure success in preventing relapse into conflict. It is critical that national ownership is accepted in its real sense, and not only by way of lip service while actually pushing for the solutions favoured by the donors. It is also critical that civilian capacity deployments are demand-driven. My delegation believes that the recruitment model should give primacy to a partnership with Governments of Member States and involve the secondment of Government officials. It is also important to ensure gender balance. This has a number of advantages.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) has been acting on the provision of police capacities for many years, and I am happy that India has been able to contribute both formed police units - including the first female formed police unit - and senior police personnel to serve in management and command positions. The report has identified several critical areas for providing core government functions where civilian capacities are best suited. India has been included as one of the countries whose capacity in several of these areas has been noticed for possible tapping by the United Nations. In the past, when called upon to provide civilian capacities for United Nations missions, India has responded promptly.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“The open framework and the cluster approach to identifying tasks and responsibilities in the aftermath of conflict could help in better defining peacebuilding priorities and tasks. The concept of a lead agency has to be reconciled with the requirement of unity of command, so essential in peacekeeping, and to ensure that peacebuilding does not fall victim to turf battles. There will also be demands for creating entities in New York to administer these advanced civilian capacities. We need to avoid setting up large and top-heavy bureaucratic structures. Our focus must remain on the field and delivery there.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“We have also noted that the Secretary-General has set up a steering group to facilitate follow-up of the report of the independent review on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (see S/2011/85) and that Under-Secretary-General Malcorra will be leading that effort. This is a detailed report, and the issues of enhanced civilian capacities require that we engage ourselves as Member States. At the United Nations we have a number of institutions in which we will have to do this, including the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Fifth Committee. Significantly enhancing civilian capacities will have a major impact on the staffing, resourcing and impact of peacekeeping missions, but these must neither dilute nor detract from the requirements of peacekeeping.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“As many of the situations where United Nations peacekeeping missions are operating are those of prolonged conflict or are post conflict, it is essential that the United Nations missions involve themselves in building local capacities for the provision of basic administration and essential services. Civilian capacities are critical in this endeavour, and their presence in a significantly enhanced manner in United Nations peacekeeping missions has to engage us here in the United Nations as Member States. We are very appreciative of the work done by Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno and the Senior Advisory Group in examining the issue in detail and making recommendations on how enhanced civilian capacity could be incorporated in the work of the United Nations in post-conflict situations.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“I have listened with much interest to what the Chairperson of the Peacebuilding Commission has had to say, as well as to the briefings by the Chair of the Senior Advisory Group and by Under-Secretary-General Malcorra. Peacekeeping operations mandated by this Council have been the main instrument for United Nations action on the ground for conflict resolution. They have stood the test of time and will remain the critical pillar of United Nations activities for years to come. They have also provided the umbrella for peacebuilding activities. However, over the years, we in this Council have invariably added to the mandates of peacekeeping missions. The critical imperative is therefore for placing adequate resources at their disposal.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“It should be only the measure of last resort and be used only when all diplomatic and political efforts fail. There can be no substitute for national will and national efforts in creating an environment where civilians are secure. The efforts of the Council and the international community must be directed at assisting national authorities in developing those capabilities. That is the only sustainable method of protecting civilians because, as I said at the beginning of my statement, the foremost responsibility of every State is to protect its civilians.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“It is also important that expectations regarding the work of peacekeepers be realistic and take into consideration the multiple resource constraints under which they function. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, has one peacekeeper for every 1,500 square kilometres. The Mission lacks enabling assets to allow the existing complement of peacekeepers to move and deploy in the areas of operation. The manner in which those Missions are being made to operate on shoestring budgets and being constantly asked to do more with less does not augur well. All efforts of the Council to further the protection agenda will come to naught if that resource gap is not addressed. In conclusion, my delegation would like to stress that force is not the only way of protecting civilians.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Any decision of the Council to intervene must be based on credible and verifiable information, which in turn requires much greater information flows when the Council is seized of a situation. In that context, I cannot but ask the question: Quis custodiet ipsos custodies? Who watches the guardians? There is a considerable sense of unease about the manner in which the humanitarian imperative of protecting civilians has been interpreted for actual action on the ground. Let me now turn to the question of protecting civilians in peacekeeping missions. In the View of my delegation, the central issue in the implementation of the protection agenda is the question of resources. The resources that are being made available to current peacekeeping operations so as to fulfil those ambitious objectives are simply insufficient.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“When applied as a basis for Security Council action, efforts to protect civilians must respect the fundamental aspects of the United Nations Charter, including the sovereignty and integrity of Member States. Any decision to intervene that is associated with political motives detracts from that noble principle and needs to be avoided. Also, the response of the international community must be proportional to the threat, involve the use of appropriate methods and make adequate resources available. It is important that the principle of protecting civilians be applied in a uniform manner. In the case of conflict, all sides need to abide by it. We must also be clear that the United Nations has a mandate to intervene only in situations where there is a threat to international peace and security.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“An enormous amount of the Council's attention has been focused recently on protection issues, with the Council adopting a number of resolutions and statements on the protection of civilians and related issues of violence against women and children in situations of armed conflict. In bringing those protection issues within the purview of matters relating to international peace and security, the Council has placed them squarely at the centre of the conflict resolution and peacekeeping agenda. That intense focus has, in some situations of conflict, shifted attention from the tried and tested methods of mediation and negotiation that are the staples of conflict resolution.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Today, we have a female formed police unit ~ the first such formation composed entirely of women - in the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Thus, India brings to this table a quantum of experience in actually protecting civilians in peacekeeping missions that is unique in its relevance, variety and depth. We have also participated actively in the normative debates of the Council and the General Assembly on protection issues. In that tradition of constructive engagement, a seminar held recently in New Delhi broke new ground in drawing from the operational experience of peacekeepers to further evolve that agenda. 1 am very glad to see that our colleague from DPKO was present in New Delhi at the time of that seminar.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“India has demonstrated its commitment to that right at the international level as well. India has contributed more troops to peacekeeping operations than any other Member State. Our troops and police officers have been at the forefront of turning this Council's word into deed. They were protecting civilians long before the term became common usage in the Council. More than five decades ago, Indian soldiers defended the civilians of the Congo as part of the United Nations mission. Our contribution continues today in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in other United Nations missions. We have remained at the cutting edge of many United Nations operations in places where civilians were under threat.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing today's debate on the protection of civilians, which in our view is very timely and relevant. I would also like to thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos and Assistant Secretary-General Ivan Simonovie for their useful briefings and statements. Indeed, in my opinion, the very presence here of representatives of those three organs of the United Nations allows us to place our discussions and debate in the right context. It has been India's consistent view that the foremost responsibility of every State is to protect its population. In fact, one of the cardinal provisions of the Indian Constitution is that the right to life is one of the fundamental rights of all citizens, from which no derogation is permissible, even in times of emergency.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Recently, we have been cooperating in the establishment of an information technology centre. We stand ready to help in any other way that we can in the process of Bosnia and Herzegovina's nation-building.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We are glad to note that the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been able to maintain a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we support the view of the High Representative that its executive mandate should be extended. India's relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina are cordial and friendly, dating back to the decades of friendship that we enjoyed with all the constituents of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In India, there is enormous goodwill for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who share common values of respect for plurality, diversity and democracy. In the early 1990s, we extended assistance as part of the United Nations mission to observe law and order, including the dispatch of police observers.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We would like to congratulate Bosnia and Herzegovina on the successful and smooth conduct of elections in October 2010 to elect the members of the Presidency in the three Parliaments at the national level and one each for the two entities. The Parliament at the entity level has begun to function. We hope that the stalemate in the formation of the Federation House of Peoples will also be resolved and that the Parliamentary Assembly will be able to convene soon. The display of flexibility on the part of the parties and the avoidance of divisive rhetoric would contribute towards that goal. In that context, we welcome the High Representative's assessment that the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is operational and that cooperation among the three members has improved in comparison to the previous mandate.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“Representing a country of more than 1.2 billion with arguably the largest diversity, I commend the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina for their determination to form a nation based on unity and diversity, and wish them success in their endeavours. Our experience has convinced us that, although the path is long and arduous, the fruits are well worth the efforts. The resolution of the problems facing the Bosnian people call for patience, determination and mutual accommodation. Unilateral actions, mutual suspicion and violation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace will only vitiate the political and social atmosphere and delay the achievement of their goals.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source