YouSaid · the spoken record

Masood Khan

lines on the record: 628
first: 2012-10-15
most recent: 2015-01-30
sittings or episodes: 95
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

“In addition to being a major transit hub, the region, which is also a major producer of synthetic drugs, has seen an increase in drug consumption. Drug trafficking breeds corruption and undermines State institutions and authority. In some instances, it has undermined the constitutional order. The strong nexus of drug trafficking with terrorism fuels and finances conflicts and asymmetric warfare. It also undermines or reverses the tentative gains made in ongoing peacebuilding efforts in several countries. In short, drug trafficking poses a direct threat to peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. Against that backdrop, the enhanced focus of the Council on this issue is important and timely.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“Countries and regions of origin, transit and consumption are all suffering from the harmful consequences of the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and sale of drugs. Facing numerous capacity and governance challenges, the West African and Sahel regions are particularly vulnerable to the destabilizing impact of the entire cycle of drug production, trafficking and consumption. For instance, as the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) told us today, in 2010 alone 18 tons of cocaine, amounting to $1.25 billion, transited through West Africa. This is staggering. The region is a transit route for drugs headed to the Mediterranean coasts, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and East Asia.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for your initiative to hold a public briefing on combating drug trafficking in the Sahel and West Africa. We also thank the Secretary-General, Executive Director Yury Fedotov of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Said Djinnit for their very comprehensive and insightful briefings. We are all acutely aware of the enormity and gravity of the problem of drug trafficking and transnational organized crime in West Africa and their impact on regional and international security and stability. What is more, illicit narcotics ruin the lives and security of millions of people across the globe. The drug industry is strong, and its estimated worth is hundreds ofbillions of dollars.”
2013-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7090 (2013) · source
“We agree with the Secretary-General that the United Nations should concentrate on good offices, the support of Afghan-led political processes and coherent approaches to equitable and sustainable development. Let me conclude by quoting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who, during his recent visit to Kabul, said, "Pakistan has a vital stake in Afghanistan's success and in its journey to peace and development, and I reassure you that Pakistan will stand by and support the Afghan people every step of the way".”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“We have been taking part in regional efforts in that regard and hope that the Afghan Government will be able to eliminate poppy cultivation with the support of regional and international organizations. It is incumbent on us to secure the Pakistan- Afghanistan border through constant vigilance, effective management and real-time communication. Militants should not be allowed to trigger rounds of escalating tension by pitting border security forces against each other. More importantly, we should have regular contacts between the armed forces and intelligence agencies of the two countries so as to prevent periodic volatility along the border. The United Nations role in supporting the Afghan people and Government will be crucial in the post-2014 period.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The international community, led by the United Nations and the Afghan Government, should work to create conducive conditions for the early return and sustainable reintegration of over 3 million registered and undocumented Afghan refugees still in Pakistan. Pakistan has renewed their stay and legal status until the end of 2015. Pakistan will not be able to absorb fresh inflows of refugees. The report of the Secretary-General refers to record levels of poppy cultivation and opium production in Afghanistan. Illicit drugs production and trafficking fuels instability and ruins health and security conditions, involving hundreds of millions of lives, as Mr. Kubis noted in his briefing today. Pakistan is directly affected by the narcotics trade.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“We have assured Afghanistan of optimum utilization of the Afghanistan-Pakistan transit trade agreement so as to facilitate its access to foreign markets through Pakistani seaports and land routes. People-to-people contacts have also increased. This year, another 600 Afghan students joined thousands of others who were already pursuing higher education studies in Pakistan. On the regional plane, we also agreed to accelerate transregional projects, including the Central Asia- South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project, known as CASA-1000, and the gas pipeline involving Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, known as TAPI.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“In their three meetings - in Islamabad, London and Kabul - Prime Minister Sharif and President Hamid Karzai resolved to draft a strategic partnership, address common challenges of extremism and terrorism, and work for economic development that benefits the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the entire region. Our two countries have agreed to enhance connectivity, including through a motorway between Peshawar and Kabul and rail links between Peshawar and J alalabad and Chaman and Spin Boldak. We are planning for a hydropower project on the Kunar River. We are also confident that our two countries will be able to enhance bilateral trade to reach up to $5 billion by 2015.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“In developing its relations with Afghanistan, Pakistan is focused on three interlocking dimensions, namely, the Afghan peace and reconciliation process; a strong, comprehensive bilateral relationship with an emphasis on trade and economic partnership; and regional economic cooperation. We appreciate the Secretary-General's positive evaluation of the constructive engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan on economic cooperation, security issues and the peace process. Today Mr. Kubis mentioned the positive momentum in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations to build trust and foster cooperation. I welcome his remarks. Prime Minister Sharifis reaching out to the Afghan leadership in pursuit of his vision for a peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“That is important not just for economic viability but political stability. Pakistan, despite its own resource crunch, is contributing to Afghanistan's economic reconstruction. During his recent visit to Kabul, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced the enhancement of our assistance for reconstruction and socioeconomic development in Afghanistan, from $385 million to $500 million. The peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan are bound by strong bonds of geography, history and kinship. Those bonds will never be atrophied or severed. A peaceful, stable, united and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interests. During his recent visit to Kabul, Prime Minister Sharif said "your stability is our stability".”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The drawdown of NATO-International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan should not lead to a security vacuum. It is vital that arrangements be in place beyond 2014 to bolster stability in Afghanistan and its neighbourhood. The Afghan security forces and institutions are gaining increased capacities and capabilities, as the Secretary-General has noted in his report (S/2013/721). The transformation of a war economy to a peacetime economy will require greater reliance on strong domestic growth and resources. The Secretary-General's report indicates a slowdown in economic growth because of the uncertainty surrounding the political and security transitions. That can be turned around by the active involvement and continued assistance of the international community for Afghanistan's reconstruction and economic development.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The people of Afghanistan must have the necessary strategic and political space to make their own decisions. Pakistan will continue to do all it can to help Afghanistan sustain the reconciliation process. At the request of the Afghan leadership, Pakistan appealed to the Taliban to enter into dialogue with the Afghan Government. We have released Taliban prisoners, including Mullah Abdullah Ghani Baradar, and facilitated his dialogue with the High Peace Council. Our leadership at the highest level remains engaged with that Council, which is making commendable efforts for peace under the leadership of Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani. We feel that the potential of the Doha process or a similar process must be explored to accelerate the pace of reconciliation and political settlement.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Timely, inclusive, transparent and credible elections will have a salutary impact on efforts for peace and stability. The Afghan Government is making extensive preparations for the elections. Security challenges to the electoral process ought to be addressed in the early stages of planning, as underlined by the Secretary- General. Simultaneously, an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process must take off and succeed. A political settlement is central to that process. We have called on all stakeholders to seize this opportunity and support the peace efforts. That is imperative to reverse the destructive cycle of conflict. For its part, Pakistan will not choose sides, play favourites or interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, nor should any other State.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“We thank Special Representative J an Kubis for his comprehensive briefing to the Council today. His dynamic leadership and the effective role of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continue to contribute to stabilization in Afghanistan. We also welcome Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, to the Council and deeply appreciate his statement as well as the perspective he has shared with us. Afghanistan stands at the threshold of a consequential year. The people of Afghanistan will be taking important steps in the coming months to shape their destiny. We wish our Afghan brothers and sisters success as they negotiate difficult political, security and economic transitions. The political transition requires a smooth electoral process and inclusive, integrative reconciliation.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Such an effort will help clarify the extent and scope of obligations for Member States with regard to the implementation of sanctions. In the meantime, the Committee and its Panel must adhere to high standards of neutrality and professionalism and align their work with the direction that may be set by the Council with regard to resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“We urge Iran to stay engaged with the IAEA and extend full cooperation to it with a view to addressing remaining issues, including those in line with the joint action plan. The timing and the context of today's meeting are very significant. The interim agreement concluded last month carries important implications for the work of the Council, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and the Panel of Experts. The Council has an important responsibility - to make its contribution to the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. The Council and the 1737 Committee may re-evaluate at an appropriate time - and we hope that it will be soon - the objectives and strategy as set out in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council vis-a-vis the Iranian nuclear issue.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“It represents a practical manifestation of the strategic use of political will and flexibility in the cause ofpeace and security. The plan contains the necessary menu of reciprocal confidence-building measures and marks the beginning of a diplomatic engagement. Pakistan hopes that both sides will implement their respective commitments in good faith. As an immediate neighbour of Iran, Pakistan has always underscored the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. We look forward to a long-term comprehensive solution, which should augur well for peace and security in the region and the world at large. The overall positive tone of the last IAEA report is indicative of the progress on technical issues between Iran and the Agency.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“I thank Ambassador Gary Quinlan for presenting the 90-day report. We have taken note of the recent report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the implementation in Iran of the safeguards agreement under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Pakistan welcomes the interim agreement between Iran and the P5+1 with respect to the Iranian nuclear issue. Pakistan had always maintained that Iran, as a party to the NPT and a member of the IAEA, was entitled to certain rights that should be recognized, in line with the provisions of those instruments. At the same time, Iran should fulfil its legal obligations under those instruments. We are glad that the joint action plan strikes the balance between those rights and obligations.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source
“At the same time, the regional States will have to demonstrate political will to fulfil their commitments and take advantage of the opportunity to translate that strategy into tangible dividends for their people. For its part, Pakistan will continue to provide full political support to the United Nations strategy and play its role both within and outside the Security Council for long-term peace and stability in the Sahel region. Finally, we thank Morocco for its effective coordination in producing the presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/20), which we fully support and endorse.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“The social instability and economic volatility in the Sahel region are a direct consequence of poverty, marginalization and deprivation. No security or political strategy would succeed without strong national and international interventions for economic development. We therefore welcome the newfound partnership between the World Bank and the United Nations in the Sahel region, and hope that it will continue to become stronger in the years to come. The real challenge lies in implementing the strategy to produce tangible results. That is not an easy task. It requires strong and persistent support and commitment on the part of the national, regional and international actors. The international community must continue to mobilize resources for the successful implementation of the Sahel strategy.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“The wider regional ramifications of the Libyan and Malian conflicts required a strategy that went beyond the conventional security, political and peacekeeping responses. The region needed a new paradigm. The Security Council and the Secretary-General, working together, have crafted and launched the new paradigm, which encompasses security, governance, humanitarian, human rights and development aspects, and applies to all phases ofpeacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the countries affected by conflict. A similar approach has been adopted for the Great Lakes region in the form of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, which is already paying dividends on the ground.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“The institutional weaknesses, capacity deficits and lack of resources faced by the countries of the region further accentuate those problems. Pakistan has supported the efforts of the Council to take effective measures to counter the grave threats posed by the rise of terrorism, transnational organized crime, and illicit drugs and weapons trafficking in West Africa and the Sahel. Tackling those threats requires greater regional cooperation in border management, as well as in the justice and law enforcement sectors. Moreover, the international community must continue to work with the relevant countries and regional organizations to strengthen State institutions. In that regard, the principles of national ownership and close consultation with concerned countries must be respected.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“The participation of the leaders and representatives of the African Union, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the African Development Bank made this a truly international effort. This is synergy in action. It has raised international consciousness about the problems in the Sahel region and helped mobilize political and economic support to address them. We also appreciate the determined efforts made by the Special Envoy this year. The Sahel region continues to face diverse challenges, including weak governance, youth unemployment, a worsening humanitarian situation, food insecurity and the adverse impact of climate change. The speed and gravity with which the crisis in Mali unfolded last year was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities and marginalization of the entire region.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“We thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Special Envoy Romano Prodi, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim and the representatives of the African Union and the European Union for their statements this morning. We welcome the continued international focus on the Sahel region and appreciate the Secretary-General's personal commitment and leadership in convening the high-level meeting on the situation in the Sahel on the sidelines of the sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly in September. The Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank, during their joint visit in November, drew attention to the economic and security plight of that vulnerable region and heard from the Sahelian leaders about how the international community can assist them in turning around the dire economic situation there.”
2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7081 (2013) · source
“The international community will have to take bold decisions to provide economic relief to the Sudan in order to ease fierce competition over resources. An essential first step is to lift the debilitating bilateral sanctions against the Sudan that adversely impact ordinary people and indirectly fuel disputes over resources. The people of the Darfur region have faced a long conflict that has cast its shadow over the lives of an entire generation. The conflict must not go on forever. We must help the people of Darfur reconcile their quest for peace and justice with the goal ofa lasting political solution.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“The Council should continue to encourage the engagement of the Joint Chief Mediator with the non-signatory armed opposition groups. Incidents similar to the killing of Mohamed Bashar should not be repeated. Similarly, the Council should send a strong political message to prevent the armed groups outside Darfur from further destabilizing the region. Recently, inter-tribal clashes over natural resources have become a major security challenge in Darfur. We urge the Government of the Sudan to intensify its efforts to address the deep-rooted causes of conflict and friction in the region. Progress on all provisions of the Doha Document, particularly those related to land and property issues, will help improve the situation.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“In addition, the League of the Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation should be closely associated with those efforts. Overall, the security and political situation in Darfur shows a mixed record of progress and setbacks. We welcome the initial steps taken by the signatories of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur towards implementing the Darfur development strategy and the work undertaken by the Darfur Regional Authority in developing various projects. It must be insured that those projects a tangible impact on the lives of ordinary people in Darfur. It is equally important that all pledges made at the Doha donor conferences be fulfilled at the earliest possible time. Simultaneous progress on both those tracks will strengthen the prospects for peace in Darfur.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“Our efforts should provide impetus to an inclusive political dialogue, prevent attempts to derail the political process, through a policy of incentives and deterrence, promote justice and reconciliation, create a conducive security environment and address the human rights and humanitarian aspects of the conflict in Darfur. We agree with the Prosecutor that regional and subregional organizations and arrangements contribute to accountability. That is best done by enhancing the capacity of national justice systems. In that regard, we support the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union (AU), particularly the AU High-level Implementation Panel, towards achieving peace, stability, justice and reconciliation in Darfur.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“The relationship between the ICC and the Security Council should be managed correctly and skilfully so that the independence of the Court is not compromised. The Court and the Council should have the necessary space to maintain statutory distance between them. The utilization of peacekeeping mandates for the objectives of the ICC mentioned in the report, for instance, should not blur the distinction between the jurisdictions of the Court and the Council. A sustainable and viable peace in Darfur can be realized only through a broad-based, multipronged approach.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“We have noted from the Prosecutor's report that the trial of Abdallah Banda will start on 5 May 2014, and that the defendant will appear voluntarily before the Court. It is mandatory for all States to protect the right to life of their citizens. The Government of the Sudan must therefore continue to take all the necessary measures to investigate human rights violations in Darfur and bring violators to justice. We welcome the steps taken by the Government of the Sudan towards the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. The international community must continue to fight impunity by utilizing a full range of justice and reconciliation mechanisms, including truth and reconciliation commissions, national reparations programmes and institutional and legal reforms.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“We thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for the briefing on her eighteenth report to the Security Council. We have heard the statement made by Elhag Ali Osman, Permanent Representative of the Sudan. Pakistan is not a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, but we do recognize the rights and obligations of the States parties to the ICC. During its term as a non-permanent member of the Council, Pakistan has consistently supported a peaceful and viable resolution of the conflict in Darfur through an inclusive political process, one that respects and upholds the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Sudan.”
2013-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7080 (2013) · source
“Fourthly, one of the objectives we set at the very beginning was to strengthen the synergy among the Security Council, the troop- and police-contributing countries and the Secretariat. Although we could not hold an exclusive meeting on the subject, we promoted such cooperation in practice by creating an environment for full engagement and participation by them in all our meetings. That open interaction enriched our discussions and enhanced transparency and inclusiveness in our work”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“The Secretariat supported us ably. We consulted them extensively and benefitted from their engagement and briefings at the highest levels. I would like to convey our deepest gratitude to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon and his peacekeeping team, led by Under-Secretary-General Herve Ladsous and Under-Secretary-General Ameerah Haq, and all their colleagues for their availability, advice and contribution to our work. I convey my appreciation to Mr. Movses Abelian and his team, in particular Mr. Nikolai Galkin and his predecessor, for facilitating our work. I am also happy to inform the Council that there will be a website for the Working Group in the coming days.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“Before concluding, I should like to make some personal observations. First, the Working Group is one of the most important subsidiary bodies because of the centrality of peacekeeping to the Council's work. The Working Group has a lot of space and opportunity to be proactive and support the Council's deliberations on peacekeeping. We try to do just that. I am pleased to report that the Working Group had a substantive and dynamic agenda, and it was responsive to current peacekeeping issues. Secondly, we planned early and developed a good understanding among members on a range of indicative topics and issues, and covered many of them in great detail. Thirdly, from the procedural point of view, it was all along a smooth affair. All credit goes to the members of the Working Group who extended full cooperation to the Chair.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“In another meeting, the Working Group held discussions on a capability-driven approach, which is vital to enhancing the effectiveness of missions in view of their evolving nature and complex and challenging mandates. The discussion brought forth the importance of planning and training, the provision of adequate military resources - particularly critical enablers such as aviation and engineering assets - and the efficient utilization of resources in mission areas. The important and evolving role of United Nations policing in peacekeeping and the related challenges and opportunities were discussed in November in the first-ever meeting of the Working Group dedicated to United Nations police. At its final substantive meeting, scheduled for 20 December, the Working Group will look into issues related to force generation and mission start-up.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“The discussion on safety and security underscored the need for elaborate force-protection measures, emergency evacuation plans, the deployment of critical enablers and clear and achievable mandates backed by adequate resources. The Working Group also took up the use of modern technologies in United Nations peacekeeping operations in the wake of the authorization for deployment of unarmed, unmanned aerial systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The exchange of views in the related legal, operational, political and administrative aspects was rich. The Group underlined the need for fuller discussion of the issue in the relevant United Nations forums. The deliberations of the Working Group on transition and drawdown were timely, given that several multidimensional missions were and are at various stages of these processes.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“That comprehensive resolution on peacekeeping, the first of its kind in over a decade, focused on multidimensional missions based on a comprehensive approach to addressing complex crises involving security, political, humanitarian and development aspects. The spotlight and new momentum on peacekeeping generated by resolution 2086 (2013) were sustained in the activities of the Working Group, which, in accordance with its mandate, considered a number of mission-specific and crosscutting thematic issues. In February, in the run-up to the renewal of the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia, the Working Group brought together the representatives of the African Union, the troop-contributing countries, and senior leadership from the Secretariat to discuss and address the challenges in Somalia.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“I also commend the comprehensive, solid and substantive work done by the members of the Panel - Christian Dietrich, Caspar Fithen and Lansana Gberie - over the past two years. They are thorough and very hard-working. I now turn to the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, which I have chaired in 2013. Ambassador Mohammed Louliehki of Morocco ably carried out that responsibility in 2012. For Pakistan, it was a unique honour to be a top troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping and to lead the Working Group. We started off in 2013 with the adoption of resolution 2086 (2013) in January, under Pakistan's presidency.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“The role of the Peacebuilding Commission, regional and subregional organizations and the international financial institutions remains crucial in this context. Our efforts should be in sync with the Government's priorities for institution-building. Liberia's security cooperation with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Cote D'Ivoire should be bolstered to build a broader strategic approach to establishing regional stability. Finally, I acknowledge with deep appreciation the cooperation and support of all Committee members. I also thank Committee Secretary Kelvin Ong, Political Affairs Officer Anne Viken and Assistant Maria Carmela Javier-Bobby for their support to the work of the Committee.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“There is a time for imposing them and a time for winding them down. No country would like to remain under sanctions indefinitely. I would say, in my personal capacity, that we should scale back but not disengage or lower our guard. It should be a measured, calibrated response from the Council. Before rendering this report, I held meetings with the Permanent Representative of Liberia and members of the Panel. They concur that the situation in Liberia remains fragile and fraught with danger. As UNMIL moves towards drawdown, the nature of the United Nations engagement with the Liberian authorities should be modulated to help the Liberian Government build its capacities, including its civilian capacities.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“The fundamental questions before the Council today are how to consolidate the achievements made so far, how to maintain the momentum towards peace and stability, and how to decide on the nature and role of sanctions in the future. The decision to lift the sanctions should be based on the Council's collective politicaljudgement. As I relinquish my responsibilities, the Council is inclined towards scaling down the sanctions gradually, in consultation with the Liberian Government. Liberia still faces many challenges. These include a frail State security apparatus, land-rights issues and ineffectual natural-resources management. Transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking are becoming major problems. The Council wants to use sanctions most efficiently and effectively.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“The Panel has, however, identified huge institutional capacity deficits in the Liberian Government and security forces in the following areas: diamond trafficking and gold mining, the marking of arms, the legal framework to prevent trafficking in illicit arms, conflict related to palm-oil production, accountability and oversight in the forestry sector, land-tenure issues, threats posed by the cross-border military activities of Liberian mercenaries and Ivorian militias, and security concerns along the Liberia-Sierra Leone border. The panelists have confirmed that Liberia's inability to pass a firearms-control act to ensure the marking of arms and ammunition and to interdict armed groups in the interior boils down to capacity issues. This is a prime factor in slowing down the full implementation of sanctions.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“In its most recent report, the Panel has concluded that a majority of the individuals and entities listed for assets freezes and travel bans do not pose a threat to peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion. There are some cases of concern among the listed entities and individuals. The Panel does not find any evidence that revenues from the diamond and alluvial-gold sectors are providing financing for weapons and arm smuggling.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“Pakistani peacekeepers have remained an integral part ofUNMIL since its inception. We take pride in our association with Liberia as a troop contributor and as Chair of the Liberia sanctions Committee twice during the past decade, which has seen Liberia's transition from civil war to stability. Over the past two years, the Committee has held six informal consultations in the light of reports submitted by the Panel of Experts, and taken several follow-up actions. My predecesssor, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee, Visited Liberia in May 2012. His interaction with the Liberian stakeholders on the ground helped us to fine-tune the general directions of the sanctions regime. The Panel's reports have identified both progress and shortcomings.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“I am making these remarks in my dual capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1521 (2003) concerning Liberia - the Liberia sanctions Committee - and Chair of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations. The Liberia sanctions Committee was established almost 10 years ago. Pakistan chaired it in 2003 and 2004. At that time, Liberia was taking initial steps away from a debilitating civil war. Since then, Liberia has come a long way in its quest to restore peace, security and stability. With the support of the United Nations, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, the country has made substantial progress. The role of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has been instrumental in achieving these gains.”
2013-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7076 (2013) · source
“Over time, the decisions of the Tribunals have produced a body of jurisprudence that will influence the fight against impunity and shape the future of global criminal justice. It is therefore important to preserve the legacy of the Tribunals because of their rich contribution to the fields of international humanitarian law and legal doctrine. The Tribunals' contribution to jurisprudence and precedence in international law is important. We hope that the Tribunals will contribute to the process of reconciliation and lasting peace in the Balkans and the Great Lakes region.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“While there are no outstanding fugitives under the jurisdiction of ICTY following the arrest of Ratko Mladie and Goran Hadzie, there are individuals indicted by the ICTR who remain at large. We hope that with the cooperation and efforts of relevant Member States, the remaining fugitives will be held accountable. We support the efforts of the ICTR President and Registrar to find hosts for the relocation of individuals who have either been acquitted or have served their sentences. We call upon States that are in a position to do so to positively respond to the Tribunals' requests. The relocation of the acquitted and released persons to third States would give them an opportunity to restart their lives.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“We hope that the Tribunals will make every effort to complete their judicial work as quickly as possible, while taking into account the fundamental rights of the accused and the appellants to due process, according to international standards. In the process of winding down the work of the Tribunals, we recognize the challenges in the assignment of work to judges, staff management and the preparation of archives. The recruitment of workers and the retention of staff with institutional memory of cases are a crucial part of the completion process. Adequate resources should therefore be provided to the Tribunals to fulfil their responsibilities in an optimal manner.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“The transition from the ICTR to the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals appears to be on track. The Tribunals continue to contribute to procedural and evidentiary international criminal law in a professional manner. They have taken several measures to improve the drafting of judgements, translation, outreach and the preservation of archives. The Tribunals' initiatives on assistance and support to victims, as well as legacy- and capacity-building projects, are steps in the right direction. The Tribunals need to demonstrate continuing commitment to the timely conclusion of their proceedings.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“There has been progress in the completion strategies of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) during the period covered by the latest reports of the Presidents and Prosectors of the two Tribunals (see S/2013/663 and S/2013/678, respectively). In the past six months, the Tribunals have continued to engage in trial and appeal proceedings, the drafting ofjudgements and the referral of cases to domestic jurisdictions. It is a matter of satisfaction that the ICTR has completed the substantive cases at the trial level for all 93 of the accused who were indicted by the Tribunal. The ICTY has also concluded proceedings against 136 out of the 161 individuals it indicted.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source