YouSaid · the spoken record

Mayr-Harting

lines on the record: 1,537
first: 2008-12-09
most recent: 2015-10-08
sittings or episodes: 180
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

“With the expansion of the monitoring and reporting mechanism in resolution 1882 (2009) to situations where parties to armed conflict engage in rape and other sexual violence against children, coordination between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict is crucial. More consistent and comprehensive reporting on sexual violence in the Secretary-General's country- specific reports would enable the Council to address the protection of civilians, in particular women and children, from sexual violence in a more systematic manner. To that end, the Council should include specific reporting requirements in resolutions establishing or renewing mandates.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“Austria fully supported the establishment of the position of a Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Resolution 1888 (2009) has placed a number of tools at the disposal of the Special Representative, such as teams of experts. We would be keen to hear more about the Special Representative's plans in future discussions on implementing this resolution. I would like to concentrate on a number of practical proposals for how the Security Council could further improve its action on this important matter.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“We think it will be crucial to carry out the preparations for the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) with a maximum of transparency and cooperation, including, of course, the important role that civil society can play in this matter. 10 We are grateful to Uganda in particular for having decided to make this issue a priority of its presidency of the Council during the anniversary month of October. We will be ready to support our Ugandan friends in the efforts to make this an important and meaningful exercise. Let me also thank the Secretary- General, the Deputy Secretary-General and Ms. Mayanja for their commitment towards making the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) a beneficial opportunity for women around the globe.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“There seems to be wide agreement among United Nations Member States that a merely ceremonial gathering of the Council would be a lost opportunity for women around the globe, as well as for the Council, and that the Security Council should rather seize the opportunity to renew its commitment to the issue of women and peace and security and strive for concrete results, in particular with a view to strengthening accountability for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Part of a success in October will clearly be due to the fact that we will bring together representatives of the United Nations system, the Advisory Panel and Member States to discuss the way forward and the ongoing planning process. We know that a lot of activities are already under way.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“We are looking forward to the report being submitted to the Security Council for its consideration in time for the meeting to mark the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) in October 2010. We thank Japan for its very fruitful efforts in finding agreement on the draft presidential statement before the Council today. Austria believes that this presidential statement provides a good starting point for the Council's further work, and we fully support the draft statement. The meetings in recent days have also provided us with an excellent opportunity to start a process of thinking about what United Nations Member States, and the members of the Security Council in particular, want to achieve as an outcome of a review of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000).”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“By the way, we were also encouraged by the broad support this work received both from Member States and within the United Nations system, and we hope to see further progress in October, when the Security Council will hopefully endorse a comprehensive set of indicators following a broad consultation process in the weeks and months ahead. We were pleased to see that this consultation process has thus far been able to build on existing indicators and that it has included all relevant stakeholders. Let me underline our understanding that these indicators are a comprehensive set reflecting all relevant aspects under the body of resolutions following resolution 1325 (2000). We expect that the Secretary-General's report on the indicators will reflect the results and input from upcoming inclusive consultations.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary- General Rachel Mayanja for her presentation here today, for her strong commitment to the issues we are discussing today and for the important report (S/2010/173) she has introduced to the Council today on the set of indicators for tracking the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). I would like to thank Ms. Mayanja for her kind words regarding the events that we were pleased to co-host with her and the United Nations Development Fund for Women during the consultation process. She can rest assured that we will continue to fully support her efforts.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank the Japanese presidency for organizing this very important debate on a core subject of our work. I would like to welcome Ms. Margot Wallstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, to her first briefing to the Security Council and to thank her for her very important presentation, which clearly shows her strong personal commitment. We are encouraged by how quickly she and her Office have become operational and by the information that she has given us on her recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2010-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6302 (2010) · source
“With regard to some issues on the agenda of the Council, its decisions are prepared within various special formats. We are well aware of the political and practical reasons for which these formats have developed, but experience also shows how important inclusiveness and transparency can be for achieving and preserving the unity of the Council. 8 The Council's working methods have developed over the years, yet they will remain a work in progress. As the work of the Security Council adapts to Changed circumstances, so should the Council's working methods. Involvement of the wider membership will remain key in order to serve the interests of the entire world Organization.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“It also directs the ombudsperson to forward to petitioners all information about the negative decision provided by the Committee, including explanatory comments. Security Council resolution 1904 (2009) represents a significant step forward in improving the fairness and transparency of the 1267 sanctions regime, thus enhancing both its effectiveness and its legitimacy. This is an area which has been discussed quite often in recent debates on today's subject. Still, much depends on the practical implementation of that resolution, especially on the appointment of an eminent ombudsperson in the near future. Adding to something my Turkish colleague said, let me say that transparency and interaction are constant challenges in the relations not only between the Council and the wider membership but at times also within the Council itself.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“We introduced regular biannual briefings, we issued an annual summary of the activities of the Group and, for the first time ever, a chapter on the Working Group was included in the latest annual report of the Security Council (A/64/2). Furthermore, I would like to highlight some developments in the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, which Austria also chairs. Resolution 1904 (2009) of December 2009 substantially improves the procedures under the 1267 sanctions regime in terms of due process. For the first time ever, individuals and entities seeking de-listing will have the chance to present their cases to an independent and impartial ombudsperson to be appointed by the Secretary-General.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“That is certainly true for cooperation between the Council and the European Union, which has a strong interest in contributing to the work of the Council in many areas of mutual concern, and even more so since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. Austria has made a special effort to contribute towards increased transparency and interaction in the subsidiary Council bodies that it has honour to chair. In the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals, Austria is maintaining close dialogue with the specially affected countries and the host countries of the Tribunals. We also organized an Arria Formula meeting on residual issues of the Tribunals, open to all United Nations Member States.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“We believe that it would be beneficial for the Council to have the chairs of all country-specific configurations of the PBC - I repeat, all country-specific configurations of the PBC - participate in the relevant consultations of the Council independently of whether they represent Council members or not. One important way to improve interaction between the Council and whole groups of the membership is an intensified cooperation with regional and subregional organizations. The Security Council debated this subject under the presidency of China (see S/PV.6257) and agreed that an increasing interaction of this kind contributes to the coherent and effective implementation of the Council's resolutions.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“At the same time, there are other areas in which we still see substantial potential for improving the Council's working methods. One example is the cooperation between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). It has been our experience that chairpersons of country-specific configurations of the PBC contribute in a very useful manner to the public meetings of the Council on the country situations they deal with. At the same time, it has also been very helpful to listen to their additional comments during subsequent Council consultations, but so far, that has of course been possible only when the chairperson in question also happens to represent a Council member.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“The consultation process which the Council has established with the troop- and police-contributing countries before deciding on the mandate of a mission or its renewal is another step in the right direction. In some instances, so-called informal interactive dialogues have provided the Security Council and interested countries with a useful framework for a direct informal exchange on issues of concern to the Council. This is a path that we should explore further. I should also like to commend the initiative of Uganda to organize an informal meeting with Member States on the occasion of the presentation of the most recent annual report of the Council to the General Assembly. We hope that this practice will be continued.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“I would first like to thank the Japanese presidency for convening today's open debate. We are grateful to Japan for its chairmanship of the Informal Working Group of the Council on this topic. We also wish to say a special word of thanks to the group of five small States for their important contributions to the subject we are discussing today. We believe that any effort to improve the working methods of the Council must focus on two goals: enhancing transparency and strengthening interaction between the Council and the United Nations membership at large. The Council must also aim at maximum transparency vis-a-vis the broader public, in particular through its cooperation with the media. In recent years, we have seen some improvement in the realization of these aims. The Council has increased the number of its open debates and briefings.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300 (2010) · source
“The Government's commitment to creating long-term peace and stability, with the firm support of the international community aligned behind the country's agenda for change, as well as the United Nations Joint Vision, emphasizes the principle of national ownership and helps to avoid duplication through enhanced coordination. Finally, I would like to thank the Japanese presidency of the Security Council for preparing the draft presidential statement, which has Austria's full support.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“We would welcome increased interaction between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, more particularly when the Council works on mandates for United Nations missions. We are confident that the ongoing review process will strengthen this relationship and enable the Commission to make full use of its advisory role and the important contributions it can make to this process. In this context, we believe that Sierra Leone - and that is a point that has already been made a number of times - is a model case for peacebuilding with the support of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“Cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, such as the European Union and the African Union, as well as with the international financial institutions, must be intensified. Austria acknowledges the crucial role of the Peacebuilding Commission in addressing a country's post-conflict needs. The experiences of countries on its agenda underline the necessity of involving the Commission from the outset. Peacekeeping and peacebuilding must be considered in a coherent and parallel manner rather than sequentially. In this context, we welcome the fact, for instance, that the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, which is a peacekeeping operation, is already integrating peacebuilding aspects into its work, thus helping to bridge a potential gap between peacekeeping and later peacebuilding efforts there.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“The specific needs of women must be reflected in peace agreements and their involvement in participation in the development and implementation of post-conflict strategies assured. This should be complemented by the allegation of gender-specific funds. Civil society should play a greater role in the early stages of peacebuilding. We will focus on new concepts of cooperation between military and civilian actors at the forthcoming 3C Conference to be held in Vienna on 5 and 6 May. Enhanced coordination at the national, regional and international levels, as well as ensuring mutual accountability, are prerequisites for avoiding duplication and ensuring efficiency. To secure the success of our engagement, we must coordinate with all partners having a comparative advantage on the ground.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“The establishment and support of effective and independent justice and reconciliation mechanisms is a precondition for ensuring accountability for past abuses. They will contribute to justice and long-term peace, as well as to the reconciliation of war-torn societies, thereby minimizing the risk of future outbreaks of violence. We are convinced that peacebuilding can be successful only if all sectors of society are included. In accordance with Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), all activities in the field of peacebuilding must be mindful of the Vital role women play in re-establishing post-conflict societies. In this regard, I also fully support what was just said by my Lebanese colleague.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“A stronger involvement of the local private sector should also be considered in the context of procurement activities for peacekeeping operations. This would support the provision of social stability through economic opportunity, thus contributing to the irreversibility of the peacebuilding process. Key priorities in the immediate aftermath of conflict include the protection of human rights, the re- establishment of the rule of law, the inclusive implementation of peace processes, the reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons, effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration - including of children associated with armed groups - as well as security sector reform.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“It is crucial to long- term peace and stability and the realization of early peace dividends. Decisive action aimed at achieving durable peace and long-term sustainable development must be undertaken from the earliest stages onwards and go hand in hand with the possible deployment of integrated peacekeeping missions. In order for peacebuilding measures to prove successful, generating national ownership must be at the centre of all efforts. Peacebuilding activities should therefore draw on existing national capacities while at the same time assisting the development of effective civilian capacities, including the identification of opportunities and capacity-building for local private sector engagement.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“My delegation is grateful to Japan for having organized this important debate under the presidency of Foreign Minister Okada. We are also grateful for the presence and statements of the Secretary-General, the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Minister of Defence of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Justice of Timor-Leste and the Managing Director of the World Bank. Austria associates itself with the statements to be delivered by the representatives of the European Union and the Human Security Network later in this meeting. How to make the best possible use of the window of opportunity in the immediate aftermath of conflict is not only the critical challenge for countries emerging from conflict, but also a critical challenge for the international community at large.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299 (2010) · source
“In the framework of the European Union, Austria will continue actively to look for ways to make a peace deal possible within the next 24 months and stands ready to support concrete steps on the path to comprehensive peace.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“We wish to reiterate that the monopoly of the Lebanese State regarding the legitimate use of force must be respected. All arms in the country must be brought under the sole and unique control of the Government. Immediate and unconditional compliance with the embargo on all transfers of arms outside the authority of the Lebanese State is also essential to achieve the objective of exclusive Government control over all arms. There is broad consensus in the international community on the urgency of overcoming the ongoing deadlock in the search for a just and lasting regional peace. We wish to underline our continued support for the efforts of the United States in this regard.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“We hope that this welcome and overdue step will be followed by a comprehensive positive response to our long-standing demand to de-block all other United Nations recovery projects, and to the international community's unanimous call for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid and commercial goods to and from Gaza. We wish to underline the continued need for thorough and credible investigations of all allegations of grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in relation to the Gaza conflict. There must be accountability and an effective remedy for victims of such violations. Regarding Lebanon, we welcome the reconvening of the national dialogue by President Sleiman. Ahead of tomorrow's next round, we call on leaders across the political spectrum to advance the development of a national defence strategy.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“The persistent deprivation of the population of Gaza of basic commodities underscores once again the critical need for full compliance with resolution 1860 (2009). That is also true with regard to the, regrettably, continuing rocket and mortar attacks on southern Israel. In view of the undiminished urgency of reconstruction, Austria has positively noted Israel's decision to facilitate access for construction materials for a limited number of recovery projects, including construction in Khan Younis and the ongoing efforts in water and sewage treatment.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“However, these efforts can ultimately succeed only with the backup of a clear and time- bound perspective of a handover of administrative and security responsibility and with funding generated by normal economic activity rather than donor dependence. As confirmed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund ahead of yesterday's meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in Madrid, the acceleration of improvements regarding freedom of movement and access across the West Bank and Gaza is key to sustained economic growth and hence the viability of a future State of Palestine. Austria therefore strongly encourages Israel to decisively remove remaining obstacles and give positive consideration to increasing Palestinian access to land and resources in Area C.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“These illegal and illegitimate policies pre-empt the outcome of final status negotiations and undercut the viability of the two-State solution. At the same time, we call on the Palestinian Authority to continue to make every effort to improve law and order, to confront violent extremism and to end incitement. We also look to Palestinian leaders to actively discourage any attempts to escalate tensions in East Jerusalem. The launch of results-oriented negotiations is also essential to Palestinian efforts to build the infrastructure and institutions of a future State that will provide opportunities, justice and security for both its citizens and their Israeli neighbours. Austria, both bilaterally and within the overall efforts of the European Union, will continue to assist Palestinian State-building.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“As for Israel, that requires an effective halt to all settlement activities, including natural growth, and the dismantling of all outposts; the end of the construction of the separation barrier on all occupied land; and an end to evictions and demolitions. In this context, we also wish to express our grave concern about the negative implications of Military Order No. 1650 for residency and freedom of movement of Palestinians in the occupied territories, and we call on Israel to reconsider its implementation. We also urge Israel to reverse recent decisions to build additional housing units in East Jerusalem. We have taken note of the very clear statement that the Middle East Quartet has made, including in particular on this issue.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“To deliver on the peace and security that Israelis and Palestinians have been yearning for, leaders on both sides need to engage in good faith and come to a settlement which ends the occupation and implements the two-State solution. The 24 months stipulated by the Middle East Quartet should be more than sufficient to agree on final terms, provided that there is genuine political will on both sides. Each day without tangible progress undermines the position of those who argue in favour of dialogue and strengthens those who advocate extremism and violence. If there is to be trust in a renewed peace process, both parties must honour the obligations they have agreed to under the Road Map and refrain from any action that may lead to further violence and confrontation.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“My delegation, like others, would first like to express its condolences to the People's Republic of China on the natural calamity it has just suffered. Austria would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Lynn Pascoe for his update on recent developments in the Middle East. We thank the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their presence here today and for their contributions to our debate. Austria aligns itself with the statement that will be made by the delegation of the European Union on behalf of the Union. The renewal of direct negotiations between the parties on all final status issues is both urgent and without alternative.”
2010-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6298 (2010) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the Council's call on Member States to accede to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, and we commend the assistance of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in implementing those legal instruments. In conclusion, Austria remains committed to assisting African States, in particular those of Central Africa, in building the capacities to counter and, eventually, to prevent the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and the respective ammunition. We call on all Member States to support their efforts in that regard.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“Convinced of the need for African States to be actively involved and to participate in the upcoming Fourth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action, which, as others have already mentioned, will take place in New York in June under the chairmanship of Mexico, we have teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme to provide support for African delegations to participate in that Meeting. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is closely interrelated with transnational organized crimes, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs or the illicit exploration of natural resources. This debate, therefore, is in line with the Council's efforts to tackle transnational threats to peace and security in a comprehensive manner.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“At the global level, Austria strongly supports the ongoing process towards an arms trade treaty, a legally binding international agreement establishing a set of basic rules to regulate the international transfer of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons. Pending the adoption of such a global legal instrument, the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects remains the only global forum and global instrument to prevent the illicit trade in such weapons.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“The outcome document of the conference also envisioned the possibility of a pan-African convention on the control of small arms and light weapons - a vision that we continue to support wholeheartedly. We are pleased that the European Union Africa Strategy comprises a segment on small arms and light weapons and that the first pan-African project in the fight against those weapons has recently been launched, with the support of the African Union. It is clear that such challenges as the fight against the illicit trafficking of those weapons require a firm internationally coordinated response. We need the cooperation of States and international and non-governmental organizations, which is also acknowledged in the draft presidential statement.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“We welcome the draft presidential statement to be adopted today and the fact that it acknowledges those two important Central African initiatives. In that context, let me comment on the invaluable support provided by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, in particular the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, in promoting and implementing those and other initiatives. The efforts of the Regional Centre aimed at preventing the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons deserve our full support. The illicit flow of such weapons is a problem that goes beyond Central Africa and affects the whole continent. In 2007, my country co-organized an international conference in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on peace and security in West Africa.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“For that very reason, we see the importance of the initiative of the Economic Community of Central African States to draw up a legally binding instrument on the control of small arms and light weapons, their ammunitions and all equipments that might be used in their manufacture. Mr. Sylvain-Goma gave us a detailed presentation on the various activities of the Community, but we very much believe that this core initiative deserves support. For that reason, we have also decided to support it financially, from an Austrian point of view. We look forward to the adoption of the legally binding instrument. Furthermore, we support other important regional initiatives by African States aimed at fighting illicit arms brokering, such as the establishment of a register of arms dealers.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“In resolution 1894 (2009) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the Council noted that the excessive accumulation and destabilizing effect of small arms and light weapons pose a considerable impediment to the provision of humanitarian assistance and have the potential to exacerbate and prolong conflicts, endanger civilians, and undermine security and the confidence required for a return to peace and stability. Today's draft presidential statement also underlines the fact that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons fuels armed conflict and thereby has various harmful effects on the civilian population, including gender-based Violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. As others have already said today, it is very clear that such challenges require a firm response at the national, regional and global levels.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“We align ourselves fully with the statement to be made by the representative of the European Union, but let me also add the following points. Small arms and light weapons are commonly termed the real weapons of mass destruction, as they are responsible for an exceedingly high toll of human lives on a regular basis. According to the statistics that we have seen, they cause the deaths of more than 500,000 people annually - approximately 1,400 people per day. The vast majority of the Victims are civilians. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated on an earlier occasion, small arms facilitate a vast spectrum of human rights Violations, such as rape and other forms of sexual violence, torture and the forced recruitment of children by armed groups or forces.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“Let me join others in thanking you, Mr. President, and the Gabonese presidency of the Council for organizing this very important debate on a key topic that has particular relevance for the region of Central Africa. We are grateful for the interest shown in this matter by the Deputy Secretary-General. We appreciate the presence of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. We listened with great interest to what the Secretary General of the Economic Community of Central African States had to say. However, let me also say a special word of thanks to Executive Director Costa. Since we joined the Council a year ago, we have had many occasions to listen to his presentations. For obvious reasons, we know his work well and I must say that what he told us today was once again a model of precision, clarity and frankness.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“We therefore support the extension of UNAMA's mandate for another 12 months, with the modifications suggested by the Secretary-General in order to increase the effectiveness and impact of the Mission's work. Austria is looking forward to working with the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General and wishes him every success in his important and challenging tasks.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“We would like to encourage intensified confidence-building and cooperation in economic and political terms, as well as mutual assistance in the fight against drugs, terrorism and criminality. We are pleased to see UNAMA provide support to such regional cooperation in accordance with its mandate. Austria also appreciates the activities undertaken by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to facilitate regional cooperation, such as the Paris Pact Initiative, the Rainbow Strategy, and the development of regional programmes for Afghanistan and its neighbours. In view of the challenges ahead for Afghanistan during the coming months, we are convinced that UNAMA will continue to play a key role in support of the Government.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“The fact that last year saw the highest number of civilian casualties since 2001 is deeply worrying, with the Taliban and other extremist groups being responsible for, by far, the greatest number of civilian deaths. At the same time, we wish to welcome the progress made by the International Security Assistance Force and other international forces in significantly reducing the number of civilian casualties in the context of their operations, and hope that these efforts will be further pursued. We believe that regional cooperation will be crucial to the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan. All of Afghanistan's neighbours ought to be included and take part in this process.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“We take note of the Secretary-General's evaluation that further confidence- building measures would be useful. In this context, as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), I look forward to cooperating with the Afghan authorities and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in ensuring the full implementation of resolutions 1267 (1999), 1822 (2008) and 1904 (2009), including in the framework of the ongoing efforts to update the consolidated list and, more specifically, through the current review process. The negative impact of the security situation on the protection of civilians remains a major challenge.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“Women's participation in the reconciliation process - in line with Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) - will be of particular importance for achieving sustainable peace. We therefore hope that the national Peace Jirga scheduled for the end of April will be prepared in a transparent and inclusive manner, engaging all relevant segments of Afghan society. Any genuine reconciliation process will have to be complemented by accountability for serious crimes of the past. As the Secretary-General has pointed out, the Security Council's recent decision to remove five former Taliban officials from the list established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1267 (1999) was welcomed in Afghanistan as a confidence-building measure and can help lay the foundations for an eventual political process.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“We encourage the Government of Afghanistan to accelerate the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan and to foster the process of integrating women into political, economic and social life. Following President Karzai's inauguration speech of November and the London Conference, the concepts of reintegration and reconciliation have moved to the forefront of attention. There is no purely military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. We believe that both reintegration and reconciliation should be fully Afghan-led and must respect the Constitution as well as international commitments. Furthermore, broad involvement by and consensus among all relevant stakeholders of the Afghan political system will be critical.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“In this spirit, Austria and the Liechtenstein Institute at Princeton University organized the Afghanistan Implementation Colloquium in Austria at the end of February, which brought together a significant number of Afghans and international experts. We believe that the results of those discussions can prove useful in the preparation of the Kabul conference, and we will share them with partners. As to the parliamentary elections to be held in September, effective electoral reform, building on the commitments made at the London Conference, will be critical to ensuring that the elections can contribute to the consolidation of democracy in Afghanistan. We also hope that measures to facilitate the participation of women and minorities, both as candidates and voters, will be put in place.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source
“I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Le Roy for his briefing. Let me also welcome the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Zahir Tanin, to this table and thank him for his important contribution. Austria aligns itself with the statement to be made later in this debate by the representative of the European Union. The London Conference has initiated a new phase of transition to greater Afghan leadership and responsibility. It has also set the agenda for the Kabul conference in June, which is expected to focus on a reform-oriented nation-building agenda. We agree with the Secretary-General's view that, in this process of transition, it is essential to take into account the concerns of the Afghans.”
2010-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6287 (2010) · source