YouSaid · the spoken record

Mclay

lines on the record: 508
first: 2009-06-30
most recent: 2015-04-23
sittings or episodes: 72
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

“The very viability of States is often at risk, with the perpetrators posing serious threats to security and to stable democratic Government. No corner of the globe is beyond their reach, including my own region, the Pacific, which has been targeted by people smugglers, human and narcotics traffickers, and others. We have learned much about what works in combating and disrupting these illicit networks, not least the importance of robust legislative frameworks, effective border and law enforcement institutions, and good governance for protecting our jurisdictions. But we have also learned that no country can meet these challenges alone. The multinational character and reach of these networks make international cooperation essential.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The illicit movement of people and goods across borders is as old as borders themselves. But the past two decades have seen unprecedented growth in the scale, scope and impacts of such movements and of the criminal networks that 12-31963 support them. They are complex, well-resourced networks that span continents and are sustained by illicit trafficking and movement of people, funds and goods. We are now also seeing an alarming convergence of those networks. Constantly seeking points of weakness, they target jurisdictions with weak State capacity. Once established, they further undermine governance, public safety and development prospects and provide fertile ground for crime, instability and terrorism.”
2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760Resumption1 (2012) · source
“New Zealand strongly supports the outcomes of the recent international meetings on Afghanistan. The Istanbul meeting sent an important regional signal of a strong commitment to Afghanistan. We are encouraged by the sense of commitment of all participants at the Bonn meeting. Like everyone else on the ground in Afghanistan, New Zealand has worked hard to achieve good outcomes in Bamyan, and remains committed to seeing the transition process through to a successful conclusion. Then it will be for the people of Bamyan themselves and their Governments - central, provincial and district - to secure their own long-term future.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Above all, we reiterate that the Government of Afghanistan must continue to address that issue. We also welcome UNAMA's report on the implementation of the 2009 Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women . Despite some progress, however, New Zealand's own experience of the application of the law by Afghan judges, prosecutors and police is consistent with many of UNAMA's findings. Even in Bamyan - a province which, most commendably, has had a woman governor since 2005 - the vast majority of cases involving violence against women are not dealt with adequately in the formal justice system. The resulting treatment of victims is degrading. We urge the Afghan Government, with United Nations support, to continue promoting the proper application of the 2009 law, including the replacement of corrupt or ineffective officials as required.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“With ongoing support from the provincial reconstruction team, the international community and, most importantly, the central Government in Kabul, there are reasons to hope for a successful conclusion to transition in Bamyan in 2013. New Zealand was very concerned at the October report of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on the widespread mistreatment of detainees in Afghan Government facilities . We are grateful for the United Nations' investigation of that difficult issue and applaud UNAMA for its careful handling of the report's conclusions. New Zealand has expressed its concern directly to the Afghan Government. We welcome its initial response, but also support ISAF's immediate suspension of detainee transfers to the facilities named.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“As we all cooperate to achieve the ultimate aim of transition, we urge the United Nations to continue that vital work, as there is still room for improvement in efforts to achieve better coordination and communication. The United Nations- supported Central Statistics Organization survey of Bamyan province was an excellent initiative, but more attention to the dissemination of its results would have a positive effect on the ability of local Government to meet the needs of the population. The transition process is fragile, but we should not underestimate the capacity of Afghan institutions, officials and people to respond to the needs of their communities.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“Transition imposes greater responsibility on provincial officials. Central Government must support those officials by providing adequate resources, delegating authority and, above all, demonstrating a willingness - indeed, it must demonstrate a determination - to replace the few corrupt or incompetent actors with merit-based appointees. Otherwise, the Bamyan population will continue to look past the provincial Government to the donor and non-governmental organization community to deliver basic services. We welcome the ongoing work of the United Nations to promote and encourage coherence among the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), donors and the Afghan Government - work that better links the Government to its people.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“However, the Secretary-General's report also identifies challenges still to be confronted, and we remain committed to working with partners to address them. Since we last addressed this Council on the situation in Afghanistan (see S/PV.6497), the New Zealand provincial reconstruction team has overseen the formal commencement of transition in Bamyan province, one of the first to embark on that process. I am pleased to report that transition is proceeding smoothly. The team has made a conscious effort to encourage the people of Bamyan to turn first to their own Government for assistance. As a result, the local authorities are taking the opportunities offered by transition to assume increasing responsibility for their own affairs. Going forward, it will be important that the Afghan Government be able to address Bamyan's needs.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“New Zealand joins the Secretary-General in thanking Special Representative Staffan de Mistura for his leadership and service in Afghanistan, and looks forward to working with Mr. Jan Kubis. We also welcome the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan and thank him for his statement to the Council. New Zealand is pleased that, after a very difficult year, the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2011/772*) does identify further and steady improvements in Afghanistan. We welcome the progress made in the Kabul process and are encouraged by the work of the Afghan Government to resolve the Kabul Bank situation and to achieve a successful outcome to its negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“We non-members * the "P-l78" - have much to contribute to the Council's work, and we have every right to expect transparency, meaningful opportunities for participation and, above all, effective decision- making from the Council. New Zealand acknowledges the genuine improvements made in the Council's working methods since the first open debate, in 1994, and, again, we compliment those responsible. It is in all of our interests that we now move to complete that work by seeing today's discussions translated into more meaningful action and into more consistent practice. After all, this is not just a Council for its five permanent members. It is not just a Council, pro tem, for its non-permanent members. It is our Council, too.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Greater transparency regarding the circumstances in which its holders would contemplate its use and in explaining its actual use would help reassure other States that its holders are wielding that power responsibly. Agreement on an informal code guiding the use of the veto would be a welcome initiative. It was described by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain as obligations of conduct, and we agree. Those entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of serving on the Security Council, whether as permanent or non-permanent members, can effectively discharge their duties only with the support and cooperation of all other Member States - those same States that elect non-permanent members and whose adherence to the Charter underpins the Council's authority and its legitimacy.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We urge the Council to build on recent positive steps to increase meaningful interaction with the Peacebuilding Commission, particularly with the Chairs of country- specific configurations and with regional and subregional organizations. Consideration should also be given to expanding that interaction to other relevant actors. Such interactions need not impinge on the Council's powers and prerogatives. Indeed, properly handled, they have the potential to augment the quality and legitimacy of its deliberations. Fourthly, we need to reconsider the existing practice regarding use of the veto. New Zealand's views on the veto are well known, and they have been consistent since we and others forced a vote on its inclusion in the Charter in 1945. The veto is a truly awesome power.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Such a plan could form the basis of regular progress reports, perhaps as part of the Council's annual report to the General Assembly. Ideally, those reports would be informed by, and would in turn feed into, future open debates in the Council itself. Secondly, we need to review current Council conventions that inhibit the optimal and equitable distribution of tasks and responsibilities. For example, the conventions under which the permanent five (P5) alone determine the Chairs of subsidiary bodies, under which chairing roles are allocated to elected members only, and under which the P5 always lead on country- specific resolutions all lack any obvious justification and should be discontinued. Thirdly, we must ensure that the Council more effectively draws on the expertise of, and coordinates its activities with, relevant external actors.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“It means stimulating more substantive and interactive discussions between Council members themselves. And above all, it means making transparency and inclusiveness a reflex action. Transparency and inclusiveness should be the norm for the Council's work, not the exception. The cultural shift required for the more consistent and meaningful implementation of the recommendations in note S/2010/507 will take time, but it would help significantly if there were a more systematic process for monitoring progress in that implementation. As a first step, the Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Matters should consider developing a concrete action plan that establishes clear goals and benchmarks for implementation.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“It means making participation in such meetings more meaningful and providing genuine scope for non-members to contribute to Council deliberations throughout the decision-making process. It also means achieving more timely, consistent and meaningful interaction with those non-members that have a legitimate stake in its deliberations, particularly troop- and police-contributing countries and countries that are actually on the Council agenda. One way of achieving that would be to make greater use of innovative Council meeting formats, such as informal interactive dialogues. It also means sharing draft documents with non-Council members sooner and more frequently and giving affected parties greater opportunities for input in the preparation of those documents.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Today's discussions provide an opportunity to review progress and to highlight areas where further improvements can be made. In the interests of time, I will focus on just four. First, we acknowledge the significance of the measures in note S/2010/507, but we still need more consistent and meaningful implementation of those measures. Such implementation would go a long way towards enhancing the transparency, inclusiveness and quality of Council deliberations. Achieving that, however, requires that we challenge the Council's traditional culture and achieve a major shift in longstanding mindsets. Achieving that means that, whenever possible, Council meetings, regardless of format, must be open, and that there must be a clear and compelling reason - preferably one that is publicly stated - when that is not the case.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“For the overwhelming majority of Member States that are not members of this Council - the faces pressed against the window - its working methods affect our ability to understand and contribute to its work. In turn, they directly affect the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Council itself. All States have a stake in ensuring that those working methods are transparent, inclusive and effective, and when they are discussed, we all have a right to have our voices heard and listened to. New Zealand therefore welcomes today's debate, the fourth on this topic since 1994. Since then, significant improvements have been made to Council working methods, most notably through presidential notes S/2006/507 and S/2010/507. We commend those welcome changes.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I join the Belgian Ambassador in paying compliments to the President of the Council for the past month and particularly for promoting this open debate today. New Zealand has long maintained that, in addition to changes to the composition of the Security Council, there is an equally pressing need for wide- ranging reform of its working methods. As the Belgian Ambassador emphasized, one reform should not be hostage to the other. This stems from our belief that, just as the Council derives its authority from the Charter, it must be accountable to all the 193 Member States that adhere to that Charter. The values and principles it must uphold are our values and our principles; the global peace and security it upholds is our peace and security; and its successes and indeed its failures in fulfilling its mandate profoundly affect us all.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Timor-Leste will still require the ongoing support of its friends in the region and beyond in addressing the many political and economic challenges that it will continue to face even after UNMIT's withdrawal. For its part, New Zealand remains a proud friend and committed partner of Timor-Leste as it writes for itself the next chapter in its history. 11-60396”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“The draft outcome framework contemplates assistance in three priority areas: strengthening the security and justice sectors, facilitating private-sector investment and providing education and training. The year 2012 will be a watershed year for Timor-Leste, and a critical test of its emergence from post-conflict fragility. Should events proceed as we hope, by this time next year we may be marking UNMIT's valedictory. Credit is due to the Mission and its leadership for the progress made since the 2006 crisis. Above all, however, the people and the Government of Timor-Leste deserve praise for their courage and determination in charting their own future, and for their willingness and ability to define, for themselves, the assistance that they need. That is peacebuilding as it should be: national ownership in action.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“The year 2012 should also mark a real shift in the focus of international assistance, with stronger emphasis being placed on Timor-Leste's long-term development challenges, including improving health and education and generating employment for its swelling youth population. That requires sustained growth in the non-oil private sector and particularly in agriculture. The Government's twenty-year Strategic Development Plan, launched in July, sets out a comprehensive framework for providing international assistance in accordance with national priorities. New Zealand is seeking Timorese endorsement of a strategic framework to guide our bilateral aid programme over the next five years, and Timorese agreement on a shared vision for long-term development outcomes.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“We therefore welcome the establishment of a joint UNPOL-PNTL investigative team to process the remaining allegations against PNTL personnel. The Secretary-General's report (S/2011/641) usefully outlines possible options for a post-UNMIT United Nations presence in Timor-Leste, and provides a good basis for further consideration of their respective implications and merits. Any decision in that regard must, of course, be based on careful assessments of Timor-Leste's post-UNMIT needs, and be determined in accordance with the priorities of the Timorese Government itself. Realistically, that means that the decision is still some way off and will be made, at the earliest, only after a Government emerges from next year's election processes.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“We will continue our long-standing security partnership with Timor-Leste through a bilateral assistance programme with the Falintil-Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL). Over the coming year, we must also intensify efforts to strengthen the capacities of other core State institutions, including public sector oversight and accountability bodies and the justice sector. That may also be Timor-Leste's final chance to draw on UNMIT support in addressing other long-standing challenges, such as strengthening civilian oversight of security institutions, investigating allegations of serious crimes and agreeing on support for their victims. It is particularly important for the long-term health and legitimacy of Timor-Leste's security institutions that allegations of serious crimes against PNTL and F -FDTL officers be credibly addressed.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Further strengthening the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste, particularly its logistical and operational capabilities, will also be important ahead of the expected United Nations police (UNPOL) drawdown after the 2012 elections. The PNTL-UNMIT Police Joint Development Plan is a useful blueprint in that context. We have been pleased at UNPOL efforts to recruit and retain suitable personnel for the highly specialized tasks of training and capacity-building. Donors are also playing an increasingly important role. For example, at the Government's request, New Zealand is already scaling up assistance to the PNTL. Our police recently completed a pre-posting evaluation and preparatory visit for a bilateral programme focused on strengthening community policing, which will commence in January 2012, initially in four districts.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Assuming continuation of those positive trends, we must now focus on preparing for a smooth transition, by intensifying work to strengthen core Timorese institutions and by concluding Mission activities or transferring them to other actors. The joint transition plan provides a comprehensive framework in that regard. We must work through that plan with key stakeholders, particularly the Timorese Government, the United Nations country team and donors, to ensure its effective and sustainable implementation. That is why we agree that the plan should remain a living document, to be adjusted as required. Developing an integrated, "one United Nations" country strategy must also be a priority.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Growing electoral management capability means that much less international support will be required for next year's elections. New Zealand welcomes the positive response from the United Nations to Timor-Leste's requests for targeted electoral assistance. We are also committed to providing support bilaterally. Impressive habits of restraint and respect for electoral rules and institutions have emerged, and we will soon learn whether they can withstand the intensity of high-stakes electoral competition. Timorese-led political dialogue processes, such as the retreat convened in July by the Bishop of Bacau, are playing an important role in consolidating those gains.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“Resumption of full policing responsibilities by the Timor police, the formal launch of the Government's Strategic Development Plan and agreement on a jointly owned transition plan have all laid foundations for a smooth transition. New Zealand supports a conditions-based approach to UNMIT's withdrawal. Current trends suggest that we are on track for a smooth drawdown following next year's presidential and parliamentary elections and for a transition to a post-UNMIT United Nations presence by the end of 2012. Events over that year will of course determine whether that can be achieved. The coming elections will unquestionably be the sternest test since 2006 of progress in building the capacity of core State institutions. Recent developments, however, do give us cause for optimism.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“New Zealand welcomes the presence today of Foreign Ministers Portas and Da Costa and Vice-Minister Machado, and also Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ameerah Haq, not only for her sterling work in Timor- Leste itself but also for her report here today. That report highlights the fact that the past nine months in Timor-Leste have seen a continuation of the positive trends of recent years. The country remains largely calm and stable. Continued strong growth has enabled progress in addressing extreme poverty and extending social services. And we have seen further signs of broad commitment to a political culture based on dialogue and respect for constitutional norms. There has also been real progress in preparing for a Timor-Leste without United Nations peacekeepers.”
2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source
“But hundreds of thousands are still affected. It is our collective duty to take bold and effective action to protect them all. That duty is one for each and every one of us.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“Child protection provisions could be more systematically included in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations. It is not just the Security Council, however, that must act to protect children. Member States and the various United Nations organs also have a vital role to play. We urge those countries concerned, for example, to allow United Nations country teams to contact non-State actors so that they can prepare action plans and carry out other protection measures. We ask the Council to take a more active role to ensure that context. Those are just a few steps that could be taken to protect children affected by conflict even more. There are others. It is to the Council's credit that its actions over the past decade have improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“As well as asking the Secretary-General again to list persistent perpetrators in his annual report, the Council could designate child-protection criteria in the mandates of the relevant sanctions committees and request child-protection expertise in its expert groups. The Council could also seek the advice of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General more often and more systematically emphasize the cross-cutting nature of this issue by including concerns about children in its reports. Secondly, more effective action can be taken to ensure the implementation of the Council's resolutions and conclusions. The Working Group could, for example, use the full range of tools at its disposal, as well as emergency meetings, to respond to crisis situations and to follow up on its recommendations.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“To that end, New Zealand fully endorses the recommendations made a short time ago by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict. Given the time constraints, I will not repeat those points except to say that New Zealand welcomes the addition of a new educational and medical trigger. We support strengthened sanctions and other targeted measures to punish and deter persistent perpetrators. And we urge the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict more effectively to follow-up on its recommendations. I will expand, ifI can, on just three points. First, the Council can better target persistent perpetrators.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“It is important to remember that, as we sit in the Chamber today, children are still being forced out of classrooms and playgrounds and onto battlefields. They are suffering the vilest forms of sexual abuse and rape. They are being disfigured, maimed and even murdered. The Council's actions can improve the lives of those children, as has been demonstrated through its institutional innovations, such as the creation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism and through the consolidation and implementation of the protection framework. But, as always, more concrete action can be taken that will improve the lives of children affected by conflict, including girls, minorities such as indigenous children and children with disabilities.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“New Zealand thanks the Secretary-General for his latest report (S/2011/250), Ms. Coomaraswamy for her outstanding work as his Special Representative and Germany for organizing this debate during the month of its presidency, thus giving us an opportunity to influence the Council's consideration of the issue of children and armed conflict, including through the informal event it hosted on 30 June. For the Council's decisions to be effective, the commitment and investment of the wider United Nations community is also required. For the 177 countries that cannot sit at this table, participation in the Council's work ensures that commitment, and regard to our voices encourages that investment.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“It is also important, however, that UNAMA's mandate reflect the situation on the ground and the aspirations of the Afghan Government and the international community. We therefore welcome this Council's intention to review that mandate and believe that it should benefit from the outcomes of the second Bonn conference to be held in December. We look to the Council to give UNAMA the mandate it needs to support the Government during the critical period of transition between now and the end of 2014. The next three years will be decisive in ensuring that the Afghan Government takes full responsibility for its country's security, so that, as ISAF troops are drawn down, the people of Afghanistan can assume full control of the destiny for which they have already sacrificed so much.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Accommodation will be required on all sides, but we strongly urge that it not be at the expense of hard- fought and hard-won rights and freedoms, especially those of women and minorities. Along with Afghanistan, its neighbours and the international community, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) plays an important role in supporting a political solution, notably through the Salaam Support Group. As transition intensifies, UNAMA has an increasingly important role. We welcome its contribution to Afghan- led electoral reform, which will ensure that Afghanistan's elections are more cost-effective and sustainable. We emphasize the importance of those reforms to Afghanistan's overall democratic future.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Combined with a push to increase Afghan civilian capacity, security gains will give space to and opportunity for a 1 1-26621 political solution - an essential ingredient in ensuring a secure and prosperous Afghanistan. That solution requires the further isolation of hardcore insurgency leaders, while those who renounce violence abandon alliances with Al-Qaida and embrace the Afghan Constitution are integrated into the mainstream. Increased pressure on those who disrupt the peace must be coupled with opportunity for insurgents who lay down their arms and help make that peace durable. Progress towards such a solution is rightly being led by the Afghan Government, with the support of its neighbours and the international community.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“New Zealand regards its provincial reconstruction teams as part and parcel of building the capability of the Afghan National Police and enabling development activity to take root and improve people's lives. Although Bamyan province itself is relatively secure, New Zealand is still concerned over Afghanistan's overall security situation. For Afghan civilians, the Afghan security forces and international coalition forces, last year was the deadliest since the war began, reflecting the increase in suicide attacks and the use of improvised explosive devices by insurgents. That reinforces the need for the Afghan National Security Forces, partnering with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), to quash insurgency and consolidate security.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“While the representation issue must be addressed, it should be done in accordance with the Constitution, thus ensuring the confidence of the international community and, most importantly, of those who voted last year. New Zealand strongly supports the transition process and welcomes the Afghan Government's commitment to assuming lead responsibility for all security by the end of 2014. We look forward to President Karzai's announcement of the first districts and provinces that will begin the process of transition to full Afghan authority. In Bamyan province, where New Zealand leads the provincial reconstruction team, we have already begun the transition to Afghan leadership, and key milestones have been achieved. Along with our Afghan partners, we are focused on the need for local capacity- building and development assistance.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“New Zealand welcomes the understanding between the President and Parliament that allowed the successful inauguration of Afghanistan's National Assembly, which will, of course, play a critical role in Afghanistan's democratic governance. We encourage a spirit of cooperation between the institutions involved because that will validate the decision of millions of Afghans who defied threats and voted in September's elections. All of those are positive signs of a progressing democracy. We look forward to the executive, the legislature and the judiciary carrying out their functions in accordance with the Constitution and overcoming their differences on the status of Parliament.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“The Secretary-General's latest report (S/2011/120*), Special Representative of the Secretary-General De Mistura's briefing and that of Ambassador Tanin provide evidence of many positive developments that have taken place in Afghanistan over the past three months - the progress of Afghan institutions towards taking lead responsibility for their country's security and the inauguration of Afghanistan's National Assembly being just two examples. But there have also been setbacks. Afghan civilians, for example, continue to suffer from the volatile security situation, and tensions remain between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary over the composition of Parliament.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“When I last addressed the Council, I found myself expressing appreciation for the many statements of support that had been made in the aftermath of the then-recent Christchurch earthquake. I now find myself speaking immediately after the Permanent Representative of Japan. I would like to express New Zealand's support and sympathy for the dreadful situation that that country is facing. Japan gave unstintingly of its active help when we were in need, and we have been privileged to do likewise over the past six days.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“New Zealand is committed to working with the Government and its international partners to help Timor-Leste deliver on that promise.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“Recent gains have been impressive but only concerted action will address the needs of the 41 per cent of the population still living below the poverty line. Urgent challenges remain in terms of developing infrastructure, addressing poverty and extending essential basic services. New Zealand looks forward to the launch in June of the Government's National Strategic Development Plan, which must be Timorese-led and form the framework for future action by international partners. As a long-term partner, New Zealand will align its development assistance with the Plan's priorities. New Zealand is proud of Timor-Leste's considerable achievements over the past decade and proud to call itself a neighbour, partner and friend of this young country. The Secretary-General's report suggests we are well on track to delivering a new Timor-Leste.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“As an active and committed partner, we share the concerns at the recent certification of officers facing serious disciplinary and criminal allegations. This is a matter only the Government of Timor-Leste can resolve. While we appreciate the challenges, it is only by demonstrating that its personnel are as legally accountable as all other citizens that the PNTL will become the trusted and respected institution that Timor-Leste needs and deserves. We support the Secretary-General's call for early steps to address this issue. Our immediate priority must be to ensure a smooth transition and stable and credible elections next year. It is also important to focus on Timor-Leste's needs beyond 2012. That period is harder to visualize, but we need to consider our respective roles in helping Timor-Leste address its longer-term challenges.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“This drawdown must be conducive to maintaining stability in the lead-up to the 2012 elections and beyond, while providing the PNTL the space to operate with greater responsibility and autonomy. The Mission must also be adequately equipped with the skills necessary to carry out the complex specialized tasks that now form its primary focus. Civilian and non-civilian deployments should be configured to effectively strengthen the human and organizational capacities of State institutions. We urge the early deployment of the 19 additional civilian experts approved last year. We support the Secretary- General's proposal that an independent assessment be conducted of PNTL capabilities. All of this requires that we ensure the PNTL's long-term credibility and integrity.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“We also encourage early engagement with potential bilateral and multilateral partners. We also welcome assurances on early engagement with those partners, focused on expectations of future donor assistance to ensure they are realistic and clearly signalled. For its part, New Zealand is considering what bilateral assistance it can provide to the PNTL. This is likely to be focused in the area of community policing, building on the results and lessons learned from our recent pilot programme within UNMIT. As UNMIT's policing undergoes fundamental change, so too must its size and composition. We support the Secretary-General's proposal to reduce the number of United Nations police, and are open to further gradual reductions if consistent with the wishes of the Government and realities on the ground.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“We are pleased with progress made over the past year in transferring executive policing authority to the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) and at the Secretary- General's advice that this process should be completed in the coming months, as it will be a significant milestone in the reconstitution of the Timorese security sector following the 2006 crisis. Following handover, work will remain to ensure that PNTL administrative and operational capacities are sufficiently robust for it to operate unassisted. Little time remains before the PNTL will be asked to do just that. We therefore welcome the establishment of a process to agree priority measures to strengthen these capacities within the National Strategic Development Plan. All this requires close cooperation and coordination between the Mission and the PNTL leadership.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“Carefully and effectively managing this must now be the Mission's overriding priority. The transition process must be nationally owned and led, with careful planning and sequencing of changes to the international presence in order to minimize risks of instability and disruption and with thoughtful judgments regarding the transfer of specific Mission functions and capacities to the Timorese Government. New Zealand welcomes the early engagement between Government and Mission leadership, notably through the High-Level Committee on Transition and its working groups. We applaud the Mission's work to mitigate the economic impact of a future drawdown and to prepare local staff for post-UNMIT employment. Nowhere will astute transition management be more important than in the security sector.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“The next 18 months will test whether the political and security climate can withstand the heat of competitive democratic elections. It will also test the readiness of core State institutions to sustain themselves with reduced international support. When we last met in October (see S/PV.6405), there was broad recognition that Timor-Leste was entering a new phase. A period that required a large international presence to ensure security and support core State institutions is now giving way to one in which a confident and capable Government is increasingly charting its own course and defining the future form and scope of its international assistance. After a decade focused on security and stability, attention has now turned to longer-term challenges of institutional development to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source