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2008-02-12

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2010-06-16

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un-security-council

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1. “As a last point, I would like to join other members of the Group of Friends in calling for the provision of administrative support for the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, as requested in resolution 1882 (2009) and as is currently provided to other subsidiary bodies of the Security Council. Let me conclude by reiterating our firm support for the Secretary-General and his Special Representative. Germany stands ready to join hands with all those striving to improve the situation of children affected by armed conflict worldwide.”

   2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source

2. “Thirdly, with regard to mainstreaming in United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Security Council should remain fully engaged in mainstreaming the issue of children in armed conflict into all United Nations peacekeeping and political operations. In this regard, we welcome the deployment of an increasing number of child protection advisers in peacekeeping operations and the adoption of a child protection policy directive by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support on mainstreaming the protection, rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict within United Nations peacekeeping operations.”

   2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source

3. “In our view, the regular sharing of information between the Working Group and the sanction committees of the Security Council could considerably strengthen the United Nations child protection framework. One way to achieve this might be to invite the Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict to brief the relevant sanctions committees on a regular basis. In this context, we welcome her recent briefing of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an important first step. The Security Council should also start considering means by which targeted measures may be applied against perpetrators in country situations not covered by existing sanction committees.”

   2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source

4. “However, the credible threat of forceful action by the Security Council against persistent perpetrators is key if we want parties to conflict to engage in time-bound action plans with the Special Representative to stop the violations and abuses for which they are cited. Like other speakers before us, we therefore call upon the Security Council to consider stronger measures, including targeted sanctions, against those parties to conflict listed in the annexes of the reports of the Secretary-General that persistently ignore calls by the Security Council to cease their illegal practices with regard to children in armed conflict. The second recommendation concerns an increased collaboration of the Working Group with relevant sanctions committees.”

   2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source

5. “We welcome the most recent report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (S/2010/181) and fully endorse all the recommendations contained therein. However, in our view the Security Council could strengthen the United Nations protection framework for children affected by armed conflict. The report of the Secretary-General contains valuable recommendations in this regard. Let me concentrate on three. First, with regard to strengthening accountability for persistent perpetrators, the most recent report of the Secretary-General names 16 parties to conflicts that have been repeatedly listed for grave violations and non-compliance with the United Nations for at least five years.”

   2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source

6. “Germany fully aligns itself with the statement made by representative of the European Union. As a member of the Group of Friends for Children and Armed Conflict, we are pleased to also align ourselves with the statement made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends. Let me start by extending my gratitude to the Secretary-General and to his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Coomaraswamy, for their dedicated engagement and leadership in taking this important issue forward. Germany attaches great importance to the protection of the rights of children in situations of armed conflict and is one of the main donors in this field, both bilaterally and multilaterally.”

   2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source

7. “We must address the fundamental issue: the necessity of bringing the Council into line with the geopolitical realities of today's world. We must address the untenable underrepresentation of Africa, Latin America and Asia, as well as the need to ensure adequate representation of other major contributors to the maintenance of peace and security. To improve working methods without reforming Security Council structures would ultimately create a source of political frustration among the general membership and risk eroding the authority of the Council.”

   2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

8. “Let me assure members that Germany, as a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the Council for 2011-2012, remains deeply committed to the aim of improving the Council's working methods and that this commitment will continue should we take a seat at this table. While efforts to further improve the working methods of the Council remain necessary, we must not lose sight of the one big step this Organization has yet to take: a comprehensive reform of the Security Council that will make this body more legitimate, more representative and thus more effective. The question of its working methods cannot and must not be de-linked from the overall reform debate, as improving working methods alone will not bring about the change desired by the general membership.”

   2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

9. “The fact that the Security Council is today holding its third open debate on this subject under Japan's tenure is in itself an expression of the welcome attention this body is paying to improving the interaction with non-members of the Council. The long list of speakers for this meeting in turn demonstrates the great interest of the general membership in further pursuing this path. Of course, increased access for non-members must not undermine efforts to make the work of the Council more efficient. We are convinced, however, that transparency, interaction and efficiency can be enhanced hand in hand.”

   2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

10. “In this regard, we welcome the use of new formats such as informal interactive dialogue. Let me add that interaction should also be strengthened with other institutions within the United Nations, for example the Peacebuilding Commission. The Security Council needs to consider ways to maximize the use of the Peacebuilding Commission's advisory role, particularly with regard to early peacebuilding activities carried out by peacekeepers. To that end, we need a stronger, organic and more dynamic linkage between the Council and the Commission throughout the various stages of the Council's consideration ofa specific conflict.”

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

11. “With regard to enhanced interaction with the general membership, we strongly support the notion that access to the Council by affected parties should be facilitated. This should include, first and foremost, Member States that have a vested interest in the item under discussion, such as countries contributing troops or police to a peacekeeping operation. This should also include increased cooperation with the main financial contributors. It is certainly fruitful to also consider enhanced interaction with stakeholders outside the United Nations membership, such as non-governmental organizations or non-State actors, that play a crucial role in solving a specific conflict. These forms of interaction could provide the Council with an even better basis for its decisions and ultimately make it more effective.”

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

12. “With the increased involvement of the United Nations in conflict resolution around the world in recent years, the role of the Security Council has become ever more prominent. This heightened level of activity has been accompanied by a growing interest of the general membership in the Council's proceedings. Thus, now more than ever, transparency is of paramount importance if the Council is to meet expectations. While we welcome progress in this regard, transparency could be enhanced by further moving the consultative process into the open. There is little rationale for having routine meetings take place behind closed doors. Also, Council documents such as reports, statements and draft resolutions, as well as briefing notes, should be made available to non-members in a timely fashion.”

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

13. “Let me express my gratitude to you, Sir, for having prepared and convened this very useful debate. Your concept paper (S/2010/l65) provides a helpful summary of what has been achieved since the Council's last debate on the issue (see S/PV.5968) and where there is still room for improvement. I would also like to thank the group of five small countries - Costa Rica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Singapore and Switzerland - for their valuable ideas on and unwavering commitment to this significant issue. The three issues highlighted in the concept paper - transparency, interaction and efficiency - rightfully continue to occupy centre stage in this debate. Let me address transparency first.”

    2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source

14. “In our view, that is an important step forward. We also welcome the prominent role that the issue of the protection of civilians plays in the New Horizon process on the reform of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The protection of civilians is an important issue that concerns all States Members of the United Nations. My delegation appreciates the effort that went into drafting resolution 1894 (2009), adopted today, which we were pleased to co-sponsor. Germany will actively participate in future debates on this issue.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

15. “A comprehensive approach involving humanitarian assistance, police, rule of law and gender issues must be put in place. Fifthly, with regard to mainstreaming, all new multidimensional mandates comprising the protection of civilians should ensure that the protection of civilians is mainstreamed throughout the complex mission. My final point relates to enhanced reporting. Comprehensive, detailed and timely information from the field on the protection of civilians, including on constraints on humanitarian actors, is a prerequisite for the Security Council to take action, enhance oversight and adjust mandates in a timely manner to reflect changes on the ground. In that regard, Germany was encouraged by the creation of the informal Security Council Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians early this year.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

16. “Secondly, with regard to doctrine and preparation, troops on the ground need unambiguous rules of engagement as well as specific training - ideally according to common standards for all troop- or police-contributing countries - in order to avoid misunderstandings within the peacekeeping operation. Thirdly, in terms of planning and preparedness, in addition to clearly defined tasks, the planning process should consider the issue of the protection of civilians in its preparations. United Nations personnel in the field also need appropriate training and instruction. Fourthly, there is a need for a comprehensive approach. The protection of civilians is not just a military task: it is a cross-cutting issue for the mission as a whole.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

17. “The protection of civilians is also fundamental to the credibility of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Gaps remain between Headquarters and the field. In our view, more can and must be done. I should like to highlight a few points to illustrate what I mean. First, missions must have a clear mandate for the protection of civilians and resources commensurate with the mandated protection tasks. Troop commanders on the ground must have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Guidelines regarding interpretation of those mandates need to be developed.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

18. “If such failures to abide by the rules of international humanitarian law remain unanswered, respect for the law of armed conflict will be further eroded. Here the fight against impunity is key. Bringing perpetrators of serious violations to justice is a central element of improving the protection of civilians in the future. Ensuring accountability is key to enhancing respect for international humanitarian law. To achieve this, we should like to urge the Security Council to consider making greater use of all the tools at its disposal, including targeted sanctions against perpetrators. We also call on the Security Council to consider resorting to international judicial mechanisms, including by referring a situation to the International Criminal Court.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

19. “Despite the conceptual and institutional progress of recent years, substantive challenges remain. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts. The growing number of conflicts of a non-international character has increased the vulnerability of civilians. Many parties to today's armed conflicts, including non-State armed groups, fail to comply with their obligation under international humanitarian law to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants and between civilian and military objects. The utilization of the presence of civilians to render certain points, areas or military forces immune from military operations by adversary forces is a particular area of concern.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

20. “The Council also addressed the protection of specific groups which are particularly vulnerable in armed conflict. In that context, let me welcome the Council's and the Secretariat's work on the protection needs of children as well as on the issues of women and girls and sexual violence in armed conflict. Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008) and 1889 (2009) - the latter adopted only a few weeks ago - stress that the protection and empowerment of women are key issues of international security policy. In that regard, we are also looking forward to the speedy creation of the new United Nations gender entity and hope that actors in peacekeeping such as the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and troop contributors will cooperate closely with it.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

21. “Although international law specifically prohibits attacks directed against civilians, as well as indiscriminate attacks in situations of armed conflict, this phenomenon is still all too common today. In its landmark resolution 1265 (1999) of 10 years ago, the Security Council, for the first time, engaged in a thematic approach to the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Since then, the Council has adopted a number of resolutions and presidential statements addressing questions which are instrumental to the protection of civilians in armed conflict, such as compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, accountability, the fight against a culture of impunity, the fight for humanitarian access, and the role of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

22. “Germany fully aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. I wish to start by commending you, Mr. President, for having convened this timely and important meeting, marking not only the tenth anniversary of the start of the Security Council's work on the protection of civilians but also the sixtieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Let me also thank the Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General John Holmes and Ms. Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, for their succinct briefings today. In our view, the protection of civilians in armed conflict is an issue that is fundamental to the mandate of the United Nations.”

    2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source

23. “In this context, we would like to point out that any new gender architecture must also be responsive to the special mandates under resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

24. “The report also contains a wealth of information on what the United Nations is already doing in order to combat sexual violence. We commend all United Nations entities on their extremely important work and encourage them to further intensify their efforts. Given the fact that the issue of conflict-related sexual violence is already being addressed by so many actors in the United Nations system, it could provide an excellent test case for a more structured and integrated approach by the United Nations to a specific problem. However, as in other areas relating to the field of gender equality and the empowerment of women, a strong driver is currently missing. Germany hopes that the negotiations on the establishment of a new United Nations gender entity will soon create those necessary structures.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

25. “As the report rightly states, in bringing together available data, no matter how incomplete, the report shows a disturbing picture of the use of sexual violence against civilians in armed conflicts and their aftermath. Much still needs to be done by Member States in order to ensure a more timely and efficient response to these challenges. In this regard, Germany supports the proposal for the establishment of a commission of inquiry. We also reiterate our support for an appropriate follow-up mechanism of the Security Council. Both proposals would allow the Council to better fulfil its mandate. We welcome the efforts made by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the United Nations membership to integrate the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008) into the ongoing New Horizon debate on the reform of peacekeeping missions.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

26. “Germany welcomes this open thematic debate on women and peace and security. I would like to express Germany's appreciation to you, Mr. President, for this important initiative. Germany aligns itself with the declaration made by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union, and would like to add the following remarks. We congratulate the Secretary-General on his report (S/2009/362) pursuant to resolution 1820 (2008), which we are discussing today and which Germany is pleased to have supported. The report contains compelling evidence that sexual violence in situations of armed conflict is indeed not only a serious human rights and humanitarian concern, but also a security problem requiring a systematic security response, including through attention by the Security Council and the International Criminal Court.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

27. “In conclusion, Sir, allow me to thank you and the Under-Secretaries-General for taking this initiative and allow me to reiterate Germany's willingness and dedication to contribute meaningfully to the adjustment process, so that peacekeeping remains a credible tool in the hands of the United Nations, a body with the unique legitimacy to manage crises.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source

28. “67) Thirdly, with regard to the New Horizon initiative, Germany proposes that this project not end with another non-paper. I recommend aiming for a document, based on the consent of all of us, thus providing a tangible basis for decision-making and execution. Fourthly, work has been done regarding the compilation of basic documents so as to transform the document entitled "United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Principles and Guidelines" into a library of documents that can assist all who work in peacekeeping. Germany would like to see that finalized and made accessible for all contributors sooner rather than later.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source

29. “An intensive dialogue with all stakeholders, above all the Member States contributing to peacekeeping, is absolutely essential. Secondly, before the Security Council adopts a resolution, a clear understanding of operational assets available is necessary. It is a cornerstone for developing clear and achievable mandates. Consequently, Germany fully supports the Committee of Thirty-Four statement in this year's report that: "The Special Committee strongly recommends that the Security Council be fully advised on the availability of the operational and logistical capabilities which would be necessary for the success of a peacekeeping operation, prior to making a decision on a new or major change to an existing mandate." (A/63/19, para.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source

30. “Such an endeavour requires focus, a focus that helps to separate the urgently necessary from the long- term desirable, a separation made necessary in part by there being limited resources available for coping with all the crises at hand. Our discussion should concentrate on those adjustments required to strengthen peacekeeping as a credible means in crisis management. The reason why Germany puts emphasis on a thorough, focused process is that the people affected by the crises deserve the best. Many thoughts expressed in today's discussion find our support. I would like to emphasize four particular ones that are central in our mind. First, the need to improve and expand the existing consultation mechanisms has already been addressed by the EU Presidency. This is crucial.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source

31. “We thank the Secretariat for its concise analysis of the current state of peacekeeping, an analysis that intelligently walks the fine line between maintaining the beneficial approaches of the Brahimi report while at the same time pointing to necessary adjustments. It has often been said that peacekeeping is the United Nations flagship enterprise. This is true, because a unique responsibility for the stability and peace of the entire world lies and remains with the United Nations. While peacekeeping is not the only means at hand, it is a decisive tool for mastering that challenge. The execution of this task is a success story, while not free of setbacks and criticism. We all admit that we have a responsibility to improve peacekeeping even further.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source

32. “Please allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and for providing the opportunity for major contributors to peacekeeping to actively participate in the review of United Nations peacekeeping. I would also like to thank the Under-Secretaries-General, Susana Malcorra and Alain Le Roy, for presenting their views on necessary adjustments in peacekeeping at the very beginning of a hopefully fruitful dialogue with the main stakeholders. 09-3860] Germany fully supports all the points stated earlier by the European Union Presidency. From Germany's point of view, today's discussion is an important step in a dialogue on peacekeeping encompassing the various initiatives that have been generated over the past months.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153Resumption1 (2009) · source

33. “And thirdly, the Security Council should remain fully engaged in mainstreaming the issue of children in armed conflict into all United Nations peacekeeping and political operations. In that regard, we welcome the deployment of an increasing number of child protection advisers in peacekeeping operations and the conceptual work on a policy directive in this field currently being finalized by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Let me conclude by reiterating our full support for the analysis and recommendations of the report of the Secretary-General and our firm commitment to join hands with all those striving to improve the situation of children affected by armed conflict worldwide.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

34. “Secondly, in our view, it is essential that the threat of forceful Security Council follow-up to reported violations against children remain credible. Regrettably, 19 of the approximately 60 armed groups listed by the Secretary-General in this year's report are persistent perpetrators which have been repeatedly listed for at least four years. We call upon the Security Council to consider strong and urgent measures, including targeted sanctions or referrals to the International Criminal Court where appropriate, against those parties that persistently ignore calls by the Security Council Working Group to cease their illegal practices with regard to children in armed conflict. What we need is more systematic communication between the Security Council Working Group and the relevant sanctions committees.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

35. “First, rape and other forms of sexual violence against children remain widespread in many armed conflicts and are exacerbated by a culture of impunity. Germany therefore welcomes and fully endorses the proposal made by the Secretary-General to expand the so-called trigger for the listing of perpetrators in the annex of the annual report to also include cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children in armed conflict. In that regard, Germany calls upon the Security Council to take appropriate steps as a matter of urgency. Synergies with other protection agendas, especially on sexual violence against women and children in situations of armed conflict, as set forth in Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), should be realized, for example with regard to data sharing.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

36. “This is no small achievement, given that these violations are often perpetrated in a rule of law vacuum. However, in our view, the impact of the United Nations child protection framework on the ground in situations of armed conflict is not as decisive as it could and should be. Important challenges remain. The international community must not watch and keep silent in the face of deteriorating conflict situations, like the one we are currently witnessing in Sri Lanka, affecting children in particular. An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is imperative in Sri Lanka to allow for a United Nations-assisted evacuation of those still trapped in the conflict zone, among them many children. Let me highlight three points to address the challenges that I have mentioned.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

37. “Resolution 1612 (2005) is rightfully regarded as a milestone, as it created an effective international monitoring and reporting mechanism for children and armed conflict and a Working Group to provide follow- up to those reports. Progress so far shows that the mechanism is working. It provides Member States with evidence of grave violations being committed against children in armed conflict, in particular concerning the illegal recruitment and use of children as soldiers. At the same time, the naming and shaming of perpetrators in the reports of the Secretary-General seems to have a real impact on the ground, as some parties to conflict enter into dialogue with United Nations country-level task forces or even adopt and implement time-bound action plans to address the grave violations for which they have been cited.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

38. “Germany attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of the rights of the child and, in particular, to the situation of children in armed conflict. I am proud to say that Germany is one of the main donors in this field, both bilaterally and multilaterally. We welcome the recent report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2009/158) and fully endorse the recommendations contained therein. At the same time, we are acutely aware that the United Nations child protection framework for children in armed conflict needs further strengthening. The international community has come a long way in dealing with the issue of the protection of children in armed conflicts since it was first included on the agenda of the Security Council in 1998.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

39. “Germany fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. Allow me to start by wishing you, Mr. President, all the best in your new function as the Chairman of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. My particular thanks also goes to France, as the outgoing chair, for its important and crucial contribution during the first formative years of the Working Group. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict for their dedicated engagement in taking this important issue forward. Finally, allow me to thank the staff of UNICEF and all other United Nations agencies participating in the monitoring and reporting mechanism for their valuable contributions.”

    2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source

40. “We would like to thank all the teams working under the umbrella of UNAMA, including UNDP and OCHA, as well as the many non-governmental organizations, members of the diplomatic corps and, last but not least, all personnel of the security forces for their efforts to improve the life of the Afghan people. Germany will live up to its international responsibilities and continue to support the Afghan people.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

41. “Against that background, we are looking forward to the conference to be held in The Hague later this month as an opportunity to signal the readiness of the international community to continue its support for Afghanistan and the region. Let me conclude by thanking Kai Eide for his tireless efforts and his successful leadership of UNAMA. The international community and Afghanistan have come a long way. Despite all the challenges ahead, we have been able to help improve living conditions in Afghanistan and to build schools for boys and girls, hospitals, bridges, streets, et cetera. That success was only possible thanks to all of the women and men from all over the world who are willing to serve in Afghanistan. Let me seize this opportunity to thank them all for their relentless efforts and their personal commitment.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

42. “Against that background, Germany fully supports the extension of the UNAMA mandate and welcomes the increase in UNAMA personnel on the ground. We are pleased to note that, from our point of view, the increased presence of UNAMA in the regions already starts to add value including in the areas of Mazar-e- Sharif, Kunduz and Faizabad. Fourthly and finally, we would like to emphasize the importance of a regional approach to solving the problems we are facing, not only in Afghanistan, and we encourage an increased level of cooperation in all fields. That cooperation remains essential for a peaceful and sustainable future for Afghanistan and will thus benefit the development of the whole region.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

43. “We encourage the Afghan Government to fight corruption and the trade and production of narcotic drugs with further increased dedication. Thirdly, Germany will continue to support reconstruction and development in Afghanistan. The year 2009 is seeing yet another increase in German contributions, to $220 million overall. We strongly believe that UNAMA must continue to play the leading role in coordinating all the civilian efforts of the international community, as agreed last summer in Paris. In that respect, we strongly support the process of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board as the core consulting mechanism. As a major contributor to the United Nations budget, we openly supported the considerable increase of UNAMA's budget for 2009, and we are looking forward to seeing tangible results.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

44. “In that context, Germany will, as indicated earlier, increase the number of troops on the ground in order to assist in safeguarding free and fair elections in Afghanistan. Germany strongly condemns recent attacks on political candidates in Afghanistan. With regard to the wider build-up of Afghan national security forces, Germany has again stepped up its efforts in police training by providing additional trainers and mentoring teams and has recently begun the implementation of the Focused District Development programme in Mazar-e-Sharif. We intend to further expand focused district development to other districts in the course of this year. Secondly, Afghan ownership and good governance remain key for the success of the efforts of the international community in supporting development in Afghanistan.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

45. “The international community, in particular through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is successfully supporting the Independent Electoral Commission in preparing these elections. We are looking with keen interest to the political process in Kabul to ensure a stable environment for the upcoming elections. We trust that our Afghan partners will work to ensure a viable and stable process that leads the country from May to August. Germany has continuously supported the United Nations Development Programme Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow project by donating $10 million in 2008. Germany will provide an additional $12 million for that programme in 2009. Especially with regard to the election process, security remains a critical concern.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

46. “I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his report (S/2009/ 135) and Special Representative Kai Eide for today's briefing. In addition, I would like to thank in particular Ambassador Tanin for his intervention. Germany fully supports the statement of the presidency of the European Union and shares the analysis it presented on the situation in Afghanistan. As an important contributor to civilian reconstruction and development programmes for Afghanistan and as a major troop contributor to the United Nations- mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations, Germany would like to highlight four points. First, the electoral process in Afghanistan is an important step for consolidating democratic development in Afghanistan.”

    2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source

47. “To conclude, let me affirm Germany's strong support for any efforts aimed at improving working methods. They send a clear message by the United Nations membership that comprehensive Security Council reform is urgently required. Improving working methods alone will not bring about the necessary change. We must address the fundamental issue - the necessity to bring the Security Council in line with the political realities of today's world. If we were to improve working methods without reforming Security Council structures, we would risk increasing the political frustration in large parts of the membership and eroding the authority of the Security Council.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

48. “President, so aptly pointed out in your concept paper (S/2008/528), I shall limit myself to one more aspect that is central to the German position. Previous achievements to improve the Council's working methods are laudable, and further efforts are essential in times of the tremendous increase in the prominence of this body. And yet, those efforts cannot be but small steps. Let us not lose sight of our actual goal: comprehensive Security Council reform. Let us continue to regard working methods as one, albeit a significant, aspect in a much wider context. Let us embrace today's debate as an important step in our endeavour to make the Council more transparent, interactive and efficient, but also more legitimate, representative and reflective of today's political realities.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

49. “That should include first and foremost Member States that have a vested interest in the item on the agenda under discussion, such as major troop-contributing countries and financial contributing countries, for instance. At the next stage, however, it may be fruitful to consider improved access to stakeholders other than Member States as well. Such direct consultations may provide the Council with a sounder basis for and increased legitimacy of its decisions. Interaction should also be strengthened within the United Nations, for example between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. It should be noted, however, that such considerations must not undermine efforts to make the working of the Council more efficient. Keeping in mind that statements in public meetings definitely need to be shorter, as you, Mr.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source

50. “Now that the United Nations Member States and the world watch with growing interest, transparency, more than ever, is of paramount importance if the Council is to meet expectations. We, therefore, welcome the progress thus far achieved in that field. Regular briefings by the presidency to non-Council members at the beginning of each month, for example, nowadays provide a useful forecast of and information about the monthly programme of work. Allow me to remark, Mr. President , that you set a very good example in that respect when you assumed the presidency of the Security Council at the beginning of this month. With regard to enhanced interaction with and involvement of non-Council members, we strongly support the notion that affected parties should have facilitated access to the Council.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source