YouSaid · the spoken record

Parham

lines on the record: 547
first: 2009-05-05
most recent: 2013-08-28
sittings or episodes: 90
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In particular, I would highlight the rule of law, an area in which Pristina must continue to work closely with EULEX, as well as the legal and regulatory obstacles to foreign investment. I welcome Foreign Minister Hoxhaj's assurance today that Kosovo remains committed to its relationship with EULEX and continues to seek a trustworthy and dynamic partner in its efforts to reform the rule of law sector. EULEX is playing an increasingly important role as it takes forward the investigation into Senator Marty's allegations of inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the pragmatic approach taken by both Belgrade and Pristina during their first three meetings. It is important that they build on that momentum and that both countries continue to engage in a constructive and flexible manner. Looking at wider developments in Kosovo, we welcome the assessment in the Secretary-General's report (S/2011/281) that the security situation in Kosovo, including in the north, has remained calm. We also welcome the reporting of clear and decisive action having been taken against organized crime and corruption from the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), working in partnership with the Government of Kosovo. Serious challenges remain. It is essential that the Government of Kosovo continue to actively address priority areas for reform.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“The new Government and the new President have already started work on the issues of key importance to Kosovo's future, namely, European Union (EU) integration, economic reform and regional cooperation, including the EU-facilitated dialogue with Serbia. We welcome the focus on delivering further positive development for all communities living in Kosovo. The EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is clearly vital to the future of both countries and to peace and prosperity in the region. With political will on both sides, the dialogue should deliver practical benefits aimed at improving trade, people-to- people contact and the quality of life of the citizens of Kosovo and Serbia. It will also support the progress of both countries towards EU accession.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“I wish to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lamberto Zannier for his briefing today and for his continuing strong leadership of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I would also like to welcome Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, the Foreign Minister of Kosovo, and Mr. Vuk Jeremic', Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, to the Council Chamber today. The past three months have proven to be an important time for Kosovo in consolidating its progress as an independent State. We have witnessed significant political uncertainties since the most recent Security Council debate (see S/PV. 6483), as a new Government was formed. Kosovo's institutions rose to the challenge and set a precedent for responsible, inclusive and democratic Government.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6534 (2011) · source
“However, we feel that some of the report's recommendations need further clarity and consultation, particularly those concerning the flexibility of mission resources. We welcome Under-Secretary-General Malcorra's plans to consult closely with Member States as that and other recommendations are taken up. Where recommendations are taken forward, that must happen within existing resource allocations. Finally, we welcome the plan for the Secretary- General to prepare a response to this initial report in the autumn.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“The report also rightly highlights the need for effective leadership. Successful United Nations missions depend on strong leadership. We must select the best candidates based on competence alone. We support the need for better training of leaders so that they can manage the post-conflict response more effectively. We also agree with the need for greater unity of effort so that we have a clear sense within the United Nations of who is doing what. That will be supported by having a clearer delineation of roles and responsibilities for the core peacebuilding sectors. Without that, we will not get the right investment to ensure a predictable and professional response. That is ever more important in an environment where resources are constrained.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“International capacity should only be used as a last resort. It is therefore important that international support be based on a thorough assessment of existing local capacity. To help where international deployments are needed, we support the proposal of establishing a civilian partnerships cell so that the United Nations can better tap into the expertise of Member States, regional organizations and other partners. Such a cell will help to widen the network of expertise and thus improve the ability to select people with intimate knowledge of a region or post-conflict needs. A network of centres of excellence will help to improve the quality and availability of experts and the supply to the United Nations and others. We need to see the benefits of such recommendations working quickly on the ground.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“The international community, including the United Nations, needs to be much more effective in helping build national capacities in post-conflict countries. The focus needs initially to be on building institutions that can generate the critical survival functions of the State: security, the rule of law and the economy. Without progress on security, justice and jobs, people will have little confidence in a nascent peace process or the State authorities. However, that will need to expand rapidly into other expected State functions, such as basic services, infrastructure and economic management. Getting the right civilian expertise deployed promptly to help a country deliver those core functions is therefore critical, but, as the report emphasizes, local capacity should have primacy.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“Many thanks to you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. I also express my thanks for the briefings that we have heard. Given the mounting demands on the United Nations to support countries emerging from conflict, such as the Sudan and cote d'Ivoire, this debate provides a timely opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to improve the effectiveness of the United Nations in peacebuilding. I would like to thank Mr. Guehenno, the Senior Advisory Group and the team based in the Peacebuilding Support Office for their efforts in generating the report before us (see S/2011/85). I am also delighted that Under-Secretary-General Susana Malcorra has been appointed to lead its implementation. We fully support the overarching approach of the report.”
2011-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6533 (2011) · source
“We need to redouble our efforts to ensure that humanitarian access is not impeded. We know that restrictions on access and attacks against aid workers are two of the biggest challenges in delivering humanitarian aid in the twenty-first century. Unfortunately, from Libya to the Sudan and from Syria to Cote d'Ivoire, access by humanitarian agencies to the most vulnerable has been hindered, and lives have been lost as a result. I would like to conclude by paying tribute to the work of the United Nations peacekeepers, whose job is to help protect vulnerable civilians around the world. I am sure that all of us here today will want to express our thanks for their continuing efforts.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“We welcome the report of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Sri Lanka and its comprehensive investigation into allegations of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by both sides during the military conflict, which ended in May 2009. We hope that the Government of Sri Lanka will respond constructively to the recommendations in the report, given the suffering of civilians during the conflict and the need for a process of national reconciliation. In Burma, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about reported attacks on civilians by the Burmese army in ethnic minority areas. We call upon the Burmese army and ethnic militia to make every effort to protect the civilian population and to bring to account those responsible for human rights abuses against them.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Despite the best efforts of the Syrian Government to suppress media coverage, we have witnessed the repeated and deliberate targeting of civilians and the use of tanks and other heavy weaponry against peaceful protesters. The United Kingdom utterly condemns the violence perpetrated by the Syrian security forces against civilians who are expressing their views in peaceful protests. We welcome the resolution passed by the Human Rights Council during its sixteenth special session, which unequivocally condemned the use of lethal violence on peaceful protesters by the Syrian authorities. Allow me to take a few moments to consider some topics that no longer feature as prominently under the spotlight of the world's media.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“In both cases, we believe that all abuses of human rights should be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators held accountable. All parties to a conflict have obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to permit humanitarian organizations access to affected civilians. In cote d'Ivoire, the United Kingdom strongly supports the robust posture of the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and its approach in implementing its mandate to prevent the use of heavy weapons and to protect civilians during the recent crisis. We believe that UNOCI took a pioneering step in increasing its level of responsibility for civilian protection, and, of course, it did so with the authorization and support of this Council.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Al-Qadafi's regime is still inflicting severe violence on Libya's civilian population. The United Kingdom has been consistently clear that the action being undertaken by the coalition forces is to protect the civilian population on the ground in Libya. Security Council resolution 1973 (2011) provided a legal basis for that action, expressly authorizing the use of force to protect civilians. We are ensuring carefully that our actions accord with the Security Council resolutions and our other international obligations and that they are designed precisely to protect civilians and to minimize civilian casualties. This year, the United Kingdom supported resolutions of the United Nations Human Rights Council on both Libya and Cote d'Ivoire, which established commissions of inquiry into alleged human rights abuses in the two countries.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Amos, Under- Secretary-General Le Roy and Assistant Secretary- General Simonovie for sharing their thoughts with the Council today. Civilian protection has taken on a new significance in recent months as worrying security situations and reports of human rights abuses in a number of countries continue to attract worldwide attention. Such situations warrant decisive action by the United Nations and the wider international community. In time, thorough investigations of abuses should take place and all those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. Many of the concerns raised during the course of today's briefings are shared by the United Kingdom. On Libya, the case for taking action to protect the civilian population remains compelling.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“The March Council decision states that restrictive measures may be imposed against persons who undermine the sovereignty, integrity or security of Bosnia and Herzegovina or undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement. Finally, the risk of spillover from the worsening political climate into the security situation has increased in recent months. As the High Representative makes clear in his report, the presence of the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR) continues to reassure citizens that they are safe despite the tense political situation. EUFOR's executive military mandate remains a crucial safeguard for Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“If, however, there is no decision of this nature by Republika Srpska authorities within the clear time frame set by the High Representative, the United Kingdom will strongly and firmly support the High Representative in taking whatever action he deems necessary to protect and uphold the United Nations- endorsed Dayton framework. In this context, I would also draw the attention of the Security Council to the conclusions of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in March, which expressed clear support for proposals from EU High Representative Ashton for possible EU restrictive measures. The EU now has a full range of tools and measures at its disposal to tackle challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“Its decisions are final and binding, and a challenge to the Bosnia and Herzegovina State Court that ignores those decisions represents a challenge to the Dayton Agreement. Republika Srpska state law should not touch on matters outside its own jurisdiction. Legally speaking, the status and powers of the High Representative are matters arising under the Dayton Peace Agreement and international law, which therefore do not fall within the purview of Republika Srpska. We therefore welcome all efforts to persuade the Republika Srpska to withdraw its referendum proposal and instead engage in constructive dialogue.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“We fundamentally disagree with the legal argumentation of the Republika Srpska authorities and firmly support the High Representative's analysis. The United Kingdom's view is clear: the High Representative derives his authority from the Dayton Peace Agreement, which has been endorsed by the Security Council under Chapter VII. It is therefore clearly inappropriate to make this authority the subject of a referendum. The Republika Srpska referendum question explicitly states that the State court and Prosecutor's Office were unconstitutionally formed. This fact has been refuted by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in three separate decisions. As the Republika Srpska acknowledges, the Constitutional Court's authority is established in the Dayton Agreement, and is therefore in the Bosnian Constitution.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“The Security Council cannot ignore or downplay the current challenge. This is not a technical issue. As the report of the High Representative (see S/2011/283) highlights, these decisions must also be seen in the broader context of repeated rhetorical attacks by the Republika Srpska on State-level institutions and a policy of obstructing, undermining and questioning their authority. Alongside this, President Dodik has questioned the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina, repeatedly questioned the sustainability of the country and, on occasions, openly advocated its dissolution. We have seen the letter from the Republika Srpska authorities that Ambassador Churkin mentioned.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“The Dayton framework requires political representation from all constituent peoples. Without flexibility and concerted effort, Bosnia and Herzegovina will remain stuck on the European Union accession track while its neighbours continue to move ahead. We are concerned in particular by conclusions adopted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly on 13 April. Those conclusions, including the proposal to hold a referendum on the authority of State-level judicial institutions and the decisions of the High Representative, represent a clear breach of the Dayton Agreement. The conclusions are a direct attack on the High Representative, whose authority has been endorsed in numerous Security Council resolutions, most recently last November (resolution 1948 (2010)). The Republika Srpska's actions threaten Bosnia and Herzegovina's overall stability.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“I express our thanks to the High Representative for his frank and dispassionate report. The United Kingdom strongly supports his ongoing work in Bosnia and Herzegovina and shares his deep concerns about the situation there and its deterioration over the past few months. Seven months after elections, there is still no new State-level Government. This has blocked progress on reforms that are essential if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to function properly and move towards a future in the European Union (EU) and NATO. Nationalist rhetoric across the Federation continues to challenge the institutions and integrity of the State. Political leaders must urgently engage in negotiations to create a new State-level Government that is focused on, and able to deliver, crucial reforms.”
2011-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6529 (2011) · source
“Each country in the region faces a unique set of circumstances, but at the very core of all the protests has been a desire for basic freedoms. Those aspirations must be met. That is as true for Palestinians as it is for Libyans, Tunisians, Egyptians, Yemenis or Syrians.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Its isolation only breeds radicalism, extremism and violence. However, the answer is not more flotillas, which are likely only to provoke violence and do not provide a solution. Israel must speed up the approvals process for international projects and move forward with the proposal of the Office of the Quartet Representative for imports of construction materials by private companies. Skepticism about the prospects for peace in the Middle East is not in short supply, but it is incumbent upon both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to look beyond immediate obstacles, to rise above domestic pressures and to give their people a sense of optimism for the future. As I said at the start, the lesson of the past months across the Middle East has been that people's demands cannot be crushed.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The surge in rocket attacks from Gaza that have injured Israeli citizens has to stop. Those responsible for the recent attacks on a Jerusalem bus station and an Israeli school bus must be brought to justice. Israel has a right to defend its citizens, but it must take care to avoid civilian casualties. As we have heard, action in Gaza over the past month has killed 18 civilians, including four children. Secondly, settlement activity, which has continued apace in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, must stop. It is illegal and undermines trust and the prospects for peace. We condemn Israel's decision to approve more than 900 settlement units in Gilo and the retrospective approval for construction in five West Bank settlements. The Israeli authorities should reconsider their decisions. Thirdly, there needs to be improved access to Gaza.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“In order for negotiations to be credible, they must be based on a clearly articulated set of parameters that are well known to us all: two States based on the 1967 borders with equivalent land swaps; security arrangements that protect Palestinian sovereignty, while also providing sufficient assurance to Israel; Jerusalem as the capital of both States; and a just solution for refugees. For there to be credible progress, the leaders of both parties must do more to narrow the gulf between them and to counter the growing lack of trust. I would highlight three points. First, they must do more to avoid violence, strengthen accountability, reduce tensions and avoid further loss of innocent lives. The recent escalation in violence is of great concern and only serves to widen the gulf between Palestinians and Israelis.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“It would be a great shame and, indeed, a source of continued instability if the hopes of the Palestinian people were left unfulfilled while the region is transformed around them. It is therefore crucial that urgent progress in the peace process be made. We are fast approaching September, which is the time frame set out by President Obama and the Quartet to welcome Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations, and the month that will mark the completion of the Palestinian Authority's State-building programme. If progress is to be made, the current impasse must be broken. The parties should commit to a new phase of direct negotiations.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Both Governments must respect the right to peaceful protest and free speech, address the legitimate aspirations of the protesters, bring forward the reforms that have been promised by Presidents Saleh and Al-Assad, and ensure that those reforms mark the start of a sustainable transition to new political systems that meet the aspirations of their people. Such events in the wider Middle East are relevant to the efforts to find a long-term solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Just as populations in the region are finding their voices and, in some cases, winning their rights, Palestinians, too, must realize their goal for a viable independent State of Palestine.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing. Over the past few months, we have witnessed seismic shifts across the Middle East. There have been tragic events, the loss of innocent lives and Governments' brutal repression of aspirations to change. However, there has also been the inspirational determination of people to struggle for their universal rights against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The key lesson has been that people's aspiration to freedom cannot be crushed. The only credible answer to legitimate popular demands is sustainable reform. As we speak, events continue to unfold across the region, including in Yemen and Syria. We unequivocally condemn the violence against and, indeed, the killing of peaceful demonstrators by the security forces of both countries.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Gbagbo and those close to him for financial sanctions and travel bans. Such measures are in support of the African Union's efforts to find a political solution, and respond to the calls made to the Security Council by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its communique of 24 March. The United Kingdom supports the continued efforts of the African Union and ECOWAS to implement a peaceful transfer of power and to avoid violence. Fourthly, the resolution also reinforces action to protect civilians. It does not alter the robust mandate of the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), under which the Operation is already authorized to use all necessary means to protect civilians, but it does reaffirm UNOCI's role in protecting civilians and preventing the use of heavy weapons against civilians.”
2011-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6508 (2011) · source
“This unanimous resolution sends an important message about the firm resolve of the international community to see a swift resolution to the political crisis in Cote d'Ivoire. It responds to an urgent situation. Events are moving fast on the ground. The security situation continues to deteriorate. And the position of civilians is of increasing concern. I would like to highlight four main points in the resolution. First, it condemns the violence in Cote d'Ivoire and calls for the implementation of a political solution. Secondly, it explicitly calls for Mr. Gbagbo to step aside to enable such a solution and calls for all Ivorian State institutions, including the Defence and Security Forces of Cote d'Ivoire, to yield to the authority vested by the Ivorian people in President Ouattara. Thirdly, it specifically targets Mr.”
2011-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6508 (2011) · source
“For example, the PBC could help to rally support internationally for specific recommendations in the review. We would also welcome the PBC's advice when we take this up in the Security Council later this year. We further think that the PBC would benefit from forging greater links with the new grouping of 17 fragile States, known as the g7+. That group provided useful insights under the Bosnian debate on institutional capacity-building. We should hear more from the group. The PBC could provide a platform for it here in New York. In conclusion, when we meet to discuss the PBC's annual report this time next year, we should look to see whether these objectives - results, advice and managing the PBC's capacity to best effect - are being met. The United Kingdom reiterates its commitment to helping to support their delivery.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“But for that to happen, the PBC, supported by the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO), needs to generate high-quality analysis on a particular problem and advice on possible options to overcome it and on what role different actors might play. The third focus concerns the capacity of the PBC itself and the need for countries to progress off its agenda. In the past six months, we have had the welcome addition of two countries onto the PBC's agenda, and there is a possibility that other high-profile countries may also seek referral. That will put an additional burden on the PBSO and on Member States. We need to explore the steps for graduating a country off the PBC's agenda or shifting to some lighter form of engagement. We also think that the PBC has an important role to play in championing the civilian capacity review.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“The first concerns results and the need for the PBC to demonstrate clearly its contribution to addressing critical peacebuilding bottlenecks for the countries on its agenda. For example, the PBC needs to focus on galvanizing all those who need to contribute to the establishment of regional justice hubs in Liberia. It needs to help galvanize action to support progress in the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States road map in Guinea-Bissau. And it needs to rapidly support the Guinean Government in taking forward security sector reform. The second objective concerns advice. We want the Security Council to seek the advice of the PBC regularly and proactively.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Ambassador Wittig and Ambassador Gasana for their very helpful briefings this morning. We are very grateful to Ambassador Wittig for his dedicated work over the past year, as well for the work of the Permanent Representatives of Canada, Belgium, Brazil, Jordan, Nepal and Switzerland in their roles as Chairs. The annual report (S/2011/41) and the review of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) provided useful opportunities to take stock of the PBC's work. They described many of the Commission's achievements, as well as the challenges that the PBC faces. In looking at the focus of the PBC over the coming months, we should, in our view, consider three particular objectives.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom is fully committed to continuing and strengthening those relationships, underlining our long- term commitment to the Government and people of Afghanistan. UNAMA's role across Afghanistan will become even more important as transition proceeds. The United Kingdom warmly supports the renewal of UNAMA's mandate.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“As we have heard repeatedly in this Chamber, Afghanistan cannot be secured by military means alone. A sustainable political settlement is essential to long-term stability and prosperity. It will underpin the military progress made by ISAF and the Afghan National Security Forces. We welcome the work of the High Peace Council in taking forward the political process, including its outreach to countries in the region and the provincial events that it has held to build support for the Afghan peace and reintegration programme. While the challenges that Afghanistan faces are considerable, we should acknowledge that progress is being made. Such progress is a result of the partnership among the Afghan Government, the international community and the United Nations.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Indeed, over the past year, the Afghan National Security Forces have expanded the area in the south of the country under Afghan Government control. If that progress is to be sustainable, it must be supported by development across the rule of law sector through the delivery of the commitments made at the Kabul Conference. We are ever mindful of the toll suffered by the civilian population as a result of the insurgency. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the insurgents' use of violence and tactics that deliberately intimidate the civilian population, including through assassination. The United Kingdom is committed to working with ISAF partners to take robust measures to protect civilians, and we welcome the continued progress made in that regard.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“As the move towards transition gathers pace, we will continue to work alongside the Afghan Government, as well as our International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners, towards President Karzai's objective of transferring lead security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces in all provinces by the end of 2014. The NATO defence ministerial meeting last week reaffirmed NATO's continuing commitment to a secure and stable Afghanistan. Since the Lisbon summit last November, the Afghan Government has made good progress in preparing for the start of transition. The Afghan National Security Forces are growing rapidly in size and capability, supported by improving governance and development. There have been a series of security operations in which they have played an increasing leadership role.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Any political settlement should be within a constitutional and democratic framework. To that end, we welcome the inauguration of Parliament and the election of a new Speaker for the lower house. Now that the 2009 and 2010 elections are over, this is the ideal time for the Afghan Government to press ahead with electoral reform. UNAMA has a central role to play in supporting the Government as it works to implement the commitments made by President Karzai at the Kabul Conference. We commend UNAMA and Mr. De Mistura for their work, and will continue to encourage their support of the Afghan Government in that area.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“The United Kingdom also agrees that, in line with the London and Kabul Conference communiques, donors should aim to channel at least 50 per cent of development aid through the Afghan Government's core budget and to align 80 per cent of aid to the national priority programmes. As Mr. Rassoul says, UNAMA has the primary responsibility for promoting aid coherence. UNAMA performs a vital role in Afghanistan, coordinating the international effort in building a more stable and secure country, working closely with and in support of the Government of Afghanistan. UNAMA can perform that role only if it has the full support of the Afghan Government and if its staff can operate where it is needed. While there are no plans at present to open new offices, UNAMA's work must not be limited to particular areas or zones of the country.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Foreign Minister Rassoul's letter, circulated to the Council last week (see S/2011/118), rightly highlights United Nations work in recent years in support of lasting peace, security and development in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom supports Mr. Rassoul's call for the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to correspond with the principles of greater Afghan leadership and ownership, in line with the mutual commitments made at the Kabul Conference last July and with an emphasis on transition. The draft resolution currently being negotiated by the members of the Council does exactly that.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“I would like to join Council colleagues in thanking the Secretary- General for his report (S/2011/120*), Special Representative of the Secretary-General De Mistura for his briefing, and Ambassador Tanin for his statement. The year 2011 is another important year for Afghanistan. As transition gathers momentum, the international community must continue to support Afghanistan in making progress on the political and civilian tracks. That is critical to securing a sustainable political settlement and long-term stability in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom is committed to working with the Afghan Government, the United Nations and the wider international community towards that goal.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“At the same time, the wider United Nations family must work towards addressing the longer-term needs of the county, in close collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste. We stress the importance of the High-Level Committee on Transition in this regard. United Nations involvement in Timor-Leste has the potential to be a beacon of success, modelling how peacekeeping operations can be drawn down as civilian peacebuilders continue their vital work. The United Kingdom encourages the United Nations to seize this opportunity.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“We call on the Government of Timor-Leste to give priority to resolving this unsatisfactory situation. The Government should also continue to take a firm stance against impunity and to bring perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide to justice. It is important that work on legislation providing for follow-up to the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation make real progress alongside work on reparations for victims of past abuses. It is imperative that the United Nations now prioritize planning for its post-2012 presence. UNMIT must plan a coherent, realistic and durable exit strategy, enabling civilian peacebuilding actors to take the lead in helping shape Timor-Leste's future. We look forward to receiving a detailed update on this planning in the Secretary-General's report later this year.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“We expect to see this rapidly accelerated after the election in 2012. The drawdown should be regarded as a display of trust in the PNTL's ability to re-establish itself as the primary provider of security in Timor-Leste. The Government of Timor-Leste can play an important role by ensuring that its police are sufficiently equipped with important enablers such as generators, communications facilities and office equipment to enable the PNTL to reach its full potential. The Government of Timor-Leste should also ensure - as some of my colleagues have highlighted - that the integrity of the PNTL is not compromised. The words of Prime Minister Gusmao this morning on this subject were encouraging. But we are concerned at the news that 52 serving PNTL officers who face serious criminal charges have been certified.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“Their work is now bearing fruit as the Government increasingly assumes responsibility for domestic security. We are particularly encouraged by the imminent handover of all policing districts to the national police forces - the PNTL - and the fact that this transition is being accomplished without any increase in crime or disorder. The successful handover to the PNTL marks a step towards the end of the United Nations peacekeeping role. We do not envisage that the Security Council will need to extend UNMIT's peacekeeping mandate beyond February 2013. As we prepare for UNMIT's departure in two years' time, it is right that the United Nations police (UNPOL) should begin its drawdown now. We note the small drawdown of UNPOL personnel recently recommended by the Secretary-General.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“I wish to express our thanks to Prime Minister Gusmao and to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ameerah Haq, for their briefings today and to all the personnel of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) for their dedication to assisting the people of Timor-Leste. The next two years will determine the prospects for a stable and peaceful future for Timor-Leste and its people. The elections in mid-2012 remain the most significant milestone ahead. As Timor-Leste works towards those elections, we are pleased that the security situation continues calm and that there has been clear and steady improvement since 2006. The men and women of UNMIT deserve credit for their role in ensuring the stabilization of Timor- Leste.”
2011-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6485 (2011) · source
“Azubalis has a clear and pragmatic vision for making progress on all of those areas. We offer our full support to his efforts to achieve those objectives.”
2011-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6481 (2011) · source
“Much more needs to be done to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus. We reiterate our call to the Belarusian Government to reconsider its position. Human rights and fundamental freedoms are an essential element in promoting and maintaining peace and security. That includes freedom of the media. Too many journalists in several OSCE States work We also commend the close cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. The prestigious role of the OSCE Chairmanship- in-Office brings with it important responsibilities to promote and embody the principles of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy, good governance and the rule of law, on which the OSCE is founded. The work programme set out for us underlines that Mr.”
2011-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6481 (2011) · source