YouSaid · the spoken record

Quinlan

lines on the record: 1,257
first: 2009-06-26
most recent: 2014-12-30
sittings or episodes: 160
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

“Settlements are illegal under international law; they undermine the prospects for peace and directly threaten the Viability of a contiguous Palestinian State, and hence a negotiated two-State solution. The recent announcements in the E-l block were of particular concern and took us further away from the path to peace, and we continue to be deeply concerned by instances of settler violence. We also call on the Palestinian Authority to exercise restraint and to avoid provocative actions at international forums. We urge the Palestinians to resolve their internal differences, unite for peace and cease acts of violence against Israel. At the same time, we need to reinforce the role of the Palestinian Authority, which is fundamental to stability in the region.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“General Assembly resolution 67/19 on the Palestinians' status as a non-member observer State reflected international support for a future Palestinian State, as well as deep concern about the continuing stalemate on the ground. Australia abstained in the voting on the resolution, reflecting both our support for a Palestinian State and our concern that the only way to achieve the reality of statehood for Palestinians is through direct negotiations. Australia urged both Israel and the Palestinians not to exploit or overreact to the vote. Instead, actions by both sides must be in the interests of peace, and neither side should create obstacles to that objective. Australia has therefore been deeply concerned by Israel's decisions to expand settlements.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“Obviously, we welcomed the ceasefire and commended Egypt's leadership role in brokering the agreement, with support from others. But it is critical for the ceasefire's the effective implementation that efforts to prevent the flow of weapons into Gaza be intensified. And while acknowledging that Israel has already taken some steps in this regard, there is an urgent need for a further relaxation of restrictions on the flow of lawful goods into and out of Gaza so that the Gazan econony can grow. Of course, a ceasefire does not guarantee lasting peace. The only way to secure that, as we know, is for both Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations without preconditions towards a two-state solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“I thank Robert Serry for his report. We welcome the presence of Palestinian Foreign Minister Malki an Israel's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Prosor. So often in this Council, we say that the situation between Israel and the Palestinians is at a crucial juncture, and it often is. But we now seem to be facing a decisive stage. The status quo is self-evidently unsustainable. The prospect of a two-State solution is quickly disappearing. It is time for a new effort to resuscitate the peace process, but with a genuine focus not on the process but on the objective - peace. The conflict in Israel and Gaza in November 2012 highlighted again the fundamental risks to peace and security of allowing the status quo to continue. Australia condemned the rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza. We recognized Israel's right to defend itself.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“We also need to further mainstream the analysis of terrorism, its causes and measures to address it into the United Nations peace and security agenda, including the mandates of political missions and peacebuilding efforts. In conclusion, let me emphasize that, as a newly elected member of the Security Council, Australia will continue to strongly support the Council's ongoing efforts to combat and prevent terrorism. As the threat continues to evolve, our strategies to counter it also need to improve. The Council's role will continue to be central in that regard. No matter how hard the task, we must be a step ahead.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“The Centre has trained more than 12,000 officers and, in the process, built understanding ofthe common challenges and diverse needs ofthe Asia- Pacific region, strengthened personal relationships that deliver cooperation across borders, and developed a sense of common purpose. We need more of those regional facilities in other regions. Australia is committed to working with others to achieve that. At the global level, effective coordination among United Nations entities is necessary to promote a comprehensive approach. The appointment of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator would enhance strategic and operational cohesion and should happen. As others have mentioned, more cooperation is needed globally to prevent the financing of terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“An effective, comprehensive approach to terrorism also demands strong collaboration and coordination nationally, regionally and globally. Effective coordination at the national level requires systematic cooperation between law enforcement agencies and with other agencies that are better equipped to address the causes of terrorism, such as agencies for youth, culture, religion, education and community affairs. That means frequent communication about threats, operations and long-term objectives. States also need to strengthen collaboration with regional networks. We have learned from experience with the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation the real benefits of bringing together regional law-enforcement professionals for training in a dedicated facility.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Clearly, States need to be innovative in using modern communications to promote those values. The Internet provides a perfect medium for terrorists to recruit, propagate their ideology and secure financing. Research is showing that young people - those most susceptible to extremists' messaging - are more familiar with the terrorist narrative than they are with the positive counter-narrative. Governments need to drive the debate on the Internet and through social media to ensure that their positive messaging is heard above the extremists' messaging. We must also continue to communicate the values of tolerance, understanding, equality and diversity at the international level. The Alliance of Civilizations and interfaith dialogue, such as the regional dialogue we have had in South-East Asia for the past decade, are still crucial.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“The world is experiencing a tremendous youth bulge. As China's Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said this morning, the average age of terrorists is decreasing. Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest vulnerabilities in all regions and societies. We need to make urgent progress in engaging youth in our societies, most basically by generating jobs. The second is promoting values that, when broadly subscribed, can help communities resist the terrorists' message. Those values include tolerance, understanding and dialogue within and between religions and cultures, as well as respect for diversity. The third is strengthening the rule of law and ensuring fairness and equality before the law, so as to remove a potential grievance that is often exploited by terrorists.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Effectively managing and rehabilitating extremist detainees is therefore increasingly important for prevention. Sharing best practices and developing common strategies for that is essential. The Global Counter-Terrorism Forum's work in that area has been highlighted today. Australia, Indonesia and other South-East Asian countries are using that work to develop regional approaches. Terrorist organizations continue to recruit new members and sympathizers. To defeat terrorism, we must counter the forces that drive it. That means strengthening our societies to reject violent extremism. Approaches will vary depending upon circumstances, but some common elements include the following. The first is ensuring inclusive communities where everyone has a voice and where everyone has access to education, with strong curriculums, and access to work.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“That is very clear from all the comments that have been made today, so I will limit my comments to addressing two crucial elements of a comprehensive approach: effective prevention, and strengthened cooperation and coordination within and between States. States have had considerable success in prosecuting terrorists and degrading major terrorist networks. That is certainly the case in Australia's own region of South- East Asia, where, for example, Indonesia has prosecuted more than 600 terrorists since the Bali bombings in 2002. However, that shared law enforcement success has also exposed a key challenge: prisons are, in many cases, a weak link in our counter-terrorism efforts. Terrorists continue to recruit and plan attacks from prison, and the reality is that many prisoners are now beginning to be released.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“The nature of the threat and the methods and strategies of terrorist groups are constantly evolving and presenting new risks. We are now engaged against terrorism's direct threat in Mali and the Sahel. Of course, States' understanding of the most effective ways to tackle terrorism has also evolved. Evidence and experience are accumulating, enabling us to refine approaches and improve our effectiveness. We know that good intelligence, strong law enforcement and prosecutions are important, but we also know that they are not enough. We must also tackle the drivers of terrorism, the terrorist narrative and the processes of radicalization. The Security Council shares a strong commitment against terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, for Pakistan's leadership in hosting this debate. We know that Pakistan is on the front line of terrorism. The terrible attacks in Quetta, the Swat Valley and elsewhere in Pakistan in the past week have been a stark reminder of this. In the face of that violence, the example of Malala Yousafzai and her fellow students is inspirational. It must strengthen our determination to oppose terrorism and it must be our beacon. Terrorism is still one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and therefore must remain a decisive focus for the Council. The threat is now more diffuse and decentralized, but the fact is that in the past few years some 12,000 people have been killed in terrorist attacks annually, and States and regions are still destabilized.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“To conclude, as Australia itself prepares to serve on the Security Council in 2013 and 2014, Afghanistan will remain a major area of concern for us. We look forward to working with all Council members and interested parties during this critical time in Afghanistan's transition. Australia remains committed to supporting Afghanistan in assuming full responsibility for its own security, and to bringing enhanced opportunities for its people to improve their livelihoods in a safe and secure environment. One would expect no less, and that is what we will try to do.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“Much progress has been made over the past decade, and we are confident that international resolve to support Afghanistan through transition and beyond 2014 will remain strong. The United Nations continues to play a critical role in that project. Australia welcomes the ongoing commitment of the United Nations and strongly supports UNAMA's mandate. We appreciate UNAMA's efforts to right-size its mission in the context of mandate review and significant fiscal constraints, while maintaining an important network in Afghanistan's provinces. But we must ensure that those constraints do not compromise the essential ongoing work of UNAMA or of other United Nations agencies in Afghanistan, such as the Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees .”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“We welcome Afghan Government efforts to implement the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Of course, more remains to be done, and in that regard we look to the recommendations of UNAMA's recent report on the Law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The Secretary-General's report notes the establishment of a police women mentoring programme, aimed at building the capacity of female police officers to help address violence against women and raise awareness among male officers of the importance of integrating women into the police force as equal members. Such initiatives are to be encouraged. They will build a stronger police force, develop community confidence and enhance equality.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“The continued targeting of civilians remains a serious strategy of the Taliban and highlights the need for in-depth training for the Afghan security forces and sustained international support for the Afghan Government. Australia welcomes efforts to mitigate the threat from insider attacks, which, as we know only too well, have claimed lives recently, including those of Australian personnel. The broader strategic threat of insider attacks comes not from the attacks themselves, but from the risk that we do not respond to them correctly. The best evidence that we will prevail against the threat from insider attacks is that we have not allowed and must not allow them to disrupt our training and operations in Afghanistan. I must say that continued violence against women remains a serious concern for all of us.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“We encourage the Afghan Government to leverage as much assistance as possible from UNAMA and the international community, particularly following the conclusion of the needs assessment mission, which will help to define the areas where assistance is needed more closely. Despite progress, the Secretary-General's report does outline some worrying trends. While there has been a decline in overall levels of violence, the rise in civilian casualties is obviously of great concern, particularly the significant increase in deaths from insurgent attacks. That trend demonstrates the ruthlessness of the insurgency. The Taliban remains capable and determined.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“It is essential that this momentum be sustained to build the foundations for reconciliation and a durable political settlement. UNAMA itself has an important role to play in facilitating an Afghan-led process, including through its good offices and innovative track-two mechanisms. The international community can and should assist in preparing for elections. Credible, inclusive and transparent elections in 2014 and 2015 will play a decisive role in Afghanistan's decade-long transformation. As hard as they are, accelerated efforts and further reform in preparation for the elections remain critical.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“The international community has made it clear over the past 12 months that it remains absolutely committed to securing Afghanistan's future stability, a fact that we should underscore to all parties in Afghanistan by emphasizing the need to end violence and join a political settlement. We have said that before. We have made it clear. The Council's recent adoption of resolution 2082 (2012), renewing the sanctions regime on the Taliban, was a positive example of the Council further enabling the reconciliation process. Recent visits to Pakistan by High Peace Council Chair Rabbani and Foreign Minister Rassoul demonstrate promising cooperation and concrete outcomes. It is worth recalling that both sides appealed to the Taliban to participate in an Afghan-led, Afghan- owned reconciliation process.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“The year 2013 will now bring important preparations for the period after transition is complete and when the Government of Afghanistan will have full responsibility for security. International political and diplomatic efforts to support peace and stability in Afghanistan and in its region will be central to ensuring the irreversibility of progress made during the transition. I would like to highlight two key issues in the Secretary-General's quarterly report (S/2012/907) that will be crucial to long-term stability in Afghanistan: political settlement and the conduct of national elections. The revitalization of the High Peace Council and its efforts to work towards a political solution is obviously very welcome.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“First, I must thank Ambassador Peter Wittig and the German Mission for their leadership on Afghanistan in the Council over the past two years. I also recognize Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jan Kubis for his ongoing leadership in-country at such a critical juncture and also all the personnel of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I must also acknowledge and thank Ambassador Zahir Tanin for his leadership, tenacity and collegiality here in New York. The year 2012 has seen serious progress in strengthening the partnership between Afghanistan and the international community and in establishing an essential, comprehensive international framework for supporting Afghanistan beyond 2014.”
2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source
“But while we take humanitarian steps to help those affected by the conflict, the international community must also continue to pursue whatever steps we can towards a political solution. The Council's role in that respect remains, obviously, essential.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“While the outlook in Syria is very bleak, it is equally important - indeed, imperative - for us to still focus on our need to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. As the third-largest national donor, my own country is and will remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance. We are especially concerned about the need to protect medical facilities and personnel. All parties to the conflict must respect and adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law and ensure the safe and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel. We have been very actively talking with others over the past few weeks to see if we can find new ways to protect hospitals and health workers in Syria, and we will continue to do so.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We support the efforts of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Lakhdar Brahimi, to find a way through the crisis. But it is well past the time for President Al-Assad to reverse course and end the violence which he has unleashed on his own people. President Al-Assad has been given many opportunities by the international community to take a different path, and he must do so immediately. The recent incidents across the Syrian-Turkish border are of grave concern and underscore the serious regional dimension to the Syrian crisis. We echo the Council's condemnation of the Syrian attack and call on Syria to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours. We also recognize the significant burden being faced by Syria's neighbours, including Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“As a significant donor, we participated in the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians held in New York on 23 September, which was a very depressing meeting. It is essential that the international community continue to support the Authority, whose effective functioning is a vital source of stability in the region. We call on all donors to live up to their commitments in that respect. Turning now to the appalling human tragedy which is taking place in Syria, we remain deeply concerned, as is everyone else, that the Council has been unable to adopt a Chapter VII resolution to ensure there are real consequences for President Al-Assad's non-compliance with Council resolutions 2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012).”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“A Palestinian State must not just be independent; it must be viable and contiguous. Settlement activity, which is illegal under international law, must cease. Australia remains opposed to any steps towards legalizing outposts. It is also imperative that all violence against civilians, including rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza, end immediately. All people in the region need to be able to pursue their lives free from the threat of violence. At a time when negotiations have stalled, one important cause for optimism has been the success which President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad have had in building the institutions for a Palestinian State. However, that decisive achievement is coming under threat, as we know, due to the serious financial crisis facing the Palestinian Authority.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In a period of tremendous change in the Arab world, the status quo in the Middle East peace process is simply untenable. The status quo cannot provide the lasting peace and security which Palestinians, Israelis and all the peoples of the region deserve. The prospects for a negotiated peace based on a two-State solution are disappearing, and this genuinely concerns us. It is therefore now more important than ever that negotiations between the parties resume as a matter of urgency. While the parties themselves must resolve through negotiations the final shape of an agreement, for meaningful progress to be made and for negotiations to be credible in order to start, they should take place on the basis of the 1967 boundaries, with agreed land swaps. The continuing settlement activity in the West Bank remains a fundamental concern.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this debate and Under-Secretary-General Feltman for his briefing this morning. Australia shares the world's frustration at the standstill in the Middle East peace process. We share the frustration of the Palestinians and their strong and legitimate desire to have their own State. We also share Israel's legitimate concerns to ensure its own security and the security of its people. That security would, of course, be best guaranteed through an effective and genuine two-State solution. Those are the messages we have consistently expressed to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, including over the past 12 months. It has now been 19 years, as we know, since the Oslo Accords, and a decade since the historic Arab Peace Initiative, and yet ajust and lasting solution still evades us.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Australia welcomes efforts by the Afghan Government and coalition forces to mitigate the threat from insider attacks, which, as we know only too well, have claimed many lives recently, including those of Australian personnel. As tragic as such incidents are, we must not let them dent our resolve to see our mission through, so Afghanistan does not again provide sanctuary for international terrorism. To conclude, my Government remains committed to working with the Afghan Government, the Afghan people and our international partners to ensure that, after far too long, the people of Afghanistan can once again enjoy peace and stability. Of course, we all know that this will come only with resolve, strong mutual commitment, relentless hard work and long-term strong commitment. My own country will remain committed to that.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Regional cooperation is also important for security, a peace process and economic development. Australia will continue supporting the "Heart of Asia" process, and we look forward to the next round of meetings here in New York next week. The process of transferring security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces is proceeding well. While the transition process will inevitably experience challenges, it remains on track, and that must be recognized. The Security Forces' security leadership, as we know, covers 75 per cent of the population. By the middle of next year, the Security Forces will lead the delivery of security across their nation.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Clearly, however, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure the elections' success. We support the work of the United Nations on elections, and, through our development partnership, Australia is working to promote participation in public debate and Government decision-making, particularly by Afghan women. The importance of an Afghan-led peace process, the work of the High Peace Council, and the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme were all reinforced at Tokyo. However, the fact is that there has been, unfortunately, little progress in peace talks. Those have effectively stalled. Despite the challenges, political dialogue will be key to securing Afghanistan's future, and peace cannot be made at the expense of the gains of the past decade, particularly in human rights, democracy or the rights of women and children.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“The presence ofthe United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) sends a reassuring signal of the collective resolve to protect the progress that is being made. We welcome the Secretary-General's assurances in his most recent report (S/2012/703) that despite a substantial decrease in resources to UNAMA, the United Nations commitment for Afghanistan is undiminished, and we ourselves remain a strong supporter of the UNAMA mandate. The successful conduct of the political transition in 2014, accepted by the Afghan people, is critical to Afghanistan's future stability, and, to this end, credible presidential and parliamentary elections are vital. We welcome the commitment Afghanistan has made to announce its election timetable, consistent with its Constitution and domestic laws, by early 2013.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Since the Council last met, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on development cooperation, which provides a long-term framework to ensure the effective implementation of Australia's development partnership with Afghanistan. We welcome the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework and Afghanistan's vision of self-reliance. It is now up to us and the Afghan Government to implement the Framework. Through the Framework, Afghanistan itself now has the tools it needs to make progress on peace and security, to improve governance and economic development, to tackle corruption and protect human rights, and to develop regional cooperation and private-sector and civil society engagement. We know that the role of the United Nations will become increasingly important as the international military presence is reduced.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Such support, which, as we know, included pledges for the Afghan National Security Forces and $16 billion over four years, underlines the importance of Afghanistan's stability, not just for itself, but for regional and global security. The outcomes of those key meetings send an undiluted message both to the people of Afghanistan and to the insurgency: Afghanistan will not again be abandoned. My own country has underpinned our bilateral relationship through a comprehensive long-term partnership, increasing our development assistance from $165 million this year to $250 million by 2015, and providing $100 million a year to the Afghan National Security Forces' sustainment.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for Germany's continuing leadership on Afghanistan here in New York. Allow me to especially welcome the important presence of His Excellency Foreign Minister Rassoul and Special Representative of the Secretary- General Kubis. 2012 will be remembered as the year when the common goal we have of a secure and stable Afghanistan, with strong prospects for long-term economic and social development, was underwritten by unprecedented support from the international community. The commitments pledged at the Chicago summit, and most recently at the Tokyo Conference, give us the best chance at reaching that goal.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“To conclude, we have seen elsewhere in the region - including, most recently, in Libya - that the most effective means for balancing the competing interests inherent in any society is the establishment of fair and inclusive democratic processes that enable all citizens and groups to give voice to their Views and to select a Government that can represent them. Similarly, our collective efforts on Syria must be directed towards an immediate end to violence and the realization of a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all of Syria's citizens.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Kofi Annan, to ensure that there were real consequences for non-compliance with resolutions 2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012). It is incumbent on all of us not to protect a brutal regime that has lost all legitimacy. President Al-Assad must reverse course, must live up to his obligations under Mr. Annan's peace plan, and must end the violence immediately, including the use of heavy weapons against civilians. The humanitarian dimension of the conflict looms particularly large, including forthehundreds of thousands who have been displaced. The regional implications of this conflict are serious, and we acknowledge the heavy burden borne by Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan in providing assistance. To help alleviate this burden, we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to agencies and non-governmental organizations.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The final realization ofthe two-State solution is in the long-term interest of both parties in that it enables the Palestinians to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination and provides for Israel's long-term security. The terrible and worsening situation in Syria is, obviously, of grave concern to us all. The violence has moved to a new level of brutality. It is Syrian civilians, including women and children, who have borne the brunt of that Violence and who must remain at the forefront of our collective efforts to find a peaceful solution. Like others, Australia was greatly disappointed by the Council's failure to adopt a Chapter VII resolution, which would have fulfilled the call of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States to Syria, Mr.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Australia is also especially concerned that all violence against civilians, including rocket attacks from Gaza that target Israeli civilians, must cease immediately. We must also continue to support Palestinian efforts to build their institutions and to enhance their governance capacity. The progress made in that area must not be wound back. To that end, my own country signed a five-year multi- million-dollar partnership agreement with the Palestinian Authority as a means of promoting a degree of certainty to Palestinian finances. In May, we signed an Australian $90-million multi-year partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA's focus on education and health-care programmes, in particular, is a vital investment in the human capital essential to building a successful Palestinian State.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The year 2012 has seen some modest progress towards negotiations, led first by Jordan's King Al Hussein and Foreign Minister Judeh, and then by the parties themselves, through an exchange of letters between President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, those encouraging signs have not been followed by what is the only path to realizing a just solution to the conflict, namely, an immediate resumption of direct negotiations on the basis of the 1967 boundaries, with agreed land swaps. To achieve that, both sides must refrain from actions that are damaging to the peace process. In particular - and as nearly all who participate in these debates, including Australia, have consistently said - the expansion of Israeli settlements must end.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate and I thank Special Coordinator Robert Serry for his report. I would first like to join others in expressing Australia's strong condemnation of the appalling bombing in Bulgaria on 18 July. As we know, such terrorist attacks are not acceptable under any circumstances, and we express our condolences to the people of Israel and Bulgaria. Like many countries, Australia is greatly concerned about the current standstill in the Middle East peace process. The world has repeatedly called for a two-State solution, which allows for a secure Israel and a viable and independent Palestinian State living side by side. But the mere repetition of that essential goal, which remains the only credible solution to the conflict, will not achieve results on the ground.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“To conclude, my own Government is determined to continue working with the Afghan Government and people, and our other partners in the international community, in support of a goal that, as we have all said and know, is in everybody's interests - a secure and stable Afghanistan whose Government, institutions and economy are on an irreversible path to long-term and sustainable development.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“The Heart of Asia process, including the recent Kabul ministerial conference, is foundational to achieving this goal, and we commend the leadership of Turkey in particular in this process. The implementation of the confidence-building measures from the Kabul ministerial conference will be a significant next step. Australia has committed to supporting the Heart of Asia countries in implementing such measures for education and commercial opportunities. We also thank Kazakhstan for its offer to host the next ministerial meeting in the first half of 2013.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“UNAMA's own support for peace and reconciliation efforts remains important. Reconciliation is obviously a complex and protracted process, but we know that lasting stability in Afghanistan can be achieved only through dialogue and Afghan-led processes of reconciliation and reintegration. We commend the Secretary-General for highlighting the important role that women can and should play in shaping positive outcomes. Gender issues remain decisive for a successful Afghanistan, and we expect that they will be central to much of the discussion at the Tokyo conference. In concluding, as we are all aware, Afghanistan will become stable only if a secure external environment is achieved.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Successful presidential and parliamentary elections in 2014 and 2015 are, of course, indispensable for future stability in Afghanistan. But clarity about the future political process is needed quickly to ensure that the necessary planning and preparations can begin. We welcome the assurance in the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/462) that the United Nations will remain an active partner in coordinating international assistance in the next round of elections, and we look forward to ongoing close cooperation among UNAMA, the Afghan authorities and the international community, including ourselves, in support of credible and inclusive electoral processes. Reconciliation and reintegration have a long way to go, but the insurgents need to understand that there is no alternative to them.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Clear financial commitments from international partners will be needed. To this end, Australia has committed to increasing its own development assistance from $165 million to $250 million per year. As we know, the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will become even more important as the transition process advances. Therefore, the cuts to UNAMA's budget, foreshadowed by the Secretary-General, will require some hard, dexterous and creative reprioritization of UNAMA's efforts, but its core mission to support and underpin successful, enduring transition in Afghanistan must be preserved. We encourage UNAMA to consult closely with international partners on arrangements for its ongoing presence.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“To underpin this long-term commitment, Afghan President Karzai and Australian Prime Minister Gillard signed a comprehensive long-term partnership in Chicago. As the Secretary-General has highlighted, the insurgency continues to threaten peace and stability, but its momentum has been severely degraded and security conditions remain good in areas that have transitioned thus far. But as we know, to ensure security gains are properly sustained, we need to redouble our efforts to support Afghanistan's economic growth and development. We support the Secretary-General's call for next month's Tokyo conference to deliver a very clear message that Afghanistan will not be abandoned in its social and development needs. We must identify those needs and the resources required and available to meet them.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, and Under-Secretary-General Ladsous, Executive Director Fedotov and our close colleague, Ambassador Tanin. The year 2012 is proving, obviously, to be a major milestone for Afghanistan. The Chicago Summit's recommitment to Afghanistan was an unmistakable statement to the insurgency. The commitments to resourcing the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) after 2014 were significant, as was the agreement that NATO would lead a mission to train, advise and assist the ANSF, including Afghan special forces. Australia itself will contribute $100 million per year towards ANSF sustainability and provide training to the ANSF after 2014. We will consider a special forces contribution, with the agreement of the Afghan Government and under the right mandate.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“My third, and final, issue concerns the use of powerful explosive weapons in populated areas without proper regard for international humanitarian law restrictions, which is a clear violation of the limits of conflict. We support the Secretary-General's recommendations on this. We encourage greater collection ofdata on the issue. We welcome the Council's attention to this threat in Syria, and we encourage the Council to be systematic in its approach in this area. In conclusion, we hope that today's discussions will serve to strengthen consensus on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and to enhance the Council's work in support of the protection of civilians. Such protection, as we know, is fundamental to the Council's purpose.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source