YouSaid · the spoken record

Raz

lines on the record: 91
first: 2019-03-15
most recent: 2020-09-15
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“We are grateful for them and for the collaborative spirit of all members of the Security Council, who unanimously supported the resolution. We look forward to continuing to work together towards the fulfilment of our common aspiration for peace and stability in Afghanistan. The meeting rose at 12.55 p.m.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“The new Afghanistan is no longer a dream, but a reality built through the strength and resilience of Afghans. We pledge to protect this reality during the negotiations with the Taliban. Afghans want peace — a peace that maintains the hard-won rights embodied in our Constitution, a peace that provides freedoms and opportunities to all Afghans, a peace that preserves our inclusive and representative republic, our free and energetic media, and our strong regard for the protection and promotion of human rights. Finally, I would like to express my very sincere gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable hard work of the delegations of Germany and Indonesia as the co-penholders who led the Council towards the unanimous adoption of resolution 2543 (2020) today.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“At this time, allow me to also take a moment to pay tribute to all the United Nations staff members who have sacrificed their lives for our common dream of building a peaceful and prosperous nation from the ground up. Our nation values their sacrifice, and we will continue to build on their legacy. Consistently when taking the floor at the Security Council, I have spoken about the new Afghanistan — a country that emerged from darkness two decades ago and which is today being led by Afghans from different segments of our society, including women and youth, and which comprises a diversity of ethnic groups that make up our rich and unique national identity. Through its pursuit of peace, this new Afghanistan will demand that our ideals be upheld and that our country become a thriving nation, a leader and example in our region.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“Our fight against narcotics requires a comprehensive and consolidated approach, with the Afghan Government’s leadership and ownership, and we know that any post- peace development strategy would be incomplete if this shared challenge were not addressed. Resolution 1401 (2002) initiated a strong relationship between Afghanistan and the United Nations, which has helped to bring us to this culmination in our journey as a young democracy. This collaboration has contributed to the consolidation of our democracy, the strengthening of the rule of law and the creation of stronger institutions that will help us to continue our efforts aimed at achieving self-reliance and sustainability.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“Consistent with what I have said in the Security Council before, the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners was not a simple and easy decision for the Government and the people of Afghanistan to make, but we have accepted this difficult compromise in order to achieve an end to violence and conflict. The important role of regional partners, neighbours and our international allies and friends, especially the United Nations, is crucial in our peace talks and in Afghanistan’s sustainable economic development. Regional cooperation and connectivity are important for Afghanistan’s prosperity and for fulfilling our vision of being the central hub of Central and South Asia.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“The Council’s recognition of our Government’s dedicated efforts aimed at addressing the coronavirus disease pandemic, and the initiatives taken by the Afghan President to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs for those affected are of great importance at a time when resources are extremely limited. The Council’s acknowledgement of the brave decision taken by the Government of Afghanistan and its strong and commendable efforts towards implementing confidence-building measures for peace and the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations is noted with appreciation.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“We are optimistic that these talks will help bring an end to a very long period of conflict and result in a dignified and sustainable peace that protects the rights of all Afghan citizens, including women and minorities, as reflected in our Constitution. We thank the members of the Security Council for highlighting in the mandate the importance of the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned element in our national processes, especially the peace process. I would like to express our gratitude for the Council’s emphasis on the rights of women, youth and minorities, the importance of protecting the economic, social, political and development gains made in the last 19 years, and an immediate reduction in violence that leads to a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“Afghanistan extends its appreciation to the Security Council for the adoption today of resolution 2543 (2020), extending the mandate of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another 12 months. The unanimous adoption of the resolution sends a very clear, strong and unequivocal message of the Council’s support for Afghanistan at one of the most critical times in our contemporary history. Just a few days ago, the intra-Afghan negotiations finally began in Doha. We convey our gratitude to our friends and allies in facilitating the talks, especially Qatar for hosting the first round. The negotiating teams of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban sat down to discuss Afghanistan’s long-lasting desire for peace.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8759 (2020) · source
“The Committee also expresses its full support for the holding of general elections in the State of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, with a view to reuniting the Palestinian people under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian national Government. In these uncertain times, when the Middle East faces unprecedented levels of tension, we call on the Council, as the guarantor of international peace and security, to take up its responsibilities, to implement its relevant resolutions and to take overdue action on the Palestinian question for the sake of generations of Palestinians and Israelis who seek to live side by side in peace and security, along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the independent Palestinian State.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The Committee welcomes the announcement by the Chief Prosecutor and trusts that such an investigation will serve the interests of justice and peace. The humanitarian and economic situation of the 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate and has reached the critical juncture of which the United Nations country team warned in its report “Gaza 2020: A liveable place?”, necessitating urgent humanitarian and political action. We reiterate our strongest calls for the lifting of the 12-year Israeli blockade of Gaza. Allow me also to reiterate the support of the Committee for the reconciliation process led by Egypt and others, which are sparing no efforts in that regard.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“That is once again a testament that such resolutions are firmly rooted in the United Nations Charter, international law and human rights law and confirm the support of most of the world. That international consensus must be upheld and serve as the focal point for all of our collective efforts to promote a just, lasting and peaceful solution. On 20 December 2019, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, based on a referral from the State of Palestine and following a thorough, independent and objective assessment of all reliable information available to her Office, decided to proceed with the investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The Committee reiterates its call to all Member States to provide UNRWA with the reliable and sustainable funding necessary to deliver critical humanitarian services to the Palestine refugees, thereby contributing to the stability of the region. Moreover, in December, the General Assembly adopted with an overwhelming majority all the resolutions on the question of Palestine, including those on this Committee’s mandate (General Assembly resolution 74/10) and on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State (General Assembly resolution 74/11), which gained the support of almost 90 per cent of the United Nations membership.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The Committee urges Israel, the occupying Power, to abide by all its obligations under international law and avoid actions that undermine an already fragile status quo. In a positive development, on 13 December 2019, the General Assembly voted to extend the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) until 2023 (General Assembly resolution 74/85). The overwhelming vote in favour of the extension is an indication of the unwavering support of the international community for the Agency’s mandate and necessary work in support of 5.5 million Palestine refugees.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The reports of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) should include reports by Member States on how they comply with operative paragraph 5, which calls on Member States to distinguish, in their dealings, between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as well as with regard to settlement activities. Similarly, tensions triggered by attacks by the Israeli occupying forces on worshippers inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound threaten further destabilization, which must be averted. The Islamic Jerusalem Waqf is the sole institution responsible for administrating the affairs of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, including the maintenance of its interior and exterior walls.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Moreover, at the beginning of this month, Israel approved the construction of an additional 1,936 new settler units in illegal settlements across the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Allow me to reiterate in the strongest terms that Israeli settlements in occupied areas are illegal under international law, as affirmed, inter alia, in resolution 2334 (2016). Claims that settlements are not illegal and may even advance Israeli-Palestinian peace are totally unfounded and offensive. Israel must halt settlement construction and expansion immediately and completely.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“May I remind representatives that, in the context of the stalled peace process and the evolving dangerous realities on the ground, leaving this question unresolved constitutes a serious negligence of our collective duties under the Charter and a threat to the peace and security of the region and beyond. In particular, in the current volatile environment, the ongoing illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory and the worsening situation on the ground cannot be ignored as “business as usual”. The year 2019 saw a 45 per cent increase in demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian homes in the West Rank, including East Jerusalem, as compared to 2018, according to figures released by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for her comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation (see S/PV.8706). As we gather in the Council in this new year and decade to consider the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, the heightened geopolitical tensions and turmoil in the region remind all of us that peace must never be taken for granted and that it must be preserved and nourished. We must uphold and fulfil the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, which remain our shared framework for preventing and resolving conflict and injustice. Recent developments underscore the need, now more than ever, for today’s debate on the Palestinian question lest it be sidelined or forgotten in the face of the current turmoil.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Mrs. Raz: At the outset, on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, I would like to congratulate the delegation of Viet Nam on its able conduct of the presidency of the Security Council this month. I also wish to thank Viet Nam, as a brotherly observer State of the Committee, for its long-standing support of the just Palestinian cause. The Committee would also like to congratulate Estonia, the Niger, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Tunisia on taking up their seats on the Council and to wish them every success in upholding their important responsibilities. We thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Let me also thank Ms.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“They have made the right investment by making the impossible possible. The presence today of two women from Afghanistan to proudly present the new nation and the new Afghan economy is the impossible thing that, together, we made possible. It is now time to redouble those efforts and look to the next step as an opportunity to strengthen and preserve the democratic values and gains that we have earned through the sacrifices of the Afghan people and our international partners. We are determined to move this unfinished mission forward and to continue working to make Afghanistan a self-reliant, prosperous and peaceful country.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Raj, an American citizen and a staff member of the United Nations Development Programme, was attacked along with two of his local colleagues. Dr. Nakamura, a Japanese citizen who also held honorary Afghan citizenship, known as Uncle Murad to those he worked with, dedicated decades of his life to assisting Afghans in the construction of irrigation canals. The Afghan people still mourn his loss and he will be remembered as a symbol of love and friendship between the peoples of Japan and Afghanistan. I will conclude by saying that we have come this far through the steadfast commitments and goals set since 2002 to achieve a secure and prosperous Afghanistan. Many Member States ask a genuine question in wondering if they have done the right thing and made the right investment. I would answer yes.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Regional platforms, such as the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, are good examples of what could be an effective mechanism to help us strengthen our cooperation in better countering those threats. The selfless commitment of international humanitarian workers in our country is a real inspiration to all Afghans to continue our efforts to build a self-reliant and prosperous Afghanistan. We are forever indebted to those brave individuals, and we are determined to build on their work to achieve the goal of a prosperous Afghanistan. In that context, I would like to pay tribute to the work of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura and Mr. Anil Raj. In the past weeks, enemies of Afghanistan targeted and killed those two individuals, who had focused their career on bettering the lives of Afghans. Mr.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Particularly on the latter, a comprehensive regional approach that truly addresses the issue in all its stages, from production to consumption, is urgently needed. In our response to that problem, we have made strides, conducting close to 3,000 operations this year, seizing and destroying thousands of drugs and their precursors in the process and arresting almost 800 individuals involved in that crime. Nevertheless, the efforts of one country alone will be futile in the face of a multinational threat that connects criminal networks around the region, if the larger root causes are not appropriately addressed.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As such, we continue to engage the Taliban in the battlefield to prevent it from gaining any ground, while we diminish its control in various areas. In a recent operation in north-eastern Afghanistan, our security forces effectively eliminated the presence of Da'esh. More than 243 Da'esh fighters and their families surrendered in Nangarhar province. Afghanistan appreciates the support of NATO forces under the Resolute Support Mission, which continue to train our security forces, while also providing advice and assistance in the fight against that terrible threat. Looking forward, our focus should be on not only defeating terrorists on the ground, but also on countering their extremist ideologies and the sources of financing from their nexus with organized crime and the illegal narcotics trade.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“The message of support and solidarity by respective ambassadors coming from different countries and cultures and the leaders of non-governmental organizations and other organizations was loud and clear in that we cannot have long-lasting and consequential peace without the participation of women and the maintenance of their rights. While peace remains our main objective, the Government is also focused on protecting our territory against all terrorist threats, including those created by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and Da'esh. Currently, the Taliban remains the main umbrella organization that provides an enabling ecosystem for Da'esh, Al-Qaida and others to launch their attacks against the security of us all.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We welcome the efforts of our regional and international partners in seeking to facilitate an environment for direct talks between the Government and the Taliban, but we also remain firm that a willingness to move that process can come only in the form of an immediate ceasefire by the Taliban. The gains of the past 18 years, particularly those of women, must also be protected and expanded on further. That is the shared view of the Afghan society and the international community as well. Just last month, we launched the Group of Friends of Women in Afghanistan, along with Ambassador Pierce, who I once again thank for her dedication and support to women in Afghanistan.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Those include the hosting of mini jirgas to determine priorities of the mechanism to end the conflict, the formation of an alliance consultation group that engages the special representatives of our 12 to 15 countries in consultations on the way forward for peace, and the holding of additional intra-Afghan dialogues. We look forward to the cooperation and input of our international friends and partners as part of that framework, and we hope that those efforts will further serve to successfully move the peace process forward. As we move in that new direction, it must be highlighted that we are committed to achieving enduring peace and stability in the country as a common goal and a shared aspiration of the people and Government of Afghanistan.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“The plan emphasizes guaranteeing non-repetition of conflict and a credible system of verification in dealing with threats posed by transnational terrorist networks, transnational criminal organizations and non-State actors. Finally, on a post- peace future, it addresses the need for a development plan, while also stressing the need for institutional reforms to strengthen governance, fight corruption and address post-conflict grievances. As part of the critical work to implement that new peace road map, the Government has identified three immediate concrete steps to better coordinate efforts and define priorities for the achievement of peace.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As part of that, we thank our international and regional partners who have responded to our call for peace and provided assistance to building an environment conducive to Afghan-led and Afghan- owned direct talks between the Taliban and the Government. Particularly, allow me to highlight the role of the United States in those important efforts. As a next step in the process, President Ghani announced in October a seven-point peace and stability plan to move the process forward. The elements of that plan focus on building consensus on drivers of conflict at the national and transnational levels and emphasizing mechanisms to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As we wait for the results, it is now the critical responsibility of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to deliver the results of each vote cast by the people of Afghanistan. We are a committed and patient partner in that demanding task, and we hope that they are able to announce the results as soon as possible. In the meantime, we continue to call on all candidates to allow the IEC and the Electoral Complaints Commission to carry out their obligations according to the existing mechanism and election law. Since his first day in office, President Ghani has placed peace at the top of the national agenda. He shared his peace plan in the Kabul process and the Geneva conference and announced unconditional peace talks with the Taliban.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Efforts were also redoubled towards the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary, and key legislation was implemented to better tackle corruption as a cornerstone for enhancing the rule of law in Afghanistan. In September, another decisive step was taken towards the building of a stronger, self-reliant Afghanistan. The holding of presidential elections represented a rejection by the people, both the elders and the young, of the ideology of extremism, as they withstood the threats of the Taliban to empower the republic and the strong values of democracy. That election was safeguarded by the heroism of our Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, and I want to take this opportunity to once again reiterate their bravery and effective work in allowing our people to cast a vote for the future of our country.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We then decided to embark on a bold journey towards economic growth and self-reliance through the start of our transformation decade 2015-2024 - an important goal, in which we re-envisioned an Afghanistan as a country no longer reliant on aid and insisted on a country capable of leading itself into an era of stability and prosperity. That has required us to take steps in developing the legal and governance foundation for the benefit of the well-being of our people and strengthening our State. As part of those efforts, over 400 pieces of legislation were passed to modernize and expedite the effectiveness of our institutions. The success of those reforms is evident, and we can highlight the important growth of internal revenue by over 90 per cent since 2015, as an indicator.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“That new republic called for equal provision of health services, education and security, while instituting a democratic system of Government that gave our people the opportunity to elect their leaders for the very first time in decades, with presidential and National Assembly elections in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The pursuit of democracy and the strengthening of our national institutions continued with the first peaceful transfer of power, following the presidential elections of 2014 and through the consolidation of our security forces in 2015, after resuming responsibility for full security from NATO.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As our first female Youth Representative to the United Nations, she is the voice of the post-2001 generation - a generation that is committed to the values of democracy, multilateralism and peace. She represents a new Afghanistan that is striving to not only protect the gains of the past 18 years, but to build upon them. It is truly a testament to the evolution of a new country. Reflecting on that evolution requires us to remember our difficult journey to where we are today. In 2002, with the support and assistance of the international community, a new era of State-building and reconstruction that established the foundations for democracy, the rule of law and our modern institutions began. The adoption of a comprehensive Constitution opened the doors to the establishment of a republic that defends the equality of all its citizens.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Yamamoto's experience and able guidance of the work of UNAMA at an important crossroads in the history ofAfghanistan are commendable and exemplify the long-standing commitment and cooperation between the Governments and the people of Japan and Afghanistan. When talking about the situation in Afghanistan, it is important to show the full picture, one that underlines not only the threats affecting our country, but also the achievements reached over years of hard work and sacrifice. Ms. Aisha Khurram, one of today's briefers, presents a picture of the new generation of educated Afghan women playing an active and influential role, not only in our local society, but at the international level as well.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“I would like to first congratulate you, Madam President, on your competent leadership during your country's presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. I also thank you for organizing today's briefing. The United States has been a strategic partner of the Afghan people in our quest for prosperity and stability. I also want to thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2019/935) and welcome his Special Representative, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, whom I thank for his comprehensive briefing and, more broadly, for his effective leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Mr.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Allow me to again thank the United Nations and the Security Council for accompanying us in this very difficult journey and standing beside us, in support and solidarity, as we prepare to hold that important election on 28 September and to secure democracy and peace in Afghanistan. I will conclude by thanking the delegations of Germany and Indonesia for leading the difficult negotiations in the lead-up to the adoption of today's resolution. I think our colleagues need a raise. The meeting rose at noon.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I would like to make reference to last night's attack by the Taliban, in Parwan at an election campaign rally, which took the lives of more than 26 people. Once again, we request the Council to call on the Taliban to stop the killing of civilians, especially those who will participate on election day. We in Afghanistan look forward to continuing our partnership with the Council and the brotherly international community to complete the mission on which we embarked together in 2001. I must say that we have made tremendous achievements since then, which we all need to preserve and build on.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we thank the United Nations - the Council in particular - and other partners in the international community for their continued support in our journey for a stable and representative Afghanistan, especially in our joint efforts to further empower women in the country. That expression of support was highlighted in the Council's meeting on Afghanistan last week (see S/PV.8613), for which we are grateful. Afghanistan also places great importance on the region and regional cooperation. In that regard, we prioritize economic projects that help us and Afghanistan to better strengthen connectivity. Looking ahead, we are aware that the future is not void of challenges and difficulties. That said, I can state with full confidence that the determination of Afghans to achieve success is greater than the challenges we confront.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“At the same time, consistent with our long-standing commitment to peace, we stand fully committed to advancing an effective peace process that conforms with and meets the fundamental needs of our people - a dignified peace that holds and protects human rights and our democratic gains, which are embraced and accepted by the people of Afghanistan. I wish to reiterate the importance of the principle of Afghan ownership and leadership in the context of peace efforts and that all international support measures should serve to complement and reinforce our national efforts.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“We thank the Security Council for adopting resolution 2489 (2019), extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for 12 months. It signifies the Council's support for Afghanistan at a time when the people of Afghanistan are entering a new and crucially important phase of their long-standing efforts to achieve peace and prosperity. On 28 September, our people will vote in the upcoming presidential election and again prove their everlasting commitment to consolidating democracy as a key imperative for a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The Government and the people of Afghanistan are fully prepared for that important national event, which will strengthen the pillars of constitutional governance and the rule of law in our country.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“A new mandate should incorporate updates to the country's situation. We hope for the mandate to be extended for a year, at the minimum. In closing, allow me to reiterate Afghanistan's gratitude for the Council's tireless work in helping us make progress towards stability and peace. We remain focused on facing the challenges ahead of us. We trust in the support of the Council and our international partners in meeting them together. As such, the Council can count on Afghanistan's firm commitment, as a partner, to the defence of the rule of law, respect for international rules and obligations and the promotion of the values of peace and international solidarity.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“In standing by the re-emergence of our country and the spirit of that new generation, we thank the United Nations and our international partners for their support since 2001. The role of the United Nations and the international community in helping us get to this point has been evident through the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the Security Council and other bodies of the Organization. As we move forward onto a new chapter in our modern history, new challenges require that we recommit and develop our relationship together. On that point, we hope for a thorough renewal of the UNAMA mandate that will highlight core priority issues for Afghanistan's future in achieving a sustainable and lasting peace agreement but also beyond that, into a post-conflict development setting.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The increased trade, investments, infrastructure and development brought by those projects, coupled with other initiatives that have also enhanced regional efforts on security, especially the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, have shown the direction of that new Afghanistan as a regional platform of cordiality and cooperation. The gains of the past 18 years have left us with a committed young generation that continues to take charge of the future of their own country. That includes men and women who are engaged within the private sector as innovative and successful leaders in industry and entrepreneurs and within the public sector as loyal and dedicated civil servants. Among those, women have reached new heights, taking leadership positions in various ministries.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Those measures have concluded with the apprehension of individuals involved in the drug trade, and our justice system is committed to holding them accountable for their actions. However, we must look at the issue of counter-narcotics in broader terms, including the demand in the supply chain, and consider it a regional issue. We must also look into a regional counter-narcotics strategy as an option. The Government is committed to the realization of a self-reliant Afghanistan as a hub of regional connectivity and a platform for global, economic and regional cooperation. That has been reflected in the implementation of several regional mega-projects, which are already paying economic dividends in our country and beyond.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“In that regard, allow me to highlight that our forces, as true allies in the war on terrorism, are fighting fearlessly at the forefront of international terrorism and making sacrifices on a daily basis. Their bravery should be recognized and supported by all of us. In line with efforts to defeat terrorist groups militarily, we have also been working on limiting their operational capabilities, including in tackling financing that may come from the proceeds of narcotics operations. To that end, we have conducted counter- narcotics operations throughout the country, seizing tons of illicit drugs and destroying hundreds of drug- processing facilities. Other efforts have included improved security at airports and border crossings to detect and deter any instances of trafficking.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We call on the Taliban to end the senseless violence, show a true commitment to peace and respect the pledge they made at the Doha Intra-Afghan peace conference, when they said that they would reduce civilian casualties to zero. Contrary to that pledge, a heinous and cowardly attack was launched at a wedding hall in Kabul on 17 August and caused the death of more than 70 civilians, wounding 180 others. That was followed by the attacks of 19 August in Jalalabad, which happened during our Independence Day celebration, in Kabul by the Green Village and the 5 September attack, which caused a high number of civilian casualties. Additional attacks also took place last week in Kunduz and Puli-Khumri, but were repelled by the efforts of our Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“I thank her for her strong support and commitment on behalf of all Afghan women. One of the greatest challenges to achieving a stable and self-reliant Afghanistan is the protracted war against international terrorism, for which we continue to pay a very high price. The Taliban and international terrorist groups continue their attacks on civilian targets, creating horror and fear. They further put civilians and civilian infrastructure at risk by using them as shields while conducting their operations. Furthermore, the Taliban have also remained hostile to humanitarian workers and have issued threats to members of the press.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Our women, as agents of change and a symbol of resilience, play a key role in the political, social and economic development of the new Afghanistan. They have the legitimate right to be an active part of all negotiations and decisions. I would also like to take this opportunity to once again thank Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and her accompanying United Nations high-level delegation for their visit to Afghanistan in July, in the context of women and peace and security. Her recognition of the achievements made by Afghan women and her echoing of their strong call in the Security Council for a peace that safeguards their hard-won rights once again reaffirmed the United Nations firm pledge to stand by our women and the progress they have made in our society.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“The people of Afghanistan have also stressed that a real and genuine pledge to peace by the Taliban should be manifested in ending violence, as well as engaging in direct peace talks with the Afghan Government. The Government of Afghanistan, as always, remains committed to peace talks conducted on a set of common principles, in accordance with the demands and expectations of all Afghans from across the country. Any potential agreement should be endorsed by the people of Afghanistan and ensure their mandate of an immediate ceasefire, a long-lasting peace and stability, and the preservation of the gains and achievements of the past 18 years, which include democratic values, the Republic and, in particular, the rights of women, as stipulated in our Constitution. We cannot ignore the meaningful role and participation of women in Afghanistan.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“That includes the announcement of unconditional peace talks, the enforcement of a ceasefire and the release of prisoners during the Bid festivals last year. Those measures were reinforced by the holding of a grand consultative loya jirga for peace in April, at which 3,000 representatives from across the nation adopted a declaration laying out the road map for peace. The Government of Afghanistan has welcomed all international initiatives in support of our peace efforts that will lead to a dignified and lasting peace and preserve the shared gains that we have made together, including but not limited to strengthening the Republic and women's constitutional rights.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source