YouSaid · the spoken record

Rice

lines on the record: 1,272
first: 2005-10-31
most recent: 2013-06-19
sittings or episodes: 170
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

“They start and run businesses of all kinds and organize to serve their communities and have their voices heard. As Afghanistan builds a better future, the contributions, intrinsic worth and fundamental dignity of Afghan women must continue to be embraced. Afghanistan's progress is due primarily to the grit, determination and hard work of the Afghan people. It is they who have come this far. The international community has provided vital assistance along the way and will continue to do so. Afghanistan's neighbours must play a constructive role in the creation of a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“As a part ofthe outcome of any process, the Taliban and other armed opposition groups must end violence, break ties with Al-Qaida and accept Afghanistan's Constitution. The outcomes of peace and reconciliation must respect the historic achievements that a unified and sovereign Afghanistan has made over the past decade, including protecting the rights of all citizens of Afghanistan - women and men - as guaranteed under the Constitution. Over the past decade, Afghan women have emerged from the total oppression imposed by Taliban rule. Women are essential partners in and contributors to the building of a strong civil society and a stable nation. Afghan women hold office at the national, provincial and local levels, and serve on the High Peace Council and in provincial peace councils.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We note that Parliament is working on draft legislation to further establish a lasting electoral framework, including independent election institutions. It is important that respected and professional leaders be appointed to election institutions after a widely consultative process. We recognize the valuable contributions of Afghan civil society to those preparations and the essential work of the United Nations, notably the recent United Nations electoral needs assessment mission. In addition, Afghan-led reconciliation is important for stability and the best way to end conflict and bring lasting peace to Afghanistan and the region. We continue to support the opening of an office in Doha, Qatar, to facilitate negotiations between the High Peace Council and the authorized representatives of the Taliban.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We expect that the fifth and final tranche of the transition will be announced this spring, when Afghans will lead for security across their entire country. While transitioning security responsibility to the Afghans is necessary for stability, it is not itself sufficient. In that regard, an inclusive and credible presidential election in 2014 is critical for the country's future and to sustaining international assistance to the people of Afghanistan. The results of the election must produce an outcome that is legitimately accepted by the Afghan people. The announcement of the election date by the Independent Election Commission is an important step, and its timely completion of a comprehensive operational plan will be another.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“President Karzai visited Washington in January and discussed with President Obama strengthening Afghanistan's democratic institutions and supporting the country's long-term economic and social development. President Obama and President Karzai also reaffirmed the United States-Afghanistan enduring strategic partnership agreement that they signed in May 2012. Security remains key. The Afghan National Security Forces now have the lead in overseeing security for nearly 90 per cent of the Afghan population, and with the recent announcement of the fourth tranche, 52 new districts in the north and centre of Afghanistan will soon be secured by Afghan forces. As President Obama announced last month, more than 34,000 American troops will come home from Afghanistan by February of next year.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“At the outset, I should like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I welcome Special Representative Kubis back to the Security Council and ask him to please share with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) staff and the United Nations country team our deep gratitude for their continued hard work and dedication. I should also like to thank Ambassador Tanin for his partnership and to congratulate Foreign Minister Carr and Ambassador Quinlan on Australia's assuming leadership ofthe Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) and Afghanistan-related resolutions in the Council. Afghanistan and the international community are at an important juncture. As we have seen in recent weeks, challenges remain, but we continue to work together to achieve our shared goals.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“The talks between the P5+l and Iran in Almaty were useful, but we must see whether real progress towards a negotiated solution can result from the renewed process. The process cannot continue indefinitely or be used as a stalling mechanism. Therefore, we remain committed to the dual-track approach, mounting pressure on Iran as we pursue meaningful dialogue in good faith. Working together we can continue to clarify for Iran the consequences of its actions and show Iran the benefits of choosing cooperation over provocation.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“Our goal remains a durable and comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue that restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in compliance with all relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors. As a first step, we seek to address Iran's most significant nuclear activities - the production and accumulation of uranium enriched to near 20 per cent and the installation of additional centrifuges at Fordow. In that event, the P5+1 countries have demonstrated that we are willing to take steps to respond to Iran's expressed concerns.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“We urge the Committee, in line with its mandate, to take swift and sure action in response, including by imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible for such violations. Each and every violation of United Nations sanctions is a serious matter. It is our collective responsibility to report on those cases, to support efforts to investigate them, and to act decisively when investigations are completed. Responding effectively to those incidents bolsters both the Council's credibility and the efficiency of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. The United States remains committed to a diplomatic solution. Therefore, we welcome the recently resumed dialogue between the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1) and Iran. But let us not forget that dialogue is only a means to an end.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“We have also observed more public statements acknowledging Iran's illicit arms smuggling. Representatives of Hamas, Hizbullah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and even Iran itself are now publicly admitting to activities that violate United Nations sanctions. The Committee should consider those statements as additional proof of Iran's blatant disregard for its obligations and follow up to the fullest extent possible. The Committee is now also assessing Iranian missile launches that have violated resolution 1929 (2010). Those launches allow Iran to refine and develop a technology that, if ever combined with weapons of mass destruction, would constitute an intolerable threat to international peace and security.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“Iran's actions neither build international confidence nor bring us closer to a comprehensive and peaceful solution. On the contrary, they raise the world's concerns. For this very reason, the work of the Iran sanctions Committee is vital. As long as Iran rejects its international obligations, we must be resolute in implementing fully the sanctions the Council has imposed. In recent months, we have witnessed troubling new violations of those sanctions. In January, Yemen seized a vessel transporting a very large cache of sophisticated Iranian arms, ammunition and explosives, in violation of resolution 1747 (2007). Those arms could have destabilized Yemen's fragile transition. We urge the Committee, with the support of the Panel of Experts, to investigate that case rigorously and work with the Council to craft a worthy response.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“Those actions, as well as Iran's continued enrichment and heavy water-related activities, are in clear violation of the Council's demands. More alarming still, the IAEA Director General has confirmed that Iran is now further contravening Security Council resolutions by installing hundreds of second-generation centrifuges that could significantly increase its uranium enrichment capacity. The installation of those centrifuges, as well as Iran's stockpiling of 20-per cent enriched uranium and continued enrichment at the Fordow facility, are cause for serious concern. Those actions are unnecessary and thus provocative. Iran already has enough enriched uranium to fuel the Tehran Research Reactor for at least a decade. Increasing that capacity without any clear civilian use makes no sense.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his first briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). We appreciate the focus and energy that he and his team are bringing to this Committee. The Iranian nuclear issue remains one of the gravest threats to international security and a top priority for the Security Council. We meet today at a time of new opportunities but growing risks. In recent weeks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General has reaffirmed yet again that Iran continues to advance its nuclear programme and obstruct the IAEA's investigation into the programme's possible military dimensions by refusing to grant the IAEA access to the Parchin site and to documents, personnel and equipment requested by the Agency.”
2013-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6930 (2013) · source
“The Council needs the facts and strong reporting to help bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against civilians. President Obama has declared that preventing mass atrocities is a core national security interest and a core moral responsibility of the United States. The protection of civilians is a fundamental element of the Security Council's obligation to ensure international peace and security. It is clear that we must keep our attention focused squarely on the practical steps we can take to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflict and redouble our efforts to ensure that the Council is not sitting on the sidelines when civilian populations are in grave danger.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“We fully support the Secretary-General's call for the Council to be more active in addressing violations of international law and to strengthen accountability. The United States strongly rejects impunity and supports efforts to hold accountable Violators of international humanitarian and human rights law. Our long-standing support for international tribunals and efforts to document ongoing atrocities in places such as Syria reflect that commitment. Recent events, including the conviction of Charles Taylor by the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the International Criminal Court's judgement against Thomas Lubango Dyilo, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, show us that accountability for those who commit atrocities and justice for their Victims is possible. Yet too many perpetrators remain free.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Yet the Government of the Sudan has refused, for a year and half now, to permit the safe and unhindered provision of international humanitarian assistance to address the acute humanitarian emergency in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, particularly the Sudan People's Liberation Movement- North-controlled areas, which is largely of Khartoum's making. Since 2011, more than 214,000 refugees have crossed into Ethiopia and South Sudan, and 695,000 have been displaced within the two areas. That is appalling and unacceptable. In this and other such situations, we commend the service and dedication of the humanitarian workers, who help the world's most vulnerable, at great risk to themselves. Attacks against humanitarian workers are deplorable and should be condemned wherever committed.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“In the 2005 World Summit Outcome document (General Assembly resolution 60/1) and in resolution 1894 (2009), all States Members of the United Nations accepted a shared responsibility to protect populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and war crimes. While we continue to elaborate the application of that principle, when Governments manifestly fail to protect their civilians, the international community must not dither, but, rather, act decisively to assume its responsibility collectively to protect. Another fundamental but often overlooked principle of protecting civilians is the ensuring of humanitarian access. No State Member of the United Nations or non-State actor should ever prevent timely, full and unimpeded humanitarian access to populations in need of assistance.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Through its statements, resolutions and diplomacy, the Council must continue to press Governments to fulfil their obligations. In that regard, I want to highlight the horrific attacks by the Syrian regime on the Syrian people, including the widely reported targeting of hospitals and health-care centres and the use of ballistic missiles against civilian populations. The carnage unleashed by Al-Assad merits universal indignation and strong action from the Council. When the people of Libya were on the verge of being slaughtered by a brutal dictator, the Council acted, prevented a massacre and saved countless lives. That should remind us that, for civilians in conflict, Security Council action can mean the difference between life and death.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Beyond a sophisticated understanding of their areas of operation, peacekeepers need strong training in civilian protection. The United States invests significantly in peacekeeper training, and we urge all peacekeeping training centres to adopt the United Nations innovative training guidance on the protection of civilians. Such training should be standardized and required for every peacekeeper. For all that United Nations peacekeepers and field missions can do, let us not forget that national Governments always bear primary responsibility for protecting their own populations. In some countries, Governments are manifestly failing in that responsibility, often because of insufficient capacity or will to address the problem. In some countries, moreover, Governments condone and even perpetrate atrocities against their own people.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Mission-wide strategies depend on missions really understanding the threats and violence that civilians face in their area of operation. When peacekeepers know their local environments well, they are better able to protect civilians. Such detailed knowledge requires active and sustained engagement with local populations. We encourage United Nations missions with protection mandates to assess, in their reports and briefings to the Council, the threats and vulnerabilities facing civilians in their area of operation. We also urge mission-wide strategies to anticipate and outline steps to counter any escalation in violence against civilians that could culminate in mass atrocities. United Nations missions should proactively explain their role in protecting civilians to local communities.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“We commend the Secretariat's efforts to help United Nations field missions develop operational guidance and mission-wide strategies to implement their civilian-protection mandates. The recently released United Nations study entitled "Protection of civilians: coordination mechanisms in United Nations peacekeeping missions" highlights several mechanisms for executing protection-of-civilian mandates successfully. Simple but practical tools, many focused on internal procedures and mission structure, enable mission focal points to integrate mission activities in support of protection mandates. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, for example, produced an integrated strategy that led to an innovative early-warning system and country support basis that enabled better protection of rural populations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“International collective action is required, and we look forward to strengthening our cooperation with the United Nations and Member States to that end. Few are more likely to be the victims of mass atrocities than civilians caught in armed conflict. Time and again, and all too often, the world bears witness to the horror of mass killings, sexual violence and gross human rights abuses ofinnocents in conflict. Therefore protecting civilians in armed conflict must remain a top priority of the Council and the United Nations as a whole. Though we must never relent in this effort, we are encouraged that the United Nations has made strides in enhancing United Nations tools to protect civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Nearly a year ago, President Obama announced at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum new actions that the United States is taking to implement his landmark policy directive on atrocity prevention. Under the President's leadership, my Government has implemented unprecedented steps to enhance our capabilities and structures for preventing heinous crimes against civilians, from strengthening our early warning and preventive diplomacy to punishing perpetrators and pressing for accountability. Our new Atrocities Prevention Board, a committee of senior officials from across the United States Government, is overseeing this critical work and ensuring that we are focused on emerging situations of concern. But while national action is necessary, it is not sufficient.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“I thank Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan for chairing this important debate. I also thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, High Commissioner Pillay and International Committee of the Red Cross Director Spoerri for their statements. Protecting civilians in armed conflict is a fundamental responsibility of the international community and a core function of the Security Council in carrying out its mandate to safeguard international peace and security. The United States knows that its security is diminished when masses of civilians are slaughtered, refugees flee across borders to escape brutal attacks, and murderers wreak havoc on regional stability and livelihoods. Regrettably, history has taught us that our pursuit of a world in which States do not systematically slaughter civilians will not arrive without concerted and coordinated action.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“We continue to support all Syrians, within and outside the Government, who aim to bring an end to the bloody Al-Assad regime and build a democratic and unified Syria in which the rule of law is respected. We will continue to seek the valuable contributions of the international community to that end.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“We also encourage United Nations agencies and donors to seek more opportunities for cross-border assistance, to help Syrians in underserved areas and to work with the Syrian opposition coalition's assistance coordination unit to respond to needs on the ground. We will continue to help Syria's neighbours, including Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Jordan, to respond to the influx of refugees. We appreciate their generosity in affording shelter and services to nearly 630,000 refugees - a number sure to rise as long as Al-Assad's forces continue their assault. We commend the Lebanese Government's recent approval of a refugee response plan and encourage all neighbouring Governments to maintain open borders to those fleeing Al-Assad's brutality. Difficult days lie ahead, especially as long as Al-Assad remains in power.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“In addition to more than $210 million in humanitarian assistance, the United States has contributed more than $50 million to bolster Syrian civil society, including its emerging leaders, in order to help them communicate, organize and prepare for an eventual political transition. The burden is on all of us to help the millions of people displaced and in urgent need of lifesaving assistance. There is no doubt that the tireless work of many United Nations agencies in delivering such aid, including the support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, has saved countless lives. We look forward to the United Nations pledging conference in Kuwait on 30 January and encourage States to increase their contributions to the two combined United Nations appeals.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“The United States will therefore continue to engage with our partners, both on and off the Council, to support a meaningful political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. In that regard, I reaffirm our commitment to the principles outlined in the Geneva communique (S/2012/523, annex), including a transitional body with full executive powers formed on the basis of mutual consent. At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to support the Syrian opposition coalition as it works towards a more unified opposition that is able to start addressing the needs of the Syrian people now. We are supporting the coalition's assistance coordination unit, so that increased assistance gets to local councils providing basic services.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“For that purpose, the United States will continue to support Syrian and international efforts to document evidence of atrocities committed by all sides, for use in future accountability processes. The international community should also play a role in ensuring that any future domestic accountability processes have the expertise they need to meet international standards. On the political and diplomatic front, I underscore my Government's strong support and gratitude for Joint Special Representative Brahimi's efforts to find a durable solution to this crisis. Every member of the Council knows that a political transition would be the fastest and most effective way to end the horrific bloodshed.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“In a small village outside Homs, regime militia reportedly killed more than 100 people last week, including entire families and numerous children. The regime's air strikes near the University ofAleppo killed 87, and attacks on health clinics and hospitals across the country have made it impossible for wounded civilians to seek help. In the face of those mounting atrocities, we reiterate our utter condemnation of any attack directed against unarmed civilians. At all levels, those responsible for atrocities, no matter what their allegiance, will be identified and held accountable. As the transition proceeds, we stand ready to assist Syria's new leaders in their efforts to address issues of accountability and reconciliation.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“In our View, therefore, any references to the State of Palestine in the United Nations, including the use ofthe term "State of Palestine" on the placard in the Security Council, or the use of the term "State of Palestine" in the invitation to this meeting or in other arrangements for participation in this meeting, do not reflect our acquiescence to the view that Palestine is a State. That statement of our position shall apply to Palestinian participation in meetings of the Security Council or other United Nations meetings, regardless of whether the United States specifically intervenes on this matter in the future. Let me now turn to Syria, where the situation is dire and deteriorating. We have seen a sharp increase in indiscriminate attacks in the past month.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“We will continue to urge leaders on both sides to avoid unilateral steps and provocations that make peace negotiations harder to resume. The position of the United States regarding Palestinian status, including as reflected in our explanation of vote in connection with the adoption of Assembly resolution 67/19 (A/67/PV.44, page 13), remains unchanged. The United States does not consider that the resolution bestows Palestinian statehood or recognition. Only direct negotiations to settle final status issues will lead to that outcome.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“That meeting followed United States Special Envoy David Hale's engagement with Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, Egyptian and Arab League leaders to advance Middle East peace and security, including by maintaining and strengthening the Gaza ceasefire. Throughout our engagement, we have reiterated our long-standing opposition to Israel's West Bank settlement activity and to construction in East Jerusalem, which run counter to the cause of peace. Construction in the E-l area would be especially damaging to efforts to achieve a two-State solution, and we have urged Israeli leaders to reconsider those unilateral decisions and to exercise restraint. For decades, the United States has not accepted the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity, and we oppose any efforts to legalize outposts.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“General Assembly resolution 67/ 19 cannot be viewed as establishing terms of reference or as prejudging any final status issues, notably with respect to territory. These are simply inescapable facts. The United States therefoer remains fully committed to direct negotiations, and we will continue to work vigorously towards that end. We are consulting with the parties and international partners on the way forward, and we are underscoring that every step taken must aim to reduce tensions and create a climate for peace. The Quartet envoys met earlier this month in Jordan to discuss the measures necessary to create a positive atmosphere conducive to future negotiations.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“We have made enormous investments in the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people that we wish to be sustained, including through the immediate resumption of regular-clearance revenue transfers. Over the years, no Government has invested more in assistance to the Palestinians than the United States. We remain committed to supporting the Palestinian people. Yet, as we all know, the vote on 29 November 2012 in the General Assembly (resolution 67/19) has not brought the Palestinians any closer to our common goal ofachieving a State. As we have said repeatedly, the only way to establish a real Palestinian State is through the painstaking work of direct negotiations on final status issues, without preconditions, between the Israelis and Palestinians.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry, for his briefing. The terrorist attacks in the desert of Algeria, the threat posed by Iran and its nuclear programme and the internal challenges with which Arab societies today are grappling to make their Governments more democratic and more responsive to the needs of their people, all make the Middle East a region that must command our enduring attention and active engagement. Today I will focus on the Palestinian question and the Syrian crisis. The current financial crisis in the Palestinian territories is severe, and the recent news of Saudi Arabia's generous $100 million donation to the Palestinian Authority is welcome.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906 (2013) · source
“We look forward to working in the Security Council and with Member States to further strengthen implementation of the Al-Qaida sanctions regime. A key lesson of the past decade is the significant value that civil society can add to counter-terrorism efforts. Victims and victims associations, for example, have played important roles in preventing terrorism. We encourage all relevant United Nations actors to intensify engagement with and support for civil society on counter-terrorism objectives and combating violent extremism. No single country, no one organization and no particular tactic or tool alone can neutralize the threat ofterrorism. Only a comprehensive approach, bolstered by our shared determination, our continued cooperation and expanding partnerships can ultimately end the threat of global terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“The United Nations has worked actively to build consensus around the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and deliver technical assistance to strengthen capacities worldwide. The United Nations has a critical role to play as a forum for advancing collective action against terrorism. The United States welcomes the Secretary-General's initiative to appoint a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator and unify the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture so that expertise and resources can be deployed as efficiently as possible. We hope for even deeper cooperation between the United Nations and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum in the coming year as the Forum promotes the implementation of its framework documents on the rule of law, prisons and preventing kidnapping for ransom.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“For example, since effective prison management and good correctional practices can reduce the risk of radicalization, the United States has worked with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute to develop the Rome good practices on the rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders. We look forward to close cooperation between the United Nations and the new Hedayah International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism in Abu Dhabi, which will assist experts to develop tools for countering extremist ideology and blunting the spread of radicalism. Strengthening cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral organizations and ensuring that the necessary architecture is in place to address terrorism in the twenty-first century remains central to our approach.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Our trans-Sahara counter-terrorism partnership has provided several countries in the Sahel and the Maghreb with training and support to tighten border security, promote economic assistance, disrupt terrorist networks and prevent attacks. By uniting civilian, criminal justice and military experts, this programme pursues a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism. In addition, we established the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications to confront and rebut Al-Qaida and extremist propaganda online. The United States values its partnership with the United Nations on counter-terrorism, and our cooperation has produced results.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“We must also prioritize building State capacity, strengthening good governance and civilian institutions, promoting economic development and job creation, countering extremism and reducing the appeal of violence and the pipeline of terrorist recruits so that Member States and their citizens are better equipped to tackle threats within their borders and regions. At the same time, the United States has intensified our capacity-building assistance to help countries secure their borders, thwart attacks, prosecute terrorists and those who abet them, and neutralize extremism and its root causes. We have trained more than 9,800 law enforcement officials from over 50 countries in the past year alone. United States legal advisers are working with host country Governments worldwide to build justice sector capacity to deal with terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Kidnapping for ransom is not only horrific for the victims and their families, but represents a serious threat to international peace and security that will likely continue to pose a significant challenge in the years ahead. The international community must do much more to combat this scourge. With the terrorist threat ever more diffuse, the need for a strategic and comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism has never been greater. The United States recognizes that force, while necessary, is not nearly sufficient to counter the threat effectively over the long term.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Elements of Boko Haram in Nigeria have launched multiple deadly attacks, including against the United Nations, and transnational terrorist groups remain active in North Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria and elsewhere. The resilience of terrorist networks underscores the fact that long-term diplomatic and economic initiatives, as well as international cooperation, are as always indispensible. While we have made progress together, terrorist groups continue to adapt, evolving into criminal entrepreneurs and engaging in trafficking and other illicit activities to finance their operations. AQIM, for example, has increasingly used kidnapping for ransom to support its organization and finance terrorist attacks.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“We have continued to promote a holistic approach to combating terrorism, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts at the national, regional and international levels. We cannot grow complacent. Even as core Al-Qaida has experienced major setbacks, it survives and continues to threaten us all. Moreover, its affiliates and other violent extremist groups pose grave dangers. Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is a significant international threat. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Al-Shabaab continue to sow instability and exploit safe havens in Mali, the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, destabilizing societies and obstructing the delivery of vital humanitarian relief to millions in need.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“Thank you, Madam, for having convened this very important meeting. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and participation today. I would like to express once again our deepest condolences for the horrific attacks in Pakistan last week that killed more than 100 people. The United States stands with the Pakistani people in strongly condemning these senseless and inhumane acts, which unfortunately remind us that the scourge of terrorism remains with us all. We therefore very much appreciate Pakistan's drawing the Council's attention back to this critical issue. Reflecting on the past decade, the Security Council's sustained commitment to counter-terrorism has been significant.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900 (2013) · source
“This is a complex but essential agenda that demands deeper cooperation on the part of all of us on each of these challenges to lay the foundation for long-term solutions to the multidimensional issues that pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of the region. We urge continued progress towards developing a comprehensive strategy for the Sahel that focuses the international community and coordinates its action to bring, peace, political stability and sustainable development to the people of that region.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“The United States has committed more than $445 million in 2012 to humanitarian assistance for drought-affected and conflict-displaced communities in the Sahel. We intend these resources to alleviate the dire situation at hand, to reduce chronic vulnerability and, ultimately, to promote more inclusive growth. The multifaceted and overlapping challenges of the Sahel mean that we face a long road ahead that must include stemming the terrorist threat, fighting organized crime, controlling the proliferation of weapons, promoting reconciliation and mediation within and between countries, and responding to humanitarian needs - all while strengthening community resilience.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“The United States has expanded its counter- terrorism partnerships in the region to help countries tackle the growing threats to their own security. The Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, for example, is working on good practices for preventing and denying the benefits of kidnapping for ransom to terrorists. We are also working to shut down safe havens, cut off financing, and counter extremist ideology. Considering the humanitarian situation across the Sahel, there are immediate needs that demand our urgent attention. However, international assistance that builds long-term resilience ultimately saves more lives and reduces the likelihood of repeated humanitarian crises. So as we work to alleviate suffering now, we must enable communities to mitigate and recover from shocks and reduce food insecurity.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“We welcome the Secretary- General's recommendation in his most recent report on Mali that United Nations human rights observers be mandated to ensure that any intervention adheres to international and human rights law. The rise in violent extremism and organized crime across the region has aggravated the situation in Mali. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa and other terrorist groups have launched attacks and kidnappings from northern Mali into neighbouring countries. Terrorists and criminals are extending their reach. That threat demands better coordination of existing efforts across the Sahel to combat transnational crime and the proliferation of terror networks. We can only tackle those threats effectively if, as many speakers have said, we work together.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source
“Although Mali's current predicament arises largely from specific internal factors, the country's challenges are reinforced and exacerbated by a range of transnational dynamics, such as region-wide afflictions, adverse ecological changes, underdevelopment, disaffected local populations and organized criminal networks. Given Mali's delicate situation, we must be careful to address the crises in Mali without further destabilizing the entire region. More than 210,000 Malian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries and are living among communities already stressed by drought. Any military intervention in Mali must therefore be designed to minimize the operation's humanitarian and human rights impact. That is best achieved through humanitarian participation in the military planning process.”
2012-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6882 (2012) · source