YouSaid · the spoken record

Ruzicka

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75

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2014-01-29

most recent

2017-02-13

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10

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un-security-council

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1. “All of this should be aimed at avoiding, addressing and preventing attacks on critical infrastructure such as those that have taken place in recent decades to many countries represented this Chamber and to other Members of the United Nations. Terrorism poses a threat not only to our security but also to the values, rights and freedoms of our societies and their citizens. My country is committed to playing its part in regional and global efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism on all fronts, including the protection of critical infrastructure and the sharing of best practices and technologies.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

2. “There is a need, first, to support States with practical assistance in the implementation of the provisions of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; secondly, to establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate the enhanced sharing of best practices; thirdly, to strengthen the capacity of both the public and private sectors and to increase the development of public and private partnerships, including by promoting awareness and understanding of the necessary balance between economic and security interests, in order to ensure an adequate level of protection and limit the detrimental effects of disruption on society and citizens; fourthly, to be more decisive in efforts to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, as it is through this channel that a great deal of know-how falls into the wrong hands; and, fifthly, for the Security Council to consider making better use of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force Working Group on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure, Including Vulnerable Targets, Internet and Tourism Security.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

3. “Enhanced information-sharing, combined with a mandate to swiftly and accurately release information regarding attacks on impacted citizens, provide a sensible foundation for designing a protocol to effectively address future attacks and may help, yet very few Governments routinely engage in this practice. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy calls on Member States to improve efforts related to ensuring the security and protection of particularly vulnerable targets and to share best practices, and stresses the importance of developing public-private partnerships in this area. But again so little has been done in practice, as shown by the experience of many countries. In this respect, Iwould like to underline the following five points on which we should be concentrating.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

4. “As stated by the Secretary-General in the foreword to the 2015 report (A/70/ 174) of the Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security in 2015: "Making cyberspace stable and secure can be achieved only through international cooperation, and the foundation of this cooperation must be international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations." Unfortunately, however, international treaties intended to address the problem have so far had a limited impact because of, first, the inability to hold signatories accountable and, secondly, the difficulty of accurately determining the identity of responsible actors.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

5. “Some studies suggest that the following measures should be taken to improve critical infrastructure protection: first, assess critical infrastructure vulnerabilities; secondly, develop plans to eliminate significant vulnerabilities; thirdly, propose systems for identifying and preventing attempted major attacks; fourthly, develop plans for alerting, containing and rebuffing attacks in progress; and fifthly, rapidly reconstitute minimum essential capabilities in the aftermath of an attack. It cannot be excluded that in future the use of cyberspace by State or non-State actors may amount to a threat to international peace and security and will require the Security Council to take more decisive steps to respond.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

6. “Many countries around this table have already dealt with these kinds of actions in the recent past. According to Dell's 2015 annual security report, cyberattacks against supervisory control and data-acquisition systems doubled in 2014, to more than 160,000. Today, according to INTERPOL, malicious code can potentially be used to manipulate the controls of power grids, financial services, energy providers, defence systems, health-care databases and other critical infrastructure, resulting in real-world catastrophic physical damage, such as blackouts or the disruption of an entire city's water supply. Ourjoint action is necessary.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

7. “As has been mentioned, cyberthreats and attacks are becoming more common, sophisticated and harmful to States as we come to depend more and more on computer communications systems. At present, cyberterrorist attacks are generally considered to pose a relatively low risk to States. But despite the fact that cyberattacks are occurring with greater frequency and intensity around the world, many either go unreported or are underreported, leaving the public with a false sense of security about the threat itself. While Governments, businesses and individuals are all being targeted on an exponential basis, infrastructure is becoming a target of choice among both individual and State-sponsored cyberattackers, which recognize the value of disrupting what were previously thought of as impenetrable security systems.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

8. “Slovakia adopted its national strategy to combat terrorism, based on four key pillars, in line with the objectives of the European Union action plan on combating terrorism: prevention, protection, prosecution and response. The threats posed by major disruptions of critical infrastructure to a country's economy, infrastructure and national security are real. These threats can be classified into three categories: natural, human-caused and accidental or technical threats. Although reducing the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure and increasing its resilience is the responsibility of individual States, the need for international cooperation is growing rapidly.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

9. “I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for holding this debate on the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks and on promoting discussion on preventive measures against such attacks. In this context, I would like to recall the outcome of the Arria Formula meeting on cybersecurity and international peace and security organized by Spain and Senegal in November 2016. As the threat landscape changes and becomes more complex, so too must our approach to security problems change in the face of asymmetric and cross-border threats. As such, they must be confronted at both the national and international levels. No country is immune to cyberterrorism threats, including mine.”

   2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source

10. “Today's adoption of resolution 2331 (2016), which my country co-sponsored, and the adoption, just over a week ago, of resolution 2322 (2016), aimed at enhancing and fortifying judicial cooperation worldwide, are, in our view, necessary steps towards confronting the interrelated global challenges of terrorism and trafficking in persons in conflict situations.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

11. “Enhanced attention should therefore be paid to the international protection of refugees and to addressing the special needs of migrants in vulnerable situations. At the same time, we need to step up international efforts to combat the multidimensional root causes of the current refugee and irregular migration crisis and broader forced displacement. Seventh, the United Nations must seize every opportunity to contribute to conflict resolution. In order to counter the spread and intensity of conflict, renewed commitment to prevention and mediation is needed. Preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts must be stepped up across the whole United Nations system.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

12. “In a post- conflict environment in which law enforcement and the justice system are dysfunctional, the United Nations should take effective measures, while respecting national ownership and the specificities of the country concerned, aimed at offering technical and planning expertise in reforming security and judicial institutions. Fifth, close cooperation between the United Nations, subregional, regional and cross-regional bodies and initiatives should aim at the establishment of a global and efficient cooperation framework. Sixth, highlighted by the Secretary-General in his report, "Escaping from a conflict zone or arrival at a sought-after destination does not always shield those fleeing conflict from becoming victims of trafficking" (S/2016/949, para. 5).”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

13. “It is crucial that all countries fulfil their international obligations concerning women and armed conflict, such as the commitments in the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the milestone resolution 1325 (2000). Fourth, protecting trafficking victims and saving lives should be of the utmost priority for the entire international community. As stated in the Council's presidential statement issued in December 2015, "The Security Council urges relevant United Nations agencies operating in armed conflict and post-conflict situations to build their technical capacity to assess conflict situations for instances of trafficking in persons". (S/PRST/2015/25). In the post-conflict context, we should be able to better protect, assist and support victims.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

14. “First, we need to make better use of the existing United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. The need to promote the universal ratification of the Convention and to adopt effective national plans and strategies for its implementation is a must. Second, the Sustainable Development Goals specifically address human trafficking in the targets of Goals 5, 8, and 16. That gives hope that confronting the grave human rights violations that we are addressing today will become a priority for all the countries in the world. Third, the nexus between trafficking and conflict- related sexual violence is evident. Armed conflict leads to increased trafficking in women and sexual assaults on women and girls.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

15. “For every minute that we speak, at least one person is trafficked across international borders. Between 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked every year. Of those, 80 per cent are female or children. Trafficking for forced labour or sexual exploitation or for harvesting tissue, cells and organs represents the cruellest type of international organized crime and is well fuelled by poverty or conflict. We must do more than express our strong condemnation of trafficking in persons. Modern slavery undermines human dignity and human rights and affects human development. Let me make several points - seven, to be exact - that Slovakia considers important in effectively handling this crime.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

16. “Yet today we are discussing another phenomenon that is taking, or severely affecting, millions of lives, mostly young ones. Modern slavery is happening all around us in various forms, both in developed and in developing countries, affecting rich and poor societies, albeit in different ways. Human trafficking is the third- largest international criminal industry. It reportedly generates a profit of $32 billion every year. In next four minutes of my statement, it will have generated approximately $250,000. Of the sum total of revenue generated, $15.5 billion is being made in industrialized countries. According to the International Labour Organization, forced labour in the private economy generates an estimated $150 billion in illegal profits annually, which is approximately twice the gross domestic product of my country for 2015.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

17. “In a few days, millions of people will celebrate the holiday season with families and friends, joyously giving and sharing. Just yesterday, the Security Council was able to adopt unanimously resolution 2328 (2016) to deploy observers to Aleppo - one of many steps to be taken to give millions of refugees and people in need the best gift, namely, a decent life in peace. Only several hours later, we heard about the terrible attacks in Berlin, Istanbul and Zurich. Our feelings and thoughts are with the families and friends of those who perished in those horrible attacks. Our sympathy goes out to our colleagues from Russia, Germany and Switzerland. But, honestly, the four minutes allotted for my intervention will not be enough to name all the countries that have had to experience terrorist attacks just this year.”

    2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source

18. “The international community must not abandon them in these crucial years when terrorism is on the rise globally and when the wider region of Central Asia is dangerously threatened.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

19. “Its role in Afghanistan is vital, as it provides further training, advice and assistance for the Afghan security forces and institutions. In January, Slovakia commenced its three-year plan to financially contribute to sustaining the Afghan forces with $1.5 million. We will also provide further official development assistance. Slovakia welcomes the initiative of President Ghani to unveil Afghanistan's new national drug action plan. We are awaiting the details of the plan as to how the international community may participate in addressing this acute problem. The leaders of Afghanistan have shown their commitment to shaping a democratic and peaceful future for their country.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

20. “While Afghanistan's transition is on a good and promising path, security challenges continue to seriously threaten the transformation process. Despite the considerable progress made in ensuring security in the country, Government forces still face attacks by non-State armed actors. We are particularly deeply concerned by reports on the presence of groups associated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in the eastern part of the country, as well as by the activities of scattered formations of foreign fighters. Both make the position of Government forces more complicated in addressing local incidents. In terms of Afghan security, Slovakia continues to assist the country through the Resolute Support non-combat training mission.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

21. “Today, I commend the commencement of work by the Special Electoral Reform Commission, which is a sign that the National Unity Government is stepping forward to meet the agreed goals. We took note with admiration of the broad consultation process of the Commission, both in the capital and in the provinces, whereby it met with political, religious, civic and international leaders. And also a year ago, I applauded the bravery of the Afghan people, who had gone to the polls to vote in April and June 2014. Today, we should make every effort to ensure that the elections scheduled for 2016 for the lower house of Parliament and for district councils take place. But for that to happen we need an improved security environment.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

22. “Today, I praise the National Unity Government and the leadership of Afghan politicians who have been able to work together in a constructive manner in their efforts to address the increasing political, economic and security challenges. The inspirational role of leaders in Kabul is irreplaceable and closely followed by the Afghan people. Only when the elite set an example can we expect the same attitude at other levels of the decision-making process. In that regard, I would like to express my appreciation for the four initiatives of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to promote an inclusive Afghan-owned and -led dialogue in a number of provinces. Also a year ago in the Chamber, many speakers included electoral issues among the mentioned challenges I just mentioned.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

23. “Slovakia would first like to align itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2015/684) and to welcome Special Representative Haysom and thank him for his briefing. Also, we carefully listened to the remarks of Mr. Yuri Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime at Vienna. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Tanin for his statement and, personally, for his excellent work and friendship during his tenure in New York. A year ago in this very Chamber, I began my statement (see S/PV.7267) by calling upon the Afghan leaders to uphold their declared commitments, form a Government of national unity and take steps to stabilize the country.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

24. “The international community is obliged to assist the States affected to re-establish their entire institutional system, but most importantly to update and reform so that all citizens may feel secure, free and with a promising future. Emphasis will have to be put on complete reconstruction and transformation of societies, including deep, conceptual and meaningful reform of their armed forces, law enforcement bodies and the entire security sector. Violence against any child now will negatively and irreversibly affect at least the next two generations. We should and must take action to avoid this fat for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

25. “In March 2014, ajoint initiative "Children, Not Soldiers" was launched by the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF, with the aim of ending and preventing the recruitment and use of children by Government armed forces in conflicts by 2016. As the Special Representative Leila Zerrougui has assessed, in that campaign's first year progress has been steady. The campaign has received broad support and achieved results that are making a difference in children's lives. Slovakia applauds and fully supports it. However, the campaign's first year has also shown that more can be done.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

26. “With regard to safety and security, in the annual report of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, special emphasis is given to attacks on schools and hospitals. Schools and hospitals should create safe heavens, and not serve as targets. Education is another key word. In the Millennium Development Goals, the world community set a deadline of 2015 for universal primary education and for the elimination of gender disparities at all levels of education. But we have to go much farther. Let me conclude by expressing the hope that there will be a light at the end ofa tunnel.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

27. “In that regard, the role of the International Criminal Court is indispensable, and the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, should further examine ways to assist the Court in fulfilling its mandate. Accountability is a crucial element, and we have to find ways to better exploit mechanisms designed to enforce it. But there is one question that bothers me very much. Why are young people affected by and attracted to radicalism? We see many young people turning their sympathies to radical movements regardless of their social background. What are we doing wrong? Perhaps a safe home, safety, education and prospects for living in a stable society are the areas we should concentrate on when speaking about a better future for children who survive armed conflict.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

28. “The immediate cessation of Boko Haram's hostilities and abuses, which are now shockingly spreading outside Nigeria and brutally affecting neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger, is absolutely necessary, together with the unconditional release of all abducted civilians and children, including the 276 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State in April 2014. We hear statements about children being killed, maimed, abducted, sexually abused, recruited and used by armed forces. Victims of such crimes lack adequate assistance and, in most cases, the perpetrators remain unpunished. Many red lines have been crossed. There are no words to describe the suffering of these children. In fact, no words are necessary; action must be taken.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

29. “The European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department has stated that conflict-affected areas are home to 1 billion children - 1 billion - of whom 300 million are under the age of five. In recent decades, the proportion of civilian casualties in armed conflicts has increased dramatically and is now estimated at more than 90 per cent. About half of these victims are children. We join the Security Council in its strong condemnation of ongoing violence against civilian populations, notably women and children. Since 2009, we have witnessed a deplorable string of violence and abuse of children.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

30. “I thank the French presidency for organizing today's debate and all the briefers for their presentations earlier. I would like to align myself with the statement made by the representative of the European Union. I would like to mention some numbers: 2 million, 6 million, 300 million, 1 billion. These are unbelievable numbers. One may ask what connection these numbers have with today's debate. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, at least 2 million children have died in the past decade as a result of wars. Many have been targeted as non-combatants or killed in action as soldiers. Some 6 million have been disabled or seriously injured, with many more suffering from disease, malnutrition or sexual violence.”

    2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source

31. “Slovakia also remains active in development assistance to the country, which continues to be among our official development aid priorities. I think that we all can work together and wish the Afghan people all the best in their future endeavours.”

    2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source

32. “The aforementioned principles should be well anchored in the expected revision of electoral law. The fundamental prerequisites for development in any country of the world are safety, security and stability. Slovakia therefore appreciates the unanimous Security Council decision to adopt resolution 2189 (2014), which, inter alia, welcomes the NATO-Afghan Government Agreement to establish a post-2014 non-combat mission. In that regard, I am honoured to inform the Council that on 10 December the Government of Slovakia approved military troops to serve in the new Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan as of 1 January 2015. Slovakia will also provide financial support for the Afghan National Security Forces. This contribution is fully in line with our long-term commitments and the spirit of cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan.”

    2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source

33. “Its role in coming years will be no less important in assisting the Afghan Government in the reform process and in achieving good governance. Commitments made in London in early December encourage us in our efforts, guided as we are by the spirit of inclusion and political unity. In this regard, we invite the Afghan Government to continue its outreach towards all legitimate political stakeholders in Afghanistan. While President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah are going to embody their vision in the formation a new cabinet, UNAMA and the wider international community stand ready to offer support and experience with transition. We would like to highlight the need for reform, especially in areas of justice, institution-building and legislation. Expansion of principles of rule of law at all horizontal levels of governance will be crucial.”

    2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source

34. “Slovakia would first like to align itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of the European Union. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2014/876). I would like to welcome and thank Special Representative Haysom for his briefing and wish him every success in his endeavours, as the task remains huge. Slovakia will continue to offer full support to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Of course, I cannot proceed without thanking Ambassador Tanin for his effort and his statement. I would also like to thank Mr. Yury Fedotov, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. UNAMA's performance has been remarkable in recent years.”

    2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source

35. “Along with other issues, both events highlighted the important role that regional and subregional organizations can play in SSR processes in view of the cross-border nature of the many challenges to peace and security. At the same time, they noted the central role of the United Nations in all global peace and security issues, and the vital role of the partnership with the AU and its member States in regional peace and security efforts in Africa, including peace operations. In conclusion, I wish to confirm Slovakia's continuing support for building effective partnerships between the United Nations and the AU and other subregional organizations in Africa, and our readiness to build close coordination and cooperation in that area of common interest. We stand ready to share our own experience in that regard.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

36. “Miroslav Lajeak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, during his recent trip to Ethiopia and Kenya at the end of November, when he met and held fruitful discussions with high-ranking AU and United Nations officials. During his visit, Slovakia, together with the African Union, organized the Africa Forum on Security Sector Reform in Addis Ababa from 24 to 26 November; and on 26 November, in partnership with the United Nations Office in Nairobi, our country organized a panel discussion in Nairobi on the challenges of and opportunities for security sector reform in East Africa and the Horn of Africa.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

37. “For us, building effective partnerships is Vital to ensuring that the international community remains the best actor to appropriately respond to growing needs and multiple challenges, that there is a coordinated approach, and that we are able to share our experience and expertise when needed. Slovakia has long sought to further strengthen working partnerships among the United Nations, the AfricanUnion,the EuropeanUnionandthe Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the area of SSR. Such a dialogue can be critical in helping to build synergy while also preventing the fragmentation of efforts. We actively promote the creation of synergies in order to avoid overlapping and duplication, as well as to streamline available resources. Our active engagement and commitments in that area were personally reiterated by Mr.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

38. “In that respect, the direct experience of many United Nations and AU peace missions and operations clearly shows that a nationally led and inclusive security sector reform (SSR) process can progressively deal with the root causes of insecurity and fragility and create an enabling environment that allows sustainable development and peace to take root. In addition, security sector reform is directly linked to the protection of civilians and the rule of law - two critical tasks that have become an integral part of almost every peace operation. Resolution 2151 (2014) on security sector reform, adopted in April under the Nigerian presidency, is a key milestone in those ongoing efforts. It also underscores the importance of partnerships and cooperation with and among regional organizations in supporting security sector reform.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

39. “At the same time, we are fully aware that peace operations represent a complex process, requiring time and resources. Such a process consists of various components and layers that are mutually interconnected and interlocked. Seldom has one country or even a single organization had the ability and capacity to contribute to the support and development of all peace instruments and security mechanisms. Therefore, the specific expertise and thematic focus of Member States and regional and subregional organizations add value to the overall success of the entire project of peace operations.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

40. “Such an approach would allow us more efficiently and effectively to steer a path through conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding all the way to sustainable peace. It is remarkable to note that almost half the participants in current United Nations peacekeeping missions come from Africa. Recent transitions from the African-led International Support Mission in Mali to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, and from the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic have proved once again the significance of effective United Nations-AU operational partnership on the ground.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

41. “Those challenges have become plainly visible and commonly recognized in various parts of the world, leading to augmented pressure and intensified demand on peace operations to adequately adapt and effectively react. To put it simply, the response must be as complex as the challenges. In such an environment, successful response requires enhanced cooperation and strengthened partnership between the United Nations and relevant regional and subregional organizations, as well as between and among those same regional and subregional organizations. Slovakia supports the trend towards building such partnerships, in particular with respect to the African Union and its regional organizations.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

42. “Slovakia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. Nevertheless, I wish to make few additional remarks in my national capacity. The international community has recently faced a growing number of increasingly complex multifaceted challenges. The changing global context in the area of peace and security confronts us with repeated cycles of violence, collapsing governance and endemic instability that adversely impact all aspects of civilian socioeconomic life. The situation is further exacerbated not only by the shifting character of conflicts, but also by the diverse nature of conflict parties and their motivations.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

43. “At the outset, allow me to join previous speakers in expressing our condolences to the parents and families of those who lost their lives during the horrific attack in Peshawar this morning, as well as our strong condemnation of that brutal act. I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your country, Chad, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. Allow me to wish you every success in steering this important organ. I also would like to express my gratitude to you for convening today's important debate on such a critical and timely topic. It provides a great opportunity for all of us to discuss and share views concerning the modalities of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, with an emphasis on the African Union (AU), in the field of peace operations.”

    2014-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7343 (2014) · source

44. “Against the current backdrop of political uncertainty, let us not forget about all the tremendous progress the country has achieved in its democratic transition, from assuming security responsibility to taking steps towards gender equality. Those important victories represent the base our future efforts can be built upon. Let me conclude by expressing our sincere gratitude to the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Kubis, for their dedication and leadership. I congratulate the United Nations for its action that it undertook in supervising the unprecedented election audit. I also wish to thank the team of the Mission for their professional work in uneasy conditions and reiterate the full support of my country for the irreplaceable role of UNAMA.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source

45. “The common interplay between Afghan stability and regional security is obvious. A stable Afghanistan is a precondition for a secure region. Durable constructive engagement by regional partners is a precondition for a stable Afghanistan. The pivotal role of the United Nations remains essential, and we encourage Afghan political leaders to profit from the huge potential that lies in effective cooperation with the United Nations. Nevertheless, outside support itself cannot guarantee progress or a democratic transition for the country. The ultimate responsibility for the citizenry rests upon State leaders. In recent months, the Afghan people demonstrated an extraordinary amount of bravery when, despite the threats and attacks of extremist groups, they cast their votes.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source

46. “International assistance should be multifaceted, long-term and tailor made. It should encompass humanitarian aid, investments in institutional and economic development and the rule of law. Internationally targeted projects aligned with the priorities of the Afghan Government can improve the daily lives of the Afghan people. For Slovakia, Afghanistan remains among the top three priority programme countries for Slovak official development assistance. The target areas of our assistance for the upcoming years are threefold: the improvement of education, the modernization of the agricultural sector, and the building of capacities in the area of security sector reform. However, lasting success will be very difficult without Afghanistan's neighbours actively engaging in regional cooperation.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source

47. “The parameters of post-2014 international security support should be agreed upon as soon as possible, especially in the light of current events and the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force coming to the end. The extremist groups never refrain from taking advantage of any political crisis. We commend the work undertaken by the Afghan National Security Forces in the challenging current circumstances. It will be crucial to further focus on developing their quality, loyalty and professionalism. The Slovak Republic is determined to further participate in that process, be it through training of the Afghan National Security Forces or direct financial help. Apart from the engagement of the international community in the areas of peace and security, comprehensive development assistance remains vital for the country's stability.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source

48. “The acceptance of the election results, fulfilment of commitments and formation of the Government of national unity are the means of setting the country on the right track. An inclusive political concept reflecting the diversity of the Afghan population is crucial. We therefore welcome the candidates' joint statement addressed to the NATO summit pledging to form a national unity Government. Political stability and economic prosperity are inseparably linked. Economic situations are sensitive and reflect political realities, while investors carefully observe any political mistrust. Despite the continuing challenges that will require the immediate attention of the new Government, we have faith that the steps needed to promote the licit economy and achieve a transparent and balanced budget will be taken in a timely manner.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source

49. “I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jan Kubis for his comprehensive briefing today. Let me align myself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union, but let me also make some comments in my national capacity. These are historic times for Afghanistan. We have all been closely watching the key events of the past few months. Further development cannot be achieved in any country in a politically unstable environment. We call upon the Afghan political leaders to engage in mutual dialogue and to uphold the commitments they have undertaken. Only a leader with a stable mandate and internal political support will be suited to address the remaining challenges the country is facing.”

    2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source

50. “The Slovak Republic therefore supports the renewal of UNAMA's mandate with today's unanimous vote. Finally, I would like to congratulate the people of Afghanistan on the upcoming Nowruz holiday.”

    2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source