YouSaid · the spoken record

Saikal

lines on the record: 276
first: 2015-12-21
most recent: 2018-12-17
sittings or episodes: 20
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

“As a principal component of our foreign policy, we are convinced that regional cooperation and multilateralism are catalysts for peace and prosperity. In that respect, we look forward to the upcoming Afghanistan-India-United States trilateral meeting, to be held on the margins of the General Assembly at its seventy-first. Let me inform the Council that President Ghani is currently in New Delhi on an official visit, and India has just announced another $1 billion in aid towards the development of Afghanistan. We thank India for that pledge. The Anti-Corruption Criminal Justice Centre and the High Council on Governance, Justice and Anti-Corruption are already operational and reviewing Government corruption cases. Our judicial sector is being revitalized by a set of bold measures.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Additionally, as part of the Khaf-Herat railway project, an Iranian train entered Afghan soil, thereby offering new opportunities for increased economic activity. Such developments reflect a spirit of constructive cooperation for mutual benefit in our region. We urge other neighbours to adopt a similar approach and to avoid measures that undermine relations, such as the the closing of entry ports, trade blockades, shelling and illegal construction activities along our south-eastern territory. We urge the Government of Pakistan to choose the path of cooperation to reinforce constructive relations and build trust, a fundamental precondition for peace and stability for both our countries. In that connection, we note with satisfaction the announcement on the completion of Pakistan-funded health projects in Afghanistan by year's end.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Our collaboration with regional partners has resulted in projects that will transform the economic landscape of our part of the world. We have already seen the inauguration of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India natural gas pipeline project, the CASA 1000 electricity project and the Chabahar Port agreement, all of which present opportunities for regional cooperation on an unprecedented scale. In August, we completed a major housing project of 2,015 residential units in Kabul. Additional projects are under way to provide over 11,000 residential units, with support from China and Qatar. Last week, for the first time in the history of Sino-Afghan relations, a special cargo train between the two countries was officially welcomed in Hairatan, Afghanistan.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Developments, perceived by some as "tensions" in the National Unity Government, and "rising pressures" by political opposition groups, are part of a routine exercise of democratic debate and a hallmark of our vibrant society, where citizens express their views in accordance with their democratic rights. The 2016 World Press Freedom Index ranks Afghanistan higher than all its neighbours and fourth among 13 countries of South and Central Asia in terms of ensuring a culture of free speech. We will work to improve political stability through healthy dialogue over outstanding issues. I am pleased to present the highlights of our achievements from the past three months. Afghanistan's development needs are being driven by our extensive reform measures to curb corruption, improve service delivery and promote transparency.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“On 21 September we will celebrate the second anniversary ofthe signing ofthe agreement establishing the National Unity Government of Afghanistan. We are committed to the full implementation of the agreement. Discussions are ongoing among the leadership of the National Unity Government to address the overdue commitments stipulated in the agreement. Let me assure the Council that our entire political elite, irrespective of ethnic and linguistic background or political standing, is committed to preserving the national interest of Afghanistan, with its full support behind our national security forces.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Despite our constant outreach and efforts in the Quadrilateral Coordination Group on the Afghan Peace and Reconciliation Process, Pakistan has yet to utilize the opportunity to play genuine peacemaker. The fact is deserving of attention that based on the Group's road map, they must take the necessary measures against irreconcilable Taliban elements to win the international community's due recognition as a serious and genuine partner in the fight against terrorism. We thank the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for its renewed focus on promoting peace in Afghanistan. We welcome the upcoming Ulema Conference in Mecca and Medina, which will bring together global Islamic scholars to denounce the violence in Afghanistan.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“We welcome the outcome of the NATO Warsaw Summit last July, which extended the Resolute Support Mission beyond 2016, reaffirmed continuing national contributions to the financial sustainment of the ANDSF until the end of 2020 and enhanced our enduring partnership with NATO. We have committed to further strengthening our security institutions and ensuring service delivery within the rule of law. We will continue to increase our financial contribution to the ANDSF. The empowerment of women will continue in all aspects of Afghan society, including service in the ANDSF and political processes, as well as the full implementation of Afghanistan's national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). We have already taken the necessary measures to protect children from the effects of armed conflict and have witnessed good, measurable results.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Successive Taliban and Da'esh attacks were repulsed in different parts of the country, which proves that these extremist factions do not have the capacity to hold territory anywhere in Afghanistan. However, we are putting in place measures to pre-empt rather than react to their attacks. I am pleased to report that in line with my Government's five-year national campaign plan, which focuses on reconciliation, security and stability, the mobility and effectiveness of our security forces have further improved Afghanistan's resilience in the face of the the ongoing security challenges. Moving forward, the continued support of our international partners remains critically important.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“As a strategic imperative, we must move beyond rhetoric and address the enablers of terrorism, including the role of State elements in orchestrating and facilitating the growth of terror. We need to review the state of United Nations counter- terrorism efforts to identify and address gaps in their implementation and assess what needs to be done by the relevant United Nations agencies to achieve results and effectively fulfil their mandates. The Taliban's brutal attacks have continued in different parts of the country, with particular focus on the provinces of Helmand, Kunduz and Paktia. Their aim is to create a durable political geography inside Afghanistan for the Quetta Shura and Haggani leadership. The response from the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces has been remarkable.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Judging from previous experience, as we approach the General Assembly session, the second anniversary of the National Unity Government of Afghanistan and the forthcoming Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, the Taliban and other terrorist groups may escalate their attacks to gain international visibility. The growing violent extremism and terror worldwide is proof that the current pace of counter- terrorism efforts is at best lax compared to the magnitude of the threat. Current efforts remain scattered, slow and at times static, and they have proved incapable of matching the sophistication and ever-changing tactics of global terror for its eventual defeat, as far as the experience of Afghanistan is concerned.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“These savage attacks in populated urban centres showcased the cowardly behaviour of the terrorist groups and their supporters, aimed at compensating for their so-called spring offensive losses. We have evidence that most of these attacks were orchestrated outside Afghanistan. Last week alone we seized two trailer trucks entering Afghanistan from Pakistan with 35,700 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, an amount nearly 20 times larger than what was used in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Let us take a second to imagine the magnitude ofthe devastation had the attack, or attacks, been carried out against us or our allies.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“In July, Da'esh affiliates struck again, this time against a peaceful civilian demonstration in Kabul. In August, the Taliban targeted tourist buses in Herat, followed by an attack on university students in Kabul. In September, they targeted civilians, security officials and an aid group in Kabul. Altogether, around 180 people, predominantly civilians, lost their lives and 435 were wounded in these attacks, with extensive damage to infrastructure. Among the victims were scores of our educated and talented youth who were committed to the rehabilitation and development of their country. President Ashraf Ghani on August 25 called Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and asked for serious and practical measures against the organizers of the attack on the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“During this summer, the world witnessed terror spread wildly across the globe, with major attacks in nearly 20 countries in three continents. From Libya to Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, Syria, Bangladesh, France, Libya, Mali, Germany, India, Angola, the Congo, Pakistan, Nigeria and the Philippines, terrorist attacks took many innocent lives and inflicted huge damage. It is clear that, as terrorist groups face international pressure at the core, they attempt to strengthen their symbiotic networks and resort to more desperate attacks far and wide. Afghanistan has also seen an increase in large scale terrorist attacks. In June, Da'esh affiliates terrorized villagers in Nangarhar. A few days later, the Taliban targeted new police recruits outside Kabul.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“During the same period, thanks to the continuing support of the international community, we have maintained steady progress to enhance the capacity, capability, professionalism and sustainability of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). In the midst of vibrant democratic debates as a key feature of recent political developments, the reform agenda of the National Unity Government, in line with Agenda 2030, is bearing fruit. Afghanistan has achieved progress in regional trade and infrastructure connectivity, anti-corruption measures, governance, the rule of law and human rights, legal reform, restoring fiscal sustainability and the integrity of public finance, commercial banking, development planning, social inclusion and private-sector development.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“At the outset, let me congratulate New Zealand for its successful leadership of the Security Council this month. We express our gratitude to the Secretary-General for his recent report (S/2016/ 768) on the situation in my country. We welcome Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and thank him for his first briefing to the Council. We look forward to working closely with him and wish him every success in his very important task. Since the Council's latest deliberations on Afghanistan (see S/PV.7722), on June 21, the country has seen increased armed clashes and suicide attacks, with high civilian casualties, which has tested our resilience and brought the peace process to an impasse.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“I thank the entire Council and almost all other United Nations Member States that have been part of our journey so far, either through sweat and toil or in spirit.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's socioeconomic analysis in its Afghanistan Opium Survey 2015, the estimated gross value of opiates in Afghanistan decreased from 13 per cent of the country's gross domestic product in 2014 to 7 per cent in 2015. This demonstrates our commitment to curbing the menace of narcotics, and we will continue to work with the international community to garner support for the Afghan national drug action plan to counter the threat of illicit drugs. Let me conclude by saying that 2015, the first post- transition year, was a year of survival for Afghanistan, but 2016 has inaugurated the era of consolidation of the gains that we have collectively made in the past 15 years. Together, we will pave the way for the long- term sustainability of progress in our country.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The ongoing flight of Afghans and the significant numbers of internally displaced remain a cause for concern, especially against the backdrop of the decrease in voluntary repatriations. Terrorist attacks on various aid organizations have hampered humanitarian assistance in several cases, and rendered refugee resettlement programmes more precarious. However, our Government is fully committed to finding sustainable solutions for the repatriation of Afghan refugees, with the support of the international community. I welcome the deliberations at the World Humanitarian Summit, and assure the Council that Afghanistan will work with our international partners to address this serious humanitarian situation.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Multiple women's protection and family guidance centres for survivors of domestic violence are open and functional, which shows the Government's continued support to rehabilitating victims of violence. The humanitarian situation remains fragile, with an increase in conflict-related displacements in extreme weather conditions. Earlier this year, I was very pleased to sign the Paris Climate Agreement on behalf of my Government, which I believe puts us on the right track to make progress towards environmental and social integrity. Afghanistan is ranked among the most vulnerable countries facing the adverse impact of climate change, which affects our economic situation as well.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“The Parliament has given votes of confidence to the new Ministers of Interior and Defence, the Attorney General and the Head of the National Directorate of Security. Despite rising civilian casualties due to attacks by extremist factions, the determination of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to protect civilian lives remains steadfast. The Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting human rights, continues to work on revising the penal code and professionalizing the Afghan National Police, and has submitted its first periodic report to the United Nations Committee against Torture. Children's protection units are operational in different regions of the country to prevent the recruitment of children into the armed forces.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We are committed to the full implementation of the September 2014 agreement on the formation of the National Unity Government. We are working with all stakeholders to identify and remove obstacles and expedite the electoral reform and convocation of the Loya Jirga on amending the Constitution. As we approach the Brussels conference, I am pleased to report that over 90 per cent of Afghanistan's 2015-2016 commitments in the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework are either complete or nearing completion. Afghanistan has established the High Council on Governance, Justice and Anti-Corruption, which oversees the national anti-corruption strategy, and has implemented anti-corruption measures in the justice sector, which are bound to improve governance.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We already started to export agricultural products through that new trade route. The leaders of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan launched the construction of the CASA 1000 project. Afghanistan is determined to continue its outreach to all regional partners for mutual growth and prosperity, but at the same time remains steadfast in refusing to allow obstructive policies in the neighbourhood to dictate its direction. We are currently working on the development strategy framework, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to be presented at the Brussels conference on Afghanistan in October. We look forward to generous investments from the international community in support of the implementation of that strategy.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We welcome last week's announcement by the United States on further ground and air support to the security forces. We look forward to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Warsaw Summit in two weeks' time, which will review international support for the Afghan security forces and reiterate the pledges of our international partners. Afghanistan has moved to complete or achieve progress on a number of major national and regional projects on energy and trade. Recently, we signed an agreement with a Turkish company to explore expanding the Kajaki dam in Helmand. Afghanistan and India inaugurated the Saima irrigation and power dam in Herat. Another historic occasion was the signing of a transit trade agreement among Afghanistan, India, and Iran on the Chabahar Port.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“However, it is important that we remain vigilant against the instrumentalization and misuse of the peace process by supporters of the Taliban to buy time and refuel their war machine. One can talk about peace only with those who value genuine and results-oriented negotiations. But the world has yet to see sincerity on the part of the Taliban and their supporters. I must pay particular tribute to the brave men and women of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. I am pleased to report that the security forces, despite suffering high casualty rates, continues to move from strength to strength, proving an invaluable asset and partner in the global struggle against terrorism. We are grateful for the continuous partnership of the international community.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“More important, most of those terrorist groups and networks enjoy the facilitation and orchestration services of elements within the Pakistani State structure who believe in the use of violence to pursue political objectives. Any country contemplating the use ofgood and bad terrorists against each other and against others is playing with fire and will catch fire itself. It is imperative that the international community undertake an initiative to establish objective criteria to identify and confront State sponsorship of terrorism in our neighbourhood. Despite the challenges, Afghanistan remains committed to the peace process with reconcilable Afghan elements, parallel to strengthening its defence and security capabilities.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Apart from the Taliban, constantly morphing global and regional terrorist groups seek to turn Afghanistan into a launching pad against Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia and the Far East. It is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive against them. Despite the recent heavy blows inflicted by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Al-Qaieda, those groups continue to position themselves to re-emerge in Afghanistan. Al-Qaieda has gone dark and deep. Other regional terrorist networks with links to Central Asian republics, Chechnya and China are highly active in our region. Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, in coordination with other terror groups, remains a long-term threat to the security and stability of our region.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“As a responsible Member of the United Nations, and under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, Afghanistan has submitted 19 protest notes to Pakistan and summoned that country's head of mission in Kabul three times in the past three months. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Government and Parliament have called for a diplomatic solution to the illegal construction at Torkham Pass. An Afghan delegation was sent to Islamabad to explore a diplomatic breakthrough. We hope the voice of reason will prevail, but our message is very clear: make no mistake - I repeat, make no mistake - the proud Government and the people of Afghanistan have not, do not and will not surrender to intimidation, violence and aggression. Our history is a testimony to that.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“In the past three months, the violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity continued with the firing of over 820 foreign artillery shells on our eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Khost, Paktika, Kunar and Nouristan, causing civilian casualties and material losses. Most recently - in contravention of bilaterally agreed consultation mechanisms - our neighbour attempted to build new infrastructure at the Torkham Pass, thereby provoking an unnecessary military clash that produced casualties on both sides. The situation, which is a threat to international peace and security, remains tense, with a devastating impact on trade and transit.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Following the failure of their so-called spring offensive, the Taliban have resorted to stepping up highway banditry and the killing or kidnapping civilians. In late May, they kidnapped 130 civilian bus passengers in Kunduz; the fate of some of them is still unknown. Earlier today, the Taliban again took multiple travellers hostage in the province of Helmand. Meanwhile, our neighbour's provocative actions along the de facto separation line, including the illegal construction of military installations, abuse of our nationals and restrictions on trade and transit, have escalated.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“That must come to an end if we are to succeed in countering terrorism. In the past 15 years, numerous leading terrorist figures, including the Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and Taliban leaders Mullah Omar and Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, have lived and died in Pakistan. The fact that notorious terrorist leaders were found and killed in their safe havens there is clear proof that the country has violated the sovereignty of other nations. That constitutes a flagrant violation of the resolutions 1373 (2001) and 2255 (2015), on the sanctions regime against the Taliban. We believe that there is an urgent need for proper implementation of the existing counter- terrorism resolutions of the Security Council.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“President Ahmadzai added that, despite our desire and efforts to advance regional cooperation, we would have no choice but to refer the case to the Security Council and take serious diplomatic measures, unless there was a change in the policy of using terrorist proxies against Afghanistan. In contrast to the unforthcoming attitude of a certain neighbouring country, other QCG members have remained committed to giving - or have even already given - effect to their words. On 22 May, Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was tracked and killed by a United States airstrike in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The incident also exposed his Pakistani passport with a fake name, which he had used to fly from Pakistani airports numerous times. Despite that, the charade of plausible deniability, duplicity and blaming Afghan weaknesses continue.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“He called on Pakistan to respect the QCG agreements and take action against terrorists who, according to the credible intelligence from our own agencies as well as from our international partners and from publicly recorded confessions by Pakistani authorities themselves, have their bases and leaders in that neighbouring country. President Ahmadzai said that if Pakistan refused to carry out military operations on its soil against the terrorists, then it should surrender them to our courts to face justice. We believe that there is a need for political will and honest police action, rather than nuclear deals or F-16s, to fulfil that task.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Sadly, on 12 April, they responded with their so-called spring offensive, launched simultaneously across 42 different locations in our country and causing heavy civilian suffering and proving once again that they cannot be reconciled to peaceful political initiatives. Given the brilliant performance of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, the Taliban suffered heavy losses during the first stage of the Taliban onslaught. To avenge their losses, the Taliban plotted, and claimed responsibility for, the deadly Kabul terrorist attack on 19 April, killing and wounding 411 persons, mostly civilians. On 25 April, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai addressed a joint meeting of the National Assembly of Afghanistan.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Nevertheless, the increased civilian casualties and internal displacement and the ramifications of the cowardly behaviour of the Taliban and their supporters to compensate for their losses have been alarming. Last winter, the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) - made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States - finalized a road map for the peace process. New opportunities were presented to those willing to engage in talks. The QCG members agreed to take all the necessary measures against those who refused to engage in a political resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan. The expectation was that the Taliban would use that opportunity and join the process.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Actors from Afghanistan's region, along with international partners, are coming together to give a more collective response to the violent extremism and terrorism emanating from the region. A number of multinational development projects have either been launched or come to fruition, creating new hope for peaceful coexistence, connectivity and prosperity in the region. Afghanistan and its regional and international partners appear more determined than ever to prevent the continuation of violence from taking development hostage. The re-emergence of Afghanistan as a symbol of international cooperation and partnership is gaining momentum.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“I also wish to convey my deepest condolences in connection with the tragic atrocity that occurred in Orlando last week and yesterday's attacks in Kabul and Badakhshan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We welcome the statements of condemnation that the Security Council issued following each of those attacks. I am pleased to report that the country has shown greater resilience in countering the ongoing challenges since the Council's deliberations on Afghanistan in March (see S/PV.7645). As I speak here today, we have just left behind us the spring season with high casualties and setbacks for the Taliban and other terrorist groups.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Mr. Saikal (Afghanistan) (spoke in French): I would like to congratulate the President for the very able way he has been leading the work of the Security Council this month. (spoke in English) I express my gratitude to the Secretary-General for his recent report (8/2016/532) on the situation in my country. Iwould also like to thank my friend Mr. Nicholas Haysom for his last briefing as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan. I pay tribute to his contribution to the life of our country during the crucial years of transition. I would also like to welcome another good friend Ambassador Tadamichi Yamamoto as the incoming Special Representative of the Secretary-General, with whom I have had the pleasure of working in Kabul.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“In October 2016, the ministerial conference on Afghanistan, to be held in Brussels, is expectedto convey a message of strong political support for our reform and State-building process, to commit development assistance in support of Afghanistan's reform process within an updated mutual accountability framework, and to create a political momentum of reinforced regional cooperation. We invite Member States to take an active part in this conference, as investing in Afghan stability would create safety dividends worldwide.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“No country can achieve self-reliance without economic self-sufficiency, and Afghanistan has been adopting concrete measures to move in that direction. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, we are in the process of drafting a new national development strategy, the guiding document on strategies for security, governance, economic growth, poverty reduction and employment. We are serious in dealing with corruption because it negatively impacts economic growth. In that regard, the Government has implemented multiple anti-corruption strategies and has started programmes that would ensure transparency of recruitment in public service and prevent nepotism.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“It is our Government's policy to improve conditions in Afghanistan so that we can create economic opportunities and strengthen security to incentivize people to stay and contribute to their nation. We call upon our friends from the international community to work with us in achieving this goal. Countering the menace of the narcotics trade and breaking down the nexus of criminality and drugs are key priorities for us. Our success is evident from the findings of the Afghanistan Drug Report 2015, which emphasizes significant reductions in opium cultivation and production, and slight increases in drug seizures. We will continue to work with the international community to garner support on the Afghan national drug action plan 2015-2019 to counter the threat of illicit drugs.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“The Afghan National Security Forces operate under strict rules of engagement based on principles of justifiability and proportionality. They provide compensation and support to victims of violence, and never use any civilian facilities for military purposes. Afghanistan is currently suffering a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. The number of internally displaced people is at its highest since 2002, but the rate of voluntary returns under the repatriation programme has seen a significant increase since 2014. However, the continuous flow of Afghans out of the country is a source of concern, as they contribute to the migrant crisis in Europe, constituting the second largest group of arrivals via the Mediterranean Sea route. Compounding the crisis, several European countries have started rejecting Afghan asylum petitions.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Multiple Government initiatives continue to encourage women's participation in all sectors, while the strengthening of existing laws on violence against women help to create a just society. In the past three months, we have witnessed multiple attacks on civilians, including the slaying of a journalist of a populat television network. Following that incident, President Ghani affirmed his commitment to the freedom of expression by issuing a decree to prevent the intimidation. There is significant political will to consolidate the progress made in the past years. However, the high price paid by Afghans due to the imposed conflict pulls us in a downward spiral. The Council must note that our Government's policy is to protect civilians at any cost.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“We look forward to the NATO Warsaw Summit in July, where the long-term sustainability of the ANDSF will be discussed. Afghanistan continues to make strides in civilian protection and the promotion ofhuman rights, especially protecting the rights of our children, which has always been our priority. We will continue to implement the road map to compliance to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers, having already endorsed the national age assessment guidelines, to ensure we bring an end to practices that put the lives and future of our children at risk. The recent Afghanistan visit of Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, provided an excellent opportunity for a first-hand assessment of the situation. Our pledge to empower women and ensure their equal rights is bearing fruit.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“In the past three months, despite limited resources, the initiative has very much remained in the hands of our security forces. They have had success in a number of provinces, including Nangarhar, Baghland, Helmand, Badakhshan, Takhar and Faryab. In Helmand, our forces have repelled sizeable enemy attacks, despite sustaining heavy casualties. However, the cost of war imposed upon us is massive, and way beyond our own capacity. Sustainability, proper training, the right enablers, reform and high morale among the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) are crucial in facing the regional and global terror threat. Lately, the United States, India, China and the Russian Federation have contributed to the delivery of the right enablers to the ANDSF.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“The Council should ensure that all States meet their international obligations with respect to the implementation of the relevant counter-terrorism and sanctions regime resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council, in particular resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014), 2253 (2015) and 2255 (2015), and present genuine and regular compliance reports. While we press for the success ofthe peace process, Afghanistan must be able to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to protect is citizens. While we agree that there is no military solution to the security problems imposed on us, we firmly believe that, without an effective defence and security system, there will be no solution.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Moreover, ridding Afghanistan, our region and beyond from this menace demands more robust efforts regionally and globally by all States, particularly those in which extremist groups originate. The time is now to strengthen the overall international architecture against terrorism. Afghanistan has long advocated the conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism. As we struggle to reach a common definition of terrorism, we must remind ourselves of the enormous pain and suffering that extremism inflicts on the civilized world. Think about the loved ones of the 146 people who either lost their lives or were wounded in the terrorist attacks of the past couple of days in Ankara and Cote d'Ivoire.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Given its sensitive geostrategic location and its history of turmoil, as well as the fact of being embroiled in global violent extremism and terrorism, Afghanistan must continue to remain a symbol of international cooperation. While we deliberate here today, terrorists and violent extremist groups, including Da'esh and Al-Qaida, continue to threaten the foundations of our society. Everything we cherish - equality, democracy, justice and human rights - is under attack from the daily onslaught of violence. We are in a constant battle between legality and illegality, civilization and darkness. For our part, we will continue our more than two decades-long struggle against the menace of terrorism. We will do so as a matter of national and strategic priority.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“At the national level, violence must decrease so that we can win the confidence of our people, especially women, in the process. Ultimately, the peace process should further unite Afghans, rather than divide us. Every effort must be made to eliminate those elements of the armed groups that oppose peace. We anticipate clear and decisive steps towards that objective. At the regional and international levels, we should aim at minimizing negative State rivalries and maximizing cooperation. States have the right to be concerned about their interests. However, they do not have the right to pursue them through violent means and proxies in others' territories. The price of greatness to regional and global powers is responsibility and better cooperation in the legitimate interests of all.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“In the light of that, we want an immediate end to regular incursions around the Durand Line, which cannot, and will not, be tolerated by Afghanistan. In the past three months alone, we have documented at least 56 instances of violation to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan across the Durand Line, in breach of Article 24, paragraph 2, of the Charter of the United Nations and contrary to resolution 2131 (2013). That jeopardizes Afghanistan-Pakistan relations at a time when making peace with Pakistan is essential to making peace with the Taliban. Despite our high ambitions and political will, we have realistic expectations from the peace process. Success depends on a number of factors at the national, regional and international levels, including the adequate handling of the spoilers of peace.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source
“Aziz's statement speaks volumes about the crucial need for Pakistan to play its role in helping to facilitate direct talks between authorized representatives of the Taliban and the Afghan Government. We repeat our call to the Taliban to engage in the peace talks and give up violence. We assure them that they will be among the first beneficiaries of the peace dividend. At the same time, let me make it clear in no uncertain terms that those elements that choose the path of violence and terror will face the full might of our security forces and will be held accountable, no matter whose protection they enjoy. We welcome the growing voice of reason within Pakistan calling for a change in the right direction.”
2016-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7645 (2016) · source