YouSaid · the spoken record

Sen

lines on the record: 256
first: 2004-09-13
most recent: 2009-03-19
sittings or episodes: 25
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

“It is for that reason that we must continue to emphasize the progress achieved, rather than bemoan the challenges that remain. It is also for that reason that we should set our sights on realistic and achievable goals, not expectations that are unrealistic in the local context. If we are truly committed to an Afghan-led process of prioritization of tasks, we should concentrate on where Afghanistan has come from rather than on where we individually would like it to be.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“That includes regional economic processes, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Such efforts are in the collective interest of the entire region. Hindering that not only affects Afghanistan, but equally each of us in the region. We therefore need efforts to expand, rather than hinder, trade, transit - especially transit in that context, as I mentioned earlier - and transport ties. That is, in our view, the best way of bringing the regional dimension into the discourse on Afghanistan. In conclusion, India believes that challenges in Afghanistan need to be seen in their totality. We must analyse where we are today from the perspective of the past eight years. Every step forward has been hard won but each step is a measure of distance away from the destruction of the past.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“We have also simultaneously targeted local projects that will provide a peace dividend in the shortest possible period of time, ranging from cold storage plants to equipment for schools and hospitals. Through these efforts, we maintain capacity-building as a core element of our work in Afghanistan. It is in support of that core task that India has agreed to increase the current allocation of 500 seats each in capacity-building and scholarship programmes. Turning to the regional aspect, we need greater efforts to embed the stabilization of Afghanistan within regional processes for this country to regain its key role as the crossroads of South, West and Central Asia - a phrase that was also used in the statement today by the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Taking those points as a reference, I should like to underscore India's firm and unshakeable commitment to the international effort in Afghanistan. For India, the stabilization of Afghanistan is integrally connected with our security. It is for that reason that while we are outraged by attacks upon our people and symbols of our friendship with Afghanistan, we cannot be deterred by such criminal acts. Not only has our commitment to Afghanistan exceeded $1.2 billion, but we have attempted to the best of our ability to expand the range and variety of our projects. Thus, Indian assistance spans the gamut of operations from infrastructure projects, such as the Zaranj-Delaram highway, to institutions, such as the parliament building in Kabul.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“UNAMA and the Government of Afghanistan have made commendable progress together since UNAMA received that new mandate, and it is essential to build upon those first promising signs resolutely. That effort needs to be supported with greater resources for the United Nations Mission and with greater commitment to alleviating the humanitarian challenge in Afghanistan, especially given the impact of rising food prices and adverse climatic events. India is working to mitigate the humanitarian impact, including through our recent decision to send a quarter of a million tons of wheat to Afghanistan, although, most regrettably, we continue to face political difficulties in overland transport and transit to Afghanistan.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“We fully endorse the notion that coordination must be based on genuine Afghan leadership and on recognition of the fact that there is no purely military solution. It is precisely for this reason that India strongly supports efforts to build Afghan capacity. It is not only appropriate but essential to invest in such capacity. Without this, we run the risk of assigning responsibility without ensuring that our partners have the means to shoulder it. In this context, India welcomes the continuation of the useful role provided last year to UNAMA via resolution 1806 (2008). We see that as a logical corollary of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, adopted formally last year, which is a guidemap for the international assistance effort in Afghanistan.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Further, it must be pursued from a position of political and military strength. To this, I would add that the process needs to be undertaken with strategic clarity and unity of purpose. In the absence of consensus amongst concerned international parties over the key questions of reconciliation - with whom and how - such a process runs the risk of opening up divisions amongst us, rather than amongst the elements with whom we seek to reconcile. Furthermore, we must move beyond attempts to distinguish between "good" and "bad" Taliban; such efforts are totally unworkable. From this standpoint, it is helpful that the international effort is moving towards a more cohesive and integrated approach.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“They also invigorate our foe. Therefore, apart from continued application of force wherever terrorist groups are active, we must work together to deny them safe havens, financing and political and material sustenance, whether within Afghanistan or across its borders. The application of force wherever terrorists gather must harmonize with the larger political objective, and UNAMA must play an important role in this essentially political task. Since messaging is important, it is also essential to have greater clarity regarding the ideas being discussed in the public domain. Reconciliation is one of these. The Secretary-General's latest report subjects this discussion to important caveats. Not the least of these is the idea that reconciliation must be an Afghan-led process, within the parametres of the Constitution of the land.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“At the same time, we in the international community must ensure that, during the run-up to the elections, the gains secured collectively in Afghanistan are built up, not eroded in any manner. In that context, we condemn today's terrorist attack on representatives of the Afghan people. While the report, in our view, correctly identifies these positive developments as a window of opportunity to consolidate progress, there is a need to address misgivings over our collective purpose. Let us be clear - the world cannot afford to abandon Afghanistan again. Despite the strains, this mission remains vital not only to the aspirations of the long- suffering Afghan people, but to the security and stability of the region and beyond. Doubts, hesitation and divergences in our approach to the Taliban and Al- Qaida weaken our collective will.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“And yet the report also holds out elements of hope. We see steady progress in the United Nations effort to ensure greater coordination and cohesion in our aid and assistance programmes. It also praises efforts to reform the Ministry of Interior and the police, the work of the various economic ministries and the steady gains in reducing poppy production. It also notes as a sign of progress the fact that the Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan will organize the forthcoming elections. Furthermore, the fact that elections are being contested hotly is a good augury. We are hopeful that the elections will be free, fair and transparent and that the Afghan people will exercise their rights in such a manner.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for scheduling today's debate on Afghanistan and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This is of immediate and abiding interest to India. We also welcome the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/135), while thanking Special Representative Kai Eide for his comprehensive briefing. The latest report paints a bleak picture of the situation in Afghanistan. We accept these facts. We cannot but recognize that the Afghan people continue to be confronted by the twin challenges of deteriorating security and a sense that the peace dividend is being reduced. At the same time, the international community is simultaneously challenged by a renewed security challenge from the Taliban and Al-Qaida and by increasingly vocal questions over the utility of our collective effort.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Finally, the international community needs the International Maritime Organization to lead a process of evolving effective protection systems and strategies for merchant vessels to adopt when navigating piracy- infested waters. That will also help reduce the burden that is currently devolved upon a limited number of naval assets in protecting a large zone of impact. In conclusion, let me emphasize that while there is truth in the adage that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, we are currently beyond the phase where prevention can be contemplated. Therefore, we have few options besides simultaneously attempting to deal with the symptoms and trying to cure the disease.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“Greater clarity is required as regards the legal framework of dealing with apprehended pirates. Moreover, common procedures need to be worked out to prosecute those arrested. There also needs to be a closer linkage between the arms embargo and the anti-piracy effort. That suggestion, which we endorse, was made by the Monitoring Group on Somalia in its 10 December report (S/2008/769). It is important to stem the flow of weapons and to make those involved in planning, financing and facilitating acts of piracy accountable, including by blocking their access to revenue generated from ransom. That is required as the payment of ransoms is encouraging further acts of piracy. Expansion of the capacity of Somali entities to deal with acts of piracy, both from land, where they are launched, and in Somali coastal waters is also needed.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“From that standpoint, India believes that the international response to piracy in Somalia needs to include, given the special circumstances in Somalia, an enhanced and institutionalized coordination of international effort to deal with piracy. Not only must we institutionalize operational coordination among navies in the area, but also a mechanism must be set up for those involved in the anti-piracy effort to work with countries of the region in responding to the challenge. We welcome the announcement by the United States Secretary of State of the decision to establish a contact group in that regard. India would also like to underscore the importance of ensuring a central role for the United Nations, given the international legitimacy that it brings, and not solely as a clearing house for the flow of information on anti-piracy efforts.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“Attacks not only impact shipping to and from Indian ports and our extended neighbourhood, but also exact a heavy impact upon us, since the international merchant marine has a substantial proportion of persons of Indian origin. For that reason India has responded to the challenge of piracy at the request of, and in consultation with, the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. Over the last two months, India has deployed two of its modern naval vessels to deal with the challenge of piracy. We have had some successes in that regard, including as recently as last weekend, but we recognize that piracy remains a significant threat.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“A comprehensive approach that addresses the chaos that has long enveloped Somalia is the best long-term solution to the problem of piracy in Somali waters. Nevertheless, recognizing the continuing tragedy of Somalia and our inability so far to integrate political processes in a broader peacekeeping effort cannot justify the lack of a well-coordinated response to the turmoil spilling out into the oceans. Piracy is a challenge that must be met urgently, collectively and cooperatively by the international community. Piracy in Somali waters and off the coast of Somalia is an immediate challenge, not only to Somalia itself and the neighbourhood but to international commerce and finance, besides international peace and security. India is directly affected by piracy.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling this open debate on the threat posed to international peace and security and to the humanitarian situation in Somalia by the acts of piracy in the territorial waters and off the coast of Somalia. At the outset, let me welcome the Council's adoption today of resolution 1851 (2008) in this context. As one of the nations that share the Arabian Sea with Somalia, India is particularly concerned by the incidents of piracy that are an unfortunate outcome of a larger and ongoing tragedy in the country. India endorses the need for coherent international efforts to anchor in Somali soil national and regional political processes through an effective peacekeeping mission, ideally under United Nations leadership.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“We must therefore accept that progress will continue to take place sector by sector, partially and sometimes even episodically. Unless we display patience and perseverance, however, we cannot ensure that we will truly follow a demand- driven approach on the ground, and, without such an approach, our best efforts will not have the necessary legitimacy. It is for that reason that we reiterate the importance of an Afghan-led process of prioritization of tasks.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“Those include resolving impediments that hinder the expansion of commercial and economic linkages, including barriers to effective overland trade and transit and to the operation of mechanisms to deal with the challenge posed by trafficking in drugs, cross-border terrorism and so on. Eventually, every challenge is an opportunity, but we need to make greater efforts to implement measures before we can benefit from the opportunities. In conclusion, I must reiterate the need to avoid excessive expectations. While it is tempting to attempt to replicate our own socio-economic models in a country that needs every form of assistance after decades of conflict, we cannot realistically resolve all of Afghanistan's problems at once.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“Regional cooperation is the third leg of the triad of elements that must be implemented in parallel to stabilize Afghanistan. That includes but is not limited to regional economic cooperation. Afghanistan's entry into the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and its membership in other regional groups, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, are aimed at revitalizing Afghanistan's historic linkages with the countries of its region. The central challenge that remains, however, is to ensure that programmes evolved in such regional processes are actually implemented.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“Sustainable progress depends on our ability to mentor capacity- building in all sectors of governance, including the budgetary process as much as other mechanisms of Government. At the same time, we must also ensure that adequate resources are made available for such newly trained Government agencies. It is for that reason that capacity-building is a priority element in each of India's assistance programmes in Afghanistan. I should in that context like to add that India has recently announced an increase in its commitment to Afghanistan, which will now amount to $1.2 billion. We are also pleased to have completed the Zaranj- Delaram highway, which is one of the three major infrastructure projects India is undertaking in Afghanistan.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“We share the sense reflected in the Secretary- General's report of the need for the international community to provide not just the resources but also the political momentum to "reverse negative trends and accelerate progress in those areas where we have achieved successes" (5/2008/617, para. 6). In the particular context of the United Nations, it is now essential that we back our stated commitment to that new role for UNAMA by ensuring that it actually has the resources to do so. We also echo the call made by several speakers for greater efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation, in particular the food crisis. In the specific context of resources, India also supports the increasing streamlining of assistance through the Afghan national budget.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“There must be a much closer alignment between the consistent application of force wherever terrorist groups are present and the political objectives of our efforts in Afghanistan, in which UNAMA must play an important role. That brings me to my second point, which relates to development and international assistance. With the adoption of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy at the Paris Conference in June, we now have a clear road map. In the new mandate of UNAMA, we have a designated guide to help us align our assistance in accordance with the Strategy. The onus is upon us to take forward our efforts in a manner that coheres with the objectives set out in the Strategy. In that, UNAMA and the Afghan Government must play a leading role.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“The third element is the regional aspect, because unless Afghanistan is at peace within its region and vice versa, we cannot hope to stabilize Afghanistan solely from within. I should like to briefly elaborate on those three interrelated aspects. First, on security, now is not the moment for doubts or hesitation in implementing robust measures within Afghanistan, while expanding coordinated politico-military efforts beyond Afghanistan's borders. We need to go much further in realizing the well- established objective of degrading the ability of the Taliban to fight, while simultaneously denying them safe havens, finances and armaments.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“It is in that context that we feel a sense of some discomfort at the references in the report to casualties caused by anti-Government forces and pro-Government forces. The course ahead may be difficult, but it is clear. We have no other option but to collectively work on a three-pronged strategy in Afghanistan. One element in that must be security, for without security neither the Afghan people nor those of our own countries will see the long-awaited peace dividend after decades of privation in Afghanistan. A second element must be to raise governance capacities in Afghanistan, otherwise we run the risk of placing responsibility upon our Afghan partners without ensuring that they have the wherewithal to live up to it.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“The fact that civilians, humanitarian workers, United Nations convoys and diplomatic representations - including our mission in Kabul - have been attacked clearly underlines the barbarity of the foe that we face. The escalating civilian death toll is truly distressing, but the ultimate responsibility for those casualties must be laid squarely at the door of the Taliban, Al-Qaida and those who support and empower them. Such callous violence underlines the need to ensure that care be taken in our collective actions and messages. We must avoid giving them a sense of comfort or a hint of desperation; most of all, we must not dignify them by according terrorists parity with the forces of order.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“Let me begin by formally congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I also wish to express appreciation for the scheduling of today's debate on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the situation in that country, which is a topic of immediate interest to our delegation. We also welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2008/617) and thank Ambassador Eide for his comprehensive briefing. The latest report of the Secretary-General makes it clear that we stand at a very difficult juncture in Afghanistan. The escalation in asymmetric attacks to include areas that were cleared of the Taliban and Al-Qaida is a deeply worrying sign.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“In the absence of such comprehensive reform, a fundamental improvement in the working methods would either escape us, as it has for more than 60 years or, even if miraculously achieved, would not last without the institutional memory, continuing commitment and peer example of new permanent members held accountable to the general membership.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In conclusion, I should like to reiterate our firm conviction that genuine and lasting improvements in the working methods of the Security Council can be possible only as part of a comprehensive process of Council reform based on both reform and expansion of its composition in the permanent and non-permanent categories. It is only when there are new permanent members that are held accountable to the wider membership through an appropriate review mechanism that there will be a genuine response to the long- standing demand for meaningful and durable changes in the working methods of the Council.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“To acknowledge that is not to denigrate the conscientious and strenuous efforts of many non-permanent members in the past. However, their efforts were always doomed to fail, because the structure of the Council had not changed. Not the least of the limitations was the fact that, by their very nature, non-permanent members are transient and lack the institutional memory necessary to follow through and implement far-reaching changes. The challenge of being new members on the Council also adds to that problem. The very fact that the arguments that are being made today to improve the Council's working methods are the very same ones that have been made for more than 60 years simply proves the point.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Thus, the lacunae in the working methods of the Council cannot be fundamentally rectified without equally comprehensive reform and expansion of the membership of the Council in both the permanent and the non-permanent categories. In that connection, we endorse the point made by South Africa and other countries. It is sometimes argued that we could consider reform of the Council's working methods as an end in itself. However, in the real world, achieving genuine, lasting and necessary improvements in the working methods of the Council cannot be divorced from an expansion in the number of permanent members. It is necessary to underline that point, since earlier we witnessed an expansion in the number of non-permanent members, with little improvement in the Council's working methods.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“While I shall not dwell on problems in the Council's working methods through a recitation of various examples - the statement of the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement adequately covers the salient points - there can be no ignoring the growing chorus of voices that recognize flaws in the Council's working methods. Yet, the many flaws in the Council's working methods are only symptoms of a deeper malaise that lies in its structure and composition. The problem of the Council is not only a problem of working methods, but also one of additional requirements for logistical, defence and financial capabilities and reinforced legitimacy, which would lead to wider acceptance and more effective implementation of optimal decisions.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Troop-contributing countries have also long sought to be involved in decision-making in peacekeeping operations, rather than being consulted in a pro forma manner. Concerns persist over access to information and documentation; the absence of access to the Council on particular issues as a matter of routine for both the country concerned and important stakeholders; and the lack of systematic access, including by island and small States, to subordinate bodies of the Council. All these are recognized to be among the problems besetting the Council.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The extent of interest among non-members of the Council and the fact that the Council acts on behalf of the larger membership reinforce the point that the General Assembly has a legitimate role in deliberating upon the working methods of the Council. Nonetheless, the very fact that we are debating this issue here reflects recognition of the existence of a problem. Indeed, the note by the President of the Security Council dated 19 July 2006 (S/2006/507) voiced some of these concerns by listing some 63 action points. While the concept paper for this meeting (S/2008/528, annex) assessed the implementation of those measures, we do not fully share its somewhat optimistic conclusions.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“That is underscored not only by the interest of many States in today's topic, but also by the fact that issues relating to the Council's working method were identified almost 60 years ago. It was in April 1949 that the General Assembly unanimously adopted its resolution 267 (III) on this issue - a resolution which regrettably remains unimplemented. However, its adoption underlines that such criticism has substantial precedent. An equally illustrious pedigree is shared by the Council's rules of procedure, which have adamantly remained "provisional" over the decades. While we are happy to discuss the Security Council's working methods in an open debate in the Council, I must emphasize that this is an issue that transcends the limited membership of this body.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for scheduling today's debate on an issue which is of significant importance to all Member States, both within and outside the Security Council. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. While the Charter confers upon the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, paragraph 1 of Article 24 also stipulates that it acts on behalf of all Member States in discharging that responsibility. Accordingly, the Council's working methods have always been of direct, abiding and immediate interest to all Member States.”
2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We therefore urge the Council to accept the Nepalese request, as contained in its letter of 8 July 2008, in letter and spirit. To put it directly, the continuation of UNMIN on a smaller scale to engage in the remainder of the mandate for a period of six months is what Nepal has sought. It is precisely what Nepal should get - no more, no less.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“To insist on playing a role that the host nation is reluctant to provide is to risk jeopardizing the work of UNMIN thus far. That should be avoided at all costs, as it could undermine the United Nations investment in Nepal - not the other way around. In that context, the Council must also seriously consider whether to permit a liberal interpretation of the principle of the sanctity of a State's requests for specific assistance. We often hear the counter-argument that it is for the Council to decide on what action is appropriate in each case, but not when parallels are drawn between Nepal and other issues on the agenda of the Council. Let us not forget that Nepal approached the United Nations for assistance of its own free will, not because the situation in that country was a threat to international peace and security.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“Those included advising the national Election Commission in the conduct of elections and monitoring the management of arms and the forces of the two contending armies. And yet, in paragraph 68, it is asserted that the "key requirement now is not the continuation of monitoring arrangements so much as the transition to a durable and permanent solution". While that may or may not be so, it certainly cannot be automatically assumed that the durability and permanence of arrangements to address the problem of two armed forces depends on the active involvement of the United Nations. I am constrained to point out that we have noted a consistent effort to expand the definition of what Nepal seeks in terms of support to include a role in the Nepali peace process, irrespective of the desire of Nepalese interlocutors.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“While we would welcome being made similarly aware, what should have weight is not a subjective impression - including through an oral exchange - that the United Nations may have gained, but what the people's elected representatives convey in writing. To our knowledge, UNMIN's support has not been sought in taking decisions on issues related to the peace process. Indeed, the greatest strength of the peace process is that it has consistently been nationally-owned, directed and implemented. The Nepalese request for United Nations support was with regard to the implementation of aspects of Nepal's peace process - as speakers before me have noted - which required an internationally-accepted monitor.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“I carefully listened to the excellent statement made by the Permanent Representative of Nepal and, as he made clear, several aspects of the original mandate have been completed. The request is for something on a smaller scale. The clarification of the letter of 8 July essentially reiterates, in a sense, the earlier document, and it is significant that the peace process as a whole does not find mention in that clarification. Furthermore, the report also suggests in paragraph 64 that UNMIN has "been made aware" of a broad consensus within Nepal that continuation of a United Nations political presence is important to the completion of the peace process.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“That could imply that UNMIN would be asking the new Government - whose constituents expressed their views in the 8 July letter - to reinterpret the 25 June Agreement. In doing so, UNMIN could find itself in the unfortunate position of having its role become a matter of contention rather than being seen as a positive contributor to the peace process. It may also be seen to imply that the report is suggesting that political formations that are to form the Government are liable to change their minds. Not only does that run counter to the trend of Nepali political parties abiding by previous commitments, but it is also an extraordinary claim to make, even by implication.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“We also note that the request is made on the basis of a consensus between key Nepalese political parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which has a plurality in the Constituent Assembly. That consensus is also reflected in the 25 June Seven-Party Agreement and is therefore fundamental to the continuation of political processes in Nepal. From that standpoint, it is difficult to accept parts of the Secretary-General's latest report. Bearing in mind that it is at Nepal's request for assistance on specific aspects of its peace process that UNMIN exists, it seems inappropriate for the Secretary-General to advise the Council to extend the mandate for one month unless Nepal's request is clarified. In other words, unless Nepal's request is in line with what UNMIN wants it to say, the request is not good enough.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“Our support was never limited to words; we also provided material support at the crucial phase when UNMIN was being established. Taking into account the current situation on the ground, we fully support Nepal's request, made formally on 8 July, to extend the mandate of UNMIN for a further six months. The letter makes it abundantly clear that some of the mandates relating to the Mission, as laid down in resolution 1740 (2007), have already been accomplished. The request for an extension of six months therefore pertains to the remainder of the original mandate - a clear statement with nothing implied and nothing to be interpreted or clarified.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“Against all odds and despite cynicism, the Nepalese people not only maintained the cohesion of the Seven-Party Alliance, but also proceeded to implement their Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Despite delays, Nepalese authorities conducted an extremely successful Constituent Assembly election in April, which was truly a historic moment. Despite facing complex challenges in its peace process, Nepal and its leaders have indigenously addressed each of those. As a close and friendly neighbour, India stands ready to assist in any manner that the leaders and people of Nepal may ask of us. India has fully supported the United Nations efforts to assist Nepal, at the request of the host Government. We have been in close contact with UNMIN at all levels, including in New Delhi.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“It is for that reason that we have remained closely involved, not only in Nepal, but also in India and at all multilateral forums, through a decade of difficulties as an armed conflict raged, and subsequently as Nepal's leaders and people brought the conflict to a halt and began a peace process to bring closure to that conflict. Just as the conflict was indigenous, so too is the peace process. All credit should go to the people of Nepal and to the wise and statesmanlike efforts of Nepalese political parties and leaders for bringing about a peace process. India has strongly supported the peace process in Nepal, the ownership of which is entirely indigenous. We have warmly welcomed every positive step taken by Nepalese stakeholders in a complex and sensitive process, without outside assistance or advice.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“At the outset, I thank you, Sir, for scheduling this discussion on the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and for enabling our delegation to express its views on this matter. The extent and depth of the India-Nepal bilateral relationship cannot be overemphasized. It is based on ties of history, culture, language, ethnicity, kinship and geography. We enjoy the closest political ties, with close relationships between our political parties and equally close economic and commercial relations. India is also partnering Nepal's development in sectors ranging from energy to agriculture. Since our two countries share an open border, with open access to each other's markets and privileged access for the citizens of the other country, no country has more to gain from peace, stability and development in Nepal than India.”
2008-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5938 (2008) · source
“It is for this reason that we fully endorse the effort to empower the United Nations to bring us together in a more coherent partnership to enable Afghanistan to secure the better future that lies within its reach.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“India will remain fully committed to implementing the interrelated security, political and development challenges facing Afghanistan. We remain unflinching in our commitment to reconstruction, development and capacity-building in Afghanistan. As one of Afghanistan's largest development partners, India remains willing to support UNAMA in improving donor cohesion in support of Afghan-defined priorities. In conclusion, let me also reiterate our abiding belief in and commitment to our shared objective: assisting Afghanistan to complete its reemergence as a modern democratic country, confident in its unique culture and pluralistic identity, at peace with itself and secure in its neighbourhood, firmly on the path to sustainable economic development and liberated from the burdens of the recent history of strife and privation.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source
“It is for that reason that India has made capacity-building a priority element in all our efforts in Afghanistan, even in the infrastructure projects we are executing there, all of which include strong capacity-building components in them. To achieve those and other core objectives in Afghanistan, we have collectively agreed to empower the United Nations, through its Assistance Mission, to facilitate greater coherence amongst us and between us and our hosts. However, we cannot achieve results unless we enable UNAMA to do its job by providing it the material and human resources to execute its mandate in Afghanistan. Not only does the United Nations need these resources on an exceptional basis for Afghanistan, it needs them exceptionally soon. The time for us to empower UNAMA is now.”
2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source