YouSaid · the spoken record

Spantfi

lines on the record

21

first

2008-07-09

most recent

2009-09-29

sittings or episodes

2

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

1. “To this end, the international community must ensure that only good behaviour is rewarded. In addressing all these issues, the United Nations has played and must continue to play a leading role. UNAMA is well placed to facilitate communication between us and our international partners and to bridge our mutual needs and expectations. Enhancing coordination among different stakeholders is another important role for UNAMA. I should like to conclude by reiterating Afghanistan's full commitment and readiness to strengthen our relationships with our international partners. I am absolutely confident that with their support and solidarity, Afghanistan will resume its historical role and place as a model for cooperation among different cultures and as a crossroads for trade, transit and tourism in the region.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

2. “For us, regional cooperation is a pillar of our foreign, security and development policy. We fully believe in the utility of economic peace in our region. Many of our challenges are regional in nature and consequence - in particular, terrorism and drug- trafficking. Only by creating a cooperative environment in the region can we collectively address our interrelated challenges. In this context, our relations with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan are of the utmost importance. Fortunately, in recent months, there has been a cooperative atmosphere between us and the new civilian Government in Pakistan. I should like to thank our friends for their support in bringing this bilateral relationship about through the trilateral meetings held in Washington, Ankara and Istanbul. It is our sincere wish to extend this to other entities in Pakistan.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

3. “To this end, and in the context of the Afghan Constitution, we have used all means to encourage those Afghans who took up arms against their country to participate in the process of reconstructing their motherland. In the coming weeks and months, we will accelerate our efforts towards that end. To succeed in this endeavour, our efforts must be consistent with the ends that we envision for Afghanistan and the region. Secondly, as long as the leaders of the Taliban and other terrorist groups remain protected by external entities, we will not be able to achieve our goal of dismantling the dynamic of insecurity in my country. Any sustainable reintegration effort must focus on the leadership as well as non-ideological fighters. Another important issue for Afghanistan is regional cooperation.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

4. “However, it is a reductionist View to boil all our problems down to one issue. Terrorists are motivated by a set of factors, primarily their fanatical mindset and ideological ends. In the context of Afghanistan, we often suffer from weak or, as Kai Eide mentioned, even absent governance, as well as bad governance. In many cases, we lack the basic tools required for governance. Rather than bashing and delegitimizing our young State institutions, we have to invest in our national institutions. Furthermore, it is wrong and unethical to ignore bad practice on the part of other actors, including within the donor community. Another important issue is the question of re-integration of illegal fighters into civilian life. From the beginning, it has been our stated policy that Afghanistan belongs to all Afghan citizens.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

5. “Afghanistan we1comes the proposal to convene an international conference on the situation in Afghanistan. We will be pleased to host it in Kabul. This conference will be an opportunity to renew our partnership and to outline specific and concrete steps and programmes. The conference will be an important forum for identifying effective ways to implement the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. Furthermore, it will provide an opportunity to discuss our mutual responsibilities and commitment to principles of good governance, mutual accountability, transparency, aid efficiency and enhanced coordination. I should like to say a few words about the strategic issue of good governance. An accountable and functioning State is absolutely essential for addressing Afghanistan's short- and long-term needs and challenges.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

6. “A comprehensive long-term strategy needs to be supported by adequate and appropriate resources and skills. To implement such a strategy, there needs to be a clearer division of responsibility between us and the international community. Afghanistan has to shoulder the main responsibility for creating a secure, prosperous, progressive and democratic Afghanistan. The sustained and substantial support of the international community will be crucial in enabling us to realize our national priorities. We are very pleased with the placing of Afghanistan high among the priorities of the new United States Administration. We are confident that the surge in United States military support coupled with increased civilian and developmental assistance is the best way forward.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

7. “Continuing efforts to undermine the integrity and legitimacy of the process and our institutions will certainly result in a worsening of the situation, not only for Afghanistan but also for the international community. Afghanistan is faced with challenges and needs that fall into four categories: stabilization, humanitarian concerns, reconstruction efforts and sustainable development. Only by pursuing a comprehensive long- term strategy can we consolidate the fragile advances we have made and the institutions we have built since 2001. Short-term, compartmentalized and partial solutions are doomed to fail. The objective of such a strategy must be to help create a fully sustained and functioning State. The main pillars of this strategy are security, good governance, economic development, regional cooperation and international solidarity.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

8. “Painfully, we lost a number of our security forces, our international partners and Afghan civilians to terrorist attacks prior and during the election day. Taking into account the socio-historic realities of my country, we passed this national test successfully. As with any emerging democracy, there were cases of irregularities. But in passing judgment, we should be aware of the context, the process and the full picture, rather than only one aspect or issue. For the sake of the stability and consolidation of our nascent democratic institutions and process, it is imperative that all of us respect and support the forthcoming decisions from the Afghan electoral bodies.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

9. “The August elections were important milestones in the processes of democratization and State-building in Afghanistan. They were a multifaceted undertaking, involving different entities and players. They included Afghan national security forces, the Independent Election Commission, the Electoral Complaints Commission, the Afghan media, United Nations agencies, national and international observers, Afghan civil society, the Afghan political community, the International Security Assistance Force and, of course, the Afghan citizens. It was the first time in the history of modern Afghanistan that Afghans had the opportunity to organize a nationwide election. What made this election different from other elections was the degree of the threat to security. Al-Qaida, the Taliban and other terrorist groups did their utmost to disrupt the election.”

   2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

10. “Mr. Spantfi: Let me begin by congratulating you, Madam President, on your assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. I am grateful to you for convening this meeting. Afghanistan deeply appreciates the strong support and solidarity of the family of nations in its arduous struggle to stand on its feet after decades of conflicts and suffering. Specially, we are grateful for the excellent work and efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Our special thanks go to Ambassador Kai Eide and his able team. I am also thankful for his comprehensive report on the situation in my country. I would like to brief the Council on our recent presidential and provincial council elections and the way forward. This will be somewhat complementary to Mr. Eide's efforts.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

11. “We seek the support and cooperation of the international community in preparing the grounds for free, fair and secure elections. Last but not least, the Government of Afghanistan and the Afghan people sincerely honour and remember the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of the international community in the war against terrorism. Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for being invited to participate in this meeting.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

12. “The new food appeal made by the Government of Afghanistan and the international community requires serious attention, particularly at a time of increased food insecurity and vulnerability due to the effects of drought this year. We thank Mr. John Holmes for his personal involvement in that issue and his participation in today's discussion. For the first time in their contemporary history, Afghan citizens have chosen their own model of governance and social, political and economic development. We are preparing for the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2009 and 2010. The participation of all Afghans in the elections is essential to consolidating democracy and to enabling Afghans to shape their own future.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

13. “We value the coordinating role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), particularly its focus on improving aid effectiveness and adjustments to coordination mechanisms in order to make them more efficient and delivery-oriented. I would like to stress that Ambassador Kai Eide, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, enjoys the support and full trust of President Karzai and of the Government and people of Afghanistan. We support the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative to strengthen UNAMA, as reflected in the Secretary-General's report. I would also like to thank the United Nations and the donor and international community for their financial and technical support and ongoing humanitarian assistance.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

14. “The Paris Conference in Support of Afghanistan was a landmark success for the Government of Afghanistan and the international community as they renew their efforts to assist the Afghan people and Government in the peace and reconstruction process. On behalf of the Government and people of Afghanistan, I express my appreciation for the international community's political and financial commitment to the vision of a democratic, secure and prosperous Afghanistan. The Afghanistan National Development Strategy and the outstanding financial commitment of $21 billion pledged for its implementation have provided an opportunity to endorse a common road map aimed at achieving the objectives agreed in the Afghanistan Compact and the Millennium Development Goals.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

15. “Our comprehensive counter-narcotics strategy takes into account all security, international, social and economic aspects of the problem. Success in this fight mainly depends on improving good governance, creating alternative livelihoods for farmers and the realization of a coordinated rural development policy. Last year, we took significant steps in the fight against narcotics and poppy cultivation. Production was considerably reduced in 23 out of 34 provinces, and the number of poppy-free provinces increased to 16. In Helmand province, where we still face severe poppy cultivation and security challenges, the nexus between narcotics and terrorism is evident.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

16. “Our aim is to take more responsibility gradually, but that requires that the training and equipping of our national army and security forces be accelerated so that they can carry out these duties. The situation will not be improved without equal focus being placed on such interrelated issues as narcotics, corruption and poverty, which undermine our goals and breed insecurity and instability. The Government of Afghanistan is resolute in the fight against corruption and is ready to take concrete steps to that end. Last Sunday, our Cabinet agreed on the mandates and responsibilities of an anti-corruption monitoring commission. We will establish a special police force, special courts and new attorney offices specifically designed for the fight against corruption.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

17. “We support the democratic process and welcome the expansion of our friendly relations with the civilian Government of Pakistan. It is clear that international terrorist networks constitute a common threat to Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is our firm belief that a joint, coherent and integrated approach undertaken by both Governments is required to eliminate their bases. Cognizant of the duty of the Government of Afghanistan to ensure security for its citizens throughout the country, we wish, with the support of the international community, to take upon ourselves more responsibilities. In this respect, President Karzai has declared that we will assume responsibility for the security of Kabul in August.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

18. “Success against terrorism will be achieved only by a coherent and integrated regional and global approach. The Afghan security forces, together with their allies from the International Security Assistance Force- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (ISAF-NATO) and the international coalition against terrorism, are bearing the brunt of this effort, acting as the brave foot soldiers of the free world on this critical battlefield. They are fighting an enemy that is also transnational in composition and international in focus, based specifically outside our borders. We welcome the results of the elections in Pakistan and the path that the people of Pakistan have chosen leading towards democracy and the establishment of a civilian Government. The people of Pakistan have said "no" to terrorism.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

19. “These groups have shifted their focus towards Afghanistan as a part of their psychological war designed to sabotage the peace process in my country and affect the regional and global public opinion. One of the main factors contributing to the deterioration of the security situation in the country is the de facto truce in the tribal areas beyond our borders. (spoke in Dari) The terrorist enemy we face is sustained by a complex set of networks and infrastructure and therefore cannot be defeated by military operations inside Afghanistan alone. In order to keep the terrorist threat alive, an elaborate system of terrorist sanctuaries and the financing, recruiting, arming and systematic training of suicide bombers is operating outside our borders. It is clear that we cannot defeat terrorism unless we address its root causes.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

20. “I am still overwhelmed by this brutal and cold-blooded act of terrorism. Afghanistan condemns this heinous act of terrorism in the strongest possible terms and sympathizes with those who lost their lives. We share the grief of the families of the victims. This act of violence is neither the first nor the last in a succession of increasingly brutal attacks that has targeted the people of Afghanistan, the region and the world. In recent months, we have witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist acts, including the assassination attempt on President Karzai, the Kandahar jailbreak and a drastic increase in the number of casualties borne by international forces. Those who are behind the Taliban and Al-Qaida have enhanced their support to those groups, which in turn have increased the scope and pace of their terrorist activities.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source

21. “Mr. President, I would like to express to you my warmest regards and gratitude for convening this important meeting that demonstrates the commitment of the international community towards a democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. I would also like to welcome my dear friend, Minister Qureshi, with whom I had a very productive meeting this morning. I welcome the special report of the Secretary- General pursuant to Security Council resolution 1806 (2008) on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (S/2008/434). Precisely 10 minutes after the terrorist attack on the embassy of India in Kabul on Monday, 7 July, I witnessed the bloody scene of that attack, which resulted in the killing of women and children, Indian diplomats and security personnel, as well as injuries to dozens of innocent civilians.”

    2008-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5930 (2008) · source